Guardian of the Range

 

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Jack Sorenson Fine Art, Inc.

A tardy, spring snowstorm assaults the grassy range

It provides a local rancher with extra work and pain

 

A newborn calf has lost her way in the heavy snow

She needs to be found soon before the wind blows

 

A solitary cowboy proceeds into the storm on his horse

He prepares to track down the stray calf in due course

 

An oversized winter coat protects him from the bitter cold

He pulls down a worn, black hat and looks ready and bold

 

The horse stands majestic and obeys each command

He and the cowboy will tackle the work hand in hand

 

The courageous pair rides together into the nasty storm

Both will be tested to rescue the lonely calf before morn

 

The snowflakes thankfully hesitate for a moment or two

Now the cowboy follows the calf’s tracks, totally in view

 

The stout horse plows through the snow so white

The lost calf may soon be discovered in their sight

 

The frightened calf huddles near a sheltering Ponderosa pine

She appears weak, cold, exhausted, and running out of time

 

The cowboy gathers the bawling calf in his brawny arms

He places her on the front of his saddle, away from harm

 

The threesome struggle to reach a much warmer place

Everyone looks forward to warm nourishment to taste

 

They journey to the ranch as quickly as possible

The loss of a vigorous calf is no longer probable

 

The cowboy dismounts and allows the calf to sprint free

She hurries to her waiting mother who is pleased to see

 

Mother and daughter stand together, united at long last

The calf nurses and sucks nourishment amazingly fast

 

The trusty and faithful horse is now saddle free

He devours extra oats with tasty hay with glee

 

The range’s guardian has returned home safe and sound

He finds his anxious wife and son, who no longer frown

 

The family of three feel graciously loved and blessed

The faithful shepherd has returned from a stern test

 

 

 

 

Poet’s Last Wish

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Sitting alone at my trusty writing table once again

Wondering where the creative images have been

 

Touching the early morning peace and stillness

Writing with inspiring words, filled with richness

 

Crafting poetry, a pleasing journey to thrill

Seeking new ideas for a blank sheet to fill

 

Smiling as my loyal pen walks with haste

Hoping these words provide a rich taste

 

Dreaming of writing a poem that’s a big hit

Understanding that many will be left adrift

 

Pausing to think of outstanding poetry awards

Knowing that finishing may be my only reward

 

Finding more ambition from the morning light

Feeling my mind beginning to take long flight

 

Adding to a poem line by thoughtful line

Relishing the energy my words will find

 

Nearing the end of my writing journey, years from now

Looking back at my poetry, and taking a last, final bow

 

Realizing that long after I have left and been gone

Appreciating others reading my words, like a song

 

 

 

 

Hilltop Hiker

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Unforgiving winter weather abates with a sunny pause

Hiking on hills and trails will be today’s special cause

 

The hiker dresses warmly due to the windy, chilly air

Hoping that his stamina will endure without any cares

 

He looks prepared to attack a vigorous hour-long walk

Knowing later, his body could stumble on a way to balk

 

The wooded trails in their colorless winter hue

Appearing in a much different setting and view

 

A hasty, gray squirrel scurries among fallen logs

Searching for a yummy morsel to stash and hog

 

The shadows look friendly and different today

Walking these trails will seem more like play

 

The hiker’s pace remains steady and brisk

Feeling stronger, without bearing on a risk

 

More trekkers descend upon the challenging trails

Experiencing nature’s offering, not wanting to fail

 

The journey takes the hiker up the outer route

Seeing barren trees and fallen limbs all about

 

Nature provides a spiritual place for all to shine

Inspiring anyone who walks this wooded shrine

 

A youthful boy’s eyes search up a steep hill

Locating a solitary deer, brings a huge thrill

 

The pace of the hiker remains steady and true

Tackling the inner trail, he will soon be through

 

A previous homesite welcomes the hiker’s arrival

Imagining from years ago, a past family’s survival

 

The unaccompanied hiker finishes the trek again

Smiling, his robust body allows him to flash a grin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You Ever Wonder?

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Receiving as a birthday gift a FitBit

Does it really get used or just sit?

 

Spending millions on ceaseless health care television ads

Why do rising drug prices make me feel like I’ve been had?

 

Eating at a restaurant that advertises a menu of “real good” food

Will someone explain the meaning of “good” to change my mood?

 

Hearing “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas” again on the radio

Did I really see singer Burl Ives caroling out in the snow?

 

Watching commercials with animals who talk

When is enough really enough before I walk?

 

Viewing yet another rerun television show

Would anyone care if I played my banjo?

 

Finding tiny pill box in my small travel bag

Why does a missing pill want to play tag?

 

Seeing country music stars dressed up with extra glamorous glitz

Does anyone remember “Hee-Haw” and Roy Clark’s guitar blitz?

 

Reading a label on the side effects of my newest meds

How would I really know about being allergic instead?

 

Standing below the mistletoe on a freezing winter night

When was the last time anyone was kissed in its sight?

 

Resting quietly in corner of hodgepodge clutter’s garage

Why is new bicycle hiding behind junk’s camouflage?

                                                                   

Frustrating political ads, insulting my common sense

Honestly, do I need to feel that dimwitted and dense?

 

Assembling an “easy to build” children’s playground

Do the leftover parts mean that my work is sound?

 

 

 

Nighttime Rain

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Lying wide awake during a lonely, rainy night

Hearing the moisture-rich drops taking flight

 

Trying to return to a dreamy sleep, without much pause

Failing because of music, those steady drops will cause

 

Remembering Eddie Rabbitt’s song of a beautiful sight

Declaring once again, he truly loves another rainy night

 

Imagining each rainy drop bouncing about

Wetting the ground with its showery clout

 

Rolling eyes over walls of a darkened room

Realizing morning light will arrive very soon

 

Recalling rainy mirages, memories hidden in the past

Hoping this precious rain shower will continue to last

 

Thinking of growing puddles, continuing to flow about

Watching rapid flash flooding, with creeks spilling out

 

Driving down a wet, shiny road with lights burning bright

Blinding radiance bounces back to impair one’s eyesight

 

Wondering where seldom-used umbrella went

Requiring it now, despite being twisted and bent

 

Smelling the soft fragrance of a summer rain

Realizing its sweet fullness will slowly wane

 

Allowing the steady patter of rain to sing

Falling asleep before the new day brings

 

Dreaming of future adventures in a drizzle so wet

Knowing it will offer more than anything seen yet

 

 

Man-Cave Friends

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Exercising tonight on my stationary bike

Making me feel very much like a young tike

Listening to a playlist of songs from the past

Hoping that my strength and stamina will last

Setting a quick pace as the pedaling begins

Missing a day on the bike would be quite a sin

Biking regularly in this Man-Cave each night

Looking around the room, there is quite a sight

Sharing space with a sofa full of Teddy Bears

Watching and smiling at me as they all stare

Pushing and pulling the handles in front of my face

Pedaling with high energy at a fast and furious pace

My biking adventure will continue all of this week

Realizing these “beary” friends will be here to peek

 

 

 

Little Things Become Big Things

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Have you ever seriously thought?

How little things in our lives become big things

 

A single snowflake falls at sundown

Becomes a skier’s paradise at sunrise

 

A single encouraging thought

Becomes the key to unlock a young mind

 

A single thoughtful gesture

Becomes a way for others to “pay it forward”

 

A single painting by an artist

Becomes a masterpiece for all generations

 

A single drop of rain

Becomes a nourishing drink for flowers so bright

 

A single warm smile

Becomes the connection between a father and daughter

 

A single laboratory discovery

Becomes the means to cure a disease

 

A single lightning strike in the forest

Becomes a way for nature to manage itself

 

A single book read at a young age

Becomes an inspiration for life-long reading

 

A single win for a struggling team

Becomes the spark for a championship run

 

A single handwritten short story

Becomes the inspiration for an award-winning novel

 

A single diamond engagement ring

Becomes a long and lasting marriage

 

A single simple prayer

Becomes the bridge between one and God

 

A single moment of intimate love

Becomes the birth of a blessed child

 

A single job interview

Becomes an incredible and fulfilling career

 

A single bright-shining star

Becomes the beacon to proclaim Christ’s birth

 

True, not all little things lead to good things

But, with patience and God’s guidance, some will become great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With God’s Grace

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Another year has finished its journey, forever gone

What will a New Year bring that is never wrong?

As this New Year thoughtfully begins

Resolutions will be thought of once again

Why do people make such a list?

Few will seriously bring much bliss

Perhaps we all harbor the very best at last

As another year brings us a hopeful blast

The number and depth of resolutions is wide

All look unique and amazing, to never hide

For myself, I have a few in mind to hopefully soar

But for me, less written is always easier to score

Here are three simple goals for 2019 to be able

Faith, family, and health will always be on my table

Each requires some effort on my part

But the journey will be worth it to start

With God’s continued grace for each one

My bucket list will be filled and nicely done

 

 

 

 

 

Never Taken for Granted

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Never taken for granted

A young nation moves forward to be brave and free

To remove the shackles of oppression so others see

A soldier takes a bullet in a far, distant land

To protect freedoms that will always stand

Thomas Jefferson will never have to write a sequel

To state for all to read, “All men are created equal”

A minister preaches to a racially divided nation

To envision “free at last” will be his final station

A newspaper criticizes the government with much to say

To reinforce freedom of the press is always here to stay

A hesitant nation awakens while its other allies fight

To bring her vast resources in a victory full of might

A mother takes a stand at a school board meeting

To support a worthy novel that is taking a beating

A crowd protests peacefully in a city very near

To bring attention to issues without any fear

A writer uses his words to bring an issue to light

To encourage all to make a difference and fight

A President hides behind the sins of Watergate

To shamefully resign from office will be his fate

Workers strike to protest low wages and more

To organize labor unions to even up the score

A young politician inspires and leads the way

To become a worthy leader with much to say

Other nations come to the aid of a valued friend

To bring support with the troops that they send

Students stare into TV cameras with one voice

Violence in schools is truly not about a choice

A former republic declines and fades away

To witness freedom’s erosion without delay

Christ’s red blood stains an old rugged cross

To bring a second chance for all who are lost

Never taken for granted

 

 

 

 

Hiring a Pastor

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A church must deal with finding a pastor quickly

Unfortunately, their preferences are a bit picky

Another applicant’s letter is presented to all

Perhaps this candidate will impress and not fall

His submitted application lists many qualifications

If there is any anguish, his will meet disqualification

I have been a successful pastor in many places

My writing has proven beneficial in several cases

My ability to organize new churches has been strong

As for my leadership traits, few if any are ever wrong

My age is adding a few years to my hard life

But my experiences bring me no fear or strife

I have never preached anywhere for longer than three years

Sometimes my preaching has disrupted and created much fear

I am not ashamed to say that I’ve been in jail a few times

None of this has been caused by any wrongdoing of mine

While my health is declining, I continue to push on

I feel a need to continue preaching about God’s song

In some communities, other religious leaders haven’t liked me

Some have even threatened and attacked for what they see

My recordkeeping skills are very poor at best

I am forgetful about baptisms and the rest

Hopefully, you will put your concerns aside

I, Apostle Paul, will in God always abide

I found a letter with details about this situation many years ago.  Anyone can search the Internet for this letter as well as sermons that are based upon Apostle Paul being a pastoral candidate at a church.  For an example, go to Paul.