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760 · Nov 2010
Trust
John Stevens Nov 2010
She was blind and smiling
cruising down the mall,
arm-in-arm together
so she would not fall.

No worries, no concerns
betrayed on her face.
Her life made better
through Love and Grace.

Her Trust in the other
to lead her along
to not let her stumble
as they listened to song.

I listened above
to the music of love
Sing softly to the ear
So pleasant to hear.

I thought of the song
That sings in my heart
I thought of the Master
who tunes my heart
        From above
        Each day.
        With love

This Journey called life
Racked with danger and snare.
Can be filled with Peace
New life, more life to share.

When bleary eyes are opened
and ears allowed to hear
All...  comes into focus
His Presence ever near.

When my vision fails
When my eyes are dim
My trust carries on
Always found in Him.

He takes me by the hand
with love and a song
All is well...
It is well...
As we journey along.

"I was blind
but now I see."
Still cruising...
Arm in arm with Thee.
10-27-2010
She was a beautiful young lady
and so happy.  It impressed me.
752 · Jan 2018
His Spirit
John Stevens Jan 2018
His spirit resides in us, with us,
even when we no longer know who we are.
He carries us through the darkness,
is with us until the new morning
transforms us into who we really are.
A child of God.
Dementia and ALZ takes its toll. We are still in His hand.
751 · Nov 2016
Stuff.
John Stevens Nov 2016
The other day my granddaughter seven was eating and talking at the same time. She started choking rather fiercely on something that went the wrong way. Her face was rather contorted and when it was finally over  she looked up at me and said "I thought you were going to have to do the hind leg remover on me." And so it goes in the life of grandchildren.
-----------
My grandson 11 came home from school the other day. He was talking about a girl who says she's an atheist. He talks to her, is friends with her and he brought a little New Testament from  Home and slipped it into her backpack. She must've guessed where it came from. And he said to her "you can keep it or you can give it back to me" and that was the end of the story.
-----------
My grandson 11 came out of school today and was so excited. He said two of his teachers pulled him out of class and said "we have both signed papers for you to be in honors when you go into the seventh grade next year".  So he is rather excited. And so is grandma and grandpa.
-------------
I was saying something the other day and my seven-year-old Lucy said "that is a pun isn't it ?" Ah. Yes it is.

Short time later I said something else and she said "that is sarcastic isn't it?" Well what can I say? Yes.  Yes it is. She is one smart little second-grader.
---------------
11-29-16
Last year when my granddaughter Lucy was in first grade I ask her if she ever saw a teacher or someone just standing around leaning against the wall doing nothing. Of course she said yes.  So I said to her the next time you see one leaning against the wall ask them "are you procrastinating"? She asked me what does procrastinating mean?  I said it's putting things off till later maybe tomorrow. And she said oh OK. Couple days later she came home and told me that she ask Mrs. so-and-so the question. "Are you procrastinating? "I ask what did the teacher say? Lucy then said "well she looks down at me rather real funny like and said Huh?"

I was telling the story a few weeks ago to the librarian at the school. And she was cracking up. Then the librarian told me that she said to her husband a number of times "are you through procrastinating yet?" The funny thing was her husband didn't know the meaning of the word and thought it was a swearword of some variety.
You just never know. He knows now.
-------------------------
Someone may need a laugh today.
750 · Jan 2011
January Blues
John Stevens Jan 2011
Holidays are over
Don't forget
No excuse
The belt to let.

When you begin to look
Like your sofa
Over stuffed
From over loafa.

Get up and move
Find something new
Be Happy... Give a shout.
Not be in a stew.

If time has inflicted you
With furniture disease.
Where your chest has fallen
                 into your drawers
Convince your self
                 it is a tease.
                      Oh PLEASE!

So it goes...
with resolutions Mate.
Out the door
and through the gate.
                 Say "see ya next year!"

You can do this
Mind over matter...
Or is that bulk?
Which ever... Please not fatter!

I should have stopped
When I was ahead.
When the paper was blank
Nothing said.

Happy New year!!
(c) 01-03-2011
I have higher hopes for poetry
Just not today.
John Stevens Oct 2017
Granddaughter Lucy 8
First poem

Sunshine

Sunshine is bright.
Moonlight is too.
The sun shines on my sparkly shoe.

When it ends
There is still light
Cause moonlight is bright.
Lucy called it Sunshine because that is what Grandma calls her.
I have a poem called Grandma Sunshine. Of course it is Grandma’s favorite.
738 · Feb 2015
My Valentine II
John Stevens Feb 2015
The day arrived
Little Lucy all decked out.
Bunch of big guys
And little girls
On the floor
Of the valentines dance.
People galore.
Four four music
In
Ten ten little girl style.
Two hours is
Not
Long
Or is it?
The fun began
Sometimes I picked her up
Twirling us around.
Not very fast of course
Or we would go down.
She had fun
And so did I
Next year we will
Give it another try.

Sure glad I had
Taken two pain pills.
Granddaughter and
Papa dance
What a memory.

http://hellopoetry.com/poem/1058527/my-valentine/
734 · May 2016
Expressing Humanity
John Stevens May 2016
So
Went to a rally
And a riot broke out.
Dumb heads against me
Started to holler and shout.

They threw bottles and rocks
Shouted bad words.
"Expressing their humanity"
Like a flock of ***** birds.

Humanity? Oh come on!
Hired punks is what they are
That need a big dose
Of Singapore justice by far.

Would like to dump
A large large dose
Of butyl mercaptan
On them. Oh so close.

They are not protesters
They are **** bags. Skunks!
Butyl mercaptan is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong skunk-like odor. Flash point in range -18 to 43°F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
709 · Aug 2010
Stuff of Poetry
John Stevens Aug 2010
Goats and grapes on a ten acre farm.
They both get squeezed with little harm.

One lets out milk, the other a small whine.
The milk for the “kids”, the wine is MINE.

So there you have Heather's life today.
Poetry, goats and grapes, what can I say?

Children....   is a given.
Aug 2010
705 · Jan 2011
Water of Life
John Stevens Jan 2011
The Dessert winds blow
Dry, Parched, Hot. Worthless to some.
Life! Add water. Live!
01-25-2011  Stevens
Mall chair again.
703 · Dec 2015
Addictions
John Stevens Dec 2015
(c) Dec.2008
I spent my whole life addicted
To the streets
On my knees praying,
“Father help me please.
I can’t hide my disease of using You
All these years of lies, I was abusing You.
Seems any reason I could find wasn’t worth it.
What did my family do to deserve it?”
They shared so much pain and were in fear for me.
So much to lose, nothing to gain shed a tear for me
With thoughts of suicide and fantasies of death.
It was never the streets I was addicted to…
It was ****…
Author withheld.
702 · Jul 2010
My Dear Sara,
John Stevens Jul 2010
My Dear Sara,

From the moment the doctor placed you in my arms June 29, 1986, just a few hours after you were born, I fell instantly in love with you. You were so beautiful. As I was gazing into your eyes you were looking at me as if you were studying my face as I was yours. What I felt for you was the same as I had felt five years before. I could not have been more proud of you and loved you more if I had been your biological father. This time I knew how to care for you from the very beginning since I had five years of practice under my belt. It was such an honor to have been chosen to be the one you would call Dad when you started to talk. To be the one to care for you when you were hurting, to share your smiles with the world which would brighten any grouch’s day.

I have thanked God so many times that He allowed me to be your Dad. I had received my dream of another little girl that I could love and watch grow up into a fine young lady. You are almost there and I am so proud of you. I know the teen years can be tough. I was there once and it wasn’t that much fun. The hurts you are feeling, I wish I could wave a magic wand and make them go away but I am so powerless in that department. Dads think they can do everything but now I know that is not true.

From the time you were a baby, in the wee hours of the morning I would find us sitting on the sofa. Actually I was sitting and you were being held by me. I preferred it that way. I would hold you, sing to you, and pray for your birth mother. She made a great sacrifice in giving you to us. She was a teenager who found herself in trouble and did the right thing carrying you nine months instead of ending it. I will be forever grateful to her for this act of courage. Over the years I have prayed for her many, many times. There were not many days that would go by without a prayer for her. I wondered what she was doing at that moment. I know she has a picture of you that she has been carrying with her all these years. That is one thing that she asked for - was a picture. I know her first name is Marie. We honored her in giving her name to you. Sara Marie - a very beautiful name for a beautiful young lady.

When you were bigger I would come in your room while you were asleep, bend over and kiss you, and pray that God would take care of you where I failed as a Dad. Together, with His help, we can overcome this and anything else that life throws across our paths.

I am so thankful you are my daughter.

Love you always Sara,
Your Dad,
aka Father

Jan.13, 2004 It has been almost 3 years now and I am still thankful you are my daughter. We have been through a lot together and I am stronger because of it. My prayer for you Sara is that you continue to grow into the fine young lady you know you can be. You have a lot to offer the world and you can be a great help to others. Love ya Princess.
Feb. 5, 2001
This is one of the most important letters I have ever written.
688 · Feb 2019
Paddy Martin -Year Eight
John Stevens Feb 2019
Paddy - Year Eight
Eight years since you sat upon the rock
Sitting there taking stock
of things of this world
and things of the next.

A Poets heart since you were young
the written word delivered by tongue
lives on forever in the heart
of those who've read to never part.

You ran the race with no disgrace
Inspired others to take their place
In the words of true poets to be
Filling the hearts of all they see.

Thanks again Paddy Martin

02-02-2019

Read Paddy Martin at:
http://hellopoetry.com/paddy-martin/

http://hellopoetry.com/the-paddy-martin-fellowship
Many do not know about Paddy. Read him. Enjoy.

He passed from this world eight years ago.
687 · Dec 2010
Words
John Stevens Dec 2010
Words. Power of Words.
Can cut or heal the soul.
Whether an adult or a child
Words should strive to make them whole.
                  -------
Never let a good word
      go unspoken.
It may lift a heart so
          very broken.
See the smile on their face
          begin to grow.
Lifting the spirit to heights...
          you do not know.

Words. The Power of Words
Can cut or heal the Spirit.
Good words can heal the heart
We need to believe it.
(c)12-13-2010
I am writing this more for me...
Not you... who are Perfect. ;-))

My grandson Tony (5) said to me
while we were shopping,  
"When I grow up Grandpa,
I want to be just like you."  
I replied to Tony, " I hope you
won't be grumpy like your grandpa."
He just laughed the sweetest laugh.  
Maybe I am doing OK.
665 · Jul 2015
Tony Boy
John Stevens Jul 2015
Jan 20, 2009
Today I am starting a journal for Tony and his grandfather (me).  We replaced a right head lamp in the LHS this afternoon.  Tony held the socket wrench after I removed the assembly and replaced the bulb. He found a bolt on the left side on which the wrench fit.  When the assembly was in place, Tony got to run the wrench and tighten the bolts.  He came in and said, “I fixed your head light Nennie.” Nennie is his aunt and since she drives the car a lot, the car must be her’s.  He was so proud he could help.  He listened well and followed instruction very well. He got in the drivers seat and turned on the lights. Shifted from lower to upper beam… many times.  It worked!   Did it take longer to get the job done? Yes but the rewards will last for a very long time.

It looks like I have not done very well in keeping up this “journal”.

July 2009.
I was tired this day and my grandson (4) talked me into sitting on the swing while he played in his dirt pile. Dirt is like gold to him. After a while he said, “Grandpa. Can we go to the park today?” I told him I would think about it. A few minutes later he asked, “Have you thought about it Grandpa?” I answered, “Not yet.” His reply was, “Let me do the thinking for you Grandpa.” At this time he put his hand on his face, got a little concerned look and muttered “think,,, think.” Then he said, “I have thought about it Grandpa and we are going to the park.” I got up from the swing and went in and told his Grandma what he said. Then we went to the park.

Some time earlier in the year we went to Arctic Circle, one of our usual places to eat and play. There were a couple of ladies sitting at the table next to us and Tony recognized one of them from the play group. After a time I noticed one little girl had stripped off her top clothing. I was talking to the mother next to me when I saw this. I said to her, “Tony is going to go home and tell his Grandmother that I took him to a ******* restaurant.”
639 · Jan 2011
Whino's Delight
John Stevens Jan 2011
Get your whine on! Now!
Really BUG someone today.
Don't waste a good whine!
01-25-2011 Stevens
Mall chair.  I really need to
get a life.
634 · Jan 2016
Bob
John Stevens Jan 2016
Bob
Practicing songs on my guitar
Before Sunday service strumming away
Getting it on the ole fashioned mode
For the old folks to hear,  to start their day.

Grandson Tony
Arrives with a grin
What now?
Thinking within.

Yellow pad note
Was coming near
Stuck on my forehead.
It was made clear.

Finished the song
The note was so near
Removed from said head
Said **"Bob was here"
Tony is small and he calls himself Bob
The littlest Minion he identifies with.
632 · Apr 2017
Richard Riddle
John Stevens Apr 2017
Richard passed on yesterday April 23, 2017. I miss him already.
625 · Feb 2017
Paddy - Year Six
John Stevens Feb 2017
Six years since you sat upon the rock
Sitting there taking stock
of things of this world
and things of the next.

A Poets heart since you were young
the written word delivered by tongue
lives on forever in the heart
of those who've read to never part.

You ran the race with no disgrace
Inspired others to take their place
In the words of true poets to be
Filling the hearts of all they see.

Thanks again Paddy Martin

02-12-2017
613 · Dec 2015
Sniff
John Stevens Dec 2015
Snowmen - side by side
One sniffs. Says to the other
Do you smell carrots?
Lame but this is it

My granddaughter 6 told this to a classmate. She said he laughed and laughed.  She also ask a teacher standing around, "Are you procrastinating?"  I asked what the teacher said. "Oh she just looked at me with a funny face and said. Huh?"
604 · Jun 2014
The View
John Stevens Jun 2014
They're dragging the ground.
Not all its CRACKed up to be
Pull up your pants kid!
A plumber you are not.
603 · Jun 2018
Home Bound-90
John Stevens Jun 2018
Stan is  ninety this date    
waiting still at Heaven’s gate
where his Love
went on before him.

Some day soon
he will join June
Where the light
will never dim.

Time has past
since he hugged her last
now, the pain
unreal at times.

He knows she lives
where God’s Love gives
us Peace and
love so sublime.

And now….

His mission fulfilled
In what God willed
the race will end
never more to roam.

He made the right choice
The Angels rejoice
God’s forever Love with June
Stan will be going home.

Never more to roam.

(C) 06-12-2018
John L Stevens
Stan is ninety now.
http://www.junebergalzheimers.com/
John Stevens Jun 2018
Stan is with his June now
Never more to roam.
Hand in hand once again
Stan has gone on home.
Never more to roam.

Never more to roam
June met him at the gate.
True and faithful til the end
Never more to be late.
Never more to roam.

A life lived full of love
For the one gone before.
Never more will they roam
Outside of Heavens door.
Never more to roam.

Stan has gone on home
Hand in hand once again
Never more to roam
Stan is with his June now.
He has finally made it home.

(C) 06-29-2018

———————————————-

Home Bound - Never more to roam

He is with his Love now
Never more to roam.
Hand in hand once again
He has gone on home.
Never more to roam.

Never more to roam
She met him at the gate.
True and faithful til the end
Never more to be late.
Never more to roam.

A life lived full of love
For the one gone before.
Never more will they roam
Outside of Heavens door.
Never more to roam.

He has gone on home
Hand in hand once again
Never more to roam
He is with his Love now.
He has finally made it home.

(C) 06-29-2018
For my friend since 2008.
He is still alive and well.
582 · Jan 2011
This Day
John Stevens Jan 2011
This Day
The storm clouds
rolled away.

This Day
The Sun began
To shine.

I claim
This Day
MINE!

This Day
Is all I have
to live.

What?...
To whom
Will I give?

Thank you Father
For the Son Shine
It is mine...
This Day.

Tomorrow
may be a
Glorious Day
with You

I wait.  
I give.  
I live.  
I love.  
For that Day.
Written on a Mc Donald's receipt 01-17-2011
on seeing the sun come out after days of
gloom.
558 · Jul 2010
The Third Day
John Stevens Jul 2010
They said I was hen pecked
How could that be?
Just because...
Every time she said jump
I jumped, what the heck.

So...
The next time she commanded
I said, "NO WAY!."
I didn't  see her for  three days.

On the third day
I saw her just a bit...
Briefly...
Out of my right eye.
July 2010
There is no resemblance, it is an very old joke.
553 · Feb 2017
My Love
John Stevens Feb 2017
You are the love
And light of my life.
We have been through Joy
We've been through strife.

Your love carried me
when I was nearly gone
You encouraged me to Stand firm
To get up, walk forward, to go on.

It has been fifty two years
Since we met that day.
Your red coat, blond hair...
Oh so beautiful I must say....
                       Even today.

Days gone by are memories now
The building blocks of love today.
The tests of time has made us better
Our Foundation is strong in every way.

I am the luckiest guy in the world
To be the one married to you my Love.
May we continue and grow in love
With help and love from Above.

Love You Forever and Always

Thanks Babe.

(C) 02-14-2017
She cried.
The first two lines came from my Love. The rest written on a McDonalds receipt after dropping grandkids off at school.
552 · Oct 2010
Lost and Found
John Stevens Oct 2010
I wandered in a vast desert
  of misinformation
Looking for answers
Looking for help
  To resolve my hurts,
                my addiction.

I looked to the tree
              but
There was no help for me.
I looked to the rocks
               but
It smelled like homeless socks

From the smartest man
     of all the world
     came no relief from the pain,
That permeated my inner most being
     all seemed Lost,
     there was no gain.

Nothing satisfied
      nothing filled the hole,
      in my soul.
There was always doubt
      always fear.
      What did the future hold?
There was nothing to hold dear.

The Higher Powers I found
Were causing me to drown.

When hope had faded
       All seemed jaded
To a point of deep despair
God, if you are there
   touch my despair.
    Make me aware.
--

I looked to the Cross
of long ago, still stands
high on the hill,
In the minds and hearts
of the people who do
His, not their own will.

I saw what my soul
      was yearning for
I saw Love freely given
      as never before,
In the drops of loss
      at the foot of the Cross.

There, the chains I had on
that dragged  me down,
fell off. The load was gone.
I was free to soar
in new found love
as never before.

Glorious freedom
      as never before.
In His Love
      I soar.
         Forevermore.
(c) 09-14-2010
John Stevens
551 · Jan 2016
What?
John Stevens Jan 2016
When I can't rhyme
When I won't  pick up a dime
     From the slime.

When I don't get it anymore
When rhyme flies out the door
    To return never more.

I dig out my trusty pen
Then look deep within
  And think where I have been.

What are you talking about Stevens?
What are you doing with the leavens?
I don't know. Leave me be. Ya see?
Some days I need to lose my pen.
And face the world with a grin.
Another five minutes wasted.

This is all in humor.
549 · Jul 2016
Sye
John Stevens Jul 2016
Sye
I can not find Sye
Does anybody know why?
She has been on my mind
Where can I find...
         Sye.

Come home........
535 · Sep 2018
I Choose Again and Again
John Stevens Sep 2018
Opportunities
   Lost and Found

Circumstances
    Abound

Turn me Bitter
    or make me Better.

The choice is mine
    My life define.

I choose Life
    Not Death.

I choose Giving
    Not Taking

I choose Love
    Not Hate

I choose His way
    Not mine.


The choice is Mine
The choice is Mine.
(c) 09-26-2010
Eight years ago...
I choose
519 · Jun 2010
Somebody Moved Lord
John Stevens Jun 2010
We started together Lord when I met you that day
We were walking along, but I was going my way
I wandered off onto the bright broad way
To the things of pleasure, the moment, the day.
As time went on, as I traveled my road
I failed to notice, the darkness, the load.
Your voice became faint as I lived my life.
It was hard to hear you over turmoil and strife.
My heart became heavy with sadness and pain
The joy was gone there was nothing to gain.
You were not as near as you used to be.
Somebody moved Lord, it was not me.

When I turned around you were way back there.
You were walking the path to the cross you did bare.
You beckoned to me and called out my name
I felt Your love and I felt such shame.
Then I realized my loss and how I got there
I failed to listen, to pray, to share.
I realized Oh Lord as I ran to your side
I had drifted away in my own self pride.
I’d followed life’s pleasures down the bright broad way
To a life of destruction, of sin I would pay.
As I neared Your side, with tears down my face
I felt Your presence, Your love, Your grace.

You gently said to me,

"Take my hand child and follow my lead
Give me your burdens in thought and deed.
Do you see the foot prints I have made for you?
They point to the cross and what you must do.
Do you feel the nail prints where I bled on the Tree?
My hands, my feet were pierced for thee.
The price has been paid and left at the Cross
My blood was shed so you would not be lost.
With a Cross and a Crown I climbed this hill
To give my life to do His will.
Follow me Dear one on this path that you see.
It is the path that brings life as you travel with me.

The journey was hard as I was doing His will.
For He sent me here on a mission to fill
The road we’ll travel can be narrow at times
But it’s worth the journey, the hills to climb.
Follow me Dear one, give me you life
I will give you Peace during times of strife.
We are on our way where there is no time.
To touch the face of God so sublime.
We are on our way to the bright golden shore
Where no pain, no tears will be ever more."

We started together Lord, again, today
We are walking along, and I’m going Your way.
© June 16, 2000 John L. Stevens
500 · Jun 2017
Home Bound-89
John Stevens Jun 2017
Stan is eighty nine this date    
waiting now at Heaven’s gate
where his Love
went on before him.

Some day soon
he will join June
Where the light
will never dim.

Time has past
since he hugged her last
now, the pain
unreal at times.

He knows she lives
where God’s Love gives
us Peace and
love so sublime.

And now….

His mission fulfilled
In what God willed
the race will end
never more to roam.

He made the right choice
The Angels rejoice
God’s forever Love with June
Stan will be going home.

(C) 05-09-2017
John L Stevens
493 · Dec 2013
Light
John Stevens Dec 2013
The death of night
Morning rising into the light.
Walk out of night
into the light
into the glory
of tomorrow's sight.

Thank you for giving
us the light.
For showing Your Delight.
This Christmas Season
Is the reason.    
Given to us
a Baby
       The Christ.
             To bring the light.
487 · Jul 2018
Home Bound
John Stevens Jul 2018
Home Bound
Almost home
Never more to roam.

Home bound.
Just up the road.
Soon I’ll be home.

Home bound
The tolls left behind.
Far away from home.

Home bound.
Where My Love lives.
We’ll never more roam.

Home bound.
The lights are on.
I’m almost home.

Home bound.
Where love is forever.
Nothing like being home.

I am home  now.


(C) 07-01-2018
487 · Nov 2016
Nov. 8, 2016
John Stevens Nov 2016
November eight
Was the date.
Life was shattered
For half of the folk.
While the first half pouted
The other half shouted
With glee for what seemed
Impossible - no joke.

Fear mongers reigned
In their pain
Their disappointment great.
Lies told - all they could hold
Came crashing down.
        Crashing down.

Fears from lies
In all their disguise
Trigger riot
Do you buy it?

College students
Need crying space.
Poor babies
Lost their race.

(Finish later)
479 · May 2018
Poems by Lucy - 3
John Stevens May 2018
Ook

I bought a book about a cook
who couldn’t look because he shook.
One day he could look
because he had the book
about a crook
which made you look.
460 · Mar 2015
No One. II
John Stevens Mar 2015
Wrote a piece called
      "No One"

A lot of hateful people here

Just Liked No One.
I am sorry.


(Smile here)
Everyone needs to like
Someone
435 · Apr 2019
Home Bound-91
John Stevens Apr 2019
Stan is  ninety one this date    
still waiting at Heaven’s gate
where his Love
went on before him.

Some day soon
he will join June
Where the light
will never dim.

Time has past
since he hugged her last
now, the pain
unreal at times.

He knows she lives
where God’s Love gives
us Peace and
love so sublime.

And now….

His mission fulfilled
In what God willed
the race will end
never more to roam.

He made the right choice
The Angels rejoice
God’s forever Love with June
Stan will be going home.

Never more to roam.

(C) 06-14-2019
John L Stevens
Soon to be 91.
376 · Feb 2022
Paddy Martin - year Eleven
John Stevens Feb 2022
Eleven years since you sat upon the rock
Sitting there taking stock
of things of this world
and things of the next.

A Poets heart since you were young
the written word delivered by tongue
lives on forever in the heart
of those who've read to never part.

You ran the race with no disgrace
Inspired others to take their place
In the words of true poets to be
Filling the hearts of all they see.

Thanks again Paddy Martin

01-29-2022

Read Paddy Martin at:
http://hellopoetry.com/paddy-martin/

http://hellopoetry.com/the-paddy-martin-fellowship
Many do not know about Paddy. Read him. Enjoy.

He passed from this world eleven years ago.
348 · Apr 2023
Paddy Martin - year Twelve
John Stevens Apr 2023
Twelve years since you sat upon the rock
Sitting there taking stock
of things of this world
and things of the next.

A Poets heart since you were young
the written word delivered by tongue
lives on forever in the heart
of those who've read to never part.

You ran the race with no disgrace
Inspired others to take their place
In the words of true poets to be
Filling the hearts of all they see.

Thanks again Paddy Martin

01-29-2023

Read Paddy Martin at:
http://hellopoetry.com/paddy-martin/

http://hellopoetry.com/the-paddy-martin-fellowship
Many do not know about Paddy. Read him. Enjoy.

He passed from this world twelve years ago.
347 · Jun 2021
Home Bound-93
John Stevens Jun 2021
Stan is  ninety three on  this date    
still waiting at Heaven’s gate
where his Love
went on before him.

Some day soon
he will join June
Where the light
will never dim.

Time has past since
he hugged her last
now, the pain
unreal at times.

He knows she lives
where God’s Love gives
us Peace and
love so sublime.

And now….

His mission fulfilled
In what God willed
the race will end
never more to roam.

He made the right choice
The Angels rejoice
God’s forever Love with June
Stan will be going home.

Never more to roam.

(C) 06-14-2021
John L Stevens
Now 93
343 · Oct 2018
Time
John Stevens Oct 2018
You can’t take back time
Time is a one way ticket to Eternity
Today, now, must be lived as if
there is no tomorrow.
What we do today
Is the setup for the tomorrows
Next week. Next year.
Start now.
Live as if there is no tomorrow
Today, Tell those you love
You Love Them.
Eternity may begin
Tomorrow.

(C)10-28-2018
341 · Dec 2019
Poems by Lucy - 5
John Stevens Dec 2019
WINTER

Winter is fun!
I step outside.
Fingers freeze—I feel the cold breeze
on my warm face
as young brother wants to race.
WINTER IS THE BEST!!!
Written by Lucy
Granddaughter
Age 10
12-17-2019
340 · Feb 2021
My Love 2021
John Stevens Feb 2021
My Love

You are the love
And light of my life.
We have been through Joy
We've been through strife.

Your love carried me
when I was nearly gone
You encouraged me to Stand firm
To get up, walk forward, to go on.

It has been fifty six years
Since we met that day.
Your red coat, blond hair...
Oh so beautiful I must say....
                       Even today.

Days gone by are memories now
The building blocks of love today.
The tests of time has made us better
Our Foundation is strong in every way.

I am the luckiest guy in the world
To be the one married to you my Love.
May we continue and grow in love
With help and love from Above.

Love You Forever and Always

Thanks Babe.

(C) 02-14-2017
Updated 02-15-2021
334 · Jun 2023
Mick
John Stevens Jun 2023
I have always been a quiet guy and did not want to talk before crowds.
The Old Days
Going from country school to city school had its interesting times. We had to take a test to get into high school and I still remember my score being 10.4.  The over and out thing on Car 54.
My brother Ed was the company boxing champ when he was in Korea in 52.  When he returned from Korea and came to the farm he would bring his boxing gloves and he taught me the fine points of the art.

I could defend myself but never needed to prove it. All through my freshman year **** M was always giving me a bad time. Sophomore year it continued until about Christmas time. At that time I had had enough. I was walking up to Main and **** and his two buddies were following me saying their usual bad stuff. Now **** out weighed by 100 pounds at least but enough was enough.  I set my books down off the sidewalk.  Noting I was right next to the morgue and thinking “one of us could end up in there”. Turning around... I motioned with open hand and quietly said to ****...  “ok ****... let’s get this over with”.  His eyes went rather big and he backed up. The three of them vanished back down the street. **** was very nice to me after that. We never had any harsh words. Sometimes you must stand up and confront the problem.

Sometime later kids started calling me Sullivan. I let it go for a while. Then I asked someone “why are you and others calling me Sullivan”?  Did not get an answer other than “your name is John L Stevens so... you are like John L Sullivan.”  Did not compute. Sullivan was a well known prize fighter. I’ve often wondered if the **** thing had anything to do with it.

Coming out of the sticks into the big city school was interesting the first few weeks. The city boys would come up and would put a hand out for a shake. Not chocolate. They would try to squeeze my hand hard but it didn’t bother me.  The third week I decided that I would squeeze back.  Now maybe they didn’t know that I milked cows by hand. So the next one got squeezed... hard.  It hurt some me thinks. Word apparently traveled fast as that was the last fun hand shake I had. I’m old now but I have never been hit in the face in all this time. Except with boxing gloves. No need to cause trouble but be ready to defend yourself and others.  What I taught my kids and grandkids over the years.

Ok enough of that.
312 · Jan 2021
Paddy Martin -Year Ten
John Stevens Jan 2021
Ten  years since you sat upon the rock
Sitting there taking stock
of things of this world
and things of the next.

A Poets heart since you were young
the written word delivered by tongue
lives on forever in the heart
of those who've read to never part.

You ran the race with no disgrace
Inspired others to take their place
In the words of true poets to be
Filling the hearts of all they see.

Thanks again Paddy Martin

01-29-2021

Read Paddy Martin at:
http://hellopoetry.com/paddy-martin/

http://hellopoetry.com/the-paddy-martin-fellowship
Many do not know about Paddy. Read him. Enjoy.

He passed from this world ten years ago.
294 · Feb 2020
Paddy Martin -Year Nine
John Stevens Feb 2020
Paddy - Year Nine
Nine  years since you sat upon the rock
Sitting there taking stock
of things of this world
and things of the next.

A Poets heart since you were young
the written word delivered by tongue
lives on forever in the heart
of those who've read to never part.

You ran the race with no disgrace
Inspired others to take their place
In the words of true poets to be
Filling the hearts of all they see.

Thanks again Paddy Martin

02-06-2020

Read Paddy Martin at:
http://hellopoetry.com/paddy-martin/

http://hellopoetry.com/the-paddy-martin-fellowship
Many do not know about Paddy. Read him. Enjoy.

He passed from this world nine years ago.
274 · Apr 2020
Crows
John Stevens Apr 2020
Every where I go these days
I see many many a crow.
Some are black some are white
Many colors they do grow.

They tackle many hard jobs each day
Holding together what would fall apart.
The crows get together in very tight groups
And accomplish much until ripped apart.


Then I found out in my observations
they all had the same first name.......
VEL.


Lunacy prevales when all alone.
Wife read it.  Gave me a rather funny look. Shook her head.

Velcro
272 · Nov 2019
Initions
John Stevens Nov 2019
Initions
I N I T I O N S
Are very hard of hearing
But... they know everything.
That is why they are called...
Def Initions.
271 · Apr 2020
Behold the Lamb Mary
John Stevens Apr 2020
© 1-24-2006 J.L. Stevens
V1
Oh Mary do you see your Son
High upon the hill?
Your Son has come to this world
To do His Father’s will.
Behold the Lamb Oh Mary.
High upon the cross.
Behold the Lamb who shed His blood
To rescue you and me.

V2
He finds me in my deepest need    
When darkness comes around me.
He gives me peace in my soul    
And sets my spirit free.
I am baptized with His Spirit
He meets my every need.
Behold the Lamb of God
High upon the throne.

Chorus
Behold the Lamb of God
Who takes away my sin.
Behold the Lamb of God
Who cleansed my heart within.
My name is written there
In the Lamb’s Book of Life.
He is the great I Am.
The Savior of the world


Chorus

End
Oh Mary you are with your Son
The Savior of the world.
263 · Dec 2020
Triumphs
John Stevens Dec 2020
I sit outside the rest home, this Sunday afternoon.
I watch the face of people, going in and out so soon.
The visits here, come and gone. Time swiftly passes on.
The sadness shows on each face for the one which they belong.

The mother walks with her child, quietly through the door
To see a grandpa not coming home, for many days or more.
They sit and wait so patiently for their short time to be
For twenty minutes on the phone, their “papa” they will see.

So close are they but yet so far, no touching through the pane.
Fingers spread, hearts are breaking, their future down the drain.
The question on the little lips, will papa come home now?
Soon, we hope, my dear child, maybe next week, somehow.

The children come to visit him, with thoughts of shattered dreams.
The joys they had for many years, are gone, so it seems.
They put on a smile, push back fears, to keep alive some hope.
They wonder “why, what went wrong, how will we ever cope?”

The pain inflected, bad decisions, when the virus had taken hold.
Ruined lives of those around them, the broken promise told.
His family grieves the senselessness, of life’s potential lost.
Hope now seems a fleeting dream, the family pays the cost.

A broken life, a shattered dream, seems lost in the eyes of man.
When darkness falls, and hope is gone, when all has hit the fan.
God can mend the broken life, He turns darkness into light.
Hope comes to those, who ask through grace and all of mercy’s might.

We come to Him with hopes and fears not knowing where to start.
In life and death, Peace can come, carried in our heart.
Someday, somehow,  we come as one, together we shall be,
Where over all of life and Faith and Hope we’ll  see....

           Love Triumphs.

© 12-16-2020 John Stevens
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