It’s Poetry Friday!
Join us this weekend. Carol Labuzzetta at The Apples in My Orchard
plays host to our roundup of poetry goodness.
keeping the faith
you cathedral the forest, upright roots
creaturing any within reach of your canopy –
beetle and grub who feed on your fiber,
random chipmunks who skitter in and out–
everyone wants to be your daughter, your son –
orbit your open space while you steeple
the sky, in command of cones –
your cache of future family
find me here in this church, upraised,
praising you –your first congregant
©draft, PJF
Father’s Day was last Sunday. Despite my dad’s recent death, I was not sad.
My dad was disappointed that my siblings and I have stopped going to church. Yet, walking through the forest this week, I was reminded again – THIS is church.
And though he was sad that we had stopped this element of faith practice, I have a deep sense of peace for him now. Wherever he is, whatever the after-life entails, I felt him smiling as I hiked these holy trails. I felt him in this sacred space, a kindred spirit alive in these old trees that keep the forest connected to us, and us to one another.
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Patricia, beautiful as always. Your poem sparked me to return to a story I wrote for and about my humble, loving dad.
The church of forest offers us needed moments of holiness!
Beautiful, Patricia. I agree. Nature has served as my church for many years now. I feel welcome and at peace there. Thank you for sharing.
What a stellar opening – “you cathedral the forest.” This is a beautiful tribute to your Dad, nature, and faith. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words and sentiments, Patricia.
Oh, Patricia, this is beautiful. And what a sweet picture of your dear father, your kindred spirit. ❤️
Oh I love “you cathedral the forest” and your ending! What a beautiful tribute to your dad. And nature is so sacred. What a lovely place to find peace!
What a beautiful tribute!
Patricia, this poem is such an honor to your father’s presence. His smile lightens this summer day for me and uplifts your spirit, I am sure. Your poem to nature fills me with your joy. I like the way you linked faith and forest together allowing me to feel the breathtaking beauty that is in both.
“you cathedral the forest” – The next time I take a walk through our woods, I shall remember your thoughts. I am happy that you are at peace.
Beautiful and powerful spiritual poem Patricia. I feel the presence of a greater power within nature too, thanks!