Best Admonitions Poems
Once, it was a time of true magic,
when the world was small and soft.
It had to be magic, my mind of five told me:
how else could my brothers and I go to sleep
on an ordinary, dull and quiet night...
to awaken in sheer joy the next morn
as though we had been zapped by a warm
bolt of harmless lightning--
setting our now restless bodies tingling.
Like racehorses at the gate of magic,
we stood at the top of the stairs,
pulling at whatever patience we could muster
under the admonitions of Mom and Dad to wait!--
wait! the camera must be loaded-- but how very
painful it was to be still when we knew that
children's paradise was a stairway away--
and what a paradise we saw unfolded
in our now unfamiliar living room!
The tree drew our eyes first--it was big and fat,
with its branches sagging under the great weight
of all its myriad ornaments: glass balls and sweets
and plastic candy canes and tinsel drooping as though
it hung on a some forsaken weeping willow instead of
a tall, proud Blue Spruce : and millions and millions
and millions of colored lights, blinking relentlessly,
made our tree sparkle like the royal crown of a giant king--
perhaps the King of Toys, for toys were seen everywhere
we looked: cars ,trucks , bikes, games, bats-- and balls!
Each brother ran quickly to his own precious pile
(we marveled how thoughtful Santa must be)
and knew in each pile would be some boxes
beautifully wrapped but sans treasure,
holding only socks or shirts, perhaps a sweater--
well, even the jolly fat man could not be perfect--
still, he brought magic to our dull house every year,
transforming our prosaic lives into poetry overnight
by wonder, by magic, by love....
And when he went away, when I was an ancient six,
the world grew much bigger but colder,
dull and empty of that special joy that can only come
to those children who believe....
[Note: This bittersweet poem was also bittersweet to write, as losing childhood itself is bittersweet.]
rec'd n/a in Regina McIntosh's contest, 12/18/20
Categories:
admonitions, allegory, celebration, children, christmas,
Form:
Free verse
Toward God and His way to assured salvation
…affirming eternal power of regeneration
…asserting priceless redemption
…awakening through miraculous new creation…
His believers are we, trusting Him for our transformation!
Toward God by His Word that resounds His tender mercy
…refreshing souls with divine loving kindness and clemency
…rejuvenating spirits yearning for contentment sufficiency
…rekindling faith’s fervent fervency…
His followers are we, practicing His statutes’ policy!
Toward God Who grants pardon’s blissfulness
…directing us to confess our sinfulness
…demanding the need for worshipful earnestness
…disciplining disobedience through His righteousness...
His converts are we, casting to Him our haughtiness!
Toward God anchoring steadfastness upon His standard
…increasing effectiveness of each faithful steward
…insuring the diligent certainty of labour’s reward
…invigorating hope to keep on marching forward...
His servants are we, ushering the lost to His safeguard!
Toward God while walking along paths of wisdom
…bringing us to wondrousness of heavenly kingdom
…bracing our genuine altruism against selfish martyrdom
…beautifying character with patience midst spiritual boredom…
His seekers are we, triumphing in His truth-propped freedom!
Toward God as He leads us to His heart
…laying His perfect will upon our footsteps against temptation dart
…lightening vision to behold majestic eternity’s rampart
…lifting pursuits, surpassing worldly vanity start…
His learners are we, persevering to fulfill our devotion’s best part!
Toward God, admitting human flaws beseeching strength for rectitude
…satisfying our nourished well-being to exercise attitude of gratitude
…sanctifying conscience by wise admonitions surmounting vain platitude
…saturating us with His peace around prayer solitude…
His children are we, growing by grace for good testimony altitude!
*2Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
April 12, 2021
4th place, "Where are we Headed" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Unseeking Seeker; judged on 4/23/2021.
Categories:
admonitions, appreciation, blessing, christian, faith,
Form:
Rhyme
My long-sufferin' Mother tried to teach me the rudiments of social graces,
So as not to make a fool of myself at fancy affairs and such other places.
But even so, at the school prom I splattered sauce on the tux I had rented!
So much fer impressing my date who thought me somewhat demented!
I can still remember Mom's admonitions as if it were yesterday:
"Say please, thank you and pardon me to those you meet along the way."
"The napkin ain't used fer blowin' yer nose or as if washin' yer face."
"Keep it short and to the point should you be asked to say the grace."
"Keep yer elbows off the table, sit up straight with one hand on yer lap."
"Don't hog conversation and if you've nothin' sane to say, clam yer trap."
"Learn to use the silverware properly so as not to be disgraced."
"Tell the hostess what a fine meal it was (tho' not necessarily to yer taste)."
"Don't start eatin' 'til the hostess begins and don't guzzle too much wine."
"Always help the lady on yer right to be seated before you begin to dine."
"Open yer car door and other doors fer ladies and they'll appreciate that."
"Rise when ladies or elders enter the room and remember to tip yer hat."
"Offer yer arm to sweet old ladies and assist them to cross the street."
"Tell moms their babes are cute (even if not) but be very discreet."
Mom's sage advice was well taken but today it seems that it was all for naught,
Since many folks ain't got no couth or respect nor behave as they ought!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) 2015 All Rights Reserved
Categories:
admonitions, growing up, humorous, ,
Form:
Rhyme
It sat on Miss Ruth's desk, a sphere of intrigue and wonder.
'Twas a globe that in my reveries I'd gaze at and ponder.
It depicted marvelous vistas that seductively beckoned me,
And lit a fire in my youthful soul for places I yearned to see!
How my free spirit longed to escape her penetrating eyes,
And sail upon the foamy seas or soar thro' pristine skies,
To mysterious far-away lands of which I could only dream.
The globe hypnotized me as it basked in the sunlight's beam.
Ah! To scale the heights of Mount Fuji in beautiful Japan,
Or travel the rugged Khyber Pass in mysterious Pakistan.
To glide past ancient, majestic castles on the River Rhine,
Or visit holy places where Jesus walked would truly be devine!
I daydreamed about a safari to the nation of Mozambique;
I pined to see Mount Pelee Volcano on the Isle of Martinique.
The Egyptian Pyramids along the River Nile I must also see,
And Holland's windmills, tulips and its famed Zuider Zee!
What exotic places Casablanca, Istanbul and Athens must be!
And I want to see the lovely islands of the Caribbean Sea.
With glazed eyes I'd fantasize about world-wide expeditions,
'Til she'd wake me from my trance with scorching admonitions!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)
Categories:
admonitions, placesme, places, river,
Form:
Rhyme
Admonitions well-expressed in verses
maxim or adage that truly blesses
your wise counsels are valuable indeed
like Scripture proverbs my soul rehearses.
With your narratives of faith-propped fervour
along vibrant lesson-filled endeavour
your voice reverberating through poetry
shouts experiences with worthy savour.
Echoing your delightful victories
via testimonies and good stories
your lingering poetic legacy
lives on beyond nostalgic memories.
Thankful am I for your virtue-advice
reminding me of David-Psalms’ great price
precious in exalting name of the Lord*
midst communion in prayer-paradise.
*Deuteronomy 32:3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
March 15, 2021
1st place, "ALL YOURS (Apr 12)" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 4/12/2021.
Categories:
admonitions, appreciation, blessing, christian, faith,
Form:
Rubaiyat
oh, oft' times did I watch her in the sand
trace sweeping loops with ballerina toes
a cursive language only meant for those
with knowledge of ballet, to understand
her tiny feet were powerful, yet showed
the brutal admonitions toe shoes teach
but, rollicking in bare feet on the beach
the sand forgave, so dynamism flowed
her movements, as the tide, did ebb and flow
sand pipers dancing 'round her in a troupe
the flawless shape of every arc and loop
stead witness to the balance of her toe
now tho' I saw her dance upon the stage
enthralled within my state of dazzled awe
she didn't show the flawless grace I saw
as when she spun beside an ocean rage
performance is the showplace of the art
and I applaud the skills of that demand
yet I would rather watch her in the sand
alighting on the toe shoes of her heart.
~ 1st Place ~ in the "Enclosed Rhyme" Poetry Contest, Emile Pinet, Judge & Sponsor.
Categories:
admonitions, appreciation, dance, heart, ocean,
Form:
Enclosed Rhyme
When very young, we blindly may dismiss
Our elders’ admonitions about Time,
Or future grief or pain, for in that bliss
Who recks of illness, death, mischance, or crime?
And in our prime, with life’s distracting needs,
With open, seeing eyes, we still are blind:
We go our ways, and yet, while Time proceeds,
The passing hours are rarely brought to mind.
But when we're spared into our elder years,
We recognize the truth we used to mock:
That whether youth was fraught with joy or tears,
There is no hope of winding back the clock.
Use well the days, because with every breath,
Relentless Time will sweep us all toward death.
Categories:
admonitions, age, death, perspective, time,
Form:
Sonnet
Today, loafing on the porch I reminisced about yesteryears,
Recalling Mom's admonitions still ringing in my ears!
As a feckless youth I let them go in one ear and out the other,
Alas, paying little heed to my long-suffering Mother!
"Stop slamming the screen door! You're letting the flies in!"
"I'll box your ears if you pull that silly stunt again!"
"Get that dog outta here! Can't you see he's full of fleas!"
"No, I don't have money for that! Money doesn't grow on trees!"
"The children in China are starving - now clean your plate!"
"If you know what's good for you, you'd better be home by eight!"
"Were you born in a barn? Now please shut the door!"
"Wipe your feet! Can't you see I've just mopped the floor!"
"Bundle up good or you'll catch your death of cold!"
"Things would go better around here if you'd do what you're told!"
"You sass me again and I'll wash your mouth out with soap!"
"I don't know what's to become of you - for you I have little hope!"
"Quit jumping around! A cake's in the oven! You'll make it fall!"
"Finish your chores, young man, then you can play some ball!"
Those admonitions have stuck with me through all these years!
(Come to think of it - some have pierced my kids' delicate ears!)
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Placed No. 4 in Francine Robert's "My Parent" Contest - January 2011
Categories:
admonitions, funny, motherme, money,
Form:
Rhyme
My best friend and I
Keep ourselves secret
Within the soft whisper
Of our headscarves-
Yet a beginner
In this disappearing act,
I still need her help;
In danger of falling over
Ourselves and each other
In the backseat of the car,
We giggle-
Over misplaced pins
And her mother's admonitions
From the front seat-
As my disguise is applied;
A blue scarf...
A simple, sky-blue scarf...
She wraps the fabric,
Adjusts folds,
Pins it down,
Until a new blue frame
Edges my vision-
The different perspective
Is familiar enough to me,
And she as well,
But we know
To everyone else-
We will be foreigners now.
Categories:
admonitions, best friend, discrimination, islamic,
Form:
Free verse
God* --- omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent
verily reached down to me
offering His friendship and fellowship.
With trust in the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ...
...I am endowed by faith that pleases HIM, all by His grace
Now, my vibrant relationship with HIM keeps on getting sweeter daily
making me affirm His attributes:
His love, indeed redemptive
His mercy, always restorative
His grace, truly rehabilitative
His power, surely constructive
His kindness, greatly palliative
His peace, divinely sedative
His precepts, wisely informative
His goodness, supremely creative
His statutes, clearly declarative
His admonitions, graciously punitive
His testimonies, joyously affirmative
His doctrines, steadfastly effective
His reproofs, compassionately positive
His commandments, authoritatively imperative.
*Revelation 19:6 ... Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
December 20, 2021
Categories:
admonitions, blessing, christian, faith, god,
Form:
List
Let’s please God with our faith* while growing biblically
Showing Christ-likeness believably
Revealing scriptural wisdom boldly
Presenting eternal life blissfully
Exposing heaven beautifully.
Let’s please God with our love while proclaiming His message confidently
Sharing the Gospel and salvation plan capably
Conveying Bible truths for Christian nourishment constantly
Illustrating discipleship lessons clearly
Explaining stewardship blessings conscientiously.
Let’s please God with our joy while heralding the good news of hope dutifully
Informing the lost of His truth’s assurance determinedly
Inspiring the discouraged of the Father’s care discerningly
Persuading the proud of the Spirit’s work decisively
Warning the skeptics of imminent judgments dauntlessly.
Let’s please God with our trust while communicating for Him earnestly
Standing with sanctified posture enthusiastically
Walking according to Spirit’s direction eagerly
Influencing others through good work’s gestures emphatically
Expressing sweet fellowship with the Lord endearingly.
Let’s please God with our sacrifice while delivering His tidings of peace faithfully
Enunciating “Thus saith the Lord” counsels factually
Asserting “Fear not” admonitions firmly
Uttering “The Lord is my shepherd” favourably
Saying “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” fervently.
Let’s please God with our service while exhorting believers gloriously
Voicing out the Saviour’s compassion gladly
Sounding battle cry against sin and hell’s wrath grimly
Instructing with precepts of holy living graciously
Verbalizing the great commission gratefully.
Let’s please God with our gratitude while declaring divine promises habitually
Praising His Deity in worshipping the Trinity heartily
Exalting His name in teaching His doctrines honestly
Honouring His presence in living for Him healthily
Testifying of His awesomeness in yielding to Him humbly.
*Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
March 15, 2020
Categories:
admonitions, blessing, christian, devotion, faith,
Form:
Rhyme
[Continued from Part One]
The youngsters were oblivious— so entranced were they
in their childhood amusements and entertaining play.
That door was small and narrow to leave the family home.
And, oh, their lives were fragile, like bubbles on the foam!
These children viewed the burning house as a safe abode,
although the conflagration seemed ready to explode.
Engrossed in every pleasure their little lives could get,
they were unconscious of the blaze and its mounting threat.
The elder, in the meantime, was consumed with worry.
He had to make them flee the mansion in a hurry.
Hence, the man ran back inside and then began to shout
that they were in great peril and quickly must get out.
He pointed to the fire, plus how it swiftly spread,
and sought to warn his offspring that soon they would be dead
unless they ceased their merriment, heeded his alarm…
The father could not bear it, if they should suffer harm!
Nonetheless, in spite of all the elder’s coaxing cries,
the children paid no mind to those admonitions wise.
Thoroughly absorbed in their diversions and delight,
they just did not believe him, nor had they any fright,
nor wish to stop their playing and hastily take flight.
Yes, the house was burning; still they scarcely saw the sight.
They were so immersed in fun, blind to their own blindness,
they could not see that his pleas stemmed from loving-kindness.
Those children had no dread and were sadly unaware
of what destiny lay in store, if they stayed in there.
How would they avoid such an excruciating fate?
The flames were closing in on them; it would be too late!
The man could not abandon them to be burned alive.
He had to find a clever way, so they would survive.
The father, wrung with agony, wondered what to do.
Such awful pain lay ahead— somehow he must get through.
He grappled with the problem and racked his brain at length.
Was there some expedient means of sufficient strength
he could use to save all the children that he cherished,
rescue every single one fast, before they perished?
[Continued in Part Three]
~ Harley White
Categories:
admonitions, allusion, desire, destiny, fire,
Form:
Narrative
Midst biblical knowledge
Along the verse Psalm 14:1* I acknowledge
Yet in self-exaltation along vested interest’s mileage
I cling to humanistic tenets gained from secular college…
Forgive me, Lord, when I deny You with heart of blasphemous sacrilege.
Midst exposure to awesome miracles
Along ecstatic experience toward victory-pinnacles
Yet in financial constraints around dearth and crises’ cycles
I’m gripped with worries’ angst; shackled by miseries’ manacles…
Forgive me, Lord, when I’m overtaken with mind of skepticism-tentacles.
Midst truth-revelation’s acceptance
Along deception’s circumspect avoidance
Yet in good works and faith-pleasing performance
I fall short due to my doubt’s endurance and trust’s reluctance…
Forgive me, Lord, for being overruled by rebellious will filled with arrogance.
Midst radiance of goodness’ glow
Along wisdom’s guidance to follow
Yet in clear warnings against spiritual low
I ignore admonitions, rebukes and reprimands’ blow…
Forgive me, Lord, for showing folly that forsakes grace-flow.
*Psalm 14:1 “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…”
November 28, 2018
Categories:
admonitions, atheist, character, christian, faith,
Form:
Kyrielle
February 11 Relationship to God Bible Meditations Based on Numbers 9-12
Key Verse– Numbers 9:23 At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
LORD GOD, YOU ARE MY LIFE CHARGER
Lord God, You are my life Charger by Your divine might
Thank You for Your commandments that make me do what’s right
With Your precepts undefiled against worldly insight
Enabling me to fulfill Your will along holiness’ height.
Lord God, You are my life Charger by Your grace-filled ordinances
Thank You for Your testimonies of truthful promises
With Your guidance I must follow against lustful preferences
Enabling me to abide in Your plan that always blesses.
Lord God, You are my life Charger by Your victorious calling
Thank You for Your warnings that alarm me from sin-caused falling
With Your admonitions of compassion-telling
Enabling me to bear Your name with joyful hailing.
Lord God, You are my life Charger by Your sovereign pace
Thank You for Your standards, propelling me along the race
With Your goodness encamping around my service-place
Enabling me to rest in Your care though trials I face.
Lord God, You are my life Charger by Your revival fire
Thank You for Your answers to my prayers of heart’s desire
With Your responses so in supplication I will never retire
Enabling me to find favour in Your sight through great faith You require.
Lord God, You are my life Charger by Your constant sanctification
Thank You for Your discipline, rebuking my wrong action
With Your corrections against my fleshly ambition-vision
Enabling me to obey Your instruction as well as direction.
Lord God, You are my life Charger by Your inspired Word
Thank You for Your truth of pure, precious, preserved record
With Your statutes against my pride’s discord
Enabling me to seek Your approval, beseeching You with sincerity-cord.
February 11, 2023
Categories:
admonitions, blessing, christian, faith, god,
Form:
Rhyme
a dream creeps sultry while I sleep
whispering a balmy breath
hints seductions
unintelligible invitations to
a lazy labyrinth where the lost
prowl reach awkwardly
for themselves
there in its midst
we are born
only to return again and again
I had escaped that muted maze
where amplified admonitions
suffocated me but still
the glorified guilt of my own inert
inventions haunts
until I reluctantly return
naked as I was at first
to find the peace
which was always there
within
Categories:
admonitions, life,
Form:
Free verse