River Michaels: Bamboo Debris

Welcome to River Michael's Poetry Blog

River Michaels was inspired to write and publish her poetry after the death of her mother in September 2001. River’s first book is titled, "A River of Rain - Book of Poetry," published in the summer of 2008. A River of Rain is a heartfelt, emotional journey in search of hope and resolution to deal with the grief of losing her mother.

In the summer of 2009, River followed up with her next book, "A River of Peace - Book of Poetry." A River of Peace takes the reader through the journey of a bittersweet ending to a long-term relationship, with a hopeful longing to find true love in the end.

Currently, River is writing her third poetry book titled, “A River of Hope – Book of Poetry,” coming in the Autumn of 2012. A River of Hope promises to deliver the joys of finding true love and acknowledges that true love does exist.

There is nothing more powerful than the power of love. Light will always come after the dark. River’s poetry books are an ongoing series of seven poetry books that are written in parallel with her life.

“You can never be more than you were born to be…” – Melissa Etheridge

Please feel free to browse the blog to learn more about River Michaels, read her latest poems before they publish, read excerpts from inspired readers, and information on how to purchase copies from the publisher, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, or to order via PayPal to receive personalized autographed copies from the author.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Bamboo Debris

It is March 11th, two thousand and eleven,

So many in Japan are now in heaven…

I close my eyes and listen for souls,

So many have lost their hand to hold…

The earth was shaken in a natural way,

As we watch in awe with nothing to say…

There are cars, boats, trucks and trains,

Painting the picture of so much pain…

The power of water as it rushes in,

Erasing generations of family and kin…

With nothing left but sticks and stone,

And nowhere to go without a home…

Mother and child are torn apart,

She is crying out and pounding her heart…

The steps to their home somehow remain,

They lead to sorrow and overwhelming pain…

The old and the wise keep a steady pace,

They are true survivors of this human race…

They pray to God that the dead are free,

Carving chopsticks out of Bamboo Debris…

River Michaels

March 15, 2011

This poem is dedicated to all of the people in Japan and to the resilience of the human spirit. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with the people of Japan. May God bless them and ease their pain.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Inspired Readers...

“Wow! River’s words brought tears to my eyes. I am amazed by her open- heartedness, truly blessed.”
- Cathy Jo Robison, Taos, New Mexico

“River, your book is awesome! You are so talented with words. God gave you a gift and I hope you keep using it.”
- Ada Darnell, Houston, Texas

“River's poetry is written from the depths of her soul and easily transferred to another's soul with each word. A truly gifted poet with an amazing talent.”
- Tammy Breghenti, Artist, San Diego, California

“River, you are a true master of your art. Your poetry inspires, encourages and provokes a deeper meaning to my thoughts on life. Thank you for sharing your craft and gift.”
- Leslie S. Post, Littleton, Colorado

“River is a passionate believer in life. In reading her writing, I feel that she can see things in us that we sometimes cannot see in ourselves.”
- Mary Hart, Deer Park, Texas

“River, you have the gift of "expression" for what many of us feel but can't put into words. God bless you for giving your gift and earned talent.”
- Sandra Day-Price, Riviera, Texas

“River is talented beyond words! Her poetry can stir emotions that only great poets and writers can do.”
- Jennifer Lynn Perrill, League City, Texas

"Hello River! Your book is exquisite, a lot of soul put into your writings! I enjoy reading your poems because I am interconnected with some of the people of who you express your poetry. And I must say, you are definitely talented in the organization of words, keep it up!"
- Paula Speck, Houston, Texas

"Dear River, Thank you for the very moving volume of poetry, A River of Rain. It was lovely for me to receive the signed book and be allowed to share your talent and depth of soul. From Leslie (Wilson), and now from your poems, I realize the sadness (and joy) you have known. The little blips of joy are like small fireflies in an abyss of sadness. Thanks for the book and your friendship to my daughter."
- Patricia Weldon-Wilson, Huntsville, Alabama

"River, Thank you very much for the signed book. One of a kind! Your poetry is beautiful and truly expresses your unique experiences throughout your life. It is also a wonderful tribute to your mom, family and friends. I am looking forward to many more publications, maybe a country song, and seeing you soon. Wishing you all the best! Sincerely, your friend - Amy a.k.a. "Dawa"
- Amy Anderson, Laytonsville, Maryland

"Dear River, I just received your book of poetry and I'm so impressed. Your perspective and sensitivity is obvious as one embraces each page. I thank you for including the picture of Kathy (Griffin) and myself. "Deep Dark Eyes" is such an accurate statement about Kathy. Again, I thank you."
- Fondly, Mary F. Hamby, Houston, Texas

"Hi River!...What can I say, Your poetry is beautiful, intense, touching, pure! I have read through it twice already and look forward to going back to it again and again. You have the gift of "expression" for what many of us feel but can't put into words. God bless you for giving us the benefits of your gift and earned talent. You have brought so much honor to your mother. I don't know if Candy's (my mom) humor changed in the decades she spent in the East (Maryland), but my Candy would have chuckled and said "She got me into the Library of Congress!"
- Much love, Sandy Day-Price, Riviera, Texas

"Hey River... Well I got the book today. I have finished about 1/3 of the poems, after reading "Brave Little Soldier" first. I like the way it is done with the inspiration for the poems on the opposite page. That sets the stage for each one. I also like the pictures you have chosen. I think my favorite is the on page 13 with the Corona beer bottle. (That is second after Pats picture I must say) Good job!! I will keep this book for the rest of my days and pass it on when I have gone. Thank You so very much for the book, but most of all for putting us in there. I am glad we have been a part of your life, and you part of ours. You are one of a kind. (I mean that in a good way). Thank You again for the book. I will treasure it forever!!"
- David DelCastillo, Columbia, Missouri

"Hi River....I have a story for you.....I have a sister, Carol whose only child Vince, was murdered 13 years ago. Four years ago her precious husband Vic died of cancer. They were childhood sweethearts and grew up in the 1950's. They were married for over 40 years. She now lives alone. As much as we try we can never understand the pain that she has gone through. Losing a child, no matter how old has to be the most painful thing on this earth. And to be murdered, to be taken away on purpose is so senseless. The reason I am telling you this is because last night I called her and told her of the poem that you wrote, "A Rainbow of Tears," about Dawn and Jacob, I read it to her over the phone. When I got to the part about "The angry mother whose son is dead, Her drops would roll in raging red" she started to cry. I could barely get through the rest of the poem. We cried together and she said "that is exactly how I feel". Her life will go on but inside she is raging. She asked me if I could write down the poem and send it to her so she could read it again......You gave her the words that expressed how she feels. I think that says it all about your book. Thank-you for writing it...."
- Barbara Smith, Dayton, Texas