The Transformational Power of Poetry: How Words Can Reshape Our Lives

In high school, as a teenager, I came across Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven." I was captivated by it, as it resonated with my youthful wish to protect my heart from pain. The poem's themes subtly embedded themselves in my heart without me realizing it. Is it possible for a poem written so long ago to have such a lasting impact?

Reflecting on one of the psalms, I recalled the phrase "Never again" from "The Raven." I was surprised to discover that this phrase had been etched in my heart since my teenage years. During the healing process, a new poem surfaced, born from letting go of dark ideology and embracing truth. 

Poem "Winds of change"

Swish…. Swash… 

The old scroll is winding and unwinding down the street.

It is releasing moanings and groanings, while its seal is keeping souls in dungeons deep under the sea. 

In a shadow I spot a pair of eyes observing a dusty, old scroll.

A dark raven is watching, with claws equipped to imprison new souls.

I can hear the raven’s heart beats, they sound like a war drum, while the raven’s beak is repeating:

“Never again. Never again. Never again...”

Determined not to love ever again, people are moving to the frequency of the raven’s drum, 

As the same sad message reverberates:

“I’m not loved. I’m hurt. I’m done.”

Shh… Listen! The east wind is whooshing through poplar trees.

Look! The dusty, wicked scroll and the raven are blown away by the wind.

Winds of change are blowing to and fro.

Whoosh…. Swoosh… Whoosh…

It is needed to have refreshment from never-ending conflicts and rumors of wars.

In amazement I look at winds of change, taking the raven’s smoke and mirrors away.

I soon realize that the sound of people’s groans is gone, I see the release of prisoners and even healing for some. 

An exchange is happening  in the swishing of the winds of change. 

A new sound is resounding new beats that call forth justice, peace and grace. 

“Will you trust me once again? Will you allow me to love the broken pieces of your soul? I’m a good shepherd, I’m the doorway of hope.”

Unopened, a new scroll is blown by the same wind, while a red ribbon keeps it sealed.

Someone worthy arrived to open the seal.

I wait, in anticipation, to see mystery unfold. 

He takes the ribbon, and makes a bow, on a receiver’s wrist.

Unusual gesture, full of love, brings out a smile and unexpected joy. Finally, the scroll is opened and received. 

Puzzled by the unusual scene, I close my eyes to enjoy wind playing with my hair. 

I take a deep breath and I smile, once again. 

Thump-Thump .. Thump-Thump..

I hear beats of my Father’s heart. 

“You are not abandoned. I love you. Jesus will restore broken pieces of your heart.”

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"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away." John 10:11-12 NIV