Tuesday, April 19, 2016

A Heart to Heart

If by one simple act you could change the world for the better,
     would you do it?
Never mind the study and worthiness you think is required,
     do you dare to try?
If something seemingly small and insignificant could wash you clean
     like the deluge of a spring day in the desert,
     and then overfill your basket with the bounties of heaven
     would it cross your mind to investigate?
Or would you think it must be more complicated, and not even attempt an easy road?

Could a single person make a difference,
     give hope to the doubters
     and even cause the gods and angels to take notice?
If you gave heed and diligence to one principle
     would that be sufficient?
Would you spread the word if it worked?

Can one soul change the world... not just in a figurative sense,
     but quite literally?

Yes.
And that soul is you.

Now what are you waiting for?








Sunday, April 17, 2016

The Dream

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--
And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
Like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?


What happens to a dream engaged?

Does it take form
Like a rock washed from mud?

Or blossom
Like a flower from its bud?

Does it need permission to move?
Or let the motion carry
Like a needle in its groove?

I think they are now waiting to see
What type of dream it will be.

But that will depend on YOU (and me).

Friday, April 15, 2016

The True Order

At an altar, on a tower
Do these spots of prayer have power?
With a loved one? All alone?
In a cottage? On a throne?
What's the order? What is true?
- The answer is not where, but who!

- For your country, for your kin
- For fellowships... yes, all within!
- Pray for those who fill your heart
- Then perhaps you'll reach the start.

- But if you want to be a child
- Of God, your Father, meek and mild,
- You will bless the evil ones:
- Perdition's daughters and its sons.

- All the villains, all the foul,
- Those who cheat and those who prowl
- Enemies and cursing men
- Pray for them-- once and again!
- Like Daniel said, where e'er you stand
- Will then be holy, firm and grand!



Wednesday, April 13, 2016

The Mighty Prayer

I tell a story of doom and glory
The day they gave the prayer--
Some men were kneeling while the Damned were reeling
From how they acted there.

The Lord sent servants who were so fervent,
Their tongues were like a flame.
The first had power upon a tower
And Samuel was his name.

And then came others who taught their brothers
Of what would soon take place
When He had ended His work so splendid
To save the human race.

The Damned were fuming, their wrath consuming.
In anger did they shed
The blood of others. They fought their brothers,
And stoned them until dead.

Alas! Lamenting them not repenting,
The Damned, Earth's fury felt.
She burned the offending with fire, upending
The cities where they dwelt.

Not too long later a sermon greater
Than any other speech
Was then presented to those segmented
From the Damned's abusive reach.

The Lord directed the ones collected
Upon the temple grounds
To bless the vicious who were malicious
And to the earth brought down.

"You people hearing my word endearing
Are children of the few
Who saw the burning and water churning--
The prophets bold and true."

The angels guided the twelve provided
By Jesus (for the crowd)
To pray for healing and love. While kneeling
They said these words aloud:

"While they're abusers, we're not accusers.
Please bless the Damned and Shamed.
Oh Father hear us, come quickly near us!
We cry out in His name!"

The Father listened, their visage glistened
And Jesus voiced these words:
"You washed their spirit, I now revere it
And thank thee that thou heard."

-------------

You Gentiles under a curse, you wonder
"How shall we gather there,
In Zion to flourish, our hearts to nourish?"

The answer's in a prayer.

Monday, April 11, 2016

The Blessing

Oh! that they could see it.
The chance before their feet-
To summon all us lost ones,
And at the curtain meet.

Will charity surround them?
Will water turn to wine?
Will we become their purpose?
Will they their hearts refine?

Or will again the drinking
And feasting on the gift
Produce some selfish drunkards,
The curse not keen to lift?

I wonder as we suffer,
Confounded in the dark,
Can such a people hear us
And on our path embark?

Oh Lord, do not forget us!
Please help them all to see
That if they want to find you
They'll show us charity!

We seek to hear the offering
With hands laid on a head-
That through the living vessel
Comes blessings for the dead!