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Open Poetry #4
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A Gift for God
| Open Poetry #4 |
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A Gift for God |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I laid the presents out with care beneath the Christmas tree To make sure everyone had something there - including me! But, as I checked the names off, there was something rather odd.... Oh, no! I realized there was no gift for God! I mean, there wouldn't be a Christmas if not for the birth Of His son, Jesus, who was born to bring peace to this earth. Seemed only fitting there should be at least some gift displayed To recognize the blessing and the sacrifice He made. But what does one give God? I couldn't think of anything That Sears or Wal-Mart had in stock to be fit for a king. But I would gift wrap something, though symbolic it would be With hopes that He would recognize my deep sincerity. I had no time right then, however. I flew out the door To get down to the church where we had meals for the poor. Downtrodden souls whose lives did not turn out as they had planned, And it felt quite rewarding when we filled a needy hand. From there, right to the orphanage we flew with bags of toys To cheers and shouts of glee from all the homeless girls and boys. Young hands tore wrappers off their gifts in wild anticipation As "Ooooh"'s and "Aaaahh"'s and shining eyes made quite a celebration. Just one more stop to make - down to the rest home for the aged. Our small choir sang so beautifully we could have been on stage! From room to room, our voices rang with carols and with hymns For those who knew that very soon they would be there with Him. The evening finally ended. I rushed home as fast I could. The father being late for Christmas wouldn't be too good! My children whooped and hollered from the second I walked in. I raised my hands and grandly said, "Let's let the fun begin!" Oh, what a night we had!Wrap paper scattered left and right While boxes were torn open with loud squeals of delight. Bug hugs for Mom and Daddy - thanks to Santa, naturally, Then off to bed for youngsters and, at last, tranquility. My wife prepared herself for bed. I walked out in the yard. Some puzzling thought was in my mind that got me thinking hard. Oh, no! It was the gift for God - the thing I hadn't got. With all the rushing around, it was the one thing I forgot! I raised my face up meekly as if in apology. The brilliance of the stars shone down and almost blinded me. I stood there silent for a bit then gently raised my hands To ask for His forgiveness. I sure hope He understands. < !signature--> To the world you might be just one person but to one person you might just be the world. [This message has been edited by Balladeer (edited 03-20-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Well done Sir Balladeer... the best gift we can offer is the giving of our selves. As always, you stated the fact most perfectly. Happy Holiday's Dog Man!  |
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Ohme Senior Member
since 1999-07-17
Posts 816Texas |
I can't speak for God, but I think He would approve. I do too. Heart warming poetry here! |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer - You touched my heart with the sincerity of this one. I can sense that it's heartfelt. Really a very nice job. ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Wonderful poem, Balladeer. I agree, the best gift we can give is ourselves. This one brought tears to my eyes. Well done. Denise |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
What a wonderful poem you penned here, your mind is a treasure chest of wisdom, and every poem you offer here is a gift to all of us. Thank you for your generosity. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
A beautiful poem and beautiful thoughts |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas |
Another wonderful effort. I like it very much. |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, If you hang some poetry on my tree, Especially in the form of a book, That would please me. Sy |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
Oh Mike, This was so heart warming. I was very moved by this poem. I'm going to keep this one, if you don't mind and share this with loved ones. Truly a beautiful poem, my dear.  |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
The gifts we give to God cannot be bought. They are given by us giving to others. Very nice! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Andrew...that's a title I would wear with pride. Thanks for the words. Ohme...I hope so. Thank you. Marge..Thank you. Yes, it is heartfelt. I believe in what is written here. Denise...Thank you for the tear. LostDreamer..That is the nicest compliment I could ever ask for. Thank you. Hoot and Gunslinger...Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed. Sy...I would love to have one to hang there. Thanks, friend. Sally..please share it with my gratitude and thank you very much for your kind words. WhtDove...Words of wisdom, indeed. Too bad more don't live by them. Thank you. |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Bal: Smiles here and I see you even gave a 'bug' hug as well.. HUSG Yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream... |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
I can't very well twist this one around to say something nasty about Balladeer.....And it's a shame too yanno? This is excellent old man.....Did your dog write it?....I remember when life wasn't so hectic, (okay, when life wasn't so hectic and I still had a voice and remembered how to play the guitar)....my brother and I used to go to a place with our guitars and sing Christmas Carols to Abused women and their kids.....I guess it was probably the best present we could have given ourselves. The feeling it gives ya is pretty awesome....as is your poetry... [This message has been edited by Toerag (edited 12-08-1999).] |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
My cousin sent this to me this morning... "If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. When you want to talk, He'll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe and He chose your heart. And that Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem? Face it friend, He's crazy about you!" Your poem, my friend, does Him honor... and is in itself a beautiful gift. |
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
So heartwarming....so beautiful Balladeer.... A soul that writes from the heart and shares it, truly gives a gift extraordinaire! |
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Iloveit Senior Member
since 1999-09-02
Posts 1121NM |
I would ditto suthern cause she says the neatest things,lol, but am gonna ditto denise instead cause I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, great work my friend |
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paperguardian Junior Member
since 1999-12-07
Posts 25 |
I'm glad to see the true spirit of Christmas in such heartwarming expression. I truly loved the ending - humbling to know that the gift God most wants - is to love one another! |
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