Author: James Herrick

Hurt

8/7/23

The joke was well-intended, yet it hurt
Perhaps I should have been much more alert
To sayings that have meanings past their face
But may have just been humor out of place

Alas! Do I still overthink it now?
I wish it wasn’t so, but know not how
It’s probably just an unintended slight
Who knows? Perhaps it’s me who’s wrong, not right

Lost Hour

8/5/23

The lostness of the hour
So desolate and sour
He cast away a treasure
With price he couldn’t measure

A drink he sought and savored
Was poisoned while he wavered 
An illness brought upon him
Now turned him dark and solemn

But getting up, still fighting
His story still in writing
He mended and looked forward
His goal still running toward 

Secret

8/5/23

A hidden truth, now stowed away
And not revealed despite the sway
Of questions curious friends now pose
With longing that you now disclose

They need not know, you need not show
It’s best that you do not bestow
The deep recesses of your heart
That cause more harm if you impart

Gift of Tongues

7/27/23

Grant me, Lord, the gift of tongues
Let Your Spirit fill my lungs
Breathing Light and Truth to all
Lest we stumble, trip and fall 

In the darkness, Your great Light
Gives us hope and strength to fight
Shining forth to lead the Way
Saving those who went astray

Some may close their eyes to You
Freedom has its dark side too
Help us all be free to love
Till we reach our Home above

Lamb

7/9/23

Look how small and weak I am!
Soft and gentle like a lamb
Lamb of God: help me to be
A sacrifice that pleases Thee

One who gives his life for all
On the Way may trip and fall
Yet he perseveres in Love
Sights set firm on God above

Strong and docile, unto death
This dear Lamb with every breath
Bears for all the saving load
Leading to that blest Abode

Enclosed are Prayers and Ponderings

5/30/23

Enclosed are prayers and ponderings
Composed along life’s wanderings 
Some are dialogues with God
Others gaze at paths we trod

Hopefully you’ll find some aid
For times you’ve walked and times you’ve prayed
In joys and sorrows, hopes and fears
May empathy now reach your ears

Many thanks to God I give
As well as those with whom I live
Parents, brothers, sisters, friends
I wish for you the best of ends

Gravity

6/11/23

The gravity of sin
Can pull a soul down
And often detracts
From victory’s crown

The gifts once bestowed
Are oft cast away
Pursuing fake gold 
And slowly decay

But wings of the soul
Are granted as well
With hope they can lift 
A soul that once fell

It’s worth it to fight
And overcome self
With help of our Love
We’ll truly gain wealth

Rising

6/7/23

Another fall, and towards the end of day
How hard he fought! But others held their sway
Forgiveness sought, received; yet full of sorrow
He wondered if he’d fall again tomorrow 

Encouragement then reached this sinner’s ears
With hope to fight despite his weaker years
Beginning o’er and o’er he shows his love 
And facing failures, rising back above 

While in the distance sun is seen to set
In this man’s heart the day’s not over yet
It rises when renewed beyond his fall
And brightens when he strives to give his all

Oasis

6/4/23

Oasis of joy and peace
A Love that will never cease
I long to at last abide
Forever with You inside

Spectacular sights abound
Wherever Your Love is found
A Beauty beyond compare 
Obtained by the ones who dare

The journey still yet to trod
Along with and towards our God
Is worth every pain and woe
No matter how far we go