The aftermath of RFK’s death is still before us 40 years later

In June of 1968
an Arab zealot filled with hate
destroyed a young man’s White House dreams
and ended his brief life.

In disbelief our nation cried.
First Martin and then Bobby died.
With King and Kennedy gunned down,
we staggered hero-less.

The bloodshed of a dreaded war
had now become our homeland’s horror.
In Memphis and in warm LA,
the chill of death brought fear.

Fast-forward to this current year.
Four decades later there’s still fear
within another Kennedy
who’s fighting for his life.

A black man and his White House dreams
has triggered fears that millions deem
are based in inexperience
and questionable faith.

And then there is the current war
dividing us from shore to shore.
Some fear this war will never end
and some we’ll quit too soon.

Yes, fear lives on in different clothes.
There’s nothing new. That’s how it goes.
But fear unchallenged fuels our hate
and robs us of God’s peace.

Recalling Israel’s rebirth 60 years ago

In May of 1948
the Promised Land became a state
as exiled Jews (dispersed) returned
reclaiming what God gave.

From nations of the world they came
united by a common aim.
To build a home and make a life
where milk and honey flow.

It was a second Exodus.
that gave The Jews good cause to trust
a gracious God who keeps His word
while doubters stand amazed.

God used David Ben Gurion
to call the sons of Abraham
back to The Land where faith was born
and Isaac was redeemed.

It truly was a miracle
and in this month we’d best recall
that those who pray for Israel’s peace
will know God’s sweet shalom.

Another date that will live in infamy;
Jeremiah’s Lamentations;
God Has a Dream, Too!

Memphis Memories
Another date that will live in infamy.

There’s a motel down in Memphis
that was Martin’s Waterloo
where Lorraine could not protect him
from men’s hate.
Even after forty years (it seems)
the 4th of April stands
as a self-demeaning anniversary date.

Mr. Ray was dubbed a racist
and he proved it with his aim,
but it’s clear that Jimmy Earl was not alone.
Whites AND blacks alike store hatred
in the basements of their hearts
judging others quite unfairly
when at home.

Jeremiah’s Lamentations
What Obama now laments about his pastor.

Jeremiah Wright is neither
prophet nor right on.
His prayer that God would damn our nation
went on much too long,

The Reverend Dr. Wright is left
about as left can be.
His sermons are political.
It’s very plain to see

he hollers about Hillary.
He rails against the rich.
His altar calls are calls to alter
what the right has pitched.

And this Chicago clergyman
has shaped his friend Barack.
No wonder he keeps saying that
our boys should leave Iraq.

This Jeremiah’s played a role
in what Obama says.
And knowing that, do you still want
Barack to be our Prez?

God Has a Dream, Too!
Martin Luther King wasn’t the only dreamer.

Selma, Memphis, Birmingham,
Atlanta and D.C.
These cities are synonymous
with dreams God has for me.

To take a stand for those who can’t.
To be an advocate
for those oppressed by prejudice
and victims of neglect.

God hopes that I will serve the poor,
the widows and bereaved.
That I will be the arms of Christ
to anyone in need.

The message preached by Martin King
(like Matthew, Luke and John)
is what God dreams will mark my life
til what He hates is gone.

Alphabet soup is simmering once again

O G O J
U R N hock
It’s E Z 2 C Y.
Just like B 4
U broke the law.
U R A guilty guy.

U can B sure
theres H to pay.
O J R 1 desire
is that U get
what U deserve
4 B N such a liar.

O J U R
N deep doo doo.
Can U C just how much?
U R N clined to beat the rap.
But now U R N dutch.