Partial Observer

When Justice Weeps

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

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.

A Presidents’ Day Prayer

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

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

Super Bowl Ponderings

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

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).

Enough is Enough!

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A poetic plea for election reform

In Iowa the candidates
are clocking countless miles
in hopes come caucus night they will have won.
The Hawkeye State is first in line
while others wait their turn
until this long election year is done.

We’re weary of this war of words
reported in the news.
The sound bytes from each camp are deafening.
The money spent’s ungodly
and it’s such a waste of time
while our trust in who is running’s lessening.

Why can’t we learn from Canada?
Six weeks is what’s allowed
for those who want to win to plead their case.
A 10k run is long enough.
Who needs a marathon?
And yet that’s what we have… a two year race!

An Eagle has Landed

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

Remembering the musical artistry of Glenn Frey

An Eagle has landed
and his landing proved sad.
“Take it easy” they say
but we’re missing this lad
who flew with Don Henley
and taught us to sing
of hotels and new kids
and peaceful feelings.

And one of these nights
I’m sure you all know
we’ll come to our senses
singing “Desperado.”

We “boomers” are mourning
this Eagle who died.
He reached to the limit
as lyin eyes cried.

The heat is on, sadly.
There’s heartache tonight.
Glenn Frey was a genius.
That songbird was bright.