3/4/23

A hero’s journey often isn’t sought
And unforeseen are many battles fought
But when the call arrives to such an ear
The hero ventures on despite the fear

The glory and the crown is often dreamt
But rugged is the path and oft unkempt
That leads to such an end with victory
Obtained through sweat and toil and misery

Happy is the one who perseveres
In taking on the call to new frontiers 
Though suffering, rejoicing on the path 
That wins for friends a saving aftermath 

3/1/23

Alas, an absence we did not intend
But nature’s laws decided to contend
Good to great, the family, strong at heart
In spirit will not be so far apart

I’ve heard it said that “those who go, stay”
And “those who stay, go” along the way
We keep with us a part of those who go
And those who go keep part of us to know 

The gift of life, so deeply grateful for
We cherish those around us all the more
And those who pass recalling lovingly
The ones who stay, who go, to later see

2/24/23

Fuzzy head and dreary eyes
On the verge of compromise
Weary soldier, aimless course
Voice and legs have lost their force

Rest, my friend, and then take heart
Gearing for a strong restart
Fresh returning to the fight
Bursting forth to day from night

12/12/15

O Mary, my Mother, the Maiden, the Star,
How truly astounding and gracious you are!
To you I look fondly while climbing the slope
Your life is a treasure that fills me with hope

My Mother Inviolate and greatest of saints
Most perfect of instruments with which He paints
O Virgin of Virgins and Mother Most Pure,
You give us the hope and the strength to endure

O Mother fair and Mother kind
In you, such love and joy I find
Remain with me; I go afar
My gracious Morning Star

Behold, you’re my Mother and I am your child
So pure is your love with a heart undefiled
Your beauty is such that no one can compare
To serve as you did, I can just hope to dare

One rose and another, I offer to you
So loving a Mother, so faithful and true.
What more can I give you, whose love is most fair,
Affection most tender, its scent fills the air

O Mother fair and Mother kind
In you, such love and joy I find
Remain with me; I go afar
My gracious Morning Star

Remain with me always, O Lady of Peace 
And pray that I join thee in thy heav’nly feast
My virtues and faith I now place in your care,
O Virgin Most Prudent and Mother Most Fair

O Mother fair and Mother kind
In you, such love and joy I find
Remain with me; I go afar
My gracious Morning Star

2/16/23

Remain in me and I in You
Immersed in You till life is through
Eternal Life to then abide
And see Your face, no more to hide

2/6/23

My Lord, my God, my all
Let me never fall
Fall in Love with You
Is all I wish to do

If I ever stray
Guide me on Your Way
Returning joyfully
By mercy granted me

1/7/23

Love is a burning fire
More than a mere desire
Feed it with frequent fuel
Lest it forever cool