Soulful: One Woman's Poems about Life, Faith, Family, and Friends

By Glenda Schapansky

What does it mean to be Soulful? 

For poet, Glenda Schapansky, Soulful sums up her life thus far. Brought up

• Language: English
• Publisher: Glenda Schapansky
• Release date: Apr 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781989840511

Book preview

PROLOGUE

You may ask , Why the title – Soulful? I feel Soulful sums up my life this far. Brought up in a family of twelve meant having very little materialistically, but I learned from a young age how to survive emotionally, physically and financially by having faith. I might not have had many gifts to open on special occasions, but our bellies were always full. Years later, after a divorce and becoming a single parent of two children, the financial and emotional struggle became all too familiar again. Soulful, to me, means a combination of hope, faith, determination, and a positive attitude.

Poetry has always been close to my heart through special celebratory achievements and occasions right from the birth of all my grandchildren and through the deaths of many loved ones.

Poetry didn’t come about dependent on how much money I had in the bank, or whether I had a fancy table to write on. It came from life experiences, from my parents that through their deaths still inspire me as I hear so many of their words and teachings that helped me become who I am today, just as many others who have also inspired me.

No better title I can think of than…Soulful.

Enjoy.

Glenda

1

TRUSTWORTHY

Some may seem like they’re doing fine

But there is always a fine line

So cross it with love

Not hurt and pain

So if someone needs you

They will trust you again!!

2

WEATHER

No I do not like days this hot

Said I to everyone

It’s not the same as cool at all

Yet I don’t mind a bit of sun

Have a great day everyone

3

SPRING AIR

I can think of everything Spring

It makes my heart and soul sing

To plant a flower, trim a tree

All while listening to a bumble bee

Taking a walk through a park

Listening to the sounds of a meadow lark

Oh I think it’s going to be nice

Not to worry about snow and ice

But rain instead for we all know

That makes the crops and the plants grow

Uhhh! The smell of Spring!!

4

WEATHER CONTRAST

No matter the weather, be it hot or cold

Take a moment to read this, then be bold

To create a picture of love and light

Always keeping the paint brush in sight

No one should love your body more than you

It’s clearly a fact it’s more of what you do

Reach out and make someone’s day

Perhaps they’re waiting for kindness today

Be of good spirit and good will

Smile—give someone a thrill

Be full of grace and pour from your cup

Others will see this and won’t give up

On their feelings of hurt and dismay

Reach out and touch someone in a little way

You may be the only one who does

It will make them ponder the was!

And gain more stability and confidence

For what you did was no coincidence!!

There’s always a reason to give and take

Don’t live selfishly for goodness sake

But more vicariously right to the end

You’ll never break, but you may bend

Perhaps the moment when you are down

You’ll feel more grateful for a shared smile than a frown!

5

CHRISTMAS GENEROSITY

Christmas brings mixed emotions

Some struggling to put a gift under the tree

Money is the root of all evil

Causing hurt and upheaval

They say it is better to give than to receive

But if everyone gave, we’d all receive

Now that doesn’t always mean a gift under the tree

But pure love for you and me

It is called a nativity scene

Not negativity and mean

Our lives are ours to live

But don’t be selfish and learn to give

6

CHRISTMAS STORY

My grandma told me a story

Her daddy told to her

About the three wise men taking baby Jesus

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

He was lying in a manger upon a bed of hay

Joseph and Mary sat next to Him

They loved Him and were in dismay

For they had a special Son

Whom everyone wanted to see

He was born on this Holy Night

Something to keep in your sight

Because He is the King of Kings

Who can help you get through many things!!!

7

CHRISTMAS TIME

There is something about this time of year

When everyone puts it in super high gear

Let’s get the shopping and baking done too

Because it’s Christmas – that’s just what we do

Trees are lit up and candles aglow

Festive music playing on the radio

The smell of holly lingers in the air

It’s a time for giving and a little extra care

Packages are wrapped with ribbons and bows

For the gifts that are bought and specifically chose

Canada Post gets busy delivering the parcels and cards

That many will look at-then discard

Nuts, chocolate and candy are out on display

Oh it’s so good! that’s what people say

Amidst all this hustle and bustle we hear

It’s still a very special time of the year

For it’s Christ child’s birthday my dear friend

Let Him lead you to the very end

His light will shine through you

Like that on the tree

His love will surround you

That you’ll soon see

He will guide you and protect you

Today and through Eternity

8

CHRISTMAS BLUES

I have bought you a gift without a bow

It’s a gift for each of us to know

I used to be a sad and lonely child

And for a short time, I went a little wild

There was so much hurt and so much pain

Didn’t matter what I did, there seemed nothing to gain

But one day I realized the gift of love

It was so special and came from above

It didn’t matter about the gifts under the tree

But that He was born, crucified and rose again for you and me

I took the time to thank him for my meal

The better it tasted and the better I began to feel

I’d pray before I went to bed at night

I’d sleep peacefully and without a fight

I used to get up and start my day

Worrying about what others had to say

Now I take it to the Lord in prayer

Because He loves me and He’ll always care

Christmas used to get the best of me

Didn’t even like to put up a tree

Didn’t like shopping and wrapping a gift

What a change! I rely on Him to give me a lift

I continue to stumble as I go through life

But I do not fall through life’s strife

As the Christ Lord takes me by the hand

Yes! One set of footprints in the sand

I look up to the skies rather than the ground

Because of the love of the Christ Lord I have found

So don’t let the hustle and bustle of Christmas get to you

For the Christ Lord loves me and He loves you too!!

9

COVID-19

My neighbour went to the clinic today

With a fever and a runny nose

And this is what the doctor said

Go home and that’s where you should stay

Covid-19 you’re no friend of mine

So why don’t you leave our towns

Too many people wearing gloves and masks

Next it will be the gowns

So yeah, Covid-19, you’re no friend of mine

Now social distancing is the thing to do

So this virus won’t spread from me to you

They say its shape is that of a crown

But don’t let that get you down

Get up in the morning have a coffee or two

Spend some time praying for your loved ones too

Chit chat with your neighbours keeping 6’ apart

Because now is the time to share your heart

If they’ve got less and you have more

Pick up their things from the grocery store

So place peace and love in your mind and heart

A strong bond can’t keep people apart

Time may feel like it’s standing still

But God’s in control and it’s His will

To teach us all about patience and love

Even while wearing gowns, masks and gloves

10

FOREVER YOUNG

Come on over my dear friend

I will love you until the very end

I will listen to your stories good and bad

You’ll be the best friend I’ve ever had

Takin’ a stroll through the park

Seeing initials and names engraved in the bark

Birds fluttering in the trees

As we enjoy the gentle breeze

Covid can’t