The Poetry Marathon

To those who care for others

are a servant of the heart.

To hold another’s sorrow

be it close or far apart.

To go beyond the border

and never to say no.

To go the extra mile

not letting the pain show.

To reach out for another

no matter what the cost.

Oh so much more to be gained

than anything to be lost!  💞💞

Day in day out I stop and pray
Never knowing what will come my way

If not for me for others and so
I stop and pray everywhere I go

Be it in the car or sitting at home
Whoever’s in need, whatever is shown

I remember when it was not on my mind
But now those days are hard to find

For with our world spinning out of control
It’s my place of peace, my place to go! ⏰

by Del Bates

Taken from the song I Can Hardly Imagine

I find myself the same way.

Oh I can hardly imagine

the view I will have on that day.

I remember when my dad had passed

and I heard the words that first time.

All I could think of was, “Daddy,

you’re there in His presence, the Divine.”

And yes, someday I will be there

on the streets, I hear of solid gold.

Where brilliant colors will surround me

And my eyes will not be able to behold.

by Del Bates

If I were to lose all I had

if all would be wiped away.

I know that You would still be there

for everything, I needed each day.

Although all my prayers were not answered

the way I thought they would be.

And one was taken in an instant

oh so unexpectedly.

I know You’ve provided in the past

I know your promises are true.

So although the moon shadow surrounds me

You’re there to carry me through.

 ^“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 4:19 NIV

by Del Bates

It’s time for our family get-away

not a cottage but a  week up in Boyne.

A resort here in upper Michigan

far away from the chaos and noise.

Pack the car with food, masks, and goodies

and a bottle of iced coffee for me.

As we head for heat or comfy weather

no hurry for soon we shall see.

Oh, the memories we gather each summer

some strang, some special you know.

As we zoom on the freeway together

racing up there who’ll be the first one to show!

by Del Bates

Oh how I love to add emojis

but I can’t always see the faces.

If I don’t have on my glasses

and my throughs are off to the races.

I panic when clicking the wrong one

like a smile instead of a frown.

When my dearest friend is hurting

and their life has turned upsidedown.

So careful when posting a smiley

with a frown or a smile to say,

“I’m adding a heartfelt condolence

in what you’re feeling today!”

😉💔😉💔😇💔🙃💔😮💔😂💔

by Del Bates

Oh the seasons of the mind

respond to each situation.

Like the never-ending wave

in total fluctuation.

Sometimes I’m riding so high

then others I hit a low.

I try sometimes to guess

which way my mind will go.

But like summer, winter and fall

and yes the springtime too.

I really don’t know for sure

what my infinite mind will do!

by Del Bates

It’s a perfect day

with grandkids around.

Only a grandma

truly loves the sound.

When one starts talking

then another one too.

Total mayhem

what’s a grandma to do?

But don’t look stressed

or confused you know.

Or the kids will think,

“Do we have to go?”

But embrace the blessing

with the five God’s given.

And enjoy each second

as long as I’m livin!

Blessed with five precious grandkids

by Del Bates

There’s grace at the end of the tunnel

Although I travel alone.

There’s grace at the end of the tunnel

though my path’s not always shown.

I can see with the guiding light

He sets before me each day.

As I call on Him He’s faithful

To hear me when  I pray.

For I know the plans you have for me

to prosper and not harm anymore.

So hold me tight, come into my boat

As we travel from shore to shore.

by Del Bates

 ^“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV