Let’s Poetize

As a twenty to thirty-something year-old male; I was delving into the world of poetry writing. As with most of my writing endeavors, I thought I was a genius (just like the late American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou).

At any moment, I was sure someone famous might discover my life poetry (when showed them to someone important), and throw me into the grandiose lifestyle of the “the rich and famous” philosophical wordsmith. Here are four of my best creations for your reading enjoyment.[i]

1.     The Treasure of a Daughter [ii]

By no means am I a millionaire;

Nor will I ever be.

The few earthly goods I own

Are vanishing uncertainties.

Among the valuables I hold so dear,

That will always mean the most.

It’s the father-daughter relationship

That binds my heart,

And brings tears to my throat.

Indescribable is the love I receive

From my daughter’s hugs and kisses.

Such pride fills my heart

As my daughter achieves all her wishes.

It’s worth more to me than owning

All the sunken treasures in the sea.

And every night as I wish

My young lady into Dreamland.

My heart thanks God for her simple words,

“Daddy, stay a little while, and hold my hand.” 

2.     A New Adventure with God[iii]

Lord, as I consecrate this night to Thee.

Tonight, I must ask,” What does graduation mean to me?”

Has it been just a cap, gown, diploma, or an honor fair?

Must I now give up my childhood for adult cares?

Lord, can I fully acknowledge how my parents

helped in providing this hour?

Do I fully acknowledge your grace and power?

Lord, many questions clutter my mind.

Will I go to college? Will I soon be wed? Will I choose the military?

Lord, I now beg to thee calm my anguish and strife.

Whatever you choose, O Lord, will I readjust to this new road?

Only, You Lord, can help me carry this new load.

Will people miss me whenever I’m gone?

Will they know I’ve chose the right road and not the wrong?

Lord, help me hold back the tears, as I know I’m no longer a child,

but an adult with doubts and fears.

Now, I see my high school days climax at this place.

I must smile and now say, “goodbye” as I realize at this point of life

Will I never again show my face.

3.     Rejects on Instant Rewind[iv]

A spouse and kids aren’t life’s answer as some singles may think.

Below the surface, there’s more than just a hello and a wink.

There are couples, which look so happy in the public’s eye.

While that husband and wife may be talking about divorce,

A deceitful lie.

Some couples may appear to be doing just fine.

Life in the fast zone may cause them to slip into the suicide line.

A pleasant front may be what everyone desires.

Unresolved pain and sadness can turn marriage

Into an evil liar.

So always look beyond the image that

a married couple may be giving.

Read their reality in the way they’re truly living.

So if your dreaming about a spouse when the

Thought of marriage again crosses your mind.

Remember, “single” is not defined in the dictionary

As, “rejects on instant rewind.”

4.   Is That Any Reason?[v]

If roses are red, and your violets are blue,

Is that any reason to stop loving you?

If grass is blue, and the sky turns green,

Is that any reason to treat me mean?

If your dessert tastes like broccoli

And my steak smells like cherry pie,

Is that any reason to say, “Good-bye”?

If you turn left but I go right,

Is that any reason for us to fight?

If I dress up but you will not,

Is that any reason for me to act like our love I forgot?

If everyone thinks I’m mental but you know I’m sane,

Is that any reason to say, “We loved in vain”?

If my hair is bright red and yours is sandy brown,

Is that any reason for tears and a frown?

If I get blamed for all your wrongs,

Is that any reason our love can’t be strong?

After all my love has been said and done,

You are the one difference I find fun.

5.     To My Future Wife [vi]

This poem I write to the wife I’ve not yet seen.

Daily, I pray God will keep you healthy until we’ve met.

I can’t wait for our honeymoon night.

Because my body, is the best gift I can give my lovely wife.

How strange the emotions I have when thinking of you.

Do you spend your days and nights dreaming of me, too?

My heart doesn’t doubt you’ll be all I’ve needed.

Times will arise when you will be calm, and I’ll be wild.

And you will be the one to soothe me like a frightened child.

There will be those days we’ll both fight and disagree.

Only can a loving compromise set our spirits free.

Before closing, know that thoughts of you keep me delighted.

My joy will be complete when with you as husband I’m united.

Until the future brings about that day,

I will remain your faithful lover in every way.

Acts 17:27-29 (MSG) makes this bold statement: “…He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; He’s near. We live and move in Him; can’t get away from Him. One of your poets said it well; ‘We’re the God-created.’

Well if we are God-created, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us?”

“God is in His creation, and close to every one of us. But He’s not trapped in His creation – He is [magnificent]. God is the Creator, not the creation. This means that God is sovereign, and in control (while at the same time He is close and personal). [Allow] the Creator of the universe to rule your life.”[vii]

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[i] Poetize means to write (or express) oneself in poetry.

[ii] Dedicated to my baby girl, Allena

[iii] Written for my graduation from Northside Christian School in May 1982.

[iv] Also dedicated to life before Bobbi as a single man.

[v] My summary of things in my life that confused me (or seemed contradictory to me). Love as a single man was at the top of that list.

[vi] Dedicated to my future wife, Bobbi (McFarlen) Kinker

[vii] Adapted from the Life Application Bible, King James Version, note on Acts 17:27,28

Maya Angelou

My Happy Hour

I seem to be most content (as a man) with myself after I’ve had a good laugh[i]. My outlook on my life seems to be more positive when I’m either listening to a wonderful audio book (as I’m driving somewhere by myself), or at home watching many of my favorite sitcom all together (which could exceed an hour).[ii] “I believe the universe is a mirror, and reflects what you put out there.”[iii]

My current (and re-run) favorite chuckle television series include: American Housewife, Golden Girls, Home Improvement, Mike and Molly, Last Man Standing, Reba, Rosanne, and The Mindy Project. As for authors (that are guaranteed to provide the giggle factor for me), they include: Beth Harbison, Janet Evanovich, Joanne Fluke, and Sophie Kinsella. [iv]

Settings for the above are in different parts of the country. The edginess (and cleverness) in the writing is wonderful. In some way, a piece of what I’m reading (or viewing) has made an emotional connection with my psyche.

I am amazed with the lessons comedy teaches me. I laugh with total abandonment at the image of my own fallibility being reflected back at me.

When a TV show (or author) provides me with the gift of laughter, I am unconcerned with what I may know about an actor (or author’s) personal life. My main concern is the quality of their performance (or the clarity of their written words). I will stop following a show (or listening to an audio book) if there is cruelty to animals (especially dogs), physical violence, or verbal abuse.

In my opinion, I don’t take any of the above seriously enough to picture the Heavenly Father sitting next to me, and watching (or listening) to my selections. There are other things in life I can get serious about, and this issue is not one of them.

The Almighty and I don’t have identical tastes in humor. I am an adult with my own unique convictions, which I am satisfied with. On this subject there is no guilt (no matter what others think).

My Heavenly Father understands my need for temporary sources of merriment. I know that He alone is my true source of joy. Though others may find this contradictory; it is one of the most permanent themes of my entire life.

As an adult, I enjoy laughter in TV (and books) for the purpose of pure entertainment. It stimulates my thinking, and most the time puts me in a relaxed, pleasant mood, which makes me react positively to those around me.

As my memory is so poor these days, the requirement of a riveting plot line (in TV or a book) is not of crucial importance to me because chances are that I will have either forgotten it midway through my experience (or days after).

The Message has these biblical insights on happiness:

1.  “God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy.”[v]

2.  “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.”[vi]

3.  “A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.”[vii]

4.  “[There’s] a right time to … laugh…”[viii]

Have you ever thought how dull life would be if everyone had your same opinion (on every topic that existed), and there was never one moment of sadness. All of your life’s experiences have made you exactly who you are right now. (Remember, diversity makes your existence interesting.)

The late children’s poetry author (and artist), Shel Silverstein, in his poem, “The Land of Happy,” from the book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, summarized my above assessment in this light-hearted manor:

Have you been to the land of Happy?

Where everyone’s happy all day?

Where they joke and they sing

Of the happiest things,

And everything’s jolly and gay?[ix]

There’s no one unhappy in Happy.

There’s laughter and smiles galore.

I have been to the land of Happy.

What a bore!

Just to put a smile on your face; lets conclude this post with twenty humorous definitions (not found in any known dictionary printed):[x]

1.   An alarm clock is a mechanical device to wake up people, who don’t have small children.

2.   Applause is two hands slapping each other’s faces.

3.   A boss is a person who is at the office early on the days when you’re late.

4.   A comedian is a person with a good memory who hopes other people haven’t.

5.   Cuisine is any food you can’t pronounce.

6.   A dead ringer is a deceased telephone.

7.   A florist is a petal pusher.

8.   Gossip is rumortism.

9.   A harp is nude piano.

10.                     A hug is energy that has gone to waist.

11.                     A lecture is something that makes you feel numb at one end, and dumb at the other.

12.                     A paradox is two medical doctors.

13.                     A pickpocket is someone who never learned to keep his hands to himself.

14.                     A snicker is a laugh that gets caught in your throat.

15.                     Snoring is sheet music.

16.                     A synonym is the word you use in place of one you can’t spell.

17.                     A vampire is a person who is overdrawn at the blood bank.

18.                     A violin is an instrument for people who like to fiddle around.

19.                     A window shopper is a store gazer.

20.                     An x-ray is belly vision.

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[i] Happy hour refers to “the hour (or so) of relaxation with drinks after work (cocktail hour); or a specified period of time, usually in early evening, in some restaurants (and bars) when drinks are sold at lower prices (or when free food is provided).” The New Dictionary of American Slang (edited by Robert L. Chapman, Ph.D.)

[ii] Sitcom is “short for a situation comedy series on television. “The New Dictionary of American Slang (edited by Robert L. Chapman, Ph.D.)

[iii] Quote from The Mindy Project series

[iv] This blog topic was suggested by a discussion I had with my wife, Bobbi.

[v] Job 8:21

[vi] Proverbs 15: 13

[vii] Proverbs 15: 15

[viii] Ecclesiastes 3:4

[ix] This word can also mean “merry or cheerful.”

[x] Adapted from The Big Book of Jokes & Riddles, “Dizzy Daffynitions” and “Still More Dizzy Daffynitions”

The Songster

My love for reading books began as a young child. (I am very familiar with my local library.) As a high school student, writing started to captivate my attention. In my twenties I experimented with different genres in the craft of the written word. (My early venture as a gospel soloist had already started as a teenager at church.)[i]

I thought I might give song writing a try (especially in the religious or country realm). Though I had big, elaborate dreams for my master pieces, nothing ever became of my lyrical creations.

I remember submitting “My Brother’s Keeper” to the southern gospel singers, The Crabb family. I had two other songs I could picture Martina McBride and Toby Keith singing. I do not remember if I followed through, and did that.

Below are three examples in the above mentioned genres. How are you justifying the dreams you have for yourself? Are they a crucial part of who you are? Are they simmering on a “back burner” (to explore later)? Have they been put on a “bookshelf” to be forgotten about indefinitely?

1.     Leftovers[ii]

Verse One

Baby, what’s really going on

With the way you’re hurting me?

We were once in love

But now I wonder, “Do you still love me”?

Has it come time to ask you

If we should call it quits.

Is the message now still the same.

Do these words finally fit? 

Chorus

Leftovers, that’s what I’m getting from

The love you’re giving me.

Leftovers now is the word

My heart wishes just wouldn’t be.

Leftovers from a lifetime

Of feelings that are gone.

Once again I’m sure of this.

You’re leftover love is what’s wrong.

Verse Two

Honey, I’m just curious

If we can work things out.

I won’t give up easily

If things can be all right.

Are there still sparks of love there

Where once the flame burned true?

Can we once again be back where we were,

Or are we really through?

Chorus

Tag

You’re leftover love is what’s wrong.

2.     My Brother’s Keeper [iii]

Verse One

Brother, I remember how you always were there;

Standing on the sidelines without a spotlight to share.

When our car required fixing,

Or someone needed a special cake,

You were ready to assist with a smile on your face.

Chorus One

And, my Brother, I love you

And now it’s so clear

That God made me the keeper

Of His child so dear.

Verse Two 

Brother, you’re in heaven with all our family

And I still remember what you taught me:

“Be kind to others, and love them just as they are.

Don’t worry about the small things

That aren’t important at all.”

Chorus Two

In Heaven, God loves you,

And now it’s so clear

That God is now the Keeper

Of His child so dear.

Verse Three

Brother, you’re always on my mind.

A friend like you is hard to find.

I wonder how could it be

The life that is mine

Is the one you should’ve had all the time

Chorus Three

Brother, I love you,

And now it’s so clear

That you were the keeper

Of our family so dear.

 

Tag

I thank God for a brother who was so dear.

3.     Why Not Shut Up?[iv]

Chorus

Why not shut up,

And let me do

What the boss pays me for?

Why not shut up,

And get a job on another floor?

Why not shut up?

I’m askin’ you pretty please.

Why not shut up,

And make my job a breeze?

Verse One

At work my job

Needs thinking carefully.

Yet all around

Some think it’s one big party.

I wish they’d stop,

And think of those around.

Take to heart this lesson I’ve found.

Chorus

Verse Two

Those I work with

Irritate in varied ways.

Mrs. Psycho talks to herself all day.

Mr. Band drums and sings his tune.

Mr. Mad gripes until about noon.

Chatty Kathy laughs and talks like a queen.

Someone please stop this before I get mean.

Chorus  2X

Tag

Why not shut up, and make my job a breeze?

Psalm 96:1-2, 4 proclaims this, “Sing God a brand new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! Sing to God – worship God! For God is great, and worth a thousand hallelujahs….” Whether you have any type of musical (or artistic) abilities (or not) is not only part of you that is important to the Heavenly Father with the life He’s given you.

To others is your existence a finely tuned symphony or an off-key solo? Why do your life alone when you have the Creator (of everything) to guide you. Make the wise choice.

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[i] A songster is a person who sings or writes music

[ii] Dedicated to life before Bobbi (as a single man).

[iii] This song is dedicated to my younger, only brother, Jim Kinker, who died on 2/29/92. “…Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9, NKJV)

[iv] Dedicated to some of the co-workers I sat next to while I worked at the Defense Finance Accounting Services Columbus.

A Timeless Heirloom

Have you ever overheard someone comment to another person about something being timeless? It could be something like a hairstyle, clothing, an architectural style, a book, a location, or even a person. In essence that term means “Never-ending, unaffected by time.”

Revelation 1:8 (MSG) makes this comment: The Master declares, “I’m A to Z. I’m the God Who is, the God Who was, and the God about to arrive. I’m the Sovereign strong.” Is the Almighty dependable enough to handle all the affairs of your life?

Time travel will always be an intriguing “what if” for me no matter whether its discovered in books (see the post, “The Potential”), movies, or television. Lately, I’ve become obsessed with a weekly high-octane drama, Timeless, on Monday nights at 10pm on NBC.

My newest guilty pleasure follows the unlikely trio of a history professor (Lucy), a scientist (Rufus), and a soldier (Wyatt) as they attempt to battle a master criminal (Garcia) from altering the fabric of human history with potentially catastrophic results.

A fabulous job is done covering the information and costumes of the different historical periods presented each week. These are the world events that have fashioned today’s culture. Besides, Timeless being both the name of this incredible show; I believe the historical information you will be taught will offer you insights (into yourself).

This series keeps you connected to it by providing many small details, which may be unknown.  I’ve been both entertained (and educated) on these historical events: the Hindenburg disaster (1937); the assassination of Abraham Lincoln (1865); the atomic bomb testing in Las Vegas, NV (1962); and Nazi nuclear missile testing in Germany (1944).

“You [can’t change] history, but you could get it right to start with. Do something differently the first time around….”[i]

Heirlooms are valuable possessions that are passed down from one generation (in a family) to another. Have you ever thought of the details of your spirituality (and love for God) something to be passed down by your descendant? Read the words that follow from Amy Grant’s song, “Heirlooms.” What spiritual message do you get from these lyrics?

Verse One

Up in the attic

Down on my knees

Lifetimes of boxes

Timeless to me

Letters and photographs

Yellowed with years

Some bringing laughter

Some bringing tears

Chorus One

Time never changes

The memories, the faces of loved ones,

Who bring to me

All that I came from

And all that I live for

And all that I’m going to be

My precious family

Is more than an heirloom to me

Verse Two

Wisemen and shepherds

Down on their knees

Bringing their treasures

To lay at His feet

Who was this wonder

Baby yet King

Living and dying He gave life to me

Chorus Two

Time never changes

The memory, the moment

His love first pierced through me

Telling all that I came from

And all that I live for

And all that I’m going to be

My precious Savior is more

Than an heirloom to me

Tag

My precious Jesus is more

Than an heirloom to me

The Heavenly Father will cherish you forever. This is a fact: “Know that love is truly timeless.” [ii]

Timeless cast with prototype time machine on pilot of Hindenburg episode

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[i] Quote by, Author  Eliezer Yudkowsky,  Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality

[ii] Quote by Mary M. Ricksen