The Song of My Heart

By: Ivonne J. Hernandez

One day, I sat with my computer and began to write what I thought would be a reflection for this blog. My heart and mind, acting as one, poured words into my hands and onto the page, and, for a little while, words flowed effortlessly. But then, just as swiftly as they had begun, they stopped. Something in my heart told me… it was done.

I looked at what I had written; something was different. Rather than an essay, which is the form I usually use to express my thoughts, this looked like a poem. There were stanzas, and there was rhyme. When I read it, I really liked it. It was a prayer from deep inside. A song for my beloved, a piece of my heart.

But then came the question I always have to ask myself, should I share this with everyone? I knew deep down that this was not meant to be just for me, but doubts came over me. How could this be? I am not a poet. I do not even know if there are rules that should be followed. What if it is all wrong?

A year and a half went by.

One day, looking for something to write about, I came upon the saved file. I read it again, and I still liked it. It was still true; it was still fresh. Then came the question again… I wanted to share this, but the thought of putting this “out there” made me very uncomfortable. So I took that to prayer.

​I realized that I was feeling vulnerable. This time I was not sharing a story, even a deeply personal one; I was not sharing my thoughts. This time, in sharing a poem, I would be sharing my heart. And that scared me. What if it was mocked, spat upon, rejected?

So, what did God do with me when I brought these questions to Him in prayer? He increased my desire to share it. It was as if He was saying, “Sing to me, my beloved. I want to hear your song.”

“Sing to him a new song.” (Psalm 33:3)
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I would not be sharing my heart with the world. I would be letting them witness my love for God. Why? Because He asked me to… so that others may see the glory of God.

A few weeks ago, He gave me enough courage to share it, and I posted it on my social media accounts. For those of you who may not have seen it yet, I share with you my poem; I share with you my song.
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TELL ME OF HEAVEN
by: Ivonne J. Hernandez

I asked You to tell me of Heaven; You said, “Take my hand.”
To the edge of the waters You led me; I could not see a path.
You said, “Be not afraid; Come… I will show you the Way.”
 
I asked You to tell me of Heaven; You showed me my heart.
I saw all the darkness within it, all the pain, all the hurt.
You said, “Be not afraid; Come… I will make it all new.”
 
I asked You to tell me of Heaven; You showed me the Cross.
I asked You to show me my crown; you showed me your thorns.
You said, “Be not afraid; Come… I did this for you.”
 
I asked You to tell me of Heaven; You showed me Your Heart.
In Your Heart I found mine; In my wounds I found You.
You said, “Be not afraid; Come… I will never leave you.”
 
I asked You to tell me of Heaven, and You showed me the truth.
Heaven is here now… when I am with You.

​©2022 Ivonne J. Hernandez 
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Ivonne J. Hernandez

Ivonne is a Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament, President of Elisheba House, and author of The Rosary: Eucharistic Meditations. She lives in Trinity, Florida, with her husband, Rick, and their children.