Poems

 

Ryan loved to recite poems that meant something to him, and he loved to share these words with others.

Blue Skies

God has not promised
Skies always blue
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through.

God has not promised
Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain.

But God did promise
Strength for the day
Rest for the labor
Light for the way.

Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love.

by Annie Johnson Flint

I Will Not Doubt It

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I will not doubt, tho' all my ships at sea come

drifting home with broken masts and sails;

I will believe the hand which never fails,

from seeming evil worketh good for me.

And tho' I weep because those sails are tattered,

still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered;

-- I trust in Thee!

I will not doubt, tho' all my prayers return

unanswered from the still, white realm above;

I will believe it is an all-wise love which has

refused the things for which I yearn;

And tho' at times I cannot keep from grieving,

yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing,

-- undimmed shall burn.

I will not doubt, tho' sorrows fall like rain,

and troubles swarm like bees above a hive,

I will believe the heights for which I strive

are only reached by anguish and by pain;

And tho' I groan and writhe beneath my crosses,

I yet shall see through my severest losses,

-- the greater gain.

I will not doubt. Well anchored is this faith,

like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;

So strong its courage that it will not quail,

to breast the mighty unknown sea of death.

Oh, may I cry, tho' body parts with spirit,

I do not doubt, so listening worlds may hear it

-- with my last breath.

Poems Written in Ryan’s Memory

  • Of Things To Come

    I remember as though it's yesterday,

    our baby boy who arrived this day.

    While now I reflect and earnestly pray,

    the memories warmly come.

    I see him in our daughters' eyes,

    in their smile and in their stride.

    The memory of him remains alive,

    by His loving grace.

    In His hands I trust through faith,

    our precious boy resides and waits.

    Within the bask of golden gates,

    our reunion is assured.

    Nine years ago we had a son,

    we yearn for now of things to come.

    To the day in which He says, "well

    done", in celebration and victory.

    I remember as though it's yesterday,

    For our baby boy arrived this day.

    And today I praise His loving way.

    The memories warmly come.

    Shaun N. Turner
    In loving memory of Ryan Maguire Turner
    November 16, 1998

  • For Ryan

    Tho' we were never privileged

    To meet you face to face

    Your precious life has touched us

    And fortified our faith.

    We marveled at your courage

    Your hope for each new day

    Boldly facing pain and fear

    The illness brought your way.

    We lifted earnest prayers

    That God would make you whole

    While in your child-like wisdom

    You gave Him full control.

    Secure in Daddy's loving arms

    You slipped away in sleep

    To awaken in Jesus' arms

    The journey now complete.

    Angels rejoice at your return

    With body new and strong

    You run and play among old friends

    And join their victory song.

    So farewell, mighty warrior

    God keep you in His care

    Until our journey's ended

    And we can meet you there.

    Sherry Arnold
    Northwest Arkansas Church
    November 1997

  • Change of Season

    Off, the wind blows leaves

    The birds take flight to the south

    It is time to rest

    Ted Slonicker