These Are My JOTtings...

The Pain of Watching Friends in Pain

To wonder how to help a friend
who's facing deepest pain
Is pain that seems to have no end,
except when peace they gain.

A young friend on this very site
has had two pain-filled weeks.
A break she needs that peace she might
obtain that which she seeks.

Some friends who moved quite far away
have child in who's distress.
Though doctors now attend, we pray
'mid cares that down do press.

A pregnant mother's BP rate
is high, Yes, Oh so high.
It seems the child will have this date
to hear its first great cry.

'Tis true that all do not believe
that God can help today,
But I've no hope to give, receive
unless He shares my way.

Will young friend find her hope again?
Will friends have child restored?
Will child and mother live and mend
without The Sovereign Lord?

I cannot labor o'er debate
about Existent One.
I do believe and that relate
to needs 'til life is done.

What time it wastes to wring my hands
while watching friend in need!
I take them to my Friend, Whose Plans
caused Him His own Blood bleed.

The truest answer from the Best
will come in way, His choice,
But still the pain of each new test
may face a silent voice.

There are no easy answers, when
you live a time of pain.
To watch in friendship hearts may rend
as clouds release their rain.

We wait and hope, we hope and cry.
We stand in silent stare.
We stand as minutes drag on by
to simply show we care.

A pillar gives a word to none,
in silence gives support.
A friend, indeed, is wholly one,
who gives hope's best report,

But sometimes hope is hard to find
amid life's light and dark.
We do our best to just be kind,
to find a chair and park.

The news is not the best at times.
Our words are very fluff,
and that's when silence does no crime.
Our presence is enough.

by Jay O'Toole
on April 30th, 2017