Fiction, Short Stories, Poetry, Film, Videos and Art

Ongoing Fiction Published On Associated Content

2010-09-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what one would call a novel being written by different authors. So far there are three, really four (I haven't published her poem yet), who have contributed. There's a little bit of editing going on as well, so in the end I should give them credit also. We don't know where the story is taking us, though we have some sort of outline . . . blurry as it might seem. This, of course, means we are breaking a few rules of writing. For now, it's being published on Associated Content. Not a lot of money is exchanging hands which might change if we can establish a loyal group of readers.

Nevertheless, we are up to chapter 6. By that I mean Chapter 6 still needs to be written. Chapter 5, Intimus Sanctum, written by Susan Skomessa, was the last installment.

There's a handsome knight who might possibly have romantic feelings for his Queen who he must protect. The King is in battle (we haven't gotten into the King's side of the story yet) but he trusts his Knight to bring the Queen and her son (apparently, a son destined to unite all kingdoms of the ancient world), to safety. The forest is dangerous,especially for lonely warriors, the guardians (good or bad?) are waiting for their arrival.

Does the Queen have feelings for her protector, J'than? Who is this child of destiny? What does the birthmark behind his ear mean? Is the Land of Berothai magical or cursed? Why is it hidden to the common man?

Here are the chapters thus far . . .
Knight of Honor
Knights and Queens and Coffee
A Bell In The Rocks
The Guardians of Berothia
Intimus Sanctum

Excerpt from A Bell In The Rocks: Their journey continued. The fire of the torch grew stronger and brighter the closer they walked to Berothai. If they strayed to the left, or to the right of the narrow path, the flames diminished.

Suddenly, a fierce snarl came from above them. Jthan looked up to see a daughter of Nyx perched on a branch. She was dark and beautiful and for the moment the knight was mesmerized.

New Publishing House: G8Press Launches Successfully

2010-08-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it took us a while but we needed to iron out all the wrinkles before we launched G8Press. And today we did . . . launched and ironed.

We love all you writers of fiction, speculative fiction, nonfiction, poetry, lyrics and even short story collections--all are welcome in our new publishing house. It's not difficult to walk through the gate but your work will have to be edited, at least once(or one gazillion) by you. If you are part of a writers group, you have a better chance of being accepted.

In any case, as a writer myself I know how hard it is to break into the business. I have read so many good manuscripts but publishers would rather take a chance on Stephen King etc. And who could blame them? G8Press was created to help authors get published and readers to find them. Of course, if you want fame and riches G8Press is probably not the company for you. However, we will take care of your baby (authors come first with us) and shall partner with you in the marketing process.

Here's our first project--a simple cookbook titled, "If I Can Cook It You Can Cook It Cookbook." It took eighteen online friends to help us gather recipes. We had a blast. The recipes are simple, the graphics are fun and the photography is awesome. Come check it out in our E-store and soon it will be available on Amazon as well.

Libra

2010-06-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

By Soroh Mandel

I feel love…
like a concrete brick on a shaking cliff.
I feel afire…
like a thousand flames calling my name.
I feel tender…
like an open shell in a darken well.

And so we dance –
in mystic fields through silver branches – on ended songs and second glances.
I keep you close –
through sheer immutable will, and you’ll stand near me….
sometimes
as long as my heartbeat keeps perfectly still.

Things get tethered…
precious words sewn
in atrophy
detachment fails, and I improvise normality.

Forcing disconnect
minutes into weeks, standing steep in liquid steel…
only just to breathe
returned to you
stunned
in silent pain, watching your dismissive rage…
my absence ill received.

I pictured it an open sky
the moons embrace, your lovely smile
welcoming my special day...
but anger brews in different ways.

Your words spoke fire, and everything burned, and I choked on your venom and kept my back turned.

Reaction confusion!

Libra speaks, my invisibility shines
while your acid burned my flooded eyes.
Understanding cut in half…foundations have been shoved;
I’ve never felt such raw contempt from someone that I’ve ….. .

I feel…

Leaves

2010-05-29T17:54:00.001-07:00

By Irene Faubion

I think that there is nothing
in all God’s great outdoors
that sets my mind at ease,
when I am tired,
like watching leaves—
just blowing in the breeze.

They’re far removed from all my care,
and watching them
my mind just seems to glide
into a tranquil place,
to contemplate;
and meditate;

and worship Him –

Who likened wind to God, the Holy Spirit,
Who, although we see Him not,
Yet He is there!

And so my heart takes courage;
I resume my task;
by simply taking time
to look at leaves –
just leaves – while blowing in the breeze
upon God’s trees.

Project Blankets For Foster Kids

2010-04-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Diana, with her friends at work, has started an awesome project. They're knitting and/or crocheting 8x8 squares which some one then puts together for a complete blanket. These blankets are beautiful. If you want to get involved just let us know. Leave a comment on this post or email the Blog Lady. Here's a few pictures Diana send me of the completed blankets that are given to foster kids.

UPDATE: Diana and I are now trying to get a group of women (and men) at Newsong Church to make blankets for anyone who might need them. We've contacted Rodney H with our homeless ministry and he said he has quite a few families he would like to present with a blanket. Again, if you're interested, just email me . . . or the Blog Lady.

Grief

2010-04-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

By Nicholas Niles

The darkness comes
It's hard to advoid
It swallows you whole
Makes you cry
And makes you whimper
Completely vunerable
Unavoidable
You think it's over
Nothing worse can happen
Whats worse than losing someone you love?
You would be right
There is nothing worse
Because once the darkness lifts
The light shines through
It's tempting to worry
That this ain't it
It's hard to conclude
The war is done
For body, mind and soul
Rest easy now
It's finally over
Tough to say goodbye
Tougher to move on
But ...
With a little work
And a lotta time passing
It will happen
The pain ends
Sleepless nights are a thing of the past
Life moves on
So do you
It is a long, and troublesome journey
You can do it
I know you can
If I can, so can you, right?

Image of Sunrise: copyright Wikimedia Commons
Credit: Henry Muhlpfordt

FREE Chapter

2010-03-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Chapter 32 of "Swords of the Watchers."

Easter: The King on a Cross

2010-03-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

At dawn upon that awestruck day
He rose from death, your debt to pay
When Mary came, the angel cried
Go tell the world, for them He died!

(click here to read the whole poem)

Humanity

2010-02-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

By Nicholas Niles

Alone in the night

I worry and fear

That my worst nightmares

Have all come true

The visions I see

The stories I read

Are all scary

And intimidating

They make me cry

They make me depressed

I do not know what to do

Then comes the darkness

At the end of the tunnel

I see the reason

For my troubles

It’s bit and terrifying

I want my shelter

No one comes to my aid

They all have their own demons

People are my salvation

And my nightmares

I try not to worry

It will work out one day

Hopefully one day soon

Until then . . .

A Novel: Writing It Together!

2010-01-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1: A Light In The Forest
Chapter 2: Knights, Queens and Coffee
Chapter 3: The Bell In The Rocks
Chapter 4: The Guardians of Berothai

If you would like to write chapter 4, just email it to the Gatekeeper. We will publish your chapter on Associated Content as well as on this blog. Any money you generate at AC will be paid to you through PayPal when you reach at least $1.00. Ah, royalties. Have fun!

UPDATE: Bob Leger has submitted Chapter 4. You can read it at AC. Email the Gatekeeper if you think you have Chapter 5 rolling around in that creative head of yours. Yeah, you!

SPG Poets & Writers

2010-01-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

This is SPG's (Single Parents Group) personal writing and art blog. Besides the latest news and events for our single moms, it is also a collection of poems, short stories (fiction and non), photography and art. All of this poetry, fiction and art will be published in book form.

****
How To Write Poetry

*****

Lyrics: Sadness Madness

2009-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

I used to be a lucky man
Oh a long time ago
Had it all right in my hand
I never thought I would see it go

Then one day it came down on me
And I fell so easily
I remember I had a dream
And I threw it all away

Hello sadness
I see we meet again
Hello madness
My old friend

I’ve given all that I could give
And I’m down on my knees
Tried so hard to find a way to live
And not to think of how it used to be

And should I get the chance again
I know I’ll be the way I should’ve been
Cause I remember I had a dream
And I threw it all away, I threw it all away

I remember I had a dream
Such a long time ago
But Jesus got a hold on me
And he will never let me go

No more sadness
We’ll never meet again
No more madness
Found another friend

Edge of Forever

2009-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

When the morning comes
And daylight is rising
We think it’s just another day
See the signs, creation is tired
How long can it go on this way

It’s all coming down
The curtain is falling
History is standing on the line
Life as we know it, is hanging in the balance
Can’t you see we’re running out of time

We’re about to begin the timeless journey—again
We’ve been here once before
Now this time we’re back for more—to win

Don’t you know we’re standing on the edge of forever?

When the evening comes
And night time is falling
Another day has closed its eyes
And I don’t know just how far we’ve got to go
But I know it could be any time

You can almost hear Armageddon is calling
I can almost see a white horse riding on the heavens

Well it’s almost over now
I can see it in your eyes
Almost time to say goodbye

We’re standing on the edge of forever

adapted from lyrics by Michael B. Alten,

How To Submit To Us

2009-12-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

Send all submissions as Word doc. files to the GateKeeper. How's that for keeping it simple? Please make sure your work has been edited, at least once by yourself! Sending illustrations with your work is acceptable, make sure they are jpg or gif files. Everything else is to complicated for the GateKeeper.

If you would like to publish on Associated Content just click here.

A Slide Show: Days of Snow!

2009-12-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Beautiful, and to quote the obvious, breathtaking photographs created and published on Associated Content. It's a wonderful season. Merry Christmas everyone!

Long, Long Winter

2009-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

Staring at the sunrise
Driving on the road again
A freezing winter morning
Starts my day

I tried to read your Word
But I couldn't feel a thing
When I talk to you
You feel so far away

Sometimes I feel like crying
Like I'm sleeping or I'm dying
Like a barren tree
That's trapped beneath the snow

It's a long long winter
And I'm reaching out to you
It's a long long winter
And the sun is shining through
Summer has gone a long time ago
And I thought it was gone for good
But springtime is coming

Springtime is coming

(adapted from lyrics by Michael B. Alten)

Merry CHRISTmas

2009-12-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

A Lament For the LA Football Fan

2009-10-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Woe to the stadium
Filled with dust and gloom
Ode for a quarterback
No kickers loom

Woe to the seats
Without fans or cheers
Cry for a defense
No body fears

Woe to Hail Mary's
For the wide receivers
Fourth and goal
No fumble retrievers

Woe to the Bucs
With the O and six season
Come to LA
No crime for treason

There is no football in LA
No Brett, no Peyton, no Curt
No pay!
We lament, lament for football in LA

This poem is also featured at
Associated Content
copyright, 2009, Debby Alten

Fiction: A Light In The Forest

2009-10-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1

Déorah clutched her child close to her bosom as she ran into the blackness of the old forest. The rain broke effortlessly through its thick, leafy canopy. She was frightened, but brave, as the darkness seemed to steal her very breath. Nonetheless, she hurried her journey upon the
narrow path to the fortress of Berothai. She tried to comfort her son, to no avail, as the rain fell heavily upon them. For now, her cloak sheltered both.

Her protector, Jthan, a knight from the king's inner circle, followed close behind—his sword unsheathed. "The sun has its troubles shining through the forest, but the rain does not seem to have such a problem. I will find a place for us to rest."

She shook her head in gentle protest. "They will find us. I must bring my child to Berothai. Only there, will he be safe."

to read the rest of the Story click here . . .

copyright, Debby Alten, 2009
Graphic Source: Wikimedia Commons
Artist: John William Waterhouse
La Belle Dame Sans Merci

Inner Me

2009-10-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Beauty
Fresh
Clear
Crystal blue
Like a stream caressing a pebble.

But then
The heat of lethal sun
Burns it all away
The beauty lies dead
A dry bed of cracked clay

Inner me
Is beautiful
A gentle and quiet spirit
Waters my thirsty soul
Kindness overflows
Love caresses and
Graces my old, cracked face

And those who see inside
Will know the beauty
Is not from me.

copyright, Debby Alten, 2009
first published on AuthSpot

Poetry Published on AuthSpot

2009-10-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

Edge of Forever

Long, Long Winter

Sadness, Madness

Running From the Night

Dear God

2009-10-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Though the season is dark
You are the maker of the sunrise
Though my path is long and dry
You lead me to green pastures

Though sin wars against me
You whisper through dreams
Though peace is elusive
You bring it to me

Though the river rages
You build a bridge to safety
And though I feel like dying
You give eternal life

©Debby Alten, 2009
This poem is also published
on Associated Content

SPG Book Study

2009-10-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Now there's a girl we can relate to. This book is awesome, funny, and heart warming. Here's my review at AC of Bad Girls of the Bible. Pick up your own copy, it's the book we'll be going through at SPG.

A Flood of Thoughts

2009-09-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

by Sam Friends

Sadness….what I have left when the anticipation has given way to no patience to wait any longer for the beginning.

Anger…what I feel when the frustrations of waiting get to be too much to bear.

Sorrow… for having these feelings.

Guilt … for not being excited. A vicious cycle that keeps me awake and makes my mind and heart fight longer and more.

Prayer…what is needed but my soul only groans.

God can decipher the sounds and bring peace in the misery.
Will my stubbornness let Him?
Will I allow myself to feel His presence and peace?
Or will I continue in this cycle until I am so miserable and worn out I have no other choice?

Sadness…

©Sam Friend, 2009

SPG Meetings

2009-09-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

What an awesome gathering! We have quite the extraordinary group of women. I am really excited about the things we discussed and of course, let's see which book we are willing to read through together. Here's the list . . .

Sheila Walsh: Let Go: Live Free of the Burdens All Women Know

Max Lucado: In The Eye Of The Storm

Patsy Clairemont: Catching Fireflies: Teaching Your Heart to See God's Light Everywhere

Click on the above links or Search Here and help with donations to SPG/Pantry . . .

I think you can read, at least, the first chapter of each book on Amazon.

And finally, we've got a new schedule for SPG meetings. We will now meet every other Sunday--the first and third Sundays of the month, starting in October.

Cook Book Trailer/Teaser

2009-09-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Music: Kevin McLeod
Photo Source: Public Domain Image
Yes, I have become a public domain junkie!

We are still looking for illustrations, devotions, poetry, stories and a few more recipes because one can never have enough recipes!! Photographs are plenty, thanks. The above painting is public domain on account the copyright has expired. It's a painting by Jan Davidszoon de Heem - Fruits and Pieces of Sea (oil on wood), born 1606.

Fire On The Moon (lyrics)

2009-08-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Listen to me now my son, my final day has just begin,
Ive tried to show you right from wrong, to shore you up to carry on till the end
And soon enough I wont be here, to hear you call and calm your fears again
I don’t know what else I can do, but pray the Lord will bring you thru to mend

Cause there’s a fire on the moon – full of blood she calls the gloom
Pay no mind to what you knew . . . tell me Son what will you do?

Remember now when you were young? And from the book I read my song
It told us both just what to do, but here you are outside the truth again
I know you had to find your way, but tell me who are you today my friend?
I don’t know what else I can do, I’m tired and there’s no place for you where I’m goin

Cause there’s a fire on the moon – full of blood she calls the gloom
Pay no mind to what you knew….tell me Son what will you do?

Listen to me now my son, my final day has just begin, and I’m goin
Ive tried to show you right from wrong, to shore you up to carry on till the end
And soon enough I wont be here, to hear you call and calm your fears again
I don’t know what else I can do, but pray the Lord will bring you thru to mend

Note: “Fire On The Moon” is a dual last days song. The Blood Moon comes from end times prophesy. But this is an old Christian Mother, on her deathbed talking to her son, telling him to repent and return because she can’t cover him anymore.

©Steven Urenda, 2009

A Soft Parade (lyrics)

2009-08-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

All those tired and whimsy tales . . . from the burning sands
Thick as thieves they trim their sails . . . for the Tides of Man
But it’s always bound to be this way when nobody makes a stand
In the soft parade . . . lies fall like ticker tape

Well give me – hard times, the rhythm and rhyme of a common man, I’m just a common man
And give me, ling lines, and perilous times to do what I can, do the best I can
And give me – everything that you ever could see,
but I can tell you my friend this ain't the death of me
I know all that I've been, I know all that I’ll be, while I carry my cross
In the soft parade

Every night their conscience fails . . . don’t you understand?
Cover down, they build their veil . . . on the eyes of man
Always drift along to sing their song, while the Piper lends a hand…in the soft parade
Cry . . . for a desperate age

All those tired and whimsy tales . . . from the burning sand
Thick as thieves they trim their sails . . . for the Tides of man

Note: “Soft Parade” is a description of spiritual warfare . . . where propaganda and rhetoric are weaved to enchant the prideful side of man’s social logic . . . "the tides of man” is his thinking pool and the veil is obvious. The “Soft Parade” is the sad celebration that modern man uses to try to elevate himself into believing that he is actually progressing toward enlightenment, while we slaughter and starve each other. “The Piper” is Lucifer. It’s his parade, decorated in lies.

©Steven Urenda, 2009

Everybody Knows (lyrics)

2009-08-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Everybody got tales to tell – everybody has tasted hell
Everybody has choked it back – hit the volume and you fade to black
Everybody got love for sale – everybody’s someone who’s failed
Everybody has questioned why – everybody means YOU AND I

And I . . . wouldn’t even understand . . . at least that’s what you’d say
But I . . . I ain't here to hold your hand . . . I’ll show you a better way
Gonna show you

Everybody has come too close – one away from that lethal dose
Check it man, this ain't the life I chose – I don’t want it, give me one of THOSE
Everybody needs to understand, there’s a point inside of every man
Still you try to do the best you can, tell me brutha do you have a plan?

And I . . . wouldn’t even understand . . . at least that’s what you’d say
But I . . . I ain't here to hold your hand . . . I’ll show you a better way
I’ll show you a better way

And everybody knows
There’s a man in the back who’s career’s taken over his life
And everybody knows

And Mother’s little helper, can’t afford to be a wife
And everybody knows
If you’ve seen the news from day to day you recognize the trends
Your house, your car, your little life, man, where’s it going to end?
And everybody knows . . . everybody knows

Everybody got happy pills – little voices that will bend your will
Doctor Money says you need them still – when you ever gonna find your fill?
Everybody wanna find their truth – if nothings real tell me what’s the use?
I could show you but I’d be uncouth – to speak the name of JESUS

And I . . . wouldn’t even understand . . . at least that’s what you’d say
But I . . . I ain't here to hold your hand . . . I’ll show you a better way
I’m gonna speak the name . . . I'm gonna speak the name

Jesus.

Note: “Everybody Knows” is about getting real. What you see on the TV is half truth at best. Everyone is lost. Everyone is crushed. Everyone is separated from one another and can't even communicate because we forgot how. Everyone is waiting for the next Oprah episode to show them the way. Everyone believes Obama has stardust in his hair. Everyone is wrong. And everyone needs God to show us the way because there really only is, ONE way.

©Steven Urenda, 2009

Slay Your Dragons (lyrics)

2009-08-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Are you
Stumbling round, with no direction . . . like a foggy dream
Pointed fingers at – your transgressions, still you blame it all on them

Open your eyes, you know what’s right – the weapon’s in your soul
You’ve bumped into the darkest light – slay your dragons . . . down

His love is always the key . . . stand up and set yourself free
His love is always the key . . . stand up and set yourself free

Falling down is your sole conviction, and you're so far from home
Sold your soul to your own addictions, make you feel so old

You’ll never clear the fallout – till you lay your dragon’s down
You’ll never clear the fallout – till you lay your dragons down

Ain't bout to tell you everything is gonna all make sense – YET
I know your struggle and I know the way you straddle the fence
Cause I been there brother

You’ll never clear the fallout – till you lay your dragon’s down
You’ll never clear the fallout – till you lay your dragons down

We goin to war

Open your eyes, you know what’s right – the weapon’s in your soul
You’ve bumped into the darkest light – slay your dragons . . . down

His love is always the key . . . stand up and set yourself free
His love is always the key . . . stand up and set yourself free

Note: “SLAY YOUR DRAGONS” This song is pretty self explanatory. Whatever it is that’s keeping you from walking free with God, KILL IT.

©Steven Urenda, 2009

Weight (lyrics)

2009-08-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

If I stand today
if I stand with the weight of the world against me
Will I turn away?
Holy Ground,
trickle down,
let The One defend me . . . but sometimes

Maybe I don’t want it - Maybe I don’t need to know
Ain't really trying to taunt it - But it always was your show

I don’t understand
why its got to be this way
But I'm holding out
just to hear him call my name
I don’t understand
but its got to be this way

If I stand today
with the weight of my name laying claim against me
Well I'm on my way
bring it on,
make me strong,
let The One present me . . . but sometimes

Maybe I don’t want to – maybe I don’t need to know
May I please remind you – that its time to pay your toll

I don’t understand
why its got to be this way
But I'm holding out
just to hear him call my name
I don’t understand
but its got to be this way

If I stand today
all alone,
on the phone,
will you then lament me?

Does my passion play
steal the show,
will my role even comprehend me? Cause sometimes . . .

Maybe I don’t want to – may I don’t need to know
Paradigm will haunt you – brother please just slow your roll

I don’t understand
why its got to be this way
But I'm holding out
just to hear him call my name
I don’t understand
but it's got to to be this way

Note: “WEIGHT” is a straight forward song about the battle between the spirit and the flesh . . . knowing that you want to please God, and knowing that you sometimes only really want to please yourself . . . it’s a description of the struggle and confusion that can accompany that inner battle with a desire for things of Christ and a full knowledge of the skeletons in our closets (hence the reference to the line about the “weight of my name laying claim against me”) I’m saying in the song that I don’t always understand the complications of it, the struggle of it, but I ACCEPT that this is the way for now, as God strengthens me and lightens my load. I’m saying I know what I am, what I’ve been, but I just want to hear him call me.

©Steven Urenda, 2009

Day Of The Dead (lyrics)

2009-08-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Long haul thru another town . . .
made some calls but no one’s around
Asking questions but they stop and stare,
like nobody understands . . . who I am
I’m the man from the other side,
I’m the one who will not be denied . . .

How many times?
How many time’s I’ve cried . . .
how many times denied,
like the man from the other side

I bled for you when they spread my arms,
felt the wicked blow of the hammer drop . . .

On the day of the dead
It’s the day of the dead
And on the day of the dead
Death couldn’t hold me

All around me
laid to rest
said you know me
like the rest

All around me
laid to rest
said you know me
tried your best

Long trial, in another town
Silver pieces, fall to the ground
All directions lead from here to there,
but nobody understands . . . who I am
I'm the man from the other side,
I’m the one who will not be denied

On the day of the dead
It’s the day of the dead
And on the day of the dead
Death couldn’t hold me

Long haul thru another town
Thru it all I won’t make a sound
Come the time until they make me swear,
still nobody understands . . . who I am
I’m the man from the other side, I’m the one who will not be denied

Note – Day of the dead goes backward and forward in time – from Christ moving through town looking for followers to the past, when he was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, to his trial when they made him swear an oath and declare if he was king of the Jews . . . it’s all one continuous movement of time that culminates in RIGHT NOW for everyday men. What if he was in YOUR TOWN today, looking for YOU, yeah, that guy, that same Jesus Guy……what if its all true?

©Steven Urenda, 2009

Life's Poem

2009-08-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

by
Frank Hawley

Our life likens to a poem
We put our heart to pen
Expressing loves, pangs,
Or simply where we've been

As laughter and tearful cries echo from the halls of antique minds
Of the who, what, why's, where, and when’s
I am grateful for the poem
I've shared amongst my beloved friends.

Of all the treasures this world holds
As gold that pockets fill,
Of rich and poor
There's nothing more
Than mine heart my friends doth fill

So as the lines upon my face
You see are simply but a trace
Of the poem lived under Heavens Grace

Though to some a sign of divers ages
Yet to me the many pages
I've shared amongst my beloved friends.

©Frank Hawley, 2009

Poetry Published on Associated Content

2009-07-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Cross Is Still Divine (NEW)
Mesmerized by Dianne Enderby
The Art of Pretentious Living by Debby Alten
Winter's Breath on Desert Land
Flowers In The Attic
The Fall of Babylon
The Fray

Poetring Through The Bible:
(Yes, I reserve the right to make up words.) Sometimes you come across those darker moments/passages of the Bible and realize just how poetic The Word really is.

The Fall of Babylon -- Isaiah 47
The Prince of Babylon -- Daniel Chapter 1 & 2
Like the Beasts of the Fields -- Daniel Chapter 4
Last Day Witnesses -- Revelation 11:1-14 (NEW)

Food! So Fine

2009-07-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Apples and raisins
Dipped in rum
Bananas in chocolate
Vanilla bean gum

Food! So fine
Grapes for wine
Food! So sweet
Creamy treat

Artichokes, broccoli
Salad and sprouts
Jell-O so wobbly
Salmon or trout

Food! So fine
Grapes for wine
Food! So sweet
Creamy treat

Salami and cheese
Sliced homemade bread
Fresh baby peas
On ice berg spread

Food! So fine
Grapes for wine
Food! So sweet
Creamy treat

Lobster tails
Filet mignon
Grunion pails
And Parmesan

Food! Food!
So fine with wine
Food! Food!
So sweet a treat

Cheese cake
With chocolate chips
Clam bake
And brandy sips

Food! Food!
So fine with wine
Food! Food!
So sweet a treat

©Debby Alten, 2009

This poem is also published on Associated Content.

A Song

2009-04-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

by Steven Urenda

Did you miss the straight and narrow?
Cause you've traveled very far.
Would you crush me? I'm the Sparrow.
Feeding off the hand of God.

Tell me why do you receive them?
Those who'd steal the things you are.
Takes a window to reveal them.
But you're trying much too hard.

Did you miss the straight and narrow?
Would you even know the way?
What a song reveals is shallow.
Till the listener learns His name.

(copyright, 2009, Steven Uranda)

Stay Awhile

2009-04-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

by Steven Urenda

Where you goin' babe?
What's the hurry babe?
Won't you stay awhile?
I see you've left some things undone
Maybe so have I

We all skip town in a whirl
Once of twice
And I know I've -- been some things
It's true you didn't -- really ask my advice
But for whatever good it brings . . .

This is my situation:
My infatuation's been with
Glitter and hype
I know you're thinking I can't understand you
But I'm telling you . . . I just might.

Where you goin' babe?
What's the hurry child?
Come and pray awhile.
Can't go out slaying dragons again with nobody there by your side

We all lay down our pearls once or twice
For fear of -- "needed things."
And I know you didn't really ask my advice
For whatever good it brings . . .

This is my situation:
My infatuation's been with
Glitter and hype
I know you're thinking that I can't hear you
But I'm telling you . . . I just might.

(copyright, 2009, Steven Uranda)

Take a Moment

2009-03-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

by Edmund Urquiza

Take a moment from this insanity
Take a moment and turn your eyes to me
I am the Truth, the Life, the Way
I'm right beside you every day
Take a moment
Take a moment
I'll always stay

Take a moment from all that you can see
Take a moment and turn your eyes to me
I am the Truth, the Life, the Way
I'm right beside you come what may
Take a moment
Take a moment
I'll always stay

Take a moment from your very busy day
Take a moment just to hear me say
I am the Truth, the Life, the Way
I'm right beside you all the way
Take a moment
Take just one moment
I'll always stay

(copyright, Edmund Urquiza, 2009)

The Fray

2009-02-24T22:18:00.000-08:00

It's only hell if Heaven is in sight . . . but you can't get there.

Read "The Fray" here
by
Debby Alten

Come To The End of Yourself

2009-02-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

(Verse 1)

God sent His only Son
The payment for sin is done
Now Jesus is calling

(Chorus)
Come to the end of yourself
The burden is not yours, but Mine
Come to the end of yourself
You have struggled enough its time
Come to the end of yourself

(Verse 2)
Jesus walked in our shoes
He knows just what to do
Can you hear Him calling

(Chorus 2)
Come to the end of yourself
You are not designed to go alone
Come to the end of yourself
The task is hard all on your own
Come to the end of yourself

(Bridge)
Come, He is calling now.
Come, before Him let’s bow.

Words by Ruth Porter and Erin Wurtemberg 2007

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

God's Footprints

2009-01-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

I take photographs because I am attracted to the fingerprints of God. When I see a sunset, I thank the Lord for painting such a glorious sky and tell Him what a great job He did. That particular day, when I shot some of these pictures, I really felt the Lord drawing me to meet Him at sunset. I quickly finished a job and told the person I was working for that I had a date--a date with Jesus. I drove up as high as I could and sought to get the best angle of the beautiful sunset God had displayed.

I have had no formal training, just a passion to see God's glory in nature. To capture some aspect of His nature and a desire to share it, is something I pursue. I truly believe and know that all of creation speaks of God. I am seeking to hear what it is saying.

Ruth Porter

Flowers In The Attic

2009-01-14T09:24:00.001-08:00

Reading the poem at Associated Content will be much appreciated. Thanks for supporting SPG.

Shattered pieces
In boxes filled with memories
A rose
Soft red petals
Parched
Clothed in dust of gold

Broken panes
Wind blows the pages of their lives
Soft red petals
Caress white gloves of silk
Faded
Love dissipates

Sweet jasmine
Welcomes haunting memories
A photograph
A Flag draped
Alone
With flowers in the attic

Crushed violets
Faint whispers
Don't cry too long
White doves
A February love song
Remember
Leave flowers in the attic for me

Pictures By Dawn

2009-01-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

Pieces

2009-01-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

By Sam Friend

Pieces of ourselves
Kept on the shelves
Should they be kept enclosed
or do we dare to expose

Should we start
with the pieces of our heart
The pieces that were shattered
the ones that splattered

Should we start
with those that had a part
in our special love
that we wore as tight as a glove

The pieces of ourselves that we trust
to those we feel are just
The pieces shared in a written word
that have never been heard

The pieces we hid away
those moments of dread
the memories we wanted to stay
the pieces we thought were dead

One at a time
the broken pieces of the heart
God will heal
And bless us with a new start

Winter's Breath On Desert Lands

2009-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

By Debby Alten

Be all but gone the tumbleweed
With breaths of desert winds
A stillness
Then labored sigh
The land receives its winter rain
Dry river beds spew the overflow

When clouds calm, and day appears
Suspended in dusk
Breath is caught in hues of haze
Snow falls,
Yet melts on earth so parched

Frost bends the Palm
Again the sun will kiss
The misty morn'
Fractured fields of dust and dearth
Slumber
Beneath blankets stiff with ice
Winter's breath on desert lands

(copyright, 2009: photography by Ruther Porter)

I Wait

2009-01-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

By Carrie Ryan

Each day I wait
Not knowing why
Yet desperately waiting
For something, anything
A written word, an acknowledgement
An indication you’re still there
My soul groans
My obsession grows.
Lord this can’t be good!
I’m sorry, so sorry...
...Yet still I wait

Wholly Held

2008-12-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

Come
Sing, dance
Rest, my love
Lean, sigh
Wail, chuckle
Shout, breathe
Deep in me
Reach, fall
Cling, sleep
Trust, wait
Here on me
I do not abandon
I do not forget
I see everything.
Everything.
I love
I hear
I notice
My Cherished One.
Arrows whir
Winds howl
Mountains rumble
The earth cracks open to swallow you whole
My embrace tightens
My grip secure
My heart beats
Listen
For love
More than you know
I delight, I rejoice
I celebrate your beauty
I touch, I share
I heal your wounds
And even in darkness
I hold you, wholly.

HeArt Project Poem – Nov. 13 2008
copyright, Laura Wardrip, November 13, 2008

The Fall

2008-12-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

By Debby Alten

When autumn breezes drifted by
And coppery leaves
Fell from the sky
I talked to God
A tormented cry
He lavished me with whispers

I rested on beds of delicate feathers
Of golden leaves
As worry weathers
I talked to God
As torment weaves
He lavished me with whispers

He spoke upon the gentle breeze
On withered branch
Of lofty trees
I talked to God
Of hope and stanch
He lavished me with whispers

When clouds were wisped by autumn flurry
And seeds of pain
Were there to bury
I talked to God
Of cost and gain
He lavished me with whispers

So then I walked through garden’s fall
And in His care
My plight and all
I talked to God
Of answered prayer
He lavished me with whispers

When autumn breezes softly kissed
Beneath the light
Of morning mist
I talked to God
Of birds and flight
And wished for once that I could fly

He lavished me with whispers.

I Want

2008-12-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

By Sam Friend

The world never stops turning
Life is in constant motion
Time doesn't stand still
The pain never stops growing

My heart hurts
My soul weeps

I reach for the heavens and pray!

I reach for the heavens and cry!

Do you hear me?
Are you really there?

I know you are

I just can't accept the fact I am not in control

I want things to change and I want it now!

I want all my fears and doubts to melt away

So I pray

I want to be like you

I want

The Shoe String

2008-12-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

By Sam Friend

New and flashy
A bit of wear and dirt
Still functioning

A strain
didn't break
Still functioning

Another strain
It broke
Tie it back together
Still functioning

More wear and dirt
Not quite as flashy now

Another strain
It broke
Tie it back together
Still functioning

Such is the life of a relationship
Until the fatal strain
And the tie that binds unravels
String by String
Thread by thread

How many threads
How many more strains will be withstood?
How much more will it take?

the shoestring?
the relationship?
Me?

God Whispers

2008-12-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

by Sam Friend

Birds sing
Wind blows
God whispers
In my soul

A sweet song
With a warm sensation
Listen . . . God whispers
Peace prevails

Thunder rolls
Lightning strikes
Turmoil . . . God whispers
Unrest . . . deaf ears

Life is happening
Hold on
Strength is given
It will all change

Storm passes
Birds sing
Wind blows
God whispers

Sometimes In A Moment

2008-11-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

by Sam Friend

Sometimes in a moment
There is bliss
Like when you get that first kiss

Sometimes in a moment
There is no more fear
As you cry that last tear

Sometimes in a moment
You feel God's hand
As you wander in this land

Sometimes in a moment
Everything changes as it should
From happy to sad, or bad to good

Sometimes in a moment
Life could be all you want it to
Because it is what you do

Sometimes in a moment
A moment is all you get
So live, love and don't forget

Sometimes in a moment

Love

2008-11-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

by Layne-Michael Alten (13 years old)

The wind in my ear . . .
pointed your way
But the breeze was just a lie

The look in your eye was beautiful
But what is love?
Not worth a try

If I were your lover
I’d wade through the clover
Over the fields before

I would find the path
that leads to your door
Over the meadows and moor

Love waits amid the shadows
The shadows that circle . . .
The heart of my heart

How beautiful, a love without sighs
Of laughter-full eyes
And I watch . . .

The twinkle of stars
The sprinkle of stars

The paradise over your door,
For the soul of my soul
and more

copyright, 2008 Layne-Michael Alten