Selected Poems by Other Poets

Selected poems by other Christian poets.

(These poems are published here with permission and may be
used for non-profit ministerial and educational purposes. Please
remember to credit the authors when using their poems.
Thank you.)

Scholar

by Mike Bullock

You don't have to be a scholar
Own a brain that's rather large
Live inside a great big mansion
Always butter, never marge
You don't have to toil for hours
Read the bible inside out
Always looking rather holy
That's not what it is about.

God, He loves the cheerful giver
One who's humble and contrite
Often failing in their duties
Never seem to get it right
He can use the lowest morsel
Thankfully for you and me
Just relax and let it happen
We are useful, wait and see.
© 2008

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Within The Frame

by Teresa R. Earlywine

Within the frame
are frozen moments of time;
Youth eternally preserved
though decades have
sped by.

Within the frame
forever captured are
faces of those I've loved -
and lost.

Within the frame
are sweet memories
And they will forever be with me.
© 2008

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Soft Scoop

by Mike Bullock

I'm wrestling with the ice cream
Inside this soft scoop box
My spoon is bent,my patience spent
I'm trying to outfox
The barrier before me
To get my just dessert
I'll hack at that unyielding mass
No matter what the hurt.

But hey,where is my patience
Why don't I let it melt
Surely it will taste the same
If time and me both dwelt
Perhaps this is my problem
Too hasty in my ways
A Martha living in my skin
To be a Mary pays.

So if I wait upon The Lord
Instead of rushing it
And let us melt together
In a fusion,we will knit
A tasty time of bonding
And one that satisfies
Oh Lord, please give me patience
To delight in Your surprise.
© 2008

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Mountains

by Jeff Bidiman

Once I made a mountain out of all that I did treasure,
And heaped upon it, stone by stone, things of earthly pleasure.
Standing proud upon its peak; looking down where I began,
I shouted out to those below, ' behold how great I am! '
Then, in the breath of silence that is felt before the dawn,
That mighty mountain I had made, crumbled, and was gone.

So I made another mountain with my fear and rage.
Hoarding all my treasures, I placed them in a cage.
Heaping on them jagged rocks of anger and distrust,
And everything that brought me pleasure, filled me with disgust.
Then, in the breath of silence between the notes within a song,
That awful mountain I had made, trembled, and was gone.

In my pain and anguish, I cried, ' enough Lord, I give up! '
Then a stranger said to me, ' my son, drink from this cup. '
As I drank that soothing water, a change came over me.
While it wet my soul, I wept uncontrollably.
Then the stranger softly said, ' come follow me dear brother,
And let your mountain build itself, while we aid another. '

As we wandered all around, serving water to the weak,
Suddenly to my suprise, I was standing on a peak.
The stranger kindly smiled and said, ' God's word flows like a fountain,
When you helped me spread His word, He made you this new mountain.'
Then I fell upon my knees, thanking God for humbling me,
And allowing me to drink His cup of truth which set me free.
© 2008

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JUST LAST NIGHT

by Teresa R. Earlywine

Just last night I held you;
A faint whisper, and you were gone
that June morning.

So brief was your time on this earth -
Yet, somehow I always knew
You were too good for this world.

You were meant to soar
where angels fly
And, I'll never forget you.

(For Shawn, my angel
March 1969-June 30,1969)

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In The Trenches
by Janet Ruth Martin

Unless I'm in the dirty trenches
Sharing in the toil and stenches,
I should never cast a stone
At the one down there alone,
Unless I've walked with him awhile,
Wept his tears and shared his smiles,
Pushed against misfortune's wind,
Shouldered burdens of his kind,
Unless I've borne his bitter fate
And fought his battles, small or great,
I should not have a word to say
Unless of course, it is to pray

Love is for the weak and brave,
Not the crest of some great wave,
Love seeks out the lonely face,
Searches in the dreary place,
And it never casts a rock
Into the trench where weary walk,
Love is gentle, love is kind,
Love to differences is blind,
Love does not seek out its own,
Or worship heroes on a throne,
So if love's not my driving force
I should be still, and pray, of course
© 2009

Love is patient and is kind.....Love is not easily provoked,

and thinks no evil; 1Cor. 13;4-5

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Misconception About God
by Janet Ruth Martin

Some say He sits upon His throne
To view the sins of men,
Recording all the works we've done
'Til He returns again,
They say that He is never seen
And very seldom heard,
They view Him as a Judge so mean
And not a loving Lord
I long to shout from mountain-peaks
Open up your eyes,
You deafened ears, each day He speaks
From earth and sea and skies
Oh, can't you hear His gentle tone
Melt over every hill
As He treads the breaking dawn
And parts the darkened veil
Oh, can't you hear Him in the song
Of earth, its Maker praising
The flowing brook, the feathered throng
The eastern sky a-blazing
The cry of babes, the bleat of lamb
The faithful rooster crowing
THERE HE IS, THE GREAT I AM
A GLIMPSE OF HIS LOVE GLOWING
Oh, can't you see Him ride the storm
In nature's power wielding
And yet He keeps wee sparrows warm
Beneath a downy shielding
Oh, can't you see Him in the tears
Of humbled hearts so tender
Bidding farewell to loved ones dear
As back to earth they render
The body of a precious soul
But there is peace in knowing
That this is not their final goal
AH, SEE HIS GREAT LOVE SHOWING
And in the rainbow of the calm
With storm and fury fading
He ministers a healing balm
To faithful hearts a-waiting
And like a rose about to bloom
The tender leaves are parted
He breathes His love into the gloom
And heals the broken-hearted
Then, fragile as a butterfly
Yet strengthened by His spirit
Above life's storm He lifts us high
HIS LOVE SHOUTS AND WE HEAR IT
© 2009

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In December's Wood

by Jeff Bidiman

In the seclusion of December's wood,
The whispering moments of Winter-hood
Find me in great need of serenity,
That imponderable amenity,
And walking within the evergreen frost,
Feeling completely so lonely and lost,
Failures, misfortunes, are all that I see.
Relentless pursuers I cannot flee.
So I shall rest below snow plated trees;
Maybe, just maybe, my feet I can please.

Meanwhile, unfolding before my sad eyes,
A portrait of peace appears in the skies.
A brilliant beam shines above a crisp lake,
While my tormenting thoughts tremble and quake.
See the snow sparkle in the blue moonlight.
See how it twinkles in the soft midnight,
And here, all around this frozen shore,
Those devilish thoughts torment me no more.

Then one tiny star descends from its home.
One tiny star has started to roam.
Down it drifts toward the frozen lake.
Down it drifts; one single, little snowflake.

Faintly a sound floats in the frigid air.
A gentle tune emerging from somewhere.
I can hear a flute lightly drawing near.
Violins and horns perform in my ear.

Who plays such music so near the lakeshore?
I wonder if maybe I should explore,
But I am transfixed by this glint of ice.
Enthralled by this small piece of paradise.
Slowly descending, shining so bright,
I marvel at how it reflects the light.
The music grows louder, pleasing my ears.
The melody sooths and calms all my fears.
The flake is expanding; lowering near.
Changing in shape; its image quite clear.

If I am dreaming, I hope not to wake,
I see a woman alight on the lake!
Her hair is long; downy white as the snow.
Her skin; the color of the moon's full glow.
Her dress aglitter with heavenly star shine.
Her two silver skates; I cannot define.
Angelic wings, with a celestial sheen,
Drape from her back, transparently pristine.
Gracefully gliding, spinning, and turning
To the music that fills me with yearning.
Her skates cut swift patterns into the lake.
A vision thats more than my heart can take.

The invisible flute cries so sincere,
And softly, I release an icy tear.
Down it rolls, slowly transforming to sleet.
Down it rolls toward the snow at my feet.
Then that dread tear splashes onto the ground.
Betraying me with a deafening sound!
Oh misfortune, why must you plague me so?
Revealing me, shivering in the snow.

Silence reverberates throughout the night,
And I am filled with an uneasy fright.
Slowly turning to rest her eyes on me,
I see her stare of heartbreak and pity.
Flapping her wings without stirring the air,
Floating toward me, (I mumble a prayer),
Without a word, or sound, she flies so near,
And scoops up the snow that caught my cold tear.
What should I do, when dreamily she stands,
But stare in wonder at her outstretched hands;
And what do I see where my tear had froze?
Amazingly, a bright red rose!

I cradle it closely in the coming dawn,
And look for the angel, but she is gone.
Instead I see glittering in the ice,
These three little words of sound advice:
"Trust in God" lay etched in the lake.
Suddenly, my thoughts begin to awake.

Today as the sun lifts over the trees,
I find that my mind can now be at ease.
The Loving Lord is looking over me.
Encompassing me with His majesty,
And as I stare at this rose in my hands;
I promise to do what He commands.

While I step from within December's wood,
In the whispering moments of Winter-hood,
I return with those I cherish the most;
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.

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Surrender

by Mike Bullock

Remember when the world was good
We fully took a part
And we could manage on our own
Without a change of heart
We were strong, embracing all
The joys that life portrayed
As long as we enjoyed our lot
Then this is where we stayed.

Thankfully, we saw the light
And altered our direction
We realised that all our gods
Were lacking real perfection
We learnt that far from being strong
The human mind is weak
And had to relegate ourselves
To someone less unique.

So in our weakness, we are strong
A vessel needing change
Which comes from God, The only source
Who loves to rearrange
The sinful, weak and hopeless soul
Who trips on every stone
We cannot do it by ourselves
We need His help, alone.
© 2009

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Train

by Mike Bullock

In platform one there stands a train
It calls at every station
Takes it's time along the track
Enjoying it's duration
The driver is an expert
He's taken years to learn
His knowledge stands him in good stead
Knows every twist and turn.

In platform two another train
It is a sleek express
Only stops at major stations
Dying to impress
When it gets to where it's going
Things have been omitted
Hasn't learnt the proper route
Because it weren't comitted.

The moral of this story
Is like tortoise and the hare
If you let The Spirit guide
He's going to get you there
If you jump the learning queue
By going your own speed
Your tower of Babel will collapse
A sorry mess indeed.

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Sitting on my Front Porch

by Janet Ruth Martin

Sitting on my front-porch with loved ones at my knee
Drinking in the music of the twilight's melody
Tiny sip of glory is this evening paradise
Sitting on my front-porch as my Maker paints the skies

Somewhere in the valley I can hear the cattle low
The pasture-land lies golden-bronze beneath the sunset's glow
Faintly I can hear the church-bells chiming down the street
Beyond the noisy traffic and the muffled busy feet

Sitting on my front-porch, this my humble palace grand
Apartheid to an orchestra led by Heaven's hand
Hummingbird and firefly and busy honey-bee
And little children's laughter joins in Heaven's melody

Tiny splash of paradise has dropped from Heaven's brush
Landing on my front-porch in this sacred evening hush
Lemon tea or lemonade either one is fine
Sitting on my front-porch 'neath the shadow of His vine

Sonny, grab your silver spoons so you can keep the beat
I'll play my harmonica while sister taps her feet
Standing on His promises, praising Christ the Lord
Sitting on my front-porch I desire nothing more

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Dog-poop Brownies

by Janet Ruth Martin

They look absolutely decadent
Rich, chocolate-y and sweet
Go ahead and take a big one
You deserve a special treat
But I feel I ought to warn you
As I see your hefty scoop
There's a secret ingredient
Half a teaspoon of dog-poop

Compared to all the nuts and butter
The eggs and sugar too
Compared to all the yummy chocolate
In this sweet and sticky goo
There really isn't any reason
That you should need to worry
What's a little dog-poop
In a pile of chocolate glory?

In spite of my convincing
Politely you decline
They still look so inviting
But you say you've changed your mind
It seems my honest warning
Caused you to think again……
Well, the dog-poop in the brownie
Is like 'just a little sin'

So if perhaps you're thinking
That a little sin won't hurt
That somehow you deserve it
Like a decadent dessert
I'm hoping you'll remember
This story if you can
And just a little bit of 'dog-poop'
Spoils the entire pan
© 2010

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Before one comes to know one's heavenly Father, one transgress upon this earth as a wanderer, trying to fill a longing for the emptiness that can only be satisfied by the One to whom the saints and the angels sing the awe inspiring hymn 'Let the Lord be Magnified' and 'Worthy to be Praised'. You want Rest in you Soul? The answer has been revealed to you. As it is written, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls". Matt 11:29

Rest In My Soul
by Richard Turner

Something not quite right in my Soul
I don't know what it is
That's just what I've been told
I can't quite put my finger on it you see
But something deep within me
Keeps looking up to the Heavenlies
It's like I'm missing something I never Had
You know!!! I know what it is now
I'm missing my Dad
Now I know where Hes found
As I keep looking up Heaven bound
Now I know as I Boldly GO!!!
I have Found the answer

FOR REST IN MY SOUL

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Have you ever pondered what was accomplished when the

heavenly Father, sacrificed His only begotten Son for you? If you haven't you should, and if you have, all one is able to do is show reverence and say thank You. As it is written "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Ps. 100:4

Thank You
by Richard Turner

I just want to say thank You Jesus
For setting me free
I just want to say thank You Father God
For making Your only begotten Son sacrifice equal eternity
If I just said thank You for everything
That would be so trite
For how many people would give themselves to save a life
For me to say thank You for anything less
Its not paying reverence, and I'm not offering You my best
So to show what this means to me
Father, use me to set the other captives Free!
So! Father to this end
Use me as a chosen vessel You can send
Until I see You face to face
And hear the words "Well done
You ran a Faithful race
Welcome home, my Son"
© 2009

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Letting Go

by Teresa R. Earlywine

This morning I awakened,
hoping the pain had gone away.
Instead, you gave me grace
to survive another day.

Nothing can touch my life,
that escapes your gaze.
My life is in your hand,
You have your perfect ways.

Lord, you are sovereign,
You are in control.
I give this fully to you,
I am letting go.
© 2009

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Jewel in the Crown of my King

by Patricia Joan Polhans

He was never a part of anyone's dream,
Not a soldier or farmer, nor any such thing!
He had very little that this world had to offer
Without wife or children, nor did he prosper.
Just a meager soul who was destined to die
Without hope or thought, nor reasons why.
Just a man with only one single purpose
Who led a life that others thought worthless.
As he passed from this life into God's hands
He became a part of the Master's plan.
Placed as a jewel in the crown of our King,
Humble and quiet as the angels sang.
God hewn out a place especially for him
Where he was viewed as a most valuable gem.
So precious, now, he is within God's sight,
Placed there, in love, on that dark night.
He 'came a shining stone with all of its' glimmer.
Above all others, more precious than silver.
He was placed there for all the world to see,
The beauty and splendor God intended him to be.
Now he sparkles and shines with all others' beauty,
The diamonds, the sapphires and the rubies.
No longer thought of as a useless thing
For he outshines all gems in the crown of our King!

Malachi 3:17

"They will be mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession.

Zechariah 9:16-17

... They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be! ...

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Desert

by Mike Bullock

The desert has appeared again
A learning journey,I must make
With this weight upon my soul
Death to self,I do partake
For I have branches that are dead
Sap no longer reaches them
I must sacrifice my right
To be a self made worldly gem.

He will snip and fashion me
Loving cuts will form a shape
I will trust Him,everything
From His love I can't escape
Here I am Lord,have Your way
I am willing for Your hand
To change me into something new
I will follow Your command.

Perfect Father,Loving God
You have brought me to this time
I cannot go on like this
Need Your will and touch sublime
Show me glimpses of completion
Keep me trudging through the sand
Brokeness is what I need
Demolish me with Your fair hand.

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My Christmas Wish

by Kathleen Higham

Oh how I long to see them
Remembering family joyfully near
Singing songs, then rejoicing
With loved ones I held dear.

Now this lonely heart is heavy
Wishing for those times I knew
But the days no longer hold me
For our gatherings are through.

All have left this life behind
The festivities of the past
A silent tear, a blinking tree
I thought forever it would last.

This morning as I prayed to God
With a sorrow holding me tight
But faithful, God is faithful
He brought to me this sight.

Bells were ringing merrily
Laughter was the sweetest sound
The Lord hugged and kissed them
My loved ones He gathered round.

Their faces shining all aglow
Everyone I loved was there
Waiting patiently at His feet
To bow their heads in prayer.

The celebration was glorious
Their light shined down on me
My family living in Heaven
Thank God He let me see.

Someday I will join them
And begin my life anew
To celebrate the birth of Christ
My Christmas wish came true.
© 2010

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Sleepers

by Mike Bullock

Wake up sleepers, cease your slumber
It is time to raise your game
There's oppression all around you
Everybody feels the same
Dreary outlook,lack of interest
Morals falling through the floor
You're supposed to be My sunshine
Bringing light unto the poor.

I've equipped you with My power
Jesus lives inside of you
satan cannot lift a finger
Only if you want him to
Apathy is what he thrives on
he can rest when you're asleep
Wake up now and start to scare him
Evangelise and make him weep.

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