Windows of Rainbows: Inspired by a Leonard Cohen Song
The Inspiration for This Poem
I had just listened to the "The Stranger Song" by Leonard Cohen. It was about the same time that the Philippines had just been hit by a terrible typhoon destroying cities and taking many lives. The song and Cohen's voice stirred up a range of emotions, and this poem is the result.
My friend and fellow hubber Jo Goldsmith recently issued a Musical Challenge prompt as follows:
What exactly do I do if I accept this challenge?
1.) Select a song you enjoy from You Tube
2.) Listen to the song
3.) Begin writing what you feel ( free flow)
4.) Edit your writing
5.) Post your creative work (include the song)
6.) Submit your link to the comment section on this page
7.) Have fun!
I felt this hub met those guidelines, so although it had already been published I am resharing it as part of Jo's challenge. The poem 'Windows of Rainbows' can be recited to the same beat as 'The Stranger Song' or at least that was going through my head as I wrote. I therefore suggest you listen to the song before reading the poem.

Windows Of Rainbows
Sometimes you need to contemplate
The world in all its glory
All the good and bad
That happens every day.
You greet your next door neighbor
With a smile
And say, "How are you?"
But do you really wait for him to say?
You read the daily paper, or check the news online.
It doesn't really matter anyway.
Amidst all the destruction,
The death and people homeless,
Sometimes you feel that you're immune to crying.
There's surely good news out there
If you take the time to look,
But something's wrong, when
This is what you have to do.
If you have to search for happiness
Through all the pain and grief
That surrounds us from each corner
Of the world.
Then I stop and look around me
At everything I have,
And I realize how lucky
That I am.
Possessions they mean nothing,
And success...well who can judge
If what you've done in life,
Has any worth?
The only thing that matters
Is the truth within your heart,
And if your actions
Compliment your words.
I turn towards the windows,
As I hear the pitter patter
Of raindrops, as they gather
On the glass.
The sunlight is still shining,
As the rain clouds start abating,
And the droplets shine
With multi-colored hues.
Gazing through the splattered glass
All dark thoughts leave my mind,
And in their place
Bright feelings, now exposed.
Of how to make things better,
And the world a nicer place,
As I look with different eyes, through...
Windows of rainbows.
© 2013 John Hansen
Comments
John! How awesome, and I voted that way plus Useful, Beautiful and Interesting.
Why have I not read this before? I guess I have too many interruptions,
but one day! I will also join this beautiful challenge.
Shyron
Very inspiring. Thanks for ur poem! Love from Philippines...
A very telling write. This world is filled with people who don't give a damn about others. It is really sad though that people prioritize on money and wealth without giving thought to people who live around them; whether they are eating or not, how they are coping and all the sorts does not even matter to them. Well, that's how the world moves. too sad.
But in all these, I love this "The only thing that matters
Is the truth within your heart,
And if your actions
Compliment your words"
I share your sentiment, Sire. keep writing. voted up and pressing the other buttons.
This is so beautifully written! A profound message to try to grasp.
I feel so sad every time I hear something tragic and horrible on the news.
Yet, like you. I look around and see how lucky, blessed I am.
The day draws near when our Father will return to bring us a millennium of peace.
I noticed a rainbow in my backyard last week after a rain. I couldn't help but smile and thank God once again for all the right he is going to bring back to this so wrong world. Shared this wonderful poem. Voted up as well. Blessings to you Jodah...always...:-)
We are very blessed to have a nice warm, dry house and a roof over our heads.
What a wonderful message written beautifully. Thank you Jodah! Jamie
This was a gift this morning to read--thank you!
"The only thing that matters is the truth within your heart..." I loved this line especially. Beautiful poem and I hope it lifted your spirits because it is very uplifting. Thanks for sharing. :) UP / U/A
Such beautiful writing Jodah! The meaning is so profound.
You're very welcome. I think that's the way to go, guaranteed to reach a wider audience and to explore more subjects.
Beautiful poem and gorgeous illustrations. I see your name all over the place in comments on others' hubs (and mine!) so I thought it was high time I followed you! This hub was my reward - I love the form, the sentiment and the ride from dark to light. Ann
Jodah - You bring such joy and inspiration to us all through your magnificent poetry. I especially love this particular verse,
"The only thing that matters
Is the truth within your heart,
And if your actions
Compliment your words."
Your poetry reaches to the core of my being, shedding insight and wisdom, a message of beautiful truth.
Thank you Jodah ~ Hugs and Beautiful Blessings. Audrey
Superb! Brilliant! It's a poem which is so true what it coveys, has a lot of depth and makes one think - a poem which reflects your great insight !
' The only thing that matters is the truth within your heart and if your actions compliment your words.' - Oh how lovely! Keep up your Excellent work my friend.
Voted UP & Awesome! Take care. God Bless.
Kamalesh
Another beautiful gem from you Jodah my friend.
Each of your poems I love and not one has disappointed.
Keep them coming and I'll keep on reading .
Voted up, across and shared.
Eddy.
Nothing brightens my day more than a beautiful rainbow. Voted up!
I loved this Jodah. There's a lot of truth in this poem! Voted it up!
I was hooked with the title and the poem certainly did not disappoint...and the pictures were a wonderful compliment. Well done John!
Beautiful and meaningful poetry, Jodah! Thank you for sharing!
It's a poem that makes us think... very important!
Oh that was fantastic! Absolutely lovely and, yes, raw is a great word to describe it. :)
John - Such heartfelt words. I love the raw reflective feel in conveys, and the images complement what you're communicating beautifully.
Jodah, wow.. I think you really shook the the tree of creativity, rawness, and emotional words when you wrote this poem.. a very to the point no nonsense grouping of words Love it bro :)
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