Will I

When the hurt and deeply wounded
come looking to be healed
will I tell them about Jesus
will I lead them to the Christ?

When the doubting and distrustful
come searching for the truth
will I tell them about Jesus
will I lead them to the Christ?

When the lonely and forgotten
come wanting joy and love
will I tell them about Jesus
will I lead them to the Christ?

Or will I have a hardened heart
turn away without a care
send them on their way again
and tend to my own affairs.

Oh Lord, I pray
please fill my mind with your wisdom
please fill my heart with your love
so that when the lost come calling
I will tell them about Jesus
I will lead them to the Christ.

Macaroni Salad

The water came to a rolling boil
while a 12 year old girl lie dying from a stray drive-by shooting
and our teen-aged son begged to go practice driving.

The elbow noodles cooked
while an illegal immigrant faced deportation
and the family voted on where to vacation.

The celery, onions, eggs, and peppers were diced together
while the children three doors down hid from their drunken father
and our younger ones quarrelled over which games they preferred.

The mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper were blended
while a young woman walking alone was raped and left for dead
and we debated subscribing to cable, or satellite instead.

The ingredients were all brought together
while an uncertain unwed mother agonized over her choices
and we backed the car out of the garage
suddenly stopped
and shared a laugh
over the potential embarrassment
of arriving at the fellowship meeting
without the macaroni salad.

My Daughter's Hand

There was a time
when I would hold
my daughter's little hand
and we shared a world
of joy and laughter
purpose and fulfillment.
Now my daughter
holds the hand
of a younger man than I
and shares with him
that joy and laughter
purpose and fulfillment.
I hold the hand
of a memory
and try to understand
there was a time
when I would hold
my daughter's little hand.

Planned Parenthood

Welcome
feel at ease
we can help you with your
problem
and it will be
our little secret
no one else will need to know.
The process itself
is a simple one
really
with some dilating
and insertion
some cutting
and dismemberment
some crushing
and some suction
and just a short time later
your problem is off your mind
and in the
incinerator.
We seldom lose a patient
and a problem seldom
remains
and as for psychological ramifications
well
just remember
we are here
rainy days and sunny
and if you decide
we are your choice
please
don't forget the money.