A Time to Believe
by B. J Morbitzer
To believe is to know that
everyday is a new beginning.
Is to trust that miracles happen,
and dreams really do come true.To believe is to see angels
dancing among the clouds.
To know the wonder of a stardust sky
and the wisdom of the man in the moon.To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart,
the innocence of a child’s eyes
and the beauty of an aging hand,
for it is through their teachings, we learn to love.To believe is to find the strength
and courage that lies within us,
when it is time to pick up
the pieces and begin again.To believe is to know
we are never alone,
that life is a gift
and this is our time to cherish it.To believe is to know
that wonderful surprises are just
waiting to happen,
and all our hopes and dreams are within reach.
“If only we believe.”
Welcome, dear readers, to an inspiring journey into the heart of B. J. Morbitzer’s uplifting poem, “A Time to Believe.” This beautiful work invites us to explore the profound power of optimism, resilience, and faith in the everyday. Prepare to uncover the layers of meaning, the clever use of language, and the timeless message that makes this poem a cherished source of encouragement for so many.
A Time to Believe Summary and Central Idea
“A Time to Believe” is a heartfelt exploration of the transformative power of belief. The poem articulates that to believe is to embrace a positive outlook on life, recognizing each new day as a fresh opportunity. It encourages readers to trust in the possibility of miracles and the realization of dreams, fostering a sense of wonder and hope. The central idea revolves around the notion that belief is not merely a passive state, but an active choice that shapes our perception of the world, our inner strength, and our capacity for love and resilience. It suggests that by cultivating belief, one can navigate life’s challenges, appreciate its gifts, and ultimately reach for their highest aspirations.
A noteworthy aspect of this poem is its universal appeal. It speaks to anyone seeking encouragement, offering a gentle reminder that the capacity for hope, renewal, and joy resides within each individual. The poem’s message transcends specific circumstances, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers across generations.
In-Depth Analysis of “A Time to Believe”
The Guiding Principle: Repetition and Parallel Structure
One of the most striking features of “A Time to Believe” is its masterful use of anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or stanzas. Almost every stanza begins with the powerful declaration, “To believe is to know that” or “To believe is to see” or “To believe is to find.” This consistent opening creates a rhythmic, almost meditative quality, drawing the reader deeper into the poem’s core message. Consider these lines:
To believe is to know that
everyday is a new beginning.To believe is to see angels
dancing among the clouds.To believe is to find the strength
and courage that lies within us,
This parallel structure does more than just create a pleasing sound. It functions as a guiding principle, reinforcing the central idea that belief is a multifaceted concept with various expressions and benefits. Each repetition acts like a stepping stone, building upon the definition of belief and expanding its scope from daily renewal to spiritual wonder, and then to inner fortitude. The consistent phrasing provides a sense of unity and emphasizes the interconnectedness of these different aspects of belief.
Vivid Imagery and Sensory Experience
Morbitzer’s poem thrives on evocative imagery, painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind and appealing to various senses. The abstract concept of belief is made tangible through concrete descriptions. For instance, the lines:
To believe is to see angels
dancing among the clouds.
To know the wonder of a stardust sky
and the wisdom of the man in the moon.
These images transport the reader to a realm of imagination and wonder. “Angels dancing among the clouds” evokes a sense of lightness, joy, and ethereal beauty, suggesting that belief allows one to perceive magic in the ordinary. The “stardust sky” conjures images of vastness, mystery, and infinite possibilities, while the “wisdom of the man in the moon” personifies the celestial body, inviting a sense of ancient knowledge and comfort. Even more grounded images, such as “the innocence of a child’s eyes” and “the beauty of an aging hand,” are powerful because they tap into universal human experiences, connecting belief to love, growth, and the passage of time.
Symbolism and Deeper Meanings
Throughout the poem, symbolism is employed to enrich the meaning and add layers of interpretation. Angels, for example, can be seen as symbols of hope, guidance, and divine presence, suggesting that belief opens one to spiritual comfort and support. The “stardust sky” might symbolize the boundless potential of the universe and humanity’s place within its grandeur, implying that belief connects us to something larger than ourselves. The “man in the moon” can symbolize ancient wisdom and a comforting, watchful presence. Perhaps most profoundly, the “nurturing heart,” “child’s eyes,” and “aging hand” are not merely descriptive but symbolic of different stages of life and the continuous cycle of learning and loving. The “aging hand,” in particular, symbolizes experience, wisdom, and the beauty found in life’s journey, reminding us that belief helps us appreciate every phase.
The Journey of Belief: Key Themes Explored
“A Time to Believe” champions several profound themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. At its core, the poem is about **hope and optimism**, asserting that belief allows one to see “everyday is a new beginning” and to “trust that miracles happen.” It emphasizes **resilience and inner strength**, particularly in the lines:
To believe is to find the strength
and courage that lies within us,
when it is time to pick up
the pieces and begin again.
This highlights that belief is crucial for overcoming adversity and finding the fortitude to rebuild after setbacks. The poem also celebrates **the value of connection and love**, as seen in the appreciation for a “nurturing heart” and the understanding that “through their teachings, we learn to love.” Finally, it underscores the idea of **cherishing life as a gift**, reminding us that “this is our time to cherish it,” encouraging gratitude and mindful living. These themes collectively paint a picture of belief as a holistic approach to life, encompassing personal growth, emotional well-being, and a positive outlook.
The Enduring Message: A Call to Action
The poem culminates with a powerful and memorable closing that serves as both a summary and a call to action:
and all our hopes and dreams are within reach.
“If only we believe.”
This concluding thought is not merely a restatement of the central theme, but a poignant emphasis on the conditional nature of achieving one’s aspirations. The phrase “If only we believe” acknowledges that belief is not always effortless, but it is presented as the essential catalyst for realizing potential. It leaves the reader with a profound sense of personal responsibility and empowerment, suggesting that the key to unlocking dreams lies within their own capacity for faith and conviction. The placement of this phrase at the very end ensures its lasting impact, prompting reflection on one’s own beliefs and their transformative power.
Unpacking Poetic Devices in “A Time to Believe”
Form and Flow: Free Verse and Rhythm
“A Time to Believe” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or a consistent metrical pattern. This choice allows the poem’s message to flow naturally, mimicking the rhythms of everyday speech and thought. The absence of rigid structural constraints enables the poet to prioritize clarity, emotional expression, and the direct communication of ideas. While there is no formal meter, the consistent use of anaphora, as discussed earlier, creates its own internal rhythm and cadence, making the poem feel cohesive and engaging despite its freedom from traditional forms. This natural flow enhances readability and allows the uplifting message to take center stage, unburdened by artificial constraints.
Structured Thought: The Quatrain Form
The poem is neatly organized into six stanzas, each comprising four lines. This four-line stanza is known as a quatrain. While the quatrains in “A Time to Believe” do not follow a specific rhyme scheme, their consistent length and structure provide a sense of order and balance to the poem. Each quatrain often introduces a new facet or example of what it means “to believe,” allowing the poem to develop its central theme progressively and clearly. This structured presentation makes the poem easy to follow and digest, ensuring that each aspect of belief is given its own distinct space, contributing to the overall clarity and impact of the poem’s inspirational message.
In conclusion, “A Time to Believe” by B. J. Morbitzer is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for hope and resilience. Through its engaging use of anaphora, vivid imagery, profound symbolism, and accessible free verse structure, the poem delivers a timeless message: that belief is the cornerstone of a life filled with wonder, strength, and the realization of dreams. It serves as a beautiful reminder that within each of us lies the power to embrace new beginnings, overcome challenges, and cherish the precious gift of life, simply “If only we believe.”