The taste of joy is oh so sweet
So like our lives it’s ever fleet
It scampers by and will not last
And if we blink its time flies past.
There is no way we can explain
It comes and goes like summer rain
Now we must wait until that day
When joy and sun come out to stay !
I’ve tarried long on this troubled road
And carried much of it’s heavy load
I’ve pushed and pulled and shoved far too hard
And buried my dreams in God’s backyard.
But dreams are not what it’s all about
It’s the values we share without doubt
And the courage it takes to do right
Even when deeds are beyond all sight !
I’ve come to God’s altar with truth, honor and love
Expecting fair judgement from the powers above !
It seems the heart returns to childhoods past
Where all of our dreams were designed or cast
The innocence of those now bygone days
Got lost in the grip of our foolish ways,
And the times we dreamt have now disappeared
To leave us caught in the crisis we feared !
I see the flag that flies o’erhead
Red, white and blue as truth be said
This banner that forever waves
Our dignity and honor saves.
How proudly should we all observe
Respect for truth while valor serve
I’m glad to do all that I can
Because I am American !
The time has come to speak of things
Like love and hope and friendship rings
I’ve never had a friendship ring
But yet my life with joy does sing.
My hand still unadorned must be
To show the world that I am free
There’s but one love that is for me
My heart has pledged to walk with Thee !
I know that there are those who deny
That we have a God who bides on high
There is no way to solve this debate
At least for the moment soon or late.
Although their doubt still ever persists
I would rather trust that He exists
And shall settle for this simple fact
I believe with my whole heart intact !
When I was young and eager and my world was oh so new
I fell in love with ideals as young persons often do
And found myself those heroes I would keep my whole life through
Now one of those was Nehru, to his values he was true
Then there’s Walter Reuther whose murder didn’t spin a clue,
General George Patton, the hero all red, white and blue !
Who recalls Doug MacArthur and the victories he drew
As he saved wartorn nations for the many from the few
Next came Kenneth Galbraith and economies that grew.
Teddy Roosevelt was keen and a giant prone to spew
Who made Panama Canal a reality to view,
Then Christ who made the promise I’m still looking forward to !
There is a line one must not cross
To do so would compel a loss
Both pro and con may fight the war
From outside in right to the core.
Take care you’ll find one does not win
When truth is based upon a sin
The Lord has eyes based everywhere
To judgements make both just and fair !
EXCUSE ME but today is my birthday and I am encouraged to remember that I am imbued with old fashioned truth and the honor of my immigrant heritage. I’m an American who dearly loves my nation and its culture. I’ve raised a large family who share my values and of this I am proud. In these last 85 years I have known too many wars. I’ve had my share of patriotism, sadness and salvation, above all I continue to respect my God and my countrymen. There’s been a lot of experience and living in all of these past years, stories beyond counting, from a family crossing an angry ocean a long time ago on a three masted ship to the tragic destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11/2001, from Pearl Harbor to D Day to the explosion of the Challenger, and so much more. And yet here we are battered and sullied but not beaten ! For we are made of sterner stuff. Come join us, vote in this primary perhaps for the first time ! I hope you are aware that we don’t actually vote for the presidential candidates of our choice but for the delegates who represent them called electors, who by the way, do NOT have to elect the candidates they have been promised to, which has happened in the past ! This is why we must vote in ALL elections, please read online about the Electoral College and learn about this strange phenomenon, won’t you ? Do you comprehend exactly how fragile our freedoms are ? Sincerely , Claire B.
I hear the wind move through the trees
There sounds a voice that speaks with ease
I sense my name, I halt and heed
For I’m a child of God indeed.
The world about doth now resound
And trembles with a fear profound
The earth it rumbles neath my feet
Anon God’s plan will be complete
Warning to all, the heavens vow
His time to come twill soon be now !
Days are flying like leaves in a storm
All tempest tossed so lost and forlorn
The winds of time move across the land
Like an army under God’s command.
Is anyone sure that we’re not alone
Or which role to assume on our own
How foolish it is to thump on our chest
It is but God who will do the best !
Quite clear to see
It’s only me
Lost and confused
Not much amused.
No will to fight
Far left or right
Great passion there
Full of despair.
A lonesome place
One dare not face
Too late to try
By chance to fly !
I’ve traveled on life’s byways with stops along the way
And traversed many highways before the end of day
I’ve wandered far too long searching for the rainbow’s end
While asking God to help me to find my lifelong friend.
I lost my pal not long ago, I wish she were here
So I could say I miss her and why she was so dear
Perhaps time will tell if we shall ever meet again
But I’m not worried yet cause I still remember when !
Sometimes I fear I cannot bear
The lonliness of life’s despair
I see the children on the street
Their vacant eyes dimmed by defeat.
Compared to those of long ago
When ambition was clear to show
With spunk and guts they vanquished fear
While spirits channeled strength and cheer.
They did not cower in some cave
But learned how proper folk behave
They mimicked those who came before
They worked and saved and worked some more.
They learned the language, customs too
Embraced the challenges they knew
And in the end their courage won
Look now to see how far they’ve come !
I’d like to think that I am blessed
In my constant and desired quest
To find the peace I’m sure exists
Someplace beyond where patience sits.
So guard your tongue, be kind to all
Remember pride doth have its fall,
Our Jesus Christ, so humble He
Has promised us eternity !
There is a day that I recall
It happened early in the fall
As we were riding in the car
To visit someone not too far.
We came upon a crossroads stop
I felt my mind spin like a top
For there before my very eyes
Was the most wonderful surprise.
A country church its spires high
They stretched to reach into the sky
This ancient brown wood edifice
That seemed to speak of heaven’s bliss.
The beauty of the grounds about
Spoke loudly for its faith devout
The sight of that old wooden spire
Breaching heaven sets hearts afire.
It’s been so long since I was there
I think I can’t remember where
But this I know when I am sad
The thought of it makes me feel glad !
This lonely vigil we need keep
Ere we shall find eternal sleep,
God’s watchman waits for deeds to show
In which direction we each go.
And who is he, this chosen guard
Who watches those who’ve worked so hard
To reach the goal God has in mind
That we perchance may heaven find ?
I’m learning to live in a different way
Taking all of my chances from day to day
Trying to be a better version of me
By sharing my dreams and the hopes that I see.
So come and take part in this new escapade
Together we must try to stand unafraid
We’ll join in the chorus that praises our God
Let’s have faith in His word, it won’t be that hard !
I know my life is not a dream
At times I simply want to scream
But God and I, we have a pact
There is no plan, it’s not exact.
So when my time seems overdue
And He decides that I am through
My usefulness on earth is done
For living is no longer fun.
When I accept that I’m bereft
And ashes are all I have left
Then is the time to close the book,
And with my heart take one last look !
I have viewed God’s holy mountain and I’ve dreamt to touch His star
But I know that in my mission the long journey is too far
I have questioned every moment and my purpose is select
I remember every detail with true passion and respect.
I have trod the ancient pathway in my search for joy above
In the end I have examined certain qualities of love
I’ve considered all the factors and weighed each choice I have made
And now come to one decision only God can make the grade !
I try so hard to no judgements make
Some things I’ve seen cause my heart to break
I sight fear on the face of a child,
Abuse and hatred reports high-piled.
The truth began with one infant’s birth
Who was sent to us to save our earth
Today it’s like He was never born
This world is angry, lost and forlorn.
How can we discard what life’s about
Belief in our God and faith devout ?
What is it that I’m wishing for
A world that’s free of hate and war
What is it that I’m dreaming of
A place that’s full of peace and love.
What is it that I hope to see
That all God’s children will be free
What is it that I long to hear
The song of angels on my ear.
What is it that I pray to feel
That all of this is true and real
What is it that I want to touch
The heart of God I love so much !
How sweet life was just years ago
Before we each began to grow
Into the adults we now are
Although a few have gone too far.
Where did our faith and fairness go
And when will truth and justice show,
The coddled mass lacks common sense
How can they share in our defense ?
With hands outstretched await their turn
And ne’er a thought their bread to earn
So foolish they all seem to be
To sacrifice their dignity !
Tis sad to think that you and I
Too soon will take our last goodbye
It’s been so very long indeed
I know not how we shall proceed,
The time has gone the end draws near
Remember, I still hold you dear.
We have been friends forever now
It’s time to cut the chain somehow
And when and if there comes that day
When either one should go away
It’s not because we did not care
It’s that one is no longer there !
Sometimes a knock upon the door
Awakens us to joy in store
My dearest girl reach deep inside
For that is where your courage hides.
Just take a chance, reach out right now
And you will learn to take a bow
Perform you must no matter what
Let’s show the world the power you’ve got.
Now walk erect and make a stand
Reach out to lend a helping hand
Know God is always there for you
He loves you so, His love is true !
Tomorrow is a promise that we make everyday
Believing that the morrow is always on its way
It’s our hope for the future and one that we all share
But for some, those tomorrows may never breathe the air
No guess that time or consequence or evidence show
How much of tomorrow each of us may ever know !
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Claire V. Bogdanos 