"How Do You Reply"
Were you sitting under a tree
in a Church, in town
were you alone
or with a large crowd
when Jesus
first spoke to you
His message eternally true.
Was it from a raging storm
a whispered word
pulpit message
coffee with a friend
a still small voice
that your spirit broke
when to you our Lord spoke.
And how did you respond
will you reply
when He speaks to you
through any means
saying "Come! Follow Me!"
a journey for two, you and He.
dc riggs © 8 January 2006
"Awake O' Soul"
What can awake the dead?
when life
loses its vibrancy
is the crucible cracked
or does
the days' caldron
simply bubble to overflow.
Awake O' soul! Awake!
or does fear of life make you quake?
The poet's words are but dust
the painter's brushes
dry un-cleaned
the masterpiece lost
not to time
but to pitiful neglect
where is sunrise's bright glow?
Awake O' soul! Awake!
death's fear, hope does not make.
Someone said that love itself
is a song we sing
a powerful force of being
transforming
reforming, reshaping
even the dead and dying
from it hope spring eternal.
Awake O' soul! Awake!
let not the bond of love ever brake!
Beauty sleeps, the kiss revives!
life's consciousness
brought back into full being
the lowly toad
with the kiss is a prince
seek not fame, fortune, greatness
find in love, truth which will remain.
Awake O' soul! Awake!
Live! Laugh! Love! for life's sake!
dc riggs © 10 January 2006
"Joseph"
Joseph, Joseph long gone
a good daddy
to Jesus
forgotten almost
who sings for you a song?
By God, Himself chosen
as was Mary
imperfect parents
is yours a memory frozen?
Did you as well ponder
as events unfolded
how great your faith
of its depths we can but wonder.
With faith you accepted the task
daddy to Him who is divine
husband to a teen
what, in nights' dark did you ask.
Joseph, Joseph, beyond the manger
you lived, breathed
served our Creator, God
heroic man, a different type of danger.
dc riggs © 11 January 2006
"Wee Hours of Morning"
Dark, cold, silent
still night
not quite dawn
the mind is sort of awake
the body does yawn.
Thoughts run here
and there
creeping in
don't they know or care?
sleeping isn't a sin!
Bladder, stomach, rumble
gentle demands
softly 'tis true
but they cannot be ignored
they are the body's crew.
A prayer for the new day
for me, her, others
is God awake?
my wee hand in His loving one
a day's success will make.
Coffee, warmth, an early nap
a bite to eat
early morning duty done
soon night's dark
is broken by the sun! the Son!
dc riggs © 15 January 2006
"My Dog and Me"
I lay down under a tree
soon I was asleep
but half awake I think
dreaming of my dog and me.
I felt him lay gently down
by my side
in my sleep I smiled
my dog never brings a frown.
I felt him get up and move
his fur brushed
my hand
not disturbing pleasure's groove.
A cold nose touched my face
I opened my eyes
and found a skunk
black, white, deadly as mace.
From him I wanted to be free
we were both surprised
then he let fly
and his spray covered me.
Never will I complain "dog smell"
"I STINK", my fragrance does tell.
dc riggs © 20 January 2006
"How Long Will I Love You"
I will love you my dear
deep and a bit long
the date I stop
I do already know
for it reflects
the love that life did sow.
With passion and purpose
fulfilling your needs
is my goal
no life should be fallow
with joy
I want your life to glow.
Each day a new beginning
my heart's desire
is to rise, greet the dawn
and to you say, "Hello"
"I Love You"
heartfelt words from your beau.
How long will I love you dear?
'til the thirty-second
of the month
with a passion that is not hollow
for you have my heart
my love is never on furlough.
There is no such date in the cosmo!
Yes my love, this I truly know!
dc riggs © 20 January 2006
"A Talk With Death"
I talked with Death today
though it or he and me were silent
like a cold black raven
never mentioned, nevermore
nonverbal communication
my fears, my calmness intact
what words to Death do you say?
I thought of life, love, laughter
in eternity's terms
and knew I'd find in death
God forever real, beyond the door
and His hand in mine
on earth, in heaven,
He is the Director, not just an actor.
Heaven is delightful, cold is the grave
Death's un-committing stare
sent a chilling word
that reached into my very core
but peace still reigns by faith
Jesus, Savior, Friend
perhaps my path I might still repave.
dc riggs © 26 January 2006
