tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33187042419224819702024-02-19T07:09:47.767-08:00Vindication in VerseMy dad was a great inspiration in my life. After his passing, I was privileged to hold and read through many of his journals. One of the most precious pieces are his collection of personal poems. Poetry has always been an important part of my life. I set the goal to write a poem every week for a year. Here is my blog.Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-86978301893508790922024-02-15T09:30:00.000-08:002024-02-15T10:15:36.544-08:00PRAYFUL BEGINNINGS<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg31Dzzm4TswYr5MS-nxFKSqAV0gYce0mZfMmv5X6Q7HedUZz-ZvNhR2xaThgDeV4m480car2IW2Vfts3V9QxnGiV23K77ungaYwJ7zkcswoS3covhFeHvmyGe7Musq-fZvnOjj_Fbo_EjoaZmCVEBz9VBZwxPDPk-PSmx2O4ju2kxGQenWMOjC35kLH5U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg31Dzzm4TswYr5MS-nxFKSqAV0gYce0mZfMmv5X6Q7HedUZz-ZvNhR2xaThgDeV4m480car2IW2Vfts3V9QxnGiV23K77ungaYwJ7zkcswoS3covhFeHvmyGe7Musq-fZvnOjj_Fbo_EjoaZmCVEBz9VBZwxPDPk-PSmx2O4ju2kxGQenWMOjC35kLH5U" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">PRAYFUL BEGINNINGS</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Through humble prayer a boy conceived our creed </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To know from where the truth of God was found</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Beholding James' own words and from that seed</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Grew forth a faithful tree in fertile ground</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This boy so young, mere fourteen years of youth</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">In sacred forest grove went forth to plea</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To heaven's maker, knelt and asked for truth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Dispelled his doubts, and calmed his wav'ring sea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">His mortal words pierced through eternal veil</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To touched the ears of those supernal Lords.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Their glory shone, pure darkness did expel</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Appeared two beings as he looked heavenwards.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">"Behold, Dear Joseph," pointing to the One.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">"Give ear, to hear my sole begotten son."</span></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-43654398611692393032024-02-11T20:00:00.000-08:002024-02-11T20:00:31.671-08:00HEED THE CALL<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXpSPcWj3jx1La52A30MVTUMjoFoJtiTLY7wffcsilq5-gtY7kIjXLCdA_K7NpzSjEwrGPfk5Kv8mXJZ7MDP0sV14vPDatDTQEOloUBTJNcVR9XGAb7KEj9GpqQm1xWC8dLkbO7mQx0V8KzlgDwf23qOobS3LDFnceFWv5uXmst7xWTAQBNUa2ac-wdRY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXpSPcWj3jx1La52A30MVTUMjoFoJtiTLY7wffcsilq5-gtY7kIjXLCdA_K7NpzSjEwrGPfk5Kv8mXJZ7MDP0sV14vPDatDTQEOloUBTJNcVR9XGAb7KEj9GpqQm1xWC8dLkbO7mQx0V8KzlgDwf23qOobS3LDFnceFWv5uXmst7xWTAQBNUa2ac-wdRY" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">HEED THE CALL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Where doth the God of love and virtue send</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">His servant whom He cherished all the night</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">To mend the stalks, and drying roots to tend</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Within His fields that blossom blooms of white?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">To them who spin and toil thus apart</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And walk a burdened path through whetted rain</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">God sends His man with tools in hand and heart</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">To smoothe the spoke and lift the ladened chain.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">But as the brazen wheel so turns about</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Support is lent from every tine inside</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">That no lone man be shamed to turn and rout</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">But stand afirm with saged grace for guide.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Let help and aid come soon to whom travail,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Let called men heed, and may the Lord prevail.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div></div><p><br /></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-76541187620648816832023-12-30T22:51:00.000-08:002024-02-19T06:58:45.372-08:00TO BE LOVED<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAbmYkAOt7UKEuPZLuMhpxedFWokI4aKINRXqMZOgDErCbHy1oAHOFDn5ZhUlqZjFYeoh3GzJI8d-9uaJMdmiYqskvnN1OOttJcMiPbkN3cExd4oUmRkF-kmKxJaZAUhnqA865eWomVozvYXaU2Ttq_Wf4PALFjr56htqakBJh9ZiimTfCr3xWwKjGN28" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAbmYkAOt7UKEuPZLuMhpxedFWokI4aKINRXqMZOgDErCbHy1oAHOFDn5ZhUlqZjFYeoh3GzJI8d-9uaJMdmiYqskvnN1OOttJcMiPbkN3cExd4oUmRkF-kmKxJaZAUhnqA865eWomVozvYXaU2Ttq_Wf4PALFjr56htqakBJh9ZiimTfCr3xWwKjGN28" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>What does the soul when it is not loved?</p><p>What does the seed -- without the indulging embrace of cool wet dew upon her softened shell? </p><p>What does the marigold -- without the kiss of the golden sun upon her golden brow? </p><p>What does the meadow filled with wild heather -- without the gaze of one upon her beauty? </p><p>What does the fields of fragrant lavender hyssops -- without a breath of one to breathe her in? </p><p>What does a hill filled with trails lined of Indian-paintbrush -- without a foot to walk her paths?</p><p>What does the slopes of Camas lilies -- without a hand to run across her slender dew-filled petals?</p><p>What does a flower that is not cherished?</p><p>To be loved is to live; to fill and feel the measure of her creation.</p><p>To not be loved, is to wither slowly while she waits wishing and longing in silence for the sun to rise...</p><p>...But the sun remains unveiled.</p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-40520266348774266632023-11-19T14:25:00.000-08:002023-11-19T14:31:33.516-08:00SUNDAY SCHOOL HAIKU<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAspNL3evF0xpPWHWPwW8M8VkrCiAC_7Ne6d1MuasqtkjuDU_z-oRXnQaXRbpQbbeojWCrNneD8ectmgTLrXMlXQlqJmHLy1kOwXqqakmIYAR_Qfwirsz-i93509KyBD8fpoPyelJa0reS18ZW5dXUa4P6gS7273txQYZslw8nvB46FFc-W6eLbIeM0oI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAspNL3evF0xpPWHWPwW8M8VkrCiAC_7Ne6d1MuasqtkjuDU_z-oRXnQaXRbpQbbeojWCrNneD8ectmgTLrXMlXQlqJmHLy1kOwXqqakmIYAR_Qfwirsz-i93509KyBD8fpoPyelJa0reS18ZW5dXUa4P6gS7273txQYZslw8nvB46FFc-W6eLbIeM0oI=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">1</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"> Fire --- Its blaze to choose</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Speak! Inspire! Fuel heart's desire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Words define the perfect soul</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">2</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The tongue is a fire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">It can be dangerous at times</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">It can be controlled</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">3</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The tongue is a fire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">It is very good and bad</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Use it for good, please</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">4</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">When the tongue of fire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Is like a Storm in life's path</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The bit is to reign.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">5</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The tongue speaks good things?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Use tongue to become perfect!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The tongue speaks bad things?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">6</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Tongue of fire can</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Be good or bad just like fire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Can be a bad thing.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">7</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The tongue is fire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">A horse is very, very bridled</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Our tongue can be bridled</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">8</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">As the tongue of fire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">May and can spread wildly</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Be sure to speak truth</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">9</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Tongue and frontal lobe</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Working together as one</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Prevent a fire storm</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">10</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">The tongue is rudder</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Controls the body with words</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Good or bad can be.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">11</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Fire like tongues</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Tongues like ice</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Some good, some bad</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I taught a lesson today in Sunday School on James 3. We discussed that if we are desiring to seek the mastery over many things and move our way towards the perfection of God, we must also accept its consequences and possible condemnation if we fail. James states that the perfect man is able to not offend other. He declares that it is a small thing that controls the whole body for defilement or for divinity, this is the tongue. Our words are like the fire, both something that can destroy, demean, defile and denigrate others around us. But also like fire tongues can be used to warm, warn, give worth to, and make others feel wanted. How we choose to use our words? Will you choose to become the perfect man James speaks of?</span></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-21566283893194490292023-06-18T11:20:00.002-07:002024-02-12T12:49:19.886-08:00WILD WINDS<p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_-z08nnmzY5H4qZcd2YMAPjOXh2IQRAlCHWeS8Yfx4rT7q5OOjJ60AeITkE0zmoUD87J0GKJkwJiQiftEni66ZX4uKL8ffX_YetYXbBtmp-EJcCl32DL0_n6HrymUP9YA9DDi4r66wzKbrQHPnfX7By-q91RAldbdoe2NkX8bLoUD2Zaxs9Bu6yQs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="531" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_-z08nnmzY5H4qZcd2YMAPjOXh2IQRAlCHWeS8Yfx4rT7q5OOjJ60AeITkE0zmoUD87J0GKJkwJiQiftEni66ZX4uKL8ffX_YetYXbBtmp-EJcCl32DL0_n6HrymUP9YA9DDi4r66wzKbrQHPnfX7By-q91RAldbdoe2NkX8bLoUD2Zaxs9Bu6yQs" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Mael; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">W</span><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">ild </span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">W</span><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">inds</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">As Autumn's breath sweeps through the rustling trees,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The wind becomes an artist, brush in hand,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It paints with leaves in hues of red and gold,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Creating scenes that nature's heart expands.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And in the vibrant petals of the Spring,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The wind dances amidst the blooming fields,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It whispers secrets to the budding blooms,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And joyful fragrances, it gently yields.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">In Summer's golden light, the wind takes flight,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Caressing sun-kissed meadows with its grace,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It carries laughter on its playful wings,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Bringing warmth and joy to every place.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And when the Winter's snowflakes softly fall,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The wind weaves wonders in its icy reign,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It scatters flakes with whimsical delight,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Creating dreams on the frozen window pane.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Yet like the wind, you have your path to tread,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">With gifts that make the world a better home,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Leave traces of your artistry and grace.</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Embrace this journey, as the wind does roam,</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">But oh, how we hope that one fine day,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The wind may settle in the meadow's glow,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">To bring us once again the warm embrace,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Of breezes that bring joy, like long ago.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">May your artistic spirit find its rest,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And fill our lives with happiness anew,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">As wind finds solace in its gentle breeze,</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">May your gifts bring joy and inspiration, true.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Dad, 2023</span></span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>My oldest daughter is leaving to Girls' Camp. We were asked to write a letter to them from their parents. I created the above poem. When I think of Ambree, she reminds me of the wind. In many ways, everyone around her experiences her gifts and virtues, but she finds it hard to see them herself. As the wind, she is strong and determined. But also fluid and changing. I have great hopes for her, but I fear that I will never have enough influence on her direction. She is not like my other children. This causes me to worry the most about her. My prayer to her is that she return back to the meadow one day so that we all can experience her love and warmth.</i></span></span></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-52114299465984399982023-02-05T09:31:00.001-08:002023-02-05T09:34:14.901-08:00SUNDAY CHIASMUS #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.utracks.com/croppedimages/Europe/Italy/53f72a08ac776-Dolomites-477652-1100px.jpg?1557981656" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://www.utracks.com/croppedimages/Europe/Italy/53f72a08ac776-Dolomites-477652-1100px.jpg?1557981656" width="613" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">MY PLACE WITHIN HIS HEART</p><p>In song of praise I remember my God, for He, my Father in Heaven has not forgotten me and blesses me with good tidings. </p><p>In the hallows of his heart I have been placed, where I, his child am kept and beholden to this holy one. </p><p>This singular truth, that He knows me, helps me to walk along my path in life; each step I take in my journey reminds me that I am not forgotten, but I am seen by the keeper of all truth. </p><p>I rejoice in this, my personal journey, rejoicing in Him, for He rejoices in me and blesses me with power in each step. </p><p>And as I watch towards the horizons of my journey, I am learning that I do not walk alone, for others have been brought into my paths, intersecting; and though I may not know where they have been or the exact direction they must go, truth conveys to me how I may aid them to reach their sights beyond.</p><p>Christ's love for me grows stronger, as I aid those He has guided me to bless, and leads me to know His immense love and hope he has for all his children.</p><p>Sing with me, sing this praise to Him from mountains to the vales that you may know He has a part for you to play; in this great chorus of life our song is not sung alone, but heard among the hills and harmonized in the echoing halls of the valleys; so raise your hymn to Him, and sing with me in song.</p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-5995802276498304842022-12-03T14:54:00.004-08:002022-12-03T17:52:01.175-08:00POOR AND LOWLY<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/t1larg-presents.jpg?q=w_640,h_360,x_0,y_0,c_crop/w_800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/t1larg-presents.jpg?q=w_640,h_360,x_0,y_0,c_crop/w_800" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I never quite understood that year when father lost his job<br />His hope had fled, and replaced with fear in private he would sob<br />O mother knew she could find no way to lift him back to stand<br />I was so young in that bygone day, I couldn't understand</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I never saw behind doors closed tight or heard their prayers towards heav'n <br />But they would pray kneeling ev'ry night, to keep and bless us sev'n<br />We seven boys on their hearts took toll because of all our need<br />And weighed upon our poor father's soul for all the mouths to feed</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Remembered I of the pair of sneaks that year I'd worn and kept<br />Their soles had peeled from their glued down peaks and flopped each time I stepped<br />Just as my shoes was my father's mind whose soul was all undone<br />His head hung low and he felt confined, down trod and overrun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />My parents knew of the plight I bear and mine was not alone<br />Each brother mine they all had their share of clothes out worn and grown<br />The winter cold would bring Christmas soon, and all it's pressured strains<br />For gifts to buy, decorations strewn and paper countdown chains.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Each present bought was a dollar lost, each toy and gift felt wrong<br />It's hard to give when constrained by cost or join in the merriment throng<br />The Christmas joy of that year was low and dad had felt he failed<br />Just kids were we twas not hard to know that Old Saint Nick had bailed</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Our tree though dressed, had no look refine for we could not afford<br />No spuce or fir, just our plastic pine for seven years twas stored<br />The needles bare showed its life and use each branch had lost a few<br />It bore the marks from ingrained abuse its trunk stood quite askew</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And when we tacked on our star it took a bit of bailing string<br />That tied the base to prevent went shook the star to sway or swing<br />The ornaments simply made by hand from paper, twine and clay<br />Were hung about on each branch unplanned like only kids array</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Though young, I knew that when Christmas came the presents would be scant<br />A pair of socks and a fam'ly game, church shoes for me and Grant<br />For Ron they'd gift a small Lego set, for Kregg a knitted vest<br />The youngest three some cheap toys would get and clothes that'd been bequest.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> My friends at school they had quite the list for Santa's Elves to bring<br /> New He-Man figs with the action fist, Hulk Hogan's wrestling ring<br /> The GI-Joes and some under-roos with Bumblebee and Prime<br /> A Lazer tag and Air Jordan shoes, and Nickelodeon slime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And though I'd searched through Sears Roebuck's flier of all the toys to view<br />Afraid was I to list MY desire for fear it'd not come true<br />I didn't want to place burden on my mother or my dad<br />I hid my wants until they were gone, I threw out every ad</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />On Christmas eve I was looking bleak when mother tucked me in<br />She knew me well and began to speak of times that once had been<br />A couple poor who had journeyed far found nothing but a stall<br />To birth a child underneath a star, a king to save us all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And from the sands there came Wisemen too with gifts in tow to bring<br />They followed firm the new star so true until they found this king<br />And knelt with pride in the muck and hay presenting gifts and gold<br />No jolly elf or a deer drawn sleigh this story that she told.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It had no toys made up in the North through magic elven skills <br />But told of sheep being driven forth by shepherds in the hills<br />And in the night there came angel hosts foretelling of a son<br />The shepherds heard and they left their posts to seek this holy one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Surrounded there in the lowly stall with sheep and shepherds poor<br />This newborn child, the true king of all they bowed upon the floor<br />And praised his name God's begotten Lamb, the longed for Prince of Peace<br />Foretold by seers Jesse's Great I Am, from sins and death release.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />As mother told the familiar tale my mind was filled with ease<br />My fears left when I let God prevail and see the world He sees<br />I drifted peacef'lly dreaming dreams of that one night so prim<br />And when a star with its glorious beams led them all to him</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I woke and crept to our Christmas tree to find what Santa brought<br />And just as I had divined I'd see there wasn't quite a lot<br />The shiny shoes that I said I'd get, and candies in my sock<br />And as we played with Ron's Lego set there came a sudden knock.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"Delivery!" came from the door a shout, "On Christmas day?" We thought.<br />The mail was closed so we had to doubt so who to us had brought<br />A package tall stood beneath our stoop as large as you see me<br />Addressed to us it took all our troupe to bring it by our tree.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Who could have sent and what was inside? These thoughts began to pop<br />With one swift rip we had torn the side and opened up the top.<br />The box was filled with the newest toys from all those ads I'd seen<br />Each one addressed to us seven boys, and all were quite pristine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Some nerf gun sets and four Lazer tag, with which we could all play<br />Some He-man figs that at school I'd brag I'd gotten Christmas day<br />A jacket for every boy to wear which made our mother weep<br />Each present packed was thought out with care. Who knew us so darn deep?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Beneath the last there was placed a note we found it with much glee<br />Inside the card we read what was wrote, "To my dear friend Maralee,<br />Don't ask me how, but I thought of you when I prayed for peace one night<br />I could not shake what God said to do, through me he'd show his light.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Confused at first from my knees I rose this plan became my creed<br />A package full of the toys and clothes your seven boys would need<br />Accept these gifts from our hearts to yours to lift a bit of weight<br />From off your backs that you stay the course with love, Your old Roommate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />We looked around at the things she'd sent and couldn't imagine quite how.<br />Had she been shown how our year had went, or how things were just now?<br />That Christmas day though twas long ago has never left my mind.<br />A lesson learned so that I would know that God was ever kind</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />He came to earth in the humblest way, descent below all things<br />But rose from all in that glorious day to become the king of kings<br />He calls us forth, the poor, meek and frail to be more than we are<br />So may we pray to let God prevail and follow fast his star<br /></div>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-5819332511539481412022-11-10T09:46:00.004-08:002022-11-10T10:20:22.967-08:00SUNDAY CHIASMUS #1<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: courier;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: courier;"><a href="https://preview.redd.it/cgw3fwrrj4q61.jpg?auto=webp&s=34da0b53a380a092afefe2a7eae6a81a0fc6d237" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="409" src="https://preview.redd.it/cgw3fwrrj4q61.jpg?auto=webp&s=34da0b53a380a092afefe2a7eae6a81a0fc6d237" width="327" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: courier;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-size: medium; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;">SEERS THROUGH THE SANDS</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-family: courier;">From the journeys through the deserts dry, we thirst and thus are parched to desire the depths of wells that have been deserted long ago. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-family: courier;">We seek for questions from the heavens, toward the stars and clouds we turn our gaze and wonder. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-family: courier;">Yet, seeds of doubt from unanswered dreams are planted in our minds, thoughts that linger still with questions taking root of growing despair. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-family: courier;">But from the heavens answers will come to those that seek, and those that wait patiently to find; yes, true response shall soon appear as drops of refreshing rain from the sky. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-family: courier;">If you seek for peace, you shall be filled with cool refreshing rain, drops that calm and replenish to all who search for this solace.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white; font-family: courier;">Happiness groweth still in places parched and dry, wells still wet and full of rain, for God sendeth the seer, to be a guide among his people and leadeth us past the empty holes into which we could fall, but to find instead the oases of Joy amid the desert's dunes.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #001325; color: white;"><br /></span></p><div><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: white; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: none; letter-spacing: 0.1px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i style="background-color: #001325;">A <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiasmus" target="_blank">Chiasmus</a> is a type of Jewish poetry. It is used in other writings as well. Essentially, it is a style of rhetoric that takes multiple concepts in either a paragraph or full poem and repeats them in a reverse order, and in a different way. The above poem is written in a double chiasmus. Each line (prose) is written with internal chiasmus, while the full body also reflects a chiasmus, where prose 1 is repeated in prose 6, and prose 2 in prose 5, etc.</i></span></div>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-1797595925337002632022-08-04T19:18:00.010-07:002022-11-10T09:56:41.752-08:00CAMPFIRE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.overlandexpo.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/campfire-1493151033GIm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="800" height="283" src="https://www.overlandexpo.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/campfire-1493151033GIm.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The embers dim with each the passing hour</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And ebbs the darkness of the night far dour</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Come place another log upon our fire</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Abiding near its warm and rising spire</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Surrounded now with friendly faces greet</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To tell good tales, find comfort in her heat</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Come friend, come stranger step from out the night.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Draw closer friend that all may know the light.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">E'er stay amid the glowing coals and flames</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And in her pyre cast away your shames</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For like the branch the burning fires devour</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Each shame and weakness be exchanged for pow'r</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For here we're free to share and grow midst friends</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Forever changed like cind'ring ash ascends.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Come friend, come stranger cast away your plight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Draw closer friend and stay with us this night.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So place another log upon the fire</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And loose the ligatures of hate and ire</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Know well the comfort found in lofty praise</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And see the goodness scrying through her blaze.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Let not the darkness flood upon this light</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Her golden glow will push away the night.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Come friend, come stranger round the ring of flame.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Draw closer friend that all might know your name.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-53832665547546924332022-07-11T03:53:00.001-07:002022-07-11T18:04:11.272-07:00ACCRETION OF A PEARL<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo4GjB5FuyS0WEnO1mLlvl1GVCXSUIsh4rpWor_aAt50VC3q-MmVbnVkby1E0lNPu8S-OQr7mVH36y47vHvkV0KqaWx1VjdWgdC38aFfwOVjEqs9tQlCjW0_4XbcTLccuwPCAixAkrspvvntUDz5ARn_hdsPO3jYcS1YsxmY7OF8PN4P1IcweT4bbR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1100" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo4GjB5FuyS0WEnO1mLlvl1GVCXSUIsh4rpWor_aAt50VC3q-MmVbnVkby1E0lNPu8S-OQr7mVH36y47vHvkV0KqaWx1VjdWgdC38aFfwOVjEqs9tQlCjW0_4XbcTLccuwPCAixAkrspvvntUDz5ARn_hdsPO3jYcS1YsxmY7OF8PN4P1IcweT4bbR" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">A pearl needs no company, no
guidance, or a hand<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">To grow into a treasured gem, a
jewel that’s fine and grand<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pearl must not be released from in the dark
it dwells<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Until it has achieved its worth
inside the oyster’s shells<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">In darkness by itself it learns just
how to bloom and grow<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And does not need a polished speech
to be the shining show<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It started first as but a speck and
grew a nacre sheen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">From irritant to jewelry piece a prize
fit for a queen<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The rarity its birth invokes is unlike
any stone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">For gemstones grow in clusters, but
the pearl grows alone.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">May you always be our pearl. Believe in yourself. Even
though you are different from the rest, I want to know that you are not less
important. You have a luster about you that is great and glorious. People want be
around you, and want you to be around them. Always remember your worth!!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Keep doing your best this year. You will soon be the leader
of your pack. When you do, ensure that they run true. Aim for the mountain top!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">With Love,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dad</span></i><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-4396955058654441792022-04-18T22:15:00.002-07:002022-04-18T22:16:30.504-07:00EASTER CLUES<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixY8gxQS6odX4hj7YAnePtGWbkz4RZWF-Q6wZ7P5u2tWlhIhgUQXFNHXqYos4d-zeM5TmquNGl4SUFOJzDixRss0SqJkr0R--09oYYMeLpuMel7NtMhq0-eRzK9603BQn09KK3OZJfpviPL3Q1BQkbpy7_9LLH_X_9EfhvnG9W9AglEV3Cti4KV_oA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="746" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixY8gxQS6odX4hj7YAnePtGWbkz4RZWF-Q6wZ7P5u2tWlhIhgUQXFNHXqYos4d-zeM5TmquNGl4SUFOJzDixRss0SqJkr0R--09oYYMeLpuMel7NtMhq0-eRzK9603BQn09KK3OZJfpviPL3Q1BQkbpy7_9LLH_X_9EfhvnG9W9AglEV3Cti4KV_oA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><i>For Easter this year, I hid the kids baskets as usual, and left them these poems for clues on where to find them. I really like the third one. That was the last one I wrote. It carries with it a true Easter theme. I also like the whimsicalness of the fourth one. I tried to keep them all in the same meter. Can you guess where each basket was hidden?</i></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">So, can you make a guess to find the basket’s hiding place?</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Be quick not slow or else you’ll be the last one in this race</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Keep on the track to gain the prize you’ll win it in the end</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">If you can be an oil’d machine and not be on the mend</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Just keep your tank filled up for speed and not with sugar please</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">For sugar candy wears you down. Remember these two keys:</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">First, set a limit, ne’er exceed or else you’ll soon be fined</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">And always check the mirror to see reflections of behind</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">So find the basket with these clues and grip the handle tight</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">And hug the corners in the turns to make your knuckles white.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">A basket filled with candied eggs is just a place to keep</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Safely inside the grassy bin the eggs you soon will reap</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">You’ll store them then inside your can that’s emptied from the night</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Only to find you’re sickly green from every single bite.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">You read the label just to see the harmful mix galore</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Each candy sweet contains a bunch of things to make you sore</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">The things you eat are building blocks, the tools to help you grow.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Just eat the things that satisfy, the gas to make us go.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">They’ll make you tough to push and pull the trials in the test</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">And soon you’ll find you’ll mow right past the strongest of the best</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">The advent of the Easter morn a wondrous, splendid gift</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">That came to us all bundled up in doctrines set adrift</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">By prophesy and angels sent upon the Earth to sing</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">The praises of our Savior come, returning of the King</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Each letter written jot and pip predicted he would come</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">And so the heavens sounded horns, the hosts beat on the drum</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">They raised the flag for all to see the banner God unfurled</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Delivering the Earth from sins and cleansing all the world</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Two messengers proclaimed He’d wake and open up that box</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">And from the tomb came forth to us, now at the door he knocks.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Its fun to walk around the house and search for baskets hid</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">Behind the cushions we now step upon them like a kid</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">That pulled the pillows on the floor to bounce upon these lumps</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">And try so caref'lly not to touch the ground that gives us bumps</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">So place each cushion on your feet and careful where you walk</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">You do not wish to end up as an outline made in chalk.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">So lace each pillow tightly now and guard your living sole</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">The floor is lava you can see, avoid it is your goal!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">You’ll need the best protection from this flaming fiery floor</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">If you desire to reach the end and make it to the door.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-28993070924135757132021-11-14T12:43:00.001-08:002021-11-14T12:43:16.056-08:00BOY UPON THE WAVES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyxJzbNL0qISa3yPFMPY8C_JDtdxtG1kyA4bopWMfu7xhiig5vEAVLwWSSpgarWdtYt8e7HiZsjZ_oGW6whVtwnv758GnW47oG0csNJn8AwipSPKiJ72zJFZrZxxZvONt7uoDp-juSxg/s400/rowboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="400" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyxJzbNL0qISa3yPFMPY8C_JDtdxtG1kyA4bopWMfu7xhiig5vEAVLwWSSpgarWdtYt8e7HiZsjZ_oGW6whVtwnv758GnW47oG0csNJn8AwipSPKiJ72zJFZrZxxZvONt7uoDp-juSxg/s320/rowboat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Tossed upon the waves of sea</p><p>Holding fast to life's last breath</p><p>Rowing strong that all might be</p><p>Delivered from the hand of Death</p><p><br /></p><p>This boy who rowed until his last</p><p>He was unknown until he died</p><p>Yet left behind there was a past</p><p>A mother on a shore that cried</p><p><br /></p><p>"My son, my cherished little boy</p><p>He left my side so young and quick</p><p>To seek a dream and chase a joy</p><p>But left behind his mother sick.</p><p><br /></p><p>"Return to me, my boy so dear</p><p>Let not the sea e'er own your soul</p><p>For she's a power that I doth fear</p><p>She'll take my heart and leave a hole.</p><p><br /></p><p>"Remember this, my plea, my cry</p><p>And come straight back into my arms</p><p>And fight for life you must not die</p><p>I pray your soul be free from harms."</p><p><br /></p><p>This prayer was dashed upon the waves </p><p>That battered keel and tore our sail</p><p>And sent this crew to wat'ry graves</p><p>And drove a mother's heart to fail.</p><p><br /></p><p>This boy a youth to Sea had gone</p><p>But lane before us in this hour</p><p>Now lies a man for all he's done</p><p>He broke the chains of youth's trite pow'r </p><p><br /></p><p>A silent word let us now pay</p><p>Reminding us of lives He blest</p><p>Beneath these trees in dirt and clay</p><p>His body worn and laid to rest.</p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-82953903117640802102021-11-01T23:03:00.001-07:002021-11-01T23:03:25.385-07:00NEVER WANTED<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroCq6TsIaxzl25msXLJU2U_ESwImz45Z_GnB2Jx7cNzMNH_dIQbLqzS6IdVlhpVsTPie0ZXhf-b1gp1o0gZqhqRceLpxk1CisI3xgwttKdn7oXofitHT6HhD82ZQC8uUdFwndE6btMvk/s1049/1520126058207.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1049" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroCq6TsIaxzl25msXLJU2U_ESwImz45Z_GnB2Jx7cNzMNH_dIQbLqzS6IdVlhpVsTPie0ZXhf-b1gp1o0gZqhqRceLpxk1CisI3xgwttKdn7oXofitHT6HhD82ZQC8uUdFwndE6btMvk/s320/1520126058207.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>A bowlful of over ripe bananas sit upon the table browning.</p><p>They wilt as the house grows warm with icky heat.</p><p>Once each fruit was fresh and golden with bright peels to behold</p><p>Now, they are reduced to a sad and weeping, diminishing mess </p><p>They were never wanted.</p><p><br /></p><p>Placed once as new desirable fruit upon the countertop </p><p>Lain thoughtfully, but now left to rot and be forgotten. </p><p>But, they just won't leave the mind. They stubbornly remain.</p><p>The pungent aura of their dying aroma cry out</p><p>To your nose to remember them, to not forget them. </p><p>This smell bleeds into the bowl in a visceral ooze of dirty yellow and brown ichor.</p><p>They were never wanted.</p><p><br /></p><p>Tiny flies buzz around the corners of your vision,</p><p>Drawn to the forgotten's smell like pilgrims to a futile quest.</p><p>They are lost to your focus fleeting away as annoyingly as they came. </p><p>They bring shear pittance of their pathetic worthlessness. </p><p>They were never wanted!</p><p><br /></p><p>You pass the fruit bowl by, and for a moment are reminded of their onceler's worth.</p><p>You forget in that brief second the flies, the stench, the decay,</p><p>And think upon their possibilities and purpose that they could serve.</p><p>A moist loaf of bread? A decadent aromatic banana cake?</p><p>They were never wanted?</p><p><br /></p><p>But the depressing reminder of your diet and weight now burdens. </p><p>The contemplation of the exhausting time to bake and create overwhelms.</p><p>The sweating heat needed from the oven is a sorrowing vision. </p><p>These thoughts cause you to turn away from these fruits forlorn.</p><p>They were never wanted.</p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-39516100242509634802021-10-03T10:11:00.001-07:002021-10-03T10:11:28.052-07:00Rime of the Portentous Albatross<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bVLrhInnBgvHOmR1R45oObr7LsFhpGhrV8YhW68NClcEbw0B9_ITvGpTrSCrPbO9P9Qhji9agOU0V7mzcOraH6DxLMyT26mZDVk4QP16jY33AExazHEux47FNpkInpIZSnCjAuX4J0E/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bVLrhInnBgvHOmR1R45oObr7LsFhpGhrV8YhW68NClcEbw0B9_ITvGpTrSCrPbO9P9Qhji9agOU0V7mzcOraH6DxLMyT26mZDVk4QP16jY33AExazHEux47FNpkInpIZSnCjAuX4J0E/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Aloft a cliff amid the crags</p><p>High above the mist and foam</p><p>A nest of Albatross well made</p><p>A place of heart and home</p><p><br /></p><p>Three wiley chicks beneath the breast</p><p>Shelter 'neath their mother's down</p><p>Watched out upon the sea's horizon</p><p>As the sun from sea did crown</p><p><br /></p><p>For father Albatross had gone</p><p>A fishing through the cold dark night</p><p>And hadn't still returned to them</p><p>To make their hearts aright.</p><p><br /></p><p>As morning burst like floom of whale</p><p>Spouting forth in gold array</p><p>A sadness there could be felt</p><p>That push their hopes away.</p><p><br /></p><p>"Mother, dear, will Father come</p><p>And sing to us His song of praise</p><p>To give us food and sustenance </p><p>Our hearts he'll warmly raise?</p><p><br /></p><p>"Will he upon the winds return</p><p>And settle what was gone and lost</p><p>Or has the sea in frigid apathy</p><p>Shroud him in her fog and frost?"</p><p><br /></p><p>"O children mine, your tears are heard </p><p>Blossoms of my bosom, dears,</p><p>Fret neither on these worries wrought</p><p>Nor on these night borne fears.</p><p><br /></p><p>"For lo thy father Albatross </p><p>Is wise and strong of wing</p><p>He'll fly for days and through the nights</p><p>On ocean breeze he's king.</p><p><br /></p><p>"No stronger bird can fly as he</p><p>And though the sea with weathered wrath</p><p>Her torrent and her mighty gales </p><p>Can't change his course or path.</p><p><br /></p><p>"And all the birds that float the mists</p><p>And all fish who swim the waves</p><p>Give homage to the Albatross</p><p>Who guards them from their watery graves.</p><p><br /></p><p>"So look up through the mist when lost</p><p>Appearing there a gift so grand</p><p>The Albatross is God's true sign</p><p>That soon you'll find you're safe on land."</p><p><br /></p><p>And so the nested mother kind</p><p>Willed her chicks with care</p><p>And spun the tales of sea and sky</p><p>In hopes she'd stave despair.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yet all the while her heart did ache</p><p>For truth of monsters of the sea</p><p>Drew vividly inside her mind</p><p>Of demon ships and foul chanty</p><p><br /></p><p>For known unto the Albatross</p><p>Were all the creatures far and wide </p><p>And only one was vile enough</p><p>From which the wise did hide.</p><p><br /></p><p>These malovent demon clans</p><p>They rode atop the sea and waves</p><p>In barges made from oak and pitch</p><p>Their oily trail the sea depraves</p><p><br /></p><p>They call themselves the sons of God</p><p>And tall they stand with pride filled chests</p><p>With every breath contemptuously </p><p>Expelling rot from in their breasts.</p><p><br /></p><p>Anon one wretch from this clan</p><p>Will lure an unsuspecting bird</p><p>With treatise of some help they need</p><p>In kindly deed and word.</p><p><br /></p><p>Against their better judgment's guide</p><p>Alas an Albatross will bend</p><p>With heart atip their outstretched wings</p><p>A kindly hand they'll lend</p><p><br /></p><p>But monsters are they til the last</p><p>And they'll betray the kindly act</p><p>With cheating greed and hungered vice</p><p>They'll break a sacred pact.</p><p><br /></p><p>And so this mother bird her chicks</p><p>Gathered with her wing real close</p><p>More for her to bouy her up</p><p>While fearful thoughts engross</p><p><br /></p><p>As the orb of day arose</p><p>The Albatross king's bride</p><p>Spied o'erhead a snowy Owl </p><p>The dire sign the king had died.</p><p><br /></p><p>And with the dire snow white Owl</p><p>Came cold a misty breeze</p><p>From far beyond the warm stream sea</p><p>Her tears instantly did freeze</p><p><br /></p><p>The Northern gale a fury brought</p><p>To chide the mother bird</p><p>And laugh the sorrow of her loss</p><p>Upon the gusts she heard,</p><p><br /></p><p>"Your love is dead, the Albatross</p><p>Shot through his heart in vain</p><p>By crossbow's bolt did pierce him there</p><p>And shot by hand of men!"</p><p><br /></p><p>The Northern gale echoed twice</p><p>And thrice the chiding came</p><p>With each her heart did brake in twain</p><p>And chose the monstrous men to blame.</p><p><br /></p><p>Then with the pleas rare ever heard</p><p>Cursed the sky this grief struck bird</p><p>And prayed to Sea and Sky and a Third</p><p>For vengeance of her pain now stirred</p><p>Upon the men whose vice had spurred</p><p>Her Albatross in sea interred</p><p><br /></p><p>The Northern gale took pity on</p><p>The mother Albatross's plea</p><p>And with its breath impressed the gods</p><p>Convincing Sky and Sea</p><p><br /></p><p>The Sky his stars hid from view</p><p>The monstrous mariners made blind</p><p>Not one could navigate the way</p><p>Their precious homes shant find</p><p><br /></p><p>The Sea too showed obeisance with</p><p>The stopping of her breath</p><p>No wind blew there to fill their sails</p><p>An omen emanating death</p><p><br /></p><p>And lo the men in vile form</p><p>Turned one upon the other</p><p>All invoke their baser id</p><p>And tried to kill their brother.</p><p><br /></p><p>Just as the Sea and Sky reposed</p><p>Their vengeful lack of aid</p><p>One mariner was left alive </p><p>The Albatross he'd slayed</p><p><br /></p><p>Brought back to land to spend his days</p><p>E'er going from here to there</p><p>To tell his fateful tale of pain</p><p>His Albatross to bear.</p><p><br /></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-1946338594545581002021-05-16T14:00:00.006-07:002021-05-16T14:11:12.340-07:00MONKEY TRAPS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKc9M30Eol2XDHTOvFeiDLzjCBH_vsk5MUEJ0_mOTVwDm1fiUh1ctBSoCvNQF4MaUOnNCTONtEeJCCFD3JRo2iIkqETdemvbfOjgrSYdnB9IEwc2R91V0hxT5XTVrZnwa13_FAWzwJAI/s396/monkey1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: courier;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKc9M30Eol2XDHTOvFeiDLzjCBH_vsk5MUEJ0_mOTVwDm1fiUh1ctBSoCvNQF4MaUOnNCTONtEeJCCFD3JRo2iIkqETdemvbfOjgrSYdnB9IEwc2R91V0hxT5XTVrZnwa13_FAWzwJAI/s320/monkey1.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">MONKEY TRAPS</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sensuous luster of dew-sweet desire</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Placed gingerly in a box with one goal.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">A need? A want that's fueled by base ire?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It captures first sense, then heart, and then soul.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">No lock or a key is used to entrap</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Each monkey who comes so curiously</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">To win and take hold the fruit through the gap</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">With strength to rip it out furiously.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Their little monk-might then leaves them soon lax</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">To easily take them without surprise</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And capture them quick with cords made of flax</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And lead them away the rest of their lives.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Be wary my friends of these simian snares</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Pay heed the shrewd tales of primates with pride</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Disguised so subtle are the devil's wares</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">That'll cheat you of joy and trap you inside.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-49406922149994111142021-05-03T09:27:00.003-07:002021-05-03T09:31:43.072-07:00SPRING HAIKU OF A TESTIMONY MEETING<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2d/be/c3/2dbec37a5b53f63456ed3d09ec31ddad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="539" height="400" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2d/be/c3/2dbec37a5b53f63456ed3d09ec31ddad.jpg" width="269" /></a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>1</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Praying for a Soul </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Losing sleep each night, I weep:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">"Lift her Heart, oh Lord!"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>2</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The Book of Mormon</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Words to change our hearts and homes</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And heal fractured faith</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>3</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Through His Atonement</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Those lost to me through Death's grip</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Are loosed, found once more!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>4</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I can feel a love</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">In our community strong</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Embraced by these truths</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>5</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Deep impressions left</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">From words and deeds so small</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">We're profoundly touched</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>6</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">As His disciples</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">We feel His arms warm round us</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Turn—Do thou also</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>7</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Coincidences?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">You deny God's hidden gifts?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Tender mercies laid.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>8</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Alabaster cloth</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Pure upon the tokens lies</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Veiling death and life</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier;">9</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Blended family</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Many children: yours and mine</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">One in Love and Christ</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier;">10</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">We wait to be sealed</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">In the Father's Temple pure</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Bound eternally</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier;">11</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">We came as strangers</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">You welcomed us as your own</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sad, we leave, hearts filled.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier;">12</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Be not troubled, lambs</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My tender flock in parched fields</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Verdant vales await</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier;">13</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I know Jesus lives!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Once an offered lamb for sin</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Rose to heal the world</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier;">14</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">In a halcyon grove</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Amid the umbrous maples</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">God and Son appeared</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-36568834550279229452021-03-28T09:03:00.007-07:002021-03-28T09:10:57.549-07:00GOD'S ARMOR<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ObizkcnnbSD2HmPdLymAdOtfli3HAcZDD7G3u1R-wBZH2cEEXeyabgYzUMZ6NP0UQrtdp_ijqVknXbLf1h67uxpyD8TfviNX2rIwJF4X4rNRMu39CGZQVu72levxIfBvJS8gP-y3g9o/s750/5ad6b24b52e196f8e62e96e931edd493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ObizkcnnbSD2HmPdLymAdOtfli3HAcZDD7G3u1R-wBZH2cEEXeyabgYzUMZ6NP0UQrtdp_ijqVknXbLf1h67uxpyD8TfviNX2rIwJF4X4rNRMu39CGZQVu72levxIfBvJS8gP-y3g9o/s320/5ad6b24b52e196f8e62e96e931edd493.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">GOD'S ARMOR</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Lift up your hearts. This day rejoice!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Gird up your loins. Hear heaven's voice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">It speaks to us, to our hearts, our core,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">"Protect thyself with God's armor."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The evils all around us whirl,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Whate'er the devil's demons hurl</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">God's armor whole, it will help withstand</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Protected sure by God's own hand.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">With confidence do all thou must</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To stand against the lunge and thrust</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Of evil's sword, stratagems and plot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To gain your ground, and win what's fought.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This armor whole the Lord proposed</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Of many parts it is composed</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To guard your frame, and most vital parts:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Thy head and loins, thy feet and heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Your head, a vault of precious thought</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">That minions want to warp and wrought.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Strap on the helm of salvation sure</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To keep your mind and precepts pure</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Your loins, a sign we can partake</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">In God's own pow'r to create and make.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Ensure the loins, they are girt with truth</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To bloom in age, preserved in youth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Your feet when planted point your way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Desiring demons prod and sway.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Resist you must with your feet now shod</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">With preparations, truths of God.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Your heart, the source of life's intents</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The devil wants in twain to rent</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The breastplate strong, forged of righteousness</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Will stave his shearing strains that stress.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Against the vile you need a shield</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To block their fiery darts' unyield.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So choose to bear the true shield of faith.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">From their barrage you'll be unscathed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">When you are called to strike the foe</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">You'll need a blade to bring them low</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Take up the sword of the Spirit's light</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Poured down from God 'pon those that fight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Let armor whole about you gird</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And ever heed His holy word.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Committed angels to you are bound</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">When where He is you too are found.</span></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-21801601290919078752021-03-23T12:21:00.004-07:002021-03-23T18:05:10.945-07:00HONKY TONKY MICROPHONE <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sb5Pg9srYJpybHPyBlwM-MwPWxfqunmGhBmRrDah5FA7WzQJHIyXk7QRTqoAx6LPDK9iU_lQnOy-SSL71Y42d4D36aSfPn0CHPOvDlcbqX41K40BVKxf4x9VoapHjZAME8jZ8Z7k_44/s700/smoky-vintage-microphone-scott-norris.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sb5Pg9srYJpybHPyBlwM-MwPWxfqunmGhBmRrDah5FA7WzQJHIyXk7QRTqoAx6LPDK9iU_lQnOy-SSL71Y42d4D36aSfPn0CHPOvDlcbqX41K40BVKxf4x9VoapHjZAME8jZ8Z7k_44/s320/smoky-vintage-microphone-scott-norris.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HONKY TONKY MICROPHONE </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Upon a lonely concert stage, </p><p>Such solely stood a microphone.</p><p>Its singing soul was hushed and still</p><p>Its voice now quiet, so dispone.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yet once, this mic had buzzed and chimed.</p><p>Before, twas rich in pitch and tone.</p><p>It sang the songs and lullabies</p><p>In keys of bass and baritone.</p><p><br /></p><p>Electric blues it belted well</p><p>And from its soul sang tunes well-known.</p><p>Transducers in its housing rang</p><p>A thund'rous sound of megaphone</p><p><br /></p><p>A jailhouse rocking, hound dogs, too,</p><p>And fools rush in while wise men moan,</p><p>Blue Christmases and lonesome nights</p><p>On which was sung this microphone.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yet, from its mouth it praised God too</p><p>Through singing hymns of peace renown.</p><p>And softly beckoned to we lambs</p><p>To join God's flock, kneel at His throne.</p><p><br /></p><p>Its twangy hum was soft and sweet</p><p>To calm the hearts with overtone.</p><p>And asked so tender with its call:</p><p>Remember He who did atone.</p><p><br /></p><p>For this old mic was just a means</p><p>Through which the Master's light was shone.</p><p>This metal vessel silent now</p><p>Perfection mastered on love's hone</p><p><br /></p><p>Not all the crooners treated well</p><p>This mic and stand, such we bemoan.</p><p>But still this mic to each a chance,</p><p>Forgave each drop, and squeal condone.</p><p><br /></p><p>Each singer through this mic had sung</p><p>And with each concert it had grown.</p><p>Despite the treatment it withstood</p><p>Through cracks and dents became its own.</p><p><br /></p><p>And now the mic and stand stood still</p><p>Upon that stage, so aged, alone</p><p>A wire here and there were frayed</p><p>Its amplifier gave no tone.</p><p><br /></p><p>Solemn the sight of which was seen</p><p>Of low was brought this microphone</p><p>To stand upon this stage so drear</p><p>And could not give a buzz or groan.</p><p><br /></p><p>Could this old sav'ry can once more</p><p>To life give harmony through song?</p><p>Would ever with sweet melody</p><p>Should raise a crowd to sing along?</p><p><br /></p><p>Fear not, oh child, for such is called</p><p>For here in life are we on loan,</p><p>A borrowed piece from heaven's halls</p><p>When due is called we're herald'd home.</p><p><br /></p><p>And there amid the gilded shop</p><p>Of golden wires and rhinestone</p><p>To life renewed He'll work upon</p><p>This honky tonky microphone.</p><p><br /></p><p>So shall it sing the songs once more</p><p>To croon and warble, hum and moan.</p><p>And never more shall this mic drop,</p><p>But ever charged with joys unknown.</p><div><br /></div><p><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br /><br /></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-21312242823840569432021-01-03T11:41:00.004-08:002021-01-03T11:47:41.129-08:00LIBERTY -- OVER TEA<h2 style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.history.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_768/MTY1ODI1MjU5NjQ2MjMxNjQ1/boston-tea-party-gettyimages-514890446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="255" src="https://www.history.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_768/MTY1ODI1MjU5NjQ2MjMxNjQ1/boston-tea-party-gettyimages-514890446.jpg" width="455" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; text-align: center;">LIBERTY — OVER TEA</b></span></h2><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Liberty! We call for LIBERTY!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Down with this tax upon our tea</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">No British tax in our colony</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Where our voice and vote are absentee</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">That does not bear our own decree</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">With such is a tax we disagree</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Rise up all ye Sons of Liberty!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Freedom now! We demand to be free!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Down with King George and the Monarchy</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">March in the night down to Boston’s quay</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Faces disguised as Mohawk and Cree</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Throw all their crates of tea in the sea</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Rebellion is brewing this I foresee</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Rise up and make our country be free!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Courier; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">My son had an assignment in school to present a diorama and synopsis of an event in the Revolutionary War. He chose the Boston Tea Party. I decided to take some of those events and write a quick poem</span></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-46123659124061916592020-12-01T19:48:00.003-08:002020-12-01T20:00:07.359-08:00WHITE CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vKjOOIZTU5rGHUhYLEkDhY4IIjER3dJclm4YbXymre4D0cHIQBc1qsJMBJAYMe70wK2xUHeUoTchk0tJUWpG6xGQWio2VrRzh5Xt-aYDrc72oL3YzdstU3-ztaUnaNPb3abpQ8psMFM/s825/22147701ac96e319c49941cf03438407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="825" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vKjOOIZTU5rGHUhYLEkDhY4IIjER3dJclm4YbXymre4D0cHIQBc1qsJMBJAYMe70wK2xUHeUoTchk0tJUWpG6xGQWio2VrRzh5Xt-aYDrc72oL3YzdstU3-ztaUnaNPb3abpQ8psMFM/s320/22147701ac96e319c49941cf03438407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Before my parents passed away, my brothers want to sing them a tribute Christmas song. Dad's mom's (Corabel) favorite croner was Bing Crosby, so it was no surprise we chose <i>White Christmas. </i>My youngest brother Levan was excited to write an arrangement for four men's voices that we would all double up on. I wanted to also put my mark on it. I added two more verses to the song. Here are those lyrics:</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">WHITE CHRISTMAS </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm dreaming of a white Christmas </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Just like the ones I used to know </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Where the treetops glisten, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And children listen </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To hear sleigh bells in the snow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm dreaming of a white Christmas </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">With every Christmas card I write. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">May your days be merry and bright, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And may all your Christmases be white. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm dreaming of a white Christmas </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Everyone 'round the Christmas tree</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Where we sing the carols </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Of angel heralds </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And hymns sung with jubilee. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Don't tell me they're all out of sight! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">May our hopes be merry and bright, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And may all our Christmases be white.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm dreaming of a white Christmas </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For all the children far and near. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So let <i>Ever After </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Be<i> </i>filled with laughter</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And joy of little ones so dear.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm dreaming of a white Christmas </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">With every loved one I hold tight. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">May their dreams be merry and bright, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And may all their Christmases be white.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p>We never got to sing this for Mom and Dad before they were gone. Nevertheless, the feelings of togetherness and the desire to be united are still strong. My hope is that we cherish each moment together with those we hold dear. Just as the flash of a golden sunbeam can melt away the perfect crystalline form of a snowflake, or the heat of coming spring can take away the white blankets of snow, so too can life steal away what truly makes a white Christmas, those precious moments with perfectly imperfect people most important to us. May your moments be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.</p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-47222676259619657432020-09-14T00:22:00.012-07:002023-02-14T18:09:53.504-08:00PRIDE<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UooYjSmpotbz6nH_AL6expNXAcTj85lUoSN9N0eGP8-_DHtSPhvEwTSvyOmdktqNRqoeKR4vNs9JnKyZ51rj6ogJoYdYJqursOhjJ5WGPGU55DPCvjHyAWhI9SAPmkmvepjwTo477MY/s275/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UooYjSmpotbz6nH_AL6expNXAcTj85lUoSN9N0eGP8-_DHtSPhvEwTSvyOmdktqNRqoeKR4vNs9JnKyZ51rj6ogJoYdYJqursOhjJ5WGPGU55DPCvjHyAWhI9SAPmkmvepjwTo477MY/s0/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Straight and steady is the soul of she who walks in trust</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of that God with whom her heart, yea, knows is kind and just.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Infinite His goodness gives, and prospers all who turn</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">From their pride of falsehoods now, and towards His feet to learn.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">But we see the heart is fickle, changing with the ease of gifts</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Given from a God who's giving. From our lowly lives He lifts.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Gold and silver, every kind of gilded art and precious piece,</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Fields and flocks and herds of plenty doth to us the Lord increase,</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sparing lives, delivering, and softening the savage heart</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Of the men who would do war, and fight to tear our world apart.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">All of this is done in love. But do we hastily repay this debt?</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Nay! Instead's the time that hearts congeal and quick the Lord forget</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Quashing 'neath their brazen feet like reeds beneath the blazen sun,</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Ease of wealth doth wither souls to trample down the Holy One.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Thus we see except the Lord doth choose to chasteneth and chide</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">With afflictions, even death His people bloat swell more with pride</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">They'll remember not their God and turn away towards sinful ways</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">O, how foolish, vain, and quick, these harken to the devil's praise</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Wisdom's paths are far removed they trust just in their own device.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Proudly boasting in their sins and slow to heed the Lord's advice.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">"No one rules my life!" they cry unto their Lord who formed their soul</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">With distain and frenzied minds they thrash away from God's control.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">False is this belief, dear child, and foul's the beast from which supplied </div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Feeding endlessly this wretch upon our envies and our pride</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">More it wants and more it takes till in the darkness we are lost.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Fooled to think we've mastered life and destiny, but at what cost?</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Pride's your master, O deceived, and steers your course to reef and waves</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Tears asunder, sinks your ship, then drags you down to lonely graves.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">O how great the nothingness, ye children from the dust you're made</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">By God's Word your dust was formed, and by His Word your course was laid.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Stray not from His mighty voice, for 'tis the same commandeth all.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Hills and mountains cannot stand, against His voice they break and fall.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Brought down low made smooth as sand, and with one word raised up again,</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Yea, commanding heavens and the earth. Then can He do the same for man?</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Can He raise you up to be a saint who's better than this dust?</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Can He take away pride's curse and help you live a life of trust?</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Blessed are they who heed God's voice, repenting of iniquity</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Grace for grace are they restored, and saved from grips of pride, set free.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">But we read, despite this truth, men's hearts are fickled still in doubt.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Come the great and final day, there's some who'll choose to be cast out.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Misery shall be their choice, a cursed and evil endless fate</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">But to they who worketh good, a blessed and everlasting state.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Thus it is in days of old, and thus will be as prophesied,</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Blessed is she who walks in trust whose soul with God is freed from pride.</div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">This poem is inspired by the 12th chapter of Helaman. Mormon places a conjecture following the ministry of Nephi, and preceeding the prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite. It is a very powerful chapter. It reminded me of today, and the atmosphere I am seeing.</div></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-66393859779136849832020-04-12T23:32:00.000-07:002020-04-12T23:32:11.764-07:00TROLL CHILDThough your faces is one reviled<br />
With pustules all that ooze<br />
Do not fear my little troll child<br />
Your mother still loves you.<br />
<br />
Your teeth inside your gaping maw<br />
So frightens all to leave<br />
But sweet troll mothers have no flaw<br />
As you cry upon her sleeve.<br />
<br />
Don't worry troll with ugly grace<br />
Be full of cheer this day<br />
Your mother dear will love your face<br />
And will not turn away<br />
<br />
Take comfort trolly child beast<br />
And do not cry and bawl<br />
For mothers aren't like them at least<br />
They love you warts and all.<br />
<br />
You're clumsy and ungainly<br />
Your smells cause us to veer<br />
But mothers act humanely<br />
She treasures you so dear<br />
<br />
You are repulsive in your lair<br />
A cleanly troll you ain't<br />
Your mama cleans your underwear<br />
So cherished by this saint<br />
<br />
Silly poem about a mother's love for her troll sonJaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-12373424950081132682020-04-10T19:43:00.002-07:002020-04-10T19:43:36.711-07:00BEHOLD THE MIGHTY GILDROBehold the mighty Gildro<br />
Who's never lost a fight<br />
He crushed the orcs of Sildro<br />
And smashed their champion knight<br />
<br />
He ripped the dragon Kurath<br />
With hands upon his throat<br />
He torn its tail with kill wrath<br />
And drowned him in the mote.<br />
<br />
He stopped the hordes of Angmar<br />
And scared the witch to death<br />
He left a gruesome face scar<br />
With just his fearsome breath<br />
<br />
Another silly poem about our D&D campaign. I cast a Bardic InspirationJaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-16978557386152340082020-04-10T19:06:00.001-07:002020-04-10T19:16:33.407-07:00GILDRO GIANTGildro took the pill blue<br />
And grew and grew and grew<br />
To match the hulk and mass<br />
Of trolls to kick their "grass"<br />
<br />
The growth swelled up his trunk<br />
With muscles of a hunk<br />
His chin grew big and square<br />
His chest was thick with hair<br />
<br />
His fists grew big as rocks<br />
His feet torn through his socks<br />
His legs were size of trees<br />
That made his walk with ease<br />
<br />
The magic blessed this thief<br />
To make him buff and beef<br />
Made his voice be loud<br />
But left him unendowed<br />
<br />
Another silly poem that I made for by brother's character a dwarven thief/rogue who used a spell to grow really big and battle a Rock TrollJaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318704241922481970.post-37633885389528259672020-04-10T18:40:00.001-07:002020-04-10T18:40:48.923-07:00GILDRO AND THE BARD<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">♫ </span>Gildro and the Bard, Ed,<br />
Come to save your life<br />
Entering the dark cave<br />
Wielding lute and knife<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">♫</span>A stab to their jewels<br />
The sneaky rogue prevails<br />
A song for their hearts<br />
The bard just epic fails<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">♫</span>Warring duo we<br />
Are come to save the day<br />
With lute and blade abreast<br />
Will make those elfers pay!!<br />
<br />
This is a silly poem I wrote in our D&D campaign.Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01727417965239289577noreply@blogger.com0