Haiku Series #47 (Humor)

Sad, But True

Another gray day

Wintertime, always dreadful—

Must be Ohio

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A frosty and gray day in central Ohio (January, 2019)

 

Quick Exit

Waiting at the dentist

Somewhere, a drill does its thing–

Hey, I’m out of here

business care clean clinic

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

Miserable

Thunderstorm pours down

Soaking waterproof matches—

No campfire, cold food

selective focus photo of obalte green leafed plants during rain

Photo by Bibhukalyan Acharya on Pexels.com

 

Monday Memories: The First Tree Is Mine

Today’s “Monday Memories” poem was previously published in February, 2019.  Enjoy its short, yet humor-filled verses which tell a bit of a story.

gray concrete roadway beside green and brown leafed trees

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

Farmer Fred lives near an insignificant, small town

His atrocious driving skills are very well renowned

 

He pops into town usually once a week

Leaving his farmhouse to take a peek

 

After a day filled with nothing and too much fizzle

Fred stops over at a local tavern to wet his whistle

 

He orders a cheeseburger and a sweet sarsaparilla

When a wayward woman spots this handsome fella

 

Marge is a forgotten classmate from their high school

She navigates quite well when playing a game of pool

 

She stumbles over and sits down—a bit wobbly

Ordering another drink seems to be her hobby

 

Fred informs Marge that his driving is now restricted

He has been crashing too much and been ticketed

 

Marge asks, “How do you then drive that old Ford truck?”

Fred replies, “I just need a navigator to bring me luck”

 

He asks her, “Interested in helping me one final time?”

“Sure my dear friend!  But . . . the first tree is mine!”

 

Sailing Away

From Luke 8:23-24:  “And while they were sailing He [Jesus] fell asleep.  A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger.  They went to Him and woke Him up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’  And He woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, they ceased, and there was calm.”

ocean water wave photo

Photo by Emiliano Arano on Pexels.com

Sometimes life’s waters become turbulent

God’s seaworthy vessel carries the day

His Word quiets the daily storms we face

With His Spirit, angels leading the way

 

Jesus has walked on the water we sail

Inspiring many to always believe

Encountering rough “Titanic” struggles

Our journey will overcome, the storm leaves

 

Sailing off course, we have a champion

Jesus fathoms, walking ahead of us

Father, Son, Holy Ghost . . . never alone

Following our Savior, in whom we trust

 

God’s faithfulness, sets a perfect heading

Sailing away, His true compass leading

shallow focus photography of black and silver compasses on top of map

Photo by Alex Andrews on Pexels.com

 

 

Writer’s Journey

person writing on notebook while holding coffee mug

Photo by fotografierende on Pexels.com

Leaving memories from a classroom

Now pursuing and writing a new tune

 

Exciting, unfamiliar journey begins

Seeing life through a creative lens

 

Retirement offers a different team

Fulfilling hidden, unexpected dreams

 

Waking up in the very early morn

Coffee and writing, refreshing norm

 

Discovering a passion for poetry

Let’s see where words will take me

 

Finding a unique style to nurture

This pen flows with adventure

 

Short stories stir up this open mind

Enjoying the fun, these words find

 

Thankful for readers, such as you

This writer’s journey, quite a view

Haiku Series #46 (Life)

Gathering

Family Scattered

Coming together at last—

Mountaintop Christmas

woman on snow covered area near house

Photo by Ion Ceban @ionelceban on Pexels.com

 

Not Yet!

Retirement arrives

Rocking chair waits in corner—

Having too much fun

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Photo by Andy Vu on Pexels.com

 

The Poet

Searching for lost words

Crafting special poems at dawn—

Mission accomplished

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Photo by Vincent Albos on Pexels.com

 

Hallelujah!

From Luke 2:1-7:  “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” 

nativity scene christmas decor

Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

Hallelujah!

Angels sing, from heavens above

Glory forever, to a newborn King

Praising Emmanuel, as they sing

 

Hallelujah!

Virgin Mary, mother to this Son

Jesus will be His blessed name

This world, never to be the same

 

Hallelujah!

Born in a bustling hamlet, Bethlehem

Chiseled in history, forever renowned

Baby in a manger, shepherds found

 

Hallelujah!

God with us, in flawless human form

Walking in our steps, we will trust

Witnessing a Cross, our Savior must

 

Hallelujah!

God lifts the veil of His great plan

His Son will bear our bloody sins

Forever, God’s flock will say “Amen”

 

Hallelujah!

All bow, take a bended knee

Praise our Savior in prayer

Darkness leaves, Jesus cares

 

Hallelujah!

God’s divine, sacrificial plan

Jesus comes in person, to save

He overpowers sin and the grave

 

Hallelujah!

Birth of this blessed, Holy child

Peace and joy, we will follow Him

His righteousness, a lasting hymn

backlit cemetery christianity clouds

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

 

Haiku Series #45 (Montana)

Winter Tranquility

Peace and solitude

Cross-country skiing beckons—

Awesome Montana

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Photo by Simon Matzinger on Pexels.com

 

River’s Birth

Three rivers join up

Mighty Missouri River—

Headwaters . . . God’s gift

aerial photography of body of water

Photo by Devon Schreiner on Pexels.com

 

Winter Paradise

Lone Mountain summit

Powder blowing all around—

Skiing the Big Sky

 

action activity adventure cold

Photo by Riccardo Bresciani on Pexels.com

Monday Memories: Twelve Forgettable Christmas Gifts

Here is a humorous poem filled with amazing, and quite forgettable Christmas gift ideas.  I am not sure if I see one for me, but perhaps you will find something unique for yourself.  The poem was published in December, 2018, and it has been updated.

man in santa claus costume

Photo by bruce mars on Pexels.com

Imagining a zany list of gift ideas for another year

Let’s make Christmas cool again, as it comes near

 

Sitting here tonight in Ohio’s Buckeye land

Not too certain about Santa’s helping hand

 

Hoping that special gifts will await under the tree

Thinking that “some” might be pleasing for thee

 

A self-stirring coffee mug looks quite neat

Stirring my cup o’ Joe will be an easy feat

 

Christmas tea bags offer a fresh twist

Leaving my cup filled with a tasty mist

 

Is that Darth Vader defending the door?

Inflating him brings fear and much more

 

I’m not really into checking Twitter most of the time

Looking at a set of framed tweets, could be just fine

 

My stocking might be filled with a hockey stick snow brush

Cheering for my beloved Blue Jackets on the ice is a must

 

Someone spies a cassette tape collection of familiar songs

Wondering where to find a cassette player that is long gone

 

Golf ball finder glasses will most likely do the trick

Searching for each wayward shot in rough so thick

 

My daughter tempts me with chocolate Brussel sprouts

Wishing for “just” the sweet chocolate, leaves no doubt

 

A senior moment’s memory workout DVD should be slick

Keeping my brain’s recall functioning, makes a great gift

 

Coffee drinking in the morning, wine sipping late at night

Using a “Flip Over” glass, makes switching work just right

 

Last of all, needing to conceal every doughnut so sweet

Receiving a doughnut mug may hide it—isn’t this neat!

 

Warming myself in front of a blazing fire this cold night

Hoping that another lump of coal, will never be in sight

 

Bless Every Child

From Mark 10:13-16:  “People were bringing little children to Him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.  But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly, I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”

maria mery sant

Photo by JUAN CARLOS LEVA on Pexels.com

Through Holy Spirit’s presence

A virgin gives birth to a child

The Messiah, Jesus our Lord

His life, anything but mild

 

Images of baby Jesus abound

Lying in a manger, a feed trough

All babies, even Jesus, need love

From God’s Word, many thoughts

 

God holds Israel dear as a His child

With Holy divinity, Jesus is the One

Mary and Joseph, parents to Jesus

From Egypt, He will beckon His Son

 

All of us, born children of God

Led by His Spirit, from above

Receiving Him . . . Believing in Him

We cry out . . . Abba!  With love

 

Standing as heirs, with Jesus Christ

Suffering with Him, glorifying Him

Guided by His faith, hope, and love

Jesus at the Cross, paying for sins

 

Through God’s Word and instructions

Parents, loving and caring for a child

Conveying blessed discipline and love

Raising to adulthood, no longer a child

 

Bringing God’s Holy blessings to a child

Jesus holding a child, close to His heart

Loving a child as much as one loves God

From birth, giving a child a great start

family of four walking at the street

Photo by Emma Bauso on Pexels.com

From South African missionary from Scotland, Andrew Murray:  “Let us look upon our children; let us love them and train them as children of the covenant and children of the promise.  These are the children of God.” 

 

 

 

Winter Morning

From Lamentations 3:22-23:  “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

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Photo by Kaique Rocha on Pexels.com

Waking on an early morn

Winter’s darkness invites

Kitchen wood stove warms

Hot coffee always delights

 

Opening the family Bible

Reading God’s Holy Word

Feeling ever close to Him

God’s peace, gladly heard

 

Morning light, brings a smile

Caressing sunshine’s charm

Anxiously awaiting the day

Jesus protects all from harm

 

Sun disappears behind clouds

Transmitting a wintry scene

No need to go anywhere today

Playing for retirement’s team

 

Days are short, nights long

Thoughts of spring, far away

Feeling at peace, but alone

Who visits on this snowy day?

 

Peeking out the window again

In the distance, twin headlights

Daughter’s family, safely arrives

Making this day, absolute delight

man taking photo in front of vehicle

Photo by Louis on Pexels.com