Grandmother's Heart

Pop and Grandmother Bowling and Grandchildren
(approximately 1972)



1963- Written by Ruth Bowling

I’ve tried for many a hour and a minute
to imagine this world without me in it.

I cannot think of a newborn day
without me in it somehow someway.

I can’t imagine an Autumn flare
without me here- alive- aware.

I cannot think of a dawn in Spring
without my heart awakening.

These treasured years will come and go.
With swifter pace, but this I know
I have NO fear, I have NO dread
of that numbered day that lies ahead.

My flesh will turn to ash and clay,
But I’ll be here- somehow, someway.

The body is a perishable thing, but not so the soul. God, through his Son, Jesus Christ, has told us this.
We will live on. How and where is determined by the way we live on earth, while the body and soul exist as one.



While cleaning out some of my Grandmother Bowling's possessions, my cousin found this poem. It was written three years before I was born, while my grandparents still lived on their 600 plus acre dairy farm in upstate South Carolina. My grandmother was raised in an orphanage and spent most of her 92 years struggling emotionally. She was a brilliant woman with many academic and public accomplishments.

I am thankful to have a copy of this poem. It enables me to glimpse deep into the heart of my grandmother. I share it with each of you today as an example of faith and GOD's healing. Many times we do not know what lies within the heart of our love ones.

Love, Blessings and prayers,

Andrea