Strength

She tries to be strong, emotions rampant and undefined
Her hope and her trust, abused and undermined.
Strength of character, agony of love
"Father, strengthen my will," she whispers above.

She dreads tomorrow, once more to be alone
Almost against her will, she picks up the phone.
Trembling fingers, cold buttons touch,
"Why is she doing this? He hurt her so much."

Would she trade dignity, for one so weak?
Would she turn a blind eye, be so timid and weak?
Mind and heart struggle, fear versus pride.
The battle rages, deep down inside.

Back and forth it goes, debated at length,
Until exhausted, but with just enough strength.
To make her decision, emotions under control,
She hangs up the phone, onward she will go.

 

 Russ Pergram

Sara

Time to come home Sara, your work on earth is done.
You've been a faithful witness, kept the faith, the race is run.
Death and all its darkness, now bows before the sight.
Of heavens newest saint, and your precious light.

All those who love you, who you've left behind,
Whose hearts are broken and are trying to find
Some way to ease the grief, to survive the day.
Whisper to their heart's Sara, you know what to say.

"Look toward the heavens, not unto the ground,
For I am not there, but unto life I abound!
I'm in the arms of Jesus, there's no more pain for me,
I'm basking in his love, alive eternally."

"I know you're hurting, that you miss me too.
And I know it takes time, but I know that you
Know I am with you, right there in your heart.
No, not just a memory, but alive and taking part."

"In your lives every day, perhaps a memory, a touch.
Or a feeling of love, when you need it so much.
Take comfort in the thought, I'm not just trying to survive.
But that I'm with God and completely alive."

"I'll see you again, no, not just in the by-and-by
But the reflection of smiles, that say you and I,
Are still one, in everything we do 
And you love me, as much as I love you."

 

 Russ Pergram

Judgment Day

Into the darkness I descended,
…as all the while I pretended,
….my life need not be defended.
Oh what a fool was I!

Oh, how easy to fall away,
…to live my life day by day,
….live it my own way,
…..as if I'd never die.

Oh how easy to believe that lie,
…to pretend I'll never die,
….never once considering why,
…..my heart could be so blind.

Oh how bitter too late to find,
…what goes around repays in kind,
….that heart and soul, even mind,
  …..upon truth and justice will be cast.

Foolishly, I thought I might out last,
…evade the consequences of my past,
….ah, but never a lie's so fast,
…..it can out run time.

So here I am, awaiting the chime,
…of judgments rhythm to my rhyme,
….guilty of the most heinous crime,
  ….. of arrogance on judgment day...

Russ Pergram

A Higher Calling

There is no greater service,
…no higher calling from above,
Than to dedicate ones life,
…ones heart to the service of love.

To give unto others,
…as has been given unto you.
To discern the heart's whisper,
… "'Tis what I was born to do."

Such are the hearts,
…of these we honor here today.
Young adults of excellence,
…whose hearts pave the way,

Not only for better tomorrows,
…but for those here and now,
To uplift and inspire us all,
…do a better job somehow.

Young hearts that recognize,
…disability means not dismay.
That special needs people,
…are God's very special way,

Of granting us all,
…a distinct privilege to see,
The purity of such love, is love;
  …as love was meant to be.



Russ Pergram