The cadence of a grateful heart;
Sadness in Happy Valley and Herman “Raisin” Cain

Marking Time on Veterans’ Day
The cadence of a grateful heart

A grassy field of markers and a multitude of flags
call attention to those veterans who are gone.
‘Neath the sod they sleep in silence waiting for the reveille
when old Gabriel trumpets resurrection’s dawn.

As I wander through a graveyard on this cold November day,
I am warmed by countless names that catch my eye.
They belong to men and women who obeyed their Uncle’s call
and then served our nation proudly till they died.

Each (in uniform allegiance) pledged unflaggingly to serve
freedom’s cause no matter where that need might be.
And because they did, we’re vested in both rights and privileges
that define the fabric of democracy.

Without speaking I bear witness to these heroes of the past
through the cadence of my grateful beating heart.
Marking time I count my blessings for the legacy they left
as I hear their plea for me to do my part.

Sadness in Happy Valley
Why State College is in an unhappy state

Happy Valley’s rather sad.
Paterno’ fans are stunned and mad.
The patriarch of college ball
has coached his final game.

But think of those Sandusky sacked.
The innocent whom he attacked.
Are not the crimes that make God weep
more cause to make them sad?

And while they grieve that Joe Pa’s gone,
let’s pray this scandal prompts the dawn
when blindside sins and blind-eyes turned
are labeled what they are.

Herman “Raisin” Cane
How the accused reacts to the “grapes of wrath”

He’s taken off. He’s gaining lift.
His fans are raising Cain.
And as he sails to heights unknown
his critics take their aim.

They pounded pavement for some dirt.
With mud they try to smear
a man who claims he’s innocent
while looking in the mirror.

But “grapes of wrath’ don’t make him whine.
Not Herman “Raisin” Cain.
He knows they’re really sour grapes
that come with gaining fame.

This pepperoni Godfather
has learned the square of pi.
He’s been around enough to know
your critics often lie.

But if the “grapes of wrath” prove true
and Cain admits to wrong,
I think I know what he will sing
when he breaks out in song!

* “Amazing Grace will always be my song of praise…” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqn-xkyQ_RA