One poetical commentator’s opinion
The Donald acts more like
“the don” of a clan
than one we should trust
with the keys to our land.
He’s flippant, demeaning,
disgusting and rude,
unfeeling, judgmental,
capricious and crude.
His words trump his smile,
his actions his wealth.
While some sing his praises,
I scoff at his stealth.
The world must be laughing
to see us misled.
Enough of this folly
we’ve all come to dread.
What can we learn from Justice Scalia’s unexpected death?
The blindfold of Justice is concealing her tears.
She weeps as she grieves one now dead.
Eight justices join her because their dear friend
could not be aroused from his bed.
Antonin Scalia has left a great void
in his family and in the High Court.
His death’s a reminder that each day’s a gift
and life can be quickly cut short.
We tend to assume that we’ll always have time
to convey to our loved ones we care.
But then without notice death knocks at our door
and catches us up unaware.
God, grace us with wisdom to cherish our days
to accept those we tend to begrudge,
to offer forgiveness to those who offend
while mindful that You are our Judge.
Looking back as we look ahead
God of our forefathers (and countless mothers),
as we approach this Presidents’ Day Weekend
we ask for Your grace that we might increasingly embrace…
the leadership skills of George Washington
the tenacious determination of John Adams
the creative ingenuity of Thomas Jefferson
the honest courage of Abraham Lincoln
the conservation foresight of Teddy Roosevelt
the physical resilience of FDR
the audacious vision of JFK
the integrative initiative of LBJ
the consequences of corruption characterized by Richard Nixon
the spiritual transparency modeled by Jimmy Carter
the political open-mindedness of Ronald Reagan
the potential for redeeming one’s reputation as demonstrated by Bill Clinton
the family values of George Bush
and the hope-and-change dreams of Barack Obama.
When we are quick to acknowledge our lack of knowledge or experience
needed to accomplish tasks to which we’ve been called,
remind us that our greatest Presidents were unqualified
to achieve all that which was expected from them.
Remind us this day that greatness is defined by service and humility
and that success is defined by compromise and cooperation.
Thank you for the leadership example of Jesus
who did not come to this world to be served
but to serve and to give.
To that end may we also lead by serving and love by giving
as we do our best to make our world a better place. Amen.
*This prayer was offered by the poet before the Washington State House of Representatives in Olympia on Thursday, February 11, 2016
Is the big game about football or commercials?
While Denver might be Peyton’s Place
and Charlotte Newton’s town,
this Sunday neither one will be at home.
The Broncos and the Panthers
will be in the Golden State
to taste the glory fifty years has grown.
Down at the shrine to Levi’s
where the Forty Niners play,
we’ll watch the biggest bowl game of them all.
This national sensation
is a holiday of sorts.
It’s the Sunday advertisers make a haul.
But most of all this Sunday
is a time to reminisce
about the year our team went all the way.
It’s a day for friends and fam’ly
to draw close and feast on food
while we cheer commercials (and outstanding plays).
My Rhymes and Reasons 