I Do Believe
by
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Why Me Lord?
Did you ever retreat from everyone thinking you wanted no one near? Did you ever secretly cry out for help knowing no one could hear?
Did you ever reach out for affection not expecting it at all?
Did you ever refuse an offer of help thinking it would make you feel small?
Did you ever strike an inanimate object then think you were losing your mind?
Did you ever speak and there was no one to listen to share your thoughts and be kind?
Did you ever stroll through the woods alone and enjoy the sound of peace? Did you ever immerse yourself in a throng of people seeking emotional release?
Did you ever turn your face to Heaven and say,
"Why Me Lord?"
Did you ever think, ‘even in his omnipotence, his scope was not that broad’?
Well if you have ever had these thoughts, no matter when or where, Just remember what he said in his word,
He Knows How Much You Can Bear.
Love Thy Neighbor
Wars and rumors of wars; just as the Bible says. Will this world ever see peace in the balance of my days?
Drafted Husbands, Brothers, Fathers and Sons; they’re never quite the same. They’re taught to answer questions with rank, serial number and name.
Constant assassinations, no regard for human life; all kinds of deadly weapons, a gun, a club, a knife.
Why is everyone so angry? Is it in the air we breathe?
Some secret element polluting our brains, making us hate and seethe?
I should like to see love spread throughout the world.
where men would be of one accord and harmony would prevail.
Where war would be read about in molded history books;
where people would respect one another and the heritage they bring.
Love Thy Neighbor
Races bound together ignoring skin complexion. Religions not divided, all recognizing one Creator. How much would it cost to be civil to all Men? Would it make you less a person to retreat when others advance?
Perhaps you read the Bible or maybe the Koran; you may pray to Buddha, Mother Mary, or to Jesus Christ.
Is this sufficient reason to take a human life?
What if I talk differently or feast on different meat; what if I walk differently or have no legs at all. Perhaps he votes Republican and you’re a Democrat, or she believes in Communism and he enjoys free speech; what gives one the right to say theirs is the way?
We all are different and none of us will change; for if the Lord had wanted uniformity, He would have made us all The Same.
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About the Book
I do believe;
The art of writing poetry is a unique and powerful means of expression, as it can soothe, titillate or excite the reader’s sensibilities in one or two stanzas. The collection of poems that I have selected for inclusion in this manuscript are the very essence of deep feeling, thought provoking literature that one could read over and over again and share with others.
The Manifestation of my Christian upbringing evidences itself and serves to strengthen my faith in God and in my fellowman. "I Do Believe" is not autobiographical but it could not have been written without the life experiences that I have witnessed and endured.
I started writing in 1980 but kept my poems and essays a secret from everyone. In 1984 I contracted spinal meningitis and as a result, suffered severe memory loss, some hearing loss and partial loss of manual dexterity.
About the Author
Born in Cleveland, Ohio August 8, 1936, At the age of fourteen I went to work outside the home. I was in the work force for over thirty (30) years. At retirement, October 3, 1992, I was Branch Manager/Superintendent of Mails and Delivery for the United States Postal Service. I have traveled extensively through Europe; thrice to Germany, Paris, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Amsterdam, Canada, the Virgin Islands and the Continental United States. I have been writing poems and essays since 1980. My poems and essays have appeared in the following Anthologies and Magazines: In 1996 I self-published a book of some of my favorite poems. In 1999 my fact-based novel, titled ‘Daddy, where are we going?’ was published on the World Wide Web, through the
international online library called 1st books and is now available in paperback at Barnes and Noble and
all Borders Book Stores. Awards: "Editor’s Preference Award of Excellence" for "Free to be me!" & "Prejudice; "Editor’s Choice Awards" for: "Why me Lord", "I want to be selfish now!" "Reminiscence" and "The Sprinter" "Special Recognition Award" "Amnesiac" Memberships include: National Author’s Registry; Distinguished Member, International Society of Poets; International Society of Author’s and Artists; National Writers Assoc.; The Poet’s Guild; My goal is to publish short stories for teenagers encouragement from an inspirational point of view The rearing of my four Children and the very close relationship that I share with my twelve Grandchildren, (I have legal guardianship of my two eldest Grandchildren), has afforded me the privilege of being totally involved in the lives, loves, joys, problems disappointments and accomplishments of the present day teen and young adult. When We Share Our Thoughts With Others, We Truly Give Of Ourselves
I am of African American descent.
I have been a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church, Cleveland, Ohio since 1947.
I was graduated from John Hay High School Cleveland, Ohio at the age of seventeen. I took courses in Psychology at Cuyahoga Community College and am a graduate of the William F. Bolger Management Academy, United States Postal Service. I have four (4) Children and twelve (12) Grandchildren.
Feeling that my poems were my personal spiritual expressions, I did not allow anyone to read them until 1992 when my Daughter, Jessica, encouraged me to do so.
I was further encouraged when I received and "Editor’s Preference Award of Excellence", on my first entry to a poetry contest.
American Poetry Annual; American Poetry Anthology 1995; Voices of Many Lands; A Moment In time; Musings; Reflections; Best New Poems of 1994; Poetic Voices of America; Our Captured Moments; Who’s Who in Poetry; Best Poems of the ‘90s; A Muse To Follow; Best Poems Of 1996; Verses; Starburst; America at the Millennium (the best poems and poets of the 20th century); and others.
and preteens. I feel that our young black children
and indeed all children, need guidance and
that gives hope, self-confidence and a sense of pride
in who they are.