National Poetry Month 2020

Celebrating National Poetry Month

April 30, 2020

The Woman Who is My Favorite

Though unnamed in all the scripture
Her presence fills the space.
Her act of courage and defiance
She sought only to see His face.

Amidst a mighty throng,
The crowd pressed through and through.
She could not get to Jesus
She knew what she had to do.

She knew she should not be here
Her very life at stake.
Banished to isolation
Only one choice could she make.

Through 12 years of quarantine
Her illness - still unresolved.
She heard that He was coming
And knew that He could solve

The illness of the weak,
The hungry and downtrodden,
The sins of the wicked, and
Souls thought best forgotten.

So she reached to touch the Master
Only to touch his Hem.
But immediately He knew
As power flowed from Him.

Because instantly she was healed.

She shrank back in the crowd
As he turned and looked her way
Convinced He could not see her
In the thickness of the day.

But He looked into her eyes
She could not look away.
She fell before His feet
Her truth on full display.

And Jesus had compassion,
His love engulfed the space.
He told her “Go in peace.”
Her actions spoke her Faith.

Of all the bible stories
This one reigns supreme.
For in the midst of all the other
One hungry He’s seen.

And He can see me, too.
Amen.

The Woman with the Issue of Blood
Mark 5: 25 - 34

April 29, 2020

Happy Birthday, Mom

Every year we say
Happy birthday.
Words of celebration.

But do we ever really say
What we need to say?

Like, thank you for being who you are.

Thank you for loving us through
Good days and bad days;

Thank you for loving us
When we are your bad day.

Thank you for pouring into us
The ability to fight, stand firm,
And still have compassion for others.

Thank you for teaching us that
Education is powerful,
But not arrogant.

Thank you for listening
Even when your eyes were
Slowing closing from a day

Of 6 kids, a loving husband,
All of our grandparents, aunts,
Cousins, and each one that
You’ve helped - no matter the crisis.

Thank you for teaching us
Compassion and grace,
It’s not all about us, you said.

And thank you for being
Grandmother, as you pour
Into them, what you’ve
Poured into us -

Love.

Every year we say
Happy Birthday.

This year with love.
We say, Thank you.

Happy Birthday!

April 28, 2020

For Her, To Dance is featured in my new collection of poetry -

UnSpoken Words
(April 2020)

For Her, To Dance

Muscles,
               Rippling, rolling
                              Swaying to the sound
                              Of jazz.

Heart beats,
               Pulsing, pounding,
                              Resounding to the sounds
                              Of drums

Passions
               Burning, flaming,
Blazing to the love
Of Dance.

Pursuing
               Dreaming, challenging
                              Living with the rhythm
                                             That is her love
                                             To Dance.

@Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.

April 27, 2020

I Wait for You, Lord is featured in my new collection of poetry -

UnSpoken Words
(April 2020)

I Wait for You, Lord

I wait for you, Lord.
I pray,
Come swiftly to my rescue.

I wait for you, Lord.
I pray,
Secure me in thy breast.

My faith wavers, Father;
But I know that you are there.

My spirit falters, Lord;
But I know that there is
strength in prayer,
and power in grace.

I wait for you, Lord.
I pray,
For your healing power
shall revive and renew.

But today,
I pray,
I wait for You.

@Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.

April 26, 2020

The Nail - Purpose Driven

Revered and hated am I
But I was purpose driven
Into the hands of your Savior.

Driven deep into the flesh
Piercing the truth
Purging the death that
Sought to claim us all.

Revered and hated am I
But I was in the plan
From the beginning

When she was deceived by Sin
To weave its way
Into our lives.

Revered and hated am I
Yet through generations
I was fashioned,
Improved with percision
To fulfil my purpose -

To be purposefully driven
Into the hands of your Savior
Securing Him to the Cross
and in turn
Securing your Salvation.

Revered am I
For I fulfilled my purpose
So that you could be restored.

@Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.
October 6, 2018

April 25, 2020

Outside my window pane

I have stopped looking for my little birdie;
The nest has fallen into disrepair.
The storms have come
To shake the trees.
The twigs have come undone.

But still outside my window pane
I hear other birdies sing.
So I hope and pray and hope again,
That my little birdies are okay

@Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D
April 25, 2020

April 24, 2020

TRUTH

Time has
Run out for
Utter foolishness.
Time to trust
Him, completely!

@Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D
April 17, 2020

April 23, 2020

The Buzz - Dedicated to Teachers, especially those in Alabama

The buzz...
The excitement...

The thrill of the ocean
Of educators
Who are poised and ready,
Prepared to receive more
So that they may give more ,
To our students -
Our children.

The buzz …
The excitement…

The thrill of the wave
Of sounds of educators,
Hearing, listening, sharing
Strategies, technology, new ideas
That strikes imagination and seek
To challenge our children
Toward success.

The buzz…
The excitement…

The thrill of knowing
That August will come
Doors will open, and
Students will clamor inside
Awaiting, ready to receive
All that we have learned here
And more.

The buzz...
The excitement…

The thrill of Alabama educators
On the rise to success.

© Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.
July 15, 2019

Written in July 2019 during the Alabama Mega Conference 2019 in Mobile, AL, after listening to the conversations and watching the buzz of teachers as they mapped out their sessions, discussed what they needed to learn, and planned the success of their students for the 2019-2020 school year. We had no idea that our world would so transition before the school year ended.

Hats off to the teachers of Alabama, who have worked tirelessly so that our students continue to rise to success. Today, this poem has even more heartfelt meaning than when originally written.

Thank you!!
Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.
Montgomery Public Schools
Alabama Mega Conference 2019
July 15, 2019

April 22, 2020

Every Now and Again

Every now and again,
I close my eyes and know
That you were here and
Now you’re gone…

As our lives play joyously
Behind the lids of yesteryear.

“My Daddy” rings clearly in our ears
And your smile sparkles in our hearts,
As even today you always respond
To the call.

Ever present in our hearts
And in our minds,
You speak to us when we wonder,
What shall we do so that we aren’t
“Burning daylight.”

As you peek from heaven
To see the fruits of your labor,
We each look up and hope
That you are satisfied,

As we still seek to know
That you are pleased,
As you have a clear view of us
“On your picture show.”

Your works, your prayers,
Your plans for our lives
Were not in vain.

Every now and again
I close my eyes and know
That we were loved;
And you are missed.

Written in dedication and love to my father
Mr. Eddie L. Clemons, Sr.

Vernet Clemons Nettles, Ed.D.
April 29, 2010

April 21, 2020

Boot prints

I met a man who stepped on me
Not viciously
But with the love of guidance, strength and friendship.

For he taught me to think,
To relish in the daily opportunities,
But to know myself above all things.

He strengthened my walk
Because he walked his talk,
He spoke of what he believed and
Believed in what he spoke.

He befriended me.
Even today he calls me friend,
Because as he fed me knowledge.
He allowed himself to be fed as well!

For we are brethren,
Designed to take care of each other.

And in all things, he is a piece of the frame
Of my life that makes me who i am.

Yes, his shoes are hard to fill.
But the boot prints he left on my heart
Are indelible - never to be erased.

Dedicated to Dr. Joseph C. Mitchell, a foot soldier of education
Mobile, AL

Vernet Clemons Nettles
February 27, 2018

April 20, 2020

DEDICATED TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS....

I saw my friend today, essentially.

I saw my friend today
From my 3rd floor window.
He had on his mask and his gloves -
Delivering.

And my heart smiled.
I could not yell or scream
To draw attention my way.
But, he’s okay.

He is well!
And my heart smiled
And whispered for one of my favorite
Essential workers….

“Be safe out there.”

To all essential employees….
Be safe out there,
You are needed.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 20, 2020

April 19, 2020

Oh, Magnify the Lord

The songwriter says,
“Oh, magnify the Lord
For He is worthy to be praised.”
Yes, Lord, and Amen

Thank you, Lord, for these thy gifts
Of love, of faith, of praise.

We praise you for health and strength
We praise you for comfort and care

Father we know that you are
Ever knowing and Omnipresent.

We are grateful
That you are Here with us
During our struggle, during our trial,
And during our weeping.

We praise you for courage and deliverance,
And for the Joy you bring
Of Spring.

Of life’s renewal now and to come.

And for this we give You
Praise.

Oh, magnify the Lord
For He is worthy to be praised.

Yes, Lord, and Amen.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 19, 2020

April 18, 2020

Bye, bye, Biridie

I looked outside my window
And my little birdie’s gone.

Her nest is there, but
It is different.

It looks packed away,
Not as neat,
Abandoned.

But she was there yesterday.
Did i scare her by peaking
Through the window?

Did something happen
Through the night?

I looked outside my window
And my little birdie’s gone.

I hope that she is alright.
Bye, bye, birdie.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 18, 2020

April 17, 2020

This poem is included in my upcoming book -

UNSPOKEN WORD

launching later this month.

Love in Haiku

His heart secured me
And protected me from the
Demons of my past.

He challenged me to
Release my fears and doubts
To embrace new love.

So we talked for hours
As we sat on the shores of
Tripoli and love.

Vernet Clemons Nettles

April 16, 2020

The Covid-19 Office Day

I am so excited!

Today is my
Work-away-from-Home Day!
My Work-at-the-Office Day!

Yes!!

I can't wait 'til next week
To get dressed, and
Come to the office, again.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 16, 2020

April 15, 2020

Notches

Notches in my trunk.
But are they for you
Or for me?

You tried to take me down,
To fell me,
To strike at me
during my lowest point.

But I am standing!

You sullied my name;
Ripped off my bark.
I am scarred by your
Care-less.

But, I am standing.

You look at my scars.
I see the pity in your eyes.

But, I see my beauty.
Scarred, but strong.
Blemished, but beautiful.

Standing in majesty.

So as I watch you watch me
Staring with pity,

But, I pity you.

For in me
There is Beauty,

And, I am still standing.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 14, 2020

April 14, 2020

I Had No Words

Today, I had no words to write
As I stumbled through work from home,
And work at home,
And the second work.

Every job needing its own
Seat time and time to pay attention.

Demands of my legs
To be still
And be contained
In the chair.

So I sought a place that
Held no demands,
No need to be still
Or pay close attention.

I went outside,
Where the only demand
Is to see
God's creation in majesty!

And again,
I had no words.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 14, 2020

April 13, 2020

Hope Shines

Again I sit
Working from home.
Sitting, waiting for the return
Of normal.

But through the window
Comes the sun;
Brilliant beams of light
After the storm.

The birds sing loudly
And some attend their nests,
For they have returned
After the storm.

And I am reminded
Of Hope -
Of a Faith that says
Hold on.
Storms may rage,
But I am with you -
Before, During, and After.

Watch for the Sun.
Watch for the rainbow.
The reminders that
Life is good, and
Life will be good,
After the storm,
Once again.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 13, 2020

April 12, 2020 -
Happy Easter - Happy Resurrection Day

Easter 2020

It comes every year.
Year after year,
We celebrate,
He is risen.

But this year is different.

No programs.
No egg hunts.
No Easter garb.
No Easter bunny.
And for some, no Easter gatherings.

'Cause this year is different.

But is it?

Jesus came.
Jesus loved.
Jesus died; then,
He rose.

Jesus is the reason
For the season;
And, He still lives.

No, this year is no different.

It comes every year.
Year after year.
We celebrate love;
For He lives.

Yesterday, Today, and
Ever more.

Thank God for Jesus

Amen.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 12, 2020

April 11, 2020

Covid-19 Stay At Home Blues
(in haiku)

I love my house, but
I resent having to be
At home all the time.

(PS. I’ll be okay in a minute)
Stay home Stay safe
Stop the spread

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 11, 2020

April 10, 2020

Time to clean up. Again

"Clean up, clean up,
Everybody clean up!"
Now, how I hate that song !

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 10, 2020

April 9, 2020

Ode to the New Normal

At home, again,
I look around and see
Clothes to fold, dinner to cook,
Work to be done.

Yet, I am overwhelmed
By the truth,
That life is no longer normal.

What does ‘new normal’ mean?
Does it mean no more hugs and handshakes?
Are the elbow and the fist bump now
The sign of Love?

Will students forever be tied
To their computer? And teachers forever
Resigned to drive-by love
For their students?

But what if I don’t like
The ‘new normal’? What if I thrive
On hugs and handshakes?

Can people see my truth
If they only hear my voice
Behind the phone and the mask
That now covers us?

I look around and see
Clothes to fold, dinner to cook,
Work to be done

And with a sigh and a little
Bit of heartbreak daily,
I choke back the tears
And begin
At home -
Still.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 9, 2020

April 8, 2020

Broken Haiku – Broken Trust

Lack of truth creates
distrust. How can we heal
Without the truth?

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 8 2020

April 7, 2020

He Gave Me Hope

Last night He gave me Hope and Love,
Through prayers and tears
I heard him call.

He called me from despair
To Promise,

From tears of pain
To tears of Joy.

And I am ever grateful
For He covers me with Grace.

And I am ever grateful
For He covers me with Peace.

And I am ever grateful
For He covers me.

Last night He gave me
Hope and Love.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 7, 2020

April 6, 2020

Little Birdie Outside my Window

Pretty birdie
Red birdie
Mean birdie
Poop-bombed my car…

Dead birdie

(Ok, just saying……)

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 6, 2020

April 5, 2020

A Haiku of Praise

Every day should be
Sunday, to praise and worship
The Almighty King.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 5, 2020

April 4, 2020

We wear the mask

For times like these
We wear a mask.
They cannot see
My smile.

But my eyes
Shall light the way,
To match the words
Behind the mask,
For times like these.

Do your eyes smile
Behind the mask?

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 4, 2020

April 3, 2020

The Knock Outside My Window

The knock outside my window
Startles me!
I search to see who’s there.
The dark does not disclose its secrets.

But dawn reveals new life,
The tree in the forest.
A red bird’s nest rests outside my window.
New Life Prevails.
Amen.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 3, 2020

April 2, 2020

The Middle of the Night

The Middle of the Night
Beckons me at
2 & 3 & 4 am.

Waking me from sleep
            Bidding me to join her
            In silence.

The stillness in the air
            Quiet, peaceful. . .
Her only company,
            The rhythmic sounds
            Of silence.

She beckons me from sleep
            To join her.
And I listen with her
            In grudging silence.

Vernet Clemons Nettles
April 2, 2020

April 1, 2020

Ode to the Meeting

My eyes how they roll
          To the back of my head
          As she said
          “Let’s schedule to meet again.”

My finger they grow numb
          There is a jerking in my thumb
          From the notes all aflurry
          Taken swiftly on the page.

Bleary is my mind
          As it tries to keep time
          With the words as they float
          Through the air.

Even my watch hands
          How they wonder
          As they wander on the dial
          To the eventual yet
          Slothful day’s end -

When we smile, grateful smiles
          That the day has come to end
          Then we synchronize our lives
          To agree, to meet
          Again.