Poetry

A Hedge Around a Garden

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A call to pray for God’s protection over a political convention

The Republicans
are on their way to New York.
But they are not alone.
An old foe follows close behind.
His name is fear.
And as we approach the dreaded third anniversary
of what took place on ground
that history has forever deprived of a number,
it’s time we were clear.
Lest a square garden
become a shapeless plot of terror,
we’d best plant seeds of prayer
in the soil of believing hearts.
Let’s ask the good Lord
to grow a hedge of protection
around delegates and candidates
that would shield them from bad deeds.
The last thing the Big Apple needs
is an evil worm burrowing its way
to the core of our democratic process.
To that end, why not make prayer
the first thing you do today
as you sip your first cup of coffee?

My Big Fat Grecian Clan

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

A Tongue-in-cheek look at Olympics souvenirs

Beware of Greeks who offer gifts.
and also those who offer lifts
in unmarked cabs in Athens town.
I hear there’s gouging going down.

My big fat Grecian clan’s got rich
by peddling Olympics kitsch.
The oozo-flavored sno-cones are
the most ingenious by far.

My Papou’s pitching fishing caps
inscribed to say “I love my naps.”
And Ya Ya’s selling worry beads
as well as rolls with sesame seeds.

My Great Aunt Toula’s made a mint
by sculpting mounds of dryer lint.
She shaped them into Parthenons
and in one day they all were gone.

You see it’s not just athletes
who scheme to find ways to compete.
My cousin’s made a killing there
by selling Greek-flag underwear.

We Greeks know how to win the gold.
We marked up all the stuff we sold.
We proved that tourists at The Games
are short on cash as well as brains.

To the Olympics… and Beyond

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

Not all marathons in life are fun and games

To the country where it all began,
The Games return again.
The strong and fleet (with gold their aim)
compete with wills to win.

To the birthplace of democracy
the nations make their way.
They’ll prove all ideologies
give way to sport and play.

In the city where Saint Paul once stood
defending Christ as Lord,
the cheering crowds will stand as well
when winning goals are scored.

In the scheme of things The Games we love
(at best) are but mere games.
We’ll soon forget the record times
and most contenders’ names.

Still and all there is a marathon
that won’t be run in Greece.
It’s not for silver, gold or bronze.
It’s not a ploy for peace.

It’s a race (by grace) you too can run.
You’ve been qualified by One
who finished first without a fall,
then died when he was done.

It requires strength to persevere.
It’s not a common race.
But those who cross this finish line
will greet God’s smiling face.

So run as if you’re there in Greece.
Maintain your pace and stride.
Press on toward the goal you seek
for which the Savior died.

Christ’s Bride in Baghdad

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

The persecution of Christians in Iraq has only just begun

It seems they’re bombing Christians now.
God helps us! Help them! Holy cow!
In Baghdad those who follow Christ
are symbols of the West.
They’re viewed as just extensions of
one nation with its hawks and doves.
And since they are it’s likely more
will be put to the test.

The Church is not that prevalent
where Islam’s made its major dent.
But where the faithful worship Christ,
His cross can still be found.
Though homemade bombs and hand grenades
must give them cause to be afraid,
the Bride of One they call their Groom
will worship underground

The Bush Bashers of Boston

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos

Demythologizing the Democratic Dream Team

In old bean town
they made their rounds
while leaning to the left.
Those White House bound
can brown-nose well
appearing almost deft.

Both John and John
will carry on
Edwardian in looks.
Their only theme
is bashing Bush
and painting George a crook.

And did you hear?
They made it clear.
At last they’re for the war.
At least for now
that is their tact.
But change may be in store.

And if it comes,
I won’t be stunned.
Their first-this now-that ways
are well rehearsed.
They change their minds
unflinching and unfazed.