Back to Basics
When all the rust takes over and our final structure falls
When that wood has finally rotted and the final trumpet calls
When the last day here on earth has then become your first
There will only be one way to quench that human thirst
When the light here starts to fade and your eyes are growing dim
When our thoughts can quickly turn, to this world away from him
When the last thing that we hear is the first we start to see
If you get lost in the forest, simply focus on the tree
His blood has now been shed, and his sacrifice was made
He suffered and died for us, for our debt to be fully paid
There is no greater love than what God has given and sent
Harden not your heart, accept the truth and then repent
None of us are perfect and worthy we are not
We repeat the same old sins and squander what we’ve got
Just remember what I tell you as you watch the sunset fall
Jesus Christ died for our sins, and his blood was shed for all
Mark Koplin
9/3/25
The Day After
I will forever recall that day, I still remember it very well.
That day was September 11th, when those twin towers slowly fell.
The sun was shining bright and the sky a polished blue.
Many lives were changed that day, yours and mine were too.
A nation divided for years, came together that day as one.
Every father and mother, every daughter and son.
I could not see any color such chaos is never clear.
Soot covered each face and all were shrouded in fear.
Many were trapped in these buildings with smoke and fire all around.
Can you remember them at those windows, so high above the ground?
Lives were lost that day with all hope for them bereft.
They didn’t jump to die, they simply had no options left.
Life is full of weather, you will have decisions to make.
Make your choices wisely, please give instead of take.
We all will face our demons before our time on Earth is done.
Stand and face each storm, never turn away and run.
Mark Koplin
9/12/24
Man’s Best Friend
Their unwavering loyalty will never adjourn,
they will patiently sit and await your return.
They will give you their best with unending love,
they are man’s best friend, a gift from above.
They will always stand guard, both night and day,
you are theirs to protect, that’s just their way.
With hugs and kisses they will help ease your strife,
they need only you, to live their best life.
If you are anything like me, you will have a dog when you die,
when you never come home, they won’t understand why.
Dogs are very smart, they will understand death,
but they will need to see your body, once you’ve had your last breath.
All of us will die and this world will move on,
so please think of your dog, before you are gone.
It’s a heartbreaking time when our loved ones leave,
but just like us, our dogs need to grieve.
Mark Koplin
12/2/23
A ten year long journey, uphill both ways,
ended last night, toward the end of the day.
The wife of my brother, the mother of his sons,
a farewell message from the tips of their tongues.
Two young boys have now become men,
a battle was fought and has come to its end.
In the still of the night a soul was led home,
with our Lord Jesus Christ we are never alone.
The love for our family is second to none,
I couldn’t be more proud, of both of these sons.
With passion and strength, they’ve completed their task,
God please hear me now and grant what I ask.
I ask for your guidance and strength for these men,
please light their new path and bless them again.
In these upcoming days there will be one more fight,
please keep them strong and show them your light.
Mark Koplin
7-24-2023
We were all shocked when in Soup Creek arrived Putin
Said he came to boogie doing some Boot Scootin'
Mayor Tom said, "Fair Game!!
So, Jenna took dead aim
Her gun fired and the varmint was done, darn tootin'!
"There's no place for that devil on Boot Hill," folks cried.
Body dragged away, left in the sun till he fried
That night Soup Creek held a feast
Toasting the death of the beast
Asked how he'd died, Sheriff Koplin said, "Suicide."
Jenna’s Saloon on Soup Creek
Tania, Deb, Kim, Constance, Belle
Darlene, Connie, Paula as well
Work for Jenna in her saloon
Waiting on tables in fine tune.
Singing as customers are served
All things abnormal are observed
The gals listen to what goes on
Reporting all to Mayor Tom.
The saloon’s a place to relax
Where the regulars meet and chat
With plenty to drink and to eat
A night at Jenna’s is a treat.
Sheriff Koplin, David the Ranger
They watch over any stranger
Who is maybe looking for loot
Or someone they may wish to shoot.
Onto trouble, sharp as a knife
Is gambler Milton, faster than light
Deputy sheriff Michael Tor
And Prospector Pete on his horse.
Of Blacksmith Rees rogues be aware
He's got ultra hot furnace where
They'll find themselves burnt if they dare
Bestow folk mischief or despair.
But hey ho when the day is done
Everyone is out to have fun
Laughter, singing, it’s never bleak
At Jenna’s saloon on Soup Creek.
*+*+*
1st September 2022
Let’s just give this some thought, a little cash for the bank.
Here is some information for the old think tank.
Are you really pro-life or are you just pro birth?
We have some unwanted children right now on this earth.
What have you done and what will you do?
It’s easy to judge when there’s no burden on you.
The high price of gas will be your least expense.
Your taxes will now soar, that’s just common sense.
Think of the niece who was raped, maybe she was just a child.
An innocent victim of Uncle Chester, and not a girl gone wild.
Will you pay for the psychologist or the medication for her strife?
This special care will be needed for the rest of her life.
This law that was changed will not create loving homes.
More money will be needed for your local golden domes.
We’ll need more social workers and foster parents as well.
Will you open up your home? I guess time will tell.
Mark Koplin
6/26/22
My name is Mark Koplin
and it has been since birth
My dear Mother and Father
were the salt of the Earth
Some days I am ornery
and not real discreet
Other days I’m like candy
and just a little bit sweet
I can flow just like water
even when I’m ice cold
but when the temperature rises
that’s when you’ll see me get bold
I can be very loyal
and ease the pain you’ve been through
or I can be evil as hell
It just depends upon you
Another chapter closed, one more year in the books.
A day of reflection, shadowed by sanguine looks.
We’ve all seen loss it’s been a difficult year.
It’s time to move forward and dry each tear.
Opportunity unveiled; it will greet you with a knock.
Seize your moment, embrace each tic of the clock.
Welcome to page one, a new chapter we’ll write.
Let’s emerge from the darkness and dwell in the light.
1/1/22
Mark Koplin
Life and Death
On the day of our demise, as that final moment descends
The only thing of importance, will be our family and our friends
We won’t care about our money, our car or cellular phone
We’ll just want to be loved and not spending that moment alone
How we choose to live, will dictate exactly how we die
None of us will live forever, so savor each beautiful sky
Some of us will leave this earth young and others will be old
Always live for today, no matter what you are told
Sweep your doorstep daily, never let life’s garbage accrue
Be vigilant everyday in all you say and do
Stay mindful of what’s important and always continue to climb
It doesn’t matter how long we get it’s how we spend our time.
11/15/21
Mark Koplin
Faith
Reality will mirror the truth unseen.
Can we be washed in blood and still be clean?
How does the grass and all of the trees grow?
Does our life have true meaning, how does one know?
Think of the stars that fill our up our night sky.
How did they all get there and why?
Why must the young always grow old?
Can we follow our heart with all that we’re told?
Can we ask the right question, even though we are blind?
Could these answers be hidden for us one day to find?
Why do we work, love, laugh and cry?
What makes us seek knowledge, when one day we’ll die?
Who gave us life, dance, rhyme and song?
Is there a God? Who’s right and who’s wrong?
What’s your belief, how did it all begin?
Did God send his son to die for man’s sin?
We will never make sense of no beginning or end.
The answer is clear, its faith, my dear friend!
10-19-2021
Mark Koplin
Love Never Dies
Tonight, will be hard, tomorrow even worse
I’m sorry for your pain and cancers dreaded curse
Too young for death, one last traveled road
God, please give them strength to shoulder this load
You will see many paths, choose wisely which to take
Maybe you’ll get a visit, tonight before you wake
Hold your head high and be proud of your choice
Twenty-five years gone and I can still hear her voice
Do mothers really die? Maybe, but not for me
She lives in my heart; when I look, I still see
9/7/21
Mark Koplin
No matter how some complain and bellow
they are exposed, each a trolling fellow
I'd look them in the eye
for telling one more lie
but I heard they're too busy eating crow
by Jenna Logan
Their "platforms" anchored, tightly tethered
Their statements all "if, ands, and whethers"
While blowing their horns
And spitting out thorns
From mouths full of fluffy crow feathers
by John Lawless
Cruel comments, sure catch one's eye
Demeaning, vindictive, but sly
Trolls aim to debase
And leave a bad taste
Perhaps they should eat humble pie
by Jan Allison
Some people just won't admit when they're wrong
Like to spin yarns and then string you along
But without any doubt
They are always caught out
Then feast on the first crow that comes along
by Tom Cunningham
Will he choke while eating crow
A feeble mind he does show
He messed in the blog
When he slopped his hog
His words are wind and they blow
by Mark Koplin
Marlene Larson
I just heard yesterday that you get to go home.
You will soon be young again and free to roam.
My thoughts and words today are for you my friend.
Every time that I write, I’ll think of you as I hit send.
I appreciate your support and the kind words you have shared.
I will miss your comments, but I’m so glad that you cared.
I’m sorry that you are leaving and not feeling well.
You will forever remain in my heart, so this is not a farewell.
Your words of encouragement, I will always hold dear.
The end is pretty amazing, so please don’t fear.
Those last three seconds are a miracle to behold.
It’s an amazing transition, so big and so bold.
I’ve shared with you my glimpse, and you too shall see.
All of your pain will be gone and you will truly be free.
I’m thankful for your friendship and that you are not alone.
Just wait till you feel his hand as he leads you back home.
Love always,
Mark Koplin
Do we deceive ourselves in our desires?
It's imperative to how one acquires
Inherent moral virtues; weight of the Will,
Wanting or needing, living lavish fill
Our task to self, is show moral's values
Honesty, loyalty, respect, their use
Of self-discipline, gratitude, kindness,
Chivalry, mercy, and trustworthiness.
1/9/2020
Morality Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Koplin
Our children are so easily astray
these Light's values build their innocent way.
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