Author Archives: bigskybuckeye

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About bigskybuckeye

Born in the Big Sky Country of Montana and now living in the Buckeye State of Ohio, Richard is the creative mind behind Big Sky Buckeye. Retired after 40 years of teaching, I enjoy writing, photography, traveling, and following a healthy lifestyle.

What’s in a Name?

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“What’s in a name” people frequently ask

Let’s explore some just for fun, as our task

Their names represent fame and success

Bringing inspiration to people, nothing less

 

The Belle of Amherst crafts amazing prose

Emily Dickinson pens magnificent poems

With beauty as exquisite as a painted rose

 

The Little Corporal conquers many, from his view

Napoleon leads armies across the continent

Only to sustain decisive humiliation at Waterloo

 

The Yankee Clipper glides across center field

Joe DiMaggio calmly leads the baseball Yankees

Winning nine World Series, never one to yield

 

The Little Tramp generates many laughs

Charlie Chaplin affixes his comic genius

To a motherlode of silent films that last

 

The Wizard of Menlo Park perfects light

Thomas Edison invents much to enhance life

With amazing innovations, forever bright

 

The King of Rock ‘n Roll carries us into a new age

Elvis Presley flips the music world upside down

With singing and dancing from a jailhouse cage

 

The Lady with the Lamp takes up her cause

Florence Nightingale demonstrates her resolve

To improve nursing and health without pause

 

The Chairman of the Board conquers Hollywood

Frank Sinatra sings, dances, and acts his way to fame

Entertaining as few other performers ever could

 

The Wizard of Westwood toils at his craft for many years

John Wooden finishes his coaching career with a flourish

Winning ten basketball championships, incredible to hear

 

The Maid of Orleans becomes a French heroine

Joan of Arc, during a time of extreme conflict

Restores hope and boosts morale for all within

 

Nicknames bring admiration to people of fame

But even ordinary folks enjoy their nicknames

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Do you know other famous people (past or present) with nicknames?  Feel free to write a comment.

Here are some links to previously published writings that relate in some way to this poem.  All of these are non-poetry posts.

 

Buzz Saw

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Soccer brings out his passion and his finest game

Dedicating hours of practice kindles a bright flame

This teenage midfielder plays with his all

Bringing grit and determination as his call

Displaying intensity and hustle to define

Upsetting the opponent’s ability to shine

He warrants a special nickname from a loyal fan

Watching how he disrupts the other team’s plans

His play reminds eager fans of a buzz saw in motion

Working at high speed with feet creating commotion

Cutting through the challenger’s attack lines

Relentlessly shadowing the action he finds

Providing a link between the defense and the attack

Passing accurately to his teammates, right on track

Saturating play explodes like lightning and thunder

Resembling a buzz saw, rendering others to wonder

A midfielder never finds any moments to take a rest

Running constantly, his physicality passes the test

Remaining humble about his dynamic play

Supporting his teammates each match day

He understands his intended mission on the field

Flashing buzz saw quickness becomes his shield

A 13-year old grandson plays soccer for a traveling team at a very competitive and demanding level.  This poem is dedicated to his unselfish, courageous, and inspiring play.

If you want to enjoy more sports-themed poems about my grandchildren from previously published posts, check out the links shown below.

Why?

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On the morning news, I was watching a young girl bravely and calmly give an account of the carnage at a San Diego, California synagogue shooting that took place recently.  Around the world, people of faith have been attacked in their houses of worship.  I stopped and asked my Lord . . . Why?

Psalm 26:5:  “I hate the company of evildoers and will not sit with the wicked.”

Psalm 68:1:  “Let God rise up let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee before Him.”

Dear Lord

Sitting here

Watching news

Wondering again

 

Why?

 

Darkness comes

Another shooting

More violence

 

Why?

 

Godly people

With faith

Under attack

 

Why?

 

Where does

Such hate

Come from

 

Why?

 

Turning to

Reading scripture

Praying fervently

 

Why?

 

Our Father

Bring all

Faithful strength

 

Amen!

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As I was preparing this poem, I took a moment to go back to a previous poem about prayer.  I found some peace from Morning Prayer.

Enduring Character

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Horace Greeley writes:  “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures.”

 

Never forget our Lord’s profound teaching

Shelter faithful hearts each and every day

God renews our strength, always reaching

He positions loving hope to follow His way

 

Jesus reminds us daily to love one another

His fresh commandant reaches out to all

He truly wants us to witness to each other

Entrusted to make a better walk is our call

 

Protect integrity at each of life’s stops

Love God’s commandants, follow each

A person’s character should be tops

Christ’s working spirit will always seek

 

Maintain genuine discipline in one’s faith

God’s goodness and holiness arrive on time

Step forward to say “yes” to free grace

Encouraging us to obey a light that shines

 

The text for this poem is inspired from reading the following Bible verses:  

Psalm 119:165:  “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

Proverbs 3:1:  “My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments.”

John 13:35:  (Christ is speaking) “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

If you are looking for more Christian-based poems, here are a couple of previously published poems that you will find enjoyable to read:

 

Across the Street

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My retirement years usually produce a smile

But some days sink my spirits deep, by miles

My childhood sweetheart and lovely bride

Now rests with God, absent from my side

I stay occupied with my yard each morn

Discovering pleasure from nature’s form

 

There is a fine lady across the street

She emerges looking nice and sweet

She stays active around her place

Her yard definitely fits her tastes

The grass is mowed and trimmed

I wonder how she stays so thin

 

There seems, between us

A subliminal connection

Inviting her for coffee

Is my dreamy confession

 

Her petunias appear superior to mine

Perhaps I’ll ask for her secret, in time       

She smiles when my puppy is outside to play

I wonder what her plans will be for this day

I imagine what she might think about me

Watching me hang a bird feeder in a tree

 

There seems, between us

A subliminal connection

Inviting her for coffee

Is my dreamy confession

 

We both come from the same generation

Her beauty creates a wonderful sensation

I’m thinking of walking across the street

Meeting this fine lady would be a treat

She steps back inside from the dry, summer heat

Perhaps tomorrow morning, we can finally meet

My Grandfather lost his childhood sweetheart and bride, but believe it or not, he found love again . . . across the street!

This real-life experience, along with Jen Goldie’s story about “The Man Across the Street”, inspired the writing of this poem.  Visit Jen’s very creative story with the link shown below.

The Man Across The Street — Jen Goldie – A little this, a little that, some real and some imaginings.

Gentle Sounds

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Morning rain has marooned me at home

A brisk walk delayed, but never alone

Drinking coffee, another cup please

Addicted to caffeine with such ease

The early morning darkness

Stands ready in its stillness

 

The window is cracked open, just a bit

Hearing marvelous sounds, makes a hit

Pausing to listen and begin to write

Sounds of pleasure, being so right

 

Falling droplets of rain earn a trip down

Splashes on the deck, a relaxing sound

Song birds croon from atop tall trees

Sounding splendid, joyous, and free

Wet roads, close by, signal more

Amplifying car tires, ready to roar

An approaching plane flies overhead

Traveling on to Rickenbacker instead

A pair of geese flies through the sky

Their unique greeting says good-bye

 

My pen scratches delicately away

Listening to ink-filled words today

Simply enjoying an outlook from outside

Bringing life’s gentle sounds to me inside

 

“Rickenbacker” refers to Rickenbacker International Airport, south of Columbus, Ohio.  The facility provides space for civil, military, and commercial aviation needs in the central Ohio area.  The airport’s namesake is Eddie Rickenbacker, a World War I flying ace from Columbus.

If you are in the mood for more “morning” poetry, check out these previously published poems.

Weary Soul

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Waking up, feeling all worn out

Nothing to even say or shout

Fearing the day ahead

Should I stay in bed?

Nudging myself to move

Where is today’s groove?

 

Walking over to the table

Will I honestly feel able?

Feeling a cool, gentle breeze

From a window, brings a need

Turning Bible pages to a spot

Now God’s words find its dot

 

Speaking to me, comes a Savior

His words convey a new flavor

“Come to me, you are weary”

My eyes gaze tired and teary

“Your burdens are heavy, I see”

Jesus brings a time-out to thee

 

Christ remains patient and humble

Gathering me up when I stumble

He commands rest for weary souls

Easing a hefty load, much too full

Our Lord waits only a quick step away

His precious words bring plenty to say

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Much of the inspiration for this poem comes from the Bible.  The precious words spoken by our Savior Jesus proclaim from Matthew 11:28-30.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

 

 

 

 

Preserving Our Earthly Home

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The planet is fashioned by God’s expert hands

Creating the depths and peaks across the land

He uses wisdom to create the seas

Refreshing the dry land that we see

 

Earth Day arrives as an annual event

Witnessing our actions that implement

We are asked to be loyal guardians of this earth

Preserving it always, adds to its value and worth

 

Loss of natural treasures causes intense sadness

Being good stewards, brings God much gladness

Farmers operate to be effective caretakers of the land

Asking the rest of us to walk with them, hand in hand

 

We are called by our Lord to be fully aware

Sending out trustworthy legions, always fair

History and science often transmit gloomy news

Watching this earthly home decline in our view

 

Look around the planet, where we call home to be

Asking, what can be accomplished for God to see?

Perhaps our political kingpins should stop and pause

Leading a call to action for a just and worthy cause

 

Our planet is transforming before our vigilant eyes

Envisioning climate change and more as time flies

Our earthly sanctuary furnishes a home for all

Protecting our environment, too precious to fall

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Earth Day is a yearly event on April 22.  Many view “Earth Day” as an every day activity to preserve our planet for future generations.  These verses from Psalm 95:3-5 bring to mind God’s wondrous creation, which deserves our fullest attention in being excellent stewards of what He has given us.

“For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods.  In His hands are the depths of the earth; and the heights of the mountains are His also.  The sea is His, for He made it, and the dry land, which His hands have formed.”