Come back to where love dwells,
in the garden of your dreams;
to where the heart is calling,
in rich and vibrant reams.
To where the soul is longing,
to drift and sail away;
to where the mind can capture,
the loveliness of day.
Come back to where the heart is,
that desires happiness;
to where the world is pleasant,
with your touch and by your kiss.
Stay and rest your harried life,
and take in treasured hope,
hope that rises up above,
to realms where you can cope.
Come back... forget the sorrow,
of a lonely stretch of heartache;
and fill it now with new love,
...all that you can take.

It started with a scratchy throat,
then zapped my nose and eyes;
coughing, sneezing, wheezing,
and my mournful little cries.

Invaded by an unknown foe,
that gave me chills and shakes;
Yes, I tried the chicken soup,
and whatever else it takes.

Can't do things when you're sick,
my organs aren't bionic,
I sit stiffly in my chair,
very rigid;  catatonic.

My rhinitis is pathetic,
a sieve I cannot quell;
my eyes leak liquids too,
it's the truth -I feel like hell.

It could be due to weather;
perhaps some allergies;
but I am on the mending road,
whops-excuse me while I sneeze!

The darkness passed,
the sunshine of my heart;
threw me for a loop,
the way it came apart.

It was sudden and complete,
once stopped, it did not start;
the shadows never left,
the eclipse of my heart.

To begin, the day was bright,
no clouds up in the air;
blue skies and a breeze,
we were a happy pair.

Then the sun just disappeared,
without warning, without sound;
I searched, but you weren't there,
you were lost, and never found.

Now - I'm half of what it is I was,
you were my strong and major part;
now -  it's fading all away,
with a total eclipse of my heart

The bear grass looks so lush,
in the fading of the light;
it's pleasure on my vision,
as the day turns into night.

The breeze is soft and gentle,
like a lover's sweet caress;
the coolness is a balm,
in this eve of summer's rest.

Jax leads me by his leash,
he knows the way back home;
there is no pressure tugging,
it's like he's free to roam.

In the distance, mountains,
take on a purple hue;
pastoral hills abound,
the sky grows darker blue.

The evening's walk's refreshing,
it clears the mind and soul;
erasing turbulence,
easing living's toll.

Nothing lasts forever,
neither love,  nor hate;
whatever your endeavor,
think about its fate.

The flowers bloom and die,
some withered, on the stake;
leave them where they lie,
for you and heaven's sake.

Nothing lasts forever,
not joy and neither pain;
but we don't give up,  ever,
for our loss, we too, can gain.

Memories bring sorrow,
memories bring joy;
we face a new tomorrow,
whatever we employ.

Nothing lasts forever,
but souls, they live in God;
who for us, is much too clever,
though some may think -  that's odd.

Oft times, your ways are hard Lord,
but they are just   and fair;
you help in times of troubles,
to show us that   you care.

Some only see the sorrow,
some only see the pain;
but those that know your truth,
have everything to gain.

We sometimes do not understand,
the way you show your plan;
but a sunrise and a sunset,
is one creation...Grand!

We suffer in your name Lord,
from human persecutions;
from skeptics and from fools,
under false delusions.

We must be overcomers,
to run the race and win;
tethered to your word,
we overcome our sin.

Coffee's good, some say bad;
but this morning's cup is fine;
outside the sun is rising fast,
'tis time for morning's grind.

Here we go, quite as before,
dressed with climate's hand;
with eyes alert, with eager heart,
lets hope the day, goes as planned.

A walk to start the morning off,
my companion at my side;
down the road across the street,
on our early morning glide.

The warmth of Sol is beaming,
the hint of cool is  blowing;
we walk with no intention,
of where it is we're going.

The legs now getting limber,
the pace of steps, increasing;
the wonder of the world unfurls,
and it never quells its ceasing.

Over my morning coffee,
I read the poems that flow;
the heartache and the happiness,
of people I don't know.

It stirs the heart and tugs the soul,
emotions words do capture;
the pains of life,    the joys,
are lovely in their stature.

Poetry's the gift of God,
rhymes for every season;
lyrics for the wounded heart,
for,   whatever reason.

The seeds of every thought,
now printed on each page;
in celebration of the day,
the madmen and the sage.

Poetry walks hand in hand,
with God's uncertain lovers;
it blankets them in peace,
what love the world discovers!

Now comes the second day,
following your death;
he was there beside you,
as you took your final breath.
Now begin the days of grief,
the hurting and the sorrow;
for the loved one...gone,
left alone for each tomorrow.
She will not go to heaven,
nor will she go toward hell;
but she'll rise,  come resurrection,
when?   only time will tell.
Then, she'll face God's truth,
then, she'll have a choice;
to accept Him or reject Him,
let's pray she hears His voice.
To be part of God's own family,
where no one dies,   not ever;
right here on God's green earth,
for the next day and forever.

Your day begins at sunset Lord,
when the twilight, fades away;
as we begin our winding down,
to let the darkness have its say.

Again we wake, again refreshed,
to pink-tinged light of dawn;
to the quiet of the morning,
to the warm robe we put on.

We say a prayer to start the day,
thanks for blessings, well received;
our praise to God for every breath,
thanks, we've not been deceived.

Your righteousness is always there,
in the time and place that we exist;
your strength endures, when we are weak,
You give us vision,  in fog and mist.

Your path is light, to bring us home,
a lamp, that helps us,  find our way;
a rock, to build our faith upon,
an anchor on which, we gladly pray.

It could be old Cape Cod,
with paths thru waving grass;
and off to one's own side,
water inlets I do pass.

With the heat and humid weather,
with a sailboat, off the dock;
with the honking of the mallards,
as the sun bears down on rock.

It could be old New England,
moist and warm toward summer's end;
with the islands in the distance,
offshore,  where pathways bend.

But it's here ... in Arizona,
where the water's just a lake;
with cottonwoods against the sky,
reflections in the sailboat's wake.

It could be memories of youth,
from the man that came out west;
who is now an ancient mariner,
whose old memories are the best.

Keep me from this wicked world,
keep me from the devil's dare;
mold my feet upon Your path,
let truth be clothes I wear!

Let my heart be filled with love,
let my soul...find peace;
close the door to Satan,
in You,  my faith increase!

Let Your light in me shine through,
may the road ahead be bright;
guide my steps along the way,
to meet the dreary daily fight!

Keep me from this wicked world,
seal up my foolish pride;
keep praise of You upon my lips,
and on the wings of eagles, ride!

Goodnight my friends,
I'll see you in my dreams;
in the land of Nod -
life's different here it seems.

Reality's distorted,
I may awake in screams;
to a nightmare straight from hell,
it scrambles all my dreams.

I want the sugar plum fairies,
to dance around my ears;
to lighten up my outlook,
to stifle night time fears.

Just a nap at twilight.
will put me in the mood;
thirty little minutes,
it wouldn't be so rude.

Night comes faster at my age,
as do all things in time;
goodnight to all my friends,
as I end this silly rhyme.

FLASH: BREAKING NEWS! The President of the United States Has Just Been Declared Insane! This is from unreliable sources positioned as protesters outside the White House east lawn section. Details forthcoming as they occur.
Now back to our regular newscast...
In Chicago today, there was a new record set for murders on any given single day. The old record was...17. Today's total (so far) is at 18. (only time will tell if that will increase to a greater sizable amount)
Thanks for joining us tonight. My name is Mary Macabre.

Due to circumstances beyond our control,
we have only gruesome, tragic, unfathomable stories,
to present to you on this most ordinary day.
Thank you for your patience.
(The CBS evening news crew)

Death comes, quite unexpected,
in bloom of youth or in our prime;
like a thief, quite, unsuspected,
before maturity, before our time.

It takes away the budding rose,
kills the blossoms of the spring;
when it comes, no one knows,
or what results it brings.

Death comes to all, no one escapes,
both the wicked and the good;
both the sweet and sour grapes,
we can't change it - wish we could.

All the laughter and the tears,
are buried in the silence;
gone the beauty of the years,
in death, serene or violent.

Death is never greeted well,
it's the end of all that's known;
only memory in time, will tell,
how high it is, we've flown.

Even on this summer morning,
I feel the coolness of a breeze;
wait patiently for wanted rain,
as I watch the buzzing bees.
They love my trumpet vine,
as do the hummingbirds;
in the distance, thunder rumbles,
like soft,  unspoken words.
The humid air feels strange,
on these desert, arid plains;
the sun is gaining strength,
as the coolness,  wanes.
Summer breezes cool again,
the monsoon weather's here;
hail, dust and gusty winds,
and not much rain, I fear.
But I'm an optimist,
full of faith and hope;
even if it never comes,
I always seem to cope.
Summer days are warm or hot,
and summer days are fickle;
grayish clouds are forming,
by God- I think I hear it trickle.

You haunt my dreams,
but only for moment,
the dreams fade fast,
just like you did;
the day you left,
there was no note,
there was no notice,
all things were hid.
I never searched,
to see if I could find you;
what is the use of -
searching for a ghost?
of all the girls I had,
you were my prize,
after all, it was you,
I loved the most.
Why did you leave
in such a hurry?
what was it, I had said
or done?
did I cause you pain,
or sorrow?
what made you flee -
what made you run?
Unanswered questions,
they nibble at my brain;
they sour mind and soul,
they leave me barely sane.
You left me only dreams,
and empty hands to hold;
to wrap around myself,
when nights, they get too cold.
So I am left with memories,
that die with every living day;
wondering why you left,
and went, so far away.

Lord, You made
all things beautiful,
from the rising sun,
to the crescent moon;
from the wanted rain,
to the ****** snow,
from the eagle's wing,
to the wailing loon.
To the heights of mountains,,
to the sand-kissed shore;
and when it was enough,
You created more.
Lord, You make
all things good,
from the taste of wine,
to the apple's bite;
from the hike to distant hills,
to the kid that flies the kite.
You gave us hope,
to face each day,
You gave us faith,
that never dies;
You gave us memories,
where sweet joy lies.
Lord, You are
my Comforter,
of endless dreams,
and strong desire;
the light that leads
me on the path,
and fills my soul
with fire.

People lounging on the grass
the tents, they form design,
displaying wares that no one buys,
the walkers stroll with their canine.

Arts and crafts and food vendors,
it's a human carnival;
they're shaded by the trees,
the shapely elms stand tall.

The boys are throwing Frisbees,
there are picnics in the making;
there are people in the shade,
it looks like naps they're taking.

It's noon-time at he Courthouse square,
and the fair is simply bustling;
panhandlers at the corners,
it looks like they are hustling.

I take the public viewing in,
amused at their charade;
the only thing that's lacking...
tomorrow's grand parade!

Basking in the summer sun,
warm breeze against my face;
spring is now an afterthought,
of spring... there is no trace.

The heat is dry and sauna-like,
there's no moisture in the air;
the humidity is nil,
in cloudless skies so fair.

The shaded porch is refuge.
to Sol's intensive rays;
a novel "kills" some time,
of endless, sunny days.

My day begins at five a.m.,
with coffee and a walk;
it ends at nine p.m.,
with mundane, t.v. talk.

This is my retirement,
the golden years fly by;
at peace, with solitude,
that's me, myself and I.

Give us now, our daily bread,
feast upon the staff of life;
know the peace of love,
that subdues all strife.

Know the bliss of joy,
that stems from Him alone;
that lifts your every burden,
from which you can't atone.

That removes all blemishes,
that used to bring you down;
that caused you all the pain,
that caused your brow to frown.

Be blessed by His abundance,
that never knows an end;
that shelters you from harm,
that comes around the bend.

Give us now, our daily bread,
the food that Christ can give;
the strength to face tomorrow,
the happiness to live.

I am done with my addictions,
the smoking and the drinking;
the "running"  after women,
what was it I was thinking?

Truth is, I wasn't thinking,
and so, I rolled in sin;
with no thought of tomorrow,
or places I had been.

I was young and ignorant,
couldn't see the road ahead;
couldn't find my way back home,
and I got lost instead.

Was it me or was it Spirit,
that turned my life around?
that shed the evil doings,
that made my body sound?

Like to think it was the hand,
unseen,  but strongly felt;
that softened up the toughness,
that made my anger, melt.

'Twas the genesis of faith,
the steps I took toward Him;
that freed me from my past,
and took away the sin.

It's Your morning Lord,
take me where I want to go;
away from all the politics,
of public face and show.

Away from Trump, Obama,
let me hear the Holy Spirit;
let me feast upon your Word,
draw my soul to where it's near it.

Give me peace of mind,
not the broadcast of a killing;
take me safely to Your shelter,
let Your blessing make me willing.

The choices made are all too wrong
don't they know the path they're treading?
without You to guide them,
they pick roads they now are dreading.

It's Your morning Lord,
I sing out with praise;
keep me free of evil,
all my live-long days.

You're really too **** far away,
to realize,  I matter;
too aloof from contact,
for my heart to shatter.

So I send you unread messages,
don't know if you got them;
there seems to be indifference,
we cannot mend or hem.

That's the way you wanted it,
me cut off  -  and ostracized;
I tried to swim to safety,
but the water was too wide.

Your forgiveness never came,
you seem to stay within a shell;
you taunt me with your silence,
for me  -  a living hell.

You're really too **** far away,
to reconcile the matter;
my poem is now in limbo,
just useless,  wasteful,  patter.

Outside, the snow is gently falling,
the fireplace is lit and burning;
I read a book, that I've been stalling,
inside of me, the heart is yearning.

Yearning for the days of times ago,
for the love of my New England days;
when no reason was enough to know,
the why  and wherewithal  of ways.

To find the joy, in just the simple things,
to find a peace, that envelopes the soul;
a snowfall, that such a scene does bring,
to garner joy,  that makes one whole.

My love is writing poems to stir my heart,
she sits,  contented,  by the open fire;
of my life,  she is the major part,
I look upon her with sweet desire.

New England winter on this summer day,
brings back a memory that's fine;
it was  my thoughts that were at play,
I drink the last of summer's wine.

I only know that love will still exist,
long after you and I are parted;
it doesn't stop and end in pain,
because of something we've now started.

Of course, there will be grief and sorrow,
but that will fade as time goes marching on;
but a burden will be shed,  and lifted,
long after we have seen exactly what went wrong.

Love never fails,  it's only human beings,
imperfect in the flesh, imperfect in their reason;
they're blinded by emotions they can't handle,
and so, they pass along,  as any season.

Some will part as friends, and some like foes,
some will bear their wounds and some will not;
but inside, well hidden, in the tortured soul,
the remains, will dissolve and slowly rot.

But one day, you'll see another pleasant sight,
that will attract you,  to its gleaming eye;
and  you will slowly fall in love again,
and with new-found wings...you'll fly.

Father bless this brand new day,
of summer's sun and ample shade;
may my heart but praise Your name,
before the evening shadows fade.

Keep me strong, in times of turmoil,
may my path be filled with light;
keep the evil always from me,
watch me safely through the night.

Let my soul reside in gladness,
against discouragement, my foe;
free my soul from worldly *******,
toward the truth, my mind does know.

Grace my ancient days with wonder,
to the holy majesty of You;
guard me from all gross deception,
to the things I see are true.

Be the rock of my salvation,
let me lean upon Your staff;
so that I might dwell in peace,
so I'll never know Your wrath.

Guide me on this awesome journey,
keep my heart from doing wrong;
so that I may know You ever,
to sing my joy to You in song.

Whatever will we do?
after we fall in love;
we will we fit together?
as they say, just like a glove.
Or will our road be strewn,
with grave misunderstandings;
like a plane tossed in the air,
with hope for a safe landing.
After we fall in love,
will our union be forever?
will we be rich or poor?
with every attempted endeavor.
Will it be like sweet and lovely?
or will it melt, like ice?
becoming a game of chance,
with each throw of the dice.
With love, there's got to be reason,
you have to involve the mind;
the heart alone is deceitful,
let's pray it is not your kind.

Nature never leaves you,
like certain people do;
one day there here,
next day there gone,
you search for someone new.

In the mountains, I am lost,
but I always find my way;
being lost is only bad,
if you've no other place
to stay.

Solitude is healing,
in the hills, I see forever;
in the walk of silent footsteps,
I  always find my pleasure.

Nature doesn't judge you,
it's just there to
please the eye;
clouds provide odd shapes,
as they slowly
drift on high.

People sometimes leave you,
but the sorrow lasts not long;
there are many other comforts,
to bring you a new song.

Put your trust in nature,
when in trust you have to start;
it will not leave you lonely,
it will not break your heart.

You said that you'd be there,
to catch me when I fall;
all I felt was empty air,
you weren't there at all.

You said you'd lift me up,
whenever I was down;
your leaving was abrupt,
you didn't stick around.

You said you'd be my honey,
through the laughter and the sadness;
but what's happened isn't funny,
now I know this thing called madness.

You said "I'll always love you,"
it was just the other day;
but hell is what you put me through,
and I never had my say.

You said I was your loving lad,
and you were my bonny bride;
but love is not the thing you had,
only arrogance and pride.

You said you'd love me till the end,
but the end, it never came;
you disappeared, around the bend,
as I called, in vain, your name.

If I've a choice,
it's love,
not hate;
love, it never fails,
if your master of
your fate.
If I've a choice,
It's peace
and never war;
war destroys all people,
peace opens
every door.
If I've a choice,
it's freedom,
no more a slave;
the truth,  it
sets you free,
you'll be
honest, strong
and brave.
If I've a choice,
then in God,
I must believe;
to lift my soul
to heaven,
and when dying,
not to grieve.
If I've a choice to make,
let me live by faith - alone;
to have a heart that melts,
and does not turn to stone.

Driftwood, basking,
in the early morning sun,
beside the stillness of
the water;
the day has just begun.

Warmness, creeping,
up my back and neck,
pastoral scenes abide,
at my call and beck.

Coots and loons, float by,
in a wet and dreamy landscape,
Jax and I are strolling,
it's our eight a.m. escape.

Cormorants speed by,
in fast and hectic flight,
bound for who-knows-where,
they're awesome in the light.

The walk is quite refreshing,
nature's face unfurled,
and today, at this one moment,
all's right, with all the world.

I know that when I left you,
I would never be the same;
but leaving you, I had to do it,
excuses are so sad and lame.

I was relieved, but hardly happy,
yet I'm serene and now at peace;
the tension's gone, the burden lifted,
the turmoil and the anguish, ceased.

Love's unkind in certain places,
there, with you, was one of them;
I had to nip it,   "in the bud,"
cut off the bending stem.

I know that when I left you,
what we had was done and gone;
but I couldn't listen to the record skip,
to play, again, the same old song.

And I know that when I left you,
the final curtain has come down;
and when I left, it was for good,
you and love,  this tired town.

I am tired of the
long and winding road,
the miles that seem to be,
never ending in their length;
the constant search for
new and far horizons,
erodes my tiring strength.

Yet there's adventure in
the climbing of the hill,
when suddenly, the view
appears unto the tired eye;
the scene unfolds below,
so beautiful, it makes one sigh.

The clouds recede in
shaded, varied form,
a hint of rain or just a shower;
nature's show of budding dreams,
I'm in awe, of its great power.

I am a weary traveler on this day,
the open highway becomes dull;
the hum of tires, monotonous,
I have lapsed into a lull.

I stop for coffee,   at some
unknown and lonely town;
park and **** the engine's noise,
stop and stretch and walk around.

The coffee does the trick
and I am off once more,
good for another hundred miles;
the cattle in the fields, behind
the fences, leer at me,  with
stupid smiles.

He complained, as he drove,
a car behind him too **** near;
he gazed at the speedometer,
the car was on his rear.
It passed us... doing sixty,
the speed limit, forty-five;
some drivers just like fast,
on speed, they seem to thrive.
He complained, as he drove,
other drivers were insane;
and the ones that tailgated,
they were his special bane.
No cops around when needed,
to catch that wily speeder;
to give to them,  a ticket,
for riding on his keister.
He complained, as he drove,
and I heard the tires,  sing;
then he got behind a car,
and did the same **** thing!

Father, we thank You for this day,
of sun and wind and cloud;
for love and joy and hope,
for a weary head, unbowed.
For the taste of maple syrup,
on pancakes, as a meal;
for the varied foods you give,
for the way they make us feel.
For music of our choice,
for the poets that make rhymes;
for the happiness of sharing,
the outcomes of our times.
For the solitude of silence,
far away from city sights;
for the brilliance of a sunset,
for the coming of the night.
Father,  great Creator,
we offer prayers to You;
almighty God,  Prince of Peace,
we praise You through and through!

The night is far along,
so where the hell are you?
was there something more
important,
you simply had to do?

Is your phone not working?
perhaps you couldn't find a
pen;
something else that mattered?
did you stop to see a friend?

Are there secrets now between us?
must you hide some things from me?
love doesn't harbor secrets,
it must be true and free.

I don't worry anymore love,
you can always find your way;
but the hour's late for loving,
way too late for play.


I will wait a little longer,
but after then, I'll seek my rest;
I'll leave the light on for you,
like I would for any guest.

I remember when -
you looked at me
with love,
with desire in your eyes;
you never said a word -
just smiled and
took my hand -
how swiftly the time flies.

I remember when -
your voice was
my delight
your laughter cheered me much;
you looked at me
with love,
you blew me air kisses
you nodded when I spoke
and I melted at your touch.

I remember when -
you wrapped me in
your arms
and a treasured bond we made;
we held each other tight
in between us
smothered space -
some memories never fade.

I remember when -
you looked at me
with love,
the world was beautiful and grand;
that was years
and years ago
but time does not forget,
and nothing worked as planned.

Yet I remember when
you  looked at me
with love,
my nights were filled with sweetened dreams;
now nights are short
and restless,
the dreams destroyed -
undone by lies and petty schemes.

When love unravels,
nothing stays the same;
but I remember when,
you softly called my name;

and you looked at me
with love =

it was long before,
the sorrow came.

Such a grand and glorious morning!
The air fresh and invigorating, I
want to "bottle it" and preserve it
forever;
Such days are far-between and fleeting,
the touch of spring, the lived-for-
weather.
Relish it, before it fades away,
when hot and muggy days appear;
then, hope that Autumn comes,
and soon - the cooler evenings near.
But then comes days, of gray and
chilly mornings,
when icicles from in your nose;
when brutal cold comes from the north,
and shatters your repose.
Seasons change more often than we think,
here one afternoon, then next day, gone;
the earth turns fiercely as we stand and speak,
the march of time... goes on and on.
And too soon, we fade, as does the setting sun,
knowing that the race, it soon will end;
we go, like changes in the ever-constant seasons,
wondering what awaits beyond the bend.

Don't show me no recliner,
stop the chatter and the talking;
let me lace my hiking boots,
and let me be off -  walking.

East of the burning sun,
where a shadow's just a friend;
where I can see for miles and miles,
where the roads - they never end.

Where the mountains rise above me,
where the ridgeline's edge is high;
where horizons fade in silence,
and above me - only sky.

There's a solace in this desert place,
soft peace,  that fills the soul;
that gives me satisfaction,
where nothing is my goal.

Just a sense of new found freedom,
like a wandering vagabond;
at one, with all of nature,
my feet and heart respond.

Unless the Lord,
builds the house,
then... in time,
it will not stand;
men build houses,
like they way want to,
according to their plan.

But, is their house a home?
is God included, there?
is love a pillar of it?
the sort that they can share?

Time erodes most things,
so fades away, the rose;
gone to fading memories,
man thinks, but our God knows.

A house is temporary,
and if divided, soon will fall,
like dreams that flee in thought,
like it was never there at all.

Is it built upon the Rock?
how strong are the foundations?
will it withstand all weather?
will it go, like shaky nations?

Will it exist in future times?
and not fall by the way?
Unless the Lord,
He builds the house;
we ask, receive and pray.

Must I reject my God
because
the world's in turmoil?
because the world is
sinking fast?
Must we always make
excuses?
for what we know,
will never last.
In Noah's time, the
same was happening,
mankind's fate was
forever sealed;
the flood was greater
than man could cope,
in their sins they died,
never saved, nor healed.
And now the curtain
falls again,
will you escape its hell?
or will you die in sin?
like Eve and Adam fell?
Must I reject my God?
because
things didn't go my way?
because
no answers came
when I knelt down to pray?
I will fall for Christ alone,
and not for any man;
for worldly men of flesh,
they'll never understand.
Just what God is -
and stands for,
for the blood Christ shed
for all;
for His Power
and His Glory
is what makes us
stand tall.

First, there was the darkness,
one long, progressive night;
confusion was its rule,
then suddenly, came light.
And the darkness knew it not,
as it hid from things too bright;
to camouflage its evil acts,
it shunned and fled the light.
It could not understand its God,
the darkness veiled its eyes;
it served another master,
the father of all lies.
The reason men loved darkness?
they'd do wrong, instead of right;
always sinning, always blinded,
from the heaven of God's light.
One day, they'll be no darkness,
when the serpent's cast away;
when God's Son returns to earth,
may His light come soon we pray!

Father, I have trust, Your truth will long endure.
for Your word is honest,   strong and pure;
it rests my heart, from doing wrong,
my soul sings, Your praise,  in song.

You lift me high above the sinful earth,
and I give thanks, for my human birth;
to learn Your laws, that keep  me sound,
to keep me safe, where I am bound.

You give me peace, in the midst of storm,
You give me shelter, to keep me warm;
You bring me joy, and ease the sorrow,
so I stand tall, and face tomorrow.

You give me beauty, to where I turn an eye,
You cause my thoughts,  to rise and fly;
to where the mind,  can  find its  rest,
to find the bliss,  that I know best.

These are the lyrics of my thoughts to You,
for You are with me,  in everything I do;
there is no other life,   that I can truly see,
and so Your precious love, abides in me.

There's a gypsy in the heart of me,
that wants to run the road;
a vagabond is lurking there,
to the fields, my heart's been sold.
There's a restless soul that's yearning,
to wonder at the wild;
a carefree, urging spirit,
of an enchanted child.
There's a ***** inside my blood,
that never will be still;
to hear and see all nature,
until I've had my fill.
There's a traveler in my mind,
who hears the seashore's song;
to walk along the beaches,
to escape the cities throng.
There's a gypsy in my musings,
that clamors for the highway;
ever searching, ever seeking,
an endless, nameless byway.

Mud and snow, block the path,
we slow, and find our way;
the sun is bright, the skies so blue,
are the reasons that we stay.

Darkened pines obscure the view,
of snow-capped peaks far off;
we dodge the rock strewn trail,
puddles shine, like brownish broth.

Then, the hillsides open up,
a thousand feet, above the road;
the highway is a serpent,
through the mountain's fold.

The air up here is pure and clean,
it rejuvenates the being;
the soul is stirred by visions,
of the beauty we are seeing.

We hike until we're tired,
though our weariness is nice;
for this time and for this moment,
this walk...   it will suffice.

At rest, with sunshine on my face,
I feel it stretch across my cheek;
warm, with Spring's approaching grace,
it pleasures me, this day, this week.

My soul's at peace, with honeyed air,
I bask contented, my worries, nil;
I've no troubles and I've no care,
the morning's splendid, calm and still.

How very sweet to be; satisfied with life,
relishing the moments, in synch with mood;
free from hurt and pain and constant strife,
no depression, no sadness; no need to brood.

It's such relief, to set aside  my weary anger,
the burden now, has left this grateful heart;
with it, I was always on the edge of danger,
how glorious it is, to see its rage depart.

What is this source, that brings me to this end?
it's faith in God and in His blessed Son;
knowing Him, has taught me how to mend,
knowing that the battle I have fought, is won.

Birds chirp at dawn's break,
their varied voices sing;
for the rising of the sun,
for what the day will bring.
Light becomes the norm,
as shadows fast recede;
the fish come to the top,
of waters, where they feed.
The night is all forgotten,
with blessed, restful sleep;
our pulses quicken motion,
our energy begins to seep.
The best of time is morning,
the hope that springs eternal;
that started at our birth gift,
of a being called...maternal.
Made in God's great image,
like the Father and the Son;
to all things, give Him glory,
as our human race is run.

Be faithful until death,
and you'll gain a crown of life;
overcome the obstacles,
that unfold as pain and strife.
You are made of sterner stuff,
to praise and honor Christ;
to suffer persecution,
with each throw of the dice.
There's a better world awaiting,
after ours comes to an end;
there's a new earth in the making,
around the final bend.
Hold fast to all its promise,
the deaf will hear, the blind will see;
the sun will shine on everyone,
in the new eternity.
Every knee will bow to Him,
the sinner and the saint;
take heart to wait that day,
never worry, never faint.