Long Chaplain Poems
Long Chaplain Poems. Below are the most popular long Chaplain by PoetrySoup Members. You can search for long Chaplain poems by poem length and keyword.
Until You Meet Again With Me
(with love to Barbara)
By Franklin Price
02/23/2022
On the evening when God took you, while we held you by the hand,
Your life on earth was over, was hard for me to understand.
Our daughter Dani was there with me, as you breathed you last goodbye
Sorrow, for us, filled the room. I wondered why it was not I.
The chaplain from the Hospice came and prayed before you passed
She left us in God's presence just before you breathed your last
Dani and I, the only ones, who were with you as you went.
God took you up to heaven, for your days on earth were spent
The Catholic priest came out to bless you, in our home, the night you died.
He came because I asked him. You were still Catholic deep inside.
Had not been to church for many years, you were gone, could not repent
The Lord blessed us, on that evening, through the man of God he sent.
You passed away on Tuesday. Dani stayed 'til Sunday morn.
Your love is always with me. You help me when I feel forlorn
He took the pain away from you. Took you to His place of rest,
And left me here to carry on, God knows what is the best.
Another Sabbath day went by and I stayed at home alone
I thought of going out to church. My beating heart not turned to stone.
Friends and family are in touch. They know I'm grieving still.
I know I'm not deserted, for desertion's not God's will.
The third Sunday morning after, remembering you, for who you were
I went out to the Catholic Church, tried hard not to cause a stir
After all, I am a Baptist, and though you taught me quite a lot
You were the Catholic, in our marriage, and my memory's not so hot.
I made it through the service, and as the priest came up the aisle,
I stopped him there, between the pews, and thanked with a smile.
I said that God and he had blessed us, on the night that you had died
In his vestments, there he hugged me, and he held me as I cried.
I felt that Christ was there, with me, on that day there in the church
And if only, I believed, He'd never leave me in a lurch.
I know you're now in heaven, and you're looking down to see
I'll do my best to follow Jesus, until you meet again with me.
I have been to other churches, every Sunday, since that day
I have been blessed in every one. For now, that's all I have to say.
"I never travel without my diary - One should have something sensational to read"
...Oscar Wilde, 1891
30 May 48: I graduated from high school today now thank God I'm free!
No more doggone homework, perplexing algebra or teachers bugging me!
7 Jul 48: Enlisted in the Air Force today! Good Lord! What have I done!
The sarge said, "Forget Mom, Dad and Susie Q! You're now mine, my son!"
21 Oct 48: Finished basic training today with about a hundred other guys.
I thought it'd be more like a Boy Scout Camp! Boy, was I in for a surprise!
15 Feb 49: Graduated tech school at Fort Warren and sent to the Bermuda Isles.
Quite a change for a country boy! Water, water everywhere for miles and miles!
12 Oct 52: Was married tonight at Perrin AFB with Vera as my beautiful bride!
She was very pert and calm, but diary, I was somewhat nervous I must confide!
23 Aug 54: Our family grew by one today! Leanna, a little girl, my fondest wish!
She was measured by a nurse holding her by the heels! Just like measuring a fish!
15 Aug 55: Boarded a crowded troopship in New York and set sail for Morocco.
Was beset with a bit of mal de mer since the ship was wallowing to and fro!
17 Oct 57: Our little 'arab' Leslie was born today near Casablanca! What a dolly!
She has a hearty set of lungs, but that's OK, she's a healthy little dude, by golly!
11 Jan 68: Son Mark was born at the Air Force Academy and seemed a healthy tot!
9 Apr 68: Alas, we buried Mark today at Evergreen. Boy, do we miss him a lot!
24 Jun 71: My family and I arrived in Tokyo, Japan, to begin our three-year tour!
Japanese is foreign! For "good morning" do I say, "ohio gazamus" or "bon jour?"
1 May 74: Chaplain Porter notified me that I had been promoted to Chief!
Happy day, dear diary! I've reached the highest rank! What a blessed relief!
1 Aug 78: I retired today at Offutt AFB, after 30 wonderful years of service!
After wearing the 'blue suit' all those years, wearing civvies makes me nervous!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Placed No. 3 in Constance La France's "The Diary" Contest - April 2011
Continued from The Eye of the Sea part 5
There washed ashore the Devil’s Whore,
Who had three times been paid,
Preserved through Sin and worshippin’
Beelzebub and the grave.
With many a cheer he’d drunk all our beer,
He’d finished off most of our weed,
We witnessed in silence this story of violence
And fury had sowed its seed.
As he finished his tale he turned rather pale,
For he noticed the swords that we held,
Unsheathed and steadily wielded and ready,
For the act that we all felt compelled.
Yet none took the lead in this, ‘merciful,’ deed
All scared to touch Lucifer’s Bride,
‘Til a preacher we knew explained what to do,
So we burnt the poor bastard alive!
And,
On the Island of Flowers, where the days pass like hours,
In a silent, secluded cavern,
Two sailors discussed their betrayal of trust,
Whilst polishing a Crystal Galleon.
O’Leary said to Griffin, “D’ya think he’s really coming?
To, ‘hunt us down like dogs,’ and take us in?”
“If he comes back, I think, he’ll prob’ly buy us a drink,
For finding this bloody damn ship!”
THE CREW
1. Captain – Montgomery McWhirter.
2. First Mate – Thor Grimpmire.
3. Bosun – Haggis McTavish.
4. Doctor – Cuthbert Creely.
5. Chaplain – Loki Walker.
6. Cook – Nipples McGinty.
7. Hand – Noel Pierre. ………………………….…..Lost
8. Hand – Hades Stint. ……………………………...Lost
9. Hand - Augustus Griffin. ………………...………AWOL
10. Hand - Frothy Johanssen.
11. Hand – Sprinkles O’Leary. ………………………AWOL
12. Hand – Nifty O’Howell. …………………………Lost
13. Hand – Skate Wills. ………………………...……Flower
14. Hand – Terry McCassey. ………………...…...….Flower
15. Hand – Gordon Blue. ……………………...……..Flower
The record-keeper compiled a big book
Assuring us that he wasn't a crook
If we'd let him in he'd take a small look
So they'd ensure that we were off the hook
I soon recognized to my frustration
Fate took away my skilled occupation
They urged me to search for God's salvation
While I discovered my new vocation
The man of bank clout collected my gold
Fools praise greed and I wasn't feeling bold
There are far greater graces to behold
And I was taught to do as I've been told
The order came down from way up on high
If we longed for arms we'd need to apply
The speaker explained how they're our ally
And they'll protect us if things go awry
The king's men arrived with a deed in hand
Telling me I had to vacate his land
With weapons ready they served his command
Taking the home we toiled to build by hand
We shivered and starved without all our food
A penniless family forced to intrude
Living off the aid of our larger brood
Dehumanized by those deeming us crude
While foraging wood to provide heating
My precious wife took a vicious beating
In her eyes I could see life retreating
Until her anima ceased competing
Whilst on the street I heard the chaplain say
"Put faith in the word! Keep Satan at bay!"
I watched as my daughters turned ashen gray
Then the good Lord took my blessings away
I shuddered when they announced their decree
Just one thing left for them to take from me
They hauled me off while bowed on bended knee
To slave at their yoke with no chance to plea
Still stacked in that train awaiting defeat
I ponder how I accepted deceit
The cries of those here with me are replete
Lamenting our consent to the elite
Beneath my tendrils,
Hidden by waves of despair
Lie Souls lost in storms nightmare
No cross, or family visitors,
Except crabs and eels
And curious seals
Picking away at the last semblance
That made them once human
The seas sermon, their last chaplain
A sunken boat, company for the last captain
The sea has many secrets
And I know her spirit well
For I am the last witness
To ships that sink
To gulls that die
To hear the whales that cry
To see the births,
Far away from man’s eye
I cast my shawl
Up mountains hidden
By current and canyon
I watch with my many eyes
The dolphins panic caught in trawlers net
Whose whistle, the final lament
Asphyxiation the cruel torment
The finless shark, the once proud ruler of this realm
Writhes in clouds of blood, while enemies swoop
Victim to another’s, gourmet soup
All is secret, for the sea hides many things
Her coral cities and sea horse prairies
But locked away in Davies locker
Oil and gas,
The treasure and the waste
She is the mother of all,
And the reaper of her domain
And I am left to wonder
For her embrace is mine to share
For I am the jelly fish, and I am a witness
To all who have wronged
This place where I belong
And now I see the virgin iceberg
A last paradise where man is not welcome
Leave my mother be, and leave her children’s kingdom
Let the cold be her knight,
Let the bears rule the night
And let nature be the light.
For I am just a jellyfish
Wandering my home, the sea,
You go to yours and let mine be.
For the sea will always be a part
Of you, and me.
And that is how, to respect my home, the sea
Footnote: Thejellyfish has over twenty eyes, more than any other creature on the planet
Son, I'm so proud that you elected to serve in the United States Marines.
Military service is a family tradition - it just happens to be in our genes!
Your forefathers have worn the uniform since the genesis of this nation.
All were privileged to serve, feeling that it was their solemn obligation!
One of your distant relatives served as a lieutenant in The Revolution.
He lost an arm at Brandywine to boost this nation's glorious evolution!
A soldier on your mother's side was a sergeant in the Battle of New Orleans.
In letters he told of subsisting on meager rations of rancid pork and beans!
A grandfather shouldered a musket in the Mexican War affair.
Another, a corporal of cavalry in the Union Army served with elegant flair!
In the Spanish-American fray, one of your kin charged up San Juan Hill.
Your great grandpa led a platoon in World War One with consummate skill!
Your granddad was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific and became an ace,
And he later soared as an astronaut through the vast reaches of space!
I was privileged to serve as an army chaplain during the Korean War.
Your Aunt Sarah served with distinction in Viet Nam with the Nurses Corps!
So, you see son, you have a distinguished heritage upon which to build,
Serving all humankind to ensure that our quest for liberty is fulfilled!
Godspeed, Marine! Here's my old wartime copy of the Twenty-Third Psalm.
When assailed from all sides, it will provide you with great solace and calm!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Placed No. 4 in Gail Doyle's "Writing A Heartfelt Poem To A Soldier" Contest
July 2012
Not so many years ago "streaking" was the latest fad.
Fellers made a "brief" appearance now and then with nothing clad!
Preachers pounded their pulpits declaring it an abomination,
But broad-minded folks thought it a cause for great "hilariation!"
Base commanders are charged with maintaining good discipline and order,
But one bird-colonel was outraged when a situation crossed the border!
He and his spouse settled to enjoy a movie at the base theater one night.
A "streaker" raced across the stage and, as they say, exited "stage right!"
At the staff meeting next day the colonel was in a towering rage!
Demanding, "Who was that freak who last night raced across my stage?"
The staff sat with pursed lips with nothing to offer as he had his say.
The commander ranted on, "If I ever catch the guy there'll be hell to pay!"
The chaplain broke the silence and offered a Biblical reference to the situation:
"Sir, said he "In the fourteenth chapter of Mark there was a similar occasion.
A young man wearing nothing but a linen garment was seized but he fled,
Leaving his garment behind!" (The colonel's face assumed a livid red!)
The commander was not at all amused and abruptly dismissed his staff!
Of course the story "streaked" around the base about the chaplain's gaffe!
The young miscreant was never identified and may yet be on the "run".
It can truly be said that everyone but the colonel took it all in fun!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Placed No. 2 in Deborah Guzzi's "Summer Time" Contest - August 2010
The cigar box reposed upon the closet shelf for nigh on fifty years.
Oft his family wondered what it held. Perhaps some treasured souvenirs?
The old man, a veteran, had fought in the European Theater of Operations.
He never talked about that nor did he ever boast of any special decorations.
Alas, he mustered for that final call of the roll to begin his eternal bourne.
His passing left behind a loving family and a grateful nation to mourn.
Rifle shots echoed o'er the hills - the clarion sound of "Taps" was played.
The Chaplain rendered words of hope and in hallowed clay he was laid.
His son sorted through his Dad's things learning facts he never knew.
Neatly folded in a trunk was his army uniform looking almost new.
He found hundreds of ribbon-bound V-mail letters to his beloved wife,
Expressing his love and hope for their life together beyond the terrible strife.
He was curious about the cigar box and pulled it down from the shelf.
There he found treasured things that his Dad had kept to himself.
His dog tags on a chain, faded snapshots of his wife and old army pals,
Staff sergeant chevrons, his honorable discharge and some old decals.
He choked back tears of pride as he discovered the coveted Silver Star,
And the citation that read of his bravery for heroic actions on the Saar!
There was also a Purple Heart and two Bronze Star Medals he had earned.
He was in awe of his humble but heroic Dad and the things he had learned!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
His day began with "Reveille" blaring from within the bowels of the ship.
Sergeants yelled, "Up and at 'em lads! We're takin' a little trip!"
He wearily arose from his bunk to don the accoutrements of war.
He'd survived Guadalcanal, now he faced Iwo Jima's fearsome shore.
They fed him steak and eggs - rookies joked that it may be their final meal.
But the battle-weary Marine was very grim - to him it seemed so surreal.
The chaplain gathered them around and offered a fervent prayer,
Pleading for God's protection and committing them to His care.
The grizzled old "Gunny" yelled, "First platoon over the side!"
"Down those lovely cargo nets, boys! Semper Fi!" he cried!
Bobbing Higgins boats waited below to take him to that perilous strand.
The engines roared as the boat wallowed and rolled t'ward that ebon sand!
He hunkered down with the others, his helmet beating upon his nose.
Others used their helmets to receive bits of breakfast as the boat sank and rose!
Adding to the din of battle so familiar to his ears were shells flying overhead.
As his boat with its precious cargo neared the beach it was hit by zinging lead!
The boat struck a coral reef so they had to wade in water up to their hips.
He struggled with his heavy pack and rifle with a prayer upon his lips.
Brave men fell under withering fire that day as they tried to force a breach.
Brave men forever lost their innocence that day on that hallowed beach!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
NO MORE LOVE POEM
“”..... Ander her picture when she cut her wrists and so the kid saw the picture and his prick went Whoop Whoop Whoop,,,”
- Trantino. The Great Blafigria Is.
“ … For I dream I know not how¡
And my soul is sorely shaken
Lest an evil step be taken,-
Lest the dead who is forsaken
May not be happy now.”
-The Bridal Ballad. Edgar Allan Poe
Please Stop.
I don’t want falling in Love
& being pretty smart
O mamma mia.
When the Train is Gone
I thrower in motion:
I don’t hit the nail on the head¡
I’m going wild against the Wall
Slap-up meal.
My brain’s been ****ed
When yr love is come
Toot toot
Damn ***** ate my dog.
Then haemin’s yr Ass:
Love is a silly thing
Fancying that
All over the place
And to die
Of a broken Heart, ja, ja ja.
Hey captain¡ Hey captain¡
My arm chaplain is incapable.
Hey Captain¡ Hey Captain¡
I think we’re gonna cum
In the twinkling of an eye:
The end of the love
Lies inside you¡
Do you know Do you see:
All lovers are Rapier pigs
bastard Gentlemen of rape
Looking out at all rissoles
In the churches’ streets
& saying:
” let me darkle
Or let me daze”.
With Langston Huges’ motto
As we live and learn:
“Dig and be dug
In return”
No more Love Poem
Darkly Vampire.
Carry me to Yr Black Ritual
Of bloody Love
Leaning lip-poised.
We tremble to receive
The darkly ****ing Eucharistic
To touch Perceive
Touch Explore
And yet with utmost Sinful care
Slide Melt
Devour.
The *****Cock
And Chicken
In the head of lustful night
Carry me.