The Poetry Marathon

Long ago back in our innocence when patriotism was in flower,

And no pundits questioned America’s place as a super power,

Children stood at attention vowing their allegiance to pledge

Since rising to face the flag didn’t set any critics teeth on edge.

After all, it was the mannerly thing to do like rising for our elders,

Calling ladies and gents sir and ma’am, and respecting one’s betters.

True, misogyny existed, and the South was rife with segregation,

But whatever color and creed each believed America a chosen nation.

Fast forward to today, when putting a hand over one’s heart

Is more than likely the loyalist to condemn, ostracize, and set apart.

Instead of one nation indivisible now we’re many different peoples—

A hyphenated crew, all separate and feeling rather abused, unequal,

demanding our inalienable rights, but forgetting our duties due.

So come now and rise to honor those maligned stars and stripes,

Pledge allegiance to an imperfect, but striving to improve way of life.

A life time of surging blood ceases as gasping breath sputters to a stop.

Simultaneously spiking carbon dioxide sends a dying brain into over drive.

Out-of-the-body now? That’s depleted oxygen levels, which rapidly drop.

A life review and seeing loved ones too on your final magic carpet ride,

Bright lights, inner peace, and harmony—these feelings can’t be denied.

Eternity in an instance, at one with a universe viewed by unseeing eyes,

No one knows, but as for myself, I’m counting on a crucified Christ.

The Lord Yeshua is my ever-present guide

Should I take the Interstate highway wide

Or reach Heaven’s gate by backroad way.

I shall not want should I with Him stay

As He prompts my choices as I pray.

He leads me through life’s worst fears—

Deaths, loves lost, and burnt-out careers.

He restores and quells my distraught soul

As through life at 75 miles per hour I roll.

For salvation doesn’t on obedience depend

Since His grace has blotted out all my sins.

His love runs over-flowing throughout my life

While I deal with strum and drang and strife.

First Poem—posted at 9 a.m. CDT on the wrong page

That fidget spinner

Whirling focuses attention

But piques teacher’s ire.

Had we but world enough and time

That cell phone out would be no crime.

You could sit down and talk away,

And chat, text, and Angry Birds play.

But at your back you should fear

Midterms, papers, and finals hurrying near.

For yonder all before you now lie

Incompletes of vast eternity.

So rather than inattention your GPA devour

While you daily deplete your i-phone’s power,

Now roll all your wit and charm and all

Your attempts your instructor to enthrall

And get back to listening as a part of life

While a D-slip causes student-parental strife.

Thus, although you really cannot swing an A,

With some effort, you can still softball play.