(I Don’t Make No) Resolutions
Apologies to Jagger and Richards
By Larry Linville

I don’t make no resolutions
Please don’t give no contributions
‘cause I try, and a try,
And I try to make them
But I only, yes I only,
I only seem to break them.

When I’m watching on TV
And Dr. Phil lectures me
Saying I must make these vows
To cause actions that arouse
He needs to let me be
No no no
Hey hey hey

I guess you now can see
I can quit the parody
You can draw your own conclusions
‘cause I ain’t making resolutions
I won’t try, no I won’t try
So let me just say goodbye
Hey hey hey

Happy New Year!

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

What's been happening?

I don't like to let too many days pass without posting something. It's my belief that people quit checking blogs that aren't changed very often. You all have blessed me by checking in over 1500 times and I appreciate it.

My poetry mind seems to be taking a few days off. I wrote so many poems for the Nativity series and I guess it taxed my creativity. I keep looking for inspiration and I'm sure I'm not far from that next poem.

Just to bring you up to date on my forthcoming book of poetry -- the manuscript was edited by a reader and he sent me an attached file with his corrections. I was able to go through his work and either accept or reject it. I sent it back as an attachment. So that is done.

On January 15th, I will be on a conference call with the "design team". We will work on the layout of the book both inside and outside. After that, it shouldn't take long. I am hoping to have the book in my hand by early March. I wrote my first poem last year in March at a retreat and I would like to take copies with me to my friends who are at that retreat annually.

I have shared with you today a picture of the "Old metal desk" which started all of this. Rough looking, isn't it? That will be on the cover of the book.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that you are still celebrating Christmas.

Larry

Keeping Christ in Christmastide

Keeping Christ in Christmastide
By Larry Linville

Gifts are unwrapped, room is a mess
“So let’s clean up this old pigpen!”
And all the family pitches in
to put things in order again.

Put the decorations away
and throw away that dry old tree
then we will run back to the mall
and join in the big shopping spree.

Sadly this happens ev’ry year
by those who were so very loud
who complained over and over
with the “keep Christ in Christmas” crowd.

Christmas begins on Christmas Day
but they are ready to move on
and the twelve days of Christmas
are here but our Jesus is gone.

This is not the fault of the PC
or other people we have blamed.
It is because we have ignored
the Yule season so unashamed.

Just the once I come to beg you
to keep the Christ is Christmastide.
Take the spirit of the Advent
and let it in your heart reside.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Christmas Fridge

The Christmas Fridge
By Larry Linville

Our tree is standing with its lights aglow
while outside are some falling flakes of snow.
Our souls filled with thoughts of a white Christmas
bringing peace to the hectic pace with us.

Stockings are hung by the chimney with care
as the crèche gives the mantle a great flair.
The ribbons and pine cones and mistletoe
give our little house such a special glow.

But there is a special decoration
in a very different location.
The fridge is there to hold all of our food
but now holds pictures and sets a new mood.

Pictures of family and friends hang there
which came in our cards from people who care.
So each time I go to get food to eat
I am greeted with this great Christmas treat.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Night that Music Died

The Night that Music Died
Larry Linville

The choir had practiced many weeks
for the program on Christmas Eve.
The congregation all gathered
for a great blessing to receive.
Just before the service started
a mean virus began to spread
to the entire choir membership
and settled in their throat and head.
With headaches and laryngitis
they all wondered how they would sing.
Just then the church bell fell apart
and there was no way it could ring.
When the Church organ was turned on
several sparks began to fly.
Some screechy noises then were made
which caused he director to cry.
The pastor stood and said a prayer
asking God to take the lead.
In a desperate voice he prayed
and soon he had started to plead.
They didn’t know just what it was,
a light shone very, very bright.
None could find words describe it,
it was a mysterious sight.
As the choir began the program
their voices became very clear.
As the choir director listened
She couldn’t hold back a big tear.
Without the organ music
and singers who were hoarse
the music was so beautiful
like it was from another source.
It was like an angel chorus,
a sound which they’d never heard.
It lifted up in harmony
the “Good News” message of God’s word.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Tone Deaf Caroler

Most of my poetry rhymes. I keep trying free verse. I'm not how well I've done, but here is a try.



The Tone Deaf Caroler
By Larry Linville

He loved music
Especially Christmas carols.
When the church went to sing
he exuberantly joined right in
standing next to the door
the elderly heard his loud voice
above all the others in the group.
The leader moved him at the next stop
and had him in the middle of the choir
but his loudness
caused the others to move away.
He found himself at the back next time
he could hardly see the door
but this didn’t stop him
and his volume button was turned up
nearly as high as it could go.
Every stop he was moved around
by his disgruntled choir
not only was he singing loud
but as far off tune as possible
yet the smile on his face
glowed like the Christmas star
as his joy of the season
overflowed.
And even though
he never found the tune
he expressed his Joy To The World
better than the trained voices
who were always on perfect pitch
with their faces very flat,

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

A Homeless Christmas

A Homeless Christmas
By Larry Linville

Where do you hang your stocking
in your little cardboard home
which you have insulated
with some discarded foam?

Even if you had a chance
and it was given you for free
where underneath your bridge
would you put your Christmas tree?

How does it feel to hold your
“will work for food” sign
as most people drive by
to go home where they dine?

Do you wonder at the people
and think it is so odd
they ignore your desperation
while arguing about God?

Do you know you’re like Jesus
and he was just like you?
There was no room in the inn
so he was homeless too.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Did They Do What They Detested?

Did They Do What They Detested?
By Larry Linville

“Don’t take Christ out of Christmas,” they shout
while they spend their spare time going out
to try to find all the bargains and the sales
and their love of possession prevails.

They’d go to worship if they had time
but they’re counting each nickel and dime.
They should read the story from God’s Word
but wild parties are much more preferred.

They’ve cookies and candy to prepare
but they can’t squeeze in time for their prayer.
They spend hours decorating the house
and the stress makes them yell at their spouse.

They get Santa’s picture with their kids
and they update all their eBay bids.
Wrapping presents well into the night
but they stop to arrange their plane flight.

Does it ever sink into their heads
when they finally rest on their beds
that Christ was not in their Christmas plans?
They crowded Him out with their own hands.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work

The Ice Percussionist

The Ice Percussionist
By Larry Linville

On a December day
The skies became gray
Releasing drops of rain
Frozen where it landed
Some on the roads
Complicating persons with the best balance
Other drops collected on power lines
And the beautiful trees
With some brown leaves still hanging
The beautiful glistening branches
Began to bow in prayer
Asking for a miracle
Either for the rains to stop
Or the weather to warm
But their prayers were denied
And the darkness of night
Hid them for view
And made way for the
Percussionist
Who gave his special drum roll
All night long
The sharp staccato of a snare
Was heard when each limb
Was overcome by the weight
One by one the rat-a-tat
And soon a cymbal roll
As the whole limb
Came crashing to the ground
Occasionally the big bass drum
Gave its big boom
When the transformer on the pole
Shot sparks into the air
And turned off lights in houses
All around

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work

The Changes of Christmas

I was visiting my Aunt Bettie who is in rehab at a nursing home to recover from a broken arm. After a wonderful visit with her I walked the halls as I left and saw a woman in a wheel chair. As I came home these words were running around in my head.


The Changes of Christmas
By Larry Linville

before she could walk
she sat on Santa’s lap
and cried
because she was scared
by the bright red uniform
and long white beard

in later years she put stars in the catalog
to mark the toys she wanted for Christmas
and her mother helped her
write a letter to Santa

after marriage, she took her children
to cry on Santa’s lap
and she helped them bake cookies
to leave for Santa
on Christmas Eve
now she spends her December days
in a wheelchair
in the halls of a nursing home
staring at the Christmas wreaths on the door
hour after hour

she receives only a few Christmas cards
which a nurse reads to her
over and over again
visiting caroling groups sing in her room
as she stares blankly into their eyes
and sometimes smiles
but she’s not sure why

she gets some of the Christmas dinner
in her mouth
the rest fall to the floor
like wrapping paper used to land
all around a Christmas tree

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Mary's Challege from Gabriel

Mary’s Challenge from Gabriel
By Larry Linville

Gabriel told Mary she would have a boy
for her and everyone as a source of joy.
Can you imagine how shocked she became,
pledged to Joseph but not sharing his name?

Did she have the choice to say “no” to her God?
The angel didn’t ask – which seems very odd.
Instead she accepted it with all of her heart
not knowing what it would take to play her part.

She visited Elizabeth to see
if she was with child as he said she’d be.
Liz was with child like Mary had been told
which strengthened her faith and made her more bold.

With this new faith she followed God each day
and obeyed God’s instructions all the way
not knowing all the trials she’d endure
but feeling all the time she was secure.

That faith led her through the short days ahead
and stayed with her after her son was dead.
But it also led her through the dark skies
outside that grave from which he did arise.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Birds

Nativity – The Birds
By Larry Linville

The angel’s news to the shepherds was heard
by an inquisitive little gray bird.
His wings were flapping as he flew straight back
to tell all the birds in their little shack.

When he sang his news a new tune came out
and birds came together from all about
joining their voices in a giant song
of praise imitating the angel throng.

Their lullaby soothed the baby to sleep
and gave a welcome to shepherds and sheep.
They had never sung just like this before.
Their former bird songs were thrown out the door.

People in town wondered what was so wrong
as they heard the birds sing another song.
They asked to see if there was new danger
and learned of the babe born in the manger.

I am told if you’ll go out on Christmas Eve
and listen closely and try to believe
you’ll hear the birds sing a different song
and you’ll soon find yourself singing along.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Naivity - The Wise Men

Nativity – The Wise Men
By Larry Linville

Among the greatest scholars of their day
who traveled from a country far away.
It required great determination
to reach their distant destination.
How many times did they want to say
“let us turn back – it’s too far away.”
But they were driven to follow the star
knowing their mission was not that bizarre.
According to Herod’s calculations
it may have been two years between nations.
The star which they followed as they did roam
ended not at a manger – but a home.
Although they didn’t arrive at a manger
with them the good news went to a stranger.
Their presence with him was so uplifting
and they started the practice of gifting.
Their lives must have changed from this episode
and we are so thankful they’d been so bold
before they left they knelt down to pray
and returned to their home another way.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Goat

Nativity – The Goat
By Larry Linville

You don’t see the goat at the stall.
Paintings don’t show him there at all.
But he was there as I am told.
He was there in the old sheepfold.

Shepherds used him to lead the flock.
Out in front he would always walk.
He tried his best to do his part.
He loved to serve with all his heart.

He felt close to the baby boy
but this wasn’t a cause of joy.
He identified with this child
with some ideas that were so wild.

A scapegoat dies so others live.
This causes him his life to give.
The goat’s presence was a bold sign
of the future of the Divine.

All the goat could do was to stare
and wish he wasn’t really there.
But he knew so well in his mind
this sweet child would die for mankind.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Shepherds

Nativity – The Shepherds
By Larry Linville

They worked hard from dawn to sunset
and they were seldom out of debt.
They followed sheep the whole day long
and seldom ever heard a song.

Thus they couldn’t believe their eyes
when from the strangely brightened skies
an angel chorus serenade
startled them and made them afraid.

They wondered why they were so blessed
to hear this news before the rest.
Never had God chosen before
to give a message to the poor.

They must have doubted as they went
to see what this strange message meant.
They were so excited to see
it was like they said it would be.

Could they have left an impression
that influenced Jesus’ vocation.
“I am the good shepherd” he said
just like those who came to his bed.

As they took care of their sheep
the message they chose not to keep.
Instead they spoke to everyone
about God’s gift of his only son.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- Mary

Nativity – Mary
Larry Linville

My decisions were all made for me
as a woman I was never free
to even decide whom I would marry
and I want to say this is scary.

Joseph to whom I had been engaged
was much older when it was arranged
and I was just a shy teen-aged girl
which set my life in a great big whirl.

Another big choice was made for me
and all I could do was just agree
to bear a child whose father was God
such a request was extremely odd.

My long journey left me sore and weak
and I rested in a shed so bleak.
Then I was honored to give a birth
to a boy who would bring joy to earth.

Shepherds came to the manger to pray
and tell me what the angels did say.
I treasured all these things in my heart
as I watched them all turn and depart.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Angel

Nativity – The Angel
By Larry Linville

Gabriel was so excited
as we angels all united
lifting voices as a chorus
to praise the new child born for us.
We wanted to sing for a crowd
with voices of which we were proud.
But Gab said that we’d go to the hills
and there we would use our great skills
to sing the good news to the poor
shepherds who’d not been blessed before.
T’was the reason for the location
in this place below our vocation.
The shepherds couldn’t believe their eyes
when they saw us singing in their skies.
They listened to what we had to say
as we turned and then we flew away.
But the shepherds left in great haste.
Not a minute for them to waste.
At the manger where each shepherd saw
that we told them the truth after all.
They told young Mary all they had heard
and everything they knew had occurred.
And Mary pondered it in her heart
as she watched all the shepherds depart.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Innkeeper

Nativity – Innkeeper
By Larry Linville

I had just purchased my little inn
when my whole world began to spin.
Caesar’s census brought a big crowd
making our little town very loud

I needed more time to learn my trade
before I faced the endless parade
of travelers from far and from wide
to find a place they could reside.

My place was packed to overflowing.
This couple came and she was showing.
My heart hurt me when I had to say
"There is no room you must go away."

If I had known then what I know now
I wouldn’t have roomed them with the cow.
I was so sad and I couldn’t sleep
as I closed the door and watched her weep.

There was more action in that shed
when I went down there to take some bread.
I wanted to apologize
but they hugged me with happy eyes.

A baby boy was born that night.
It was a very eerie sight.
He laid in the manger like a king
and I thought I heard some angels sing.

Years later I had bought a new place
and my life moved at a hectic pace.
I bought some inns in Jerusalem
and I made lots of money with them.

This baby who had become a man
came to me with the strangest plan.
He wanted to rent an upper room
for a Passover meal I presume.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativithy -- The Cow

Nativity – The CowBy Larry Linville
A cow was resting in the stall
in a corner beside the wall
when the couple came inside
and soon a new baby cried.

The cow was always so content
but wondered what all this meant.
She watched it all from afar
by the light of a new star

Maternal instincts drew her near
for what she could see and hear.
She felt that love which Mary had
and, like Mary, she was so glad.

She called the animals aside
and became their faithful guide.
She showed them how to say a prayer
as each one shed a joyous tear.

She told them how much they were blessed
to welcome this young special guest
and sent them out when morning came
to spread God’s love in Jesus’ name.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Sheep

Nativity -- The Sheep
By Larry Linville

I hadn’t been born for long
when I heard the strangest song
sung by angels up on high
from the brightest starlit sky.

“Peace on earth” I heard them sing
as they told us of a king
born on this such special night
as the shepherds shook from fright.

My weak legs weren’t working right
as the shepherds took their flight
to see what the angels told
on this hillside so very cold.

To a barn they sped with us
to check out this cause for fuss
we entered a little stall
and stood there all filled with awe.

In a manger a boy laid
the shepherds knelt down and prayed
I crept up to take a peek
at the child who was so meek..

On my back legs so I could see
as he looked right back at me
with a big smile on his face
which caused my heart start to race.

We didn’t know that some day
after we had gone our way
cloth from my wool he would wear
when his message he’d declare.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Donkey

Nativity – The Donkey
By Larry Linville

The journey had been quite a quest
with little time to stop and rest.
A precious cargo on my back
and now we’re in this little shack.
I was told she would birth a king
but I don’t understand this thing.
A king should in a palace be
not with some animals like me.
I sat beside the mom and child
and when I looked at him I smiled.
I had carried them all the way
so he could be born on this day.
I carried the Lord, it is true
and through your life he’ll carry you.
Although I lived so long ago
I feel my efforts help you grow.
Of all donkeys to give the ride
I celebrate with greatest pride.
Next time you hear a donkey bray
remember it’s our way to pray

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Cat and the Dog

Nativity – The Cat and the Dog
By Larry Linville

The cat and the dog ran down to the barn
to learn more about some new baby yarn.
The inn was full and folks were turned away
but some poor folks in the barn had to stay.
A new born boy was tucked in a manger
and they wanted to see this new stranger.
They entered the stall and looked all around
and tiptoed in so they’d not make a sound.
The new baby slept so calmly inside
while his parents looked on with greatest pride.
The dog licked the hands so dainty and small
as the cat cuddled warmly like a ball
They guarded this place just like a sentry
to give protection with each new entry.
So the cat and the dog who used to fight
cooperated on that Christmas night.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Nativity -- The Spider and the Fly

Nativity Stories – The Spider and the Fly
By Larry Linville

The little barn was all astir
something big about to occur.
What would happen they didn’t know
but there was such a special glow.
A spider spun her web on high
trying to catch a great big fly.
The fly saw the web from afar
in the light from a bright new star.
Those enemies did all they could
and acted in the way they should.
Soon a child laid in the manger
making their actions seem stranger.
The spider used her spinning skills
to spin some decoration frills.
She wanted to fancy the place
to adorn this new special grace.
The fly flew right along beside
to be the spider’s special guide.
Their project gave a special beauty
Made from love and not from duty
This one time weapon was a shrine
Making the barn look very fine
Their project to reach common ends
Caused former foes to become friends

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Santa Knocks On The Door

Santa Knocks On The Door
By Larry Linville

I’d been in school for only three months
In a one room country school
Light snow covered the wintry ground
And the weather was very cool

The Christmas program was being held
Each student shared a poem or song
Because the enrollment was up that year
The program went very long

When the last recitation was complete
And the teacher took the floor
To thank everyone for being there
We heard a knock at the door

The teacher looked puzzled at this sound
And she looked right back toward me
“Larry, would you go to the door
And see who that could be?”

Honored, I went to the front door
When I opened it I gave pause
And turned and in the loudest voice
And shouted loud, “It’s Santa Claus!”

When things were over some of us kids
Went outside to check out the facts
There was proof right there in the snow
We could see those reindeer and sleigh tracks.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Poster Board Nativity

Poster Board Nativity
by Larry Linville

Married just a few months
Christmas drawing near
Student pastor’s salary
Finances were austere
Decorations out of reach
We could cut a cedar tree
But a barren evergreen
Was not a sight to see
A pattern in a hobby book
For a wooden nativity
Gave me a big idea
Of a project nearly free
A piece of poster board
Just plain white will do
We cut out the silhouette
Of Joseph and Mary, too
The manger scene was soon cut out
And scotch taped to the glass
Of our big picture window
For everyone who’d pass
Pull the shade and set a lamp
To outline this event
Mary and husband Joseph
And the baby who was sent
To all the lowly of the earth
To the rich and to the poor
And this handmade project
Became a priceless décor
When school was over
And income finally grew
This homemade simple scene
Was there for all to view
Although we had bright lights
And decorations galore
It was a yearly reminder
Of those precious years before

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Why Not Happy Holidays?

Why Not Happy Holidays?
By Larry Linville

In days when I was being raised
I felt that God was truly praised
even when we said in a voice so gay
“Have a happy holiday!”

But in our day the word police
have tried to smear this phrase with grease.
They want us to feel you’re an atheist
if you don’t use words on their special list.

Christmas is not just the words we say
but the actions we perform each day.
You can say Xmas and be very giving
and say Christmas and be evil living.

Yuletide should not be an exclusive season.
Respecting others is a very good reason
to widen you greetings to those who say
their generosity in another way.

Happy Hanukah said to Jewish friends
brings good feelings that never ends.
Happy Holidays will cover this too
so you are blessed while blessing a Jew

Happy Holidays at this winter time
should not be thought of as a crime.
It includes Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day
and the other greetings you don’t know how to say.

Can I possibly deny my Jesus and Lord
by spreading peace and love in a word?
Those who complain help bring to an end
the peace on earth and good will to men.

So this year let’s please don’t use Jesus to fight
about words we use on Christmas night.
Let our greetings be more by the actions we take
and allow his love to make us fully awake..

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Thanksgiving Day Prayer
By Larry Linville

Take a few moments this thanksgiving day
To pray to God in a different way
When you think of the problems you’ve endured
Remember, as well, the good you’ve secured
When your kinfolks gather round the table
Pray for those whose families are unstable
As you see the love your family has shone
Pray for all those who are eating alone
As you see the clothing everyone chose
Pray for those who do not have many clothes
When you’ve eaten plenty and want to shout
Pray for all those who are doing without
When you relax in front of the TV
Pray for workers who protect you and me
Firemen and cops and the soldiers at war
Pray that they soon will be back on our shore
May God fill the void of that empty space
And give them an extra serving of grace
If this was your prayer when you are at rest
I know that you’ve feel how much you’ve been blessed

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Our First Thanksgiving

I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and I pray that you will take time to look at all your blessings. You've been blessed so many times this year and you may not have taken time to remember them. There are also those blessed memories from years gone by. I share this poem with the hopes it will help you remember some of those prices times in your live.

Our First Thanksgiving
By Larry Linville

We’d been married in the month of June
And thanksgiving rolled around real soon.
My wife’s family as well as mine
Came to our place for a meal so divine.

On the night before the turkey roasted
For this giant dinner we hosted
The turkey came out all done, good and brown
And with full plates our families sat down.

My clan of nine and wife’s clan of five
Dug in and ate like they’d never survive
There were second helping and sometimes three
As we all enjoyed vast this eating spree

None of our families had much back then
But next year we met and did it again
The years caused yearly this practice to cease
But the memories still bring much peace

Even though our families are apart
That first thanksgiving still fills our heart
We eat our meals though we are parted
But we treasure that one which we started

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Remembering Mr. Whipple

Remembering Mr. Whipple
By Larry Linville

Dick Wilson, Mr. Whipple of old
Seemed so shy and yet so bold
As he protected that Charmin
From squeezes he though harmin’
He has died after all the years
Perhaps we should shed some tears
As we lift to him our joyous cheers
For commercials that expressed his fears
Let us remember him today
And repeat again what he would say
“Please, don’t squeeze the Charmin, my friend”
If we keep saying this the commercial won’t end
In his honor let us go to the store
Where we have often gone before
And let us stand and make an issue
When someone reaches and squeezes the tissue.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Special Thanksgiving Meal

Special Thanksgiving Meal
By Larry Linville

Thanksgivings were meager on our farm.
Never a turkey dinner with its charm.
Nine mouths to feed a chicken dinner.
In those days I was so much thinner.

The duck migration crossed our little farm,
but without a gun we caused them no harm.
One day our father saw a strange new sight.
A duck walked by who was injured in flight.

The hunter hadn’t been very good,
but he provided our thanksgiving food.
My father chased down that injured creature,
knowing he’d be our thanksgiving feature.

We built him a pen in which he could stay,
until the approaching Thanksgiving day.
On this one holiday we were in luck,
our special meal was not chicken—but duck.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work

Jesus Couldn't Be Elected President

Jesus Couldn’t Be Elected President
By Larry Linville

Jesus couldn’t be elected today
His words would not be what we want him to say
Swords into plowshares would not get it done
Turn the other check cause us to run
Since he said nothing to condemn the gays
A lot of voters he’d lose these days
He commuted the sentence of the woman’s stoning
With a effort to bring about a larger atoning
Feeding the hungry was high on his list
But it would get him called a socialist
Our eye-for-an-eye we try to agree
That he would replace with a leftist policy
Loving your enemies just doesn’t work
After all, you don’t know where this scum lurk
If they don’t look and believe just like us
We know he would want us to cuss
Their differences with which we disapprove
And we should make them from our country to move
Although he has changed lives for two thousand years
He can’t bet elected because of our fears
His greatest opponents in his campaign
Would be those with so much to gain
If they would begin to see things His way
And listen to all he has to say
We’d have to place more allegiance in him
Than in what the loud voices shout out so grim
His slogan would be peaceful and loving
Instead of the violence message we’re shoving

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work

Catching Up

I cannot believe how busy I have found myself. Now, I think this is good to a degree. I think too many people retire and just sit around. I don't think that is good. I will not let that happen for me. So here are some of the things I'm doing --- in case you're interested.

1. I go to the gym four mornings a week to get exercise. That is important for my diabetes control but it's also important for my overall health.

2. I work at the computer with my poetry and a short story about a dog who communicates with me through the computer. Since March I have written over 150 poems. I've probably written a dozen episodes of the dog story. I have a manuscript for a book of 60 poems at the publisher right now.

3. I have filled pulpits. I've preached at 7 churches since July 1. I will be preaching at the church I now attend, North Star, on Nov. 25th and I will be preaching at Turney on Dec. 16th and 23rd and lead a Christmas Eve service on the 24th.

4. I help at my own church. I enjoy hearing my pastor's sermons. I have also worked with the Children's Church one Sunday and I will be working with the Confirmation class in December. I'm also working with the formation of groups.

5. I continue to attend the lectionary study on Tuesday's at noon even though I don't write a sermon each week. This is a source of keeping my mind occupied and it is a time of fellowship.

6. When Thelma quit working we started a part-time business. We are trying to help people have legal protection at an affordable price. Most of us can't afford to just call a lawyer with a question. Many of us don't have a will. We are working with a company that makes this available at no additional charge over the membership fee. We are excited to be able to help people and put a few dollars in our pockets. If you find this worth checking out, I invite you to visit my webpage: wwww.prepaidlegal.com/hub/larryrlinville.

7. Thelma and I actually have time to do things together after all these years of chasing our separate jobs. Besides our times with the business, we are able to attend family events more and be at things our children and grandchildren are doing.

I was going for ten things. God seems to think in tens but God also did a lot of sevens so I'll let that do it. Because of all these activities, my poetry output has slowed so I may have to blog about other things. BUT DON'T WORRY -- I'll still have plenty of poetry. I'll be posting a poem about why Jesus Couldn't Be Elected President and I also am working on a poem about Mary's call to give birth to Jesus.

May you have a good day.

Larry

Left At The Park

Left at the park
By Larry Linville

We had a big church picnic at the city park
We’d been there all afternoon and it was getting dark
I’d been at the playground overwhelmed by the fun
As our car drove off and it was too late to run

My parents thought I was there as they drove away
And I was left there standing in my great dismay
I don’t know how far they went before they turned around
But my father wasn’t happy and thus he wore a frown.

I was the age of Jesus when he was left behind
He seemed to deal much better and keep calm in his mind
His parents were embarrassed when he wasn’t there
My parents tried to calmly help me with my scare

Jesus sought his Father’s will -- I was just playing
Pleasure I was seeking -- he was truly praying.
Our motives were different on our fateful day
But the same God was watching to keep us both okay

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

A Poetic Moment

When I started this blog back in April, I had a backlog of poems. I remember that I even posted more than one a day. As the time has gone by I have come to a time when I post less often. I have been extremely busy with events in my life. My fear is getting to the point that I post less often and then you quit looking. I don't want that to happen. And it won't.

I have been fully retired for a little over 4 months. During that time I have filled pulpits 8 times (which I really enjoy doing). I am trying to volunteer at the church I attend -- North Star United Methodist Church. Thelma has retired and we are adjusting to our schedule together. I also have a manuscript of 60 poems at a publisher. I also have a little story going on from a "communicating dog" named Phydoux. I haven't posted them here --- yet. I wanted to keep this poetry, but perhaps I'll change my mind.

Thelma and I have also begun a network marketing business on a part time basis. We are excited about being able to help common people have affordable legal services which are normally reserved for the wealthy. It also gives Identity Theft protection -- which is a growing problem in our world. I just read that Kansas City is 35th highest in identity theft in the nation. That's frightening.

So, I'm taking time today to let you know that I may not post every day, but stick with me because my poems come in bunches. Let me illustrate this will be latest poem:


A Poetic Movement
Larry Linville

I write my poems everywhere
Could be here and could be there
No matter if I’m fresh or tired
I have to write when I’m inspired
If not then I will forget
And set around and stew and fret
I always have paper and pen
‘cause it may not come back again
Now that it’s written, I have to rush
please excuse me while I flush

Didn't Know What I Was Doing

Didn’t Know What I Was doing
By larry linville

Most of the stuff that I have done
I didn’t know what I was doing.
When I first had food in my mouth,
without teeth, I just started chewing

I didn’t know what to do at school
when I arrived on that first day.
But I bluffed at everything I did
so they would allow me to stay.

When my report card was given me
at the end of the year, I gasped.
‘cause I saw that inscription
that let me know I had passed.

This ritual was the same each year
I always feared that I would fail.
But every year I received good news
so I could travel on down the trail.

With seminary degree in hand
I went to serve some churches,
never knowing all I felt I should
to successfully face what lurches.

Now that I’ve retired from my work
and my life enters another stage.
I still don’t know what I’m doing
because I’ve never been this age.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Redneck Girl

Redneck Girl
By Larry Linville

She’s a red-neck girl with a dress of blue
she got at Goodwill for a buck or two
She’s eatin’ some ribs at the bar-b-cue
And washin’ it down with a local brew.

Multi-colored hair braided on one side
Her hair spray comes from a can that says “Pride.”
Her mascara is at least a week old
and I’m thinkin’ it is starting to mold

she says “you’uns” and also “sho’ nuff”
as she gives that Marlborough one last puff.
When in trouble she will never say quit
She’ll clear her throat, and cough, and then she’ll spit.

When it appears she is all out of luck
She jumps into that rusty pick up truck
And loads up hogs in back and dogs in front
And heads to market as you hear them grunt.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Scared Man

Scared Man
By Larry Linville

He was a scared, scared man, who
never learned to say “I can.”
He would always wildly rant
“you ought to know that I can’t.”

He should have known that he could.
If he wanted to, he would.
Failure seemed to rule his life
as he avoided the strife

He finally took time to pray
and read his Bible every day.
It soon meant a lot to him
and gave his life extra vim

God helped him to rearrange
to make the “scared” letters change.
When he saw what they said
the “scared” had become “sacred”.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Wedding In The Park

Wedding In The Park
By Larry Linville

The altar centered on three trees
in a cluster side by side.
Wild flowers and prairie grass
around the bark was tied.
A meadow spread out to the west
its grass dancing in the breeze.
Large crows flew over it
and floated with greatest ease.
The sky was lightly overcast
the sun blocked out above.
Still you could feel its warmth
as a symbol of all the love.
The vows were spoken – rings exchanged
there was nothing that was amiss.
The crowd waited eagerly
for the special wedding kiss.
When the preacher came near the end
the clouds began to yield.
The sunlight soon was spotted
at the far side of the field.
Like in sync it slowly crept
near the bride and the groom
as both of the mothers wept.
When the pastor said, “husband and wife”
the people had to stare
because the sun hit like a spotlight
on the couple standing there.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Incarnation

By Larry Linville

each weekday morning they appear
with lines of headlights in their mirror
long lines of lights in front and back
driven by those fresh from the sack
caffeine hasn’t taken effect
as they look at cars that were wrecked
traffic crawling at a snail’s pace
drives shouting with a red face
if these lines keep on increasing
and old drivers quit deceasing
when I came back from vacation
we will be an in car nation.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Glad To See The Old Bag

Glad To See The Old Bag
By Larry Linville

When I was just a little lad
our family was never well clad.
Clothes were worn and full of patches
how hard to have color matches.
Sometimes we’d have family back
to visit with used clothes in a sack.
It was like Christmas as we’d sit
to find out whom each thing would fit.
Hand-me-downs were not a drag.
We were glad to see the old bag.

Each week we’d go to town to shop
for food to eat and then we’d stop
at the bakery by the tracks
where they sold pastries in a big sack.
Farmers bought them to feed the hogs
or for the chickens or the dogs.
Through the bread to the donuts we’d dig
leave the old dry bread for the pig.
Grab some sweets and pull off the tag,
sure glad to see the old bag.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Hospital Wedding

The Hospital Wedding
By Larry Linville

The wedding chapel was a hospital room.
The patient related to bride and groom.
The hospital gown became a tux
which didn’t cost a lot of big bucks.
The music was from the fire alarm drill
which rang in our ears so high and so shrill.
The flashing strobe lights became the candle
which we did our very best handle.
The words of the service were slowly read.
Hands were held and the “I do” was said.
The rings were exchanged and the license signed
as these two lives were becoming entwined.

On that same day – all over the large town
brides were decked out in a fancy white gown.
Churches were decorated to the hilt
and someone probably was feeling guilt.
People were watching each word they said
as they searched for insincere words instead.
Photographers were the stars of the show
as their assistants straightened the bride’s bow.
Everything was done so very sedate
and the groom didn’t get to see his mate
until she walked with her dad down the aisle
with a veil to cover all of her smile.

Having presided on both sides I’ll say
they both can give us a wonderful day.
That hospital room was really more sweet
and it’s simplicity was such a treat.
And when all was over and the last word said
those in the hospital were just as wed.
They experienced just as much bliss
when they shared that priceless marital kiss.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Things I'd Love To Tell My Wife

Things I’d Love To Tell My wife
By Larry Linville

My wife and I have talked a lot
in our long life together
when you’ve been married all these years
you talk of more than the weather.

She’s heard me talk of family life
and of sports and politics too.
And sometimes we just talk about
some silly things out of the blue.

Sometimes we have said some good things
that the other wanted to hear
and in my more thoughtless moments
I have said things that brought a tear.

But there are things I’ve never said
for as long as we have been wed
and I have to keep them secret
until I am finally dead.

But these things I’d love to tell her
you might not think it makes much sense.
But they are things folks have told me
in the strictest of confidence.

I would love the share these stories
for some of them are very sweet
but they are thing I have promised
that I would never repeat.

Confidences are so precious
to those who are called to serve.
Without it those who talk to us
just would never have the nerve.

These things I would love to tell her
are locked in the depths of my mind
memories I carry with me
as I keep them safely confined.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Ten Lepers And Jesus

Ten Lepers and Jesus
By Larry Linville

Ten traveled in their little band
leprosy sores on every hand
bodies were merely skin and bone
as they had to stay all alone
nine followed the accepted creed
the tenth, an outcast, all agreed
they surely must have lived in sin
which caused leprosy to begin

They saw Jesus coming their way
a message they all had to say
“have mercy on us” they all said
but he approached these living dead
“show yourselves to the Priests” said he
“and from this sickness you’ll be free”
at once they turned to walk away
but the outcast came back to pray

They all were healed on that great day
but one had thanks that he must say
his healing must have been much more
thanks was not something that he wore
it was not just his gratitude
he had a thankful attitude
which emanated from his core
and made him thankful all the more

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

He Looks So Much Like His Dad

He Looks So Much Like His Dad
By Larry Linville

When he was a baby they would say
“he looks like his dad in every way.”
As the years went on they always said
he looks so much like his dad.

When he went to school he studied hard
and was popular on the school yard.
He was active in everything they had
and they said he looked like his dad.

After college he started his career
with his dad there to clap and cheer.
In his job he was not half bad
and they said he looked like his dad

He worshipped his dad for all he had done
and how he had helped him to grow.
But soon aging began to show on dad’s face
and the son did not accept this with grace.
Dad’s hair had departed and the rest was gray
and the boy shrugged at what they would say.
It was not that he lost respect for his dad
but the comparison did not make him glad.
He was reminded he too would get old
and every part of his body became cold.
Still they said he looked like his dad.

But as he continued to receive that love
from his father in his senior years.
He saw his own life from a different view
and this helped him release his fears.
He could embrace his own future as well
and once again he swelled up in pride
A pride that helped him when his father died
and they said he looked like his dad.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Surviving The Crash

Surviving the Crash
By Larry Linville

He had his motorbike under control
as he was on his way to work.
An oncoming car drove through the red light
and it was driven by a jerk.

His big body quickly flew into space
as he folded his arms at his chest.
He wanted to keep from breaking his arms
and he knew that position was best.

He spoke of his arms to the person who helped
but that person corrected his tale.
His arms weren’t tucked in like he thought they were.
They were spread as they both did flail

With his eyes full of grace he looked at me,
from a great truth he never shrugged.
If his arms were where the other man said
then he knew he was being hugged.

As each of us takes our travels through life
and when we have done all we can.
We can look back in joy and thankfulness
for the hug we get from the Man.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

How To Know When A Poem Is Done

How To Know When A Poem Is Done.
Larry Linville

I put pen to paper and start to write.
Sometime my writing goes into the night.
At other times it’s an hour or two
before I’m convinced the writing is through.

How do you know when a poem is done?

Many people seem to get such a thrill
by placing a t-bone on a hot grill.
They judge by the touch or the way it looks.
It comes with practice for the better cooks.

A thermometer is the safest way
the health conscious people usually say.
When it’s internally properly hot
you have it ready to serve on the spot

How do you know when a poem is done?

You stir up a batter and dust the dish.
Place in the oven and sit there and wish.
You set a timer or use a toothpick
and hope it doesn’t come out like a brick

How do you know when a poem is done?

The best way I’ve found for this mystery
is in this simple rule – taste it and see.
Timing and testing can be so much fun
but taste it and you’ll know if it is done.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Being God's Ears

Being God’s Ears
By Larry Linville

On a bench by a playground he sat
watching his small child happily play.
I sat down on the bench next to him
and listened to what he had to say.

“I must get away for time alone,”he said,
“I have some things to decide.”
“I think I’ll get on my motorbike
and just out go and have me a ride.”

I listened as he told me his tale
of a marriage that came to an end.
His emotions were heavy as he
thought what the future days were to send

I just sat and listened to his hurt.
No advice did I try to give him.
I felt like a lifeguard at a pool
watching a person struggle to swim.

I did not ask this person his name.
And I don’t how it went today.
But I thank God for His placing me
where I could hear what he had to say.

We don’t have to give any advice
as we go about life with our peers.
We simply have to take time to pray
and silently we can be God’s ears.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Following God

Following God
By Larry Linville
O, Abraham,
you are comfortable in Ur
with family, possessions and friends.
Security blesses all your life
and your prosperity never ends.
Interruption enters your life
and to an unknown land you must go.
To a place you’ve never heard of
and a destination God will show.

O Moses,
you’ve run away from your people
to a distant land you herd some sheep.
Your back is turned on your family
and there is no way you hear them weep.
Interruption enters your life
in the form of a bush that is strange.
Go back to Pharoah to speak for God
and follow Him now for a change.

O Fishermen,
you’ve spent all your life on the sea
just fishing and mending your nets.
You really don’t have a future
and your life will just end with regrets.
Interruption enters your life
as a kind looking man walks the shore
“Come fish for humans,” he calls to you
“and your life will be blessed to the core.”

O Christian,
you may be wandering through life
spending self on things that don’t last.
Your candle may be going out
as you’re trying to live in the past.
Interruption enters your life
as you get up and follow the Lord.
You find that in serving others
the fullness of your life is restored.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Majestic Heavens

The Majestic Heavens
By Larry Linville

I stood in my yard in the dark of night
through the darkness I saw the stars so bright.
They shined in the same place the were before
hanging in beauty for me to adore.

They were in the same place where David peered
--a sight that little shepherd boy revered.
He used the word “majestic” to express
deep feelings he felt compelled to profess.

The awesome sight displayed something so new
as the lights of a flying plane flew through
and I waited some more on that crisp night
as across the sky flew a satellite.

What are we humans that God cares for us
even though we seem to fight and to fuss?
You’ve made us a little lower than You
and accepted our imitations too.

“When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place-- What are humans that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them?” Psalm 8: 3-4


© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Old Gospel Singers

Old Gospel Singers
By Larry Linville

Watching gospel singers with smiles on every face
looking very happy-- singing at rapid pace.
The joy they sing about is not for us today
It is waiting for the day that we all pass away.

This world is not my home I’m just a passing through
My treasures and my hopes are all beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

I love gospel music it’s always served me well
But Jesus promised joy in this world where we dwell
God’s joy is for today for those who follow him
Serving others fills our cup clear up to the brim.

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
If Heaven’s not my home, then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

This world is now my home I’m not just passing through
My treasures grow right here when I share God’s love with you.
Serving other people gives joy to us galore
And we can feel at home in this world all the more.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Never Too Old

Never Too Old
By Larry Linville

For most of my life I did all I could
to work for peace, for hope and brotherhood.
I gave every effort my very best
and tried to leave other’s lives fully blessed.
I believed, down deep, there would come a day
when my life had said all it had to say.
I could retire and take my needed rest
with contentment proudly filling my breast.

At this time God gave me a new thesis --
we’re never too old to work for Jesus.
As I prepared to just let my life coast
without any desire to brag and boast
about the successful things I had done
just trying to live as a loving son
God brought from my life an inactive seed
to write poetry for others to read.

Although my story may seem to be small
God plans to use it together with all
who also use their story to proclaim
by generous actions done in His name.
Though poetry was given late to me
I’ll spend it on others since it came free.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Pearl Harbor And Me

Pearl Harbor and Me
Larry Linville

Her young face had that special glow
She counted the days ‘til the birth.
Six months down and three more to go
As her stomach increased in girth.

Her twenty-first birthday was near
Their first baby was on the way
Shocking news was soon to occur
On that dreadful Pearl Harbor day.

Did her brother survive that day
The news was so slow to arrive
How long would it be ‘til she heard
The word that he was still alive?

Stress effects the body they say.
How did it make her body stir?
And how much did this stress impact
that little baby inside her?

That answer we may never know
And probably will never see
No matter what the answer is
It has placed its impact on me.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Wanting

Wanting
By Larry Linville

Wanting something too much
is the best way of losing it.

Your obsession with it
leads you to abusing it.

Check your motivation
in your choosing it.

Hanging on too tight
might cause your bruising it.

Your sense of values may
cause your confusing it.

“Those who try to make their life secure will lose it,
but those who lose their life will keep it.” Luke 17:33 (NRSV)

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Hope Shattered

I have made a big announcement about getting a book published. After this announcement was made, I learned some things about the publisher which are not good. I'm searching for another publisher, so I still have hope. When I learned of the problems, I wrote the following poem.

Hope Shattered
By Larry Linville

I fell from a very high shelf last night
much higher than I've ever been before.
I started out under the bottom shelf
lying comfortably there on the floor.

My life was going along so plain
Then I wrote a poem six months ago.
It was about an old gray metal desk
I was surprised how the words seemed to flow

As a pastor I seldom wrote a verse
just some sermons for nearly fifty years.
They have heard a lot of prose as I preached
but no poem had touched on any ears.

One after one every reader approved
giving me more confidence in my self.
As the compliments began to amass
I would climb up to yet a higher shelf.

The view felt great as I looked from above.
A publisher’s mail brought me great delight.
They’d publish the book – how hard to believe!
As I weightlessly soared up to that height.

A helpful friend I have trusted so much
delivered the words I needed to hear
which brought me down from my roost on that shelf.
Things are not always the way they appear.

Today I stumble back down on the floor
I’ve tried my broken spirit to gather.
I’m not defeated and I won’t give in
I’m already in search for another.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

My Cousin, Carol

My Cousin, Carol
By Larry Linville

Our family was doing without
during those days of war.
The things which they could not ration
were valued so much more.

Into this stark world of turmoil
two babies came to live
in a world where death brought it’s pain
we were both here to give

I came first but you joined me soon
as the center of life
and just by our very presence
we helped during their strife.

A special bond was established
and we had no control
as we took our place in this world
we were joined in our soul.

Through the years we have been parted
by distance but not heart
so when we have been together
it was like we’d not been apart.

So I sit here on your birthday
wondering what to do
I think I am going to thank God
For someone special – you!

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Scrap Book In Your Head

The Scrap Book In Your Head
By Larry Linville

I’ve watched as people use their skills
and go to classes and workshops
to master the ancient yet new pastime – a hobby –
we call it scrap booking.

It used to be a simple task
to throw some pictures in a book.
No preparation, no planning, no special art
just fit those pictures on a page
and glue them in.
We learned to write a line on each page
identify the persons, places, and times,
to help us when we look back years later
with the question, “Who’s that?”

I've watched as the scrap bookers have mastered the skills
and have made their books more attractive
with the beautiful borders and brilliant colors
to enliven the treasures left by memories of the days gone by.

Then I recall another scrap book that is personal beyond compare.
It’s a book that you can’t show to others
because it’s there in your head.
This scrapbook doesn’t have a fancy cover
and it doesn’t have special pages.
It’s tucked away in your fabulous mind
and it’s contents never changes.

Those special events that you share with someone
be it family and stranger or friend
are suspended in time and space
and you can turn to them when
you need to recover to a treasure
that will never end.

This scrap book doesn’t need all the colors and shapes
because they’re already filled to the brim.
You can see each event in all of its color
and even hear the words very clear.

So when you are blue and you need to recall
the treasures you’ve had in your life.
Just sit down and open the book in your brain
and thank God for giving you so perfectly
the scrapbook you have in your head.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Birth Of A Song

The band at North Star sang a song this morning which touched me in a special way. I sent some words to our song leader and she put them to music --- making the needed changes to find the music. I heard it for the first time this morning and the only way I could express myself was with these words:

Birth Of A Song
By Larry Linville

Anticipation was high
I could hardly wait
to hear a song for the first time.
I was new at poetry
but its reward were many
and now I took a new risk
to test the limits.
My pastor’s new series announced --
a challenge I tried to resist
I wrote a few words
then I put them away
but something just kept tugging
at my vulnerability.
I took that big step --
the words were sent
to a friend who understood music.
She could have laughed
at my childish attempt but instead
she searched for a tune.
An invitation to be there
as they worked on the song
was declined because of a previous call.
So this morning I sat there
with my pulse speeding up.
I soon would hear that song.
The announcement was made
how this song came to be
my pressure continued to climb.
The intro was played
and the tune filled the air
as joy made my heart flutter
and my eyes started to tear
something was happening
which I would never have dreamed.
I felt as if God was filling me
with the love Jesus spoke of so many times
and the Spirit gave new life
to this spirit of mine.
There’s no way to express
what this did for me
except to write these words
for others to see.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Donkey And His Cross

The Donkey and His Cross
By Larry Linville

(based on the Legend of the “Little Gray Donkey.”)

A story is told many years ago.
It is a legend I think you should know.
A little gray donkey gave Mary a ride
as Joseph walked bravely right by her side

Bethlehem was where they both had to go
And the donkey had to struggle so slow.
He traveled with very much donkey pride
for the treasure Mary carried inside.

That donkey’s descendant wasn’t so calm
as he bore Christ on the day of the palm.
He saw people cheer and he saw them shout
as he followed the Jerusalem route.

Later in the week he was standing near
on Calvary’s hill and he heard them jeer.
His heart was sad and it ached to the core
knowing he had not fulfilled his chore

The cross wasn’t something for Christ to bear.
He reasoned “I should have carried it there.”
He grieved as he turned his back to the sight
and bowed his head as he felt so contrite.

In honor of his loyalty and love
Christ looked on him from his perch up above.
He caused a shadow to fall on his back
to leave an image of the darkest black

If you look at a gray donkey today
you’ll notice this honor is there to stay
as a mark to remind us of the great love
which that donkey received from God above.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Singing Unacompanied

Singing unaccompanied
By Larry Linville

A soloist stood up to sing
so beautifully his voice would ring
unaccompanied and error free
his voice so crisp and right on the key.

The audience just sat to admire
‘til a truck passed going to a fire --
siren was in a different pitch
and it caused his untrained ear to switch.

Most hadn’t caught what it was about
then outside they heard a person shout
you guessed it – he changed key once again
which was noticed by most of the men.

It seemed smooth sailing until a clock
chimed and produced still another shock
by this time the people were aware
and each one of them started to stare.

Before he finished singing the song
he knew that he had sung much to long,
he had to drop his voice very low
when the old fog horn began to blow.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

The Heat Wave

The Heat Wave
By Larry Linville

Like a mighty army
the air conditioning compressors
sound their struggling cadence.
With each laboring step
their rhythm struggles
to maintain the same tempo
as if they can barely stay together.
Thermal weapons
emit hot winds
like the blast from a fiery furnace.
One wonders if the dryness
of everything within sight
is approaching its kindling point.

Day by day the marching
increases to the decibels of war
and the steam from the weapons
give a haze to the cloudless skies.
Dust from the parched earth
blends with the perspiration
on our wrinkled brows
giving us the appearance of
soldiers returning from the battlefield.

The icy water we consume
quickly seeps through our pour
sand seems to shout
“more water, please.”
The white flags of surrender
are the handerchiefs
which have long ago become soaked.

Experience tells me
this too shall pass.
The school busses will arrive
with horns sounding like the bugles
of the rescuing cavalry
chasing off the enemy.
The bouncing footballs at high schools
under Friday night lights
join with the bright colored leaves
which will soon drop to the ground.

All of this reminds us
of the changing seasons
both of climate and of life.
The Creator established order
to this magnificent handiwork
which continually sings praises
to its God.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).

All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work

It Seems Like Yesterday

It Seems Like Yesterday
By Larry Linville

I went to a funeral the other day
and watched as the minister stood up to pray.
My mind was transported back some forty years
When we both were young bucks among all our peers.
During the years so many things have transpired.
Now we both are listed among those retired
It was so long ago but it seems like yesterday

I had waited all my life to attend school.
That was long before it was “in” to say “cool!”
My teacher was scheduled to stop to get me
so I was waiting out in front by a tree.
In the distance her car appeared to my eye
but she just waved and smiled as she drove right by.
It was so long ago but it seems like yesterday.

The day of my wedding had at last arrived.
That terrible rehearsal I had survived.
I shopped everywhere all morning to acquire
a replacement spare for my odd-sized flat tire.
Then the maid of honor was running so late
that we tried to decide how long we could wait
It was so long ago but it seems like yesterday.

Today is a new page in your book of life.
Events which seem simple may someday be rife.
Time will pass quickly but seem to pass so slow
like yeast at work in a rising loaf of dough.
Someday you’ll sit there as you slow down your pace
and recall these things with a smile on your face.
It was so long ago but it seems like yesterday.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Sermons About Money

Sermons About Money
By Larry Linville

My preaching began when I was quite young
in three little churches while in college .
I was lacking much in experience
And I was also lacking in knowledge.

This eighteen year old drove up that first week
I was early and nervous and afraid.
Quickly, I entered the door of that church
and rapidly to the front, where I prayed

I practiced my talk alone in that church.
I wanted to be sure it was just right.
With a strong voice and the right chosen words
which I hoped would overcome my deep fright.

The first two persons who entered the door
were the treasurer and his lovely wife.
He was quick to give some advice to me
and it hit me in my gut like a knife.

“We do not preach money from this pulpit.”
were his words which I can still hear today.
I took a deep breath – I knew I was safe
‘cause the sermon was about how to pray.

Many years have come and gone since that day
When I was given this self-serving tip.
I’ve never preached money – not even once
But I have often preached of stewardship.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Where Friends Come From

Where Friends Come From
Larry Linville
I’m thinking today of those folks
who somehow have entered my life.
They appear in the strangest ways
in good times as well as in strife.

Some people I have met on line
and other moves into my block.
People I’ve met at a cafe
and others are part of my flock.

There are many people each day
so why do these people stand out?
Why do some people pass right through
while friendship in others will sprout?

They become much more than a face --
take their place as a great treasure
remain as a big part of life
and they give me so much pleasure.

Sometimes I have so much to give
and sometimes I simply receive.
Such give and take is part life
at least that is what I believe.

So today I simply thank God
there is nothing less I could do.
And if you are one of these folks
I also express thanks to you.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work

Gas Prices and My Scales

Gas Prices and My Scales
By Larry Linville

The prices of gas is getting scary
and it directly touches old Larry.
I think my scales have a real relation
to the prices at the service station.

I think the prices of each of the sales
is from a connection to my own scales.
When I was younger and much in my prime
the cost was just two dollars and a dime.

When my weight went up from eating plenty
it increased to two dollars and twenty.
You can imagine how it worries me
as the prices increase up to near three.

Oh sure, they go down a penny or two
but they keep going up before they’re through.
I guess this must be caused by gluttony
the question’s – is it them or is it me?

Does my waistline cause increasing prices?
Am I the cause of the latest crisis.?
If you help me lose it would be nifty
And gas would sell at to a dollar fifty.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

New Visitor At Church

New Visitor To Church


She walked alone into a church one day.
Those who saw her looked the other way.
They tried to catch a sneaky peek
but nobody went to her to speak
and extend warm hospitality
so she could feel their vitality.

“Do you know that woman? one lady said.
The other shrugged her shoulders and her head.
“Her clothing is simple and out of style,”
said one to another with a smug smile.
“Did you notice her finger has no ring?”
“Perhaps she is always having a fling.”
She might be divorced – or doesn’t like men.
We sure don’t need someone like that again!
“The last one was evil -- don’t you recall?”
“If we have her with us, we may all fall.”
“She could be a widow -- it won’t be long then
‘til she starts making a play for our men.”

She sat alone as the service went on.
There was no doubt that the lines had been drawn.
The glib sermon made each one feel bolder.
The mass she was served was just cold shoulder.
The bread and the wine were not withheld
but they gave her much space as if she smelled.

As she left the service and reached the door
they had to confront – they couldn’t ignore.
They said nothing to her just as they planned
but they were startled when they shook her hand
a big nail print which could not be ignored.
Could they have been visited by the LORD?“

As you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.”


© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Don't Call Me Elderly

Don’t Call Me Elderly
By Larry Linville

They try to call me elderly
a title that is not for me
a picture of one old and lame
but I’m still playing in the game.
Call me mature or call me ripe
but don’t use that elderly tripe.
Reflexes have slowed it is true
But I can right keep up with you.
When I decide where I want to go
I’ll make it – but I might be slow.
I’ve forgot more than others have learned
but I seldom ever get burned.
It’s easy these days to take a nap
and my tummy has replaced my lap.
My hair is gone -- my glasses thicker
As I walk as one with too much liquor.

Inside my body, I must say
I dwell in a much earlier day
when things were easier to do
and I had the pep to see them through.
Good times and bad have shaped my life
such as the joys I’ve shared with my wife,
my children, and my grandchildren too
and all of the special things I pursue.
Don’t call me elderly – that’s not my case
I’m in the middle of the human race,
more experienced in handling time
Really – you know – I’m just in my prime.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Old Country House

Old Country House
By Larry Linville

Out in the middle of the countryside
is a house where families used to reside.
The sway back roof once was so tough --
now the bad wolf would not need to huff
and puff to blow it down
since everyone has moved to town.

Think of the stories it could tell
when families were there and all was well.
It was built with such a plain décor
and now it’s missing every door
that let in all the cats and dogs
and once or twice some errant hogs.
The screen that once kept out the flies
and filtered the aroma of fresh baked pies
are rusted and hanging from the wall
ready with the softest breeze, to fall.

That big front porch holds a fallen limb
that’s big and broken and kind of slim.
Some missing steps that once were sound
lie under the porch upon the ground
Remembering the children’s hungry drool
as they ran for snacks right after school.

A tire at the end of a rotting rope
hangs from a limb with a gentle slope
longing for the little child
who sat in it for hour and smiled
as a parent gave the tire a shove –
a little task that was done with love.

What stories remain in this lonely place
when life was lived at a rapid pace --
Christmas, Thanksgiving stories to tell
and big birthday parties as well.
If that house spoke and we all could hear
do you think we’d shed many a tear
at the treasures that rickety building can hold
of much more value than silver or gold.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Under New Management

Under New Management
By Larry Linville

The old store stood there idle
abandoned in a lifeless shell.
The fact it once jumped with action
was impossible to tell.
A flurry of activity
suddenly filled the air.
Now a big bright banner hangs
like a fiery roadside flare.
Things will be different somehow--
it’s under new management now.

The season has gone from bad to worse
for the local baseball team.
Prospects that once looked so bright
have become a most painful dream.
They’ve traded players with no success
their record gets even worse.
Some even thought they’d been hit
by some superstitious curse.
The skipper took his final bow --
They’re under new management now.

With life a mess and hope all gone
a messed up man entered the door
of the small but beautiful church
where he’d never gone before.
Hymns were sung and prayers were prayed,
the preacher had something good to say.
It all mixed in a perfect blend
God touched him in a special way.
He left that church with a brand new vow --
he’s under new management now.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Tribute to a Coffee Friend

Old John at McDonalds
By Larry Linville

Each morning he cranked up that old black car
And drove to McDonalds where he was a star.
With coffee and paper in hand
He tried to keep everything under his command.
That old northeast chair was his throne
and he tried to maintain a regal tone.
He thought he was king, when he started to hum
Some song that everyone thought was so dumb.

He thought his job was to reply
to things said by every guy.
That smirk on his face was hard to replace
but the group would continually try
to chip away at this guy.
They’d say things absurd
But he had the last word
and that word was usually dry.

He seemed like such an irreverent cuss
But I learned he was just one of us.
He tried to prove he was sweet
When he passed out candy to eat
We weren’t sure where he got it
But he probably hadn’t bought it
And he passed it to all as a treat.


His requests to Saint Peter were few
A stained coffee cup and a paper will do.
Give him an old chair
And some friends to sit there
And John will be happy – wouldn’t you?

Strangers From The Past

Strangers From the Past
By Larry Linville

I’ve moved around a lot.
Many people have I known.
It’s a lot like a gardener
after many seeds are sown.

No matter where I seem to be
I often am aghast
when I least expect it
there’s someone from my past.

Sometimes it’s someone I have known
whose name I can’t recall
when eating at a restaurant
or shopping at a mall.

I visit with a stranger
who is completely new.
We find they know someone
and I have known them too.

When we share our lives with folks
as we live upon this earth
God will take those experiences
and give them added worth.

This happened just the other night
when I made a hospital call.
One I thought would be a stranger
was an acquaintance after all.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

If Isaiah Was Alive Today

If Isaiah Was Alive Today
By Larry Linville
(based on Isaiah 1:10-20)
Used with sermon on August 12, 2007

If Isaiah was alive today
would he approve of the way we pray?
Our beautiful sanctuaries – He’s not impressed
and He’s hardly excited at the way we are dressed.
Traditional hymns and organs don’t take the cake
and our long winded sermons can’t keep Him awake.
Our cute little promotions – don’t get me wrong
are for too distracting – He can’t hear our song.
He doesn’t see the things we think are so cool
while our treatment of others is so very cruel.
He turns off the music that comes from our bands
because of the bloodstain he sees on our hands.
We don’t hear Him ask us, “Where are the poor?”
we think He is saying, “Please lock the door.”
What if He appeared as a guest we should warmly greet
and our first words to Him are, “Please move, that’s my seat!”
Now, before you miss my big point
and begin to get your nose out of joint.
It may not be that He’s not listening to you
when your actions don’t follow the things He would do.
More likely, my friend, I must make it clear
our unloving actions make it so we can’t hear.
Since worship truly is a two-way street
the way we treat neighbors makes it complete.
The good and obedient shall be fully fed
and our worship will boldly rise from the dead.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

My Addiction

My Addiction
By Larry Linville

I’m addicted and I’m so glad
because this addiction’s not so bad.
I know it’s really taxing on me
but it’s something that makes me free.

It reaches deep into my pocketbook
steals as efficiently as any crook.
Sometimes it causes me to lose much rest
and can put my stamina to the test.

Embarrassment pops up once in a while
and leaves me with a silly-faced smile
when I say something wrong to someone
and feel like I should turn around and run.

My addiction is people, you see,
I touch their lives and they touch me.
They are the greatest reason why
people give me a natural high.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Ping and Pong's New Game

Ping And Pong’s New Game

By Larry Linville

Ping picked up a rounded stone

and then a piece of wood.

He hit that stone over to Pong

and boy, he hit it good.

Pong swung and missed that little stone

picked it up and hit it back.

Old Ping lined the stone up with the stick

and gave it a great big whack.

Back and forth they hit that stone

and they started keeping score.

They played that silly game so hard

they couldn’t play it any more.

Ping and Pong had long talks

about how this new game was presented.

And, my dear friends, this is the way

tennis was invented.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).

All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Loudness or Silence

While I was attend a Camino weekend, with lots of worship experience, I was led to consider this part of worship.


Loudness or Silence
By Larry Linville

Loudness or silence
which do I choose?
Which do I keep
and which do I lose?

“Make a Joyful noise…”
“Be still and know…”
practice your faith –
but don’t let it show.

Bi-polar spirituality
is our plight.
We are so divided
are we ever right?

Jesus was able to combine
both practices in his life.
He benefited from what
could have brought him strife.

We can try to follow
the example he gave.
Employing his direction
as we learn how to behave.

The question isn’t
which one comes first.
It’s a blessed circle
that can’t be rehearsed.

Each leads to the other
moving us higher
increasing, improving
our spiritual fire.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Time Out

I will be away from the computer for the weekend.
I will be participating in a Camino at Woods Chapel UMC through Sunday.
I still invite you to come on and look at poems in my archives.
I anticipate that God's spirit will be so close to me this week.
(Actually, it won't be any closer, I'll just be more tuned in!)
I'll have a pad and be prepared to write any inspiration I feel.

The Un-Traffic Jam

The Un-traffic Jam
By Larry Linville

That unfriendly, nagging, alarm clock went off
to remind me to go to the work I scoff.
Grumbling was the only way I could say
“I’m so tired of this drudgery every day.”
Going through the motions of acting alert
as I put on yesterday’s sweat soaked shirt.
I combed my teeth and brushed my hair
And cut myself shaving which caused me to swear.
I cannot remember just what I ate
no time for the shower – it’ll just have to wait.
As I drove down the street I felt deep dismay
Where are all the cars we have every day?
Was my clock wrong? Did it go off too soon?
Was it six in the morning or six after noon?
But where is that rush hour traffic so vain
which causes me tension and makes me insane?
Perhaps the “fundies” have always been right
and the rapture occurred sometime last night.
Those crazy commuters who make my life hell
have gone of to heaven and wished me farewell.
What must I do? Is it too late to pray?
To admit I was wrong is too hard to say.
Just a minute…the church lot is jammed.
That means, thank God, I’m really not damned.
Now I know why the traffic was so thin
People were at church confessing their sin.
It’s Sunday and I am not left in the lurch
Although I am sorry – I have just missed church.

© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.