Turkey Vultures at Camp


By larry r Linville



A pair of turkey vultures sat

high in the branches of a tree

as the young campers cars arrived

as far their eagle eyes could see.



They’d seen them come and go before

and they’d never done any harm.

They wondered what would happen this time

since the weather was so warm.



They talked to the lowly sparrow

whom God’s eyes were always set on.

The sparrow told them not to fret

because God’s care is never gone.



They watched the campers from above

as they sang and as they prayed.

They seemed to love God’s great beauty

when they studied and when they played.



As the campers left the camp

the vultures bowed to pray

and thanked God they could share their world

with God’s people another day.



And they asked one another

if those campers who looked so odd

could see the wondrous beauty

and know it was given from God.



Just then the sparrow flew by

and gave both vultures a wink

and said, “they worship our God too!

at least that’s what I think.”

Birthday Wishes for My Country


By larry r Linville



What do you want for your birthday?

we ask our family and friends.

Perhaps we should ask our nation

before Independence Day ends.



We can give some small gifts to her

for all she has given to us.

Perhaps we can highlight her good points

rather than just sit around and cuss.



I’ll bet she would really like it

if we lived the faith that we claim

showing more love and compassion

instead of all our words of blame.



Maybe we can try to get along

with people who have other views

while working on things in common

bringing about a lot of good news.



We could try to live like Jesus

with forgiveness our primarily goal

caring for the needs of each other

as we help true justice to roll.



Let’s take time out from hot dogs,

swimming, fireworks, parades and flag

and realize we can be humble

while we lift up our voices to brag.