Author: Jeannie Connell Johnson
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Obsession with Poe
Edgar Allen Poe, man of tragedy,Sadness from childhood to maturity.A life imitated by gripping art;A soul who comes up with The Tell Tale HeartAnd My Beautiful Annabellee. A cat all black and full of mystery,Whimsical, light-hearted, and fancy free,With sharp claws that scratch and tear things apart,With such personality, it would confound Descartes.Edgar Allen Poe…
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The Civil Sonnet
Those gallant men who fought the warWithout real food, reprieve or rest,Who never quit, though tired or sore,Their greatest foe, their greatest test. Brave men in grey, brave men in blue,Good friends who chose a different side;Their way of life was split in two.Their bodies were not all that died. No one should blame the…
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Pay Attention
God works in many wonderful ways If we pay attention. If we don’t, all we might find Is hardship and apprehension.
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By Journey’s End
The journey starts at a tender young ageChanging and progressing with each new stage.Not exactly knowing the way I must go,But knowing each mile will only help me to grow. And though sometimes scary, different than planned,I must change though, I may not understand,Just where this journey is leading me to,But I know it’s something…
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Thankful and Content
I have food in my bellyAnd a roof over my head.I’m not quite healthy,But, I’m not quite dead. When my feet are sore,I love it all the more,Cause I could not evenFeel my feet before. When I feel an acheOr a sharp or dull pain,I know I’m still alive,So I can’t complain. I have friends…
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This Is the Day…Easter
This is the day He rose for meAfter dying on a cross on Calvary.This is the day He rolled away stoneTo show us that we are not all alone. This is the day His task was completeAfter atoning for sin with nailed hands and nailed feet.This is the day all hopelessness was curedBecause of the…
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Little Wish
Another childhood favorite written at age 12. I had a little wishTo own a little fishThat would swishAnd swish and swish.
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This Is The Day…Good Friday
This is the day His hands bled for me.This is the day He was nailed to a tree.This is the day He cried in agony.This is the day that He died for me. This is the day He was buried by men.This is the day that He took away sin.This is the day not all…
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Get Me Through the Day
Show me what to do Lord.Teach me what to say.Make me still and listen,To get me through the day.
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That’s What Love Is
I suffer so that you don’t have to.That’s what love is.I have to help when you suffer.That’s what love is.I go when you need some space.That’s what love is.I come back when you push me away.That’s what love is.I forgive you when you are unkind.That’s what love is.I call you out when you go too…
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Judging Appearances
It is a fear…Being distant and too guardedMight make one seem a bit cold-hearted.But that might not be the caseIf looking closely at their face.They might be saddened or be scared,Not the fact that they’ve not cared.They might be putting up a front-And to be just downright blunt-You shouldn’t judge them solely,Acting all righteous and…
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What If…
What if the Tower of Pisa toppled over?What if somebody painted the White Cliffs of Dover?What if Mona Lisa’s smirk turned into a frown?What if Lady Liberty suddenly sank all the way down? The World would go on; nothing would change.But wouldn’t everything feel just a bit strange. What if the Christ child had never…
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Teddy Bears
In honor of World Bear Day Written at age 12 in the hospital surrounded by my favorite gift, stuffed teddy bears to keep me company. Teddy bears have no cares.Teddy bears make no dares.Teddy bears are often mute.Teddy bears are, oh, so cute. Teddy bears never lie.Teddy bears never die.Teddy bears never hurry.Teddy bears are…
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Peace of Mind
Take nothing for granted,Be humble and kind,Be grateful and helpful,And you’ll have peace of mind.
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Time and Effort
Sometimes things happen in life to teach us important lessons,If we take the time and effort to learn them,They can become our greatest blessings.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Calleen Mc Dugal
The seventeenth in the McLimerick Series Young Calleen McDugal often was frugalWith the chicken that she bought each week.There was only one part she would put in her cart,Not the leg, nor the thigh, but the cheek.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Carly McCurdle
The sixteenth in the McLimerick Series Young Carly McCurdle thought she needed a girdleTo make herself slim at the waste.Her fiancé greatly sighed and just had to confide,Full-figured was more to his taste.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Sean McShamus
Young Sean McShamus was not very famous,But desperately wanted to be.He bought a new camera to show off his stamina,But fright kept on knocking his knees. The fifteenth in the McLimerick Series.
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St. Patrick’s Day Friend
Your name isn’t Patty.Your favorite color isn’t green.You’re not a little leprechaunWhich no one has ever seen. There is no pot of goldFor we can never reach the rainbows end.But the gold that’s in your heartMakes you my dearest friend.
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Don’t Drink and Jig
He danced a dance with vim and vig.The music played throughout the night.An Irishman did dance a jig. Between each round, he’d take a swigOf that good stuff they call white light.He danced his dance with vim and vig. He danced so fast he lost his wig;He drank so much it blurred his sight.An Irishman…
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Dotty McCartle
The fourteenth in the McLimerick Series Young Dotty McCartle often would startleWhen fireworks started to boom.While others elated and loudly celebrated,Dotty shut herself up in her room.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Paddy McBain
The thirteenth in the McLimerick Series Old Paddy McBain slowly walked with a caneEverywhere he went throughout town.As a rule of thumb, he always padded his bumJust in case he ever fell down.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Quinn McCrumpet
The twelfth in the McLimerick Series Old Quinn McCrumpet learned to play the trumpet.He played for both pleasure and tip.Playing all Christmas Eve without a reprieve,He was gifted a king size lip.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Winnie McHara
The eleventh in the McLimerick Series Old Winnie McHara proudly wore her tiaraOn her head wherever she went.It wasn’t that royal; it was just made of foilAnd quite often it would become bent.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Patty McDaniel
The ninth in the McLimerick Series Young Patty McDaniel needed a manualFor every little thing that she did.With the stork on the way, to her dismayOne doesn’t accompany a kid.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Shamus McEnnis
The eighth in the McLimerick Series Young Shamus McEnnis loved to play tennis,Although he wasn’t that good at sports.He’d jump over the net, the ball to getAnd end up splitting his shorts.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Ian McConnell
The seventh in the McLimerick Series Young Ian McConnell loved Rosie O’DonnellOnly to find out she didn’t like him.To be greatly sought, why would anyone not!Now, surely that must be a sin.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Lucy McSimmons
The sixth in the McLimerick Series Old Lucy McSimmons only ate lemonsWhich made her pucker and wince.With her sour appearance, all gave her wide clearance,So now she’ll only eat quince.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Thomas McLeary
The fifth in the McLimerick Series Old Thomas McLeary grew tired and wearyOf hearing his wife prattle on.He stood on the floor, walked out of the door,And continued until he was gone.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Ginny McTuttle
The fourth in the McLimerick Series Old Ginny McTuttle was not very subtleWhen discussing her opinions of youth.Their faces to pasted, her advice always wastedOn ears that don’t like the pure truth.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Michael McBrady
The third in the McLimerick Series Young Michael McBrady met a fine ladyWhile swimming nude in a lake.He asked her to marry, and live on the prairie.She dunked him and called him a rake.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Sally McTavish
The second in the McLimerick Series Young Sally McTavish often did lavishHer youngins with candy and gum.When belly aches occurred, it was often conferredThat she wasn’t the greatest of mums.
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The Townsfolk of McLimerick: Nigel McDugal
The first in the The McLimerick Series Old Nigel McDugal had a grand funeralAnd all of his friends did doubt.When asked how he died, the minister sighedAnd said he had finally wore out.
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Sick Vs. Well
The difference between being the one who is sick versus being the one who is well. I’d rather be the one that’s sick Then be the one that’s well. If I die, I go up to Heaven. If you die, the Earth becomes my Hell. Being separated from the ones we love, that’s the greatest…
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A Greater World
A world without money where everyone chips in,A world without violence, deception, and sin,A world without bullying, slander, or hate,This would be a world that would be truly great. Let’s all do our part to make this happen!
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The Cure
There is a cureBut it can’t be bought.There is a cureBut it must be taught. There is a cureWe can’t keep to our self.There is a cureWe can’t hoard on a shelf. There is a cureThat we all can find.There is a cureFor all Hunan kind. There is a cureand it’s not a fraud.Simply put,The…
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Whatever Happens
God is with me through the day.God is with me through the night.I shouldn’t be afraid of anything,For whatever happens,I’ll be with my King. If I should die, I’ll be with him.If I should cry, He’ll be by me side.If I should lie, He’ll forgive me,Because His sonHas set me free.
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Piano Dancing
Since my legs won’t move, I let my fingers do my dancingOver the keys, stroking and romancing. With a jump and a kick and a staccato beat,I let my fingers emulate my feet!With a slide and a stretch across the ivory,My hands just glide in all their finery.With a jig and a bounce across the…
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What I long For
I long for opportunities…Not to be rich or to become noticed,But to help in any way I can.
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One Rainy Night(A True Story)
Driving in a sleet of rainOne night while out with friends,I oversteered to avoid debrisCausing wild three sixty spins. I tried to take back control,But I soon ran out of luck.The median came swiftly,And so did the semi-truck! I managed to stop quicklyRight before we horribly collided.“I think now, someone else should drive,”I shakingly confided.…
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How Many Times
How many times mustAnd elephant sneezeBefore he falls downOn his elephant knees. How many times mustA hyena laughBefore he splits his sidesIn hyena halves. How many times mustA gorilla playThe drums on his chestBefore you’ll run away. How many times mustA kitty cat lapUp all his milkBefore his kitty cat nap. How many times mustA…
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My Foundation and My Rock
He’s my foundation and my rock,Makes me stay silent and take stock,Makes me strong, makes me strive,Makes me glad to be alive. He’s my calm against the storm,Makes me rise above the norm,Makes me content, gives me peace,His love will never cease.
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Thanks, No Matter What
Thank you LordFor this day.Make my headacheGo away.I want to leave:I don’t want to stay.Help me through this,Lord, I pray.
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True Endurance
For every curseThere is a blessing.For every problemThere is a cure.God helps me with everythingI have to endure.
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Hope, Chances, and Opportunities
Hope for chances that bring opportunity.Take a chance on that opportunity to let hope grow.Use that opportunity, that chance, to realize your hope,Which is to give all three of these things to others.
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One Of God’s Gifts To Us
It’s both flexible and strong.You really can’t go wrong.Perfect for furniture or floor.It’s really something to adore.Long and tall, thin and thick,Its more than just a pretty stick. It often has more than one hue.It’s quite a lovely sight to view.From lemon lime to dark jungle green,Its color gives off an amazing sheen.From reddish brown…
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Be Careful What You Convey
When does a joke go to far?How far do you go for a hardy- har- har?When it hurts someone’s feelings,Leaves them stunned and reeling,Who does that say who you are? To joke at one’s expense,To leave them angry and tense,Was it worth what was said,To get smacked in the head?Should they not have taken offense?…
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Love on Foreign Soil
I started to build aHouse on foreign land.And in my minds eyeIt was going to be grand. I brought a few friendsAnd various supplies,And soon my house stood,Lovely on the eyes. My friends enjoyed my house,Though not as much as I did.I loved it more than anyMansion, palace, or pyramid. I lived their eight months,Until…
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Valentine’s Day For All
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for thoseWho expect a kiss or a red, red rose.It can be just a day for you to shareWith family and friends, to show you care.A hug, a visit, or a quick helloAre just some of the ways your love can show.So don’t be discouraged if you’ve no one to kissOn…
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The “If I Were…” Poems
If you were an appleAnd I were a tree,Would you likeTo hang on me? If you were the lampAnd I were the light,Would are loveBe very bright? If you were the shipAnd I were the sea,Would you likeTo sail on me? If I were the footAnd you were the shoe,Could I gentlySlip into you? If…
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Garden of Love
I let you tend my garden.I thought you would do your best,With all or your intelligence,Over all the rest. I trusted you with rosesAnd my favorite violets.I gave this job to youWithout any doubts or regrets. The hedges needed trimming.The grass took special care.The weeds had to be kept pulledFor flowers to sweeten the air.Singing…
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Words
Words can be priceless.Words can be cheap.Words can be shallow.Words can be deep. Words can be healing.Words can cause pain.Words can question.Words can explain. Words can be silly.Words can be sincere.Words can go in one end.Then out the other ear. Words can be weapons.Words can be tools,Pondered by wise men,Dismissed by fools. Words are a…
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Things to Tell Her
I will tell my little girlAll the rights and wrongs.I will laugh and play with her,And sing her little songs. I will tell my little girlHow happy she will be,When a man falls in love with herJust like her father did with me.
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Broken Wings
A little bird with broken wingsFound another bird to make her heart sing. He helped her to flyAnd to touch the sky,To laugh and to loveAnd go fiercely high, To soar the horizon,To experience new heights.Together they dancedIn the air like kites. They loved how they flewWith one another,This sister ChristianAnd Jonathan Brother. Then the…
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Falling in Love?
I’m falling like a featherBecause I know not whetherYou are falling too. I would fall like a stoneIf I knew I weren’t alone.Oh, If only I knew! Together like dice,We could fall so nice.Please give me a clue! Someone to have aroundAs I’m falling all the way down.I wish it could be you. To crash…
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Ain’t Love Grand
Ain’t love grand when it first begins,Trying to avoid all kinds of sins, Trying to hold on to what you’ve got,Living each day with your stomach in knots, Being together, wanting more and more,The time apart becomes quit a chore. Emotions you thought you could never have had,Run wild in you, both the good and…
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Love Yet Unknown
I am like an androidWithout any heartBecause from youI am kept apart.Inside me all wordsAnd actions are thereTo show how muchFor you I care.If only, my love,My world, you’d come in.Then, my lifeCould truly begin.If only we hadForever to wait.Now, hurry my love!Please don’t be late!
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IF Believing Is Naive
If having trust in Him is unguarded,I will be open hearted. If feeling safe from worry is unwise,Let His spirit in me rise. If feeling hope and joy is unenlightened,Let my soul be brightened. If being loved is naïve,I will believe.
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Love is Blind, But…
Love is blind.Sometimes unkind.A real confusingState of mind. Loneliness is worse.An unbearable curse.The feeling of beingLeft behind. Together is nice,Heaven’s sweetest slice,The only timeThat love is kind.
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What comes out of your Mouth When everything Goes South
(A True Story) Following a large truck one dayAs I was going to a meeting,To claim a minor accident,The sun was hotly beating. The car late last night, I didn’t seeAs it flew around a corner.I pulled out in time to hit his back.The man was such a scorner. “I’m very late for my party,”…
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This, Not That
Teach, not scold.Stand, not fold. Laugh, not taunt.Help, not haunt. Worry, not hover.Love, not smother. Preach, not condemn.Strengthen, not hem. Share, not hoard.Humble, not lord. Protect, not control.Forgive, not parole. Persuade, not bully.Indulge, not fully. Lift, not deflate.Love, not hate.
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Not By Extremes
How was your day?How do you feel?If you don’t want to tell me,It’s no big deal. I’ve been better;I’ve been worse.I don’t want to rave,But, I don’t need to curse! How have you been?How is it going?I’m only asking,For I’ve no way of knowing. I’ve been up;I’ve been down.Not donning a smile,But, not wearing a…
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What You Can Do
As I lay in bed in pain,Trying not to go insane,Envying ones who never knew,They take for granted what they can do. If they knew, would they complain?Would they live their life so vain?Sadly, I have done that too.We take for granted what we can do. I wish I could do the mundaneInstead of lying…
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Fits and Sneezes
Early in the morning when the sun comes up,I spring out of bed, and I feed my pup.I open the window for an early breeze,And out of my nose shoots a massive sneeze. I close the window and cross to the door,And on my way over, shoot a dozen more.I grab a few tissues, and…
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TEACH ME
Lord, teach me in the morning.Lord, teach me in the night.Lord, teach me now and always.Lord, teach me what is right. Lord, hold me in the morning.Lord, hold me in the night.Lord, hold me now and always.Lord, hold me very tight. Lord, keep me in the morning.Lord, keep me in the night.Lord, keep me now…
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Beyond the Grave
For my friends, Pat and Lillian A friend loveth at all timesEven beyond the grave.Their spirit and love continues onThough their bodies could not be saved. And even as their bodies ascend,Know this, dear friend, it’s not the end. For a friend loveth at all timesBecause of the love God gave. Just as a butterfly…
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Marriage
Marriage is like a house.It needs to be built on a solid, sturdy foundation.It needs repairs every now and again.And it needs to be thought of from the beginning as your forever home!
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Today!
I wrote a poem today!You might not like it,But, then again, you may.It was simply a thoughtI just had to convey. I sang a song today!You might not like it,But, then again, you may.I just couldn’t containMy joy on display. I said a prayer today.You might not like it,But, then again, you mayI just wanted…
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A Not So Practical Joke
This was written in a time when teenagers did not have cell phones glued to their hips, in a time when most households only had one phone and it was placed either in the kitchen or in the entry hall, maybe beside the coat closet in which I picture little Lizzy whispering in the dark.…
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Friskie, the Cat Trilogy
I wrote these three poems when I was a young teenager for my Calico cat named Friskie. They still remain to be some of my favorite poems that I have written sentimentally. Shortly after I wrote them, they appeared in the National Shut In Society booklet, a circulation for people who can not leave their…
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Lady Under the Sea
There was an old lady who lived under the sea.She lived in the coral with an anemone. Dining on kale leaves and green algae tea,She wore a fine boa of Irish seaweed. She played with the dolphins and swam with such glee.On the backs of sea turtles, she salt water-skied. Befriending the sharks, she had…
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The Collection
I have a collectionOf stuff on my shelf,From my selection,All by myself. The collection is small,But the content is great.To add another piece,I just can’t wait. But what does it do,You may ask yourself?Why, all it does isJust sit on my shelf. I might, one dayGive it all away.
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What We Won’t Need in Heaven
Deadlines and passwords,Insurance and fraud,Words we won’t needUp in heaven with God.
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We are Gardeners
If we plant a seed, God will make it grow,But we must be careful with what we sow. We are the hands that were given the calling,Though sometimes our actions can be very appalling. Do we yell at it when it’s taking too long?Do we shove it aside when we don’t get along? Do we…
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Plant A Seed
We can plant a seed and tend it so,But we’re not the ones who make it grow. We can give it refreshment with water and soil,But we’re not the ones that provide this spoil. We can give it light to make it thrive,But we’re not the ones that keep it alive. We can talk to…
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Our Differences Make Us Special
Different isn’t a four-letter word.It’s special and makes you creative.Even through the tears and pain,It makes you strong and contemplative. It makes you see and hear and moveIn different and interesting ways,With positivity, humor, and thoughtTo guide you through your days. The deaf man who never has to hear complaints. The woman in a wheelchair…
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Think of It this Way
Some people look at my chair with awe.Some people look at it with pity.The former I think inspiring.The latter I think quite shi***. My posture is quite crooked.My spine never will be straight.Some think it a cosmic tragedy,I was resigned to such a fate Everything I do is much harder,But when achieved, more satisfying too.Just…
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Artificial Intelligence
When the writers in Hollywood went on strike in September of 2023, I, as a writer, took notice, and this rant was my cathartic result. I don’t believe that AI will ever replace us, but then again, how many people now a days can go a day without it. I’m not against progress and tools…
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Cursing
Swearing and cursingWhen you’re conversingIs needless and crudeAnd sometimes just rude. Such words, four letter,Are often much betterWhen used to disturb,Not just a noun or a verb. These words lose their punchWhen used a whole bunch.They stop, point, and shockWhen not used ‘round the clock. They should emphasize a point,Not put one out of joint.…
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The Watch
-Dedicated to Uncle Frank, the watchmaker, with love. –Died January 6, 1990 The seconds tick by slowly.The minutes seem like years.But, the hours go so quickly,Wearing on the gears. The face is very simple.The hands, they never cease.The watch serves its purpose,Each and every piece. The band, though warn and rough,Keeps the heart in its…
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Going Home
When I go home, I will missThe beauty of the Earth,The sweetest of its sounds and smells,The joy of giving birth. When I go home, I will leaveThe envy and the hate,The fear of being all alone,Pollution we create. When I go home, I will haveThe same love and company,Up in Heaven with my Father,With…
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Pro Right/Pro Choice Series
This is my series about four different situations in which a choice is made and everyone involved is affected. Everyone’s situation is different and personal to them, and only they can decide and live with those decisions which is never easy. I wrote the first one as a teenager and the others followed as I…
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The Lord Will Provide
Whatever our ripples, or how turns the tide,Among great tempest, the Lord will provide! In times of sorrow, and times of need,Wait on the Lord to comfort and feed. In times of sickness, and times of dread,Wait on the Lord, for He is not dead. In times of loneliness, in times of doubt,Wait on the…
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Window of Life
I looked out the window,The window of life,Only to findDestruction and strife. I looked to the leftAnd what did I see?People all laughing,Laughing at me. I looked to the rightAnd what did I find?Uncaring sinners,Sinners, all kinds. But I looked toward Heaven,Happy to seeJesus, my LordSmiling at me!
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The Problem with Pedestals
They put her on a pedestalAnd there alone she stood,On such a tiny space,On such fragile wood.They praised her for the heights she reached.They praised her for her poise.Their praises grew so thunderousSoon all she heard was noise. At such heights, the air grew thin.Her breath grew hard to keep.The clouds passed by from time…
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Accomplishment Starts with You
Edgar GuestDescribed it best.It’s up to youTo do the thingsYou want to do.To be the bestWith the thingsYou quest. No one will tell youHow it’s done.It’s up to youTo be number one. So, if appraisal is what you hear,Be very thankful and share some cheer!But, if rejection is in the end,Be pleasant, be firm, and…
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Growing Independence
{Written as a young teenager} When you’re young you need tender careAnd someone who will always be there,To hold your hand on the first day of school,To help you not fear that gigantic pool.They’re always there for you, to decideWhich ways are best, what’s safe to ride. And then one day, when dating starts,And you’re…
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How To Be Me
How different the day would beIf my legs were not wheels,Stepping on people’s toes insteadOf running into heels. How easier the day would beTo walk instead of roll,Doing things that everyone canDo to fulfill the soul. How cleaner my whole world would beIf dirt I did not track,Keeping things from becoming soiled,That’s something I do…
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When the Day Changes
How lovely is a summer’s dayWhen nothing seems amiss,When clouds are white and blossoms bloomAs if in a sun drenched kiss. But, what if something happensAnd makes you feel all wrong?The day seems long and dreary,The birds, they lose their song. What can you do to rememberHow bright the day did start?Cry a little, find…
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What Makes a Wonderful Day
What makes a wonderful day?When the sun is outAnd the children can play,When there’s a nice cool breeze,And the air smells sweet,And a clear blue skyIs a wonderful treat,With a mountain near,When the weather is nice,To go camping here,When the wind is rustlingThrough the trees,And there’s a sweet smell of honeyMade by nearby bees.That’s what…
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Boot Camp for Heaven
My life is boot camp for Heaven.My death a battleground for war.My soul the spoil for the victor;With Him I’ll rest for evermore. My soul will be tempted to quit.My mind will be tempted to stray.My body will thirst and hungerFor an easier, more peaceful way. My wounds and scars will heal.My body lifted when…