Barber Shop Gone

Barber Shop Gone
By Larry R Linville

Barber shop’s gone where I once went
but that doesn’t bother me.
My hair is like that barber shop
because it’s gone too, you see.

The shop filled up each Saturday
with the chairs holding shaggy guys
each one was waiting for his turn
while they all told their great big lies.

They talked about last night’s ball games
in the high schools from all around.
Those whose teams won were very loud
and those who lost a softer sound.

I had a part back in those days
and sometimes wore a crew cut.
But when I got a new duck tail
I really walked with a strut.

Yes, the old barber shop is gone
and when I drive by I recall
how much better I must look now
though I have no hair at all.

Our Words

Our Words
By Larry Linville

Does Jesus like what he hears today?
Is he unhappy at what we say?
He told his followers not to judge
and never carry around a grudge.

We say bad things about our friends.
The criticism never ends.
If there’s something in it for us
we’ll help them without any fuss
but when they seem a little strange
we try their downfall to arrange.
It doesn’t matter what Jesus taught
we can abuse them and not get caught.
We learn how to quote holy phrases
while inside the fire of hate blazes.
Our humility we ought to shed.
Weakness is something we deeply dread.
Out of context scripture we recite
to boost our belief that “might makes right.”

Oh God we hope you will forgive
and help us know how we should live.
May your spirit give unity
so our lives may be truly free.

You're Not My Friend

You’re Not My Friend
By Larry R. Linville

I try to do all I should do
but I just can’t satisfy you.
I can try so hard just to please
but you hang here like a disease.

When I feel like it’s all in vain
and you place me in such a strain
you ease up and allow me hope
that once again I can cope.

You play me like a cat and mouse
tight in your paws then run the house.
You let me think I have you licked
then again I learn I’ve been tricked.

I wish I could send you away
so far that you would have to stay
but I know that I’m stuck with you
no matter what I try to do.

Your appetite grows every day
taking more of my friends away.
You think you will always beat us
since your name is diabetes.

Fifty Year Reunion

Fifty Year Class Reunion
By Larry R. Linville

The night we graduated
as those sixteen gals and guys
Sharing high aspirations
reaching way up to the skies.

Didn’t want to say good bye
but knew we had to go.
One day we’d see each other
and each of us could crow.

We’d share our accomplishments
perhaps we would stretch the truth
laughing over our antics
back when we were naïve youth.

The time has passed so quickly
as we gather to reune
and we ask how fifty years
could fly by so very soon.

Now our hair is gray or gone.
Our bodies are not the same
as we talk to each strange face
with such a familiar name.

We miss those who are not here
and pause to say a prayer
for those who’ve gone before us
wishing they we here to share.

So let us leave each other
and go back to where we came
knowing we are all different
but we’re also much the same.

Wrong John Or Not?

Wrong John Or Not?
By Larry R Linille

I entered a restroom the other day.
No one screamed and I heard no one say
“You’re in the wrong place, you’re not a girl!”
So I didn’t have to turn and whirl.

I noticed as I looked everywhere
there was no white urinal hanging there.
There was a green door to one lone stall.
Didn’t know if I should laugh or bawl.

I stumbled back and opened the door
to check the sign before doing more.
Printed on the sign was the word “Men”
so I confidently went in again.

I did my “duty” and washed and dried
and walked out with a face full of pride.
Once more I’d avoided a great fear
although it seemed I’d come very near.

Somebody smiled at me as they quipped
that I should know my pants were unzipped.
I made the adjustment just as I should
and ran out the door as quick as I could.

Paved Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot

Paved Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot
By Larry R Linville

I’m in a shopping center
with no tree for many miles.
People driving by my car
wearing faces without smiles.

There are no gentle breezes
and the sun is very hot.
I hear some sirens wailing
but I don’t know who they caught.

This was once a green pasture
with trees to give cool shade.
There was so much peacefulness
where little baby horses played.

There was no honking of loud horns
shrill noises were never heard.
Instead there came a gentle “moo”
and the chirping of a bird.

This doesn’t feel like progress
as it is advertised to be.
It feels more like I’m in a jail
just longing to be set free.

Let me start my car and go
to the country miles away
where I can find the setting
for a perfect place to pray.

When I’m there fill my mem’ry
with things which my life bless.
Then may I stand in joy
and proclaim my happiness.

Reflections on Fifty Years of Ministry

On May 7, 1960 I received my license to preach. On the eve of my 50th anniversary I put together this reflective poem.

Reflections on Fifty Years of Ministry
By Larry R Linville

When I was a child of twelve
I felt God called me to preach.
Didn’t know what it involved
nor what it would take to reach.

Had I known how hard it was
to reach my intended goal
I might have lost my courage
snd not been able to grow.

I preached my way through college
and I was still unafraid.
One time I thought I should quit
but God blessed me and I stayed.

I’ve done it fifty years now
even though I’m now part time.
I’ve survived every valley
and mountains I had to climb.

I’ve prayed with folks in trouble
and danced with those in their joys.
I’ve spent time with the old ones
and with the young girls and boys.

I have moved from church to church
whose salaries kept me humble
and when I overvalued myself
I usually took a tumble.

I guess God is not through with me
as I take time to reflect.
I’ll keep on serving as I can
not knowing what to expect.

More Arms Needed

More Arms Needed
By Larry R Linville

I took both dogs to see the vet
to have their yearly test.
We were going back to the car
when I became very stressed.

With a leash in each of my hands,
a handful you would agree,
the leashes tangled in a knot
completely frustrating me.

Then the wind blew off my cap
and as I made a desperate chase
my pants started to fall down
causing me to have a red face.

With one hand I held one leash
my second hand held the other
somehow I freed one of my hands
so my pants I could gather.

I stepped on my cap to stop it
while I pulled up my pants.
As I put it on my head
I looked to see who saw my dance.

It’s hard to run dragging two dogs
with your pants falling down.
But since nobody saw me
it wasn’t the talk of the town.