CEDAR OF LEBANON

To a friend who is always dear and close to my heart

The Cedar of Lebanon

You are exemplary; different from the rest

I’ve watched you conduct yourself 

in face of extreme adversity

You found humor in every facets and harsh reality of life.

There was never a dull moment.

Trials were placed in their rightful perspective.

Catastrophic circumstances shrunk into just

minor inconvenience.

I saw the simplicity of life

lived with grace and contentment.

 How happy and blessed you are,

like the great cedars of Lebanon.

Sparrows find solace in your mighty branches

Drawn to the source and strength of your faith.

Something that I've always admired

and coveted the most.

You always had that special glow in your face

That little sparks that can ignite even a damp spirit.

From cover to cover I’ve read your life.

You bridged the gap between lip service 

and life of servanthood.

The radiance of your countenance is like pure gold.

I've tasted the sweet fragrance

of frankincense and myrrh

This has been your cologne.

And your perfume led me to the Rose of Sharon.

 Though it may rain every day.

The rainbow preferred to settle

high above your temple.

You are a man of your own word

A prayer warrior.

 I delighted being around you.

O how I've wished you've been my parent

Or my best friend back in school.

I have always desired for you to be

the Barnabas of my life.

Yet somehow something subtly waned.

Your leaves craved for a different sun.

Our roots once met and entwined, 

unraveled and burrowed an opposite path.

Your highly prized resins sold

to some chintzy local merchants. 

I've weathered my own perfect storm… alone

You saw me stumble and falter.

In dire fear and deep anguish.

And I saw you cast the first stone

You’ve bruised my ribs with your favored foot. 

Your flaming arrows found their mark,

pierced my broken wings 

and bandaged heart.

I still felt the scars of yesterday's past

Though that mortal wound has healed.

Countless times unannounced, uninvited.

Resentment came to visit the field, 

but never settled.

For seeds of forgiveness were sown,

and agape sprouted.

Its roots were firmly planted, 

entrenched, 

deep within this fertile heart ...

by NeiL ArandA 8/17/14

 

Author's Note

The cedar of Lebanon is a tall evergreen tree which has been prized for its high quality timber, oils and resins for thousands of years. The national emblem of Lebanon was famously used to build the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, as well as the ships and temples of the Egyptian pharaohs. The resin of the cedar of Lebanon was even used in mummification by the Ancient Egyptians.

Rose of Sharon - other given name of the Lord Jesus
Barnabas- name also implies "son of encouragement". who had been a vital source of encouragement to Apostle Paul missionary journey and ministry.

Truth that is not undergirded with love and compassion makes the truth obnoxious and its possessor repulsive.

Reviews

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Neil, this is a masterpiece, no doubt! Your wisdom is really evident here, my dear bro. I know nothing about the cedar, and other terminologies you used in this piece. Thank you for the informations given through the author's note.
This is the kind of poem I used to read from you, and so long that I am waiting to read. You know how much I support the inspirational and spiritual writers in this site. I admire all of you here and wish I can be like you...but your wisdom was a true gift from God.
As to the concept/content, I see this one like that in the story of the prodigal son.
I want to say bravo for this. Please continue inspiring and leading people to Him. Thank you for sharing an excellent poetry.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Dhaye .... this is just an excess baggage that I have been trying to explain and put into words so it can be better understood and put into right perspective. Every life experience and encounter, whether its good, bad, or ugly has always purpose and in fact can also be beneficial to us if we know how to respond properly. I have more to say to your comments but I'm not that wise. I'm not breaking new grounds either :) ... There's more writers on this site that's reserves for that compliment and title.

[Sami Khalil]

" How happy and blessed you are.
Like the great cedars of Lebanon,
sparrows find solace in your mighty branches
Drawn to the source and strength of your faith.
Something that I've admired and coveted the most.

You always had that special glow in your face
That little sparks that can ignite even a damp spirit."

Majestic trees of great use and history. So many poems have been written on them. Like you have said, it is the symbol on the Lebanese flag. Phoenicians used them too to build their ships that reached far and wide as well as building of Solomon's temple with stones, lumber and 20000 masons that came from Lebanon. And like you have stated used in Egypt as well. This was a wonderful poem indeed...:).........................

[NeiL ArandA]

Dear Bother Sami ...I do appreciate your thoughts and reading. I too saw that You have written a piece relating to this majestic trees. You wrote about the " Cedars " ...I saw it when I search for links and tags. I like better your version of it. Thanks again fellow poet. I will reciprocate your kindness...

[Sami Khalil]

You are so welcome. God bless...:).......................

[Lauriegirl]

This is lovely and full of heart.. I really connect to it.. Keep it up!

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Lauriegirl that you can relate to the experience and personal encounter of the muse.

[GZ]

Very interesting piece. Lovely written. Deep and interesting. I really enjoyed reading it.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks GZ for reading this piece. Hope you'll come again.

[Eddie Davis]

A fascinating and yet surprising poem. The 'turn' of the Cedar was rather heart-breaking to read, and there is nothing more painful than to feel betrayed and hurt by someone we looked up to as a moral compass. "Bitterness and resentment came to visit but never settled" shows me that it is the speaker of the poem that is actually the Cedar of Lebanon, for he has forgiven and loved, even when wounded. He endured a perfect storm just like a tall, strong tree. Well done!

[NeiL ArandA]

Dear Eddie, thank you so much for all your kind and sweet comments on my piece. I shall return the favor.