Creativity Expressed in Poetic Fashion - My Swan River Daisy

(At the bowling alley, Annabelle enjoys adult horseback rides on Mom's shoulders.) 

My last poetry collection, titled All His Gifts: Poems on Love, Life, and Loss, paid tribute to my wife, Lisa, in her honor. Therefore, in the same light, I also seek to create a poetry anthology that will also honor my daughter, Annabelle. As I continue to write and entertain my own muse, this poem, My Swan River Daisy, struck a chord of heartstrings for this new special collection to now come forward. Read and enjoy the love expressions for my daughter.

My Swan River Daisy

You are my swan river daisy!
For your fond smiles, I stand amazed.
Graced with your giggles and affections,
Daises sprinkled in sundials,
My love for you is crazy!

You are my swan river daisy!
The light pours in through the shaded trees.
Roots glisten in water that flows
From rain-shadowed clouds of blessings.
 
You are my swan river daisy!
Unexpected surprises teach me to flourish,
Even though my heart feels malnourished.
My mind no longer remains hushed.
 
You are my swan river daisy!
Turn towards my arms to encompass my love.
Raise those hugs surrounded by hope.
My fatherly voice will guide your way.
 
You are my swan river daisy!
I mix the soil for a simple rush of joy,
Especially with thoughts of a brotherly boy
Whose happiness will soon annoy.
 
You are my swan river daisy!
Turn towards what is good, what is calm,
What is peaceful, what is right,
Toward the valued wonders of this world.
 
You are my swan river daisy!
Choose the path of selfless yet esteemed.
Stand confident yet stellar in lights beamed.
After seconds asleep, your face shines dreamed.
 
You are my swan river daisy!
For your fond smiles, I stand amazed.
Graced with your giggles and affections,
Daises sprinkled in sundials,
My love for you is crazy!
 
5/17/22

Here are the latest photo captures of my dearest daughter and darling!

(Annabelle giggles and interacts with river otters at Grandfather Mountain State Park, although she calls them "puppies.")

(Annabelle plays peek-a-boo with Daddy's ball caps.)

(Annabelle finds a large egg during her Easter egg hunt.)

(Annabelle says, "Ooooh, I found a special egg that I really like.")

(While Mom loses at the claw game, Annabelle poses for another cute picture.)

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #DaddiesAndDaughters #destinations #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #poetry #poem

Poetry Book Publication Announcement (Available For Purchase) – All His Gifts: Poems on Love, Life, Loss

Even though this poetry collection has been finished with only a few suggested edits left to complete, this book sat on a shelf for approximately two years. Endorsements had been collected, and the foreword had even been written by Dr. Eric Hauser.

If a reading audience cannot enjoy the words of an author’s major work, then the potential to impact a life and possibly change it for the better will never occur. So, eventually, after I realized unread words were no good to anyone, I sought to finish and publish my latest fourth major anthology of poetry, All His Gifts, for its recent market release.  

While finding hope in the love I developed for my wife, Lisa, All His Gifts chronicles my personal journey experiencing loss amidst self-discovery of lessons learned of what would shape me into the person I am today. Even with setbacks and turmoil, eventually, the celebration of life's best moments outshines the doubts that sometimes linger in our souls. The light triumphs to bring forth beautiful imagery in a sea of revealed irony through the formation of a new spiritual identity.     

I invite you to join me on this exploration where poetic words serve as my voice in overcoming difficult situations. Hope eventually resounds as God’s Good Graces become evident through a burgeoning romance that leads to marriage and inevitably the birth of my beautiful daughter, named Annabelle Merci. The words of this book will resonate with a devout believer of Jesus Christ or anyone who appreciates the expression of creative words. Dive in; cuddle up in a warm blanket next to the fire in the coolness of this fall season; and realize that love and loss combined define the greatest moments life has to offer us!

I owe many thanks to Wally and Betty Turnbull of Light Messages Publishing. This book project would not have come to its completion without their assistance to make it a reality. I want to also express my gratitude to Teri McLaren for permission to use her beautiful artwork on the book cover (from the Teton Valley in Driggs, Idaho). Naturally, I wish to give thanks to God for giving me the means and relationships to traditionally publish this book.   

If interested in purchasing my new book, please visit the Amazon listing here with this link. If you enjoy the read, please leave a positive review for others to observe and appreciate.

Here are some blurb-endorsements of praises for what other known authors, speakers, and public figures are saying about All His Gifts.

“When I first met James at The Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit, he was generous and kind, and I have seen James grow both as a person and writer since that first meeting. His writing is honest, and the sacrificial love he has for his wife, Lisa, is evident. Love prevails in the face of adversity, and James’s love is raw as he agonizes through depression and failures to express the feelings we all face in life. I relate to his creativity, and I am convinced all readers will feel his expressions on a deeply personal and relevant level as I have.”

—John Sowers, Ph.D., Author of The Heroic Path and Fatherless Generation

“Stephen King described writing as refined thinking. If that is true, then poetry must be refined feeling. Christian poetry is considered by some to be a lost art, but in All His Gifts: Love, Life, Loss, James Cartee bares his soul without an ounce of self-consciousness through this moving collection of southern fried slam poetry. This time-jumping collection touches on everyday themes experienced in life by all readers. I felt the pain, sorrow, and happiness of the author in his personal walk with Christ, and, for a brief moment, I even knew what it was like to be James Cartee.”

—Justin Gabriel, Author of Kings of the Promised Land

“‘Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced’ says Soren Kierkegaard. The living of life is seasoned by times of pain, joy, betrayal, loss, and love. James Cartee opens his heart and mind, inviting his readers along his intimate journey as he explores the path God laid before him. Throughout, he celebrates the good and bad, the ugly and beautiful moments. With his words, he weaves a tapestry of human existence, reminding us all that heartbroken tears and the heart-skipping beat of love-at-first-sight exist seconds away from each other. His message rings true and clear. Though the path may be bumpy, God stays with us on the ride, offering his great gifts of love, hope, and rest in Him.”

—Donna Mumma, B.A.E., M.Ed, Writer

#poetry #AllHisGifts #inspiration #love #life #loss #JamesCartee #familypoetry #Christianpoetry #inspirationalpoetry