The tree of life (2011)

Life in grace

Life gives and life it takes away
That is the law of nature
Yet throughout, God touches all
His grace the source of pleasure

When life is good, we celebrate
Laugh and play and sing
But sometimes calamity occurs
We know not what it brings

In our loss, we contemplate
The meaning of it all
Why He builds us up so high
Yet allows us then to fall

We can not stay still where we are
We must journey beyond
Through all sorrow and all strife
God will lead us on

Fix your eyes on love alone
Abandon earthly cares
One day they will all be long gone
And heaven with God we'll share

Xxxxxxx

Life

Life Given
Life Taken
God sustains

Life's joy
Celebrated
Rejoicing

Life's pain
Contemplated
Confusing

Life's meaning
God leads us
To love

Xxxxxxx

Begin

Dark
Silent
Nothing
Then....
Love's
Spark
Burns

Cosmic reactions
Race to fill voids with
Explosions of joy

Matter meets
Atoms collide with
Eternal energy

Bodies form
Beings hold tight
Perfection created

Chance allowed
Life tended
Plans enacted

Love reflected
Develops purpose
Grace outpours

Xxxxxxx

The End

A beach
Pure
Clear
Welcoming

A hand
Holds
Points
Guides

A destination
Warm
Perfect
Loving

An eternity
Happiness
Fulfilling
Perfection

Xxxxxxx

Today I finally got around to watching the winner of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival Palme D'Or award "The tree of life".  I expected it to be different and I'd read about its philosophical resonances and poetic themes so wasn't shocked by the film as some might be.  In fact I was transported by the film and it's got me thinking and writing.  These poems emerged as reflections of the film and it's meaning.