by Bill Dahl

All Rights Reserved 2009.

Some say I’m a fool,
“It’s just your imagination.”
Expecting something better,
“Simply wishful anticipation.”

I feel sorry for those folks,
The one’s whose lives are filled with “nope.”
Those submerged in a sea of endurance,
Awakening everyday to cope.

I can’t envision life,
Without the ability to wish and dream.
Eagerly awaiting the first nibble,
Like when you fish a stream.

“It’s just wishful thinking!”
They muttered, mocked and scoffed.
As a breeze came from somewhere,
And provided me with loft.

As I walked among them,
A few began to ask:
“Where does your outlook come from,
That you apply to this days task?”

I looked them in the eye,
They could hear it in my voice.
“It’s a gift I guess.
One I exercise by choice.”

“Where’d you get this gift?
How much did it cost?”
I said, “It found me.
It’s priceless when one is lost.”

“I didn’t earn this thing.
It’s not something that is mine.
Yet it’s authentic compared to those who say,
“I’m O.K.” or “I’m just fine.”

“I have come to understand,
What I have did not come from a place.
It came from He who created us,
Who has breathe, a heart and face.”

Lift your arms into the air,
Close your eyes and feel the breezes.
Ask Him to fill your life with hope.
Soar with your Sweet Jesus.

What Can I Do?

What can I do?
I ask, as I gaze into the divine.
What will this year hold?
Now numbered two thousand nine.

What will I avoid?
Something that I fear?
Please give me the courage,
To deny my tendency to veer.

What will come out of my mouth?
Undoubtedly statements I wish I could take back.
Remind me to pray each day
For the hungry, the homeless, and the people of Iraq.

When I’m feeling fortunate,
Overflowing with an abundance of pride.
Remind me of the horrors of Darfur,
The ongoing genocide.

If I start feeling useless,
Seemingly unable to help anyone in need.
May I encounter someone that day,
Whom You provide, that I may feed.

Should I have to move,
A new home to arrange.
Remind me that I cannot escape,
Unabated, global, climate change.

If I feel I don’t have enough,
Remind me of the victims of economic exploitation.
Bring to mind the innocent children,
Suffering from the effects of undocumented immigration.

Should I become ill,
Thinking “it’s not fair.”
Remind me of the millions,
Who have no healthcare.

Should I start feeling lonely?
Like a team without a fan.
Remind me to be still and know that you are God,
Praying for those in North Korea and Iran.

If I become insensitive and uncaring,
Due to an unbalanced focus on myself.
Teach me to release this burden,
Placing my stuff on the shelf.

Should I become too comfortable.
Following You, I begin to balk.
Remind me in Your own way,
“It’s time to walk the talk.”

To follow You is to move,
Even when this journey seems so strange.
Help me to embrace
The necessity for ongoing change.

Happy New Year my friends!
Now numbered two thousand nine.
Perhaps this year we might become,
God’s earthly taste of the divine.

When life reveals this year’s reality,
Filled with dilemmas, unjust and unfair.
Allow us to act upon the opportunity to serve,
Oh Lord, please hear our prayer.