Wednesday, April 20, 2016

This Business Called Living

It’s a tough thing, this business of living, especially when you put a God whose ways are so far apart from our own at the center of it. 





This business of living where one hand gives
As suave as the other steals
And vexes the heart with guesses, my sweet
On what the future conceals

This business of holding on while letting go
Of learning the art of good-bye
While braving the thrill of a brand-new hello
In spite of love’s tear-stung eye

This business of laughter, forgiveness, regret
This balancing act of love
This wake and sleep window of sunrise and set
Winnowing Time from above

...this business of knowing that there must be more
To living than this fleet chase
Causes us to consider, nay implore
From Holy God, mercy’s grace

© Janet Martin

You and Me



 I always think of this song when 'one of us' passes on...

Just between you and me
I think that we should be
Happy with the package
That makes us you and me

Why are we always trying
To change the he or she
Better a heart of loving
What makes us you and me

We are our own worst critics
But I think we should be
Glad of the analytics
That makes us you and me

So, lest we become bitter
With what can never be
Let’s just love each other
For being you and me

© Janet Martin

Sing Like a Daisy...




Sing like a lovely daisy
Unhindered by bolder peers
Far in the meadow away she
Sings to her Maker who hears

Sing like the little sparrow
Modest ‘mongst birds though he be
Up to his Father in Heaven
He lifts his chirp-chiralee


Sing like the spring-brook splashing
From winter-prison set free
Laughing in silver-glad  anthems
Small to the big, blue sea


Sing like a child, free of worry
Sing like a spring tree, bud-shod
Sing for the beauty of Being
Part of the heart of God

© Janet Martin

Unless We Are Happy to...





Fear holds us hostage
Concocted or real
It keeps us from finding
Hope’s comforting zeal

Comparison mocks us
And strips us of praise
Due to The Giver
Of God-gifted days

We will be held by
Discouragement’s war
Unless we are happy
To be who we are

© Janet Martin

 “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde

Words, Wonder-full Words





Writer's Digest PAD Challenge: Words unsaid.

On those days
When I am sure
That I will die,
Killed by words
Someone
Says something
To keep me
Dogged,
Undeterred
And on those days
When words wax cold
And I think
I am nearly dead
Along comes someone
With a gift
Of words I wish
I would have
Said

Like…
“You can do it”
“I love you”
“I like you”
“I care”
“I’m listening”
“Are you okay?”
“Can I help?”
“Don’t give up”
“I’m praying for you”
“I understand”


© Janet Martin

one of the first songs I learned as a child...Wonderful Words of Life