Isn't it funny how throughout life we run,  run, run
Till life and sickness get us so run down
Forever thinking that we would always be invincible
And nothing could slow us down, now how laughable

Half a century old….and I'm still aging
With each passing year, the days are accelerating
Now my body grunts and groans
Because of my rickety old bones

Just to do those once easy to do tasks
Now I don't take any unnecessary risks
As I look in the mirror, no matter the angles
There's no covering up all these unsightly wrinkles

I can see both the past and the future
Knowing that there's not much I can alter
But wait for a gosh dang - bloom'n moment
I now have an untreatable ailment

I ask everyone, What was I doing a moment ago?
My mind swirls dropping cells like unneeded mementos
Life has a way of forgetting about Me
Heavens to Betsy, since when can't I see?

I fumble for my fashionable, old person bifocal glasses
Just to find out, now I can't fit into my old, sportier britches
So out come them ugly, stretchy suspenders
That bring back some horrible reminders

Of laughing at my dearly, beloved great grandfather
And now, I'm the brunt of each round of laughter
Since when did this pop belly appear in my midriff?
All of these maladies, make me reach for my handkerchief

I suddenly realize, that no longer can I run
It's something that I now know can't be done
Nope, no more races against all them young bucks
Hecks bells, now I'll have to get rid of all my spandex

I tell everyone I have to go home, because I have a headache
But it's really because, it's too cold outside and my knees do quake
Now that I'm home, I put my plastic dentures to soak
Then I take my medicine against heart disease and stroke

This life's race against time can never be won
But while it lasted, gosh, it sure was fun
So, hum, now I've wandered off in this sticky, smelly, old nursing home
As I scratch my bald head, let's see if I can remember how to get back to my room

Written by:
Jason Cheney
March 25, 2023

Upon entering our home's front door
I smell a smell so intensely pure
As if upon command, my mouth begins to water
My feet towards the kitchen do not hesitate nor falter

I find a loaf of sweet, delicious, homemade bread
This incredible smell goes instantly to my head
Longing to add the taste of sweet honey butter
To my slice of bread lavishly, it, do I smother

The hot release of steam as I cut into the loaf
Truthfully, bread is best right out of the stove
My strong frame melts just like the butter
Oh yes, this piece was just an appetizer

My stomach growls for the next hot, dreamy slice
My desire to savor another delicate portion does increase
As I reach for the breadknife, I remember to say thank you and please

It is said that people can smell Mother's bread upon their deathbed
Yes, that heavenly taste and smell of freshly baked bread
Thus today, I will savor each and every tender bite
Sinking my teeth into that tender morsel, to my heart's delight

Written by:
Jason Cheney
February 2023

Sixty-four years before the coming of the Lord
When a war between two nations was declared
The Anti Nephi Lehites were readying to take up their arms
When Ammon asked that they would just send more food, from their farms

But two thousand sixty young men of yesteryear
Whose parents, a covenant of peace, had swore
Began the long march to fight a war
Down near the western seashore

They vowed to follow the prophet, Helaman
What a sight it must of been to see this caravan
Though they were so very young
Perhaps only sixteen when this war had begun

They were obedient to every command
For their Mothers had taught them to understand
That if they were diligent, God would never forsake nor leave them alone
With cheerful hearts, we read that each one was able to go back home

They knew that their parents and families depended upon them
Fighting for God, liberty, religion, and families was their mighty emblem
Therefore, they fought with the might of dragons
And thus, God did protect them, each and every single one

Though bloodied and hurt
They never did cease to fight
Often standing alone against the foe
Their courage and valor, to everyone did they show

Defeating mighty men and soldiers
They stood their ground as warriors
Often fighting foes on every side
And even if they had wanted, there was no place to hide

Often suffering from lack of food
When it was time to fight, upon their feet they stood
Fighting in God's battalion are they now found
The cries of these two thousand sixty young men, will forever resound

Written by:
Jason Cheney
October 2022

Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi
What manner of men were these three?
I'd love to tell you a little bit concerning them
If you'll give me a brief moment of your time

Moroni became Chief Captain when he was only twenty five
His lifelong desire was to preserve his people and soldier's lives
He knew his duty was to serve them and his God
His feet were firmly planted in the gospel sod

Moroni hoisted the Title of Liberty high upon the towers
From this, his duty, he would never shrink nor cower
And if all men could or would be like unto him
Christ's joy for all mankind would have been filled to the brim

He did not delight in shedding another's blood
But to God, his military successes, he always attributed
He was a man that depended on ingenuity and revelation
Between Moroni and Lehi, there was much love and admiration

Lehi was also a man of God
By Moroni's side, he always stood
He was a fearsome warrior
Like no other

His life was spent in the service of Nephite mothers and fathers
He constantly defended their liberty from Lamanite warriors
He was second only to Moroni
His confidence, upon God's grace, did lie

He most definitely was a humble man
Yet he fought with the might of a lion
He had to of felt an amazing amount of grief
At the extent of destruction and loss of human life

He stood shoulder to shoulder with all the rest
His presence put fear into the Lamanite host
I'm sure that from dawn until dusk, he did labor
To strengthen the fortifications against any attacker

Teancum, a ferocious and God-fearing soldier
Was also a very knowledgeable leader
It is said that his men were stronger
And more skilled in the art of war, than any other

His men had all been carefully trained
And thus the Lord, them, He sustained
He was Moroni's strong, left side
Over a part of the Nephite army he did preside

Teancum, to his people's rescue would go
His undying love for freedom truly did show
For when all seemed hopeless and lost
He and his men would fight valiantly no matter the cost

Into King Ammoran's camp one night he did go
His anger and hatred for this man did overflow
His javelin did hit the mark
But not before King Ammoran let out a death rattling bark

As Moroni and Lehi anxiously awaited Teancum's return
The sounds of swords in the night could they discern
Then the sound of silence met their ears
To their eyes leapt hot, understanding tears

Though in the end, his life, this war did take
His actions and decisions were never a mistake
For his name shall shine forever throughout history
Not like many another whose names are just a memory

Often these three men met on the battlefield
Never an inch of Nephite land did they ever yield
Worthy to be called brothers-in-arms, were these three
They lived and died as warriors, with only one desire, their people's liberty

Written by:
Jason Cheney
October 23, 2022

How majestically flies the eagle
While upon life's billowing currents he is found
The air beneath his wings doth swiftly flow

The beauty of the beating of each wing
Deafening is the piercing whistle that stills my heart
A shrill cry that echoes down from the highest crags

My soul's unfiltered answer in reply
To be lifted up within the endless boundaries of the sky
For it too wishes to soar and fly

Independent from all creatures here on Earth
Stretching for the freedom to reach upward towards Heaven
To rise with the sun and meet each day with such power

What a blessing it is to know
That our immortal spirits may fly so high
This poignant cry ripped from our very lungs

Thanking God for this magestic sight
Overlooking the Earth below
And knowing that with the eagles, I too can fly

Written by:
Jason Cheney
July 2022

I feel the raindrops as they hit my head
The cool refreshing spirit that I do not dread
By the master's gentle touch each raindrop helps me shed

All my troubles and fears
And those hot, salty tears
For each raindrop shows me that He truly cares

Written by:
Jason Cheney
May 2018/October 2022

El olor de tu cabello
La fragancia de tu perfume
Me eres inocente
Floreciste poco a poco delante de mi ojo.

El calor del cuerpo humano
Escondido bajo las cobijas
Ayyy, tu hermoso rostro
Me envuelves en tus caricias.

Las estrellas dan brillo como los diamantes
Tus ojos tan encantadoras
Me enamoran tus gestos tan finas
Tus fotos tan lindas
Son tan edificantes.

Por Jason Cheney
4/7/19

There are many times
That I awaken to those familiar chimes
Of sleighbells jingling on Santa's sleigh
Though they still be far away

Blessed am I for believing in old Saint Nick
For without Him, I'd be up a crick
Candy canes and presents for all
Tons of food with its intoxicating smell

Laughter ringing throughout the house
Everyone is awake, yes even the mouse
Today we're definitely celebrating this magical day
For peace on Earth, each one of us pray

Santa's once more come and gone
Hastily leaving before the breaking of dawn
Good will towards each other do we feel
Which love, our hearts, doth it truly heal

Written by:
Jason Cheney
August 8, 2022

There is a book of scripture that talks to each of us
With profound prophecies that speak about our worthiness
Lehi's dream was to guide us along the straight and narrow path
Young Nephi followed the whisperings of the Spirit while in his youth

Jacob said that if we prune, dung, and care for the tree
We can make it back safely to Thee
Though we may be a branch grafted onto that old trunk
Good fruit from us will the Master pluck

Enos, though he went out one day a-hunting
Received a remission of his sins by earnestly praying
After reading these pages, the Lamanite descendants would gain a knowledge of Christ
Looking forward with renewed hope, by the Holy Ghost, they'd be so enticed

Long live King Benjamin
My goodness, what a man
His son, Mosiah, was a prophet and seer
Who had four sons that caused an angel to appear

These four men taught the Lamanites with such great power
Insomuch so, that the Holy Spirit their physical bodies did overpower
Two thousand sixty sons did take up their swords
To defend their people from the wicked Lamanite hordes

Alma the Senior at first was a wicked high priest
Though upon hearing Abinadi speak, his wicked ways immediately ceased
Baptizing his people in the waters of Mormon
He started many people on the path towards salvation

Alma the Younger, was also a wicked and idolatrous person
For which, he suffered for three days and nights till his sins were forgiven
Thereafter, his greatest desire was to have the voice of an angel
Amulek and Zeezrom, were amongst those who heeded Alma's call

Nephi and Lehi, though prisoners, stood within a circle of fire
They wanted all to know about God, this was their desire
The soldiers listened and became believers
They soon became God's spiritual ambassadors

Nephi kneeled upon his garden tower
While beneath him wicked Nephites did gather
He foresaw the workings of the secret band of Kishkumen
That they would bring about the end of this great nation

Samuel the Lamanite, upon the walls of Zarahemla did preach
That Christ would come down to earth and, us, He would teach
Thirty four years after His birth, He did appear
To these, His other sheep, His voice did they hear

To become witnesses, His wounds did they feel
Throughout the land,  all people, these witnesses did tell
Salvation could be had if at Christ's feet they would kneel
Then their wounds would He carefully heal

Almost three hundred years would pass away in peace
Till Mormon saw that the people's faith did decrease
A commandment to make a compilation of sacred records
And write about this nation's wickedness as it spiraled downwards

A final farewell to his people did Mormon give
Hoping that his son, Moroni, this war would outlive
Before everyone was killed there upon Cumora's green hill
All prophecies up till then were entirely fulfilled

Moroni, a final challenge to all
Unto us has he issued this call
If we will but read and pray with real intent
Our lives will this book compliment

The Book of Mormon has special meaning to me
But, its teachings are meant for all, you see
Of prophets, seers, and revelators who lived here so long ago
The truth, by way of the Holy Ghost, upon us will he bestow

So it's quite simple for you and me
If we but follow Moroni's steps to see
If this book testifies that Christ died upon that lonely tree
Then true followers of Christ will each of us be

Written by:
Jason Cheney
September 12, 2022

Adiós
Que Dios esté con vos
Ninguna vez te he hecho imaginar
Que aquí me iba a quedar

Añoro mis días de estar a tú lado
Pero mi vista se ve muy nublado
Veo el mundo en todo su esplendor
Ojalá que algun día, llegaré a ser un ganador

La competencia para ganar un dólar
Me causa un gran dolor
Judas vendió su alma al dar un beso
Solo para ganar unos tristes pesos

Tantas veces he tratado escapar
Esta prisión que me ha atrapado con todo vigor
Cansado y sin defensas
Mi cuerpo ya no tiene las fuerzas

Para continuar en este conflicto
Contra gerentes que son tan mensos
Gente que sigue en su estupidez
Y el mundo cayendo en iniqidad con rapidez

Hay que aguantár las pruebas de esta vida
Cada día, de Dios, le pedimos su ayuda en esta lucha
Prestamos atención a las leyes de Dios con diligencia
Y siempre teniendo nuestras metas en la vista

Lástima que esta vida pasé tan veloz
Si lo único que quiero es estar con mis amigos
El último día de este jornada tendré que deciros
Gracias y Adiós

Escrito por:
Jason Cheney
Agosto 26, 2022

I've learned to smile while I cry
Perhaps, someday, I'll know the reason why

My heart so heavy, yes, so poignantly full
Thus my heartstrings do I gently pull

So that the corners of my lips turn upwards
Though they continually strive to turn downwards

My warm, salty tears could fill a measuring cup
But no one will notice as my smile rises up

On the surface, I am as happy as a lark
For it is my signature trademark

But deep down inside
My sorrow do I hide

I hurt day in and day out
But I will never let anyone see me pout

My heart and soul just want to shout out loud
I will not, no not ever, in front of a crowd

So I've learned to smile while I cry
After giving vent to a little sigh

I just smile and continue on
As I run this Earthly marathon

Supposedly, life is to be filled with fun
But rarely, inside, will I ever see the sun

Written by:
Jason Cheney
August 6, 2022

A thousand miracles performed by Christ
Soothing the anguish of each sinner sufficed
By taking a moment to lift a suffer up
And with the sinners He didst sup

He healed the sick and the afflicted
Their terrible suffering was quickly abated
The woman who sought out the Savior
To but touch His garment was her desire

A young girl who died
Through priesthood powers gently applied
She like Lazarus did awaken
To the family's acclamation

Ten lepers who sought out the Lord
A blessing and healing they couldn't afford
One turned to show his thanks and gratitude
By giving honor and glory to the most high God

A woman who was caught in adultery
Whose accusers left in a scurry
Afraid of lifting a stone
Leaving them there, all alone

He entered the Garden of Gethsemane
Alone and scared yet upon bended knee
To take upon himself everyone's sins
He looked unto his father because of his sore afflictions

He bled from each pore
This wounds me to my very core
Each drop of blood he spilt
If I repent, I will live again without all this guilt

Soon to be found upon a cross
Not recognizing his hand in our life will be our greatest loss
This miracle wrought by his hands
Has broken the oppressor's iron bands

They are in plain sight for all to see
These miracles were performed for you and me
All glory to Him while kneeling before Him upon bended knee
So that at God's table, we will not be an absentee

Written by:
Jason Cheney
July 3, 2022

Flit and fly
Busy little fly
You sit and chat
Then you ****
A million miles today
A race for food you say
Rather it's do and die
It's not time to lie around, you reply
I'll make the time
To find the most delicious grime
A garbage can comes into sight
Oh what pure delight
Happy am I
For tomorrow I'll die, fat and sassy I happily reply

Written by:
Jason Cheney and Gabby Galvez
June 2022

Flit and fly
Busy little fly
You sit and chat
Then you ****
A million miles today
A race for food you say
Rather it's do and die
It's not time to lie around, you reply
When I find the time
To find the most delicious grime
A garbage can comes into sight
Oh what pure delight
Happy am I
For tomorrow I'll die, fat and sassy I happily reply

Written by:
Jason Cheney and Gabby Galvez
June 2022

Oh ye fair ones
Those whom we have called daughters and sons
Wars, pestilence, and famines
Have destroyed so many lives

The beauty of each loved ones face
Now moulder in a shallow grave
Unmarked
Unconsecrated

Even now, another war rages
In a land that has known wars throughout the ages
Women and children who seek only to live
Are forced to fight just to survive

Seekers of peace are forced to flee
For all the world to see
None come to their aid
Because of the attacking soldiers raid

A dismal day, a new era we've seen unfold
Weeping and wailing, all this destruction must we behold
Today, the world has no empathy
Because there is a love for blood, thus pure apathy

How we used to greet each other
Only now we yell and shout at our brother
All we hear is the word, ******
Guns, knives, and bombs without number

Refugee tents creating new towns
Kids are waking to a life without playgrounds
Air sirens and airstrikes fill their world
Some'll never get to see their nation's flag unfurled

Why must we be living in a world full of hate?
A world at peace should we create
So our fair ones can live life to the greatest extent
And thus their sons and daughters won't grow up to a life of death and discontent

Written by:
Jason Cheney
May 2022

If you have ever looked into a mirror
It can't be any clearer

The image displayed is of yourself
It is in high definition of one's spiritual self

It is one directional from this side
Though sometimes we can part the divide

If we could only peer through
We would see everything so pure and true

If we only knew how thin is this veil
The sight of loved ones to our eyes would it reveal

We would greet each person with such joy
Being in their presence is something we would enjoy

Our loved ones, us, do they see
Grateful that the Resurrection, for all, is free

God's plan of happiness
Is made for each of us

We part this veil when upon this Earth we are born
We part it again as we leave this mortal's sojourn

As we step through the veil into the spirit world
Our spirits now set free are unfurled

We are only a handbreadth away from this mortal life
As suddenly, we find ourselves in the afterlife

That being said, there is life after death
Another step in our journey after taking that last shallow breath

We'll wait for the coming of the Lord
And through Him, each will receive his due reward

When in our perfected bodies,  we will once again part the veil
And know that God and His Son did prevail.

Written by:
Jason Cheney

When all heck shall break free
There will be nothing left, you'll see
It's all because of a simple word: me, me, me

We'll see sadness all around
Ranting and raving will be a constant sound
Our tears, the ground they'll pound

Unholy and frightening scenes will appear
Ghastly sights will our horrified eyes mirror
Our deepfelt inner terror

The bondsman coming for us
Our normal lives cut short with abruptness
Overwhelming chaos and madness

Life spinning out of control
I try grabbing onto a pole
But there's no one who'll console

This anguish in my heart
We could have stopped this atrocity when it did start
If we had all done our part

Our pearls before swine have we thrown
Searching for relief as we've run
Nary a sign of anyone

Such infinite events will unfold
Earthquakes, eruptions, pestilences, and wars will we behold
Our children can not be consoled

Weeping and wailing all around
Faith, hope, and charity can't be found
Until the trumpet of God shall sound

Christ unto all the world will appear
And the world throughout will give ear
All knees will bow, and His name we will revere

It is asked, "Wherein came these wounds in thy side and hands?"
Justice for an eternal law then demands
That only Christ will govern these lands

Christ, the Prince of Peace
Zion will be His masterpiece
All wars and contentions will suddenly cease

As He begins His millennial reign
A thousand years without pain
Triumph over evil will He attain

For Christ will rule supreme
His people, He has come to redeem
If before Him, we are found pure and clean

Written by:
Jason Cheney
February 19-22, 2022

Hath no man called upon thee?
While walking upon Earth's highway

Desperate to find the answers to life's many questions
Far too many people have their own opinions

Looking and searching until life is no longer fun
Clouds and rain do overshadow the heat from the sun

Emptiness within me while in a crowded room
The bitterness, the gall of despair, which over me doth loom

Hatred, anger, bitterness, doth fill my life
All I've ever wanted was a world without strife

Yet I have found nary a place to rest
To unburden my weary head from all the unrest

Happiness to me is an unknown
For I have traveled these many roads, all alone.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
April 17, 2022

The passing of time
Feelings so sublime

Such emotional moments
My heart and soul quicken at the thoughts

Reflections upon my beloved grandparents
And now my older, dear parents

My whole life flashing before my eyes
Years it seems, for which my heart cries

For the lost friends and colleague
Each precious second lost cause me grief and fatigue

The heartache and tears
Death with all its fears

The eternal circle of life
Oftentimes full of pain and strife

I dream of days long past
A mortal's life that will never last

Laughter, giggling, and storytelling
Never again will we see you smiling

Carefree banter while in our homeroom classes
Without a care of future consequences

Simple happiness is so fleeting
Just as the days of our youth continue advancing

You and me, we still imagine ourselves as teenagers
The fountain of Eternal Youth would give us all the answers

Well we now have grown old
Which includes a bit of mold

All we have left now are our memories
Of countless birthdays and anniversaries

So let's rattle our old bones
Amidst all our grumbles and groans

And raise our aching, tired body up
To the doctor's office for that needed follow-up

Written by:
Jason Cheney
April 1-12, 2022

Christ, upon the cross looking so forlorn
To this I could have sworn
Seeing that His feet were so worn

He spent the night in Gethsemane
I will proudly kneel before Him upon bended knee
How could they so casually nail him to that tree?

His blood, for me, the earth has it stained
The remnants of his garments were completely bloodstained
Nailed upon that wooden cross, his hands and feet were pierced for me, He softly proclaimed

My heartfelt cry, my Lord, my God
I will forever hold to the iron rod
Please, just glance at me and give me the nod

For thee, I would give my life
Your pain so visible, it cuts me like a knife
Because of thee, though I die, I will yet be alive

My heart, my soul to Thee I owe
The seeds of righteousness thou didst so tenderly sow
I would not forsake thee, no, not even at the rooster’s crow

Upon the waters of Galilee
I stood next to thee
And watched as Peter, for help, did plea

These words didst thou utter: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani, while hanging there upon that cross
These people have rejected me, this world full of dross
Sadly, it will be to their great loss

Lord, I do miss thee
Since the day thou wast nailed to that horrible tree
In the very depths of my soul is found my unshakable testimony

With thee I have trod
Throughout this lifetime of misery, I continue to plod
Thou wilt forever remain my glorious, eternal God

I for thee would have hung
Praises to thee I have sung
Hot tears falling down my cheeks have they stung

Till thou dost call to me from above
Perhaps I’ll see thee in the form of a dove
Saying come back to me and feel of my great love

Until then, I shall worship thee all day long
Hopefully that day you'll not prolong
For with thee I so belong

I look forward to the day when I’ll run into thy embrace
I for thee have run my race
My Mediator, before God the Father, will mercifully state my case

My shout for joy, I fall at thy feet
At thy table, I can see my seat
For all to hear, my songs of praise I shall forever repeat

Soon shall for everyone to see
The honor I give thee upon bended knee
For having saved thy brother, yes, even me.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
My Testimony of my Saviour and my God
November 17, 2020
1 Peter 2:21-22, 24

The most sacred of all things under heaven is a family
People will come for miles to celebrate you see
A temple marriage sends everyone jumping for joy
The Melchizedek priesthood within the temple, we do employ

A blessing of children sealed for eternity
In the sanctity of the temple is where we hold this special ceremony
Being linked for generations: past, present, and future
The sealing powers of heaven this couple will it hold together, forever.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
November 12, 2020

This inability to stop inhaling
These sweet fragrances are so breathtaking
Stirring tender memories from my childhood
All of them, rich and good

They bring peace to my soul
They have indeed made me whole
Happiness mingled with a pinch of nostalgia
Triumphs and losses are swallowed up by this beautiful aroma

I smell the essence of each individual flower
Mixed in tandem, my olfactory senses it doth shower
I sense the beauty of this moment
The timing, so delicate … so perfectly eloquent

I wish I could remain
In this beautiful state I'm in
Knowing that this moment was made just for me
A smile, a wish come true, my soul caught up in jubilee

This infectious aroma, this essence
Has created such an exquisite ambience
Wherein I may find inner peace
Until I exhale, and my breath, I release

Written by:
Jason Cheney
March 27, 2022

He has heard my simple yet earnest prayer
My heart He has healed with the greatest of care
Through His anguish in Getsemani
I see all He has done for me

My life I will live
A portion of my time to Him must I give
How great is His everlasting love
As His disciple, an exemplary life must I live

To honor Him
I must first understand why He was nailed to that heavy limb
To reflect His image, my heart must I change
My life must I rearrange

My soul hungers to feel of His loving touch
His strong fingers I wish to clutch
When I am weak and I've lost my way
My humble heart turns to Him while I pray

I raise my arms and ask to be lifted up
For with Him I desire to sup
Yet I feel so unworthy of Him
My tears often fill my eyes to the very brim

He hears my soul's lament
He quietly listens as I repent
Then He extents to me His loving embrace
Towards those outstretched arms I do race

He's known me since the beginning of time
We should always remember Him during our lifetime
Within a song, a verse, or a rhyme
We can get to know Him

So as we kneel down to pray
Let our hearts be drawn out today
So that our Lord's redeeming grace
Can be seen in our very countenance

Written by:
Jason Cheney
January 2022

Such anguish in my soul
Why doth the devil have so much pull?

To draw me down below
Eternal happiness I feel I must forego

I can't seem to rise above all this pain
My tears fall upon my cheeks like rain

I can't see through solitude's darkness
My heart cries out to me, "life is pointless."

When I am in this moment of despair
It's time to kneel in earnest prayer

My God, I need Thy help to draw me up
I know that Christ did drink from that bitter cup

But I cannot fathom what effort it took
Yet of it He still partook

How strong He must have been
To withstand Lucifer's evil grin

Never to relinquish his eternal perspective
To achieve His Infinite objective



So as we wallow in our own sorrow and pain
Remember that Christ did obtain

Through trials at Gethsemane and there upon Calvary
He did rise above all this world's drudgery

He's here to help lighten our load
This burden upon Him can we unload

To stand up straight
Grabbing the iron rod with all our might

Placing each foot in front of the other
Into God's waiting arms, and also those of our Elder Brother

Where this anguish can be swallowed up
If we will do one simple thing, JUST LOOK UP!

Written by:
Jason Cheney
December 21, 2021

Mis lágrimas
Mi angustia
Mi lamento por este alma pérdida
Mis miles de recuerdos de ti

El dolor
Mis gritos
Mi corazón tan débil
Mi cuerpo sin fuerzas

Me atraen a tu puerta, querido Señor
No aguanto tanta pérdida
Abrazame por favor
Quitame el dolor y estas lagrimas

Da caricia a mi alma
Abre a mis ojos
Quita las palpitaciones de mi corazón
Extiende tus brazos hacia mi.

Ayúdame sentir mejor
Colma mi corazón
Con tu amor evangélico
Envuélveme en tu abrazo amoroso

Ayúdame entender "el porqué?"
Silencia mis gritos
Toca mi corazón
Levanta mi vista, Señor

Hasta tus cortes celestiales
Para ser un testigo
Del Plan de Redención
Y que me amas

Esta es mi oración
En tus manos deposito mi confianza
Para que algún día yo
Contigo y con ellos, puedo morar

Escrito por:
Jason Cheney
Diciembre 11, 2021

The loneliness of the night
To some it is quite a fright
For this purpose God created "light"

In the wee hours of the morning
My mind begins churning
I often find that it's time to begin writing

I can't go back to sleep
I've tried counting thousands of sheep
Therefore, I turn to God, while others are asleep

My thoughts are often just my own
About the gospel seeds that I have sown
And how quickly my kids have grown

Or, how I wish to become like Nephi of old
Who did everything that he was told
He saw Christ, angels, and other things foretold

I think of God's expectation of who I could become
I am free to act, due to Christ's ransome
His ways have never been cumbersome

Talents that have been given to me
These have been a benefit to many you see
But my body aches, the hour is half past three

While upon my bed I do lay
I read, ponder, and pray
What more can I say

The night has passed
A new dawn has come at last
I feel somewhat downcast

As I wonder how to withstand another day
My body and mind must not sway
From my duties to perform, today

While others got a full night's rest
For me, today will be my biggest test
As my body doth protest

Why on Earth couldn't I sleep
Into thy hands, Lord, my soul please keep
As I travel, work, ponder, pray, and seek

Let this next night be more restful and kind
Into thy hands I place my tired, weary, old soul and mind
Please Lord, help me to fully unwind

As each hour swiftly flies
I gladly close my beautiful blue eyes
In hope that my body, this night, will reenergize

I know that through the silence of the night
I have come closer to my Heavenly Father's light
By reading about him, because I've accepted his invite

To become more like Him
Therefore, I sing my favorite hymn
"Oh My Father", this phrase fills my heart to the very brim

No matter what, to Him I'll sing
His matchless love gives me wing
He comforts me, when my heart is aching

What comfort, joy, and beauty is found in this phrase
I stand in all amaze
While looking upon Thy face

"My God How Great Thou Art"
Thou hast known me since the very start
In Thy embrace, my troubles and worries do depart

I deposit my life into Thy loving hand
My faith in Thee will help me withstand
The trials of this life which are just part of Thy eternal plan

Written by:
Jason Cheney
November 6, 2021

How often I sing praises to Thy name
My heart swells whenever I sing about Him
He shows such compassion and love
That's when I know He is watching over me from above

There are times I stand in need of console
To lift up my heavy heart and soul
There are times I wish only to be wrapped in the warmth of His embrace
And feel His touch as He wipes away each tear that falls down my face

I know that He knows
His love for me overflows
He who is greatest of us all
Gladly paid the heaviest toll

How my heart implores
To drop anchor at those heavenly shores
My solemn prayer doth take wing
Towards my heavenly King

I recognize His face from afar
Perhaps He can rid me of this horrible scar
Someday soon, towards Him I'll race
To find comfort in His godly face

Written by:
Jason Cheney
November 2-3, 2021

Goblins, ghosts, faeries, friends and foes
Witches, werewolves, warlocks, and even the crows
Vampires, skeletons, and angry jack-o-lanterns
Makes Halloween a treasure for all little patrons

We dress up in costumes and sheets
Then we do wander the city corridors and streets
Knocking on people's doors
Tens, no hundreds, of kids by the scores

Calling out, trick or treat
Just to get something sweet
Happy Halloween
Is such a perfect holiday scene

Vibrant kids, both young and old
Bravely enduring the freezing cold
Just to keep this custom alive
Hopefully it will endure and thrive

Pillowcases filled with candy galore
The older kids desire even more
But for me this Halloween night
Gives me pure pleasure at the very sight

Of spooky hobgoblins running here and there
Smaller children being led by their parents with care
Halloween definitely is a fun filled night
Costumes of all types fall within my sight

Young girls dressed up as Jasmine
Some of those kids are probably mine
Here comes my GI Joe
His successful ventures this night surely do show

A ***** alley filled with eerie sounds
Double mirrors, chainsaws, and scary clowns
Rabied hounds which chase us down the maze
Is something everyone craves

This is why Halloween is a special treat in the fall
But the most important of all
Is the joy of seeing all these little munchkins
Who have dressed up as pumpkins

Though I am now too old to don a cap
For Halloween treats, I'm still a sap
I see a familiar figure striding up the street, in his cowboy costume
Luckily none of them ever rode home upon a magical broom.

So this Halloween night
When everyone looks a fright
Be happy, cheerful, and alert
As each child their hands do insert

Into my candy filled cauldron
I sure have their complete attention
Me hopes they don't see the heavy, woven net
That will swoop down and capture you, my little pets

I'll take these children, yes, each one of them
And fill them with candy and cookie crumbs
Then send them home all fat and sassy
This Halloween night has been fantastically, classy

Written by:
Jason Cheney
October 2021

Nostalgic for what's been lost
My best friends and family do I miss the most
Saddened by not seeing those who've passed on
This cry of loss causes me such deep emotion

Cut to the quick by the forfeiture of an era passing away
You remind us to be cheerful and happy, this you say
As we remember their faces in our mind's eye
Saying that we don't miss them would be a terrible lie

Of this I'm sure you'll all agree
That saying goodbye is never easy
Just knowing that they aren't with us anymore
Makes us want them nearer, all the more

The outstretched arms waiting to embrace us
This terrible, unrelenting feeling of our loss
Of love and laughter
When we were all together

How can life go on?
This thought seems to spawn
Feelings of hopelessness
And loneliness

Dreaming of those days long past
When I saw you last
I can't wait to be near you again
This, my joy, I can't contain

I'll run to you when I see your face
To be once more within your embrace
My dear loved ones and friends
Someday we'll be together, when my own life ends

Never ever to be apart
This will just be the start
Of our lives together
For eternity, in the hereafter

Written by:
Jason Cheney
October 10, 2021

I write by the light of my phone
Because my heart is unusually full
I oftentimes write when I feel that mighty pull
With my deepest thoughts, they and I are all alone

The words distill upon my mind
I cannot stop myself from writing
The words, they just keep on coming
This Godly talent so simple and kind

I find joy and peace in my poems
When feeling blue, they lift me up
While pondering their words, I naturally look up
For God is speaking just to me, it seems

It's then that I realize I am not alone
So I continue to write
Each new memory or thought I do contemplate
My true feelings are soon set in stone

I've never had such a friend
Me, myself must I earnestly show
That through my poems will my love for God continually grow
Unto Him my truest feelings do ascend

He inspires me to greater heights
So my poems soon speak of Him
My love for my God and for my Savior will never dim
I find the words wherein my soul delights

I share them with Him, with you, but oftentimes just for me
To remind myself that there is beauty all around
I listen for these whisperings that within me do abound
For I know I've heard them before, while sitting there upon my Heavenly Father's knee

Written by:
Jason Cheney
September 26 2021

I nestle into my favorite spot
Upon my Father's knee
To listen to Him
A lesson and story He recites to me

I love to gaze into His eyes
He speaks with such love and reverence you see
My focus is upon His face
I listen so very attentively

His voice so mellow I begin to weep
I lay my head there upon His chest
He lovingly wraps His arms around me
He is my hero, yes, my best friend you see

That day a memory I did make
Though off on a new adventure I did partake
But my heart longs to hear His voice
I yearn to look upon His face

So through the veil I do eagerly peek
For those memories that I do solemnly seek
I look for Him where I did depart
He is waiting for me there with His arms wide apart

My God, my Father, whom I entreat
Hold me tight, like before
So I might feel loved once more
This is my most earnest prayer

I know that though we are far apart
My loving Father has heard me up there
For I feel His hands lift me up
As He once more sets me upon His knee

I nestle into my favorite spot
And lay my head once again upon His chest
My Eternal Father gently soothes my fears
My son, thou art loved by me, this thou hast always known

Yes Father, this I know
Today I just needed an embrace and hear thy voice
I've missed thy presence this thou must see
And being held here upon Thy knee

Written by:
Jason Cheney
September 28, 2021

With time comes change
With that change comes old age
Seeing is remembering
Remembering is feeling

Seeing the sands of time
In these tiny hands of mine
A thousand thoughts pressing upon my mind
Emotions: hearing, seeing, feeling, all these so intertwined

Time doth so swiftly fly
Another day gone, oh how I sigh
Sometimes I wish time would stand still
So I have a chance to smell the daffodils

Yet time does not stop for you nor I
Change often occurs in front of our eyes
Ever since my infancy this I have been told
It will happen to everyone, both young and old

The sands of time will always flow
These grey hairs to all most definitely show
That even when we wish that time would freeze
The flow of sand within a sand dial will never cease

To the flow of time, we will always be a slave
Even as hard as we rant and rave
Time never can be stopped
Our choices in life can never be swapped

Tomorrow will always appear on the horizon
The sunset of our lives will cause us some apprehension
Our life here on Earth will come to an end
A new life to begin, as our spirits, towards heaven will ascend.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
March 14, 2021

I walk a step behind
I hope that He doesn’t mind
My hand and arm extended out as if to touch Him
My tears and desires are what brings me to this moment in time

But too timid am I to call out and attract His attention
To cure me from this terrible affliction
My heart aches to call his name
For He looks at everyone just the same

My Master whom I call my brother
For we were both raised by a celestial mother
I trail behind thee hoping that thou wilt turn and see
That it’s only little ole me.

I hear thy voice, how gentle and sweet
If only I was one of the elite
Then He would show me His face
And wrap me in his wonderful embrace

I long to walk beside Him
These feelings fill my tearstained eyes to the very brim
He makes me feel whole
My eyes upon Him, did He feel their pull?

I try to reach Him
But it’s always the same
Too many people get in my way
My hand, they knock away

Master, I cried out loud
Here am I lost in this busy crowd
I have walked behind Thee
Since we left the Sea of Galilee

My wounds I wanted thee to heal
A blessing upon my head couldst Thou seal
For this lonely beggar who walks behind thee
I wouldn’t mind if others were to see

These mighty hands of my Master
To miss His touch would be a terrible disaster
When suddenly I feel a hand touch mine
The sweet smile on His face was so genuine

He asked me why I had walked a step behind
His peaceful voice was so kind
I felt a lump in my throat
He knew that I had been there, since we had left the boat

My name he called out loud
I would follow him forever, I vowed
Though I was a step behind
I learned that day that He was the Saviour and Redeemer of all Mankind

Written by:
Jason Cheney
June 6-7, 2021

I think of you when I am blue
For you, my heart is true

Your graceful image remains in my mind
My life with you having been so intertwined

Your beauty and grace
Wasn't always confined to your face

I remember your smile
It would lift my heart for more than a mile

I can still remember your joyous laughter as it would emanate from your lips
Each beautiful emotion rolling across my thoughts is like an old record as it jumps and skips

Your exuberance for life caused me quite a commotion
Darling, you've got my complete devotion

Seeing your profile in the setting sun
Life with you was always so much fun

I knelt down beside you
Our hands clasped together on top of that holy pew

Each dedicating our lives together
Great hopes of eternity with one another

I see how the years have treated me and you
Some things, if possible, I wish that I could redo

To allow you more comfort and joy
My mighty powers of muscle and blood would I employ

Working toward your goals, not just mine
Two hearts working side by side is God's design

Thinking about you night and day
With you, I'd gladly take another roll in the hay

Life without you isn't very easy
Dreaming away the hours makes me sound kinda cheesy

But these feelings and thoughts of you
Allows my heart to always remain true

I'll always remember your beauty
You had the ability to make me feel incredibly giddy

Though you've be gone a million years
To my eyes, these thoughts of you, will always bring me to tears

So I look up towards heaven once in a while
As another fleeting memory makes this exact moment quite worthwhile

I miss the laughter and your presence
All I have now are these thoughts of you, and the sound of silence.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
May 25, 2021

There is a moment when brown and yellow turns to a beautiful green
When once brown, dormant grass becomes a live carpet, it doth seem
The once frigid weather now slightly warm
The sun comes out, a world to transform
Great miracles it will soon perform

Tulips and daffodils push up out of the soil
To the beginning of spring, they are extremely loyal
Sunbonnets so yellow and stately
They absolutely make everyone amazingly happy
Our hearts they cheer so affectionately

Blossoms breaking from buds
A canopy of flowers numbering in the hundreds
Violets, blues, reds, purples, scarlets, and whites
Oh My!  It's at this time of season that my heart and soul delights
To see these extraordinarily, beautiful sights

Flowers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and smell
To my nose, a polithera of fragrances it doth tell
So much so, that my joy runneth over
Especially at the sight of a field of red clover
And also that of blue and purple lavender

Bumblebees and honeybees
On each delicate flower, these you will most definitely see
Their intricate bodies seen flying through the sky
Pollen so thick, it's a wonder they can still fly
They work together, in unity, to get their winter’s honey supply

Trees once stark, ugly, and bare
Their new leaves, with the world they will gladly share
With their shapes and sizes that will actually hypnotize
This dazzling display of beauty of each tree it will characterize
As with everything else in nature, they seek to harmonize

Lilac leaves so vibrantly green
Every leaf having its own personal sheen
The richness of each delicate and ornate flower
Brings a soul satisfying shower
Of newfound love for spring each and every year

Hillsides, desert, and plain
They always arrive after a drenching spring rain
Often showing their true color, through endless fields
As Indian paintbrush majestically dot these wondrous landscapes
A scene rarely seen as beautiful as these perfect wildflowers

Not to be left behind
To add to this great orchestra of smell it hath combined
My personal, favorite smell, it's own special odour it has lent
To the air, now rich with such heavenly compliment
Sagebrush's wonderful, heavenly, heavy, earthy scent

The embodiment of springtime
Which is all part of God’s eternal design
Is found in the birth of each newborn chick, calf, foal, piglet, and lamb
Perhaps this is why I am such a big fan
As each new Spring arrives, I become a richer man.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
May 2, 2021

Put thy shoulder to the wheel
Is His great appeal
We are to be men of honor and of work
It's something that we should never shirk

As we push along
We'll find that if we sing the right song
We'll stay better in tune
And our ears will be more attune

To hear the whisperings of the Spirit
A direct line to Heaven will we inherit
Our own personal revelation
Listen and obey, ensures our own Salvation

Ask and thou shalt receive
His desires for us would we perceive
His angels will stand next to us
To help us in this life, they are most anxious

I find that my heart yearns to become like Him
My joy is so great, it runneth over the brim
When I am employed in His service
To please Him, I'll pay any price

As I am pushing along
I remember that with Him, I belong
If I don't give sway
Someday with Him I'll get to stay

My troubles and weariness will be forgotten
Swallowed up by His mercy and affection
His will be done
Is my prayer and devotion

I will do all that I can
As I muster my courage to continue on
My load I'll push along
As I sing this inspirational song

"Put thy shoulder to the wheel"
These wagon wheels wrapped in steel
My humble heart drawn out unto thee
Thru this song, my unconquerable spirit has been set free

Written by:
Jason Cheney
April 2021

One starry night
Oh what a delight
Four angels did descend
A journey from heaven to earth they did wend
A joyous encounter they did find
To see family and friends so dear and kind
A time of celebration was at hand
As four angels did land
Each having a family who loved them
And, oh, they were such a gem.

Behold, four angels did encounter life's challenges and thrills
Each one in turn did notice that life was not a bed of flowers and frills
But they met each challenge with hope and strength
Growing firm and true to God and self

Finding each other was not an easy chore
But in the end they did score
A lifetime of happiness and love they have shared
With children they have seen paired
Coming together two by two and three by three
Soon there was a great family tree.

Families coming together and making a memory
Of laughter, love, and history
Now grown old these four angels have become
Ready to retire to that great home
First one then two did decide
That it was time to take the ride
Then the third succumbed and did give wing
And now you, my Grandmother, do wish to sing

Though, with your hair so white and body so frail
I can't yet seem to comprehend life's plain trail
That you are trying to say in your own kind way
"It is time for me to go and let us not sway"
It's just hard to let you go to something more Celestial
Because you...are...My Last Angel.

By Jason Cheney
February 2012

Sunrise in the morning
Sunshine during the day
Nighttime gives us a new beginning
Because the moon shines brightly and sleep drifts us silently away.

Written by:
Jason Cheney

Nary a sound do I make
Gliding, creeping through the air
Parting each molecule with gentle care
Each movement with care do I take

Silently the stillness lies
Darkness all about
Grateful there's nobody to give a shout
Not even the babe in the cradle cries

Total quiet is what silence feeds on
Quite the opposite of deafening loudness
The sound of jackhammers and honking horns all around us
Which noise thirstily and eagerly feeds upon

Silence, pure unadulterated silence
Where even a simple pin drop can be heard
Thankfully, not even a single sound from a bird
A massaging and relaxing ambiance

Shhh, I put my fingers to my lips
Quiet, utter quiet
This deep silence is so perfect
It'll last till the small hand on my watch engages, then moves

Written by:
Jason Cheney
February 11, 2021

Fireflies dancing in the night
What a wonderful delight
Their beauty, believe you me, it’s a glorious sight

They draw our attention
Gathering them into the palm of my hand is my intention
They are amazing insects, I need to mention

They flit and fly in all directions
Their acrobatic movements are beyond my perceptions
Upon my mind, they weave undulating, visual impressions

Such delicate creatures God has given to you and me
They are here on Earth for all to see
Their abdomens all lite up, it creates a lasting memory

A glass jar and a net
In unison my boys did clamor, “Can we have them for a pet?”
My wife's kind word, I'll never forget

It'll be a choice that you'll soon regret
The sadness that ensued, both boys were quite upset
These innocent creatures you must protect

My wife's kind words that night were so wise
The wisdom of her words they did fully recognize
From the tiny glass jar, each individual firefly did rise

Darting happily back up into the sky, very much alive
Their abdomens blinking on and off, a vision to forever visualize
Of cherished memories, these moments with our boys and those beautiful fireflies.

Written by: Jason Cheney
November 25, 2020

The most sacred of all things under heaven is a family
People will come for miles to celebrate you see
A celestial marriage sends everyone jumping for joy
The Holy priesthood within the temple, we do employ

A blessing of children sealed for eternity
In the sanctity of the temple is where we hold this special ceremony
Being linked for generations, past, present, and future
The sealing powers of heaven this couple will it hold together, forever.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
November 12, 2020

What is a book?
A book is an adventure
A book is a teacher
A book is a guide
A book can be a ride, worldwide.
A book can give us wisdom
A good book is awesome
The good book leads people to heaven
For the good book, I am much beholden.
Written by:
Jason Cheney
2/2020

Spiders in the shower
You'll see them after you turn on the water
They cause everyone to uncontrollably shudder
Some are quite hairy
Some have long, long legs
But all are God's beautiful creatures
Yes I know, each and every one, big and small

So when they race towards your legs,
As they most definitely will
The desire for that perfect shower has suddenly gone by the way
And your usually silent and inert body goes into a sudden sprawl
Just remember, they are only looking to get to higher ground
Each are saying, please save me
That is all

So when you pick them up and see their hairy legs menacingly waving
All they are really doing is saying, thank you, in their own kind way
Their brimming eyes upon you are fixed
Though we don't know it, God gave every creature on Earth an ability to give thanks
Yes, even those who upon the ground do crawl

As you recover from your fright
Just remember that they are running with all their might
Because they know that within the hollow of your hand
There is safety from the pelting rain
And bottomless drain
So bend over and lift them up, instead of reaching for your towel

Therefore everyone, please give God’s creature a fighting chance
To him or her, you are a heaven sent giant
So learn to become a hero
Especially because you stand so tall
To each spider found in your shower, yes, one and all.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
December 17 - 19, 2020

A hunting we will go

My sons and I find pleasure in the fall by putting on orange
We’ve spent many a day hiking the vastness of the range

We look forward to this time of season
For feeding our family is really the reason

We traipse up and down the ravines
Many times going through willows and vines

Looking for elk and deer
Sometimes coming upon cliffs quite sheer

We talk and make chitchat of life and what could be
But we wouldn't dare miss what's beyond the next lee

A quick, sharp eye is essential
We try going to areas with lots of potential

We look up and down; and yes, all around
Moving too and fro, hoping to make very little sound

Not to ***** an animal
Our passion for hunting is primeval

We are up quite early, hoping our exhaustive efforts will become our payday
We freeze and we sweat, all within the same day

We walk and walk
Though sometimes we give in to just plain talk

Gosh dang the good heavens above
It's the pureness of hunting for which we so love

So many emotions and feelings that we truly do feel:
Anger, hurt, anxiety, relaxation, tiredness, thirst, pure joy, the adrenaline rush, the shout of exultation, the exuberance, and the feel of our gun’s barrel made of cold steel

The infinite gratification of sneaking up on a wild animal
Looking through the scope for the fortieth time makes this hunt very personal

Watching a deer go into hyperdrive
Makes you love just being alive

The smell of sagebrush
Has always given me an enormous rush

The change of autumn colors seen upon the tree leaves
Reminds me that soon we will be wearing heavier shirt sleeves

The flash of a white tail
A breathe held in curtail

The loading and chambering of a rifle's shell
A bad slip on a rock, oh heck, I broke another good nail

Hurry, hurry, they're getting away
Means that we don't stop and admit dismay

Rifle and shoulder do meet
A feeling so very sweet

The crash and boom as the shot echoes from every clime
So worth the climb and the time

A sense of relief
Silence everywhere though it be brief

The caressing of the fur that my deer did so proudly wear
Is an answer to my most fervent prayer

Food I will have for my family made sure
Winter's inclement weather we can now quietly endure

I thank God for each hunting season
For He and often only He knows the real reason

Why I took the life of another of his precious creatures
He knows that I wasn't just after the beauty of those majestic and heavenly antlers

With my sons, we’ve had quite the adventures
Stealing up and down the mountainside, we laid up memorable moments filled with great treasures

I’ve loved hunting with my sons each year
When I am gone, please, don't shed a tear

For my spirit will be upon each lingering and whispering breeze
As you take up your rifle once again, remember to aim...the trigger, gently squeeze

For your kids and my sake
Remember never the hunt to forsake

Your sons or daughters an eternal memory made or picture to take
Of their memorable hunt, being upon a mountaintop, dipping their fingers in an ice-cold stream, or maybe even walking next to the deep blue hue of a gorgeous, high mountain lake

Though they too will grow old and move away
Your cherished memories will always hold sway

Of their days with old Dad
When he became their greatest comrade.

Written by:Jason Cheney
November 1, 2020

Within the dense, white fog did appear the forms of gigantic elk
These majestic animals get all of my respect

A vision all clothed in white
Such a wondrous, delightful sight

Surrounded by this mystical cloak
A stampede, I was trying not to provoke

It was as if in a dream
An answer to a lifelong prayer it would seem

They, with my binoculars could I see
Caught out in the open, nary a bush nor a tree

To see a whole herd of elk
For me, a sight unparalleled

Never before this many have I ever beheld
My quickened breathe I forever held

Calling my friend for him to also see
This grand panorama was my plea

With the wind from our left side
Within this dense fog, we did quickly stride

Hoping to separate these wisps and strands of fog to better see
I went to steady myself, so I dropped to my knee

Suddenly, through the fog, the whole herd I did once again perceive
Oh no, the lead cow is looking directly at me.

The fog had lifted, my camouflage was gone
The herd jumped to their feet, their glorious retreat they did not prolong

The thunder of a million feet
To get so close was no small feat

Such an ethereal sight
The whole herd surging forward with all of their might

A remembrance of this amazing day
In my head, this beautiful morning shall always stay

To see something so spectacular
To capture an image of these elk, through the inside of my binocular

Written by:
Jason Cheney
November 27, 2020

Cuando se me va el sueño
Busco sabiduría del cielo
Para mostrarme el camino
Hacia este mundo venidero

Está vida no es fácil
Hay tanta prueba bien difícil
La alegría constante es muy frágil
Y la armonía en el alma no se puede ver con el cristal

La vida se pinta según la mano del pintor
Un papel puesto sobre el caballete
Hay momentos de resplandor
Hay momentos de no encontrar soledad ni paz resplandeciente

Hay tanta tristeza en mi corazón,
Que siempre abunda, sin ningún querer
Porque no encuentro mi verdadera razón
Busco y busco por la mano del Señor
Para que me ayuda a pintar
Esta escena que a veces está borrosa para discernir

Hay tanta falta de paz y alegría
Pero cuando la encuentro, mi semblante y alma sonríe
Tal vez sí he encontrado la solución de mi soledad
Porque está solución se encuentra en la comunidad

La sonrisa de una amiga o de un amigo,
Un chiste o simplemente un buen comentario
Me hace sentir más tranquilo
Mi paz y felicidad es eterno
Al fin quebranta mi alma en alabanzas al Señor sempiterno

¡Que tan grande eres!
¡Que tan grande eres!

Sí, encontré mi razón para estar aquí en este mundo
No ando completamente solo!
Mi razón al caminar en este mundo
Sí, mi propósito y mayor requisito
Es de tenerte siempre, mi querido(a) amigo(a), sí tú, aquí a mi lado.

Escrito por Jason Cheney en Febrero 2020

We once lived in a mansion up above
With Godly parents whom we dearly love
A message of hope did we accept
Into this earthly body we gladly leapt

Now far away from that heavenly home
Each of us will distantly roam
No remembrance of our life before
This allows our spirits to infinitely soar

As children, we, the Lord’s prayer are taught
Faith, hope, and charity are never forgot
That feeling of a life before
Is not something from legend nor lore

Happily we can choose to do what is right
For God has blessed us with an internal light
Though we may not remember that wondrous time
To try to forget Him would be an awful crime

Here upon this Earth is our time to shine
We should try walking a perfectly, straight line
He promises to bless us
His love for us is endless

You and I must try to recall our life from before
In the end, we’ll all meet upon that heavenly shore.
There we will once again see our eternal Father and Mother
Then turn to embrace our beloved Savior and Brother

Written by:
Jason Cheney
January 22, 2021

Christmas time
The sweet smell of pine
Presents under the tree
These the kids are most anxious to see

White snow outside
A very chilly sleigh ride
Carolers stopped by
Just to say hi

Sitting in front of a warm fireplace
Is the perfect place
Pieces of wrapping paper scattered everywhere
All I'll get from Santa this year is coal or new underwear

I see lots of holly and mistletoe
No candy in my stocking, because Santa was a no-show
Perhaps if I hadn't stayed up all night
The star of Bethlehem turned out to be my extremely bright, night lite

Right now everyone is sawing logs
Later, most people will be watching the football playoffs
Tons of sweet smelling treats in the kitchen
Trying to not burn myself, so I'm using my heat-resistant mitten

I have to go do chores
I rather be cooking s'mores
Popcorn roasting over an open fire
Honey, I really didn't spend that much, but my bank account calls me a liar

With that being said
All I see are men dressed in red
Salvation Army santas crying, Merry Christmas
Amazon, Sears, JCPenneys, and Macy's taking all of our money from us

So be watchful this Christmas season
For this, I could be shot for treason
This wintertime it's a cinch
Bah Humbug, it’s all the more reason to come as “The Grinch.”

Written by:
Jason Cheney
December 25, 2020

In today's world it is an eye for an eye
My simple question for all...is this, “Why?”
Often I feel the desire to just cry

I thought that society had outgrown being a child
This upsetting thought seems so wild
For Christ taught us to be meek and mild

Why can't we live in harmony and in peace
Making many, many new friends with such perfect ease
Upon each special moment we should seize

The opportunity to grow
To the world we would definitely show
That hand in hand, together, a better life we could sow

New friends we would meet
A happier world we would create
Into plowshares, our swords, would we beat

This I don't understand
Why we hurt our brothers and sisters when they can't stand
Justice for all is my demand

White, black, brown, yellow, or blue
We all have our own special hue
For God created both me and you

His commandments we are asked to obey
It is not for us to disobey
This He had to say

That contention is the workings of the devil
It is nothing more than pure, unadulterated evil
If we continue to disobey, through war and pestilence, us, as a society, He will level

With my thoughts fraught with dismay
I turn to the babe who in the manger did lay
As once again I hear Him say

That we should have peace on Earth
It is something that we all deserve
I believe that it is time for a rebirth

Of old forgotten values
That Christ’s example should help us chose
To make amends, old habits and aggressions would we lose

To live as He would have us live
Family, friends, and neighbors, as if everyone was a close relative
Let this be our main focus; within us, our hearts and souls should it drive

Each one of us to be an equal, was His great quest, to this we should visualize
His dream for all of us today, we should realize
This earthly boat we should not capsize

We all need to lay hands upon the oars
When upon life's billows, we need to head towards the safety of those distant shores
And anchor ourselves once more to Christ's mighty moors.

Written by:
Jason Cheney
January 18, 2021

I hear the announcer’s call
A sea of runners, one and all
Jogging to the starting line
You'll find me in the front line  

I'm getting ready to run my race
My shoestrings did I tightly lace
Jetting off the starting blocks like a piece of hot lead
I sprint to get ahead

I quickly seek to take the lead
I pump my arms like mad
My footprints they can trace
As I set a very fast pace

The meters go flying by
I hear my supporter’s shrill cry
Onward, faster, run, run faster
This race you'll soon master

My quickened breath
The air whistling in and out of my mouth
My legs pound the ground
My lungs are making this horrible sound

Everyone I quickly pass
But I'm almost out of gas
Harder and harder do I run
This race is no longer fun

I see the finish line
The trophy, no my trophy, has such a beautiful shine
I've run my race
Within my fingers that trophy they'll place

I know it'll be mine
Not giving it to me would be such a crime
I chance a glance behind me
Turning back, I run smack dab into a tree

The emergency workers are instantly here
Their diagnosis is, my head, will forever be square
My race, my trophy went to the guy behind me
As I look up at the spinning stars that only I can see

I manage to hobble to my feet
I will never show defeat!!
I thank God for my thickhead
As I cross the finish line with a white bandage round my head

Written by:
Jason Cheney
February 2021