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.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, October 15, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, October 12, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, October 1, 2007
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.
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.
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