In the darkness and the silence With streams of fire falling behind me Out in the vastness, the silence Only the heart of mine Beating out the hours, minutes Moments Of my flight through the stars How i’m like an arrow lodged In the cold heart of space And there is only Darkness Around me Darkness and the wonder Of all the mysteries that lie Out there Above the suns Beneath the lonely twinkling stars Their voices like fallen glass Silently shattering the cold and dark My sparkling companions Arrayed in pieces of diamond With eyes made of cut crystal Ready for the galaxy’s ensemble To begin playing Then theyll learn to dance again And I’ll fly past and wonder At the beating of their fiery hearts That keep on gleaming Out there in the silent darkness With no fires to keep them warm Yet they keep on gleaming Keep on beating As I soar past Through darkness and silence Watching their dances Feeling their heartbeats Lending strength to mine So it keeps on beating On my flight through the stars A silver arrow flying Towards the heart of space Lodged there in the Bleeding center of it all Watching the stars Keep on dancing Though they’re dying
The Willow Tree
Beneath the willow great and tall Sat Annalee, so sad and small With tears that fell at willows base To shining stars she raised her face
Her feet were bare, her hair was long There by the willow she sang her song To the tune that lovers know Can it be, such a short time ago
A brave young man sets off to die Leaves his love to wait and cry Annalee sang the mournful tune And of the tree, she asked a boon
“His uniform was pressed and new With buttons brass, and all in blue He really was a sight to see, When I held him, and he held me
We waved goodbye not so long ago He off to war, and I watched him go Why oh, why did not I say To him I love, ‘please, you must stay’
‘I do not know if I can be when you are gone, please stay with me’ But I said naught, and cursed be fate That he won’t come, though I wait.”
There beneath the willow tree So young and fair, yet so sad was she She raised her face to cold hearted sky Whispered, “Please, now let me die.
He perished but a day ago The one I left out in the snow Out in the fields, he was alone And I am pierced through heart and bone
So willow, weeping willow tall Beneath your shade, I will fall And cast all of my sorrows great Here I will rest, this is my fate
The willow heard, bent down to see And drew close a girl named Annalee It’s branches touched the fair face As gentle as the softest lace
They twined into the golden hair Roots held her up and lingered there In that embrace her tears all dried The willow held the girl who cried
So when lovers come, their tears to shed Peace and solace, rest your head Beneath the peaceful, silent shade Of a willow tree in a quiet glade
And if you see the gentle form Of a girl the tree keeps warm Know you are safe ‘neath the willow tree And quiet gaze of Annalee
For Every Girl Who is 15
This thing. Something I don’t understand, And I like to know, Why How Why must I be like you? How can’t you see me, for who I am?
My soul is dressed in scarlet and mink, It is the soul of a queen, Proud Strong Brave
When you look at me, Pull back the grey curtain Of my plain face My old jeans My un-dieted shape
I am a Queen
Can’t you see? In the quickness of my smile, The flashing of my eyes The Bravery of my stance
I am a Queen My soul is dressed in scarlet and wears a crown Though this humble form May Seem So drear
I am a Queen
And When I look at you, What do I see? What fine eyelashes, What perfect fashion, What tans and makeup That I don’t have
Can I pull back this grey curtain?
You are a Queen You don’t need to hide Your brave soul You are Proud Strong Brave
You are a Queen
We are Queens, together, And our souls are Dressed in Scarlet and Mink
We are Queens, Can’t they see?
In the quickness of our smiles The flashing of our eyes, The bravery of our stance
Never let the soul die In order to paint the grey curtain
NEVER FORGET!
You are a Queen. I am a Queen.
Our souls are dressed in Scarlet and Mink.
Gratitude
‘Tis a pleasant thing To dance in the rain
But who wishes to Walk when clouds Weep?
‘Tis a pleasant thing To tidy a home
But who wants To be ordered to Sweep?
‘Tis a pleasant thing To win a great race
But who, when told Goes to run?
‘Tis a pleasant thing To play on a beach
But who enjoys A hike in the sun?
‘Tis a pleasant thing To give away all
But who wants to Sacrifice what’s yours?
It’s all in the heart Where we make Up our minds
Whether such Are gifts or chores
One must choose for oneself The course to be set
Whether to the Charybdis Despair, Or pointing the way
To Gratitude’s shore They say it’s Eternally fair.
"There Was This Hill"
There was this hill So great it ate the Sky, a taunt, With a big, bare, slope Calling my name.
There was this bike, Bone white, glistening, A pale key to adventure, Twisted into this machine, A beautiful steed, Calling my name.
There was this road, That led to the top of the hill, My steed took me There, placing me At the top, the rut Rose right to the sky Calling my Name.
There was this fear, It broke its teeth On my resolve, or at Least on my bike’s seat Fear choked on death, Calling my name.
There was this push, That moment when I Let go and flew, Falling, flying, hoping, Fear dying I flew. Calling my name.
There was this grass, Right after the hill, We flew across it Too, crushing dandelions In our path, drinking In soft shimmering twilight Calling My Name
There was this bump, When we flew off the grass, Into the street, I yelled, as Ahab Might have done, if The whale hadn’t bested him I am no Ahab. I roared. Calling My Name.
There was this race, Between me and the Evening sun, a challenge My bike roared to The sky, as we banked Home, white lightning A streak in the neighbor’s eyes. Calling my name.
There was this hill, So great I placed my foot On its throat, a victor This was I. I told it my name.
"Sparrow- Child"
If you stay there, you will have nowhere to go.
I am afraid.
If you stay there, you will see no wonders, dreams dying on the vine.
My wings will fail.
If you stay there, your wings will break against the side of the nest, crushing hopes of flight.
The ground is hard.
If you stay there, winter frost will scorch the ground and you will build no nests, know no life.
It is safe here.
If you stay there, remember, remember, safety is just the reminder of where you have not gone.
I am afraid.
If you stay there, your strong heart will die, leaving nothing to take its place.
My wings will fail.
If you stay there, all that you might have been, will fade away, all that you still might be is before you!
The ground is hard.
If you stay there, remember, remember, the world belongs to the brave.
I am not brave.
If you stay there, think that you might have fallen, gotten up, fallen, gotten up, then flown!
What if I fall?
Oh, but Darling, what if you fly?
It will be beautiful.
You will do well. Fly! Fly! Shake your strong wings at the fearful ground; beat your brave heart to the fear that will kill you, that tries ever, always, to kill you.
It will be beautiful.
Fly!
I will fly.
Fly!
Look, it is beautiful!
"Fox in the Henhouse"
Fox in the henhouse, pretty as you please, Fox in the henhouse runnin’ through the trees
Panic in the farmhouse “Catch that dirty thief” Panic in the farmhouse, Chickens filled with grief
Mother’s gonna catch him With the chicken in his maw Mother’s gonna catch him Mr. Fox just says “Ha Ha!”
Papa’s got his rifle He’s mad as all get out Papa’s got his rifle Just listen to him shout!
Chicken squawks in fear Mr. Fox is just like lightning Chicken squawks in fear His grip on her is tightening
Children all come running Well this is quite a show Children all come running Just look at that fox go
He’s headed for the forest He’s runnin’ through the trees He’s headed for the forest Pretty as you please
Papa trips and stumbles He’s swearin’ to the sky Papa trips and stumbles Mr. Fox bids him goodbye Mother’s tired of running She stops to pants and wheeze Mother’s tired of running Pretty as you please
Mr. Fox has made the forest And he’s declared the winner Mr. Fox has made the forest And eats his chicken dinner.
"Good Morning, Mr. Sun!"
Good Morning, Mr. Sun! How bright and high you go
And send us all a- scattering way down here below
Good Morning, Mr. Cloud You thing so white and free
Might one day you catch upon some skyward reaching tree?
Good Morning, Mr. Hill, Your sides are steeped in snow.
Miss Wind comes around you, to smile and to blow.
Good Morning, Mr. Leaf You’re dancing far away
In nooks and crannies of the world, you stop awhile to play.
Good Morning, Mr. Sun, as across the day you fly,
To smile just a little, to see the others passing by.
"My Ship"
When I build my ship, Strong must it be, Built to withstand the mightiest sea.
Sails of trust I think I’ll use, A lookout of hope, if I must choose.
This is my ship, And swift will it be, Built to withstand the raging sea.
My hull of faith, both deep and wide Will guard me from blows on every side.
This is my ship, And stout will it be, Built to withstand the most powerful sea.
Wisdom be my rudder, Holy Spirit be my guide To show me the way, when I am lost inside.
This is my ship, And blessed will it be, Built to withstand the loneliest sea.
My cargo only love, My ballast blessed peace, When the night is stormy, they grant me release.
This is my ship, And safe will it be, Built to withstand the most dangerous sea.
The Father be my Captain, The Son as my friend, They will help me through, ‘til the journey’s end.
This is my ship, And Strong will it be, Built to withstand the mightiest sea.
And when at last I reach, The final port of rest, I will know indeed, that my ship was blessed.
"Fourteen Kings"
Fourteen kings rode out beneath the waning summer sky Fourteen Kings rode out to war, one to fall and die.
Thirteen Kings led the might of armies without hope of peace Thirteen Kings came and camped the night, and one found death’s release.
Twelve Kings broke their fast, with morning light so grey Twelve Kings rode their horses great, and one rode far away.
Eleven Kings took their swords, shining all their hate, Eleven Kings in armor bright, but for one they were too great.
Ten Kings gave a mighty roar, and their men lifted up the cheer Ten Kings spurred their horses on, and one gave way to fear.
Nine Kings led the charge that day, their armies surging fourth Nine Kings turned towards the south, and one left for the north.
Eight Kings heard the hiss of steel, as the armies together clashed Eight Kings felt the heat of battle, and one’s doom upon him flashed.
Seven Kings felt their time had come, as men screamed out in pain, Seven Kings heard the cries of death, and one would never go home again.
Six Kings knew the vile taste of war and all its fury, Six Kings felt their courage wane, and for one death would hurry.
Five Kings pressed the others back, and the battle was not lost Five Kings led the mighty charge, but one felt death’s cold frost.
Four Kings toiled on and on as the sun climbed in the sky, Four Kings felt the searing heat and one gave his final cry.
Three Kings saw the sleeping dead, and mourned as they fought, Three Kings swung their swords again, but one’s efforts came to naught.
Two Kings were the only ones, the armies lying still Two Kings fought a deadly dance, one, alone would kill.
One King rode hard beneath the waning summer sky One Kings rode away from war, no one left to fall and die.
"By the Town of Johannesburg - Lee"
There once was a town, a funny old place, By the name of Johannesburg-Lee
And all the men would come down by the waves to sit by the great roaring sea
The clotheslines would flap in the fresh morning breeze as the waves played down on the shore
And children would gather ‘round those sea men As their mothers watched from the door
Down by the shore in Johannesburg-Lee There would be a great trading of tales,
And all would come in wonder and awe To hear tell of the pirates and gales
There would rise a great murmur from within The town as the people went about their day
But all would stop to be children for a time As the sea-farers passed on their way
O down by shore of Johannesburg-Lee, Won’t you spend some time and stay?
And listen to tales of exotic shores As the hours all wile away
There once was a town, a happy old place, By the name of Johannesburg-Lee
Every time the sailors came up the docks And took time to tell of the sea.
"In the Moonlight"
In the moonlight there it trod As white as Death upon the night Ringed in mist and silver shod The hunted creature in the light.
The wolves came on with a howl Like the sound of vengeance seeking In the forest, dark shadows prowl Silent shadows, havoc wreaking.
With baleful cries to rising moon The wolves came on, the creature fled Midnight hour ran too soon The Unicorn, down fate’s track led.
Through jungle dense and thorny mire The wolves came on, the haunted crew Their eyes were quick and filled of fire The hunters ran and hunted flew.
The unicorn with staring gaze Came short to edge of cliff tall It felt the end of all it’s days The wolves gave out a victory call.
With single horn now at the ready The unicorn must fall or fight Its eyes were dark, it’s breath unsteady Twelve hunting shadows in the light.
Of all these twelve, the hated one Forth the greatest came He hunted all, he feared none Too dark to even bear a name.
The light and shadow met there The Unicorn, the Nameless beast Upon the winding mountain stair Were storm and fire once released.
The ‘leven stood and watched their king Moonlit flank dirtied and torn With howls and screams the canyon ring Beast’s heart met the shining horn.
Upon the edge they fought and slew Each one strong, one light to quell Both came to know their day was through Like shooting stars, they fell, they fell.
Tumbling, stumbling, into the air To purge the world of Nameless Night Both would perish, far down there The Unicorn fell, so pure and white.
The eleven watched in shock and fear From Death’s cold and final night Could the Unicorn perhaps reappear? No more did he, the son of the light.
In the moonlight, there it trod, As white as Death apon the night Ringed in mist and silver shod It fell, it fell, out from the light.
"Paul on the way to Rome"
Woe to thee, O Men of the Earth, Who dare to challenge the Sea and her worth. Woe to thee in your ships so frail, Woe to those lost in the gale.
And Woe to those who left Cyprus’s shores, The wind moans, the rain pours. In prison ship crossing the sea, The waves all laugh, crying “Woe to thee!”
They pulled, they pulled, ‘til hope was dim, The Sea tossed them on her whim. Among the others, one man stands tall, In the tempest, God hears Paul.
To the cowering crew, Paul turns his gaze, And the hope in his words, all amaze. “Fear not!” he cries, “ My God has promised me,” “That Caesar you will surely see.”
“All will live, in spite of the mighty gale, And even though the ship will fail.” “Trust in the Lord, He is mighty to save, All, He will rescue from a watery grave.”
For the first time in days hope lit all, “Fear Not, Fear Not” cries stalwart Paul. One sailor looked crying, “Land Ahoy!” Can you imagine their unbounded joy?
"Rain in Deer Creek Camp" A Grand Canyon Poem
The rain came down, The sheeting rain That drove on through the night Across the land of wonders wet The sun gave off no light
The rain came down, The sneaking rain That found you when you were weak And it made you curse and grumble and growl 'Cause your tent had sprung a leak
The rain came down, The grey rain That pounded through the land Even mountains built in fire Against the rain won’t stand
The rain came down, The cloudy rain That hid the sun from view Dinner is wet and on you fret Clean sand is mush and glue
The rain came down, The dancing rain That stirred the river to fury The creeks ran high and socks won’t dry As beneath the rain you hurry
The rain came down, The darndest rain That caught you unprepared Your tent is down, your laundry’s up As if the rain ever cared
This poem is for my friend, Alex Heindl, who saved me from a snake and told me my poems were good.
"Light"
The Sky is filled with Twilight
Starlight crowns the eaves
Moonlight sets the wind to dance
Among the autumn leaves
Lamplight warms our hearth
Sunlight heals the earth
Life-Light flits among the trees
Storm-Light wages upon the seas
Home-Light smiles all through our days
Cold-Light shines on many ways
Fire-Light begins with a spark
Spring-Light comes after the dark
Hope-Light is a gift of grace
Love-Light shines on many a place
"A River Deep and Strong"
Flow Along, Flow Along,
Here flows a river deep and strong,
Flow Along down to the sea,
Laughing River sing to me,
Flow Along, Flow Along
Here Flows a River Deep and Strong,
Flow Along across the land,
Dancing River take my hand,
Flow Along, Flow Along,
Here flows a River Deep and Strong,
Flow along beneath the Sky
Smiling River, help me fly,
Flow Along, Flow Along,
Here flows a River Deep and Strong,
Flow Along and Stay with me,
All the Way Down to the Sea,
Flow Along, Flow Along,
Always, Always, Deep and Strong
"Lord, Bless Our Day"
Lord, Bless our day as it comes, With flower’s bloom or thunder’s drums
Lord, Bless our day, so fresh and new, With rising sun over sky of blue
Lord, Bless our day as it sings It’s song of praise, all heaven rings
Lord, Bless our day as it dawns, And world wakens with many yawns
Lord, Bless our day as the birds fly Spreading joy across the sky
Lord, Bless our day and all we do For this day, we give thanks to you
Lord, Bless our day, your gift of love May it’s praises echo to heaven above
Just a nod from the captain, Just a turn of the oar
Almost home to our loved ones, Almost safe and at peace
Just a nod from the captain, Just the anchor’s release
Almost seeing the lighthouse, Almost rounding the rocks
Just a nod from the captain, Just preparing for the docks
Almost telling our tales, Almost greeting our friends
Just a nod from the captain, And our journey ends.
"The Conquistador Dawn"
Across the sea Came the explorers brave, Their ships borne Upon the wave
Their sails gleaming, Fresh and white, As they sail into a New World Light
Hailed as gods By peoples in awe, The explorers brave Fell into avarice’s maw
Landing upon an this new Eden Their exploring vessels Became a thieves’ den
Perfections of gold And hearts of stone, The Conquistadors took What was not their own
Murders foul In a land fair, To the people of these lands, I say “Beware!”
Blinded by greed, Did the conquistadors know? The sorrow they caused, The anger and woe?
Where are the brave explorers, We knew before? Who are these tyrants, From a distant shore?
All resistance Has fallen away, The light of dawn, Marks a new day.
A dawn of blood Of toil and tears, Fear and pain begin the conquistador years.
"Old Father Time"
Old Father time, He slumbers away
His breath is the night, His dreams are the day.
His children sleep with him In a valley so wide
Ruling the earth In the valley they hide.
Stopping for none Waiting for all
The world of men, To rise or fall.
They say he shall wake When his task is complete
But for now he slumbers, The world at his feet.
Old Father Time, What truth do you know?
Do you know the hour Of joy or of woe?
The Ancient man answers, “Few Know these things,”
“Not even me, Not princes or kings.”
Old Father Time, He slumbers away
His hopes are the future, His dreams are the day.
"A Song to the Dragonfly"
Oh dragonfly,
Why do you go?
And chase across the sky
What is the purpose of your dance, so prettily you fly
Oh dragonfly
Where is your home?
Where can you stop and cry
But onward, onward cries the wind and away you dart and fly
Oh dragonfly
Why do you dance?
and wing from earth to sun
And when can the day finally be done
Oh dragonfly
Why do you shine?
And sparkle bright and blue
All the world sets a stage that is awaiting you
Oh dragonfly
Why do you sing?
It echoes sweet and strong
And bids all creatures sing along
Oh dragonfly
Why don’t you mourn?
When summer’s day is gone
I think of empty places where the sun has shon
Oh dragonfly
How can you hope?
When winter we behold
Keep bright the spark of life when days are dark and cold
Oh dragonfly
Why do you hurriedly prepare?
When I cannot see a sign of life
For it is the dark out there
Oh dragonfly
How can this be?
Spring has come to bid you fly
And we may dance and laugh and sing across the shining sky
"The Woodman"
The sunlight filtering through the trees, weighed down with newborn snow
This silent glen and the woodman’s hut, untouched by pain or woe.
The perfect silence of this place, the ice queen’s mighty spell
This enchantment, woodman breaks as he enters the quiet dell.
The curling smoke that wanders forth upon this frozen land
Welcomes the age-bent woodman with its grasping hand.
The trees bend together to whisper silent news
Their boughs tipped with icy gems, left by the morning dews.
The little hut shakes free of its blanket from the skies
To let the aged woodman in, far from the wind’s cruel cries.
The fire in his neat hearth blazes warm and full of cheer
And as the woodman enters in, a soft sound he does hear.
It is the voice of winter woods beneath their covering of white,
And to the woodman it cries out, “Sleep well, on this silent night.”
"Colors"
The Sky is Blue. The Earth is Red.
Death is black. That’s what I said.
God is a rainbow. Filled with light.
White is absence. Purple, fright.
Brown is the color to begin anew.
Earth, Stones and Cross too.
Red is pain and Sorrow filled.
Men are mixed. God made them willed.
They take what was A single thought.
They go farther, than they ought.
They change the world A bit too much.
Then God restores, With his touch.
He puts things back in their place.
He made the men, A human race.
Until the world Turns upside down.
Upon this place There will be no crown.
The Sky is there. Man reaches higher.
To be a god. To wield fire.
The man is lost. In pride’s teeth.
He will be always Always be Beneath.
The Sky and Earth Together wed.
A World of Men. of Black and Red
"Can the Sun be Rising?"
Is the sun yet rising? Is our battle complete?
Is the enemy vanquished? Or is this defeat?
Does the tomb remain closed? Does the enemy cheer?
Are the hearts still broken? Why is our king not here?
Is the trumpet yet sounding? Where is the rising sun?
Are the tears still falling? Is the victory won?
Do we still weep in anguish? Is our hope still torn?
Can the sun be rising? Is this the third morn?
The world shouts the answers, And now we can sing,
Yes, the tomb lies empty, We welcome the King!
"The Forest Dance"
And the sound of the pines With their musk sweet and strong. And the river’s mobile lines, As it dances along.
And the soft fall of the leaves, They tumble and they sing. And the spider as she weaves A cloth fit for a king. And the waterfall’s foam As it tumbles toward the land.
And the star’s celestial home As countless as the sand.
And the hawk’s call As he sings a heavenly hymn. And the mountains tall As they shake the earth on a whim. And the forest’s grand majesty Built of tiny lives, dependent on them all.
And at the base of a great, old, tree Lies my footprint, dark and small.
"Who I Am"
I was a child in the cornfields Frightening the crows.
I was a foolish youth Filled with love-sick woes.
I was a brooding man Who’s wife died too fast.
I was a tarnished sailor Who’s ship came in last.
I was nervous solider Who fell before his time.
I was an empty beggar, Hoping for a dime.
I was a valiant general Who fell when the war was won.
I was a portrait painter Who wept when he was done.
I was a lonely man Who begged to have a friend.
I am a simple poet, Who said “ This is the end.”
"Nameless Battle"
The ocean breathes forth its angry foam
The sailors think now of land and home
They despaired for their flight from the earth
They remembered, too late, of family and hearth
The sails scream, not ready for the fight
The ocean roars out its challenge and might
The sky swears allegiance to the king of the waves
This warlord is eager for the vengeance he craves
The canvas flaps in the winds stunning strength
The ship groans and shudders along all of its length
The captain stands tall, knowing he gambled and lost
His face falls and saddens as he realizes the cost
His men cling to their final hope
The wind whistles through every last rope
The sea king calls out his passion and malice
The captain’s hands clench along every callous
The dark sea cries out its fury and hate
For the valiant captain, time has grown late
And every moment he only feels its decrease
The ship tilts upward, calling out for peace
Beneath the great pressure the ship starts to bend
Its captain stands strong in defiance to the end
The king of the waves basks in triumph and glee
The ship at last falls, claimed by the sea.
"Stepping Stones"
(written in free verse - no rhyme)
Stepping Stones, across the pond. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
It not that far, or so they say. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
Here you are, holding back. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
Across the pond, a new day dawns. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
First step is hardest, so take it fast. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
Second one, worries are shed. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
River gurgles, far below, Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
It wants to dive, with you in tow. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
Third is slippery, river laughs. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
Fourth is closer, river snarls. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
Fifth is almost, almost there. Lift your feet, don’t be afraid.
Bank is soft, and cool and firm. Lift your feet, greet the new day.
"Lighthouse Song"
I saw the waves Lapping at the shore And as each one fell They cried “No more!”
I saw the bushes Growing low Could they speak, In the wind’s blow?
I saw the boats In the sea They tossed and turned They were free.
I saw the birds Calling in the sky Wheeling above They said, “We fly!”
I saw the sand Upon the earth It laughed at the sea, It’s own silent mirth.
I saw the clouds Dancing a celestial dance Our fates undeserving Of their tiniest glance.
I saw the sun It gave chilling heat Looming above all In star-set seat.
I saw the stones The mortal part Of a planet’s Long – cold heart.
I saw the ocean Robed in turning foam This mighty Queen Glorious in her home.
I saw this place A place so free A place that sang This song to me.
"The Mighty Majesty"
This poem placed 2nd in The Henderson Libraries Middle School Poetry contest.
"The Tale of a Little Man"
There was a wee little man who collected all the tax He stole the people’s money and took it home in stacks.
It was no wonder then, that he had no friends He was rich, but he was sad. How could he make amends?
One day the town was all a buzz. A special man was coming. The wee little man was happy too! He wanted to see the King.
But when the crowds had gathered, he found he was too small His stolen riches were useless now; they could not make him tall.
The little man thought of all that he would not see, The little man saw the answer to his problem high up in a tree.
He groaned and heaved to climb between the tree’s leaves Now he could see above even the rooftop’s eaves.
Along the way, a sigh went up, the Teacher was there, The wee little man looked down at Him, all he could do was stare.
Then Jesus looked right up into the branches of the tree And He said,”Zacchaeus come down, then you’ll eat with Me.”
The wee little man was surprised and happy too, He said, “ Oh yes Lord! I’ll surely eat with you.”
The people did not like this, they grumbled very loud, He was just a dirty taxman, this would not be allowed!
The little man took Jesus home and told him all his sin Now the little man felt sorry, he saw how bad he’d been.
Then he said to Jesus “What if I gave it all away? Half to the poor, and all the rest to repay.”
Zacchaeus did that and more, and then he really knew When you bless others you are blessed too.
"The Storm"
The storm has finally reared its head, There’s something terrible, in the storm I dread,
The people in this land feared the storm no more than others do, But there’s something fearsome in a storm that seems to come for you.
The clouds will billow across the sky, Sealing the fate of the calm, that once reigned high.
The lightning touches down, looking for its soul Lighting fire burns, brighter than a coal.
Plants reach toward the clouds and people hide inside The storm whips the sea into a mighty tide.
The land has found it has no strength like that of the skies The birds wheel and fly home, shouting mournful cries.
The storm has broken open and now scatters it’s hate Against the land it’s mighty foe, the power of the storm is great.
The people shake within their homes as earth and cloud do battle The window frames shake and groan, with a mighty rattle.
And when at last the storm seems to really win the day, The fight is over, the rain is gone, and the storm has passed away.
And the drops of the storms blood, the rain that seeps into the ground, Will bring the crops and harvest in, the land with glory crowned.
The storm is gone, the land has won, the people will have a good year, All because of the storm, this mighty thing to fear.
"The News"
Across the land, News has spread.
Shepherds from their flocks Have fled.
The news travels the road A donkey took before,
And now it’s spreading More and more.
A little city On a hill,
A night filled with glory That used to be still.
Three crazed men Ran up the street.
Shouting news to those they meet,
“In the hay a child is born!”
“Come to save us from Heaven’s scorn!”
Years later what will they say,
About this child, who in a manger lay?
Then too the news Will run.
The news of A mighty One.
Left on a tree To hang and die.
Heaven’s wrath Darkens the sky.
Once more now, The news goes through.
Even now! To me and you.
Three days later, The stone did fall,
Away from door And eyes of all.
The shroud was there The King was not.
His son, God has Not forgot.
Sunrise came And filled the air,
And now the news Goes everywhere.
Tiny Moments
Tiny moments make the day. Every one. White or Grey.
Hear the birds chirping loud. Tiny moments in a cloud.
Feel the earth, so bold, so black. Tiny moments, on time’s back.
See the sky, held in by stars. Tiny moments break prison’s bars.
Tiny moments finally here. You never expect them, so don’t fear.
Just listen, and listen well. For only tiny moments can tell.
Tell you of a place, so far and vast and free. The land of crea - ti - vity.
"Moon Across the Sky"
The old peoples said, Around their fires, red.
That Moon was a child, gone astray The word of her father, did not obey.
Her father, his blessing would not give So Moon decided she had her own life to live.
To marry another man, she did not agree Away she ran, she fell into the sea.
Tiny fish, big fish, great and small Scales they gave to clothe her, one and all.
In the heavens, her place she took The fish became the stars, in Celestial Brook.
Her lover became the sun, both never to die She chases him forever across the sky.