Poems For Christmas And Our Fight

I have been really quiet lately and for that I am sorry.  I have been keeping tabs on everything but with work and some recent family type events I have just not had the time to devote like I have in the past to blogging.  I just wanted to share two poems with everyone.  On Christmas, our fight, and what we should be wishing for.  The first one I got in a Christmas card when I was probably about 17.  I have kept it all this time.  Perfect prayer…for Christmas or anytime. 

A COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS PRAYER
By S. Omar Barker (1894-1985)

 

I ain't much good at prayin', and You may not know me, Lord-
I ain't much seen in churches where they preach Thy Holy Word,
But you may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,
A-lookin' after cattle,’n feelin' thankful when it rains,
Admirin' Thy great handiwork; the miracle of grass,
Aware of Thy kind spirit and the way it comes to pass
That hired men on horseback and the livestock we tend
Can look up at the stars at night and know we've got a Friend.

So here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again
Of Him whose coming brought Good Will into the hearts of men.
I ain't no preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer,
I'll ask as good as we have got for all men, everywhere.
Don't let no hearts be bitter, Lord.
Don't let no child be cold.
Make easy beds for them that's sick and them that's weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after,
And sorta keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.

I've seen ol' cows a-starvin, and it ain't no happy sight:
Please don't leave no one hungry, Lord, on thy good Christmas night-
No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet-
I'll aim to do my best to help You find 'em chuck to eat.

I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord; I ain't got no business prayin'-
But still I hope You'll catch a word or two of what I'm sayin':
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord-I reckon you'll agree
There ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free.
So one thing more I'll ask You, Lord: Just help us what you can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man.

-Amen

Stopping By The Woods on a Snowy Eve

Whose woods these are I think I know,

His house is in the village though ,

He will not see me stopping here,

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer,

To stop without a farmhouse near;

Between the forest and the lake,

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake,

To ask if there is some mistake;

The only other sound I hear ,

Is of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep ;

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

-Robert Frost

 

That is just like us, we have miles to go before we sleep.  Have a good holiday, and get ready after the new year to keep the pressure on.

-DRB