Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Pops and Emily


A young boy, a young girl
...side by side in daddy’s car.
Looking for a place to make out
...they won’t be going far.

On their way they pass
...An old couple on the porch
The boy quips to the girl,
...“Think Pops still carries a torch!”

“Pops,” looks up just in time
...to see the youngsters going by
Looks over at Emily
...a knowing twinkle in his eye.

Emily looks at Pops
...with a twinkle just as bright.
Once more they are young
...lovers in the night.

A smile wrinkles Pops brow
...as suddenly, time slips away.
She’s giving him that look
...as she did in their day.

Meeting her gaze
...suddenly sparks fly.
Two octogenarians in love
...‘neath the evening sky.

Two hearts still sighing, touching
...in that magical, mystical way.
When making love no longer requires
...wandering, clumsy hands of clay.

But love just as passionate
...in eyes that still recall
That coy, demure look 
...that says it all.

Yes, there in evening’s twilight
...as stars twinkle high above
The torch burns ever brighter
...Pops and Emily in love…

 

 Russ Pergram


Sunday, December 27, 2009

John Doe American's Lament


Too many lawyers in Washington, too many lawyers in D.C.!
Interpreting the constitution, what it means to be free.
Too many fat cats, looking good on T.V.
Too many elected officials, talking gibberish to me.

I am John Doe American, who struggles every day,
Just to pay my bills, hold starvation at bay.
I've served my country, served to keep her free.
And I doubt any politician, loves her more than me.

I pay my taxes, on time every year.
Do without because of it, and then I hear?
Some pompous politicians, stand up on Capitol Hill.
Saying, “We represent the people, and this is our will."

Give Social Security benefits to aliens, who haven't paid at all.
So what if they're illegal? That's your Congress call."
Well Mr. politician, John Doe America has something to say,
"What the hell were you smoking, standing up there that day?"

You tell us, the people, who you purport to represent,
We have to tighten our belts, pinch every penny spent.
You tell those who have retired, who made America what it is,
We can't give you a raise, there's not enough money- gee-whiz!

And then stand up there before us, with a straight face proclaim,
"I am congressman so-and-so!" Well politician, I know your name!
Your name is expediency, you twist in the wind,
You really stand for nothing, you go with the trend.

I am an independent, neither Republican nor Democrat,
I, like most John Doe American's, vote were conscious is at.
First God and then country, then my own personal needs.
Yes, I feel compassion for many, for many my heart bleeds.

But on this thing you do, well, you have no defense.
It borders on not only lunacy, but grievous offense.
Giving to aliens billions, while John Doe citizen's do without?
I must tell you Mr. politician, your integrity’s in doubt!


Russ Pergram

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Christmas Eve Night



On Christmas Eve night, my eyes will search the eastern sky.
And for a brief moment, my heart my soul and I
Will kneel beside a manger, one cold winters night,
Bathed in the radiance, of loves precious light.

A babe will be cooing, snuggled to his mother’s breast,
As angels and wise men, oxen and sheep do attest,
This newborn baby, precious, innocent little lamb
Lying in our midst’s, is the omnipotent "I AM."

Then shall my obstinate heart, humble it’s pride,
Cast away arrogance, in God’s mercy confide.
“I am a sinner, who was saved by the grace,
Of a child born long ago, in a faraway place.”

Oh indeed I shall worship Him! Come Christmas day.
Heart and soul praise Him! Through reverent lips of clay.
The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,
Who on Christmas day, came to save a friend.

Russ Pergram

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Love?


Be certain of love my friends,
For ‘tis a risky thing you do.
Giving someone the license
To rip the heart from you!

Oh I know the way it works,
"This time's the exception."
"Everything you've ever wanted!”
Be careful it's not a deception!

For every lonely heart’s
Innermost longing sigh,
Makes it not only vulnerable,
But susceptible to a lie.

Oh be on guard my friends!
Make sure love is real.
Take time to distinguish it,
From other emotions you feel.

Love will be what's left,
After passion's had its way,
Romance has waned,
Desire’s had its say.

Love will be the light,
In the eyes of the one.
Who says no matter what.
You... are the one.


Russ Pergram

Monday, December 14, 2009

Poet's Foolish Heart


Oh how well the poet's poetry,
Mirror's his foolish heart!
A heart that in some small way,
Hoped wisdom he might impart!


Ah but the poet wrote,
Year after year, day in day out,
Until one day he it dawned,
Wisdom had left him out! 


Of all that he had written,
Every passionate word.
Wisdom held her silence,
Only the fool was heard.


The fool who actually thought,
His words might help someone,
Might encourage and uplift,
When all is said and done.


The poet who still believes,
Love's the guiding light,
That's compels him still today,
To so foolishly write,


The musings of his heart,
The concerns of his soul,
Beyond bounds of reality, 
Where dreams patrol...

 

 Russ Pergram

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Friends for life



Back when we were young
Ere time and war had stung 
You and I were friends.


But much more love befriended
For Merrill, my brother, love amended
The way our hearts touched.


Now forty years! A lifetime as such
Forty years!  Seems so much!
But ‘twas no time at all.


For the moment I lay eyes on you
My heart, my soul instantly knew
Brother, we were never apart.


For long ago we were one heart,
Though time and distance kept us apart
Our bond remained the same.


One heart we became.
Forged by love's eternal flame
To be friends for life...
 
 Russ Pergram


 

In Kosovo



The soldier lies his weary head, upon his pillow tonight.
As heart goes A.W.O.L. until the morning light.
He's returning home, to his sweet wife's arms,
Away from this war, all of its harms.

He's with his Angel, watching over her as she sleeps.
Brushing away the tears, she softly weeps.
Running his fingers, through her fragrant hair.
Kissing softly the lips, of his beloved Angel fair.

Whispering, "I love you, more than I can say."
"Oh treasure of my heart, answer to the prayers I pray."
"You're never alone, oh darling it's true."
"Every day you’re with me, every night I run back to you."

"We cherish each other, more than the air we breathe"
"These stains upon our pillows, are the proof we leave."
"That even though war, tries to force us apart,"
"Love holds us fast, soul to soul-heart to heart."

And as reveille awakens, the soldier from his sleep
His beloved counts stains, instead of sheep.
“It wasn’t a dream! It was him it’s true!”
And then she whispers, “Hooah Soldier...I love you…"
 
 Russ Pergram

Sandy


I'll be thinking of you this Christmas,
When I bow my heart to pray.
I'll be thinking of all the special moments.
And especially you on Christmas day.

I'll remember when we were children,
How we became best of friends
Oh indeed I will remember!
For such love never ends.

I'll remember a young girl
So beautiful, so fair
With passion in her heart
Snowflakes in her hair.

I'll remember how gently the snow ,
Caressed her angelic cheeks.
That moment of sacred silence
Still so eloquently speaks.

I'll remember how the stars
Though hidden in winter skies
Have never shown more brighter
Than in that young girl's eyes.

Oh yes I will certainly remember!
When I bow my heart to pray,
The special Christmas moment
That's ours on Christmas day...


Russ Pergram

Monday, December 7, 2009

The Lessons of Love


I perceived the wind a whispering
Subtly to my heart 
Understanding not the words
It persisted, would not depart

I heard the gentle cooing
Of a lovely mourning dove
She too whispered to my heart
The melodies of love

I heard the brook a singing
As it journeyed to the sea
At last I understood
Love was teaching me

A heart is like a butterfly
Guided gently upon a breeze
Who knows not the destination
Love clearly sees

Love is always unselfish
Never threatening or proud
Always whispered by the heart
Never raucous or loud

Love is always inspiring
In the company of grace
Oh how blessed the heart!
Who knows its embrace...


Russ Pergram

What if God




Ever stop and wonder
What if God were a kid?
That’s why He loves us unconditionally
His heart’s never hid


Why He tolerates us
No matter what we do
Even after we hurt Him
He’s still in love with “you”


Why He views us as special
Doesn’t see barriers of prejudice or race
Always slow to anger
Ever the model of innocence and grace


Think about it friends
Is it not true?
In the hearts of our children
We have the clearest view


Of the God who loves us
Whose love never turns away
Oh how easy to believe
God loves us this way!



Russ Pergram




Oh Death


Oh, how horrid the news
How loathsome this day!
Deaths putrid presence comes
To steal my friend away.

How dare you take my friend!
Whose heart was solid gold,
How dare your evil grace!
Be so undiscerning, so cold.

Who are you to judge us?
Answer oh death if you can,
To silence the sirens' voice
Of such a kind and gentle man.

Aw but death, your day is coming,
You, whose mercy is pretend.
My friend will live forever
And you shall have an end!

Oh yes, I know you!
Your destiny as well.
When all's said and done
You'll be cast into Hell!

And he shall live forever,
From your merciless grip be free.
All your grief, your sorrow 
Will one day turn to glee!

Yes, I too shall feel your touch,
Your cold breath upon my heart.
My loved ones too shall grieve,
Their hearts broken, torn apart.

Yet, I know when man's faith, 
In God's grace is put to the test.
You'll be cast forever into Hell!
Where such arrogance finds no rest.

You'll gather no more souls oh reaper!
Be no more the scourge of man's days!
No more haunting, but defeated,
By the heart that prays...




Russ Pergram



No Time Anymore




Looking into the mirror, I see an old man bowed and bent.
Who not so long ago, didn't care what time meant.
He’s in the glass, peering back through frosted pane
At the young man, who lived his life in vain.


Taking time to reflect, on life that passed him by,
Knowing now it's too late, he begins to sigh.
"Alas if only”, quivering upon wrinkled lips
Into his yesterdays, his heart quickly slips.


Away from his reflection, of times’ reality
Away from his tomorrows, from his fated destiny.
To sift through the memories, the regrets of his past
Back to times he thought, youth would forever last.


Seeking a moment of respite, a moment to reflect.
To ready his heart, his courage to collect.
To face the man in the mirror, his accusing eyes
Ease the pain of his remorse, the tears he cries.


For time has run out, youth's illusions have fled.
The day has come, he’ll rise no more from his bed.
For the man in the mirror, who had time galore
The time has come, there’s no time anymore…


Russ Pergram

Nancy


Oh my beloved Nancy
My darling precious wife
I know you are hurting
And it cuts like a knife


Darling I can see you
Your tears falling as rain
Oh my darling, my heart
Let this ease your pain


I am nestled in Gods arms
Where no sickness can impair
No suffering, no agony
No sadness, no despair


I want you to know,
And I'm sure you do,
No greater love I know
Than the love of you


And I love you too
Am with you everyday
Sitting upon your shoulder
Always! Come what may


I‘ll never leave you
Morning noon and night
You’ll never be alone
I’m there, tho out of sight


Oh my beloved Nancy
Take comfort my dove
For not even death
Can silence our love



Russ Pergram

My Name


You've felt my caressings,
As Gods touch upon the wind,
Known my tenderness and warmth,
When shared by a friend.

You've heard my gentle urgings,
Many times in your heart.
For when it is breaking,
I stand and do not depart.

I've painted majestic imagery,
Indelibly upon your soul.
Held you gently in my arms,
When life's out of control.

I've sung with you songs of joy,
Lamented with you evil things.
Buoyed your heart in shame,
When remorse stings.

I am hopes faithful companion,
Discerning wrong from right.
Vengeances honest arbitrator,
Loves true and guiding light.

I am discipline and tolerance,
Justice scepter in merciful fashion.
Perhaps you've heard my name?
I am compassion.


Russ Pergram

I'm Going Home


My friends weep not for me,
For I fulfill my destiny,
When sin nails me to that tree
I'm going home.


When you see me lifted high,
Hear me in pain and agony cry,
Joyful be the tears in your eye,
I'm going home.


Walk with me this final mile,
Suffer with me a little while,
Then lift up your hearts and smile,
I'm going home.


To Him who never hesitates,
Who stands by heaven’s gates,
Who eagerly awaits,
I'm going home!
 
 Russ Pergram


Diamonds in the Rough


Society sees them as handicapped, less fortunate,
Someone to pity, to ignore.
Ah, but if only they'd take a closer look,
They’d see there's so much more!


For God makes no mistakes my friends,
Every heart, every soul has its worth;
And these are His special ones,
His gems upon the earth.


Diamonds in the rough they say?
Different, never be right?
Oh, open your eyes my friends,
Open your hearts, see the light!


Do not they reflect His love?
Their lights illuminate us all?
Does not the heart of God,
Hear them when they call?


God sent them not to be pitied,
Nor felt sorry for,
Rather to show us all
We could be so much more!


“We” are diamonds in the rough,
When seen in their light.
And they, precious jewels
Of the Masters delight!
 
 Russ Pergram

Dragonfly





Christian Sinner


Today I’ll betray you my Lord
Again I’ll willfully sin
Use the hammer of my selfishness
My pride to crucify you again.

I know you forgive me
I know you love me too
But Lord I am so ashamed
I can’t stop crucifying you.

“Am I really your son?”
“Am I really that weak?”
“Is my faith real?”
“Or just words I speak”

I can’t face you Lord
Can’t look you in the eye
Can’t ask forgiveness again
For tomorrow I know that I

Will fail you yet again
Again nail you to that tree
Fail my God, my Creator
Oh Lord, can’t you see?

I am a prodigal child
An immature, foolish son
Who cannot excuse
The foolish things I’ve done

I cannot forgive myself
For abusing your grace
For I am a Christian sinner
Lost and out of place.


Russ Pergram

Forty Thousand Feet


We're cruising at 40,000 feet.
'Tis my journeys onset.
As I look out my window,
I see we're chasing sunset.

I think, "There, beyond the horizon,"
Is the place I want to be;
Where lies my daughter's heart,
And the great Pacific sea."

I think, "How apropos!
How it speaks to my heart.
A metaphor for my life,
How were not so far apart."

I too am chasing sunset,
The setting of my sun.
Seeking my haven of rest,
Were battles all are won.

"Ah, just a little longer,"
I muse from my seat.
"I'll chase no more sunsets,
From 40,000 feet!"
 
 
Russ Pergram
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A Mother's Love




Tired Angels


Take your rest now Angels,
Take a moment to sleep.
I will watch over all,
‘Tis my promise to keep.

All are in my care,
Let your hearts be at rest.
Sleep on my Angels,
You have given your best.

Do not be discouraged,
Do not fear,
I will not leave nor forsake you,
For your God is always near.

You do not labor in vain,
Your work inspires us all,
For you see your brothers need,
Without hesitation answer his call.

For an Angel’s heart is love,
And love is what you give,
So rest now my Angels,
That others might live.

Russ Pergram 9/ 14/ 01

The American Flag



Oh let that treasured emblem fly,
Revered by me and you;
That hallowed flag that does decry
Tenants of red white and blue!

That says freedom should ever be
The right of every human heart.
That the sweet savor of liberty
From men shall not depart.

Oh let the God of eternity,
Ever be her faithful shield.
His compassionate grace
Her children's greatest yield.

May she never take delight
In the innocents’ screams,
But champion in golden light
Their hopes, their cherished dreams.

Stand up and salute her,
Cheer when you see her fly!
The champion of freedom born,
This day… the 4th of July!
 
 Russ Pergram