The Pearl

Shaped by the suffering of the sea;

Caused by the grit that found its way

Into the former comfort of the shell,

The oyster built around to try

To give itself protection.

Until it ground inside with abject pain-

Each hour, every moment, formed inside,

From the excretions of agony,

A lustrous beauty there to hide,

For some most blest discoverer.

So when I find you, I’ll rejoice,

And tell the world of my great love.

And thrilled to find such beauty rare,

I’ll tell the heavens’ stars above,

Of the pearl that I have found.

Mark J. Humber. 

When a Thousand Times

When a thousand times I’ve said I love you,

And meant it from my deepest soul,

And my words have often wooed you,

Are there any other words to say?

When a thousand times I’ve kissed you,

And held you in my arms so tight,

And so tenderly caressed you,

Can I show you any other way?

When a thousand times I’ve seen you,

And marvelled at your beauteous face,

When your glory has enthralled me,

Is there anymore to see?

Yes, a thousand times I’ll tell you!

Of the love my heart sustains,

Oh, a thousand times I’ll hold you!

Yet the passion still remains.

When a thousand times I’ve seen you,

And your beauty turns to age,

For a thousand thousand times I'll love you,

Till I close my life's last page.

Maybe in that other world, I'll find you,

Where life does not dim with time,

When a thousand is no longer,

I'll spend eternity with you.

Mark Humber

Sonnet To An Enlightened Age

In this advanced and modern world of ours,

We find development that pleases most.

The freedom fiercely fought for boldly towers,

O’er ancient principles we once did boast.

The social classes once from birth bestowed,

Are now displaced by opportunity,

That beckons to the boldest on the road,

To recognition in community.

But honour, peace and tolerance we hold,

Are virtues proudly owned by modern man.

Throughout our world, great nations waxing bold,

Are claiming a secure and noble plan.

Why then this war, fear, sorrow all around;

What have we gained that hatred should abound?

Mark J. Humber      8^th October 2006

Voices

Voices now gone but ne’er forgotten,

Words left seething in my mind.

Whispers of rumours, innuendo,

Murmurs of trouble, loss and care.

Tunes of songs we once were singing,

Lyrics with words not understood.

Speeches of monotones so dreary,

Sermons told o’er and o’er again.

Shouts of bitter accusation,

Cries of pain and sorrow too.

Screams of terror in the night time,

Sobs of grief too deep to bear.

Echoes of phrases unforgiven,

Calls from distant hills of home.

Voices of children never heard now,

Voices of families left behind.

Mark J. Humber 10 September 2006

Only some readers will understand the terrible meaning of this poem.

A Moment in Time

There was a moment in time-

Just one of many.

But a special one, when time stood still.

Did the birds ceased to sing,

Or the traffic stop its endless rumble?

I know not.

In the snow of Istanbul,

Just one kneeprint,

Amongst a thousand thousand footprints.

Did the wind still blow upon my cheek,

Or the snow fall on my uplifted face?

I know not

There was just one heart:

Just one so precious,

That I’d give everything to win.

How did I find you there - so far away?

Because I searched, or because you were meant for me?

I know not.

I spoke some words in a foreign tongue.

Just two, that's all.

“Zanam mishee” – will you be mine?

Did the angels dance in heaven,

Or God who joined us smile down from his throne?

I know not.

Just this one thing I know:

That of all that I have ever loved,

And every impulse that has touched my soul,

I have never loved so much.

And that one moment stands for me, unique,

Although a thousand others pass,

For all eternity.

30th March 2005

Nice poem? Well the sad thing is that I married her, and she left me on Jan 3rd the following year. I don't know where she is now.  And you know, I really loved her and treated her so kindly.  I will always wonder if she really loved me.  She really seemed as if she did, and I want to believe it.  But did she just want to come to a better country, and was I just a safe way to do it?  Could she merely pretend so well - as my friends try to tell me?  Perhaps I will never know the answers.  The only thing I know is that my God knows, as all of my friends know, that I tried my best and was always true and kind to her.   And I hope that one day God will give me another 'moment in time' when I can be truly happy in sharing my love with another - a moment that may never die.  

Our Hearts have Touched

I see you there beneath the stars,

Your features dimly lit by moonlight.

Or in the brightness rays of noon,

The sun shines on your brow so bright

And your reflection shimmering there,

In every crystal pool I see;

And through the swaying grasses’ waves,

Swept by the wind, you come to me.

But yet, I’ve not yet seen you face-to-face-

I’ve never touched your gentle hand,

Or felt the breath from your sweet lips,

Or walked with you in a common land.

No, I’ve never held you in my arms,

Or felt your heartbeat close to mine.

Your kiss has never blessed my lips,

With sweetness as the finest wine.

And yet, I love you so much dear,

I’ve felt your love reach out to me.

Thought you may be so far away,

Across the endless miles of sea.

I feel our hearts have touched in heaven,

And joined to sing love’s symphony.

Two hearts just destined to be joined-

Two souls, united eternally.

27^th December 2004

This was the hope for a love that was brutally crushed. She was in Turkey, I in Australia. After I had married her and she left me, I sent it to her again with this note: "I want you to know I truly loved you.  Now, I wish you no ill-will but I trust that God will keep you in His hand.  Maybe one day we will meet again, but I doubt it.  Good luck, and goodbye."

Create a Blessing

The morning comes – anticipation.

Perhaps there'll be a change,

Some inspiration,

Some source of joy.

A visitor,

An unpredicted spectacle,

Just something new

That was not here just yesterday.

Because it is Today-

The day that is forever Now!

This day, I can reach out my hand.

And change something for good.

Or reach into another's life,

And plant some beauty, share some joy.

Today I can create a brand new blessing,

But it is up to me.

Mark Humber. 28th October 2004.