Prince Harry and Meghan make waves

That interview we watched last week
gave us an unexpected peek
at what it’s like at Buckingham
behind the drapes and doors.

While Meghan dished on what she’d faced,
Prince Harry claimed he’d been disgraced.
They gave low marks to Britain’s best.
It was a royal shaft.

As Oprah quizzed the royal pair,
A royal tension filled the air.
The Sussex twosome spoke quite frank
of Windsor woes and more.

They spilled the beans ‘bout racial hate
that hides behind the Palace gate.
They candidly confessed their pain
while honoring the Queen.

Diana’s youngest boy (now grown)
compared his plight to what she’d known.
A frenzied state of constant stress
that’s governed by “The Firm.”

So what is false? And what is true?
What claims are old? Which ones are new?
I wonder if the monarchy
can weather such a storm?

What would Dr. Seuss say to his critics?

Is there a doctor in the house?
Indeed! His name is Geisel.
Please wake him up and let him speak.
I’m fearing a reprisal.

Are cats with hats endangered, too?
Are greedy grinches targets?
Do goats in boats have cause to fear?
Or possibly the Lorax?

The Starbucks logo may be next.
She is a naked mermaid.
And likely that offends someone
who’s apt to be more staid.

Where will this cancel culture lead?
Must we rewrite past wrongs?
Or can’t we just accept what was
and change tomorrow’s songs?

Our history books record our flaws,
but warts and all we’re growing.
By looking back we change our ways
when prejudice is showing.

So let’s not rush to label those
who fail our current test.
To view the past through present lens
is  troublesome at best.

A wounded Tiger contemplates his future

It seems that Tiger’s out-of-the-woods.
Yet will he golf again?
The “king of comebacks” likely will.
But when is up to him.

He could have died.
His wreck was bad.
God spared his life (it seems).
And once again a wounded Tiger
redefines his dreams.

He’s taking stock of what’s ahead.
A good thing for us all.
To focus on what matters most
and not a dimpled ball.

Remembering the voice of conservative Americans

He spoke his mind (and others too).
And even though his right-wing views
did not align with how I think,
he was a brilliant man.

In seven decades Rush achieved
what parents taught us to believe.
That we could reach our highest goals
if we’d but pay the price.

He dared to challenge status quos.
Hyperbole he often chose
to make his point and drive it home
(though often he was wrong).

But still and all, he entertained.
A one-man show known by first name.
A complicated talk-show host.
A friend to those I love.

A rush to judgment? There’s no cause.
You might detest Limbaugh’s applause,
but just because you disagreed
does not negate his worth.

Peace to his memory!

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent

X marks the spot for all to see
a passport stamp for Calvary.
An ancient symbol and old words:
“Remember you are dust.”

This simple rite now calls to mind
the Lenten journey where I’ll find
a signpost to Christ’s suffering
and forty thought-filled days.

The smudge upon my wrinkled brow
will prompt me (as I humbly bow)
to recognize my fleeting years
and ponder what is next.

The cross that crowns my aging face
reminds me of God’s timeless grace
made possible by One who died
and rose again for me.