Kevin's Klassical Poetry

My Constant

2011-09-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

As I have struggled through countless trials
Thinking I'd lose it all,
You've been my constant and my best friend
Ready to catch me when I fall.
Just like the time when I lost my close friends
Hurting right to the core,
You came on wings of healing friendship
With loyalty forevermore.
The only reason I am here at all
Is because you keep me standing tall.

Life is a long, hard journey
But you help see me through!
You're with me on this journey
And let me lean on you.
When dark clouds are threatening
And my world seems to turn black,
You are still there, my constant,
The wind at my back!

Lost on life's sea with no direction
Knowing not where to turn,
You are my constant shining north star
Fixed in one place you always burn.
You do not change if we're close together
Or if we are far apart.
We have a bond that can't be broken.
We are both linked inside our hearts.
And now all that I really want to say,
Is, "Thanks for being my friend today!"

Life is a long, hard journey
But you help see me through!
You're with me on this journey
And let me lean on you.
When dark clouds are threatening
And my world seems to turn black,
You are still there, my constant,
The wind at my back!

Perfectly Disjointed

2011-06-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

Faces on the photograph are strange.
All are smiling in the endless sunshine,
No sense of future sorrows.
Perfectly together they're all joined,
All for one and one for all's their motto.
They're dreaming of tomorrows.

That was then, but this is now, it seems.
Grain by grain the time has passed us slowly
And slowly we were struck blind.
Thought by thought and word by word we changed.
Hostile words slew gentle words and acts soon followed.
Caught unaware, our progress declined.

Division multiplies and adds more strife
'Til I'm torn and feel like I am empty--
Nothing but a hollow frame.
As I look and see what we've become,
A tear creeps out my eye as I wonder
If things will ever be the same.

For Cindy

2011-05-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

Every time we see
A young and happy child,
We will always think of you
And always see your smile.
The children were your joy.
Oh, how you loved them so!
So we will also love them
And radiate your glow.

We will hold on to your mem’ry.
We will keep it burning bright.
We will keep you with us,
Though you’re gone from our sight.

In each thing we do
We won’t be far apart
For when we are together,
We’ll keep you in our hearts.
We never can forget
The time we got to share,
We’ll always stay united
And always show we care.

Though you’ve passed beyond our vision,
In our hearts you’re still alive.
For there we keep a shrine for you,
Where our love will always thrive.

Cindy, mother, aunt,
Daughter, sister, friend,
We will always honor you,
And your memory defend.
We’ll give as you gave,
We’ll help each one in need
To show how much you blessed us
In thought and word and deed.

No, we never will forget you;
Nor the person that you’ve been.
We’ll keep alive your goodness
‘Til we see you once again.

Diverging Roads

2010-11-05T01:36:00.001-07:00

When I left you, I had told you
I’d return soon and I’d be true.
And as time passed, hope would still last
That my road would lead back to you soon.
From afar off I would miss you
And I’d long to just be near you.
And I waited, anticipated,
While I’d gaze and I’d sigh at the moon.

But despite what I said,
I chose something instead
That took me much farther from you.
Though you’re still on my mind
In deep anguish I find
My life took a turn and despite what I yearn,
The promise I made can’t come true!

Is this it, then? Must I leave you?
It’s the hardest thing I must do!
I will treasure our time together
And the place that you have in my heart.
In the silence I am crying
While my heart is still denying
Our dream must die as life goes by
And our paths are now doomed to depart.

Though it tears me inside,
These paths can’t coincide
And so I must leave on my way.
Still I pray you’ll forgive
And as long as you live
You’ll never forget our sweetest duet.
For I shall still sing it each day.

The Last Words

2010-11-02T23:46:00.000-07:00

The last words that I said to you
I confess were rather mean.
I know I could have been more gentle
As I think about that scene.

I thought those words were nothing,
That you'd forget them very soon.
I assumed they'd be forgotten
By the next day's afternoon.

Oh, what I stupid fool I am!
If I had only known
That night you would be taken
And I'd be left alone!

If I had known you'd pass away
Before you went to bed that night
I would have whispered, "I love you"
And hugged you extra tight.

The last words that I'd say to you
If I had been prepared,
Would be, "I am so proud of you."
Or I'd relive the times we shared.

My last words perhaps would be,
"I'm very pleased with who you are,"
Or, "I'm thankful you are in my life."
Or, "Sleep well, my shining star."

But my last words were not so sweet.
They were cutting, harsh, and snide.
My last words you ever heard
Were spoken out of pride.

And now I'm left to weep and wail
For I can't talk to you again
And the last words I ever said
Are a reminder of my pain.

A Child's Dream

2010-07-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

A little boy watched the news
Then, terrified, went to bed.
And though he shut his eyes,
He saw wars inside his head.
He saw the hatred in men's eyes
He heard the people scream.
And as he tried to drown the sight
The boy began to dream.

He sat next to a waterfall
That formed a crystal pool
And people came from all around
As the air began to cool.
Each person dressed so differently
With eyes, hair, and skin diverse
But they all seemed to get along
And started to converse.

A feast was spread for all to eat
And the boy rushed to attend
No passports were required
For here each was a friend.
Their languages were different,
But their smiles were the same.
The laughter was contagious
For all of those who came.

After eating they played games
As their cultures were entwined.
The boy began to see the good
That lives in all mankind.
At last the people walked away,
They hugged and said goodbye.
The boy awoke, still in his bed.
Then smiling, gave a sigh.

The news no longer scared him,
There was something more to men.
And this boy just could not wait
To dream that dream again.

In the Light

2010-05-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

The mist wraps around my feet
And the darkness dims my eyes.
I try to shout against the storm
But the fog hushes my cries.

Can't anybody see the darkness growing?
It seeps into our homes and leaves us blind!
What should be our haven is our war front!
There must be a refuge I can find.

We accept the world and what it offers;
In turn, we're left with heartache and deep strife.
Violence and evil flood against us.
But wait! I've found guidance for my life!

In the light of the Savior I feel free
There I know who I am and why I'm here.
In the light, the world seems different to me
And my purpose, my goal, it seems so clear.

In the light when I pray I feel God's love.
When I read His words, there's a message for me.
When I serve, then I feel my love reborn.
Where I was blind, now I clearly see.

In the dark, you are always left alone.
If you fail, you're abandoned and lost.
In the light, there is hope in the air
For Jesus Christ has paid the cost.

When I feel weighed down, a voice in my soul
Tells me, "Come unto me and I'll give you rest."
My burden lifts, the Lord makes it light
And gives me strength to overcome each test.

And when I'm in the light, I see in the dark
All the broken souls who can't tell where they are.
So I carry the light to each person in need.
I become to them a shining, valiant star.

And I say, "In the light you will find joy,
So step out of the mist and let light fill your soul,
For the Savior can heal you of all your hurt.
Come to Him; I assure He'll make you whole."

If you're out there in darkness, weighed down by grief,
Or if addiction holds you tight by the throat,
If despair sets in, if you struggle with sin,
The light of Christ will keep you afloat.

Step out of the darkness! Come into the light!
There's no story nor song worth holding you back!
Let the light flood your soul till the darkness is gone.
If you have God's light in you, there's nothing you lack.

I have faith that one day I will come Home
Where forever I'll rest and peace will prevail.
And I hope I may be pure on that day
When the hand of Christ takes me through the veil.

Found

2010-04-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

I remember now;
It's stirring deep within.
I'm changed somehow--
A rebirth, a new beginning.
Just a glance in his eyes
And then I realized
That the person who I thought had died
Was still the king inside!

Go ahead and mock, if you dare.
Reject me and scorn me. I don't care!
I have a quest I must heed,
And this time I'm bound to succeed!
I will not lose sight again!
I will not get lost, my friend!

Give me the impossible, I'll do it,
Breaking unbreakable walls!
Give me a crazy dream, I'll dream it,
As the sun gently falls.

Night is a time of darkness and terror.
The results of your dreams are hidden from view.
That's why at night I do my dreaming
And with the dawn my dreams come true!

It is my dream to change the world,
To fight for virtue, charity, truth!
So stack up the odds, I'll break them down!
I've reconnected with my youth!

From Avalon to Neverland
To this world where I live,
I'll keep my fire burning bright
And give all I can give.
I never need a mask again,
I will show I am a king.
For now I know all I can give
And the things I have to bring.

And someday when my time has come
And I have served faithfully,
I'll take my place with kings of yore,
Together for eternity.

Aslan's Eyes

2010-04-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

My heart is pounding in my chest
To see the Lion's face.
I bow my head as I draw near,
Ashamed at my disgrace.
"I'm sorry that I failed," I said,
While staring at his paw.
But then he gently said, "Look up."
And this is what I saw:

I saw a little boy reach out
For his dad he could not see.
The trust he had was sweet and pure.
The boy I saw was me.
I saw this boy become a man,
Dedicating his whole soul
To serve his God and fellowmen.
It was his only goal.
I confess, it caught me by surprise
What I saw in Aslan's eyes.

"I do not see a failure, son,
When I look on you;
I see a child who's lost his way,
But searching for what's true.
I see a son with wings to soar,
But fearing to take flight."
I looked inside his eyes once more
And saw that he was right.

I saw myself for who I am
And all that I could be--
A servant sent to heal the world.
I saw God work through me.
I realized that I lost myself
When I tried to work alone.
But my potential grew so much
With God as my sure stone.
That was when I began to realize
Who I am in Aslan's eyes.

A child, a man, a beggar, a king
A doctor, a patient, or most anything.
I'm all these and more,
I can wear no disguise
When I look at myself
Through Aslan's eyes.

Avalon

2010-04-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

The waves so gently roll along,
The fog is thick and dense.
I stare unblinking at the sea.
My feelings are intense.
And then at last the jagged cliffs
Appear before the dawn--
The island I've been searching for,
The Isle of Avalon.

When I land, Merlin's hand
Helps me to the sand.
We embrace, then I race
To seek Arthur's face.
I subside, slow my stride,
'Til I reach his side.

"My King, I feel ashamed to be
So close to you right now.
When I have lost the vision of
My call, my sacred vow.
Adrift so long and lost at sea,
I lost most everything!
I've forgotten who I am
And how to be a king.

But there you are, like a star,
Never drifting very far.
Though afraid, though betrayed,
You fought on in your crusade.
In the night, full of fright,
How could you not lose your sight?"

And the king replied,
"When the world was black and all things seemed broken,
There was one thing that would see me through:
In my heart I'd hear words my friends had spoken.
"Good must prevail! Sire, defend what's true!
Don't give up now! Arthur, that's not you!"

And I learned that a king wants to run and hide
This is a truth that can't be ignored.
He must search himself for his faith inside,
It takes more than strength to withdraw a sword.
Then you let that faith light a fire inside you,
Giving you strength to withstand the tide.
When you find that fire then you will be renewed.
At last all can see the king you are inside!"

The Smiling Mask

2010-03-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Though I hurt inside,
Feeling like I died,
I refuse to ever show it.
I just live my life
As if everything's ok.
When I wake at five
I don't feel alive
But no one would ever know it.
And all I hope for
Is to make it through the day.

I'm wearing a mask that shows a smile.
I wear a mask, but it isn't real.
I wear a mask, but all the while
I'm just hiding how I feel.

I once knew my course,
Now I feel remorse
For the life I have forsaken.
I am not a hero.
I'm a traitor to my youth.
Could I learn again
From my childhood friends?
I need to reawaken!
But until I do so
I know I have to face the truth

I'm wearing a mask; the smile's deceiving
The mask that I wear is an empty shell.
Behind the mask I am bereaving
And there's nothing more to tell.
I take off this mask so I'll see clearer
I rip off the mask and my face is numb.
I turn and I stare into a mirror
And I see what I've become.

Deep down inside my heart is yearning!
Deep down inside I see the strife!
Deep down inside I miss the burning!
How I long to hold the flame of life!

But something inside me starts stirring,
As I stare into my soul,
And I long for the ones who once taught me,
The ones who made me whole.

Lost

2010-03-07T12:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a fantasy
But a life that felt so real!
I knew my own destiny
And my world was ideal.
I was once respectable,
A hero and a king!
But that seems so long ago
Now I'm not anything.

Somewhere between Neverland
And the place I now call home
I lost my soul and vision and
I'm feeling all alone.
Will someone give me pixie dust
And a happy thought or two?
I need to fly and find myself.
I'm lost without a clue.

Back then I knew who I was
And all that I could be.
I sought to serve my fellowmen
And I gave the best of me.
I would give priority
To anyone in need.
But now I'm filled with selfishness.
I've forgotten how to lead.

Where are those great kings of yore
Who were mentors in my youth?
I've lost my crown, my shield and sword.
I've forgotten what is truth.
Could I hold Excalibur
And be taught by kings once more
Like Arthur and the Pevansie's?
Otherwise, I'll lose this war.

The dream world that I lived in once
Brought direction to my life.
It taught me how to overcome
All my sorrows and my strife.
The hopeless fights were always won
With a vision of what's right.
But back here in reality
I think I've lost my sight.

Deep inside an old wardrobe
Or inside a rabbit hole
I lost the lessons that I learned,
I even lost my role.
Take me back to Wonderland!
Open Narnia's doors to me!
Then on the way I'd find myself
And from darkness I'd be free!

Yesterday was a fantasy
But today my life's a twist.
I'm lost and needing answers
To know why I exist.

The Winning Run

2010-02-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

I gripped it tightly,
my hands welded to the bat.
I watched the pitcher lean
and slightly tug his hat.
Then it launched!
A missle! a zooming blur!
I swung my arms for impact,
the ball my only lure.

FWUMP! "Strike one!"
The umpire announced my shame.
Only two more shots to win this!
The bleachers chant my name.
The second try was worse!
The ball curved in deceit.
I heard my coach behind me,
"Never take defeat!"

I blocked out all noise.
My eyes and arms were one.
I swung my arms of fluid steel
and CRACK! The ball was gone!
The ball and I both flew
(I to first, it, the sun).
I ran as though I were the wind,
a bullet from a gun.

Then gravity snuffed out
the speed of that high ball.
Descending like the fallen angel,
it bounced behind the wall.
"Home run!" called the ump
as I hurred to home plate.
That was it! My team had won!
I never felt so great!

I was in a dream
as cheers rang out from all.
I felt like I was soaring
far higher than my ball.

He Was There

2010-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

Alone
the fog descends, obscures my view.
On my own
adrift at sea, my life askew.
And there--
a thunderclap cuts through the night!
All the waves begin to churn
in the air the lightning burns
and my soul is tossed in fright!
Soon I'm spinning in the storm,
I'm blind to all the world.
First I raise and then I fall!
Will I make it through at all?
Raging, threatening my life,
shaking me with fear and strife,
the storm rages 'til it's past
and the sun comes out at last
then suddenly my sight's unfurled:

There, in the midst of that great storm,
with a glow of holy light,
Christ the Lord stood in the air
keeping me inside His care!
He helped me to survive that night!

Though I had felt I was alone
and the storm so hard to bear,
there was never need to fear
for my Lord was always near!
In the storm He was always there!

The Enemy

2010-01-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

"I know thee, sir," I said to him
As the traveler passed me by.
"Thou art my greatest enemy."

And smiling, the man replied.
"'Tis you that art the enemy,"
He said and gave a grin.
"I follow you along your trail
Through dangers thick and thin."

"'Twas also you that steered me wrong!
'Til I finally saw the light."

"I steered thee to thy destiny
Down the path I knew was right."

"This shall end right here and now!"
I said, and grasped my sword.
It shone as lightning filled the sky.
I shouted. Thunder roared.

I charged at him, he seemed unarmed.
I stabbed him in his thigh.
A gash appeared upon my leg,
The thunder hid my cry.
I swung my sword and sliced his arm,
Then dropped my sword in pain.
I tried to use my other arm,
But the fight just seemed in vain.
I swung my sword and hit him true
And the pain went to my bone.
I dared not try to chop his head
For fear I'd lose my own.

"What sorcery is this?" I cried,
"For no matter what I do
I feel the pain of my own blow!"

"Because," he said, "I'm you.
I'm all the things that you could be
If you would just believe.
You say I am your enemy,
But sir, thou art deceived."

In disbelief I blinked my eyes
And saw in him my face.
In pain I dragged myself to him.
Ashamed at my disgrace.

"Please tell me, sir," I humbly begged,
"Can I ever right this wrong?"

"Build me up," this friend replied,
"And then thou wilt be strong."

I strove each day to build him up
And strength was built in me.
I saw myself for who I am:
My former enemy.
'Tis not the ones who gather 'round
And taunt me 'til I fall.
'Tis in my power to decide
To give them heed at all.

"Oh, Build me up!" the soul cries out
"Oh, build me! I implore!"
Bind it up and be its friend
And enemies no more.

Christmas Dream

2009-12-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

In a deep December slumber
As I rested in my bed
I had a Christmas vision
That awoke inside my head.

There I saw the lowly stable
And the star's glow up above.
I knew that in a manger
I'd find the God of Love.

I fondly gazed upon that manger.
No throne could hold more glory.
My eyes shed such grateful tears
For this precious Christmas story:

That a Heavenly King was born
In flesh to save my soul.
That he who healed the deaf and blind
Would also make me whole.

"My Lord inside a crib of wood,
So tiny and so frail,
You clutch your mother's finger.
That hand will clutch a nail.

You were born and placed on wood.
On wood you'll also die.
Just as you wept upon your birth
On a cross you'll also cry."

I wept and thanked the humble Babe
For all that He would do,
For all the pain He'd suffer
To save and make me new.

My grateful tears ran down my face
As I watched the dream subside.
Then looking from my bed, I saw
My Savior at my side.

Brasil

2009-11-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

Tudo em tua linda terra,
E até o cheiro que está no ar
Me imploram--o filho pródigo--
A voltar e aqui ficar.
Um sentimento sem igual
Me leva a sorrir quando te vejo.
Teu vento me dá um abraço
Teu sol me dá um beijo.
As ondas de tuas praias
Gritam com felicidade.
Tuas árvores me chamam
Pra matar toda a saudade.
Ó bela Pátria! Amada Sogra!
Eu só penso em voltar!
Quero ficar nos teus braços
Tua terra é meu lar.

Call to Nature

2009-11-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

Weep with me, heavens, for I am sad.
Let rain join with my tears.
Please, dear ground, bear me up.
As you have throughout the years.
Stars, if you can pierce the clouds,
Please give me hope and light.
Trees that stand erect and strong,
Please point me to the right.
The night is dark and taunting me.
The dawn obscures its face.
Sun, race to meet me at the morn!
Take me in your embrace!

Haunting Regret

2009-11-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

I toss. I turn. I wrap myself
In my blankets, then kick them away.
I check my alarm clock in agony.
Only three hours 'til day.

I run my fingers through my hair,
My shoulders quivering in sweat.
A trail of tears descends my cheek.
The pain is real-the pain of regret!

The images I see at night,
The faces I see in the day,
The words that pierce like a knife-
The words that I never could say

They are haunting me! Stalking me!
There to terrorize me in the night!
Choking me! They're drowning me!
I can't erase them from my sight!

During the day I push it aside,
But the memory burns in my mind.
At every corner it haunts me.
I'd see it if I were blind!

As night approaches, I cringe inside
Knowing that the nightmare awaits me.
My pillow is cold, my blankets chill
Tell me! Will I ever be free?

The images materialize in the dark.
Looking at me with accusing eyes.
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I scream.
But the past never really dies.

They close in, suffocating me
Leaving me with nowhere to hide.
The saddest emotion is not the guilt,
But the regret born from my pride.

Friendship Legacy

2009-10-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

I think back when we both were ten
How our friendship grew so fast
After our long years as friends
These memories still last.
Remember all the time we spent
Together and apart?
To think it's when we learned to swim
Our friendship got its start.

Recall that day I gave away
Half my Legos, all to you.
After that there was so much
We both as friends would do:
The figures we threw off the stairs,
The Nintendo games we played,
The TV shows we laughed at,
The movies that we made...

This legacy of you and me
And all our time together
Always shall be dear to me.
It will last forever

Your family'd take us on the lake.
We loved to read and write..
Plus that time when on a ranch
We got to spend the night.
We played with Legos at the church
On weeknights our moms met.
The robbers and the rangers
I never can forget.

I felt bereft the time I left
To a state so far away.
But still we had our summers
We'd visit and still play.
I can’t deny that EFY
Was better than we’d planned.
And how I loved it when your dad
Took us to Disneyland!

This legacy of you and me
And all our time together
Always shall be dear to me
It will last forever.

At one again when you began
Attending BYU.
With so much time together
Yet so much more to do.
We soon began Tradition Night
With pizza, shakes, and shows
And then there was the music
We loved that no one knows.

We wrote so much to keep in touch
On Preparation Day.
Our missions brought us closer
Though we served far away.
We did new things when we came home
Like the concerts near and far,
Or else when we were roommates
Or lost while in my car.

This legacy of you and me
And all our time together
Always shall be dear to me
It will last forever.

This legacy of you and me
Is cherished in my heart.
Our friendship can’t be broken
Even when we part.
Graduation’s up ahead
Our paths are unforetold.
But I still have a feeling
We’ll be friends when we’re old.

This legacy of you and me
And all our time together
Always shall be dear to me
It will last forever.

The Race

2009-09-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm in a race across the sea
In my boat with motor roaring.
I'm determined to win the race
As across the waves I'm soaring.

I never look behind me once
To see if I'm in the lead.
I only care what lies ahead,
For my goal is to succeed.

Racing through that open sea,
I see the dark clouds growing.
The shrouded sky erupts a roar
And soon with lightening's glowing.

The piercing, howling wind grows strong
And it cuts into my face.
But though the waves may crush me,
I still must win this race!

Then with a crash my boat is smashed!
The splinters litter the sea
And I am plunged near thirty feet.
But that can't hinder me!

I fight my way with my lungs burning
Till I break into the thunder.
I breathe in deep the stormy air
But a wave then knocks me under.

I fight for breath, the race forgotten
I'm just trying to survive.
I breath in air, but water too.
Can I escape from this alive?

My arms are tiring with each stroke,
While the waves still drag me down.
I cannot win against this storm.
I'll just give up and drown.

But as I sink beneath the waves,
Succumbing in that hour,
I think beyond that awful storm
To a Source of higher power.

"Oh, God!" I cry, "Please save my soul!
Or else this waves will kill!"
The storm begins to calm at once
And soon the sea is still.

The storm is gone, I drift alone,
But still so far from shore.
Then I hear a wondrous sound:
The movement of an oar!

The Lord has sent a boat to me
With my family rowing fast.
My friends reach out and pull me in
Then we reach the shore at last.

Doors of Opportunity

2009-08-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

There is a room that's full of doors
I think you know it well.
We all are born inside this room,
This hollow, empty shell.

Nobody wants to stay inside
For one door calls our name.
But how can we find that one door?
For they all look the same.

I've tried so many in my life.
Some felt right, the rest felt wrong.
The roads behind each door would teach
Some lessons short, some lessons long.

But somehow to this point in time
Each road has led me back
Into this room with many doors
To start another track.

How can we hope to find that door
When hundreds fill the room?
How can we tell which door is right
Amidst this awful gloom?

I can't afford to make mistakes.
My life begins to fade.
Before my time is spent and gone,
The right choice must be made.

Kirtland

2009-07-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Just a small town in Ohio,
Hardly noticed by the world.
No mortal man could understand
What light would be unfurled.

The people here are searching
For the truth from up above.
And every day they plead and pray
That God would show His love.

And God in His great mercy
Sent His servants with His word.
No one can tell what joy was felt
When they saw their prayers were heard.

In a city called Kirtland
The veil of doubt was torn!
In a city called Kirtland,
Thousands were reborn!

Like a rush of mighty waters
Breaking through a dam,
The Lord poured revelation
Upon this spot of land!

In a city called Kirtland
Lived a prophet of the Lord!
In a city called Kirtland
Pure truth was restored!

No more lost in shadows,
God's light was plain for all to see!

Just a small town in Ohio,
But the people's prayers were heard.
It all began when just four men
Came to teach God's word.

My Precious Flag

2009-07-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

When I see her hoisted on a pole
My eyes quickly fill with tears.
This banner with its stars and stripes
Has long waved through the years.

Do not mock me that I cry,
For do you not understand?
That banner is much more than cloth--
It represents my land!

See those stars, those 50 stars?
They're 50 states united!
Never has a star been lost!
They've never been divided!

I think back on the moment when
There were 13 stars--no more.
When this precious flag was born
The country was at war.

But love for liberty prevailed!
How I wish that I could see
That day when it first flew o'er
The land of the brave and free!

This flag has seen so many wars
With bombs bursting all around.
But just like Key, we all can see
Each morn that flag's still found.

The white stripes ever shall be pure
And the red stripes never dim.
We persevere with help from God
For we rely on Him.

And so with tears, I touch my heart
As I see the banner soar.
I pray that God will bless this flag.
May it wave forevermore!

Mankind's Search

2009-06-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

We all are searching
From the day we came on earth.
Searching, seeking, exploring
The reason for our birth.

Yes, I think it's universal.
I doubt I'm the only one
Who's looking for fulfillment
Before my life is done.

Each time I find happiness
It seems to never last.
For a moment I'm content,
But that moment goes too fast.

Then the master trickster,
Who hides his hate and rage,
Tricks us with false pleasure
And traps us in a cage.

Wand'ring blindly, still we search
Trying everything that's new
But always feeling empty
Without the joy that's true.

How is it that we're stumbling?
How is it we've lost sight?
Why do we search in darkness
While before us there's a light?

Stop searching in the gutter!
The trash can't make you whole.
There's only one true source
That has pow'r to heal your soul.

I know the source of light and joy.
I know that it's the only one.
Now I can rest in peace, content.
My search at last is done.

The Name Tag

2009-05-31T17:20:00.001-07:00

While looking for a matching sock
In the bottom of my drawer,
I came across my old name tag,
Then sat down on the floor.

I traced the letters of each word
With my finger as I thought
Of that first day I put it on.
What joy that day had brought!

I was so eager to go forth
And to preach the Gospel true.
There was no door I would not knock,
And nothing I'd not do.

Each morning when I put it on
I would smile at its shine.
My name tag was a symbol of
The calling that was mine.

When I came home so many nights,
I took off my tag, content.
I felt such joy as I had watched
The ones I taught repent.

But there were days I came back home
And took off that tag and sighed.
When people that I learned to love
Gave up, I often cried.

That name tag sat close to my heart
As I watched a change take hold,
Not only in the ones I taught,
But also in my soul.

I wore it to each baptism
And I wore it on each street.
I wore it as I served the Lord
And all whom I did meet.

I never can forget the day
When I took it off for good.
I sobbed as I was being released
More than I thought I would.

These memories came back to me
Of the tag I used to wear.
Once more I held it to my heart,
Then placed it back with care.

Alma's Prayer

2009-05-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

O Father, hear Thy servant’s prayer
Thou hast placed a fam’ly in my care
I’ve done my best to teach Thy precious truth
I’ve taught my sons while in their early youth

Then Lord, what sorrow fills my heart
When I see my precious son depart
From all I’ve taught and wanted him to be
O Lord, I beg, please hear and answer me

I have taught him, I have warned
But in turn I’m only scorned
And he flees from home and all we have to give
So I come to Thee today
And with fervent heart I pray
May Thy Spirit touch my son that he may live

O Father, wise and great Thou art
At this moment canst Thou see my heart?
I’ve tried my best and don’t know what to do
O Lord, please help – for he is Thy son too

Right now he’s far away from home
And while he’s gone I feel so all alone
I have no pow’r to save my wand’ring son
But pow’r Thou hast through the Anointed One

Send Thy Spirit, Lord I pray
Help my son to see the way
Let the words I’ve taught sink deep into his heart
Help him know Thy words are true
Help him come Thy love to view
Lord, a portion of Thy love to him impart

O Father, now I close this prayer
And I trust my son into Thy care
I feel so weak and I can do no more
But trust in Thee and Thy sweet aid implore

And through the faith I have in Thee
I know my son will be brought home to me
Because I trust in Thy redeeming pow’r
That it can save my son in this dark hour

Lord, Thou knowest what I need
And on bended knee I plead
Take my son into Thy constant, loving care
I will love him, I will pray
Father, watch him every day
Hear Thy humble servant’s heartfelt, earnest prayer

I will love him, I will pray
Father, watch him every day
I will trust my son into Thy loving care

Splash Mountain

2009-05-03T14:34:00.001-07:00

Up a track, down a track
And getting slightly wet.
While leaning back, I look around
To see the southern set.

Down I go, gripping tight
Right after Brer Bear's cave.
The critters ask, "How d'ya do?"
For that's how they behave.

"Pretty good, sho's yer born,"
The critters answer back.
Brer Rabbit's nailed his door up tight;
He's gone and packed his sack.

Buzzing loud, bees fly high.
With smiles on ev'ry face,
The critters laugh here all day long
'Cause it's the Laughing Place!

But Brer Fox and Brer Bear
Are laughing loudly too.
They've got Brer Rabbit trapped and stuck
To make him rabbit stew.

"Please!" he cries. "Let me go!"
But vultures overhead
Imply, as I ascend a hill,
That he will soon be dead.

At the top, looking down,
The ride begins to slow.
The camera captures all my fright,
Then down the drop I go.

Down I plunge fifty feet!
I'm soaked by that steep dive!
But, "Zip-a-dee-do-dah!" I sing.
The thrill of being alive!

Now it's done. I get off.
What fun that ride had been!
Then eagerly I get in line
To ride the ride again.

Born Again

2009-04-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

A spirit enters through the womb
Where, immersed, the new babe lies.
Then, drenched in blood, the babe is born.
It takes a breath and cries.

Such was my birth, like all the rest.
But I mourn that first-time breath,
For dare I say I had gained life?
No, I was born to death.

This world of sin and greed and lust
Has cut off all hope of life.
I'm left to wander in the dark
And swim through all my strife.

But then I learn about the Lord,
How He offers life that's new.
I look to Him with all my heart
And ask what I must do.

I exercise my faith in Him
And repent of all my sins.
I pledge to serve Him faithfully.
Now my new life begins.

The Spirit enters in my heart.
I'm immersed in water deep.
The Savior's blood has cleansed my soul.
With utmost joy, I weep.

The Miracle at Bountiful

2009-04-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

I. The Voice

Close to the temple, kneeling with friends
Light makes my eyes squint. The darkness ends.
Three days of tormet, anguish and death
Finally has ended. I catch my breath.
I heard God's voice above
Telling me of His love.

My legs are broken, crushed by a stone
Thrown by the wind storm, smashing each bone.
Though I am bandaged, I'll never walk.
So I am resting here on this rock.
I hear a voice above
And I can feel God's love.

Twice now it's spoken. I strain my ears,
Looking towards Heaven. Someone appears!
Now is the voice clear, announcing the Son
Loved of the Father, the Holy One
Coming down from above,
Bringing to us God's love.

II. Crippled

Now he calls the people to come feel his side,
Hands, and feet to know it's He that died.
Inside my heart sinks as my mind thinks
That chance can't be mine. I can't get in line,
Not while in this crippled state.

III. His Teachings

Still I shout "Hosana!" with the rest
For just to have the Savior near
Makes me feel overcome with gladness.
And down my cheek there trickles a tear.

Now he speaks to us of His new law
And how to live the life He led,
Teaching the works that we must each do daily
Asking us each to tread as He tread.

After teaching us the words of life
And calling us His other sheep,
Our Savior tells us that He must now leave us.
Hearing these words, I can't help but weep.

Then I see my Savior look at me
And in His eyes I see my tears.
Then He proclaims that He's filled with compassion
And then He bids the lame be brought near.

IV. The Healing

My friends approach to take me there,
Leading me gently to His care.
When I'm set down, I flinch in pain.
But I look up at He who was slain.
His hands reach down, I clasp them tight,
Feeling the nail prints, sensing His might.

Speaking so soft, holding my hand,
He lifts me up, helps me to stand.
"Rise up and walk," He says to me.
But then I fall down on my knees.
Weeping for joy, kissing His feet.
Here, with my Savior, I feel complete.

He pulls me up, I see His face.
He holds me close in an embrace.
I feel His love and my heart throbs.
"Thank you," I gasp in-between sobs.
He's come with healing in His wings!
This is my Savior! This is my King!

My Life is a Match

2009-03-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

My life is a match, recently lit
With potential ever so bold.
I can become a forest fire
So glorious to behold,
Or I can light a candle
To guide you all about.
But I must decide quickly
Or soon I'll be burned out.

Innocence vs. Experience

2009-03-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

A little lamb that’s blessed by God
Meanders by a shaded boy.
The church rings out with singing
And children’s souls feel joy.

But then a tiger burning bright
Devours the child as he cries.
The church is filled with orphans.
The chim’ney sweeper dies.

While innocence is on one hand,
Experience seems much more real.
For life is never simple.
Some wounds will never heal.

But innocence is not the same
As ignorance’s hollow shell.
For though there is a Tiger,
There’s still a Lamb as well.

The man who only sees the worst
Is ignorant—more than the rest.
Denying all life’s goodness,
He misses what is best.

There is no need to lose our faith
For soon an angel with a key
Will lock away our trials
And set our spirits free.

The Lifeline

2009-03-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

The dream I had was pleasant:
I was sailing on the sea.
But then my ship was sinking
And the water covered me.

"Wake up" I heard a voice say.
But being tired, I was slow.
I did not know my danger
As my eyelids drooped so low.

But when awake I panicked.
I was sinking in the sand!
My legs and waist were hidden
And I fought to free my hands.

Asleep, I did not notice
I was sinking way too fast.
But now my life was ending
And each breath could be my last.

But then I saw a lifeline!
I reached out to grab the rope.
I clutched it, holding tightly,
Knowing it was my last hope.

My freedom wasn't easy,
But at last I found dry ground.
If that rope had not been there,
Then I know I would have drowned.

I looked back at my lifeline,
Giving thanks with ev'ry breath
For he who'd placed the rope there
And had rescued me from death.

The Wishmaster

2009-02-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

I am the Wishmaster.
What do you wish for?

This is my purpose, why I'm alive:
To go about making your smallest dream thrive.
If you are dreamless, you'll dream again
For I can perceive there's a dream in all men.

I am the Wishmaster.
What do you wish for?

Yes, I can see it--re-live the past.
You wish to hold onto a time that can't last.
I'll catch that moment, it won't take long
I'll write it or paint it or put it in song.

I am the Wishmaster.
What do you wish for?

Is there an object which you desire?
Then here is my money as fuel for your fire.
Music, books, movies, even a toy--
I'll do all I can to ensure you feel joy.

But then, after my day's work is done,
I find myself in my room at night, alone.
Though I've spent all day granting wishes,
The one wish I can't grant is my own.

There, in my silent isolation,
I pull out a box that's hidden from view.
Inside, like broken glass, are fragments:
Shattered dreams that never came true.

I keep each piece with delicate care
For though ruined, these dreams are my soul
Each shard has a story, is part of me,
Each little ambition, each little goal.

If only these pieces could reunite
And these broken dreams be repaired!
Such is my wish, but no one grants it.
No one has seen it. No one has cared.

I am the Wishmaster.
What do you wish for?

The Flaxen Cord

2009-02-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

You can hardly tells it's there,
It's such a little thread.
But wrapped around a hundred times,
It soon will leave you dead.
Break it quick and it will snap
Quite easily, you'll find.
But let it wrap around your neck
And you'll be in a bind.
In panic you discover
In truth, all is not well.
You've hanged yourself with Satan's lies
And sent yourself to Hell.

Paul

2009-02-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

From the time when I was young
A desire burned within
To always be obedient
And never, ever sin.

Eagerly I drank the truth
Wherever it was found
Until I thought that I was better
Than everyone around.

I'm sad to say I let my pride
Raise me higher than the rest.
I rashly judged and scorned good men
Since I thought I was best.

A fool I was to think these things!
For while doing these sad acts,
He whom I thought I was serving
Did stop me in my tracks.

Oh, what guilt! The bitter shame
I felt in that dark hour!
But Jesus showed His love for me
And healed me with His power.

I swore that day to serve my Lord.
To Him my life I'd give.
But this time I would teach His way
And live as He would live.

But still I had my weakness:
In my flesh there was a spine.
This thorn hurt and made me stumble.
I wished it wasn't mine.

I implored the Lord three times
To take this thorn away.
But then I heard the Spirit whisper
This weakness had to stay.

To keep me from becoming prideful,
Which ruined me before,
This weakness had been given me
To humble me some more.

It broke my heart to hear this news.
I want to do what's right!
Then the Lord wrapped me in comfort,
Embracing me in light.

"Your weakness can become a strength
By virtue of my grace.
Through me you can overcome it
And again behold my face."

His grace! His loving grace
That saved me in the past!
Although all else should pass away
His mercy still would last!

This revelation brought me hope
And I ceased to make complaints.
Inspired by the Savior's love,
I wrote to all the saints.

I told them that they must have faith
Or their works would come to nought.
I emphasized the Savior's grace
To everyone I taught.

And so I finished out my course
Through the power of God's Son.
And now I go to meet my Lord.
I fought the fight and won.

Ode to Higher Education

2009-02-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

Soon I'll walk across the stage
And my time here will be through.
Dear college, here I write an ode
To try describing you:

Thief! Hypocrite!
Disgrace to all who yearn
To have their minds enlightened.
Through you, what will we learn?

You tell us that we are required
To learn science, math, and art.
But you don't try to teach your students,
You weed them out before they start!

Did we not come here to learn?
Do we not pay thousands yearly?
Why then try to make us fail?
You've hurt your cause quite dearly.

You lay on us a heavy load
"It's three credits!" you proclaim
So instead of learning what we should
We play the hoop-jump game.

If all I wanted was to learn
To jump through hoops so small
Then I would have just joined the circus
And not bothered you at all!

And did I want to read the filth
You classified as art?
You degraded me in mind!
You polluted me in heart!

I hate it when you laugh and mock
Those not as smart as you.
Stop laughing! Start teaching!
That's what you're meant to do!

Thank goodness for the precious few
Who taught because they cared.
I must admit I'll miss each one
And the lessons that they shared.

As for the rest, goodbye!
I wish you could return
The time and funds I wasted
While I had hoped to learn.

The Temple Walls

2009-02-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

When we heard the revelation
We were eager to begin
To build a temple for our God,
A place to worship in.

I was called to cut through stone,
Giving all my strength and sweat.
We sacrificed our greatest goods
Although we were in debt.

But as the walls began to form
And I saw the temple's height,
I thought there must be some mistake
Because to me it wasn't right.

Now, don't think I'm complaining,
I just don't understand
Why, if we're in poverty,
Must the temple be so grand?

I never questioned this aloud,
But kept working in the heat
And built those massive temple walls
'Til the building was complete.

I went to the dedication
Within those walls so high
And as I looked up at the ceiling
Again I wondered why.

Then suddenly I felt a wind
That set me on my feet.
And as I sang the hymns of Zion
I heard a sound so sweet.

The angels joined us in our praise!
Though I didn't see a thing,
I could feel them all around me
Singing to our King!

Then instantly I knew the answer
Why there was so much space.
We needed room for all the angels
To join us in this place.

It was only then I realized
How much this place was worth.
This was truly God's own House,
A heaven here on earth.

When I now think of those walls
Which I once thought so absurd
I always think of their true purpose
And the angels that I heard.

Waiting

2009-01-25T17:50:00.000-08:00

The preacher's words burned deep inside
As I listened to each sound.
He taught that families are eternal.
I rejoiced in what I found.

I rushed up to the men from God
And asked what I must do
To have this gift they promised me,
For I believed their words were true.

"You must be baptized," said the men,
"And receive the Holy Ghost.
We'll then seal you eternally
To the ones you love the most."

My spirits fell, I shed a tear,
For this gift could not be mine.
I could never be baptized.
I died in 1469.

"But there is hope," they said to me,
"If you believe our words are true.
In the temple, down on earth,
They can do this work for you."

With tears of joy I searched the earth
For a descendent who would go
To the temple with my name.
How my gratitude would show!

But I could not find anyone
Who would give some time for me.
They were so busy with their lives
That they couldn't hear my plea.

They used their cars to drive around
When on-line, they played a game.
But they would not drive to the temple,
Nor try to find my name.

Oh, mortal children, don't you know
How those things don't matter here?
I'm all alone and wait for you
To unite my family dear.

Summertime Youth

2009-01-14T13:30:00.001-08:00

I wake in the morning to see the sunlight
Greeting me warmly on my still sleepy face.
I yawn and think of the things I'll do today.
Then I jump out of bed and race
To get dressed. There's so much to do!
Before I go outside my mom wants to read
The scriptures with us and sing some songs.
Then I'm out! The first thing that I need
To do is find the genie's magic lamp,
Stolen and hidden by thieves long ago.
My imagination takes me to Neverland,
Then Narnia, meanwhile defeating every foe.
After lunch my friend across the street
Comes to play. We try to reach the sky
While swinging on her swingset.
Then we count to three and jump and fly.
Later we run through the sprinkler.
I feel the cool water prick my warm skin
And stop only to hear the ice cream truck.
Then I run through the sprinkler again.
When my friend goes home I go inside.
"Mom, can I have a popsicle?" "Please?"
She reminds me. I reach into the cold freezer
Then I walk back outside where the bees
Are humming in the bright flowerbeds.
I grab my Legos left on the lawn
And place them in that miniature jungle -
Of course, once the bees are gone.
After dinner I grip the rubber handle
Of a baseball bat, with my dad two yards away.
He never lets me strike out. I run!
Baseball is such a fun game to play!
Later my siblings and I all play tag.
My brother's the best. He always wins.
TV tag, freeze tag, or just Hide 'n' Seek.
I count twenty, then the seeking begins.
We play until twilight brings the stars.
Venus is the first to take its normal place
In the sky. As I gaze at the stars I dream
Of one day being an astronaut in space.
With my dad at home, we read again
From the scriptures. I always choose
To sit where I can read the last verse.
It's a game I rarely lose.
When we get to bed my brother whispers,
"Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."
"Ok!" I take of my shirt. He does the same.
Then across his back my hand soars.
When it's my turn, I feel his hand glide
Across my cool skin. Lying there, it seems
I'm soaring on the cool night's breeze.
I feel content. Just like in my dreams.
As I get back in my bed my mind is filled
With the things I want to do and play.
Ah! Summer! I love being young!
And tomorrow's a brand new day...

Imagine Being the Angel

2009-01-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

Imagine being the angel
That was sent by God's own word
To go unto Gethsemane
And comfort our dear Lord.
You come into the garden
And the Savior comes to view
And you realize when you see Him,
He's suffering here for you.

Oh, how you'd hurry to Him
And try to hush His fears!
You'd feel each cringe and shudder
You'd cry to see His tears.
Imagine seeing that precious blood,
The price to save your soul.
How much tighter you'd embrace Him
As He paid sin's heavy toll!

You'd feel so helpless as you hold Him
Since there's nothing you can do
But when the suff'ring's finally ended,
You'd sob, and whisper: "Thank you."
And then you'd have to leave Him
On the morrow He'll appear
And be with you in Paradise,
Triumphant Savior, dear.

Imagine being that angel
When you're sent to go and preach
To the spirits lost in darkness.
How differently you'd teach!
You'd bear your solemn witness
Of the Savior's love for men
You'd work all day with all your might
Till you embrace Him once again.

Separation of Church and State

2009-01-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

This, our nation built on . . . beliefs,
Bought by blood of . . . -fearing, . . . men,
Saved by grace of the . . . ,
Changes its nature from what it was then.

All men are endowed by their . . .
This be our motto: In . . . is our trust
That this nation, under . . . perish not
One nation under . . . undivided
Thou shalt have no other gods before . . .
Thou shalt not profane the name of thy . . .

. . . be with us yet,
Lest we forget.

Forget?
Forget what?

The Stone Rolls On

2009-01-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

The stone goes forth along its path
Growing larger as it rolls
Its Maker is the Lord of all
Its purpose: to save souls

We push the stone along its course
And a prophet leads us on
We follow him with eager haste
Then in a flash, he's gone

Our Master called him back to push
The stone behind the veil
But Jesus won't abandon us
His work will never fail

He's raised another prophet up
To lead us towards the dawn
We follow him with eager haste
And still the stone rolls on.

Snow

2009-01-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Joy of children, terror of drivers
Blanket of calm, sheet of fright
Slick for sledding, slick for crashing
Shines in the day, hidden by night
Fun results, tragic results
Perspective changes it all.