Anyone like poetry?
Here are two of my favorites:
Poetry
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_Mort_Coyle
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2005 12:28 am
- Location: Seattle, WA
-
_Mort_Coyle
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2005 12:28 am
- Location: Seattle, WA
What Have We Done Today?
by Nixon Waterman
We shall do much in the years to come,
But what have we done today?
We shall give out gold in a princely sum,
But what did we give today?
We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,
We shall plant a hope in the place of fear,
We shall speak the words of love and cheer,
But what did we speak today ?
We shall be so kind in the after while,
But what have we done today?
We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,
But what have we brought today?
We shall give to truth a grander birth,
And to steadfast faith a deeper worth,
We shall feed the hungering souls of earth,
But whom have we fed today?
We shall reap such joys in the by and by,
But what have we sown today?
We shall build us mansions in the sky,
But what have we built today?
`Tis sweet in idle dreams to bask;
But here and now, do we our task?
Yes, this is the thing our souls must ask,
What have we done today ?
by Nixon Waterman
We shall do much in the years to come,
But what have we done today?
We shall give out gold in a princely sum,
But what did we give today?
We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,
We shall plant a hope in the place of fear,
We shall speak the words of love and cheer,
But what did we speak today ?
We shall be so kind in the after while,
But what have we done today?
We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,
But what have we brought today?
We shall give to truth a grander birth,
And to steadfast faith a deeper worth,
We shall feed the hungering souls of earth,
But whom have we fed today?
We shall reap such joys in the by and by,
But what have we sown today?
We shall build us mansions in the sky,
But what have we built today?
`Tis sweet in idle dreams to bask;
But here and now, do we our task?
Yes, this is the thing our souls must ask,
What have we done today ?
Last edited by _lino on Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason:
Reason:
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_Mort_Coyle
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2005 12:28 am
- Location: Seattle, WA
The Calf-Path
by Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911)
One day, through the primeval wood,
A calf walked home, as good calves should;
But made a trail all bent askew,
A crooked trail, as all calves do.
Since then three hundred years have fled,
And, I infer, the calf is dead.
But still he left behind his trail,
And thereby hangs my moral tale.
The trail was taken up next day
By a lone dog that passed that way;
And then a wise bellwether sheep
Pursued the trail o’er vale and steep,
And drew the flock behind him, too,
As good bellwethers always do.
And from that day, o’er hill and glade,
Through those old woods a path was made,
And many men wound in and out,
And dodged and turned and bent about,
And uttered words of righteous wrath
Because ’twas such a crooked path;
But still they followed — do not laugh —
The first migrations of that calf,
And through this winding wood-way stalked
Because he wobbled when he walked.
This forest path became a lane,
That bent, and turned, and turned again.
This crooked lane became a road,
Where many a poor horse with his load
Toiled on beneath the burning sun,
And traveled some three miles in one.
And thus a century and a half
They trod the footsteps of that calf.
The years passed on in swiftness fleet.
The road became a village street,
And this, before men were aware,
A city’s crowded thoroughfare,
And soon the central street was this
Of a renowned metropolis;
And men two centuries and a half
Trod in the footsteps of that calf.
Each day a hundred thousand rout
Followed that zigzag calf about,
And o’er his crooked journey went
The traffic of a continent.
A hundred thousand men were led
By one calf near three centuries dead.
They follow still his crooked way,
And lose one hundred years a day,
For thus such reverence is lent
To well-established precedent.
A moral lesson this might teach
Were I ordained and called to preach;
For men are prone to go it blind
Along the calf-paths of the mind,
And work away from sun to sun
To do what other men have done.
They follow in the beaten track,
And out and in, and forth and back,
And still their devious course pursue,
To keep the path that others do.
They keep the path a sacred groove,
Along which all their lives they move;
But how the wise old wood-gods laugh,
Who saw the first primeval calf!
Ah, many things this tale might teach —
But I am not ordained to preach.
by Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911)
One day, through the primeval wood,
A calf walked home, as good calves should;
But made a trail all bent askew,
A crooked trail, as all calves do.
Since then three hundred years have fled,
And, I infer, the calf is dead.
But still he left behind his trail,
And thereby hangs my moral tale.
The trail was taken up next day
By a lone dog that passed that way;
And then a wise bellwether sheep
Pursued the trail o’er vale and steep,
And drew the flock behind him, too,
As good bellwethers always do.
And from that day, o’er hill and glade,
Through those old woods a path was made,
And many men wound in and out,
And dodged and turned and bent about,
And uttered words of righteous wrath
Because ’twas such a crooked path;
But still they followed — do not laugh —
The first migrations of that calf,
And through this winding wood-way stalked
Because he wobbled when he walked.
This forest path became a lane,
That bent, and turned, and turned again.
This crooked lane became a road,
Where many a poor horse with his load
Toiled on beneath the burning sun,
And traveled some three miles in one.
And thus a century and a half
They trod the footsteps of that calf.
The years passed on in swiftness fleet.
The road became a village street,
And this, before men were aware,
A city’s crowded thoroughfare,
And soon the central street was this
Of a renowned metropolis;
And men two centuries and a half
Trod in the footsteps of that calf.
Each day a hundred thousand rout
Followed that zigzag calf about,
And o’er his crooked journey went
The traffic of a continent.
A hundred thousand men were led
By one calf near three centuries dead.
They follow still his crooked way,
And lose one hundred years a day,
For thus such reverence is lent
To well-established precedent.
A moral lesson this might teach
Were I ordained and called to preach;
For men are prone to go it blind
Along the calf-paths of the mind,
And work away from sun to sun
To do what other men have done.
They follow in the beaten track,
And out and in, and forth and back,
And still their devious course pursue,
To keep the path that others do.
They keep the path a sacred groove,
Along which all their lives they move;
But how the wise old wood-gods laugh,
Who saw the first primeval calf!
Ah, many things this tale might teach —
But I am not ordained to preach.
Last edited by _lino on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
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_Mort_Coyle
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2005 12:28 am
- Location: Seattle, WA
You mean the avatar? That's a painting entitled "Silent Night" by a Christian artist named Steve Sawyer ( http://www.art4god.com/html/?go=products )
Here's a few more of his works:
The Good Samaritan
No Appointment Necessary
Storm Pilot
Here's a few more of his works:
The Good Samaritan
No Appointment Necessary
Storm Pilot
Last edited by _lino on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
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_Christopher
- Posts: 437
- Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:35 pm
- Location: Gladstone, Oregon
I love poetry. Especially in the form of a song. Like this one:
MAN OF THE TOMBS
Bob Bennett
© 1989 Matters Of The Heart Music (ASCAP)
Man of the tombs
He lives in a place where no one goes
And he tears at himself
And lives with a pain that no one knows
He counts himself dead among the living
He knows no mercy and no forgiving
Deep in the night he's driven to cry out loud
Can you hear him cry out loud?
Man of the tombs
Possessed by an unseen enemy
He breaks every chain
And mistakes his freedom for being free
Shame and shamelessness equally there
Like a random toss of a coin in the air
Man of the tombs, he's driven to cry out loud:
Underneath this thing that I've become
A fading memory of flesh and blood
I curse the womb, I bless the grave
I've lost my heart, I cannot be saved
Like those who fear me, I'm afraid
Like those I've hurt, I can feel pain
Naked now before my sin
And these stones that cut against my skin
Some try to touch me, but no one can
For man of the tombs I am
Down at the shoreline
Two sets of footprints meet
One voice is screaming
Other voice begins to speak
In only a moment and only a word
The evil departs like a thundering herd
Man of the tombs, he hears this cry out loud:
Underneath this thing that you've become
I see a man of flesh and blood
I give you life beyond the grave
I heal your heart, I come to save
No need to fear, be not afraid
This Man of sorrows knows your pain
I come to take away your sin
And bear it's marks upon My skin
When no one can touch you, still I can
For Son of God I am
Dressed now and seated
Clean in spirit and healthy of mind
Man of the tombs
He begs to follow, but must stay behind
He'll return to has family with stories to tell
Of mercy and madness, of heaven and hell
Man of the tombs, soon he will cry out loud:
Underneath this thing that I once was
Now I'm a man of flesh and blood
I have a life beyond the grave
I found my heart, I can now be saved
No need to fear, I am not afraid
This Man of sorrows took my pain
He comes to take away our sin
And bear it's marks upon His skin
I'm telling you this story because
Man of the tombs I was
MAN OF THE TOMBS
Bob Bennett
© 1989 Matters Of The Heart Music (ASCAP)
Man of the tombs
He lives in a place where no one goes
And he tears at himself
And lives with a pain that no one knows
He counts himself dead among the living
He knows no mercy and no forgiving
Deep in the night he's driven to cry out loud
Can you hear him cry out loud?
Man of the tombs
Possessed by an unseen enemy
He breaks every chain
And mistakes his freedom for being free
Shame and shamelessness equally there
Like a random toss of a coin in the air
Man of the tombs, he's driven to cry out loud:
Underneath this thing that I've become
A fading memory of flesh and blood
I curse the womb, I bless the grave
I've lost my heart, I cannot be saved
Like those who fear me, I'm afraid
Like those I've hurt, I can feel pain
Naked now before my sin
And these stones that cut against my skin
Some try to touch me, but no one can
For man of the tombs I am
Down at the shoreline
Two sets of footprints meet
One voice is screaming
Other voice begins to speak
In only a moment and only a word
The evil departs like a thundering herd
Man of the tombs, he hears this cry out loud:
Underneath this thing that you've become
I see a man of flesh and blood
I give you life beyond the grave
I heal your heart, I come to save
No need to fear, be not afraid
This Man of sorrows knows your pain
I come to take away your sin
And bear it's marks upon My skin
When no one can touch you, still I can
For Son of God I am
Dressed now and seated
Clean in spirit and healthy of mind
Man of the tombs
He begs to follow, but must stay behind
He'll return to has family with stories to tell
Of mercy and madness, of heaven and hell
Man of the tombs, soon he will cry out loud:
Underneath this thing that I once was
Now I'm a man of flesh and blood
I have a life beyond the grave
I found my heart, I can now be saved
No need to fear, I am not afraid
This Man of sorrows took my pain
He comes to take away our sin
And bear it's marks upon His skin
I'm telling you this story because
Man of the tombs I was
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32
Christopher,
Bob Bennett is my favorite Christian poet/songwriter, and "Man of the Tombs" is my favorite song of his. I can not listen to it without getting teary-eyed and choked-up. It was on his "Lord of the Past" album, a "best of" collection, which is now out of production. I lost my original copy but was pleased to find one from a private party through Amazon.com. Although I had to pay $40 for the replacement copy, I considered it money well-spent. Few albums (other than Keith Green's) pack so much edifying truth into so small a package.
His album "Songs From Bright Avenue" was also out of print, but I think someone in Canada is now reissuing it for a decent price. Its songs were written in the context of his marriage failure, and is very powerful for those who appreciate depth in Christian lyrics.
Bob Bennett is my favorite Christian poet/songwriter, and "Man of the Tombs" is my favorite song of his. I can not listen to it without getting teary-eyed and choked-up. It was on his "Lord of the Past" album, a "best of" collection, which is now out of production. I lost my original copy but was pleased to find one from a private party through Amazon.com. Although I had to pay $40 for the replacement copy, I considered it money well-spent. Few albums (other than Keith Green's) pack so much edifying truth into so small a package.
His album "Songs From Bright Avenue" was also out of print, but I think someone in Canada is now reissuing it for a decent price. Its songs were written in the context of his marriage failure, and is very powerful for those who appreciate depth in Christian lyrics.
Last edited by FAST WebCrawler [Crawler] on Sun Oct 15, 2006 6:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason:
Reason:
In Jesus,
Steve
Steve
-
_Christopher
- Posts: 437
- Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:35 pm
- Location: Gladstone, Oregon
Hi Steve,
Wow what a coincidence. Bob's one of my favorites too. He used to play at Calvary Chapel whenever he was in town up here. The pastor used to joke about how he "allowed" Bob to play there.
I listen to Man of the tombs whenever I want a good cry
.
"Song from bright avenue" has been re-released and is available on Bob's own website:
http://www.bob-bennett.com/
He has another album called "The view from here" which is an unplugged version of many of his more popular songs including Man of the tombs. Your copy should be on it's way....watch your mail. Merry Christmas.
Wow what a coincidence. Bob's one of my favorites too. He used to play at Calvary Chapel whenever he was in town up here. The pastor used to joke about how he "allowed" Bob to play there.
I listen to Man of the tombs whenever I want a good cry
."Song from bright avenue" has been re-released and is available on Bob's own website:
http://www.bob-bennett.com/
He has another album called "The view from here" which is an unplugged version of many of his more popular songs including Man of the tombs. Your copy should be on it's way....watch your mail. Merry Christmas.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32
Wow. I am ordering some of this guys stuff. Amazing. Thanks Christopher for bringing him up!
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason:
Derek
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7
Growing up in the "after glow" of the Jesus People movement, I was privileged to see Don Francisco in concert more than once. I've always loved his lyrics, especially when he tells a story through his music.
I've not found a song of his that isn't deep yet can move me to tears.
His site can be found at http://www.rockymountainministries.org/index.html
This song/poem is one of my favorites. Enjoy!
Too Small A Price/Joy
by Don Francisco
I awoke to hear the jailer turn the key and push the door
"Get out here!" he shouted, but I stayed there on the floor
Frozen in the terror that rose and filled my brain
For I knew what they intended; I could not face the pain
Then soldier's came into the cell and they dragged me to the yard
They threw me down before a cross and brought the whip down hard
"Carry it!" they shouted as I struggled to my feet
I put my shoulder under it; dragged it to the street
I stumbled through a wall of screams as they drove me through the gate
It seemed that thousands lined the streets, their voices filled with hate
Like a wolf pack in the night that moves in for the kill
They closed the gap and followed us as we started up the hill
And it seemed I'd barely reached the top when they grabbed me from behind
They threw the cross down under me and tied the ropes that bind
The arms close to the beams as they nailed the feet and hands
And they raised the cross up in the air and dropped it in it's stand
Through a blur of pain I saw the cross there next to mine
There were people all around it so I looked to read the sign
It was nailed there up above His head so the world could see the news
That the man who seemed so helpless there was the King of all the Jews
Well, the crowd that stood around His cross made jokes about His name
They shouted, laughed and spat on Him so I joined in the game
Then I said, "Hey! if you're the King why don't You get us down from here?
The taunt just sounded hollow and it echoed in my ears
'Cause He looked at me with eyes that seemed to reach into my heart
They shone a light on all my lies and tore my life apart
There was more that lay behind His gaze than simply blood and clay
But knowing was too much for me; I had to look away
Then I chanced another look at Him as He was looking down
Where the soldiers who'd just crucified us drank there on the ground
And although He spoke them quietly, somehow His words came through
He said, "Father, please forgive them; they don't know what they do."
Then as if they'd heard Him speaking, the crowd began to roar
Whipped to frenzy by the priests who urged them on to more
But the worse the accusations, now, the plainer I could see
The guilt of the accusers -- not the One there next to me
Then the man upon the other cross began to curse and swear
But his voice was filled with venom as he hurled it through the air
When all the horror that was in him, and had laid his life to waste
Came out in every syllable he flung in Jesus' face
And Jesus only looked at him, but something rose inside of me
And in spite of all that watched us there, it couldn't be denied
Because His righteousness and innocence were shining bright and strong
I just couldn't keep my silence and that cursing still went on
I cried out, "Don't you fear the wrath of God even at the end?
You'll curse us both into the pit -- is that what you intend?
We're only getting what we're due -- we've sinned our whole lives long
But don't you talk to Him that way -- He's done nothing wrong!"
Then with all my courage, in a voice not quite my own
I asked Him, "Lord, remember me when you come into your throne."
He answered me and even then, His love was undisguised
He said, "Before the sun has set today, you'll be with Me in Paradise."
Well the shouts and curses did not stop even when the sunlight ceased
But somehow in the midst of it my soul had been released
And though the agony continued, it was still too small a price
To be allowed to hear those words, and to die beside the Christ!
Then darkness changed to dawning
And I heard the sound of voices
The air was warm around me
I stood beside a stream
And Abraham was speaking
To the multitude before him
Of the unfolding of the answer
To our prayers and hopes and dreams
Then far across the chasm,
Came a rumbling like the thunder
And the Prince of Peace came shining
From his mouth the power streamed
And the walls and towers crumbled
And the gates of hell went under
As thousands sang the victory
"We have been redeemed!"
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
Joy! Joy! Joy! Joy!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
I've not found a song of his that isn't deep yet can move me to tears.
His site can be found at http://www.rockymountainministries.org/index.html
This song/poem is one of my favorites. Enjoy!
Too Small A Price/Joy
by Don Francisco
I awoke to hear the jailer turn the key and push the door
"Get out here!" he shouted, but I stayed there on the floor
Frozen in the terror that rose and filled my brain
For I knew what they intended; I could not face the pain
Then soldier's came into the cell and they dragged me to the yard
They threw me down before a cross and brought the whip down hard
"Carry it!" they shouted as I struggled to my feet
I put my shoulder under it; dragged it to the street
I stumbled through a wall of screams as they drove me through the gate
It seemed that thousands lined the streets, their voices filled with hate
Like a wolf pack in the night that moves in for the kill
They closed the gap and followed us as we started up the hill
And it seemed I'd barely reached the top when they grabbed me from behind
They threw the cross down under me and tied the ropes that bind
The arms close to the beams as they nailed the feet and hands
And they raised the cross up in the air and dropped it in it's stand
Through a blur of pain I saw the cross there next to mine
There were people all around it so I looked to read the sign
It was nailed there up above His head so the world could see the news
That the man who seemed so helpless there was the King of all the Jews
Well, the crowd that stood around His cross made jokes about His name
They shouted, laughed and spat on Him so I joined in the game
Then I said, "Hey! if you're the King why don't You get us down from here?
The taunt just sounded hollow and it echoed in my ears
'Cause He looked at me with eyes that seemed to reach into my heart
They shone a light on all my lies and tore my life apart
There was more that lay behind His gaze than simply blood and clay
But knowing was too much for me; I had to look away
Then I chanced another look at Him as He was looking down
Where the soldiers who'd just crucified us drank there on the ground
And although He spoke them quietly, somehow His words came through
He said, "Father, please forgive them; they don't know what they do."
Then as if they'd heard Him speaking, the crowd began to roar
Whipped to frenzy by the priests who urged them on to more
But the worse the accusations, now, the plainer I could see
The guilt of the accusers -- not the One there next to me
Then the man upon the other cross began to curse and swear
But his voice was filled with venom as he hurled it through the air
When all the horror that was in him, and had laid his life to waste
Came out in every syllable he flung in Jesus' face
And Jesus only looked at him, but something rose inside of me
And in spite of all that watched us there, it couldn't be denied
Because His righteousness and innocence were shining bright and strong
I just couldn't keep my silence and that cursing still went on
I cried out, "Don't you fear the wrath of God even at the end?
You'll curse us both into the pit -- is that what you intend?
We're only getting what we're due -- we've sinned our whole lives long
But don't you talk to Him that way -- He's done nothing wrong!"
Then with all my courage, in a voice not quite my own
I asked Him, "Lord, remember me when you come into your throne."
He answered me and even then, His love was undisguised
He said, "Before the sun has set today, you'll be with Me in Paradise."
Well the shouts and curses did not stop even when the sunlight ceased
But somehow in the midst of it my soul had been released
And though the agony continued, it was still too small a price
To be allowed to hear those words, and to die beside the Christ!
Then darkness changed to dawning
And I heard the sound of voices
The air was warm around me
I stood beside a stream
And Abraham was speaking
To the multitude before him
Of the unfolding of the answer
To our prayers and hopes and dreams
Then far across the chasm,
Came a rumbling like the thunder
And the Prince of Peace came shining
From his mouth the power streamed
And the walls and towers crumbled
And the gates of hell went under
As thousands sang the victory
"We have been redeemed!"
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
Joy! Joy! Joy! Joy!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
Last edited by Guest on Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:
Reason: