Tag: Faith

‘Use It To Be It’

What ‘Not’ To Do When It Comes To Your Past!

A sample from Book 8

 Use It To Be It
  
 it happened‒ 
look back there
 once, twice, thrice
 ‒don’t stay there
  
 turn that wayward stare
 towards something rare
  
 turn that experience
into deliverance
  
 he may have gotten you
clouded your view‒
 that hidden abuse
that traditional muse
  
 demanding traits of you
 change your clothes
 ‒that too
so subtle, so quiet
  
 you went along
 after all‒ 
you had a home
 someone
to call your own
  
 time ticks
‘til matters click
 change comes quick
  
 only for you‒
  
 he’s his own game
inside...the same
 hiding from you
 ‘til open...wide
clear becomes the view
  
 you fell hard
 that knife
beyond sharp
  
 but here you are
 wearing
a survivor’s star
 wondering‒ 
lies where
your somewhere
  
 from back there
turn that clouded stare
 ‒things begin to clear  

 don’t put that past
totally in the rear
  
 take it‒ 
use it with class
 bettering you
pave an avenue
  
 ‒there’s no excuse
 only you
had the view
  
 share it‒
 help others
overcome it, too
  
 that place
out there
 elevates
what he tried to kill
  
 now
you’re headed somewhere
 while
he’s stuck back there
  
 there’s nothing to it‒
 it’s just fair
  
 his childish control
 becomes
   your gold
Continue reading “‘Use It To Be It’”

‘Pity-Party Me Not’

Don’t Fall To the Devil’s Trap and Lose Yourself to Pity!

A sample from Book 8

 Pity-Party Me Not
  
 save your grace
 ‒me crying in your face
 maybe it's best to walk away‒
 not have your good spirits replaced
 with my selfish-daunting embrace
  
 don't let me crowd your space
 in a lost self-pitying race
 I have to find my way
 backward steps
not to trace
 get up
move forward‒ 
there's a dream to chase
 ‒a gift
in my heart
God† did place
  
 in all that oh-poor-me lace
 ‒wasting day after day
 I put aside what's great
 for others' self-demeaning fate
 ‒those who lost faith
 not giving time of day
to words God† had to say
  
 that day after day
turned to year after year
 willingly serving myself up‒
 a circling, dead-horse tray
 my own bed made‒ 
self-pity's prized bait
  
 around and around
up and down
burying my I
 around, around, around‒ 
a circling maze
 ‒down, down, down
in self-pity I laid
  
 to whomever'd sit and listen
I'd saturate‒
 serve self-pity's cake
 jump in with pleasure
without thought‒ 
bathe
 smothering my I in hate
 on self‒ 
adding burdensome's weight
  
 flying free
in the greatness of unease‒
 my eyes‒ 
lost in sedate
 ‒shielded behind bondage's tape
 over my happy‒ 
anger's blackened cape
 misery's base
I did drape
  
 I closed all gates
let the sun's ray
 slowly sink to night's blackened gray
 ‒down, down, down
in a mercury-ladened lake
 'til I laid in waste
 seemingly sealed in a darkened cave
  
 I held on tight‒  
my wilderness-mentality trait
 fighting against moses' trusting faith‒
 doing whatever it took
 ‒forget heart's break
 with constant play‒ 
attending every sinful date
 ‒hearing God's† words
refusing to obey
 falling down, down, down
not caring what's at stake
 from reality‒ 
wanting to separate
 losing to evil's webbing spray
  
 everyone turned‒ 
from me
ran in haste
 'til self-pity became my only mate
  
 then came the day
deep inside me‒
 God's† hand began to vibrate
 my wavering faith
evil couldn't take
 ‒mixed-up signals
my heart began to translate
 at first
a slow rate
 raising from a bottomless crate‒
 I began harder to pray
  
 through all my mistakes
 for me
God's† patience did wait
 cradling me
as I lay
 ‒drowning in self-pity's tears
 softly patting my back‒
 knowing how slow this I operates
 telling me:
  
 it's going to be okay
 take your time
it's your way to make
 no matter the pace
it's never too late
 ‒whatever the case
 I'll† help you break
evil's enclosed vase
  
 harder I did pray
 hearing clearer His† words
 stronger became my faith
'til that magical day
 His† light alone‒ 
out of that darkened cave
 my way
He† did pave
  
 here and there
self-pity comes, says hey
 for moments‒ 
again
I lose my way
 but as light as a needle of hay
 He† lifts me
 ‒His† light pours within me
 an abundance of rays
 blinding evil's come what may
 filling me with gentle's taste
 ‒oranges, apples, grapes
fruits of my labor
 the brilliance of grace
my truth in faith
 proving to me
nothing stands in my wake
  
 so, each time
self-pity‒ 
I seem to embrace
 just give me space
 let me alone face
find my own way
 backward steps
less and less to trace
 each new day
faster and faster
I replace‒
 that wilderness-mentality trait
 ‒evil's webbing embrace
oh-poor-me beckoning date
 soon to disappear
without a trace
  
 the deeper I pray‒
 quicker and quicker
I re-find my way
  
 with purer, stronger faith
 realizing
it's not just a dream to chase
 it's a gift‒
 in my heart
God† did place
  
 so, my self-pity
please don't embrace
 turn away
give me my moments
to pray
 my special one-on-one date
 just me and my Lord†
 ‒heavy in faith
immersing my I
 in words He† has
to say
  
 ‒no time limits placed
on days I pray
 just know when I emerge‒
 I'm stronger
heavily armed in His† way
 so each tomorrow
I'll easily face
 for I'm endowed‒
 smothered happily
   in His† amazing grace
Continue reading “‘Pity-Party Me Not’”

‘The Hanging’

When You’re Caught In Silent Abuse

A sample from Book 1

 The Hanging
  
 the heart thumps
a thunderous bolt
 tightens and roars—
 wrapping, squeezing
like a sailor’s rope
  
 hunger escapes
while sleeplessness eludes
 jolted and battered—
 feeling the vapor
of a flowerless fool
  
 shaking
with rupturing chills
 cold and hot—
 not quite understanding
this weathering thrill
  
 voice over voice
cloud the mind
 yes or no—
 eyes turn cold
moisten
then go blind
  
 searching for light
yearning to yell
 craving an escape—
 this pending doom
to a bottomless hell
  
 beneath there’s bound
to be salvation
 somewhere to run—
 ‘til then
there’s only damnation
Continue reading “‘The Hanging’”

‘Twelve Days’

Do You Know the Truth About the 12 Days of Christmas?

A sample from Book 2

 Twelve Days†
  
 an english raid
catholics to fade
 queen elizabeth invade
  
 hidden christmas stage
counted twelve days
  
 jesuit priests...for God† be brave
 shh...can't right out say
 our true God's† way
  
 a secret betray
christmas melody wave
 God's† life engrave

 the children...learn His† way
  
 my true love
almighty God† to pave

 a partridge
in flesh He† gave

 a pear tree
a cross's blade
 an apple tree—
adam and eve to fade
 tree of knowledge—
good and evil spade
  
 two turtle doves
old, new
testaments made
  
 three french hens
hope, charity, faith
 blessed trinity colonnade
 gifts of the magi—

gold, frankincense, myrrh
 under the night's cape
  
 four calling birds
four gospels
 
 mark, luke
john, matthew

their humble hurry
  
 four major prophets

 isaiah, jeremiah
ezekiel, daniel 
 
 passing on our yesterday
  
 five golden rings
 five books of the old testament
 
 genesis, exodus
leviticus, numbers
deuteronomy

 our true maid
  
 God's† eternal stay
 nature, loving, faithfulness
 six geese a-laying
 creation of earth
in just six days
  
 seven swans a-swimming
 seven gifts of the holy spirit
  
 wisdom, understanding
 counsel (right judgment)
fortitude (courage)
 knowledge
piety (reverence)
 fear of the lord (awe of God†)

for us to praise
  
 our seven sacraments
 baptism
confession (sacrament of healing)
 communion, confirmation
marriage, holy orders
 death

a living portray
  
 our seven corporals
spiritual works of mercy  

 feed the hungry
give drink to the thirsty
 clothe the naked
shelter the homeless
 visit the sick
visit those in prison
bury the dead
  
 seven deadly sins 
 
 pride, covetousness, envy
 gluttony, anger, sloth, lust  

 we must stay away
  
 the seventh day
really is saturday
  
 eight maids a-milking
the eight beatitudes
  
 blessed are the poor in spirit—
 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
 blessed are they that mourn—
for they shall be comforted
 blessed are the meek—
for they shall inherit the earth
 blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
 after righteousness—
for they shall be filled
 blessed are the merciful—
for they shall obtain mercy
 blessed are the pure in heart—
for they shall see God†
 blessed are the peacemakers—
 for they shall be called the children of God†
 blessed are they which are
persecuted for righteousness' sake—
 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
 blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, 
 and persecute you, and 
 shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My† sake
  
 nine ladies dancing
the nine choirs of angels
  
 seraphim, cherubim, thrones
dominions, virtues, powers
 principalities, archangels, angels
  
 ten lords a-leaping
the ten commands to obey 

 thou shalt have no other gods before Me†
 thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
 thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God† in vain 
 remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy
 honor thy father and thy mother
 thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery
 thou shalt not steal
 thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
 thou shalt not covet
  
 eleven pipers piping
eleven faithful apostles  

 simon peter
james (son of zebedee)
 john (son of zebedee)
andrew, phillip
 bartholomew
matthew (levi), thomas
 james (son of alphaeus)
 judas (thaddues/lebbaues, son of james)
simon (zealot)
  
 twelve drummers drumming
original apostles
  
 simon peter
james (son of zebedee)
 john (son of zebedee)
andrew, phillip
bartholomew
 matthew (levi), thomas
james (son of alphaeus)
 judas (thaddues/lebbaues, son of james)
 simon (zealot), judas iscariot
  
 twelve minor prophets of the old testament 

 hosea, joel, amos
obadiah, jonah, micah
 nahum, habakkuk, zephaniah
 haggai, zechariah, malachi
  
 twelve tribes of israel  
 asher, benjamin, dan, gad, issachar, joseph
 judah, levi, naphtali
 reuben, simeon, zebulun
  
 twelve fruits of the holy spirit  

 charity, joy, peace
patience, benignity, goodness
 long-suffering (patient suffering 
 over an extended
period mildness), faith, modesty
 contingency, chastity
  
 so they say
of the twelve days
Continue reading “‘Twelve Days’”

‘The Passion’

Where Is the Passion For Christ?

A sample from Book 2

  The Passion
  
we live in a closed fear
our laugh a bit queer
He† died on the cross—
so we may not be lost
  
we build a big house
we’re not treated like a mouse
He† was beaten by a strap—
releasing us from our trap
  
we worship the almighty green
it matters how we are seen
His† skin fell from his body—
while they stood laughing
  
we spend wanting the best
who cares about the rest
His† mother watched her son—
evildoers had their fun
  
we ridicule the less fortunate—
breed cruelty and hate
His† skin soaked in blood—
hitting the ground...raging flood
  
we spit the hungry in the face
carrying around a can of mace
He† wore a crown of thorns—
so we can be reborn
  
how much more can we take
how much more can we fake
  
He† forgave us for our sin—
how many prayers can we lend
Continue reading “‘The Passion’”

‘Never Forget’

What Do You Stand For?

A sample from Book 1

 Never Forget
  
 each day you get up—
 never forget
who filled your cup
  
 each day you begin work—
 never forget
on your back
there's a shirt
  
 each day
you create something new—
 never forget
who gave you the clue
  
 each day
you joyfully sing—
 never forget
the past-learning thing
  
 each day
you sit to draw—
 never forget
you once was young and raw
  
 each day
you start to paint—
 never forget
those who can't
  
 each day
you work your farm—
 never forget
you have two arms
  
 each day
you design a new dress—
 never forget
those poor...in distress
  
 each day
you write on your book—
 never forget
the years of learning it took
  
 each day
you write an article—
 never forget
those who can't live humble
  
 each day
you sit to learn—
 never forget
those who lack concern
  
 each day
you attend a school—
 never forget
those controlled
by a dictator's rule
  
 each day
you drive your car—
 never forget
those who have to walk far
  
 each day
you take a bath—
 never forget
water...some do lack
  
 each day
you sit to eat—
 never forget
those who can't afford meat
  
 each day
those you judge—
 never forget
they don't ask for much
  
 each day
you wedge your war—
 never forget
you're watched by the Lord†
  
 each day
for greed
you make policy—
 never forget
where comes God's† glory
  
 each day
you choose not to pray—
 never forget
in the end
it's God's† say
  
 each day
God†—
you don't thank—
 never forget
how your day soon sinks
  
 each day
you have a choice
 it's your individual voice
 that's heard
above the noise
  
 whatever you say
no matter the day
 for your wrongs
you'll eventually pay
  
 never forget
when problems you can't solve
 when accidents you're involved
 when anger doesn't dissolve
  
 never forget
when you're ridiculed
by your boss
 your keys
you carelessly lost
 government rendered fines'
heavy cost
  
 never forget
when love leaves your house
 when your income goes south
 when criticism
comes from every mouth
  
 it's your own choice
 ignore the Lord†
your criticizing voice
 not believing in His† truth
 —playing your own card
 your reasons for shedding blood
 —your raging fighting flood
 using His† name
for nothing but gain
  
 never forget
 God†...your Allah†
is one and the same
 you are His† children
 equal in His Holy† vision
  
 to not thank Him†
 to ignore His† ten commandments
 to think
you're better than Him†
 to not believe in Him†
to condemn His Son†
 —all that's within Him†
  
 these accidents
these painful moments
 that's happening to you
 is just a clue
to what He† can do
  
 you think I'm wrong
you're right
 —your non-believing song
 won't lead you
to any throne
 here's a test for you
 take a break from your cause
 from your man-made laws
  
 a month that's all—
 each day
when you first awake
 thank Him† right away
  
 don't lie
don't steal
don't cheat

 be nice
stand up for what's right

 say thank you
say please

 to each person you meet
  
 pay attention
to those with limitations
 those missing a limb
those blind
 those left cripple
those without money
  
 open a door
try to help
do more
  
 for one solid month
then you'll see
 how things change
 how you start to feel
way down deep
 there's nothing to believe
 all good—
comes from He†
  
 you just have to stop
slow down your clock
 you don't need miracles
 to understand
His† principles
  
 love
peace
forgiveness
helping
  
 is all He† wants
from you
 to be true
to be honest—
 His† simple menu
  
 if these you do
He'll† be true
to you
 His† love will shine
you'll see His Divine†
Continue reading “‘Never Forget’”

‘Enjoy the Journey’

One Day At a Time. Don’t Give up!

A sample from Book 1

 Enjoy the Journey
  
 struggling to achieve success
 unwavering with foolishness
 wanting to be the best
forgetting all the rest
 unsettling restlessness
  
 accepting nothing less
a tangled tireless
 rigid, forming mess
 without closing
in its materialness
  
 turning the page
with  new zest
 breathing stillness
 leaving out the self―
induced test
  
 feeling skin with
gentle caress
 listening to the inner
openness
  
 gaining comfort
from life’s scared nest
 becoming not just a guest
 to self’s empowering fest
  
 no longer having to second guess 
 seeing His† awaking crest
  
 no longer a pessimist
 learning to be quiet to rest
 to explore, think less
  
 the journey has become
a simple justice
 gaining self forgiveness
loosing material cravenness
 the journey has become a
willingness
  
 no longer a pest
more of an adventurous
 a traveling voyage of smallness
  
 one tiny step after the other
to forgiveness
 one more creation
of vastness
 that becomes real and timeless
Continue reading “‘Enjoy the Journey’”