navwin » Archives » Spiritual Journeys » Say Hello to God for Me
Spiritual Journeys
Post A Reply Post New Topic Say Hello to God for Me Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2000-07-06 12:06 PM



Billy was a poor, young boy
Who lived on the edge of town.
His father was a drunkard and
His mother quite unsound.
His clothes were tattered, ripped and torn;
His family numbered ten
But no complaint escaped his lips -
Young Billy was my friend.

When Billy asked to go to church,
His father gave a silent stare.
He didn't believe in foolish things
Like church, religion or prayer.

Each Sunday as I walked to church
And passed his house, I'd see
His small face at the window, calling
"Say hello to God for me!"

He'd have his face pressed to the glass
As he waved and called out happily
Those words that meant so much to him,
"Hey! Say hello to God for me!"

He went through many hardships
And the times were pretty rough.
Anyone with a weaker faith
Would have probably screamed, "Enough!"

But, every Sunday as I passed,
I knew what my next sight would be -
Billy's little smiling face
Calling, "Say hello to God for me!"

I guess you know what happened next,
The fire at the edge of town,
And Billy being asleep in bed
As his house burned to the ground.

Now, as I sit in church and pray,
I know where Billy has to be
As I whisper to the sky above

"OK, Billy.
Now YOU say hello to God for me."



© Copyright 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved
Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
1 posted 2000-07-06 01:03 AM


What a perfect poem for this forum of Spiritual Journeys.  In the physical realm this is a tear jerker, but in the spiritual realm Billy just completed his journey.  I have some friends that have passed on to be with the Lord and I hope that they put a good word in for me as well... Thank you for sharing,

Bob <><

BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919
New York, USA
2 posted 2000-07-06 08:18 AM


Wow again --- Sitting here covered in goosebumps, tears threatening.... What a beautiful, heart tugging piece.  How great that Billy can say that "Hi."  This is just wonderful.  Bonnie
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
3 posted 2000-07-06 09:48 AM


Ah 'Deer, thank you so much for posting this here! All of your oldies are certainly goodies!

Sunny

~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
Helen Keller ~~~

When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ


WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
4 posted 2000-07-06 10:49 AM


What a pleasant surprise! Sad, but happy! What a mix of emotions you bring out in this.
It's a sad, but wonderful twist of events in the end.

ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
5 posted 2000-07-06 05:34 PM


Heartwrenching and yet so lovely. The childs innocent faith was so sweet. I love the way you wrote this. Ellie

Summers haunting melody
that awakens
the butterflies,
calling them to join
the dance
in their silent song
of praise to God.

ellie LeJeune


Gemini
Senior Member
since 1999-12-15
Posts 1203
Wisconsin, USA
6 posted 2000-07-07 08:32 PM


Balladeer-I am speechless,this was beautiful.
Musicmaker1969
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2000-06-25
Posts 589
Peterborough, Ontario Canada
7 posted 2000-07-07 11:11 PM


I'm still covered in goose bumps as I post this reply.  Isn't this the faith of a child Jesus spoke about to us in the Bible.  Such a sad poem yet such a poem to rejoice about.  So perfectly written.  Almost wish I had written it!  D


 /¯¯\ /¯¯\
|      ¥      |      sheriliegh@sprint.ca
 \ Sheri  /
   \Rob /       Created by: Muad'dib
     \    /
       \/

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
8 posted 2000-07-09 08:27 AM


Hello God...thanks for giving the world Michael...

Sunny

~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
Helen Keller ~~~

When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ


Honeybee
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
9 posted 2000-07-09 11:05 AM



A beautiful poem.  I hope that everyone reads this gem  

Take care,
Melissa Honeybee


The beauty of poetry gives me wings to fly

sandgrain
Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA
10 posted 2000-07-09 03:28 PM


What a beautiful story so elequently written!  Don't we all wish the whole world could read it as there's great need out there today.  Thank you for sharing this most touching piece.
LoveBug
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697

11 posted 2000-07-09 09:06 PM


Oh, this poem is so beautiful! You describe the faith of children perfectly. It's the most powerful and beautiful faith there is. Thank you for sharing this with us!

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde
"The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief" -Shakespea

pasqually
Junior Member
since 2000-06-12
Posts 23
West Virginia
12 posted 2000-07-09 09:49 PM


There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. I'm quite sure kleenex is well pleased with this poem, for it took a few tissues to stop my tears.
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

13 posted 2000-07-11 10:27 PM


This had the same powerful effect on me as it did the first time that I read it. One of my all-time favorites!

Denise

Alicat
Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094
Coastal Texas
14 posted 2000-07-12 08:52 AM


Balladeer, Mike, you surely know how to take a thought, weaving words to create a tapestry of life.  Very well done, my friend.


Alicat

Alle'cram
Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816
Texas
15 posted 2000-07-12 09:23 AM


Ball, this is a real tear jerker, but wow, what a story! Sad but a great message for the reader....as little Billy greeted you with that smile each Sunday. I love this and hats off to you for painting this visual with words. Such tenderness, the author's words. Thank you.  

"Each Sunday as I walked to church
And passed his house, I'd see
His small face at the window, calling
"Say hello to God for me!"


Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
16 posted 2000-07-14 08:52 PM


Oh, Michael~
This is such a touching story -
You touch my heart.
~*Marge*~


~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com



Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
17 posted 2000-07-15 08:41 AM


It's great how you make me think with your wonderful and heartfelt stories!!  Thank You!!  Liked this one a lot!!  
Bridgette


"Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again. To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
18 posted 2001-02-24 01:39 PM


Michael ... this was simply splendid. What a wonderful tale you've woven, and so beautifully. I'm tucking this away in my library for days like today where I need some inspiration ... I'm so glad I discovered this treasure, thank you for writing and sharing this gem!

Best wishes,
/Kit

twilah
Member
since 2000-09-25
Posts 91
Maine, USA
19 posted 2001-02-24 06:00 PM


Michael, what a wonderful story of child-like faith that we all need to possess. Also a satisfaction in knowing that one day we will be with the Lord...very nicely presented...thank you.......Twilah
inot2B
Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205
Arkansas
20 posted 2001-02-25 12:17 PM


Believe as a child and you shall have an entrance into heaven.
Your heart is big, thank you for sharing.

jbaker
Member
since 2001-02-16
Posts 74
Australia
21 posted 2001-02-25 06:31 AM


Simply beautiful.
I guess there are many people in this world of ours that have never even been inside a church. How sad that is....but I'm sure God would be looking after them just the same.
May God bless you always
JB

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
22 posted 2001-02-25 09:07 AM


..and I thank you all very much for your kindnesses and for sharing your thoughts with me..yes, there is no faith like a child's faith...may we never grow up
Angel in Flight
Member
since 2001-01-07
Posts 381

23 posted 2001-02-25 04:31 PM


This poem brought me close to tears. I am speechless. wonderfully done. I am going to steal this an put it into my library. Thank you for sharing

The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow.Sow a habit and you reap a character.Sow a character and you reap a destiny

VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon
24 posted 2001-02-25 04:43 PM


WEll related, Balladeer and I love the step of faith by both you and Billy.
Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
25 posted 2001-06-25 12:19 PM


It's been too long....I wish I could spend more time at this place like I used to!!! I just wanted to peak in here and see what some of my favorite poets have posted recently and this was in your current stuff!!  I recognized this one right off as one I'd read and loved, and saw that yes I had responded to it!!  What wonderful writing 'Deer one!!  I should know when I need  a lift me up where I should always go and that is too passions!!  I want you to know that you are one of the poet's here that has touched my heart, and I consider a poetic legend in his own right!!!

Thanks and Take Care,
Missing the opportunity to read poetry more often,
Bridgette  

Creation of woman from the rib of Man: She was not made from his head to top him; nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him; but out of his side

Joyce Johnson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
26 posted 2001-06-25 02:32 AM


This is so tenderly written.  I like it very much.  Joyce
illusion
Member
since 2001-06-19
Posts 296

27 posted 2001-06-25 10:33 AM


I couldn't help but notice that this was posted almost a year ago - I'm grateful that it rose to the top for my reading.   This is beautiful in both rhyme and spirit.
Suzanne Arlene
Member
since 2000-10-09
Posts 377
Ontario, Canada
28 posted 2001-06-25 09:50 PM


Your poems are such wonderful stories to read. Thank you so much for sharing them.
Suzanne
i may have to go in search of some more .
God has  blessed you

scout
Member
since 2001-06-16
Posts 175
no place owns me
29 posted 2001-06-26 02:43 AM


Wow, I like this poem, i'm glad someone stumbled upon it.  Though the incident is sad, Billy is now able to pray in the House of God, just amazing!

xscoutx
"Son of man with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears." - Ez. 24:1

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
30 posted 2001-06-26 01:05 PM


Bridgette, your words bring tears to the ole Deer's eyes....Thank you so much for coming around once again and being touched my these words...please return as often as you can....bless you  

joyce....I thank you  

illusion...yes, the time flies by quickly. There are treasures by many fine poets in the archives....a great place to poke around. I thank you....

Suzanne...and thank you for wanting to share them...everyone has been blessed in some way  

scout...yep, that's the way it works....some endings are only beginnings in disguise  


vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
31 posted 2001-07-20 06:36 PM



Balladeer-
   Oh what a treasure I've uncovered today.
   This is an absolutely beautiful story,
   and you've penned it perfectly.  
   Touched me deeply, sir...goosebumps.

   hugs,
   ~vicky


"...until you have read the verse on his
heart, you have not truely met the poet."
-vlraynes



Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

32 posted 2001-07-20 07:50 PM


God bless your words, heart and life  

" I walked beside the evening sea And dreamed a dream that could not be" George William Curtis"

Kathleen


BloomingRose
Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092
Florida
33 posted 2001-07-20 08:55 PM


Great poetry. Reading through spiritual eyes, there's a happy ending.

Deb

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Spiritual Journeys » Say Hello to God for Me

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary