MONKEY TRAPS

MONKEY TRAPS

Sensuous luster of dew-sweet desire

Placed gingerly in a box with one goal.

A need? A want that's fueled by base ire?

It captures first sense, then heart, and then soul.

No lock or a key is used to entrap

Each monkey who comes so curiously

To win and take hold the fruit through the gap

With strength to rip it out furiously.

Their little monk-might then leaves them soon lax

To easily take them without surprise

And capture them quick with cords made of flax

And lead them away the rest of their lives.

Be wary my friends of these simian snares

Pay heed the shrewd tales of primates with pride

Disguised so subtle are the devil's wares

That'll cheat you of joy and trap you inside.

SPRING HAIKU OF A TESTIMONY MEETING

1 

Praying for a Soul 

Losing sleep each night, I weep:

"Lift her Heart, oh Lord!"

2

The Book of Mormon

Words to change our hearts and homes

And heal fractured faith

3

Through His Atonement

Those lost to me through Death's grip

Are loosed, found once more!

4

I can feel a love

In our community strong

Embraced by these truths

5

Deep impressions left

From words and deeds so small

We're profoundly touched

6

As His disciples

We feel His arms warm round us

Turn—Do thou also

7

Coincidences?

You deny God's hidden gifts?

Tender mercies laid.

8

Alabaster cloth

Pure upon the tokens lies

Veiling death and life

9

Blended family

Many children: yours and mine

One in Love and Christ

10

We wait to be sealed

In the Father's Temple pure

Bound eternally

11

We came as strangers

You welcomed us as your own

Sad, we leave, hearts filled.

12

Be not troubled, lambs

My tender flock in parched fields

Verdant vales await

13

I know Jesus lives!

Once an offered lamb for sin

Rose to heal the world

14

In a halcyon grove

Amid the umbrous maples

God and Son appeared