If I pray for you will you hate me? If I ask the Divine to have mercy on you, will you accept it? If I plead for your soul, will you think less of me? Even if the god I pray to is not the one that you seek, will you still accept compassion from me? If I pray for you, will you do the same for me?

If I were a written word, what might I be penned down as? Would I be a love poem too sad to read in full. Would I be a poem of inspiration that gives the heart courage, or one of fear and loathing that turns the reader cold and indifferent. If the person that I am could be transitioned into the words on a page, then perhaps I would be a little bit of all of these and a few things more. Though it would be my hope that the better part of my humanity would be penned down with great care though I fear that because I am imperfect, that the negative aspects of my self would still find their way into the work.

If I should sleep and wake never more, take no thought for me. I will have gone to a place far beyond my pain, I will be at rest and at peace. My life that I have lived has been an adventurous one, I have many joys and few regrets. My sins are my own and I must atone for them, though I hope for forgiveness. I will sleep the sleep of the ages, at rest with what I believe. It is my hope that I shall have left a better world than I came into and that some small part of me shall remain. So If I lay down and wake not, take comfort in that I am at rest. Celebrate my life and mourn it not for in all things I did my best. Live in joy and not in sorrow, for that is what I would like you to do. Give more than you receive, that one day you may be at rest to. So if I should wake no more, know that I am in a far better place. It is my hope you will join me in time and that we can reminisce and catch up for eternity.

If I slumber and rise not again, do not cry for me. For good or ill I have lived my life in pursuit of what made me happy. I have done my best to share with others and to remember those in need. I am content that I have will left a better world than the one I entered into. So shed no tears of sorrow, if tomorrow I am gone. Remember the good and not the bad of me. Continue on your journey and know that somewhere down the road, I will see you again.

If I were a book would you pick me up. Would you turn my pages gently with love? Perhaps you would thumb through my pages with wanton anticipation, as passion raced in your heart and your pulse quickened. You could grip me with terror and fear as the horrors of my words came alive in your soul. How ever you would hold me, I would be delighted and thrilled that you would want to read me and hold me close as you became lost in my pages, so that we could go on a journey together, where ever that journey might lead.

If one soul is saved and spared from the eternity of pain, oh how the angels will sing. For each child of God that is returned to the fold, with divine joy the heavens ring. Oh wonderful it is when just one soul is saved.

I found a pair of sandals in a second hand store. They were kind of dusty and they were well worn. I tried them on to see if they would fit, suddenly I began to feel where they had been. I saw a blind man sitting beside the road, I felt as if I had to help him. Then the image moved on, I was standing on a mountain with people below as far as the eye could see, I felt that they had come to listen to me. On and on the images came to me until finally I saw a man calling to me. He had wounds in his hands and feet he was standing on a path before me. As I drew closer, I stepped into his shoes, he said the decision is yours, only you can choose?  So I kept the sandals on and went to pay for them you see. The man who owned the shop said that there would be no charge, simply follow me.

If there were no America, freedom would not ring. If it was never born, there would be no from sea to shining sea. If there were no America, the world would be ruled by despots and monarchies. If there were no America, millions would have died in vain. If there were no America, oppression would be the law of the land. If there were no America, things would be really bad. All of the freedoms that millions of people hold dear, would have never been imagined, if America were not here. So to those who hate the idea of the land of the free and the home of the brave, live one year in another place and see what they crave. While there are many other lands, there is not nor will there ever be, a place like America, where people are truly free.

If we all were of the same mind and we all spoke as one. If we all looked the same, then creativity might be lost. If there were no needs and everybody was well, then what might not be discovered? There are some that think this would be a utopia, but it would be better to accept each others differences and build on understanding that for all of us to be the same. What a boring world that would be.

The sea of people churns like violent winds. They have no direction but run everywhere. Seeking anything that will give peace to their souls, they are without a set course. All who seek rest from the peace of God sail a crooked course. If we reject his peace, though we think we are at rest, we are never satisfied with the things of the world.

When your guide post disappear and you cannot see the stars for the dark clouds. Just call on me and I will be your compass. I will help you right your ship and trim your sails. I will reach out to you and guide you to safe harbors. Just be patient and I will be there. No matter how far you have strayed off course, I will find you. Set your rudder to the center and just look to the horizon, and soon you will see a light and know that my help is on the way.

If this morning were you last in the mortal plain. If you knew for sure that you would not see the earthly sun rise again. What would be thought of you? What would you leave behind? Would you leave a legacy of caring or one of selfishness and pain? Would you be welcomed if you came back again. Could you say with confidence that you would see loved ones on the other side, or would you doubt there is eternal life. So while you hurry along on your busy way, stop for a moment and ask yourself what if you should die today?

The sun beats down on the back of your neck, the road steams in front of you. You drink water trying to get relief, but it just steams off of you. It is so hot that you cannot even sweat, under a burning summer sun. If you think this is hot, won't hell be a lot of fun.

If you want my respect , then you have to earn it! It's not going to be easy, but I promise that it's worth it. The things that I want money cannot buy. So if you want to earn my loyalty then you can't be shy. I don't have time for players not when it comes to this game. So you better know how to man up, when it comes time to play. If you can give me what I'm looking for, then you'll see what's next. It's going to be a lot of hard work, but if you're willing to put in the effort that's how you earn my respect.

I give my blood I surrender it freely. I offer that life that is with in me. I do not judge whom should receive this gift, I leave that to the fates to choose for they are wiser than me. I only know that I must give that which was given to me. I must see that I can bring hope and return life to another. My gift does not judge, it does not discriminate, it is mine until I give it away. To another who is in greater need that I and it is my prayer that I can always give this gift of life and that I may never need to receive that which I have given away.

A circle of perfect gold, placed on a tender hand. I give you my love eternal and undying . In the solemnest of moments, I kneel before you and offer you my life. I will sacrifice for you all that I am, to hold you next to me. In good days or bad, I will hold you fast. I will be the anchor to moor you fast as our hearts are joined. Into the eyes of serenity I stare and I am held fast by your gaze, as I submit to your will and I give you my love.

I give you my love, all that I am. I offer you my heart and all that is has. I knit my soul to yours and let my life be bound to you. I give you my love that will ever be true.

Narrow minded people and centered unchanging points of view. Corrupt and fowl ideologies with no room for other opinions or change. Blindly following the ideals of a generation, because that is the way it has always been. Afraid of seeking answers for yourself, because of what you might find. Living with ignorance, because of the absence of other ideas. What kind of life would that be?

In a sea of sound, I look to be heard. Over the crowds of people I seek to be known. With each struggle, I do what I can to further my cause. I help everyone I can and speak for what I believe. Though my actions may seem inconsequential, and I may seem to be alone. I have a voice with which I speak. I push forward each day knowing that my struggle will not be an easy one, but if I am faithful to myself and I keep true to my cause, my deeds of kindness will resonate and with a chorus of lives that I have touched, the voice that I have will be heard.

I speak for what I believe. I seek to right that which is wrong. Many will oppose me and seek to silence what I have to say. I will find those who think like me and I shall be empowered. Together we shall seek to make others aware. With one voice we shall speak and seek to make a change. Some of us may fall by the wayside and others may be persecuted. What ever the cost, I have a voice and I and others like me will be heard.

There is a 500lb brick sitting on my brain. I try to write but I can barley strain a phrase. I look at the screen and see a square black hole where the words should be. The block is damming up my ideas and it is killing me. I try to sleep only to have the words leak out in drips and drabs. Then when I get up at 2am to try to write the block is sitting on my keyboard. The letters look like Sand Script and I cannot make them out. Why won't the phrases come out? I take out my pen and try to chisel the block away. My pen is made of a feathered quill and the block is of Granite stone, I can only scratch squiggly lines on the monolithic stone. I have a writers block, it is a terrible pain. I sit here for hours staring at a blank screen again. I get up to go to the bathroom and the block is in my way, I trip over it and hit my head. Suddenly the words begin to seep through the knot I got from banging into the floor. At least the block is cracked now, if I trip over it again, perhaps it will crack a little more?

Some people cover up their scars, I wear mine in the open. Some people are ashamed of being beaten, I show that I can put up a fight. Some people lose the will to get up again, I will not let anything keep me down. With each wounding and each life battle, I learn from my mistakes and do better the next time. I carry no illusions about my life, for it has not been easy. Nothing has been given to me, all has had to be fought for. In this I have earned my battle scars.

I can no longer speak, emotions is all I have left to express. I cannot put things into words for I am tongue tied. My journey has left me empty and I have talked all I care to. From this point on, let my actions be dictated by what I feel inside. Though I draw on an empty well of intellectual thought, my heart is bursting with all that I have kept inside, so now let every emotion run wild until that well has emptied itself, then perhaps I will again find balance and have more to say, but for now I have no more words inside of me.

In places where it seems that there is no hope, I see children smile and play. In the darkness of night, I have seen a million start give pinpoints of light to comfort the soul. In the desolate desert, I have seen a little rain bring the garden of Eden to mind. In places where it seemed impossible. In situations that seemed all but hopeless, I have seen Gods glory in the most amazing ways.

I saw a mother holding a new born child, she sheltered it close as a gentle rain fell down. I watched two children at play, they held hands and laughed one sunny day. I saw a stranger help an old person across the street. I heard a story of someone saving the life of a person they may never meet. I saw soldiers giving children toys, bringing smiles to those different from them. I saw someone praying with a person of another faith. I heard joyous singing coming from everyplace. I saw the love that a person can show to another. I have seen God's kingdom in all of us.

As I walk along life's way, I sew a seed. I do not know what it will yield. Perhaps only a few grains perhaps a great harvest. It is not for me to know what my seed will bring forth. It is only for me to sew. With each seed I sew I plant hope, which with expectation will turn into faith, then action. From each single seed may come forth a vineyard or a might Oak. My seed may be like good wine and bring comfort and cheer to the poor of spirit, or like a Acorn that becomes the Oak, from which many homes can be built, giving comfort and shelter to the poor. So as I walk on hard earth, breaking the rocky ground. I have sewn a seed in humanity, by helping one person at a time.

I am strong and not weak. I am determined and  I will succeed. You will not take what is mine and my spirit will not be broken. Though I am bloodied and beaten I will rise again. I can accomplish what I set out to do. It may take me longer than it does some others, but I will not be deterred. I am empowered and I will prevail.

I watch people rise above me. I see them unscathed by life's worries. As I walk on a straight road, I look ahead and not behind. While others receive acclaim and adoration, I am often unnoticed. What others will not see, I know all to well. At the end of our journey, death awaits us all. Some will be caught by it unaware, but I will embrace my fate with eyes open wide. For I have already won the victory.

I listen to the rain falling and hear the wind howl. I see birds falling from the sky and look at the rivers running red. The waters change colors like a fading rainbow and I feel the sadness as the Earth bleeds. I feel the ground shake and watch the waves rise. I see the animals dying and watch the blackening of the skies. The leaves on the trees fall early and the winters are not so long. One place becomes dry and arid and another becomes cold and unforgiving. In a moment of time we live as Earth ages pass. Yet in our fleeting moment, our actions can outlast us. What will be our legacy, what future will we leave. What will our children say as they hear the Earth cry and bleed.

A concrete truck roars and groans, but I hear a dragon screaming. A woman dust out a rug from a balcony and I see a banner of a castle being flung out to declare the king has returned. People walk along aimlessly trapped in their inner city world, I see a market place filled with life and community. What others take as drab and ordinary, I see in extraordinary terms. I imagine what the life around me could really be.

I know that I am not the same as all of the others, I have a different point of view. I don't like showing my true self, because I will be criticized. I try to find others like me, but it is hard you see. To open up my emotions and expose who I truly am is a great risk. When I do find a kindred spirit, someone who acts and thinks like me, it makes my heart jump, could this be the one, for I just want love you see.

I want to be who I am and not what you want me to be. I want to live without someone else always judging me. I want to be in love and not with who you think I should. I want to live how it pleases me and not how you want me to. I want to make my own mistakes not the ones you made. I want to find my own self and not have someone plan my life for me. So for good or bad, let me live my life and make the choices that suit me. I want to know what living really mean, I just want to be.

I have no need of golden crowns or mighty halls of stone. I have no desire for piles of Jewels or silken sheets and fine linens. I find joy more in a Chili dog or being able to breathe clean air. I have a greater love of running in a pair of worn shoes than riding in a limousine. I have no desire to know the secret to life, I just want to live it. I do not care to spend my life stuck in books that I cannot understand. I want to drink water from a cool stream and climb a tall Oak tree. I want to see the world for myself, I do not need someone to do it for me. Some people have to pile up wealth in order to be happy. I just want a place to lay my head in peace, that is fine with me. I just want to be left to my own devices, I just want to live and be free.

God is in my pocket, where I carry a few extra dollar bills. He goes with the money when I give it to do his will. God is in my heart to convict me of my sin. He is in my prayers when I ask for his forgiveness again. God is in my life when I think I cannot do anything right. He lets me know I am not alone in this fight. God is in the sick beds and in the nursing homes. Despite what people thinks, he does not leave his children alone. God is in the rain storm when the earth cries out with thirst. God is in the city streets when we go on to our work. God is not just in one place you see. If you think about God can be found in you and me.

I was asleep and I began to dream. I saw a magnificent kingdom filled with all of the finest things. People were all adorned in white and the light was brighter than the sun. On a golden throne sat a man with a glorious crown. He looked very somber to me. When I drew close, I saw he was in tears. I asked someone standing by, how this could be? In all of the splendor and wonder, why was the great man sad? The person said that it was because no one knew about him you see. He said people are forgetting who he is and what he did for them. Suddenly I was pierced by the strangers stare. His eyes seemed to beckon me. I walked towards his throne and fell on bent knees. In awe and wonder I thought what could he want from me? He said I know you, you often speak to me. I am glad to see you have come at last, I wondered how he could know of me. I asked what can I do I am nobody you see, he replied oh you have no idea how special you are to me. He said I need your help, I want you to speak for me. I felt full of shame, for I am no one you see. I asked what can I do lord and he said just speak of me, tell my story to everyone you see. So I awoke from my dream filled with a great peace and an urge to speak of Jesus to everyone I would see. I went out on my way and I told them how Jesus died, and I said I know there are not supposed to be tears in heaven, but I told them why Jesus cried.

I lie in silence cold to the touch, now life doesn't hurt so much. I tried to talk to someone but no one would hear. Now it doesn't matter anyway. I tried to find my way but I got lost, who will be left to say was I right. I only know that other things didn't work. I tried to speak but no one wanted to hear. Now it is quiet and I like it here. No one judges me, my pain is at an end. I don't have to cry anymore. All I know is that I am cold to the touch and now life doesn't hurt so much as I lie in silence.

The wreath is hung upon my door. The tree is all lit up. The cookies are baking in the oven not much more that can be done. No one comes to call, my door bell doesn't ring. I am sitting alone again among so many shiny things. There are no Carols to be sung, there is no reason you see. I just sit quietly and look out the frosted window as the world passes by me. I don't mind being alone, I have lots of things to pass my time. So many books to read, surveys to be done online. My family is somehow to busy, they have their own lives to live. So I just sit here quietly with so much love to give. I will endure one more holiday by myself. Then I will fold everything up and put my memories neatly on the shelf. I have one lone present underneath my shiny tree, it is to me from me, I can't wait to open it you see. So here I sit alone, another season passes for me. I will be alone for Christmas, but that is all right you see.

I ate my Thanksgiving meal from a can and didn't get to watch football on T.V. . I was standing watch in Afghanistan but that is all right you see. I will not be doing any shopping or mailing any presents home. I will simply be looking at a few cards that I get from family and friends. The only fire I will see will be in my tent stove. I will be outside a lot, while my family is warm and safe back home. So when you open your presents that are under the Christmas tree and have a cup of good cheer, please have one for me. I am good with my situation, and I don't expect some of you to understand. I will be standing a lonely watch for peace and good will towards men. Though I'll be alone for Christmas in spirit you will be here with me. Until I am properly relieved, please save a place for me.

Mirrors reflect my illusions of myself as I walk down my primrose path. I see reflections of things as I would like them to be. A grand design is formed in my mind and I see magnificent achievements. I want to step through the mirror into the reflection of the illusion. I find that it is better than my own reality. In many ways I hide my shortcomings with false perceptions in order to avoid admitting the truth to myself. So I continue walking in my hall of mirrors and shutting doors to truth, as I live in the land that is favorable to my own liking, A world created by illusions in my mind.

I have walked through many lands and seen many wonderful things. I have done things only imagined in my youth. Now that I have wandered far and wide, my heart is weary and I want to go back the way I came. I long for dusty roads and tall Oak trees. I look forward to small creeks and old tire swings. I want to walk across golden grass covered fields. I long to hear the sound of a Whippoorwill . Though I will take many cherished memories with me, I must now return to where I belong. I am going back down a path in time as I long for home.

Despite my imperfections, I think my relationship is fine. I always find that I am exceptional and that I am right most of the time. I have yet to do something in  bad taste, at least not as far as I can see. In truth I am very happy with myself, yes I love me.

I love shoes all shapes and sizes. Flats and pumps, sandals and wedges. A closet the size of a Cathedral might be just enough room. Bogos are my favorite things, even on the high end. I could spend a day buying a hundred pair, then spend the next year finding ways to wear them. Such is my curse, I love shoes.

The sun shines brightly as it Cascades down. The birds sing sweetly and gentle breezes blow around. I sit in a dark room finding no joy within these things. While many others take pleasure in such wonderful things, I miss the grey skies and the rain. On rainy days all things seem equal. On rainy days I don't feel so alone. On rainy days I can walk outside and see the world as I feel inside. So while others the delight in the sunshine. I will sit and wait until it passes by, and I will miss the rainy days until they come and make me whole again.

I have no bags to pack and my departure will not take that long. Some will miss me and some will be glad I am gone. I have completed many journeys, now I have one more trip to take. I have grown weary and I am glad to make this trip. So I will say one last goodbye to anyone who is of worth. I will take my place and quietly wait until I hear my name called. All that could be done, has been given to me. There is no more wondering or waiting, this is how it must be. So I say don't cry for me anymore. Just think happy thoughts and celebrate the life I have lived. This is my final wish, makes this your final gift. So I say goodbye once more and I release all my pain and sorrow. I go to sleep and never wake, for I am leaving tomorrow.

Judgmental and impatient to a fault. Doubtful and impulsive are parts of me I am working on. At best a work in progress, at worst a flawed person. Wanting to be complete, but unsure how I might get there. Often confused about what a better version of myself will look like. Sometimes scared that I will not like it when it is done. So on I go, in faith alone I must sometimes trust. Not all of my plans are good ones and more often than not they fail. So forgive me if I am impertinent, but I'm not finished yet.

Don't mind the warts on my nose, my heart is warm down to my toes. I know I have a crooked smile, but I sure know how to have a Good time. If you hear me singing it might make your ears bleed, but I put joy into each note. When I laugh it sounds like a screech, but I am great in the kitchen if you want something to eat. So pull up a seat and I will pour you a cup of my homemade brew. They say that beauty is only skin deep so I guess I can say with great pride, that I'm really beautiful on the inside.

The House was a flutter with lawyers galore. Files were stacked from ceiling to floor. The media waited breathlessly for the gavel to fall, impeach them one impeach them all. Phone calls had been made and text messages had been sent. This is it this is the event. As Pelosi took the stage, all of their hopes and dreams would come true. Just waiting on the vote that all they could do. As the roll was called, one by one they said yea. The democrats had 218, they won the day. With all of the House Republicans in unified dissent. It was over, an on Impeachment went. From the floor of the house in a blink of an eye, on the Senate they thought we have this guy. While in the White House with not even a frown , President Trump was making a deal with the Chinese. When someone came in and said it was just on CNN, they passed the impeachment, this is the end. The President just looked with a coy smile, he said I think I will be golfing for a while. As the papers were cleared out of the House, the building became as quiet as a mouse. On to the Senate all in disarray, let us end the President let us do it today. Then what appeared to the Democrats dismay, but Mitch McConnell to get in their way. With his neatly placed glasses centered on his round face. he took all of the joy out of the place. Like a Grinch that stole Christmas, he said with a twitch, you will not impeach him, I am not giving an inch. So with stacks of papers and boxes of legal briefs, the impeachment charade came to an end. Another failed attempt and the Democrats had lost again.

Wrapped in ignorance I am held back from becoming a better person. Sitting with a heart that is blinded by intolerance I am fastened to the inability to relate to others. Imprisoned by a condition of my own making, the key of acceptance and love are all that can truly set me free.

I was chosen to speak. I did not chose to bear a message. A divine hand selected me and set me on my path. I must say what I was given. I did not write it down. It comes to me and I must let it be known. For what purpose I am given words, I may never know. I only know that I must not be silent. If I would not speak, then another would take my place. I would be cast aside so that the words could be set free. So I must bear the burden and be up to the task. For what ever I am given, that I must speak. The words have their own purpose. It is not for me to question, only for me to bear them forth and let them go to where they were intended, that their divine work may be done.

Setting up the display took me all night. I had to get every single firework just right. Covering them with a tarp to keep them from getting wet, from the possible rain storm or an unruly pet. Nearing the zero hour, so close to midnight. That's when it all went bad from a single cigarette I think . We suppose Grand Maw was the culprit, but we can't be sure just yet. What a spectacular display it was though not how I had planned, but the trailer park will never forget the fireworks New Years night. When they started in the middle and blew things out of sight. First the Roman candles fired off out of sync, they hit howling **** dogs and cans of gasoline. Then bottle rockets chased away chickens and stray cats, in a patriotic salute, can you imagine that. Then the middle came but it was supposed to be last. The largest firework missile took off with a blast, but instead of launching into the sky, it turned left at the stop sign and hung in the power lines. The arcing and the sparking was quiet a sight. So many random sparks that it set the rest of the fireworks alight. So in no particular order they all fired off. What an uncoordinated mess some of you might scoff, but it made everybody come awake, and what wonderful coverage we all did get. We are now famous on YouTube and the views haven't stopped coming yet. So in a blaze of glory went my fireworks display. The volunteer fire department were still putting out the flames on New Years day. So when next year comes if I am out of jail, no more fire works will I attempt to display. I will just watch football and drink a few beers to celebrate New Years day.