POEMS

A collection of poems that are favorites of Life Issues members. We hope you enjoy them too.



THE  STARFISH  POEM

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore.  As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer.  He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day.

So he began to walk faster to catch up.  As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. 

As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"  

The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean." 

"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going out.  And if I don't throw them in they'll die."  

"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it.  You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely.  Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said-

"It made a difference for that one."

He sent me flowers today

I got flowers today.

It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day.

We had our first fight last night. He said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me.

I know he is sorry and didn’t mean the things he said because I got flowers today.



I got flowers today.

It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day.

Last night, he threw me into a wall and started to choke me. It seemed like a nightmare. I couldn’t believe it was real. I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.

I know he must be sorry because I got flowers today.



I got flowers today and it wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day.

Last night, he beat me up again. It was much worse than all the other times.

If I leave him, what will I do ?

How do I take care of my kids ?

What about money ?

I’m afraid of him and scared to leave.

I know me must be sorry because I got flowers today.



I got flowers today.

Today was a very special day.

It was the day of my funeral.

Last night he finally killed me. He beat me to death

If only I had gathered enough courage and strength,

I would not have gotten flowers today.


Author unknown


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Addiction

** this is poem is an example of "reverse poetry" 

read the poem "forward" as normal, starting with the top line.

then read the poem "backwards", starting with the last line

The Lord Jesus Christ works in the contrast of the two readings !!

The Bible

The Bible contains the mind of
God, the state of man,
the way of salvation, the doom of
sinners, and the happiness of
believers. 
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding,
its histories are true, and its
decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it
to be safe, and practice it to
be holy. 
It contains light to direct you, food to sustain
you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the
pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s
compass, the soldier’s sword,
and the Christian’s charter.

Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. 

Christ is its grand subject, our good its
design, and the glory of God
its end. 

It should fill the
memory, rule the heart, and
guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently,
prayerfully. 

It is a mine of
wealth, a paradise of glory,
and a river of pleasure. 

It is given to you in life, will be
open at the judgment, and be
remembered forever. 

It involves the highest responsibility,
rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.





When I Say I Am A Christian...

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting, "I am saved"
I 'm whispering "I was lost!"
That is why I chose this way."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.

By Carol Wimmer






THE FACE OF THE HOMELESS ©


My friend is alone and she’s scared and cold.
There is no room at the shelters so she is told.

She searches and prays and tries and tries
To find a warm place for her head to lie.

My friend is tired and aching and lonely.
She still has hope and faith if only,
someone will give what seems impossible.

Food to warm her belly and a pillow for her head,
A purpose for being, an extended hand instead.

But all she has is reasons on a list,
of this place they call homeless where she exists.

My friend is a face lost in a crowd of faces.
She goes each day on foot to many places.

Praying and trying to change her plight,
But knowing each day she awakes, there’s a fight.

A struggle to survive and effect positive change
In a world that shows so much hurt and pain.


My friend is exhausted, but certainly not beaten.
She is weak from days where she has not eaten.


But she knows God is there and will provide a path,
to a place she calls home against mean words of wrath.

A place of peace for each and every day,
As she is now safe in this place where she can lay.

A gift to Heart-N-Hand Ministries from Cate Kane on 11-10-2012.