yes, I am thankful for poetry’s gift
exuding worshipful gratitude-bliss
humbling me to praise God* for being blest
directed toward caring kindness-route
showered by heavenly fulfillment-triumph
optimizing adventurous spree
midst injustice demanding fairness-share
against flaws of bias, though unconsciously done
transforming frustration toward goodness glow
balancing pressure vis-a-vis pleasure
*Isaiah 25:1O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
December 21, 2024
Honorable Mention, "YOUR CHOICE N" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 4/13/2025
When someone helps you
They're struggling, too
That's not help
That's love.
If something bothers you
Don't busy yourself
Rather, keep silence
And pray.
When life's seem so hard
Take a break and relax
Sip a cup of coffee
Will save your day.
It's not bad to hear
Counsels from others; just pick
The good, drop the bad.
PSALM 23* a paraphrase
Abba Father is my guide
He provides all my daily needs
In Him I rest with peace of mind
for He alone guides me along my daily walk
He renews my inner being
He shows me my tresspasses& forgives me
For Jesus’s sacrifice has saved me
Yes though each day I may bear life's tribulations
I will resist Satan's temptations
For You the Holy Spirit are with me;
His voice & power counsels &comforts me.
You Abba Father protect me at all times
You pour Your blessings upon me
beyond my expectations
Certainly Your scriptures will guide me
All the rest of my earthly days
And then I will dwell with my God
Eternally
Carrying their brief to Washington Street
Ready to present before the court
A solicitor’s compelling case
Based on the law of tort
The judge arrives on the circuit
Yet in his ways he is hardwired
To let this case run on forever
An efficient ruling, anything but
An hour later, the judge cries
“Time to break for lunch”
Soon, we’ll find the defendant’s motives
About which I have a hunch
Across the street lies there
A sandwich and hot tea
Although those desperate junior counsels
Will beg for soup from you and me
Come evening, sessions close
There’s a bus home from the quay
Emails from the Law Society
Ask us to record our CPD
Eyes wide open, but still blind
Feelings raw, but frozen
Words unspoken, with rage within
Saddened by the life she’s chosen
She cannot find the ’her’ within
She’s lost, without her power
Reality has now set in
Just like a cold wet shower
Her dignity screams for release
Her psyche now awakes
And finally, it took too long
It’s time, for goodness sake!
Her eyes once blind, now clearly see
Her strength is back, it’s booming
She gathers all her self-respect
And now revenge is looming
But then her dignity steps in
And counsels her with grace
While leading her with gentle grip
To the exit of her maze.
Wendy Nipas
Ann has everyday to plead
That Arthur address her need:
Her wish to on table feed,
Beside Author novels read,
Their three kids move at top speed;
For their first child buy a tweed…
Ann is the plant, Arthur weed,
She can’t shine like a prized steed;
All these cannot True Love breed:
Arthur who won’t counsels heed…
Ann keeps convulsing like reed,
Now taught to kiss him with greed!
This, hence, a matter serious,
Ann’s lover supercilious…
You don’t conclude “Just curious”
For I sense ‘The Injurious.’
Hallelujah, the Creator of the Universe knows my name
He chose me,
He called me out and showed me there is a new way
To live and rejoice during sorrow, grief, and pain
Now I have a Father and a friend
Who carries me through every burden
Hallelujah, the Creator knows my name
He counsels me, he protects me
He takes me through every storm
He gives me hope, he loves me
Hallelujah, the Creator knows my name
I have a father who doesn’t judge me
But calls me his own
Hallelujah, I am no longer alone
Hallelujah, you are not alone
He is with us, Praise be to the one
Who called us his own.
Please" A Big No!"to contract
That would Shaolin kicks attract,
From a modest aim detract;
Flow of air slow down in tract.
"No"to cheques you never checked;
Much like grains hens never pecked,
Post-dated cheques quick dreams wrecked
And issuer's good name staked...
And -yes- endorsements: thumbprint
For eyes with mistrustful glint
Staring at money in mint:
From head to toe Captain Flint!
From these counsels points extract:
Every goddamned message tracked,
The giver his brains racked,
You not doing so move slacked...
A business Man talks listen:
Minds light and they glisten.
In our country where we had school lockdown
Since March 2020 due to COVID-19…
This year’s class opening is talk of the town
Marked well with “Welcome, students!” wondrous scene!
Grateful to God for health and wellness’ glow
We’re glad that face-to-face learning* mode is back
Offering actual teaching of goodness-flow
In meeting classmates and teachers with blessings’ pack!
Anticipating jubilant victory
While ushered to new academic challenges
We’re ready for our vibrant mentoring ministry
Claiming success in life-building midst positive changes!
*Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.
September 6, 2022
Dear Lord God the almighty who owns all
Grow him feathers to flying higher and not fall
Spark your guiding light
Whenever he is faced fright
Make this day be his first
Forgive all days sins nursed
Provide more grace to travel with you
Through his best and aging blue
Open his heart to impart more of Your counsels
Feeding on the richly garnished morsels
Gospels and guide his feet through sinking sand
To live the best for all troubles withstand
Wrap them in mercy
Mold all in grace
Usher the lingering hope's controversy
To shepherd his troubling pace
All these I ask
Oh Lord for your humble servant
The one that sees praise his task
And go all days so fervent
Nevertheless, not worthy
Make him creditworthy
Truly, he is mortal
In heaven, make him chortle
Happy birthday, dear friend
Enjoy your day off worries
And in music do blend
Refined and chilled breweries
A friendly boxer up in Green Bay
counsels townsfolk day after day
A sagacious old dog
with a website and blog
He advises: Less work and more play!
Still of weeping rank
At Blood Bank
And a Monster to tackle
In Transfusion circle;
Donors to save their pints
Or get ready to be clients
For the fiercest legal battle
That could The Bones rattle
Of their counsels: Baker or Sawyer
Widely judged “The Best Lawyer!”
Still oiling The Aids chainsaw
Whose savagery is sure:
A body violating its symmetry
And flying it to the cemetery …
Ever, The Forerunner of Wrecked Gum
That never helps a tuneful hum,
The body of victims a Leopard’s
Whereas they’re rather bipeds …
Yet to send prostitution packing
But much of its thrill sacking.
Midst inviting aurora’s awesome glow
My heart basks in radiant morning flow…
Glorious dawn declares God’s victorious day
Such is nightingale’s tune, so sweet and gay.
Refrain:
Joining creation in praise majestic
With song birds of harmony, symphonic
Led by nightingale to crescendo’s height
I exalt* Almighty for dawn’s delight.
As the bird whistles melodious cheers
Daybreak sparkles in glad triumphant gears
Greeting my soul for great worshipful start
To commune with the Lord at His rampart.
Refrain:
Joining creation in praise majestic
With song birds of harmony, symphonic
Led by nightingale to crescendo’s height
I exalt* Almighty for dawn’s delight.
*Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
June 6, 2021
1st place, "ALL YOURS (Jun 23)" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 6/24/2021.
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.
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