Priceless Poetry

2008-12-26T15:44:00.003-06:00

'Till His Kingdom Comes

Come to the Father, come through the Son
He won't decieve you like some that you've known
His pure words from heaven, are seeds for the soul
Grown in the Wisdom, of Christ's fragrant soil
Dig into His Bible, 'till you find all you need
Find grace and true beauty, and peace when you weep
For real love is holy, for it comes from Him
There's health and soul healing, that cleanse from within
But, guard your soul's treasures, that God gives to you
For some men will steal them, like swine in a slough
Trust in God's Spirit, and He'll guide and provide
And He will reveal, when decievers tell lies!
So come to the Father, come through the Son
And His Word will keep you, - 'till His kingdom comes!

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ ASCAP

2008-07-30T20:46:00.002-05:00

Bride of Glory (Song Lyric to my newest demo)

V1
There's a river from a land unknown
Flowing from the foot of God's own throne
There's grace for the taking, strength for the weak
Rest for the weary, and peace for the meek

V2
Here is forgiveness and gifts from above
Here is salvation, more than enough
Come to this river, oh bride to be
Live with your lover, - eternally

Chorus
Bathe in this water, then you'll be clean
Sing Bride of Glory, unto your King!
Your purity's perfected, oh richly redeemed
Sing Bride of Glory, unto your King!

V3
This is your moment, this is your dance
The eyes of your King, are wet with romance
Come join your groom, find all you need
In His holy love, for eternity

Bridge
Once bruised and beaten, by men of this world
Now, you're Christ Bride, - in linen and pearl!

Chorus
Rest by this water, for now you are clean
Sing Bride of Glory, unto your King!
Your purity's perfected, oh richly redeemed
Sing Bride of Glory, unto your King!

Tag
Sing passionate praises, - unto your King!

Copyright 2008
Stan & Leona Simons ASCAP

2008-07-16T05:43:00.002-05:00

Life Is A Canvas

Life is a canvas empty and bare
You are the artist who sits and stares
What will you do with the gifts you've been given?
For your painting's on display before all men
Will you lavish it with love and colors serene
Reflecting the One Who created all things?
Or will it be harsh and cold, black and white
Reflecting a soul lost in the night?
Each day is a gift that comes just once in our lives
Each day is a chance to do what is right
So decide what you'll do with that brush in your hand
For the canvas is yours, to control and command.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-06-03T05:39:00.001-05:00

The Tree Stays Where It Lays

You never came to God, for you would never listen
He gave you many calls, but you refused to hear them
We often sat together and spoke of things on earth
As I wondered at your apathy about salvation’s worth
Busy with your carnal thoughts, or busy about nothing
Neglecting the One who loved you, refusing to even trust Him
Now your life is past and you’ve left this world behind
And I tremble at the thought of what I know you’ll find
You used to tell me, you knew the ways of God
But you were just deceiving yourself, as you played the odds
But God demands much more, than our casual confession
He must be our life, - our love, - our absolute obsession!
Our will is our way, to responding to His call
Without it, the phone just rings, ‘till it falls right off the wall!
So I hope you’re content old friend, with the decisions that you made
For our axe will always fall, - but the tree stays where it lays

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-06-01T12:58:00.005-05:00

Faithful Over Little

Lord, we want to be Your servants
Help us to be pleasing vessels
Vessels fit for worthy work
Servants diligent in duty
Hearing Your commands with willing hearts
Hearts that perform when called upon to do so
Seeking just Your smile, yet expectant in Your promise
Knowing our service here
Though little when compared to this urgent world of needs
That others always have in places much less blessed
Is still service that mattered much
To those we aided in it
Grant us strength to this day's demands
And knowledge that when today is done
That we feel You're satisfied with us
Satisfied with what our labor's brought
And we'll be satisfied in knowing, - Your Spirit's ways
For without You, - we can do nothing
And when the night comes down
May we have eased some pain, healed some hurt, or just held one hand
Helping someone through their bitter storm
And if we've had such an honor, such a gift from Your hand
Then allow us Lord, to feel the fulfillment of a task done well
And upon graduation from this world into Your presence
Find that You've judged us faithful in our little here
Thus may we be counted faithful over much in that day
And seeing Your smiling face beaming forth Your love
May we feel the warmth of such a pure, holy love
Time, space, and world, - without end.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-05-18T13:51:00.004-05:00

Are You a "Word Watcher?"

Are you a "Word-Watcher?"
Following The Spirit
Where it flits and flutters
Listening for the song
That is sung by others
Often lighting on a branch above us
Sometimes sent to nudge us
Nudge us closer to "The Master"
So we might escape disaster
Even in life's winter
We may hear Him enter
Singing songs so cheering
Regardless of conditions
- Are you one who's listening?
Searching through your Bible
Leaving those whose tribal
Traditions make them nest together
Regardless of their error
In applying what He teaches
Thus, forsaking what He wishes
And turning unto men
Rejecting Who God sent them
Or are you faithful to "The Boss"
No matter what it costs?
Are you His faithful friend?
- Faithful to life's end?

Are you a "Word-Watcher?"

"Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord." Proverbs 8: 34 - 35 KJV

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-05-18T11:58:00.003-05:00

Shut In and Shut Down
(For Leona, my fortress and friend.)

Many there are who feel alone
Victims of those who have done them wrong
Loved ones who take and who never repay
Who leach from the good 'til they're called away
But there's more to life than may meet our eye
And we don't have to look for a sign from on high
You're created by God for HIS pleasure alone
And He knows your good deeds and the seeds that you've sown
He enjoys when you pray and offer Him Praise
And you can do that shut in, in the night as the day
For we all can't have a stage or platform
To offer our love from a heart that's reborn
An island, a prison, hospital or home
For there's no place on earth where we're really alone
Take courage, take heart, take strength and take rest
For Jesus Christ loves you much more than you suspect
His ear is attune, His eye's never dim
He knows every thought you think about Him
And though you feel small and forgotten by men
You're never forgotten by the One without sin
He feels your feelings, He's acquainted with pain
But His Word says you'll, - WIN, ...at the end of this game!!!

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-05-04T20:52:00.003-05:00

"Good Night," God

"Good night," God
Thank You for this bed
Thank you for each priceless moment
That there's a roof above my head
Thank You for Your constant watching
Even though I'm unaware
Though I seldom sense Your presence
As I'm consumed with daily cares
Thank You for Your little children
Who trust You without doubts
Help my "grown-up" heart to learn
What simple faith is all about
Thank You Lord for always listening
To my few and feeble prayers
Thank You for Your faithful promise
That You'll meet me halfway there
Help me Lord, to learn the secrets
Of abiding in Your love
To really lean on Your wisdom
In Your Word, to fully trust
"Good night," God
- It's been a pleasure
For You're worthy of all praise and thanks
To live and breathe, and sense Your Spirit
'Til we're called away, - one day!

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-05-04T20:24:00.003-05:00

Whispers

Watch cascading water falling, down the moist and mossy rocks
See the birds flit and flutter, as leaves gently drop
Smoky Mountain trails that wind, calling to the stout of heart
With the silent wind of promise, to wander in their fragrant fog
Far away the world is busy, with the urgent and the loud
But here among the ferns and frogs, noise is simply not allowed
Here a soul can seek "The Master," and listen for His prompt reply
Gentle as a small child's whisper, - tender as it's stiffled cry
Will you stay a few brief moments, to seek some solace from above?
To listen as Our Father calls, - in a distant, cooing dove.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-04-21T20:52:00.007-05:00

When Our King Returns

There's coming a day when our King will return
To gather His bride once she's overcome
Overcome her sin, and the fear of her foes
And made herself ready for her new role
For the King will rule, from New Jerusalem
Where all nations will come to honor Him
The earth made anew, perfect and blessed
Where we'll rule and reign, in a world at rest
And death will have died, there shall be no war
And the lion, the lamb, shall fear no more
And all who have dared to serve Jesus now
Will reap great rewards and drink from God's fount
And praise shall arise like a breeze to the King
As He shines in all, and from everything
No need for the Sun or the Moon we once knew
And the sea and the surf will have vanished too
And Jerusalem, fifteen hundred miles square
Shall be filled with God's saints, who honor Him there
It's not "Pie in the Sky," or the dream of a fool
But what the Lord's promised, - to me and you!
Yes, a wonderful world, waits to be born
When the clouds roll away, and our King returns!

"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come
quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen." Revelation 22 : 20, 21 KJV

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-04-18T06:26:00.004-05:00

Work Boots and Solitude

Are things that my world shares
At dawn the boots go on
By dusk, - I need repair.
Repair from a day of duty
For duty pays the bills
But solitude is priceless
And a need that must be filled
For in stillness and reflection
We come to understand
The difference in extremes
That pull and make demands
Work boots and solitude
Are things that my world shares
For today may scream "Necessity!"
But tonight will whisper, - "Prayer."

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-04-17T20:35:00.007-05:00

The Freedom of the Un-Condemned

What will others have to say
When they hear you've left this place?
What memories will flood their minds
And mark the place you filled in time?
Were you a friend to friendly men
A light, when their way grew dim?
Did you remain when others had gone
Or were you spent on "self," - alone?
And what has grown of seed you've sown
Were you loved, or despised, at home?
These are thoughts to think about
And if they cause concern or doubt
Go to God in private prayer
And He will meet you half way there
Then in some dark and quiet place
Find forgiveness and His grace
And He'll lead you to a pleasant path
By running streams and cool, green grass
And discover, as you walk with Him
- The freedom of the un-condemned.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-03-30T06:49:00.004-06:00

Reflections

Wrestling, struggling, searching and seeking
Our spirits reach for something worth keeping
Through darkness and fog that clouds our vision
Midst wrecks of distractions blocking true wisdom
A small light looks bright to a life that's in darkness
Giving direction and guidance to those living lawless
For we're really just mirrors of one another
And we're not created to compete with each other
For when the angle of perspective is finally fixed
We're but reflections of light that is truly, - His
Lighting the way, should they choose to follow
Saving from wrath, - and certain sorrow.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-03-21T08:58:00.008-06:00

Pheasant Feathers

It's quiet and peaceful this morning at home
As the wind chime chimes, in the cool crispy dawn
And sitting at rest on my comfy couch
I survey in silence the beauty around
The room is at rest and I am too
Amidst colors and textures, that all come from You
The paintings and people, by the artist's skilled hands
Each a world within, - just like they planned
Many such things are gathered here
And I must confess, I value them dear
Antiques and art that speak of some place
In an innocent world with no knowledge of hate
My refuge, my island, - my hidden domain
Where I like to rest from the press of life's game
It's amazing how it all flows together
Like an urn of wild grass and pheasant feathers

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-03-21T08:53:00.002-06:00

Destroyed by Your Life-Giving Love

I'm thankful for things
You've taken from me
Thankful You wouldn't just let me be
I'm thankful life's changing and so am I
That You're shaping and molding me
Though I complain and cry
I'm thankful for the truth you've let me see
While I witness Your meeting my daily needs
I'm thankful Your love's invaded my heart
That You are the one thing that sets me apart
And one day You'll take me to Your home above
Once my defects are destroyed, - by Your life-giving love!

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-03-20T15:40:00.005-06:00

An Island of Peace

There's an island of peace within my soul
A shelter from life when the cold wind blows
My high rock of safety from ruthless foes
Like a hidden secret that no one knows
Comforter, Counselor, Friend and Guide
For You Lord, are one who cannot lie
Fear falls away when I come to You
And I'm reassured You'll see me through
Our friendship is sweet, conversation's dear
And I come away with a mind that's clear
Clear and certain, with a righteous resolve
Content that You'll never let me fall
An island of peace within my soul
A shelter from life when the cold wind blows

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-03-11T05:22:00.003-06:00

What Matters Most

The day begins as do my contemplations
Unknown as yet are its victories and frustrations
But Your love is ever present and keeps my foes at bay
And I'll be safe in the end, no matter what they say
So what really matters most, is fellowship with You
These constant reflections, - they will pull me through
Your perfect Word, completes imperfect man
Leads us to Your presence, and Your loving hand
So take this day, do with it as You please
Abide with me, and give me perfect peace
Lead me, as Your Spirit flows
For to please You, - that's what matters most.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-03-04T21:16:00.003-06:00

Dawn Is Dawning

Dawn is dawning
She's growing aware
As truth drops glisten
Knowledge time-shares
Winds of change
Blow through the air
As God's small voice
...Whispers His care
Dawn is dawning
And the serpent takes note
Watching for a chance
To strangle and choke
But, morning will come
And "The Light" will appear
And Dawn must decide
..."Who" she will hear.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-03-02T19:14:00.005-06:00

Disciple

My head upon His chest
I feel its fall and rise
My eyes completely closed
On this strange and peaceful night
The wonder of it all
I scarce can take it in
That I would be one He chose
To win the world to Him!
And soon, I know we'll leave
For I sense it in His touch
But where, or for what, I do not know
But, - He spoke of blood.
For much, and soon, I fear
Is sure to come to pass
But all I want is the here and now
That's what I need to grasp
For if this is all, life holds for me
It's more than I could ask
To rest and lie here with my Lord
Nothing, - compares to that.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-02-22T05:20:00.008-06:00

Within The Arms Of Christ's Caress

Why do the heathen rage
And do the things which God hates?
They persecute us every every day
For whom God's earth was planned and made
While planting snares with bloody hands
To kill the righteous in the land
They think they'll gain by causing loss
But fail to count eternal costs
For Christ hath said when their hearts fail
They'll populate the lowest hell
But those upon whose backs are laid
Stripes of vice and cruelest hate
These shall live in heaven's bliss
And feel the scent of God's own kisses
For as He on earth was much abused
And bore the marks of satan's tools
If we, Christ's "bride" must be reviled
This too will pass, - in just a while.
Then from the heights of God's domain
We'll view the smoke of sons of Cain
Ascend forever to mark the place
Of all who spent their lives in hate
But we shall have sweet peace and rest
Within the arms of Christ's caress.

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-02-18T17:09:00.006-06:00

There's Some Things, - Only God Can Do!

(For Norman Bernstein age 82, Jewish Christian, homeless by choice)

When I met you on the road
There were things I came to know
For the impression that you make
Reveals your homeless state
But the Bible by your side
And the pain inside your eyes
Pulled hard on my heart
So the choices weren't too hard
As conversation was made
I saw your simple faith
And Matthew twenty-five
Made me take your side
So I tried to meet
Your urgent human needs
And took you to my home
Safe from the cold wind blowing
Found a place where you could stay
And arrangements were made
For a roof above your head
For you and your dog, "Lad"
But you refused our offers sweet
To go back to the street
And though our hearts were grieved
There's lessons we now see
Norman, we did all we could for you
But there's some things, - only God can do!

Copyright 2008
Stan Simons ASCAP

2008-01-06T08:13:00.001-06:00

You Know Me

Lord, You know me
You see inside
You know my thoughts
My foolish pride
You see the wasted years
Their number's high
Ambitions I still have
Those I've left behind
You see my lack of wisdom
The vanity of my mind
You know the things I’d do
If I had the means
Mistakes I’d make
Sheaves I’d glean
So shield me from myself
Be my canopy
Hide me from my sins
Blot out iniquities
For You Lord, deserve
My highest loyalty
In this brief life
- For eternity.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-01-05T18:10:00.001-06:00

Finding Shoes

Sometimes I get lucky
And make a good find
Between the dusty rows
At Goodwill, or secondhand store
They lie like diamonds in the dirt
Things others have discarded
Or simply outgrown
Once in a while
Brand new ones!
Some that someone didn’t like
And it excites me
Or is it, - “He”
Who lives so quietly
- Inside.
As we see the smiling faces
Of little kids in foreign places
Getting their very first pair
As everyone stares
Walking, running, - like the wind!
Wearing pleasure’s grin
Beneath the Kenyan sun
And we see them run
As I put them in my basket
Then take them home
Place them on the rack
Of God’s strange diplomat
Thinking how something so small
Will change it all
- For some.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-01-05T17:25:00.000-06:00

The Worst of Men

Ours was a small and sleepy town
Locked between the hills
A place where people lived
Midst clapboard houses and dusty streets
Where time passed without a thought
Where fathers smoked in khaki pants
As we ran and raced
Beneath summer’s warm wind
Far from the violence of war’s din
And a place named Afghanistan
Far from the place death stalks prey
And children go slow and silent
Among the mines
With playmates missing limbs
From things they find
Hidden like the hate that made them
Like the hate that laid them
Beneath the summer sand
Vipers lusting to strike
For the sake of some foolish fight
Between the worst of men
Born for the flames of hell
So shall they ever dwell
Who stole small legs and arms
Laughing at the thought of breaking hearts
Changing everyone
Everyone, - who had one.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2008-01-03T19:35:00.000-06:00

The King's Garden

It's a place deceptively silent
But for birds that sing there
Take courage lonely mortal
Let go of your despair
For the shadows of the present
Veil the God who truly cares
He's sent His Son to redeem us
And He hears each honest man’s prayers
Though the seed may be buried in silence
'Neath the earth, so cold and bare
Soon it will blossom with sweetest fragrance
In the dawn that God has prepared!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-12-25T19:44:00.000-06:00

More

More holiness give me
More strivings within
More patience in suffering
More sorrow for sin
More faith in my Saviour
More sense of His care
More joy in His service
More purpose in prayer.

Author Unknown
Taken from: "Gems of Truth and Beauty" 1896

2007-12-25T19:20:00.000-06:00

A Little Way

Gliding through the spacious skies
I sit above the clouds
Passengers with thoughts are busy
The captain’s voice is loud
But I choose to think of You
And all Your blood has bought
And wonder that Your friendship
Is one thing most have never sought
The earth in silence turns so slow
And the present turns to past
As the space between two points
Goes by like an hourglass
And on the way from here to there
Within this life of dreams
There’s sweet peace and security
- No matter how things seem
For Your spirit deep within
Is ever whispering to my soul
And no matter what I have to face
It’s comforting to know
My destination to Heaven fair
Is more certain than the day
So I welcome all the journey brings
For it’s but, - a little way.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-12-23T07:46:00.000-06:00

Assumptions That We Make

Some give to charities
And think they serve The Master
Expecting that by giving
They’ve got God duped and flattered
Such is the way many live today
They may quote the bible
But they refuse to obey it
But when our days fade
And we're forced to meet our fate
What about our soul
Once it’s all too late?
We think God isn’t watching
Just because He’s silent
Or that by “good deeds”
We’ll avoid chastisement
But it’s quite a gamble
If we never really learn
That salvation is a “gift”
That we can never earn
For the only ones who please
The God who watches all
Are those who help the helpless
When they see them fall
For it doesn’t really matter
The size of our estate
If we leave “Lazarus,”
Begging at our gate
The world may shout our praises
But make no mistake
We'll all have to answer
For the assumptions that we make.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-12-16T07:16:00.000-06:00

The "Gift"

He gave him an education
To prepare him for this life
Introduced him to business
Approved his choice of wife
Advised him in religion
But this he failed to heed
No matter dad's intentions
In this he greatly grieved
And as the years slipped by
His boy became a "success"
He traveled far and wide
For wealth was his great quest
Meanwhile dad grew fragile
And health began to fail
He thought about his son
And wondered how he'd failed
All the years of training
To prepare him for this life
But when it came to God
His heart was cold as ice
And yesterday he flew in
To visit his "old man"
But found him on his deathbed
With his bible in his hand
"So, I see you're still at it
- Still reaching for the stars."
His aged old dad said: "I'd rather be here,
Than standing where you are."
"My death holds no fear you see
For it's just my graduation."
"It isn't my demise, my son
It's my, - coronation! "
From his seat the son looked up
But his dad was, - gone
As the bible slid from a lifeless hand
...Into his very own.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-12-16T07:04:00.000-06:00

The Fisher

We watched a fisher fishing
We watched him cast his "line"
It hardly made a ripple
As it sank into our minds
Then he reached into his bag
And fumbled with his bait
- He seemed so patient
As we watched him wait
- Suddenly he shouted!
Which took us by surprise
And to his net he guided
- A shiny, slimy prize!
"What bait are you using?"
One asked him from the shore
"- Just a piece of "Romans,"
A prayer, and nothing more.
- Some days you catch nothing,
But still you have to try!
For The Master said to "fish"
- Until the creek runs dry!
For He's the "Master Fisher"
And He's fishing for you, - my man
So He can take you, "Up-Stream"
Unless you've, - "other" plans!"

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-12-12T19:40:00.000-06:00

Still Thirsty (Based on St. Luke: chapter 16)

Pauper, peasant, priest or king
We plan for days to come
And what will our future bring?
God's praise, His peace, - or scorn?
One breath, one blood, the same have all
The only thing that matters
Is what we do, - when duty calls
Do we build or do we scatter?
Some think they're above those beneath
Their privilege, rank, and title
And never stop to contemplate
The doom of the rich and idle
God wills His kingdom come to earth
And we do it by our deeds
But woe to pride-filled eyes
Blind to their brother's needs
They too, one day will upward look
And cry to God for mercy
But like the rich man "Jives," who's still in hell
They'll wait, in torments, - thirsty!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-30T06:20:00.000-06:00

Where God's Spirit Blows

The Lord is in His temple
Supreme upon His throne
And He sees through our eyes
When our hearts become His own
He watches from within us
And knows our every foe
And no harm can come to torment
Those He truly knows
For His Word is always working
And counselling our souls
As His blood secures salvation
And cleanses as it flows
You may read the famous poets
For thoughts you do not own
And wade through their carnality
'Till your soul grows numb
But true wisdom is still around
And it always shows
In the quiet, simple lives
-Where God's Spirit blows

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-24T21:05:00.000-06:00

God Makes Movies

God makes lots of movies
Each for an audience of one
And each actor has two cameras
If we’ll just turn them on
Then truth starts rolling
And glistens from our eyes
When we see evil’s victims
- And we see them die
But if we’ll act to help them
And offer them our hand
The drama plays out before us
Just the way God planned
He’s the Author and Director
No matter what some say
And if we take our cues from Him
Wisdom comes our way
Then when the last show’s over
And all the lights go out
He’ll take us home to Glory
- Where no sadness is allowed!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-20T21:01:00.000-06:00

Some Still Wonder

God sees our motives
We see our dreams
God sees the hungry
We see things
He gives the income
We spend on ourselves
And some still wonder
- If there's a hell!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-20T07:11:00.000-06:00

To Pass Below Angels

It is as it should be
To experience flight
Spawned from infinity
Formed in darkness
Black as space
A member of the human race
Fast and fleeting
In the place time dwells
And expires
The race short or long
Is relative for what matters:
To pass below angels
- Then return.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-18T08:11:00.000-06:00

Are You Hostile?

Are you hostile to the Son of God?
Do you rebel against His laws?
To do so's a grave mistake
One that will seal your fate
When death knocks at your door
You'll fear the God you’ve ignored
As regret pierces like a knife
And you've thrown away, - your life.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASACP

2007-11-12T05:46:00.000-06:00

Have You Considered?

So, oh man, - can you see?
All God's done for thee?
His love, - His care, - His severe extremes?
His heart-felt empathies?
Are you moved by His cross?
Or by His love for the lost?
Have you considered the worlds unknown
That whirl around His distant throne?
Are you moved enough, by His wounds and pain
- To repent of your secret shames?

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-11T14:11:00.000-06:00

God’s Golden Scales

There’s a day awaiting everyone
When we’ll have to answer to God’s Son
And it's hard to imagine how we'll feel
As the secrets of our hearts are revealed
For we won’t be weighed by the wealth we've won
But by the good we, - could have done.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-10T09:12:00.001-06:00

Ears to Hear

Death’s but a door, that we all must explore
A mystery of silence serene
Once fears are stilled, our spirits are thrilled
By scenes that exceed all our dreams
Then a rush of wind like a touch on our skin
Whispers hope like finding an oasis
And colors and lights amidst shadows of night
Seem like sunsets over a mesa
And nebulas stretch like great mists adrift
Cast a backdrop of brazen, brown mountains
And love from God’s eyes shines down from on high
And cascades past tall flowing fountains
As their purples and pinks, sparkle and wink
Earth turns far distant in silence
How could we doubt, or let our faith blink
For heaven’s much, much more than promised
And these sights that begin, can but only offend
Descriptions our minds can't embrace
Though God lingers and waits, He never condemns
Those who live and who die by His Word
And quite soon we shall pass, for He's told us that
The question is, have we really - heard?

Copyright 2007Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-09T16:53:00.000-06:00

Windows and Words

Windows and words are like voices unheard
- They return to us late in the night
Eyes, like the sky, - tell tales that don’t lie
And are windows to our "weather" within
For though wearing a smile, - "lions" will prowl
‘Till they catch the weak in the game!
But an honest man
Never seeks ours for his own
Like a breath of fresh air
He's welcome where
Things of true value are loved
He’s like God's own Son
Who made of Himself, - no reputation
If we also would seek, - to be just as “weak”
- How better would society function!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-06T17:48:00.000-06:00

If I Linger In Life’s Valley

If I linger in life’s valley
Past the growing eventide
Should my steps get slow and weary
And pain get hard to hide
Keep me in Your presence Jesus
And draw me closer to Your side
Comfort, strengthen, if I’m feeble
- And keep my outlook ever bright!

If I linger in life’s valley
Past my appointed time
Make me Your silent canvas
Paint Your Word inside my mind
Teach me Your perfect wisdom
To do Your will at all times
Teaching men, in turn, to love You
- Our only source of joy divine!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-03T20:13:00.000-06:00

Man

Man by nature’s a selfish sot
Naming borders, boundaries and such
But the Indian Ocean belongs as much
- To the African!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-11-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

A Poem, - Yet Un-Struck!

Comes night at last, with her sweet familiar peace
...Further, further into the silence walk, - walk on
To the place where in stillness waits, - whole worlds of words
Where beauty hides with her fragrant veil, - in the virgin earth
Far from all hurried eyes, lie her veins of purest ore
Where one with peaceful pen may find, - rare wonders waiting
'Neath crusts of leaves, and loves, and noble deeds
A poem, - yet un-struck!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-10-23T20:11:00.000-05:00

Fortunate Failures

Freedom comes from wealth, - so the world would say
And if you have enough, your troubles fade away
But Jesus never fit into that narrow-minded clan
For He's always known, - what really makes the man!

It isn’t gold or power that brings real happiness
For it's seldom found, in financial success
Still life grows a few select, special souls
They’re her fortunate failures, - that no one wants to know!

Some had success, ‘till they threw it all away
To gain a servant’s life, - and ignoble grave
For when we see with God’s eyes, we see with clarity
That the richest among us, are servants of charity!

The Apostle Paul, - was one God set before us all
And he held a high rank, ‘till he took a fall
But all he had before, he counted but dung
When he met The Master, - shining like the sun!

So be wary of the wealth that the masses crave
Be careful how you spend, your precious earthly days
Hold the hand of Christ, - no matter what men tell you
And maybe He'll make you one of His, - fortunate failures!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-10-21T13:05:00.000-05:00

The Well by the Way

Life’s like a village of dry, and thirsty people
But a solution's been provided, and it’s really simple
It's found in the crossroads of our busy streets
There's a well by the way, where God's Spirit speaks
But few venture near for the fear their darkness brings
For Christ is the light from which all evil shrinks
So they wander off and say they'll "find another well"
But He's the only one on earth, - that doesn’t "spring" from hell!

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-10-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

He Really Likes My Cap

His eyes are big and blue, - and wide as the Hudson
And they follow every move, made by every person
At just eight months, - he’s quite the cultured chap
Stealing hearts with a smile, from cheeks of baby fat
A tender, peaceful soul, - could we but do as well
Content with what he has, - or that’s the “tale” he tells!
With eyes that reveal, so many thoughts within
And if it strikes him funny, - he’s the first to grin!
He’s a sport and that’s a simple fact
And I can tell, - he really likes my cap!

(For Hudson Sage Helms on October 20th, 2007)
Cousin Stan

2007-09-22T15:13:00.000-05:00

Behind the Stage

A candle burns as a day’s concerns begin to fade away
A quiet time stills the mind, and is welcomed by the soul
A question nears becoming clear, - a moral to be learned
An inward view inside the "you" - the man behind the stage
Scenes begin and things that offend are the first we behold
Although forgiven we retrieve them, like artifacts of old
And motives unseen, are they unclean or are they from above?
Ah, the answer’s there, - how does it compare, - with all that's just and good?
The childhood dreams, - the corporate schemes, - so distant and so close
I count my score, - but as before, - I find I’m somewhat short
How good to know when I feel so low, - The Master’s looking in
And though I've failed, - I will prevail, - for He's called me His friend!

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons
ASCAP

2007-09-22T14:32:00.001-05:00

The Poet of Glender’s Grove

I used to watch him when he passed
Stomping down the frosty grass
An old, silent, stone of a man
Passing with pipe and books in hand
He’d climb the path to Glender’s Grove
And stay the day, all alone
They said he’d wed but once
And that she’d died very young
But as sure as dawn he’d climb those hills
With his thin, aged legs, and iron will
I liked to follow far behind
And hide and listen to words sublime
As he read to a ghost no one knew
And exhale sweet pipe smoke grayish blue
While he sat under the cedars, coat pulled close
His collar turned to block the cold
In the tall grass, I'd lay and listen
To Byron, Whittier, Scott, and Emerson
Then one morn he didn’t show
But by dust we came to know
They'd found him frozen with poems and pipe
And a faded photo of the love of his life
Now they say there’s phantoms in these hills
That you can hear him, when the wind gets still
Tho' some may doubt it, I'm one who knows
It’s only the poet of Glender’s Grove.

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons
ASCAP

2007-09-22T13:31:00.000-05:00

2007-09-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

“One Thing”

Inwardly I turn seeking to find
Some silent thought to still the mind
And search past houses, farms and fields
Past streams and rocks and grassy hills
I look through the gray stillness of dawn
To find the place that lies beyond
To a place private and nearly forgotten
For the path’s grown high since I last trod it
As I lay in slumber with spirit still, - You speak
And grant the one thing I really need:
To be still, and near my God.

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons
ASCAP

2007-09-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

There's No Silence Like a Grave

I could call you on the phone
But I know you won't be home
I could say so much just now
And hope you'd hear, some way, some how
The Autumn skies, the gold, brown trees
The breeze that blows against the leaves
But time stands still and I remain
Beside a stone that bears your name
And soon I must leave this peaceful place
To face the folly of life's ways
And the day will buzz with urgent care
Tho' I'm detached and unaware
Caught within the lives we shared
Then voices boom and breech the past
And reflection's shattered like a glass
The world is busy, loud, and brave
...But there’s no silence like a grave.

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons
ASCAP

2007-09-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

IS IT?

Reclining at a table
Beneath a midnight sky
The twelve with The Master
Who soon shall give His life
The silence goes unbroken
'Till Peter signals with his eyes
And John gives their hearts a voice...
"Is it, - I?"

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T20:32:00.000-05:00

WHEN THE LAST PAGE IS WRITTEN

When the last page is written
And I make my "curtain-call"
Standing before The Saviour
The One who gave His, - All
Will my Spirit tremble
With the fear beyond all fears?
Or will it beat with anticipation
That heaven is so near?
When the last page is written
And earth's but a speck of sand
So distant, far behind "the present"
And the Great "I AM"
Will Jesus wear a smile?
And say to me "Well Done!"
Or frown with indignation
When my "faith account" reads:

"None."

So I thank Him I'm alive
And that I'm breathing still
That I can read His Book
And learn to do His will
Will you my friend, - the same?
Shall we heed this warning given?
Before our "ink" runs out
- When the last page is written.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-09-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

THY GIFT

When I pause to reflect
To see and understand
That Christ came in the form of clay
To bear the sins of man
He was so humble and so meek
Most failed to honor Him
Yet on His head He gladly bore
All our secret sins
What wondrous love You displayed
To see His crown adorned
Not with gold, or precious jewels
But with cruel thorns!
Was it not enough that You had
To watch Him die that day?
Enduring all the jeers
That we threw His way?
Though all the world go down to hell,
And never lift its eyes
One can but wonder why You'd pay
Such an awful price!
So hear us Lord and speed Thy help
And grant us hearing ears
For if Thy gift, - we still refuse
What horrors follow near?

...What wrath?
...What pain?
...What fears?

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T20:18:00.000-05:00

WOUNDS

If you listen when the rain falls
Softly on the dusty trail
When autumn skies in golden mellow
Smile like waves upon the skin
And the old one sit like mountains
While the women gather wood
Maybe you can sense the sorrow
Living in the Redman’s eyes
Like the last cry of the eagle
When alone he finally dies
Feel the heartbeat of his spirit
Soaring on the western wind
Share the guilt that made him homeless
Shake his hand and call him
..."Friend"

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

LADY WISDOM
(Adaptation of Proverb 8)

Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling?
She hails down the passers by
Offering flowers with centers of gold
24 karat for the taking!
Where is she to be found?
In the boardrooms on Wall Street?
No, she stands at the intersections of life
Anywhere common people meet
She offers the winos her seat on the bus
And stands content by her captive audience
“Perhaps this life can be salvaged” she says
As she gets out her medicine bag
And starts to bandage
Here a hurt, there a knife wound
The bleeding never stops when your soul is leaking
She chews gum called “Truth”
As she tends to a tired soul in a broken body
A priest gets on at the last stop
Bumping her hard as he presses by
She looks at him with sad eyes
Disappointed that he doesn’t recognize her
Still she works, handing out life
To those who will love her
Substantial honor is deposited into
The bank account of life for those
Who have their passbooks out and open
Here she comes, heading this way!
- Do you have yours?

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T20:11:00.000-05:00

BY THE BEACON'S LIGHT

By the beacon's light the watcher
Warms cold and cracking hands
Then snow blows down his collar
When the wind gusts again
His wife's probably baking
His favorite custard pie
His family safe and warm
Hid from a thing called "Life"
"How long! - How much longer!"
"Till Wilson comes on watch?"
But it's still only half past seven
As his pocket watchtop pops
Barbed wire whistles warn him
The wind's picked up again
And the felons in their warm cells
Laugh at the cold watchman
By the beacon's light the watcher
Plans a great escape
And dreams of paths to travel
- On a trip he'll never take
Such are the watcher's thoughts
As he bares his adversity
Cold, alone, and freezing
Enduring: - "Responsibility"

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

WHERE THE PEACEFUL LILIES GROW

...Often here I find Him
The One Who knows my soul
He comes here to escape those
Who want a sign or wonder shown
A man unlike His kinsmen
This "Prophet of Renown"
He's the door to the life
Where joy and peace abound
He's kind to all who seek truth
Who look for God on high
But He always offends those
Full of vanity and pride
He heals the sick
-The dead are raised!
Yet, some still question why:
"From whence cometh His authority?
To say He is, - "The Christ!"
But, I know He's Who He claims to be
For I've watched Him now so long
His word is truth
For the crop has shown
What kind of seeds were sown
His power comes from God above
And confirms the things He speaks
As He invites all
Both great and small
- This "Living Water" drink
As I watch Him through the hedges
I know, - He knows, - I'm here
But He continues with His praying
And takes away my fear
This "Man," - so kind and gentle
This "Christ," - I've come to know
As I've listened to His praying
- Where the peaceful lilies grow

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

THE ART OF SIN

Life is no accident
It's given from on high
But a newborn's eyes hide little lies
As they engineer their cries
Too soon they learn to excel
In the art of sin
Groping, grasping, reaching high
The great brass ring to win
But the ring's never had
Except a price is paid
And in the quest we neglect
The King Who came to save
We put Him last in thought and act
In all we say and do
As wisdom cries
We pass by
On the path of fools
And as we go our hearts grow cold
'Till the sudden end
To stand before an angry God
-Who longed to be our friend.

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:45:00.000-05:00

WINTERWOOD

Through the wood there went two tracks
Where wheels had sliced the snow
And as I walked through leafless trees
I wondered how far you'd go
Where must one go for a little peace?
When solemn souls deal with grief
Like petals of love shook from the stem
Cruel words separate...
- Closest friends.

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:39:00.000-05:00

THE NIGHT IS CALM

The day is done and night is calm
As I begin to read Your words
You traveled far, Who made each star
To bring me words of worth
You inspired pens of moral men
Your living Word to coin
Which gives us peace and grants release
From chains with which we're born
The day is done and night is calm
And again I seek Your Word
Your love's revealed and I am healed
As Your Word's applied again
The Healing Balm, - The Promised One
The Prince and King of Israel
You touch my heart and make me smart
For Your Word gives light unto the simple

Copyright 2007/Stan Sions ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:36:00.000-05:00

I SAW LAZARUS ON TV

I saw Lazarus on TV
As hungry eyes stared at me
He stood alone on woobly knees
Yes, I saw Lazarus on TV
Sometimes I see him in my dreams
Or when I'm feasting like a king
And his swollen belly makes me sad
As I consume what he should have
So I pray that when I've breathed my last
I won't regret my careless past
And see him in heaven faring well
While I thirst and cry in flames of hell!

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:34:00.000-05:00

WHO IS THIS JESUS?

Who is this Jesus?
Why should He
The city move so mightily?
A passing stranger, has He skill
To move the multitude at will?
Again the stirring tones reply
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

Emma Campbell, 1873

2007-09-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

THE CHANCE

He gasped at his first breath
Having slipped out of his cell
For nine months he'd been confined
Believing all was well
And yesterday he breathed his last
At eighty one he died
And all the distance in between
Was all he knew of life
He traded sympathy and mercy
For wealth along life's way
But he'd trade it all for one more chance
If he could hear God say
..."Well done good and faithful servant
You've finally made it home"
...But Alas, it's - irreversible
And that chance will never
...Come.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:19:00.000-05:00

THE PATHWAY TO HEAVEN

I thought the pathway to Heaven
Was free from trouble and care
Like a walk past a bubbling fountain
Where fragrances fill the air
I thought He'd surely lead me
To a life in the warmth of the sun
But found cold and indifferent strangers
Where my friendship was totally shunned
I thought the pathway to Heaven
Was traveled by many kind peers
Yet I found that faith-minded people
Are often unstable and victims of fear
I thought this journey should win one
The praise and approval of man
But, soon learned I was hated
Cursed and scorned by the damned

I found the pathway to Heaven
Held many snares of despair
A place where the climate can change
As a storm caught me quite unawares
When it passed I saw I was bleeding
And feared I was destined to die
So I turned my petitions to Heaven
But silence, - was my only reply

Surely Job had these kind of moments
Surely I now knew some of his pain
And I wondered if the prize was worth it
When I saw how life had changed
So I turned to the Bible for answers
It was there I soon was to learn
Christ’s own steps were not so easy
But grew harder with each passing turn

His friends all questioned his methods
And left Him alone in the end
To face the fierce wrath of the Father
Forsaken, rejected, - condemned
Therein is the great secret
For the path is so hard some days
But trusting Him to save us
Brings the peace that won't pass away

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:16:00.000-05:00

LIFE'S LIQUID

Life's divine and liquid
It's the "filling" in our souls
Contentment is the emptying
As we our fill up our freinds
For we require emptying
...To be filled again!

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:12:00.000-05:00

LIKE MIST IN MORNING

Like mist in the morning
I've come to understand
The wisdom in Your whisper
The secrets in Your plan
Oft You speak volumes
With words of scarcity
When I put them to parchment
They bring tranquility
Oh, to know You better!
But, alas these earthy cares!
Distraction shatters silence
Like explosions in the air
But when my soul is silent
You're like a waterfall
Many voices call demandingly
But I value Yours, - most of all!

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:08:00.000-05:00

THE GIRL WITH THE ROSE IN HER HAIR

Over a hill where the trees stand still
Down a soft pathway in bloom
Across a small stream where shadows lie low
Comes the lone cry of a loon
Onward he walks through this peaceful domain
And wonders if she’s waiting there
Beneath the green branches of the perfumed pines
- The girl with the rose in her hair
He sees her then, and his cheeks crease in lines
As a smile breaks ‘neath eyes of pain
He touches her face, with an old withered hand
- And steps into Heaven again
The days come and go, and for all they know
He’s lost in some darkness within
It’s the Alzheimer’s they say as they turn away
While he toothlessly babbles and groans
But he sees her there, in a garden somewhere
Then they kiss and they touch
And he loves her so much
- The girl with the rose in her hair
In the morning they come and discover that one
Has slipped on sometime in the night
The nursing home staff, prepare all the facts
The reports and phone calls are made
His name is removed from beside his door
As all the aged eyes look on
They murmur in whispers that: “...He’s gone away”
But, they know just where he’s gone...
Over a hill where the trees stand still
Down a soft pathway in bloom
Across a small stream where shadows lie low
Comes the sweet song of the loon
Onwards he walks through this peaceful domain
Somehow, - he senses she’s there
Beneath the green branches, - with a smile just for him
- The girl with the rose in her hair
He sees her then and laughs as he grins
Any says that she still looks the same
Then he touches her face with a younger man’s hands
- And a new life in Heaven begins

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:05:00.000-05:00

CLIQUES

Cliques are little cultures
That fence in little men
For we only see the faults
In those we condemn
So we stand apart and stare
Refusing to retreat
Unaccepting and rejecting
And blind to our defeat
But if we'll read God's Book
He'll show us how we sin
Then take us in as family
- Unashamed to be our friend.

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T19:02:00.000-05:00

MY GIFTS

I may not be Picasso
But I have gifts within
Nor Andrea Bocelli
For I cannot sing like him
But God above's my Father
Who hears my every sigh
And Christ is my big brother
Who comforts in the night
He's placed His gifts within me
Tho' they're seldom seen by men
For men only see the surface
...And the color of my skin

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T18:40:00.000-05:00

When My Soul Leaks out it's Pain

I saw the frozen river
A great white glacial band
Mystic mountain silence
- Purest I’ve ever heard
I lit up that old peace-pipe
“Falling Eagle” gave me when
We took the timber companies to court
And run them off his land
The world always gets smaller
When you fly the friendly skies
It’s then I miss you most
And see your little smile
Like children playing in the rain
In some watercolor scene
I still call your name some nights
- When my soul leaks out its pain
One day the sky will call to me
And I’ll have served my time
I’ll fly away and meet you there
Where the water falls gently by
With childlike eyes you’ll feed the deer
- Just like you used to do
Before the gods took you from me
And turned my dreams to rain
I sat for several hours
Up on Old Blackfoot Ridge
Remembering all our special times
- Before your cancer came
Remembered all our hopes and dreams
Back, when the earth was young
- When Eden was ours to keep
And passion, - ours to tame
Then the frozen river beckoned
To my soul so cold and still
Speaking wisdom for my misery
And a love left unfulfilled
Now my eyes are open wider
Though the world’s still in pain
For you're always in my thoughts
- 'Till you're in my arms again.

Copyright 2007/Stan Simons ASCAP

2007-09-13T18:26:00.000-05:00

HE WAS A POET

Seldom moving among the masses
They walk apart with silent souls
Slow to mingle and few they follow
Whose hearts hold Muse’s gold
God only knows why He so moves them
Moves them to feel what others can’t show
Sadness unspoken, love forsaken
Like a lone rose, crushed on the snow
I knew a man once such as this
Such a one with soul of old
Misunderstood, misrepresented
Plagued by the pain knowledge grows
He wrote answers, that found my questions
Reasons for life and a light for the road
Now that he's gone some may miss him
And that’s the tribute to his work below
Slowly they pass through the small chapel
To look at an image lying so cold
Now he’s a poet living eternal
Waiting for us by life’s swift flow
For some may listen to one now silent
To wisdom and words penned long ago
And maybe someday, someone may ask
Who is that writer, - you so love to quote?
The man may be gone, yet his words linger
Showing secrets by the light he was shown
Then like a whisper over your shoulder
He’ll send a line to lodge in your soul
Mystically making his mentoring magic
For he was a poet , - that you now know.

Copyright 2007
Stan Simons/ASCAP