Why the former President misspoke;
Those Rainy Nights in Georgia

Jimmy’s Crack Scorned
Why the former President misspoke

Jimmy’s crack scorned and white folks care
that a President would dare
to say Obama’s health care woes
are just because he’s black.

That which Carter claimed as true
insults the likes of me and you.
It fails to own how far we’ve come
since Martin shared his dream.

I believe our reticence
comes from bold “facts” that don’t make sense
and from our fears that we’ll become
like those in Canda.

Jimmy’s crack scorned both black and white.
And such wisecracking isn’t right.
The man from Plains is nuts to think
we’re racist to object.

Those Rainy Nights in Georgia
Giving Mother Nature the respect she demands

Just a rainy night in Georgia?
How they wish it was just one.
Countless days of nonstop downpours
have Atlantans on the run.

Widespread flooding has proved tragic.
Children have been swept away.
Tears of sorrow fall like raindrops
as it was in Noah’s day.

Now as then we are beholden
to the force of nature’s whim.
Even those quite wise and wealthy
quickly bow to floods and winds.

Remembering Patrick Swayze and Annie Le;
The Guiding Light is Gone

Requiem
Remembering Patrick Swayze and Annie Le

In Ghost we watched him and we cried.
This week that dirty dancer died,
but Patrick Swayze showed us all
just how to waltz with death.

With courage he embraced his foe
and tango-ed with him toe to toe.
I’m hoping Patrick also knew
four steps to peace with God.

And don’t forget young Annie Le
discovered on her wedding day
within a wall, inside a lab.
A plot for CSI.

I grieve for her Annie’s fiance
whose greatest fears proved true Sunday.
A day for which he dreamed became
a nightmare that won’t end.

There’s so much sadness in the news.
We weep inside, our psyche’s bruised
when those quite famous or unknown
are taken much too soon.

Another Soap is Down the Drain
The Guiding Light is gone

The Guiding Light has shined its last.
The seven-decades beam it cast
on radio (and then TV)
has been unplugged for good.

It’s gone the way of other soaps
like Edge of Night and Ryan’s Hope
for all my children never watched.
Did yours? Most likely not.

Our daytime viewing habits changed.
What we once watched, we now think strange.
Those steamy plots have given way
to talk shows and the news.

And with the fact more women work,
their rating dropped into the dirt.
No longer do young housewives while away
days of their lives.

But lest we think we’re so mature,
our night time shows aren’t all that pure.
Both Bones and Grey’s Anatomy
are rated R for sex.

Soap operas aired at night or day,
will leave our souls a dingy gray.
What we allow to fill our minds
eventually leaks out.

* check out http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/story/1445851.html

Remembering a 9/11 hero eight years later;
Gridiron Glory

Let’s Roll!
Remembering a 9/11 hero eight years later

Eight years ago hate left its mark
in New York and D.C.
But don’t forget the ones who died
aboard Flight 93.

Eight years ago one said, “Let’s roll!
Let’s take those terrorists down,”
although he knew his hijacked jet
would plummet to the ground.

A pregnant wife, two little boys,
his loving mom and dad.
He pondered leaving them alone,
afraid, distraught and sad.

But enter Todd the patriot
who knew what must be done.
He wanted to bequeath the hope
of freedom for his sons.

Todd Beamer’s faith helped him stay calm.
And with those other guys,
he led the charge that tackled hate
six miles in the sky.

So on this day when we recall
an act that changed our lives,
I’m grateful for the likes of Todd.
May we all be as wise.

* Todd Beamer was a thirty-three year old hero on United Flight #93 that crashed near Shanksville, PA on September 11, 2001. This young business executive, a graduate of Wheaton College, led an on-board rebellion against the terrorists that had hijacked the plane by calling out “Are you guys, ready? Let’s roll!” Check out http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A=150237&M=50022,00.html

Gridiron Glory
Why collegeate football sacks the pros

Yes, it’s time again for football.
How I love this time of year.
Autumn leaves and caramel apples,
punt returns that prompt a cheer.

But, it’s college pigskin antics
that I’m passionate about.
Amateurs who play their hearts out
are my favorites without doubt.

See, the goal of college football
isn’t just a line of chalk.
It is building men through teamwork
through a game known for hard knocks.

College players feel allegiance
to their coach, their team and school.
Love of winning spawns their effort.
Pride in purpose in their fuel.

While the NFL boasts ratings,
college football takes the cake.
Since these players aren’t paid millions,
they give all for goodness’ sake.

An eighteen-year mystery has been solved;
Defining Labor Day;
A Labor of Love

The Lost Has Been Found!
An eighteen-year mystery has been solved For eighteen years they thought her deadand as they passed her empty bed,her mom and dad would visualizethe nightmare of that day. For eighteen years they hoped and prayedthat justice would at last be paid.That those who kidnapped one so lovedwould suffer for their crime. For eighteen years they tried in vainto keep their marriage free from blame.The stress that’s born of tragedywould shatter vows they made. But eighteen years have come and goneand now they’ve learned their little blondeis twenty-nine, the mom of twoand very much alive. Eighteen long years and no one knew.The case was closed. There were no clues.But just like that…. a miracle.Who says that prayer’s a waste? 
* On August 27, 2009 Jaycee Lee Dugard was found in Antioch, CA after having been kidnapped as an eleven year old in 1991. Amazingly, my family was living about five miles from where this young woman was kept in a maze of tents and shelters in the backyard of her abductor. We had no idea that such a horrid crime was being played out “in our backyard.” 

Defining Labor Day
Working at understanding this day-off

It’s a day devoid of labor
so that family, friends and neighbors
can enjoy an outdoor barbecue
of burgers, brats and beer.

It’s a day meant for thanks-giving
for the means to make a living
in an up-for-grabs economy
where unemployment’s high.

It’s a day for closing cabins
where our summer chillin’ happens
near the ocean, lake or mountains
or just where life’s simpler.

It’s a day when classroom teachers
contemplate what kind of creatures
will confront them as they stand before
those rows and rows of desks.

It’s a day to greet September
while we look back and remember
how much fun we had with those we love
before we had to part.

A Labor of Love
A tribute to America’s firefighters

We have heard of tragic wildfires.
We have heard of houses lost.
We have heard of those who dare the odds
to drown a living hell.

When the sky is black with clouds of smoke,
when the hills are orange with fire,
when the untamed flames break free and dance,
not all are spectators.

There are those whose job is saving lives.
There are those who feel the heat.
There are those who face what others flee
and fight it to the death.

What they do demands a hero’s heart.
What they fear is hard to say.
What they love is snuffing danger out.
They risk so we are safe.

Here’s to firefighters I have known.
Here’s to those who died too soon.
Here’s to those who live each day God gives
in love with what they do.