Satisfy

Vedera is a new group which sings a song, "Satisfy." I performed the marriage of the parents of the lead singer. I will get to see the group Saturday night and I'm really looking forward to it. This poem resulted as I heard the song today on KISS.

Satisfy
By Larry R Linville

An old preacher watched a pretty girl
and listened closely as she sang
a song with a deep question of life
and of a great life truth which rang
out like a philosopher’s search
for meaning in our present world
where disappointment and turmoil
like daggers toward us are hurled.

“Is there anything left in this world,”
she asked in a voice that was so clear
“that will satisfy me?” she continued
with an expression so sincere.
And the old preacher thought how many
times he had hear these words expressed
by members of his congregations
in their lives with a happiness quest.

The singer’s words when she reached the bridge
rang clear in the old preacher’s mind
“so take my hand and I will not look back”
the truth was right there for us to find
that satisfaction’s not found in the past
it is with a friend who lends a hand
that we find happiness that lasts.

Yes, the old preach thought to himself,
there is something left in the world
when we look inside with a friend
to see opportunities unfurled.
We cannot be satisfied alone
we were not created that way
life is made to be shared with others
and then becomes a big bouquet.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Questioning Eyes

Questioning Eyes
Larry Linville

They look at me with questioning eyes
which cry out for one to empathize.
We’re taught not to touch in the wrong way
but there’s a way to touch with words we say
and actions which serve their deepest need
actions which will their spirit feed.

What they need is already given
and touches them in the midst of livin’
as persons who both give and receive
a life based on what they believe.
Questioning eyes when answers are found
to be like glistening manna on the ground.

Where are these eyes that I now see?
Folks in churches God shared with me.
Who listened to sermons I would preach
and held out hands for me to reach.
I prayed for them, they prayed for me
These are the eyes that I can see.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Words We Use In Prayer

Words We Use in Prayer
By Larry Linville

He said to the congregation
“Let’s go to the Lord in prayer.”
I thought God was always here
if not here, I wonder where?
How are we going to go to God?
Will we go by plane or bus?
What if the bus leaves this place
and he’s already here with us?

Another time with a pious look
he said, “let us quiet our heart.”
I don’t think I want my heart quiet
because then my spirit will depart.
I’ll quiet my mind if you wish
that’s something that I desire
but I don’t want to quiet my heart
because I’m not ready to expire.

And why does he have to say God’s name
many times in each prayer he prays?
If I said your name that many times
it would probably bring you to rage.
And what name should I refer to God?
Father, mother, savior or my Lord,
Master, Jesus, Jehovah or Thou
what is the right spiritual word?

Perhaps I should forget how it sounds
just pour out everything on my heart
and talk just like I’d talk to a friend
with a thankful message to impart.
It might be good to listen for God
and receive a call of what to do.
That will bring God’s kingdom here on earth
and bring blessings to me and you.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Their Best - The Gift of the Wise Men

Their Best – The Gift of the Wise Men

By Larry Linville

Why did they take such a trip

with a one or two year quest

to worship the new born king

and give him their very best

unless they knew he was special

as they’d noticed in the stars

and did they know that some day

his hands would bear some scars?

It took their best to follow

that bright star week after week

and they had to be weary

as they continued to seek.

Just as he traveled daily

the hills, valleys and roads

to give relief to people

bringing lightness to their loads.

The gifts they gave were costly

given with their great pleasure

these gifts were the best they had

sacrificing their treasure.

Just as his gift was priceless

giving up his very life

to bring hope to the hopeless

and comfort in time of strife.

Wise folks give their best today

that’s not just an afterthought

and the gift they give to Him

is the best that they have brought.

Is your shopping list complete

have you purchased everything?

It’s time for you to reach back

and give your best to the king.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Joy - The Gift of the Babe

Joy – The Gift of the Babe

By Larry Linville

The baby in the manger

Was God’s gift to us of joy

It came from the good tidings

At the birth of Mary’s boy.

The great joy wasn’t partial

It was the genuine thing

And that is why the angels

Could do nothing else but sing.

This joy can’t be held inside

There’s no way you hold it in

Because the child that was given

Came to take away our sin.

When we sing “Joy to the World”

It takes on so much meaning

As we feebly try to sing

Angels are intervening.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Music - The Gift of the Angels

Music – The Gift of the Angels

By Larry Linville

Music was the angels’ gift

given in a starlit field

with a heavenly choir

as the good news was revealed.

Acapella at its best

or accompanied by harps

but they weren’t preoccupied

by all the flats and sharps.

With words of deep importance

the message was of great worth

they announced God’s love to all

and great peace to all the earth.

We can sing with them today

the carols of all the years

and join the angel chorus

to sing away all the fears.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Christmases Past

Christmases Past
By Larry Linville
It was in my mind
I did what I could never do
physically.
I spent Christmas Eve
In several churches
I have served
Simultaneously.
Joy jumped like a frisky baby lamb
As each sanctuary
Enclosed me in a warm embrace.
People from the last fifty years
Smiled as if to bless me
As I quietly watched
What I’d been too busy
To notice
During all my years.
I saw how the churches
And those special people
Were different
Yet so much alike.
And I received more than all I gave
And much, much more.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Loving Preparation - The Gift of Mary and Joseph

Loving Preparation – The Gift of Mary and Joseph

By Larry Linville

They just had to be upset

at old Caesar Augustus

as they made that long hard trip

the emperor called justice.

They made much preparation

lovingly you would agree

for the promise of new birth,

a descendant of Jesse.

They gave this gift to us all

by every preparation

and they shared that self-less love

which spread to every nation.

Like them, we can now prepare

to receive this baby boy

and we’ll find on Christmas Day

our lives are filled with great joy.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Wonder: The Gift of the Shepherds

I'm looking at some poems about those who were at the Nativity. If it works well, I might use them in the Christmas Eve Service. We'll see.

Wonder: The Gift of the Shepherds

By Larry Linville

If the angels disappeared

and the shepherds went to sleep

we would be without a gift

that touches our spirit deep.

“Let us go to Bethlehem,”

shows us wonder at its best

and helps us to follow them

as we go on our own quest.

Wonder doesn’t let us stay

a captive of apathy.

It prods our look for Jesus

with our hearts open to see.

Yes, the shepherds give a gift

we can still receive today

leading us to the manger

to join with them as we pray.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Getting Ready

Getting Ready

By Larry Linville

When you’ve put away goblins and ghosts

and have had that last turkey on toast

your holiday times should not end

a bigger one’s around the bend.

It’s important to start it off right

doing things to prepare for that night.

I’m not talking of Christmas trees

it’s about getting on your knees.

I know there are gifts you must buy

and so much baking you want to cry

just use time to take a long look

at the story found in the Book.

Don’t get busy and miss the reason

we celebrate this joyous season.

Put things in the proper perspective

to achieve your Christmas objective.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Laborers Are Few

Laborers Are Few
By Larry Linville

“The fields are white for harvest
and the laborers are few.”
That’s how Jesus challenged us
and we know it’s very true.

But we send out messages
that we love Jesus so deep.
If others love him like we do
this good chain mail they should keep.

We flood emails with forwards
which seldom contain much truth
and it takes hours to read their
condemnations of our youth.

We voice our hate for others
who are different than we are
while we climb a big ladder
to place that big lighted star.

“Christmas is too commercial”
we complain while looking smug
as we buy some mistletoe
that matches our Christmas rug.

The fields are white for harvest
but the laborers are busy
finding many other things
to keep them in a tizzy.

If the workers did those things
Christ wanted them to do
Jesus would be in Christmas
and people would be blessed too.

We’d find it’s not the words said
but what we do in His name
when we try to share that peace
we don’t have the time to blame.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Good Old Days

Good Old Days
By Larry Linville

You can see nostalgia on their face
while they try so hard to make their case
how life was better in many ways
and things were great in the good old days.

I’ll build the outhouse, you dig the pit
and we’ll have it done before we quit.
Let’s stand back to look and give it praise.
Tell me how you miss the good old days.

Pick up the phone and wait a while
‘til no one’s talking then you may dial.
Put wood in the stove and let it blaze
while to talk about the good old days.

Pump some water and bring it inside
and put in the washer with some Tide.
Since there’s no TV we can just gaze
thinking about the good old days.

Walk a mile to school or maybe two
with a lunch your mom packed for you
while you are waiting for life’s next phase
remind yourself of the good old days.

Today is the good old days my friend
and here’s the message I want to send.
Don’t miss the now as you sit in a daze
trying to live in the good old days.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Marking Property

Marking Property

By Larry Linville

Two male dogs met at a fence

in their respective back yards.

They each had their job to do

as their family guards.

The first dog made his statement

by lifting high his right back paw

and marking the property

which the other dog clearly saw.

Up went the leg of the other

to make a similar claim.

So the first dog repeated

by doing the very same.

Neither dog would give an inch

as they made that spot real wet.

They couldn’t let the other win

and become the better pet.

After the hour long contest

they were as dry as could be.

Dehydration made them sick

since they could no longer pee.

Now when they see each other

and their eyeballs start to roll

they run to get a great big drink

from their little water bowl.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Life Is Like...

Life is Like….

By Larry Linville

He was the priceless philosopher.

He’d been ‘round the block many times.

The ladder of life was familiar

‘cause he’d taken so many climbs.

He had a way of making a point

by trying to turn an old phrase.

That wisdom which once was so weak

has improved with the passing of days.

“Life’s like a roll of toilet paper,”

he said as his elbow he would bend.

“It seems to keep going faster

while you’re getting closer to the end.”

When your life keeps gaining momentum

and you feel blown around by a fan

remember these great words of wisdom

each time you go sit on the can.

Give thanks that they’ve made progress

otherwise you’d be out of luck.

In the old days there was no roll

for the good old Sears and Roebuck.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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The Maple Leaf

The Maple Leaf

By Larry Linville

The flower bed was dying

beauty of the summer passed

fall was rudely rushing in

with the first cold winter blast.

A large bare spot existed

where beauty was on display

but in the very center

a maple leaf came to lay.

It displayed its bright color

like a coat that was just bought

thinking it could fill the void

of this once so pretty spot.

Did it have that spot in mind

as it departed the tree

or was it just excited

because at last it was free?

What did that flower bed think?

I wonder just what it said

when it watched that leaf settle

in its brand new winter bed.

When time comes for you to move

to a location brand new

will you bring a new beauty

that will improve the old view?

Fill your life with self-less love

helping those who are in need

by replacing ugliness

and setting all beauty free.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Senior Citizens Trip To The Theater

Senior Citizens Trip To the Theater
By Larry Linville

Got on the bus the other day
to have a meal and see a play.
Dinner theater is its name
to a country guy this was tame.

Senior citizens on my bus
made me often want to cuss.
They moved around very slow
every place I wanted to go.

Some spoke too soft and some too loud
some strayed away from the crowd.
Some were cold and some were hot
some smelled real good and others did not.

Our arrival was very fine
except there was a long bus line
filled with seniors from miles away
all were waiting to see the play.

Stood in long lines for the food
some were polite and some were rude.
So I got to my table soon
but found I didn’t have a spoon.

When intermission time was there
everybody went from their chair
to stand in line at the rest room
but back for next act to resume.

The play was one of the best
even while we tried to digest
the meal we had eaten before
except for what was on the floor.

Now on the bus we started back
I wondered if I’d earned a plaque
because of what all I could see
of people who were just like me.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Journey In Our Head

Journey in our Head
By Larry Linville

Let’s take a journey in our head
just relax and see where we’re led.
You’re beginning to see a lane
that has two ruts with grass between
there’s some brown but it’s mostly green.
Sweet flower smells are in the air
you can’t see them but they are there.
A choir of birds sing a soft song
to assure you that nothing’s wrong.
A soft breeze embraces your face
and tells you you’re in the right place.
Why not go and lay in the grass
and look up to watch the clouds pass?
The burdens you’ve carried all day
can follow the clouds far away.
Since you’ve had such perfect weather
you can return feeling better.
You can take trips like this each day
and see life a different way.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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October Illness

October Illness

By Larry Linville

An illness hits me every fall.

October’s when it’s beginning.

It hits me very suddenly

and last until the ninth inning.

I retired a few years ago

so I could keep that month open.

But each year I have more meetings

than I was really hopin’.

My team’s made the playoffs once more

but it will not matter again.

On days they are scheduled to play

if I watched it would be a sin.

My dilemma presents a choice

with few options from which to pick.

I know I should go to the meetings

but I can’t help it if I’m sick!

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Old Church Pews

Old Church Pews

By Larry Linville

For many years they’ve filled a church

on a long winding country road

where people sat every Sunday

as God’s special word was bestowed.

They were crudely built with lumber

members sawed at the local mill.

They had no cushions to sit on

but they were made with special skill.

Even though uncomfortable

old men could still go to sleep

while the preacher preached his sermon

and sometimes the women would weep.

They held many grieving people

while obituaries were read

to people seeking God’s comfort

as together their tears were shed.

Flowers and candles were fastened

with white ribbons at each row’s end

when young couples were married

in the presence of every friend.

Beneath each pew was dried up gum

especially where the young folks sat

in a couple of rows at the back

and laughed at a woman’s new hat.

Now they stand proudly year after year

with dust where you can write you name.

They miss those who once worshipped there

knowing they have no need of shame.

They did their task so very well

and complaining is not their style.

They treasure all their memories

and if you look you’ll see them smile.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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The Lowly Flower Pot

The Lowly Flower Pot

By Larry Linville

I’m just a plain brown flower pot

out in the sun where it’s very hot.

They filled me with lots of dark rich dirt

with nutrients to give a growth spurt.

They put in plants of different hues

some reds, greens, whites and even blues.

They watered me with tender care

for the world to see me standing there.

I stood daily before a shop

to welcome all people who would stop

to come and go through those doors

and purchase things with the stores.

Often you’d hear the people say,

“flowers are beautiful today!”

No compliments I ever got.

I’m just the lowly flower pot.

Where would those lovely flowers be

without a lovely pot like me?

It gives me extreme mental pain

so excuse me while I complain.

Most folks are like a flower pot.

They must settle for second spot

while a few whose lives are aglow

seem to always be stealing the show.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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A Leaf Leaves

A Leaf Leaves

By Larry Linville

They had been neighbors since spring

on a limb that held a swing.

A bunch of green leaves in a row

aware they would soon have to go.

They had gone through much together

through wind and rain and hot weather.

They had welcomed many birds

and listened to their chirpy words.

They watched children play below

and saw people come and go.

Some charcoal smoke had sifted through

and washed away by morning dew.

“Our summer’s going” one leaf said

as he was turning to bright red.

Another leaf turning yellow

shared many thoughts that were mellow.

They weren’t sure what they would face

as they neared the end with such grace.

But as their time came to an end

they produced a breathless blend.

Today when our friends move away

all the beauty we’ve shared will stay.

We take with us the fun and jokes

to share with other lovely folks.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Waiting For My Wife

Waiting For My Wife
By Larry Linville

I sit patiently in my car
my wife getting PT not very far
from my quiet perch in the parking lot
in a place next to a handicapped spot.

The chimes on an old church singing their song
loudly every quarter hour all day long.
Some days it rains and some days it is hot
and sometime I must go use the pot.

I read a little with radio on
and recline the seat at my first yawn.
I can write poems like I’m doing now
or look out the window and show a smile.

An UPS store is open across the street.
An Adams store beside it would be neat
UPS and Adam would catch your attention
and be easy for your brain’s retention.

I remember when we used to date
I’d let her out of my car and wait
as she did shopping and other such things
and I listened as the eight track sings.

I’m not saying I always wait on her
she wait for me too so that’s not a slur.
The many hours we’ve waited is not bad
it shows that our marriage is not a fad.

I hope I can wait for her for many years
sometimes with laughter and sometimes with tears
and she’ll wait for me whenever I need
because at our age there’s no need for speed.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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A Long Slow Rain

A Long Slow Rain

By Larry Linville

A light shower began today

now it looks as if it will stay.

A few drops first began to fall

turning damp the old red brick wall.

First it came like ripples on a lake

and tiny pools it began to make.

Like incoming ocean tides it grew

with many drops and then just a few.

Sometimes like rolling waves it tore

then like small ones that were a boar.

Like a tempest with the wind blowing

and then soft drops almost like snowing.

It soaks the lawn and runs down the drive

the once dry grass is looking alive.

There is no ocean in the Midwest

but this thing of beauty helps me rest.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Old Limestone School

Old Limestone School

By Larry Linville

Proudly and yet lonely

stands a limestone school

on a flint hill in Kansasa

stately monument

to a day so long ago

when she was the hub of activity

for a small rural community

of hard working farmers.

She educated their children

as a gathering place

for talent shows and box suppers

and ballot boxes.

Her approach was a dusty path

where children walked

or rode their horses

with books and lunch boxes at their side.

This vanished path has been replaced

with flowers

and weeds

and prairie grass.

Because she was not made with wood

her rock walls stand tall and straight

like a tall slender deer

slowly looking all around

to check the horizon for danger.

Her pane-less windows

let in the bright sun

the spring rains

and cold winter blizzards.

The bell in the tower

poises ready to peal

a friendly call to the community

if someone pulls gently

on the strong hemp rope.

From time to timea former student

makes the long rugged trek

to behold this old friend

and recall so manypriceless memories.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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My Jayhawk Granddaughter

It seems like it was a short time ago when my son marched for the first time with the Marching Band at the University of Kansas. It couldn't have been so long ago. Now my granddaughter marched for the first time last saturday. She had a great time. She also played with the pep band for the volleyball team. I am proud of her parents who marched there and I'm proud of her as well. Where has time gone?

She's the one on the left!

The Widow Who Gave Her Mite.

Haven't done a poem for a while. This one is the result of working on my sermon this week on "The Generous Are Blessed."

Luke 21:1-4

I’d gone to temple to give a gift
but I didn’t have much money.
A rich man gave a large amount
which made me feel quite funny.

How could I give my piddling sum
after his great treasure?
But when I placed it in the box
I was filled with much pleasure.

After I turned to walk away
at a distance Jesus swore
that the very small gift I gave
was really a lot more.

It was all I had in my purse
I knew not what I would do.
But I was blessed beyond compare
before that day was through.

A nice young man standing near
followed after me a while.
And when we were standing alone
he showed a great big smile.

He said his mother was deceased
and he missed her very much.
He handed me a bag of food
and gave my hand a touch.

I ate like a princess that night
and I was truly blessed
just because I traveled that day
to give God my very best.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Pogo the Opossum's Lesson

Pogo the Opossum’s Lesson


By Larry Linville

The little opossum was learning about life


He learned there was hardship and he learned there was strife.


Let’s call him Pogo quite a cute little guy


they taught him when in trouble to pretend to die.





Young Pogo thought there must be a better way


so he went to study in a school far away.


His family and friends questioned his decision


and they discouraged him with words of derision.





They said that their methods had worked a long time


“you fool your pursuers acting like a mime.”


He said that mimicking wouldn’t be the last word


the school had better methods he was assured.





He studied some systems of the martial arts


and memorized a lot of things in some charts.


He studied philosophy and logic as well


also a business course to learn how to sell.





He learned many methods to run fast as could be


and he even got good at climbing up a tree.


He shined as a student and was given straight A’s


after graduating he went home with new ways.





He approached the house and said, “Here I are!”


and just then was run over by a red car.


He had spent all that time studying in school


and then he was run over like he was a fool.





Now in case you think his ideas were wrong


and he should have stuck with the ways proven so long


let me suggest he had done the things that he should


and all of his training was so very good.





But his learning should have gone on all his life


even long after he had married a wife.


So the next time you think your life’s learning can stop


remember Pogo and don’t let study stop.





If he’d checked other courses with the registrars


the next might have been about avoiding cars.


This poem is so silly I guess now you know


but I hope it will help your study to grow.



© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.


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A Deserted Graveyard

A Deserted Graveyard

By Larry Linville

Far out in the county

in a deserted field

where grass has died and wilted

a graveyard is revealed.

The graves of family members

who worked hard with the land

were marked by simple stones

some of which still stand.

The stones not costly granite

some simple limestone gray

most were just poured concrete

where family bowed to pray.

Names and date were crudely

carved in each stone in love

some broken and fallen

others pointing straight above.

Each grave holds a treasure

and a story of a life

some died in golden years

others from some strife.

Some shared a common date

perhaps from some disease

and now they laid together

below a grove of trees.

After winter blankets them

and dresses them with snow

spring will come hide them

with tall grass that will grow.

No one will come and mow it

or bring flowers in a vase

God alone will tend them

with a special loving grace.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Little Black Haired Girl

Little Black Haired Girl
By Larry Linville

He was only ten years old
and girls were the enemy.
A girl walked out from the crowd
just as pretty as could be.

He saw her black curly hair
and did not know what to think.
Her smile and her big brown eyes
stood out with her dress of pink.

Enemies don’t look like that.
It made the boy so confused.
His big hatred for girls
he was beginning to lose.

He hid behind his mommy
but her movements he would track.
When he peeked around mother
that pretty girl looked back.

And when the night was over
as he walked out the door
he stopped as he was leaving
and looked at that girl once more.

He never saw that girl again
but in every crowd he looked.
Although he still hated girls
on that girl this boy was hooked.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Woman Eating Out Alone

Woman Eating Out Alone
By Larry Linville

She drove alone in her car
to eat alone at a salad bar.
Her pastel pant suit neatly pressed
had replaced her former fancy dress.

Had the waitress not smiled and spoke
and shared a funny little joke
she would have eaten quietly
sitting where everyone could see.

When she finished she got out a mirror
to see if her lipstick would smear.
She smiled at the waitress by the door
like she’d done many time before.

Alone she drove back to her house
thinking of her departed spouse
and how they ate out every week
and many times they didn’t speak
but communicated without using a word
and both understood just like they’d heard.

She recalled how hard he had worked
and never did his saving shirk.
He left her with ample funds
so she could make these weekly runs.
She paused when inside the door
to thank him as she’d done before.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Arguing With Myself

Arguing with Self
By Larry Linville

My best arguments are with myself.
I place my prejudgments on a shelf
and have a good look at every side
where thoughtless views seem to collide.

As logical as I try to be
I point out things the way I see
and then I assume another view
and see things different when I’m through.

The Devil’s advocate I become
even if that view seems very dumb
but it helps me see what I might miss
overlooked in a world of bliss.

Each argument I both win and lose
but the best answer I can choose
and walk away all the better
with my mind freed from a fetter.

© Copyright 2009 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.

I'm still here

I haven't had a poem for a few days.
I've had some ideas and wrote them down but I've been running like crazy.
I am disappointed when I don't get the blog changed with a new poem, but disappointment is part of life.

Keep checking on me.
Don't give up.
I'll be baaack!

Family Reunion

Family Reunion
By Larry Linville

from the main highways
across the blacktop roads to gravel lanes
with lonely silos towering above houses
with rusty screens and broken window panes
where people once lived and children played
cowboys and Indians and hide and seek
big round bales of hay
lined up for winter feed like coin-less canteens
next to huge planters
and combines
with exchangeable heads
small country church
where the family attended many generations
freshly mowed cemetery with names etched in stone
but life memories etched in minds
same familiar smells in sanctuary
of pews and piano and pulpit
soon overcome by the aroma of home cooked food
invading from the fellowship hall
old family recipes
with KFC from younger generation
always new kids
but whose kids
which cousin is parent
and which are grandparents
after a slow day under the shade trees
laughing at the same stories
re-told by new people
the cars depart
to return to the big cities
and traffic jams
to the modern houses
with two cars in the drive
and a lawn to be mowed

© Copyright 2009 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.

God at the Gym

God at the Gym.
By Larry Linville

I went to the gym the other day
and saw a fine young lad.
I expressed my deepest sympathy
for the death of his dad.

He stood beside the elliptical
on which I was to walk
but instead we spent half an hour
in a time of deep talk.

It had been too many painful months
since his dad passed so young
but through one of life’s greatest tempests
‘twas to his faith he clung.

So many times he wanted to talk
with his dear old dad
but the God we find in the bible
was the only dad he had.

We exercised our faiths on that day
exploring questions so deep.
The answers for which we were looking
didn’t come very cheap.

My attendance record at the gym
hadn’t been the very good.
We weren’t there at the same time of day
but this day’s timing was good.

If either of us had missed that day
think what we would have lost.
God gave us a special blessing
free from a priceless cost

© Copyright 2009 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.

No Time

No Time
By Larry Linville

My schedule’s been extremely full.
Don’t even have time to shoot the bull.
No poetry writing now for me.
Work piled up as far as I can see.

Whose fault can it be for this strange fate?
Where did I learn to procrastinate?
I’ve certainly learned it well for sure
But why have I been so very pure?

That crazy Facebook takes too much time.
To spend much time there is a big crime.
Solitaire’s a game which I adore.
I can lose time improving my score.

Meetings just pile up night after night.
If I skip them that wouldn’t be right.
I can’t find time to go to the gym
but it helps I don’t know how to swim.

So give me the time to organize
and soon I will myself surprise.
As I get my ducks all in a row
then my progress won’t be so slow.

© Copyright 2009 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 at the Symphony

Redneck at the Symphony
By Larry Linville

A redneck went to the symphony
with tickets that he got for free.
He thought they’d play “Turkey in the Straw”
because of all the fiddles he saw.

First song was composed by Deb U. See
and they sat down to play just for me
“The afternoon of the Fawn”, I heard
while no one sang a single word.

Music sounded funny to me
and never a deer did I see.
Perhaps it thought it had to run
when it saw the setting of the sun

© Copyright 2009 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 Party Broke Out (Pentecost)

A Party Broke Out

By Larry Linville

I went to church and a party broke out.

The still soft breezes began to shout.

We had been gathering as Jesus said

but our shaken faith was nearly dead.

Some doubted but he had always been right

so we met from morning until late night.

Worship is hardly a word you would use.

It was more like we were just filling pews.

Waiting is such a hard thing we must do,

but it pays off if you see it through.

Suddenly some strange things started to move

and in amazement we started to groove.

The sound of big wind storms entered the room

and began blowing out all the dark gloom.

It was like we felt a big load lifting

and our attitude soon was shifting.

Then something like flames from a big fire

filled our hearts and began to inspire

us to do things we still cannot understand

but our excitement began to expand.

Celebration I’ve never seen before

lifted us up as we danced ‘round the floor.

If we had balloons and streamers and such

we would have added a colorful touch.

Instead, God used all the words we expressed

and foreigners heard and were very impressed

and listened as Simon Peter explained

and even if long nobody complained.

When you gather on Pentecost I pray

a party breaks out and blows you away

and gives your faith a big affirmation

as you declare your own confirmation.

During your life as you follow your God

may you be free from the worldly façade

and party with love where ever you go

letting God’s spirited love freely blow.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Rumors of My Death

Rumors of My Death

By Larry Linville

They said they heard I had died.

Someday that will be true,

but don’t get rid of me yet

‘ause I have more living to do.

When Major Burns’ obit appeared,

people clipped it and gave to me.

The headlines truly had my name

but I’m not that actor you see.

So like Mark Twain’s rumors of death

had been so exaggerated,

since we both come from the same state

perhaps we could be related.

So I’ll get back to my living

if that isn’t really too bold

and try to keep busy each day

and become very, very old.

© Copyright 2009 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 Empty Nest

The Empty Nest
By Larry Linville

Wonder what mother bird sings
when her babies try their wings?
Do the tears fall from each eye
as the babes decide to fly?
Does she lose a lot of rest
when she sees that empty nest?

Will her sad heart start to rise
when she sees how each one flies?
Will she watch in pride next spring
when she hears them fly and sing?
Will she know she’s passed the test
when that last bird leaves the nest?

Unless a storm comes that way
the nest will all summer stay
to remind her she’s done well
and can rest for quite a spell.
She’ll adjust, take up the slack
knowing one day they’ll be back.

Wonder if the birds have heard
Jesus said God sees each bird?
If they have they know God’s love
is for all, not just the dove.
If they know they’d say to you
that same God also loves you.

So let’s pray that God has blest
every lonely empty nest
and to those nests that hurt most
may he send a heavenly host
to make sad days just a few
and help each see a life that’s new.

© Copyright 2009 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.

I Will Not Cry

I have put in poetry the lines I wrote in prose earlier this morning.



I Will Not Cry
By Larry Linville
I will not cry (sniff) oops I just did
I’m trying so hard to hold it in.

Going to a happy event
as a very proud grandparent.

Going with anticipation
of granddaughter’s graduation.

I will cry because I am sad
but I am also very glad.

I cry because I’m happy too
for all the things she will do.

They say men aren’t supposed to cry
but that is just a great big lie.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Emotional Days

Poems must wait. My oldest granddaughter is graduating from high school. That's our top priority now. We will attend her last high school concert tonight. It's bound to be an emotional time.

We'll stay so we can attend a graduation party on Saturday and her graduation on Sunday. It's hard to believe this time has come. It seems like just a couple of years since she was born. My feelings are mixed. I am sad to see her grown up but I'm excited for her opportunities which are ahead of her.

When I was her age, I had finished studying for my license to preach and was excited to be appointed to serve my first churches and begin my college career. I know she is at that point. She will graduate and then take off the next day for basic training with the Army and she will return from basic just in time to practice with the KU marching band. She is as excited to become a band director as I was to become a preacher.

So, allow me a few tears of my mixed emotions -- but mostly tears of pride and joy. Perhaps these few days ahead will inspire many poems.

One Hour A Week

One Hour A Week
By Larry Linville

Up in the morning at five
to take a two hour drive
for surgery of a member
on a cold day in December.
When surgery at last was through
grabbed a burger and fries at two.
Hurried back to his town
trying to hold back a frown
and entered the meeting at eight
only thirty minutes late
for a meeting just under way
though they paused to ask him to pray.
It drug on for over two hours
before he got to the showers
a man who smiled like a geek
said, “It nice you work one hour a week.”
Later he slept in his chair
with a stack of books piled there
which he’ll try to read tomorrow
and overcome his deep sorrow
for missing his child’s first ball game
for which he shouldered the blame.
At the child’s room he stopped to peek
remembering his one hour a week.
He awoke to hear his wife say,
“another one hour a week day.”

© Copyright 2009 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.

An Ugly Toupee

My computer has been down and I celebrate by sharing a poem I wrote about men who wear terrible toupees.


An Ugly Toupee
By Larry Linville

I saw a guy the other day
whose hair I thought would blow away.
His wig seemed to be falling down
which made him look just like a clown.

Like him, I have lost all my hair
but I don’t pretend it’s still there
and seeing someone with a wig
makes me think of a pampered pig.

A pig that’s been soaked in a tub
and bathed then given a big rub.
With a ribbon tied on its neck
making it really look like heck

No combing hair over for me
or transplants that cost a great fee.
I am really quite at home
with my smooth and shiny dome.

© Copyright 2009 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 God Wants Me To Be

Where God Wants Me To Be
By Larry Linville

I received the call at the age of twelve
from my local pastor.
He talked to mom about challenging me.
He thought he should ask her
if she thought it would be ok for him
to see what I would say
and as I walked up and he gave me the call
he knew that she would pray.

Six years later a call was extended
to serve a student charge.
I was a little college student
and my churches were not large.
Each time I received a new appointment
with churches given me
I found that no matter where I was to go
it’s where God wanted me.

Each congregation had loving people
and problems were a few
but God gave great reassurance to me
that I’d know what to do.
But in all the many situations
one thing was there for me.
In good times as well as in problem times
I was where God wanted me.

So when I retired to a part time church
to keep from being bored
it helped with a big transition in life
and service to the Lord.
And now even though I have retired twice
and serving again I see
that even in my years of retirement
I’m where God wants me to be.

© Copyright 2009 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's a Dog's Life

It’s a Dog’s Life

By Larry Linville

He had gone out by himself

while she stayed home alone.

He didn’t say where he had been

and didn’t even phone.

It didn’t seem to bother her

as she did the usual chore.

But she ran to meet him

when he came in the door.

Not a word was said to him

but she sniffed for smells he had.

I guess that trained nose of hers

could judge both good and bad.

She didn’t seem upset at all

and didn’t even shudder.

She is our little female dog

and he’s her older brother.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

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Bumper Sticker conversation

Once a month Thelma and her sisters and a counsin have lunch together. Today was the day for April. I took time from my Easter preparations to join them at the Sweet Tomato. As we waited for all to get there, a car drove in with bumper stickers all over the back. I shouted to the young lady who drove, "Why don't you get some bumper stickers and put on your car?" She smiled and shook her brightly dyed red hair and said, "Some people probably don't like them."

One of them stood out in my mind: "I believe in the separation of Church and hate." I loved it!

Later in the restaurant, I stopped by their table and talked with them. She said that she was a a "pagan". She said, "I believe in God and Jesus, but I don't believe in the church."

We talked about the fact that the church has a bad name because there are a lot of churches that practice hate. Especially during recent years some of the church has been busy politically judging others. I told her that I was disappointed in much of that talk and action but there is also in the church a lot of love and acceptance.

I told her that she should read the book , "The Shack." I told her I thought she would like it. I told her that the author said that when we are judgmental we are acting as someone who thinks they are superior to the person they are criticizing.

I thanked her for her influence in my life. She said she was glad to see a pastor who was not like her stereotype of preachers.

Do you suppose God used that conversation? I may never know. It did give me a good feeling as I went back for a second helping of food which I shouldn't have eaten. But, who is going to just me for that? I guess only someone who thinks they are superior to me!

Let Me Call You Sweetheart -- I'm Your Waitress

Let Me Call You Sweetheart – I’m Your Waitress
By Larry Linville

The eating out market has shrunk
and restaurant income is less
so let me call you sweetheart
because today I’m your waitress.

I have observed you are obese
and you are missing all your hair
but the size of my tip depends
on the guy sitting in that chair.

It takes much talent it is true
and my actions and words are bolder
perhaps it will increase my tip
if I gently touch your shoulder.

My income’s important to me
if I’m to enjoy a good life
I hope my light flirting with you
doesn’t offend your dear wife.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Cell Phones and Prayer

Cell Phones and Prayer
By Larry Linville

Thousands exit the convention hall
grabbing cell phones at the same time.
How do all these signals go out?
There seems to be no reason or rhyme.

It’s more than my small mind can grasp.
I can’t figure it out at all
how everyone dials their number
and each phone completes its call.

This must be much like prayer, I guess.
It always seems to me very odd
how millions are making requests
and each message is heard by God.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Robins, Frogs and Spring

Robins, Frogs and Spring
By Larry Linville

Robins have been here for a while.
You must look at them and smile.
They come early because they’re bold.
Still they endure a lot of cold.

Temperatures begin to climb
and people believe it’s sublime.
But they’re just living in a fog
because they haven’t heard the frog.

Now the frog begins to croak
but it’s not spring, it’s just a joke.
“When you hear the frog,” my dad said,
“they’ll once more have ice o’er their head.”

One more cold spell will come our way
then spring will arrive in full sway
so we can put our coats away
and bring out our shorts as we play.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Eleanor Rigby Today
By Larry Linville

Beatles sang years ago
of Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie
and all the lonely people
but the list keeps growing
of people and things
which should be included today.
A person sitting in a pew
ignored by the cliques
because of his clothes
or her reputation
which nobody really knows.
A clergy stands up to preach
a sermon she prepared
for many hours last week
to people who whispered
and laughed
and slept
and read books.
An old pipe organ
stands silenced for many years
because nobody
knows how to play it
and will not take lessons.
A bell sits idle
in a church steeple
after the rope broke
and nobody
had time to replace it.
Dusty old books
in the church library
unvisited in a day of
books on cassette
and DVD’s.
A classic hymn
hidden away in a hymnal
goes unsung
in all it’s undiscovered beauty
because nobody learns it
and sings it.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Going To The Convention

Going To The Convention
By Larry Linville

Going to a convention
hip, hip, and a big hurray.
Got to get all fired up
there’s no time for me to play.

Sitting in a seat up high
speakers are very small
I have to watch the speakers
on a big screen on the wall.

The seat assigned where I sit
proves to be a great trial.
Everyone seems to believe
it’s just another aisle.

My behind is getting tired
and I really have to go
but by the time I get there
you know I’ll be too slow.

The food is so expensive
still my body needs to eat.
If it wasn’t for the high price
it would be a tasty treat.

I get too weary to sit
and I’m much to tired to stand.
There’s a big bed in my room
which feels like it’s made of sand.

I’ll be going home soon
At least that’s my intention
then I’ll talk about how much
I enjoyed the convention

© Copyright 2009 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.

Needing To Go

Needing to Go
By Larry Linville

When I was young I believed
I could drive and not be relieved.
Now I’m older it seems to me
I more quickly need to pee.

It seems rest stops on the road
Are there to help empty my load.
Active kidneys and weak bladder
Make my travels so much badder.

Kids used to shout “Dad let’s stop!”
Now I’m the one about to pop.
“Hold it” seems different to me
When I’m the one needing to pee.

© Copyright 2009 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 Trip to the Sale Barn

A Trip to the Sale Barn
By Larry Linville

It was Saturday morning.
Cows were milked and hogs were slopped.
We had put out all the hay
and went inside as we stopped
so we could go into town
to the weekly sale barn task.
I never knew why we went
cause I guess I never asked.

We watched them sell feeder calves
and milk cows and a bull.
They drove them into a ring
and I never found it dull.
The smell was not delightful
cows, manure and cigar smoke.
We went into the cafe
and we didn’t even choke.

Those sale barns are gone today
but I visit in my mind
especially the ambiance
of that café where we dined.
Fried chicken, gravy and beans
a meal for which I’d die
a roll and a great big coke
and ice cream on cherry pie..

© Copyright 2009 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 Old Men of Spring

The Old Men of Spring
By Larry Linville

Spring’s arrival brings out the old men
with walking shorts, usually plaid
from above their stomach
reaching down to their knees
with white ivory legs
reaching down to their black dress socks
and their back dress shoes
shining so bright.

I say they are old
but some around forty
who embarrass their kids
with such out of place style
and a garage door opener
fastened at their waist
substituting for the cell phone
they do not own.

On their head is a panama hat
or a ten gallon
or a sombrero
or even worse
a bandana tied as a sweat band
around their bald head
or a visor
from the nearby bank.

Just in case you were hoping for spring
you might want six more weeks
of winter’s old sweats with holes
which hide those white legs
and dark socks
which may be accompanied
by old tennis shoes

© Copyright 2009 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 About These Twitters?

What About These Twitters?
By Larry Linville

So now we have the great Twitter
on which all people tweet.
Does this mean they have bird seed
for the Twitter to eat?

They tell me how they start the day
and when they wash their face
going out to face the world
to help the human race.

With all these tweeters on the net
sharing all they do
a virus might take over
and give us the bird flu.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Help the Deer

Help the Deer
By Larry Linville

A wise old deer has asked of me
when he emerged from a big tree
to help him as he tries to solve
a big problem that may evolve.

It costs the lives of his deer friends
who are hit by cars and their life ends.
He thinks we might make a great gain
with a letter writing campaign.

He thinks it’s safe to assume
deer are hit looking for a bathroom.
He thinks he may have a solution
which would cause no real pollution.

Congress needs to build a “relief station”
at intervals all across the nation
so deer would have it easy to “go”
without causing traffic to slow.

He wants you to write the senate
on your own paper please pen it.
You can do so much better
by writing a deer john letter.

© Copyright 2009 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Present and Future Band

Present and Future Band
By Larry Linville

High school band
look young yet mature
much more talented
than we ever were.
Our music was crude
theirs is refined
to say ours was music
would be very kind.

If only they knew
they border on great.
We once played notes
but these kids create
music which touches
the heart at its core
giving the listener
a thirst for some more.

Some will continue
their music for fun
others stay with it
for the long run
and share it with others
in churches or schools
where their instruments
serve as great tools.

One day when they’re older
and hear a band play
enjoying the talent
compared to their day
they’ll sit in amazement
this generation so new
confident these new kids
will know what to do.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Record Temperatures

Record Temperatures
By Larry Linville

During weather reports each day
there was a game I liked to play
with the record high and lows
and here is how the game goes.

If both of the records were sworn
in years before you were born
you get five points for your game
and write them down behind your name.

If one date is in your age span
you subtract one point if you can.
If neither date in your life fall
you don’t get any points at all.

At first this game was really fun.
My growing points were on a run.
But I’ve noticed as I get old
my point total was on a hold.

As records fall year after year
I’m getting older it is clear.
My lowering scores are big clues
that I win much less than I lose.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Defending a Good Waitress

Defending a Good Waitress
By Larry Linville

The smiling waitress welcomed us
and made us feel at ease.
Everything she did for us
was an attempt to please.

The same waitress served a table
just three feet away
with three well dressed ladies
all with hair of gray.

Everything served to us was good
and the conversation upbeat
as we took our silverware
and quickly began to eat.

The manager was called over
by the table next to us
who complained about the service
though I never heard them cuss.

As we waited we heard them talk
and complain about their church.
They seemed to find some problems
without doing much research.

I had a feeling from watching
that this was not the first time
that they had complained of things
as if committing a big crime.

I went to see the manager
to tell him how pleased we were
at the service of that waitress
and how much we were pleased by her.

We left a big tip and smiled
as we departed to the door
and hoped we had made a stand
which would even up the score.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Cookie Cutter Town

Cookie Cutter Town
By Larry Linville

Nearing a small growing town
of cookie cutter houses
with cookie cutter spouses
on cookie cutter streets
where manicured lawns meet.
Where cookie cutter stores
in cold monotony bores.

Suddenly there’s a clearing
with a barn old and white
standing alone on its site
tin roof showing brown rust
covered with a coat of dust.
No cookie cutter building here
its uniqueness very clear.
It seems so out of place
as it stands there with grace
speaking of another day
which now seems far away
when originality ruled
before our cloning cooled
finding any new expression
with the deepest discretion.

How refreshing that small plot
standing like a well planned slot
in the midst of imitation
lacking any new creation
calls my heart to days of yore
which never seemed to bore
like conformity today
where nothing’s done another way.

May that barn fill my soul
and help my faith become whole
as I try not to conform
going along with the norm.
May that clearing like God’s Word
which is so seldom heard
as we sing cookie cutter songs
and practice cookie cutter wrongs
saying cookie cutter words
like we’re cookie cutter nerds.

Give us an old barn now
to help us pray and show us how
to find our own unique place
to serve God and the human race.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Speed Bumps on the Road of Life

Speed Bumps on the Road of Life
By Larry Linville

Car is driving so nice
No snow and no ice
It’s almost like child’s play
Then a bump’s in the way

Speed bumps slow drivers down
They are all over our town
Safety is their real goal
That is their only role

Speed bumps enter our life
We sometimes call them strife
Interrupting our day
Giving us much delay

Life’s speed bumps do us good
Though we don’t think they should
Forcing us to give thought
To the things life has brought

Taking time to see God
In places that seem odd
Taking another route
To learn what life’s about

© Copyright 2009 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.

Placed On Hold

Placed on Hold
By Larry Linville

“Your call is import to us
Please hold.
A representative
Will be with you shortly.”
I’m so important
That I’m given a
Recorded monotone voice.
And they change the music
Which would put me to sleep
If they didn’t keep
Giving me the recorded message.
I hope I don’t
Have to go to the bathroom.
Please don’t play music
With running water!
They can’t be with me
Shortly
Because it’s been many minutes.
Perhaps “shortly”
Is the stature
Of the representative.
I’m holding
And it’s their fault
That I made this call.
I wish I had the nerve
When the representative
Comes on line
To say:“your answer to my call
Is very important to me
Please hold
I will be with you Shortly!”

© Copyright 2009 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.

God's Question

God’s Question
By Larry Linville

“Where would you be without me?”
These words came to him from God.
He’s not sure how he heard them
but he knew it seems so odd.

He had started in the church
and was baptized as a teen
but he wasn’t always close
during those years in between.

He earned an education
then went off to fight a war
and faced life’s situations
with an ache for God that was sore.

“Where would I be without Him?”
he asks himself yet today.
He tries to talk about it
and find the right words to say.

He takes his place in the church
and is nurtured as he serves.
And he does things he couldn’t do
because he had lacked the nerve.

“Where would he be without God?”
The answer is not so good.
But God was always been there
so in the hard times he stood.

© Copyright 2009 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 Looney Tune

A Looney Tune
By Larry Linville

A couple of loons met one day
and had a love they knew would stay.
Clarence strutted all over town
until his love Delores was found.

It was love at first sight for the pair
and he gave things with nothing to spare.
Their courtship was short and they soon wed
and made a nest back behind the shed.

Before long they had a baby girl loon
who needed a name for her real soon.
As they thought no good ones came
so they decided to share their name.

Mother Delores picked the nickname “Dee.”
Now what name from Clarence to give a she?
“How about Clara?” Delores asked
and that seemed to complete the task.

Their girl became famous as she could be
and soon was known by Claude De Bussy
who sat down and wrote a nice tune
for the cute little Clara Dee Loon.

© Copyright 2009 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 Puzzling Dream

The Puzzling Dream
By Larry Linville

I had a tiring dream last night
not a nightmare at all.
Nobody was shot or hung
and I didn’t have a fall.

Dreams may jump illogically
as this one also did.
Some say they have a message
that is very deeply hid.

I made a hospital call
and was glad that I came,
but as I was about to leave
they gave me another name.

Ignoring that name I just left
but my conscience worked on me.
So I came back much later
to see whom this could be.

It was a distant colleague
from many miles away,
but when I asked where he lived
he really wouldn’t say.

He only dropped hidden clues
a puzzle maker’s pride
and left me on my own
to singularly decide.

The dream was done but really not
my mind kept going back
as I ran these clues constantly
so I the case could crack.

They say dreams last for seconds
but this seemed to last all night
and after I woke up
I tried to get it right.

I think there’s no such person
and doubtless no such town,
but I’m not able to rest
and put this problem down.

© Copyright 2009 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 Horse Is Dead -- Dismount!

The Horse Is Dead – Dismount!
By Larry Linville

The church in the days our nation was young
was moving to the frontier.
The settlers gathered in make-shift churches
as they wanted the gospel to hear.

They said those days, as the people moved west,
the reason the church always grows,
is because the first things you ever saw
was Circuit Riders and crows.

Horses were so important in those days
as the churches were all started
at distances which were determined
by horse riders not faint-hearted.

I don’t see horses at churches today.
I see many cars instead.
But many practices are still the same
although the horses are dead.

Film strips and mimeographs are gone too
as the computer takes their place.
Videos make the gospel so real
as modern day means of grace.

God’s message of love and grace hasn’t changed,
but it is always renewing.
Instead of just being read from a page
it’s now there for the viewing.

So today, in the church, the horse has died.
It’s time to dismount and move on.
God continues to guide us in our work
and helps us release what is gone.

© Copyright 2009 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.

Oh, the winter......

Well, I've not been writing poetry because I've been working on my new book. It's getting closer. I have learned how to punch the holes and get the pages in the comb. Takes a little dexterity and a lot of patience! I will be working to laminate the covers. I found that without that the book cover will stain easily. I won't tell you how I learned that lesson. I will soon put my costs together and come up with my prices. I've check to see what it will take to mail them and it will be about $2.50. I'll let you know when I know more and I will enclose my address so anyone who lives a distance can "send the money" and I will mail it.

I was supposed to go to a Chamber of Commerce meeting today but I've made extra trips to the bathroom. It would have been bad enough because of cold weather but when my breakfast wouldn't stay down it made it easy to cancel.

I'm going to go back and drink some 7 Up and get some rest. I have a church council meeting tomorrow night so I have to get well.

Here's a thought that I'm using today with the way I feel and the way the weather is:
"There's no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day." Alexander Woolcott, American writer (1887-1943)