Author: James Herrick

Married

11/23/23

A man once was asked: By the way, are you married?
There seem to be family duties you’ve carried
The man then replied with a nod and a smile
With wisdom obtained when one’s lived quite a while:

No, in the sense that I don’t have a wife
Yes, in the sense that I’ve given my life
Giving myself to bring Life to the soul\
Helping each friend to make Heaven their goal

First Night

11/22/23

“Rest in peace, my little One”
Says the Mother to her Son
Blessed is this Holy Night
God’s Humanity in sight

Kings and shepherds witness here
Christ the Child, now held so dear
Fairest Love His Mother shows
Boundless Mercy He bestows

This first night outside the womb
Till His “last” inside the tomb
Mary, faithful, by His side
Stays forever to abide

Inspiration: Seeing two images near each other: one with Mary tucking in Jesus in the manger, the other with Mary tucking in Jesus in the tomb

Prepared

11/18/23

For quite a while, the enemy lay hid
The soldier felt that such a foe was rid 
For good; but then: attack! So close ensnared 
This time, though, the soldier was prepared 

Weapons used before but closer kept
The soldier wielded while he swiftly stepped
Help then came to see the enemy off
And turned him into something worthy of scoff

Battles lost before the soldier knew
Alas! So many then the enemy slew
But learning, watching, wielding help of friends 
With victory this soldier’s story ends