Norma's Poetry

I began writing poetry in my teenage years for one reason: to try to sort through all the emotions I was feeling on a range of subjects.

It was also during that time of my life when I began taking a step into other people's shoes - trying to imagine what they were thinking given their particular circumstances and, as a result, I began to wonder how they felt; it's a trait that has not left me since that time and, even then, I tried to articulate in my poetry what I imagined may be true thoughts and emotions for those individuals.

The poems I've written have not all been based on my own personal experience; however, many poems are universal, speaking to many people regardless of what they may be facing in life. After all, suffering is suffering; it doesn't matter to what degree a person suffers. Furthermore, when joy comes, it is still joy regardless of whether a person endured suffering for a long time or a short while.

I really hope you enjoy the poems I've written. Of course, I've written hundreds, not to mention the books I've published and the songs I've recorded.

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On a more personal note, I suffered through a marriage, staying in it as long as I could possibly endure until I had to make a choice between committing suicide, being committed to a mental institution, or walking away.

Committing suicide was not an option for me because of various reasons:
- I loved my friends and family.
- I loved God and didn't want to disappoint Him.
- Life still had numerous good moments despite the heart-wrenching sorrow I lived with on a daily basis.
- I still had hope for my future and desperately wanted to see my children grow.

Being committed to a mental institution was not an option for me for various reasons:
- I didn't want to leave my children to fate and whatever may be in store without being a part of their daily lives.
- I didn't want to take the chance on not being able to do the things I truly enjoyed such as going outdoors when I wanted, using the computer to write whenever inspiration struck, cooking and baking, hanging out with friends, and so on.
- I didn't want to be pumped full of drugs so that I could "get with the program."

It left me one alternative: to walk away - a decision which affected everyone close to me. However, thankfully, my children were in agreement with my decision and have not swayed in their opinions, even years later. Of course, part of my decision involved protecting my children so that may have played a factor in their willingness to take such a drastic step with me; after all, it was not a decision I made alone.

For a long time I floundered in practicing my faith; I just couldn't get past the personal heartache I was experiencing and an unforgiving spirit ruled the day for too long. During those years I didn't feel I was worthy to approach God's throne since the first thing I would really have to commit myself to was forgiving my ex - which I just wasn't prepared to do...so I continued straddling the fence, so to speak, wanting to follow God's commands but not being able to.

A son was added to our family unit in 2007 - a son who, literally, brings our family together because he's so precious and adorable. He was conceived during a time in which I was still struggling. I was searching for love and thought I had finally found the "one" for me...but it wasn't to be; it seemed God had someone else in mind and the revelation took my breath away. I was totally surprised - feeling great, yet saddened, at the same time...and I continued to struggle.

Nonetheless, God has truly blessed our lives and, despite the initial changes/adjustments which the separation brought, my children and I have grown as individuals and feel a confidence that we hadn't experienced for too many years.

Presently, I am engaged to a wonderful man, Owen Foss, who accepts all three of my children as though they were his own, loving them unconditionally, and never judging me for past sins. His motto in life - or one of them - is this: "We can't change anything in the past; we can only embrace the future."

Thankfully, my son's daddy will always be one of my greatest friends; I'll be able to count on his friendship regardless of what life brings. I could never live my life without him being a part of it and I'm so thankful Owen loves me enough to accept this. What can I say - God has blessed me beyond what I deserve - but I will never take it for granted! After all, it's a wonderful gift to receive!

I'm happy to report that I'm not floundering around in a sea anymore. I've managed to find my way back to God. Instead of trying to avoid him because I don't feel worthy, I ask Him to help me with the serious issues in life, knowing I can't successfully do a whole lot on my own.

A Bible verse comes to mind...that God is faithful and just, to forgive us from sin and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. If that doesn't provide hope to the human soul, I'm not sure what could.

What I did was wrong;
It couldn't be right.
It's kept me awake
night after night.

If I could change
Yesterday
I'd go to my knees
and then I'd pray.

I wouldn't get up
'til I felt peace -
inside my soul
felt some release.

But, here I am
Can't change my past -
and only what's done
for Christ will last.

I've made a mess
and I feel lost.
For my emotions,
I've paid a cost.

Now here I sit -
I'm feeling blue
and I'm wondering
just what to do.

I must get up -
must face my fears
allow Jesus
to dry my tears.

He'll walk beside me -
in this I'll trust,
and if I fall down -
get up I must.

For eternity
is much too long
to live without
a joyful song.

Copyright 2005
Norma Budden

Click on the images for further details.

Both photos were taken at Pigeon Lake and each one depicts the last verse of my poem, The Promise of Tomorrow which can be read in its entirety by visiting my lens titled The Sunsets of My Life.

I must, personally, recommend the frosted glass mug. I use mine all the time and it is worth every penny of the money spent, including the shipping fees to northern Canada from the United States.

Looking at this mug brings back fond memories of a happy time in my life. Also, I can place it in the top part of my refrigerator - or even in my deep freeze.

Beverages remain cold for a longer period of time; iced water and Shirley Temples taste marvelous.

These mugs make wonderful gifts and, for the poetry lover who also enjoys nature, it's sure it be a gift they would appreciate any time of the year.

Perfection's over-rated;
There's no way to improve
I couldn't imagine living
In such an awful groove.

But thinking of a perfect man
Is quite another matter.
It conjures up loving thoughts;
My heart - it doesn't shatter.

At long last, I've met this man;
He's perfect, or so it seems.
Though he claims to have his faults
I believe he's from my dreams.

He holds my bags when shopping
And waits patiently for me.
He rubs my aching shoulders
Then sits me on his knee.

He wraps his arms around me
When we go for walks at night.
He tells me that he loves me,
That everything's "now" right.

He looks into my troubled soul
And watches when tears fall.
He doesn't judge for yesterday;
Instead, he hears me when I call.

He stares into my open eyes -
Those windows to my soul.
He sees how much I love him;
It's then he becomes whole.

Norma Budden
Copyright 2009

These greeting cards provide a wonderful opportunity for you to share how you feel. Whether day or night - come rain or shine - these greeting cards are the perfect tool.



Golden Splash, as this photo is so aptly named, is also a Pigeon Lake sunset photo; it continues to fill my heart with a song of thanksgiving and joy. There's something about the photo that captivates me and throws me back into another time and place - another lifetime, or so it seems. The sun spreads her rays across the sky and lake so that the human eye is basked in sheer radiance. Could anyone ever ask for a greater gift than to watch this spectacle unfold?


Darkening clouds over Pigeon Lake - it's at this point when I know the sun won't be around much longer. Sadly, I know I will sleep through its counterpart - sunrise - but I'm thrilled at having had the opportunity to experience this particular sunset - and watching its various phases. I enjoyed the opportunity to watch today preparing to say, "Good-bye," in preparation of welcoming tomorrow with it's hopes, dreams and possibilities.

As I sit here late at night
I wonder how you're sleeping,
Wish I could be with you
Oh, yes, I do...
The distance makes me come unglued.

So many memories we've made -
Lots of smiles, tears of sorrow.
I dream of holding you
Oh, yes, I do...
Looking forward to tomorrow.

I dream of looking in your eyes -
The tiny windows to your soul.
Getting lost in them
Oh, yes, I do...
Your love heals and makes me whole.

Hand in hand we walk together
Sharing triumphs, taming fears.
Reaching out to you
Oh, yes, I do...
Will be with you through the years.

Norma Budden
Copyright 2009

A man is nailed to a cross
For crimes he didn't do.
He's accused of many things;
It makes him feel so blue...

Choosing to be happy
Instead of wrought with pain;
Instead of living in the past
He found new love again.

A tender smile lights up his eyes
As arm in arm they walk.
Laughter rings out in the night
As they stand on a dock.

His heartbeat skips erratically
As he looks into her eyes.
His soul floods with joy and peace;
He always feels surprised.

To be sure, they face a battle -
People just don't understand,
But their love is their strength
They trust their Master's plan.

Norma Budden
Copyright 2009

My heart and soul - they feel so full;
I think of you most of the day.
My love for you is oh, so strong
And, in my mind, a song does play.

It makes me wonder about our lives,
About the love and hope we share.
I ask myself a thousand times,
"What else can I do to show I care?"

I try to do my best each day
To prove how much you mean to me.
I fill the tablets of my heart
With words that you are sure to see.

Truly, I couldn't ask for more;
You light up the darkness in my soul.
My world revolves around your love;
I see a dove and I feel whole.

Today, our dream is to live forever
Though we know that it cannot be.
One of us will be the first to leave
And the other will feel lost at sea.

I don't want that day to come
But if it comes that I should pass
I'd like to know deep in my soul
That our love was built to last.

And so, today, I grant to you
Everything I am, all I can be.
In this life and the one beyond
Our love will always set us free.

Norma Budden
Copyright 2009

God's Plan

I said a prayer for you today
That God would prepare your heart
To follow His direction.
It would be an awesome start.

Today, God has a plan for you;
A desire in His heart.
He wants you to follow Him.
He needs you to play your part.

There's only so much I can do.
I need partners at my side;
People who care for others' souls,
Who can swim against the tide.

I need soldiers for the cross
Who stand firm and believe.
Many souls are perishing.
False teachings they receive.

Yes, God has a plan for you;
Desires to bless your life.
His heart yearns to set you free
From any sin and strife.

He wants peace to flood your soul
To light your face and eyes.
He yearns to give you a home,
To say no more good-byes.

God loves you more than I do.
My love cannot compare.
But when I get to Heaven
My home I'll want to share.

We can walk streets together,
Sit by the crystal sea,
Sing praises unto Jesus,
If, first, you bend your knee.

Norma Budden
Copyright 2004

Saving Light

I am lost on troubled seas.
The waves are rising high.
Not a land mass to be seen-
My heart heaves a sigh.

Night falls fast around me
I've been rowing for some hours.
My arms and legs are tired.
I have no energy or power.

Waves toss the boat from side to side
My heart fills with dread and fear.
"Dear Lord, give me direction.
Please, get me out of here."

Just then I see a lighthouse
But it seems so far away.
My limbs burst with energy
While I bow my heart to pray.

The light invades the darkness.
It means I'm drawing near.
Then I crash against the rocks-
So thankful to be there!

"Thank you, Lord, for saving me
For showing me the light.
I know I can depend on You
Even through the darkest night."

Norma Budden
Copyright 2005