Category: Poems

The magic in his heart was barely tapped, days became years became decades, safely locked away. Every venture brought fresh coloured layers, integrating into the cauldron of life’s experiences.
The magic simmered with increasing intensity, a vivid aurora, incandescent shades.
With every milestone the wonderment grew.
The time had not been wasted, for when the magic had crudely broken out in an unscheduled way, it had been beyond his capacity to hold it.
Unplanned, unchecked, where everyone could see, the magic caused terrible pain, disturbing those around.
So instead, it was best kept safe, waiting for the day.
It is not for us to regret the time it was kept locked away, for when the time comes for the cauldron to boil, the magic will flow.
Molten layers of gold forming a new landscape, every colour of the rainbow enwrapped within a framework of character and resolve.
The key has been turned; the magic is out.

It’s time to live again

As I fought my way through the thorns, binding brambles snagged my skin.
Pierced and scratched, red glistening droplets fell to the ground, each filled with a darkened hope, uncut gems preciously forming in the dappled light.
With each step a pathway appeared beneath my feet, violent slashings of the machete parted the brambles before me.
I tantalisingly heard a voice calling me onward, a trumpet sounding in the distance, the promise of things yet to come.
My burning heart was on fire, pushing me forward, tear-stained eyes filled me with colours of hope for what is yet to be.
Still the snagging, cruel thorns, ripped at my body, attacking mercilessly from every angle, but my flaming heart propelled me forward.
Droplets continued to fall, sowing and casting resplendent rubies…..rubies that glistened, multiplying gems of hope falling behind as I journeyed.
Creativity, fearlessness, perseverance, extravagance, precious stones honed out of adversity, touching the lives of those that followed.
Gems of hope and hearts on fire.

It’s time to live again

Arriving tired, unsure, alone, 
So much to carry on their own.

A place of wonder, a heavenly sound,
A frightening glory all around.

A helpless baby, a mystical night,
A gift from Heaven to give you sight.

A caravan of seers, journeying long,
The fragrant scent of death their song.

The inner longing, embrace this day,
The saviour calls, a holy way.

It’s time to live again.

There is a place, 3 countries converged,
A sacred place where everything merged.
Not just a co-ordinate seen from space,
But a point in time a holy place.
You must sail the seas to that mystical land,
A journey of faith holding Fathers hand.
Conquering fear and travelling long,
The lessons of life an enchanting song.
To the north the Arctic, can you hear the sound
Hidden treasures to be found
To the west a country with a beating heart
The presence of God sets it apart 
And to the east outrageous fun
Every colour of life under the sun
A colourful heartbeat, risk and heat
The point in time where the countries meet.

It time to live again

The spring never runs dry, all year round bursting out from under the rock face fresh and pure.
On the hottest of days it retains its iciness, a sharp rude reminder to my bodily senses to wake up, now is not the time for sleeping.
The childlike gurgling never stops, a backdrop to the constantly changing flow as it splashes over the rocks.
The water glints sparkling mesmerizingly, the springs energy bringing a clarity, bubbling with optimism and fun.
If you look you can see diamond shapes glinting in the water and rainbow colours, a prism under the summer sun.
Can you smell the freshness, an innocence, nothing decaying?
I acknowledge again the spring in me, forever rising up, my very heartbeat.
Conflicting with the world around and the “it’s time to slow down” messages bombarding my soul, the spring eternally flows with a constant pace and rhythm.

Life, life, life.

It’s time to live again



John Lowton
November 2023

From being known, a confidence grows
From being lost, a new horizon 
From always surviving to being a ‘winner’
From mediocre dullness rises life and colour
From the depths of despair the morning sunrise
From a mind tormented, resolution
From embracing pain, precious gems
From guilt and shame, light and forgiveness 

Amen

It’s time to live again.
John Lowton
November 2023

When I hide in a corner, everyone can see, In avoiding others I avoid me. In a room full of joy tears have no end, Fellowship exposes my lack of friends.  Laughter highlights the sadness within,  Causing myself pain, brings the comfort I seek. Peace can be found in the busiest place, Putting others first wins the race. The clearest path is the most difficult choice. Light can be blinding in the night. 

Today I watched a group of people harmlessly enjoying being friends 

I was drawn by their laughter and fun unashamedly spilling over, honouring and encouraging one another

It highlighted my own inadequacy and loneliness

In that moment I felt like I had never experienced friendship like that before

and I feared the exuberance drawing me in , lest the pain of my own existence was exposed, 

So, I stayed quiet, my inability to make attachments causing me to watch from a distance, my own silence, a deafening noise

I made a promise to myself, like I had done before, countless times in my life

Next time would be different, next time I will engage, next time

But, I fear the tears flowing uncontrollably 

Tapping in to the very depths of who I am

As I write, my words are like an oil, massaging my body, temporarily offering me a little comfort, 

My honesty brings me one step closer 

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made

It’s time to live again

July ‘23’

Let me envelope you, with a whispering of belonging in the abandoned fields, to experience the unfamiliar warmth of joy and companionship.
Let me introduce you to feelings of being loved, exposing the emptiness of my previous existence, being born in the trenches of grief and suffering where dreams were lost and friendships buried.
Let me parade you in a new arena, amongst the fields of fresh hope and belonging, without the shame of living a lie.
Fully known and nothing hidden.

Let me surprise you with succulent fruit, in the trenches of previous suffering, every colour and every season, ripened in the fields of belonging. 
Let me amaze you with fruit where you didn’t sow, the labour of those who have gone before, with tropical fruit and temperate climates.
The fruit of life will be a sign. 

Let me outrage you, way beyond your understanding, occurrences that cannot be explained, visions that cannot be fathomed.
The power of belonging fuelling the fire
The heartfelt cry of my desire

It’s time to live again

Sometimes I find myself curling up, retreating into my ‘safe’ place
Hidden away where no one can get close. 
But, to take the place of safety is the most dangerous option
Forever alone with my thoughts and feelings
So I raise my head and talk to my soul
That the love of others will make me whole
A dark detachment my preferred way
But in light and fellowship I must stay
To face the truth and stay alert
To risk rejection and face the hurt
A decision I make everyday
To love and be loved the only way
It’s time to live again