Magnolia Manor Chaplains

Creative Writing
The Creative Writing Class began
as part of the Renaissance Program at
Magnolia Manor, Richmond Hill in
2005. It proved to be a great success
with residents bringing in poems and
memoirs, sitting down and swapping
stories to their heart’s content.
at Richmond Hill
Stories are shared, writing is read
aloud, and memories become vivid
once again. Joan Smith, a retired
English teacher, facilitates the class
along with her husband, Dan. Below
is a poem written by resident,
Helen Eisenberg.
Lord, Speak to Me
Father God, speak to me what you would say,
Speak not too boldly, less I faint from fear,
Tell me again that you love me,
That to you I am very dear.
Thank you for those words,
So palpable to my spirit.
Now what would you have me do?
Nothing? Did I hear you say “Nothing!”
Pictured left to right, front row: Betty Hudson, Helen Szymd, Miriam
Moore, and Joshua Lee. On the back row: Joan Smith, Bill Moore,
and Joan’s husband, Dan Smith.
Did I hear you say: “Be!”
What shall I be?
“Be like I am.”
You are love, Can I like thee?
Only if you help me can I care.
Can I look into a neighbor’s eyes and care?
What causes that harried look, that evasive eye?
Are your life painful? I pause in prayer.
A son is going off to battle,
A daughter runs away,
A mother’s mind is slipping,
Oh, what can I helpful say?
Creative Writing teacher, Joan Smith, holds a book
written by Joshua Lee.
6 Magnolia Manor | www.magnoliamanor.com
Our God is all around us.
He whispers low to me.
He puts His arms around you
He says He is a friend to thee.
Instill into my brain, my thoughts, my heart,
Love, sweet kind love, truthful, free.
Unshackle my mind from hatred.
I would love to be like Thee.
— Helen Eisenberg