Clifford W. Ketchum

Vancouver , BC, CANADA

Since his late teens, poetry has been of special interest to Clifford. Later, as a teacher, he had the honor of teaching senior English. Poetry was his favorite subject. His teaching qualifications include bachelor and master degrees in education, followed by honorary degrees in Literature and Philosophy. Sources of inspiration include the beauties of nature, and the Psalms of David, some of which he has set to music for choral purposes. Local newspapers are accepting some of his poetry. The National Library of Poetry has published some of his poetry in 'Beneath The Harvest Moon' and in 'Portraits of Life.'

Earth's Paradise

While standing here in sunshine's silver sheen,
I contemplate God's rich creative power:
From lowly plants to stately trees that tower,
And point the way whence all the glories stream.
Canoes glide o'er the silver lake serene;
Glad birds' song sweetens each enchanted hour;
And round the shores, form every hedge and bower
Contentment, beauty, grandeur reign supreme.
Ah, can it be, that here in paradise,
Amid such symphony of sound and sight,
My languid heart is slow to realize
The full extent - the breadth, the depth, the height
Of nature's bounteous beauty? Touch these eyes,
This heat, that I might savor each delight.

The Wonder Of It All

O Lord, your name excels above all names.
From age to age your glory fills the earth.
The splendor of the highest heaven proclaims
To all mankind your goodness and your worth.
When I consider heaven's vast domain -
-- The glory of the moon, the radiant stars-
The wonder of it all - that man should gain
Such exaltation - close to angels fair.
You gave to man dominion o'er the earth,
.. The sea, the sky, and all that moves there-in;
And you, in all your works, have shown your worth
From time eternal, ages without end.

Nature's Wonders

Ah, look, my friend, the scene before us now:
As far as eye can see, from where we stand,
The beauty of the woods, the lakes below,
The far-off mountain tops surround the land.
The lakes reflect the beauty of the sky
All crimson now with sunset's golden glow.
From far away, to all that lies near-by
Creation's wonder sin abundance flow.
The seasons' changing, ever blending hues
Enhance the harmony of nature's song.
The wonders of such awe-inspiring views
Shall be fond memories that linger long.