Raking piles of leaves
Trees now empty of color—
Autumn’s leftovers
Morning’s icy breath
Winter playing hide ‘n seek—
Goodbye autumn friend
Lonely tree branches
Always full of memories—
Final leaf falling
In the United States, the “Pledge of Allegiance” has been recited countless times in school classrooms, at the beginning of meetings, sporting events, and other instances. The original 29 words were inspired by the writings of Francis Bellamy (from 1892) and became official in 1923. In 1954, the words, “under God” were added. These 31 words mean much more than just a mere collection of words.
We the People, commit to stand
With loyalty across this land
Stars and Stripes shall forever fly
Old Glory standing proud and high
Solidarity, stand as One
United, never be undone
A more perfect Union shall spring
Shining democracy will ring
Tested, resilient, and upright
Faithful courage, nation’s birthright
Built upon God’s eternal love
Divine guidance comes from above
Inseparable and lasting
Forged by trial and fire’s casting
Covering this land of the free
Freedom from sea to shining sea
Conquers inequities with care
Truth and righteousness come to bear
I have posted this video before, but it is worth a second look. Here is American comedian, Red Skelton, sharing his interpretation of the words’ meaning in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Originally published January, 2021.
From the words of American Christian author, James Dobson: “It is important to know that you have to work to keep love alive, you have to protect it and maintain it, just like you would a delicate flower.”
Encouraged to trust Father’s Word
Hope sown with Christ’s patient love
Precious seeds of kindness
Heaven harvests from above
Cultivated with Father’s grace
Eternal light never ends
Rejoice with Spirit’s peace
Fragile love strengthens to mend
Answered with Father’s faithfulness
Calvary pays debits of man
Love rises with new life
According to divine plan
Called by Father, who always cares
Love each delicate flower
Maintain, always protect
Backed up with mercy’s power
Commanded by Father above
Always love one another
Just as faith’s Savior loved
Every sister and brother
From 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love.”
Morning’s
Benevolence shared
Holy Spirit’s blessing
Found in Scripture’s Word
Journey
Worship’s
Faithful praise
Following Christ’s light
Hope fills every verse
Peace
Prayer’s
Intimate conversation
Heavenly Father’s attention
Listening to every thought
Connection
Mystery ahead
Shadows can’t hide
Each spirit drinks deeply
Endless dreams collide
Pathway of echoes
These woods speak out
Tomorrow surrenders
Darkened voices sprout
Moonlight’s reflections
Mirrors of light
Backwoods’ invitation
Shared from nature’s birthright
Night’s melody plays
Whispers gift-wrapped
Each note of harmony
Composed to adapt
Mystery now found
Morn’s grateful dawn
Spirits return to sleep
Dreams wait to be drawn
From Psalm 66:1-2: “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name; give to Him glorious praise.”
Our Father’s handiwork
Bringing glory to His name
Designs of every shape
Lighting eternity’s flame
Awesome are Father’s deeds
Turning darkness into light
Wonders of creation
Shining from nightly moonlight
Goodness from Father’s hands
Detailing His divine ways
Deliverance descends
Beholding sky without gray
Bigness of Father’s heart
Promising grace from His love
Filled with benevolence
Working always from above
From Psalm 66:3-4: “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds! Because of Your great power, Your enemies cringe before You. All the earth worships You; they sing praises to You, sing praises to Your name.'”
College paper due
Burning midnight’s precious oil—
Overwhelmed with zzz’s
Family heirlooms
Home resembles museum—
Endless dusting chores
Understanding life
Proverbs of Renaissance man—
Absorbing his light
From Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
Accepting life’s ongoing gifts
Filling wonder, never adrift
Marveling at heavens above
Inspiring vastness of God’s love
Walking in righteousness with God
Comforted by His love, unflawed
Looking ahead, with peace and hope
Holding tightly to God’s firm rope
Treating others with words which say
Sharing compassion’s rich bouquet
Gathering strength for life’s travels
Trusting God, nothing unravels
Listening to deepest feelings
Surveying each moment’s healing
Receiving mid-course corrections
Hearing God’s faithful directions
Sailing in darkness, never cursed
Navigating by God, headfirst
Achieving goals, each passing day
Tasting our Lord’s hope-filled buffet
Tackling challenges without fear
Taking risks, with God set to steer
Stepping forward beyond life’s dreams
Following each path as God deems
From 1 Corinthians 10:16: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?”
Originally published January, 2021.
From 1 Timothy 2:1: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.”
Embracing Savior’s peace
Heart replenished with grace
Walking with dignity
Faith’s most genuine place
Praying for each other
Words employing Christ’s love
Reaching to Heaven’s hands
Mediator above
Persevering to pray
Christ’s Holy presence felt
Encouraging boldness
Every word be heartfelt
Trusting always Christ’s light
Believer’s truthful way
Following Good Shepherd
Called now to simply pray
Sharing faith’s compassion
With everyone in need
Sowing Savior’s witness
Hope fulfilled with each seed
From Ephesians 6:18: “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.”
Tested
By circumstances
Faith’s resolute light
Loneliness retreats to shadows
Trusting
Faced
With darkness
Faith’s boldest moves
Enemy expelled by light
Overwhelming
Surrounded
By storms
Faith gathers strength
Rising from Calvary’s light
Reassuring
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
Big Sky Buckeye 