In Heaven's Gate

There is good and bad in all of us

... sometimes no rhyme, reason for what we do.

Sometimes doing the right thing

... others, going against everything we knew.

Christians, we battle the flesh

... every single day.

What determines the path we take?

... which one most gets its way.

Me? I am a drifter.

... one day this, one day that.

One day nestled in God's bosom

... the next, no idea where I'm at.

You see, beside the straight and narrow road

... there is a very snaky path.

The sum of who I am and who I should be

... just doesn't add up, when I do the math.

The Lord with whom I long to be

... walked that straight and narrow road.

Did not waver, no, not one step

... though he carried the very heavy load.

Of a brother who too often willfully sins

... meanders off the path he should trod.

All too often too woefully weak

... to walk in the steps of God.

And yet, He still loves, still forgives me

... even when I cannot.

Picks me up and whispers

... "Keep walking they're forgot."

And so I go on walking,

... some days straight, narrow and sublime.

Some days stumbling, fumbling in darkness

... soul and spirit out of rhythm, out of rhyme.

But,  I keep on walking

... for I know in the end

Waiting at Heaven's Gate

... is my Lord, brother... friend.

 

Russ Pergram

All for Jesus

All of us are sinners
Lest we should forget
Love's the greatest commandment

Forgive those who sin against us
Obey the golden rule
Return good for evil

Jesus took my place
Even died for my forgiveness
So who am I to judge
Unworthy are we all
Save for God's good grace

 

 Russ Pergram

The Bridge

The bridge is where we used to go
...when we needed to get away
The private place we had
...to think, hope and pray.

Between us we spent
...countless hours there.
Our triumphs, our tragedies
...at the bridge always share.

The bridge is the place
...where we first met.
We first held each other close
...a night I'll never forget.

So many hopes and dreams
... we shared at our spot.
Most have gone away
...abandoned or forgot.

Still, as long as I’m alive,
...until my days are done,
Whenever I think of the bridge
... I'll only think of one.

Though now eyes grow dim
...in my mind still I can see
Your face in the water
... smiling up at me.

Suddenly, your image gone
...no vision do I espy.
As tokens of love
... falling from my eye

Ripple the water
... your vision to replace.
With one of my own
... an old man’s smiling face.

Who, at long last knows
...why the waters always ran so deep.
Because for every generation
...lost love comes here to weep.

Russ Pergram

Garrett's Fork of Big Creek

It seems like only yesterday,
... a young man without a heavy load.
Walked the Garrett's Fork of Big Creek
... upon a then graveled road.

Footprints in the road behind me
... already began to spin the tale.
Of a man who would ponder
... the direction of his trail.

I remember thinking about the future
... how far away 2000 seemed to be.
An eternity away!
... in the summer of 63.

I remember thinking, "Man ,  I'll be old
... in my 50s for sure!"
Then comforted myself with the thought,
... "By then, they'll find a cure!"

But now here I am in my 60s,
... 50s long behind.
January 30, 2012
... and once again I find.

I'm looking back at footprints
... meandering where ever I did roam.
That follow me nearly around the world
... but never away from home.

Home, where my heart is
... where it was in 63.
Garrett's Fork of Big Creek
... where home will always be.

 

 Russ Pergram

Out of Eden

I'm never more relaxed than when
... I'm in the autumn woods.
Where my heart can relax
... ah,  friends, this is the goods!

High atop an old Oak tree
... I'm free from it all.
Away from the humdrum world
... as autumn acorns fall.

Watching the sun rise in the east
... watching it track across western sky.
Twelve hours seem but an instant
... 'til days light, sighs goodbye.

Oh, if only I could live all my life
... in such serenity as this day.
In perfect peace up so high
... nothing could take it away.

Alas, but just as autumn leaves
... are falling all around.
So too I, heart and all
... return to the ground.

Cast out of Eden...

 

 Russ Pergram

How Long

How long does one toss pearls
...'ere one walks away?
How long is enough!
...'ere comes the last day?

How long does one fight?
...against innocent ignorance.
How long does one endure?
...'ere it's time to dispense.

With long-suffering compassion
...patient endurance for the blind.
Oh tell me how long my friend
...'til wisdom they find.

How long does one abide
...'ere children at last awake.
'til they can discern
...truth from what is fake.

How long 'til sadness and sorrow
...are no longer daggers in my chest.
Perceived faults of their father
...at last are laid to rest.

How long must I endure
...'til at last they might see?
Through misconceptions
... of whom think me to be.

I fear not long enough
...in time life supplies.
Perhaps, when I'm laid to rest
...and tears have cleansed their eyes.

 

 Russ Pergram

Jesus, the Christ in Christmas

'Tis the holy days of Christmas perhaps it's only fit
...we, soften our hearts, mellow just a bit.
Remember the reason, we celebrate this way
... by giving of gifts on this very special day.

For the day this holiday represents, means so much more
... 'tis the day God,in the flesh, was born to save evermore.
Though he was the Creator, the great I am, absolute,
... he came as a babe, homeless, destitute.

Though a divine mystery, in God's great plan,
... He was born of a virgin, son of God, son of man.
Born of the Holy Spirit, born to refresh.
... born into the world, to save man from sinful flesh.

Born to be lifted up, born to be lain in the ground
... born to be raised to life, eternal and profound.
Born to be an advocate, before God's holy face.
... born to be a sacrifice, before the throne of grace.

Born to be the greatest gift, the world will ever see.
... born to save sinners, even one as sinful as me.
Jesus, the Christ, whom by faith we trod
... the only road to salvation, fellowship with God...

Merry Christmas everybody

 

Russ Pergram

Such As I

Are all poets such as I?
...Writing as life passes by,
….Sometimes wondering why?
I seldom take part.

Is it foolish to be separate, apart?
...Enslaved by dreaming, wistful heart,
….Perpetually driven to impart,
A vision perhaps only I see.

Do they espy, same as me,
...A greater vision, reality,
….Trusting their words might be
A beacon in another's night.

A beacon that says all's right,
...When comes the morning light, 
….And darkness takes it flight, 
Ere a brand new day.

No matter, here I am today!
...Heeding heart all the way, 
….Believing poetry just may, 
Make the world a better place.

Russ Pergram

The Rebel Rash

I've heard of rebel onions…
...I've heard of rebel trash
I've heard of Rebel beer
  …but never Rebel Rash!

Ah, but I was to learn!
…and no, not by word of mouth
But a painful intimate interlude
…with this denizen of the south!

Rebel Rash is what happens
…when heavy thighs begin to clash
Too many chickens, too many taters
…are the cause of rebel rash!

Throw in heavy humidity
…a blazing hot rebel sun
Privates sweating bullets
…and ere the day is done

You'll be walking bow legged
…cold shower your only desire
And trying to act cool
…thighs scarlet and on fire

Pining for the moment
…You lie naked, prone upon the bed
Naked, spread-eagled!
…fan blowing 'neath the spread

Praying, when comes the morning
  …it's time to turn the lights on,
  You peek 'neath the sheets
  …the Rebel Rash is gone!


Russ Pergram

Wayward Son

Is that but a little shack?
 …atop a West Virginia hill?
Or, my "cabin in the corner"
… of Beulah land waiting still.

For me to return
… find my way back again.
Home, where I was truly happy
…and life didn't seem in vain.

It certainly looks like heaven
…to a wayward son like me
Who left his childhood home
…where his heart will always be.

Oh if only I could tell you
…the sum of that cabin's worth
Where God's still the inspiration
…of mountaineers upon his earth.

No friend, though it look a shack
…a forlorn place to end.
''Tis far more than that!
…A place I go to mend.

My mansion on a hilltop,
…A breathtaking view,
Sweet home…West Virginia
…Wayward son's missing you…

 

 Russ Pergram

When I'm Blind

Sitting here thinking of you
Suddenly it occurs to me
Oh Angel, though I were blind?
Your beauty I could see.

Even if I'd never seen
Your ravishing eyes of blue.
Never basked in your smile
Still it would be true.

I would love you no matter
For you are the epitome of grace.
My heart would see your light
Recognize you, anytime anyplace.

Yes, you are a beautiful woman!
One that's exciting to me.
And yes, when I see you
I thank God I can see!

But I thank God even more,
For the inspiration of your heart.
The way you enlighten mine
Illuminating every part

Of what it truly means to love,
To be so purged by it's fire
I can see the grace of love's majesty 
And the selfishness of my desire.

See how beautiful you are?
How you enlighten heart and mind?
Oh Angel, I do see and love you
Even when I'm blind...

 Russ Pergram

American Values

In 1967, I graduated high school that year.
It was already underway, a conspiracy I fear.
Vietnam was raging, the nation split in two.
Khrushchev preaching, "We will bury you!"

"We will not have to conquer you; you'll decay from within.
You'll lose your morals, and we'll walk right in."
That was over 40 years ago, and I am ashamed to say
I've lived to see his words come true. Our morals in decay.

Thanks to the liberal politicians, there's no more wrong or right.
No need to draw a line in the sand, to bicker or fight!
Religions are all the same, neither wrong or right.
We're all enlightened, full of light.

Interesting how the Constitution was "misinterpreted", ere they came along.
How, even those who wrote it, had interpreted it wrong!
Separation of church and state, to hold the church at bay?
' Twas never intended to be used, perverted as it is this day.

What's prayer in public school, have to do with governing this land?
Nothing at all, and believe me the conspiracists understand
if our children believe, God supersedes even the state,
Then before their morals, their "deception" will meet its fate.

Let's open our eyes! We're being conquered from within.
Under the guise of equality, they sucker the simple in.
Counting on most of us, being content with status quo.
As deftly, they lead us, to a place we don't want to go.

Those of us who are 60 or older, remember America as it used to be?
Look around you; is this a better America you see?
Are America's morals, values, those our parents taught?
Without hesitation, I answer, "certainly not!"

I am a Christian, not a hate-monger or a threat,
an American patriot, who believes America is yet
very much alive and still answers to the call...
"One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty, justice for all.

Russ Pergram

Somewhere

On my way to somewhere
so many different directions to go!
Perhaps one day I'll get there
where that is, I do not know.

Sixty-one years old today
September 14, 2010.
No closer to my destination
then when I did begin.

Have I really been on a journey
or just swept away by time?
An impossible question to answer
like some silly nursery rhyme.

Seems I'm always at a crossroads
not sure which road to take.
But always I choose one
with confidence I fake.

But I know there is somewhere
out there waiting for me.
And I'm well on my way
to somewhere I should be.

 

Russ Pergram

The Cute Little Thing

Into the box the batter stepped
calmly surveying the field.
Ah, he thought to himself
the third baseman will yield.

As the ball approached the plate
with power he did swing.
With a smirk he thought, "Too bad,"
she's such a cute little thing!

With feline grace she moved
lightning quick to her right.
As the ball approached her
near the speed of light.

What happened next my friends,
is the making of kickball lore.
The play of the "Cute little thing,"
will live on forever more.

"Pow!" she took the ball
hard into her chest.
Yet, fearlessly she stood,
equal to the test!

'Twas then the batter smiled,
and with a tip of his hat,
whispered to "the cute little thing,"
"never seen a play better than that!"

And as the game ended
in the evenings twilight
Adoring husband, loving wife
went home for the night…



Russ Pergram

American Soldiers

Oh the fallen soldiers,
...who have died for liberty,
Who rest in their place,
...now that nation is free.

Unto you do I render,
...pen this humble salute.
To such excellence of spirit,
...none may refute.

To all who lie with you,
...and to those who still live.
You are the nation's finest,
...best America has to give.

Sleeping in foxholes,
...flying missions all night,
Manning ships that insure;
...freedom greets mornings light.

You are never forgotten,
...by those who understand.
The freedom so often taken for granted,
...does such a high price demand.

The lives of so many,
...who have so much to give.
But willing to sacrifice all,
...that freedom may live.

May we never forget,
...as we grill, drink lemonade.
But remember the holiday's reason,
...and the sacrifices made.

Let every American take notice,
...humble hearts and pray,
For every soldier past and present,
...who make America what it is today."

 

 Russ Pergram

Hitting the Ground

Oh eternal spirit,
…inside this box of clay,
Raise thy voice unto the heavens,
…for soon comes the day.

This finite body,
…prison for your sin
Shall return to the ground,
…and freedom shall begin.

There'll be no more broken hearts,
…no misunderstanding love.
Only the divine purity,
…of its Creator from above.

Ne'er again shall tears,
…scald flesh to the ground.
Love shall be as it is,
…majestic and profound.

Love no more insecure,
…afraid of rejection.
But free of the flesh,
… its insecure, jealous infection.

But love as it truly is,
… beautiful, precious and pure.
The eternal gift of God,
… graceful and sure.
  
So raise thy voice unto the heavens,
…as the time draws near.
Soon you'll love without compromise, 
…without insecurity and fear.

When your spirit will soar,
…as the echo does resound,
Of clumsy putrid flesh, 
…hitting the ground!

 

 Russ Pergram

Easter Sunrise

Upon the first Easter morning,
... after deaths victory seemed complete.
Jesus rolled the stone away
...and death knelt at loves feet.

He had arisen
... He, by whom the world was made,
He, who so loved his brethren
... His own life would trade.

"No man takes my life," he said.
... "I lay it down for my friends.
"I complete the task given me.
...for their sin I make amends."

 And so He has my friends
... that's why there is an Easter day.
For the judgment of God was met
... when he rolled that stone away.

He's on the right-hand of the Father
...even as we speak.
Interceding for his brethren
...strength for the weak.

So, come Easter morning
...every Christian, just as I.
Will pause and remember Christ
... and the reason why.

We are not just any religious people
...but Christians, cleansed by the flood.
Of God's grace and mercy
...and Jesus precious, innocent blood.

So let us humble our hearts, but raise our voices
...and tell the world the reason why.
On Easter morning the Christian heart rejoices
... as sunrise paints the eastern sky...

 

 Russ Pergram

The Prodigal Son

I walked with you in Eden, with you every day.
I gave you everything in the garden, let you have your way. 
You were it's crowning achievement, its glory, if you will. 
Oh how I loved you then! And how I love you still! 
 

Oh, but you were impetuous, restless of heart then. 

Inpatient, not waiting for me, you fell into sin. 

So I sent you on a journey, through tribulation, and pain.

Set the time and the limits, you must remain.

And so we have walked apart, from that day unto this.
And once more I've been betrayed, this time with a kiss. 
But I love you Adam, I have from the start. 
You were made in my own image, given my heart.

And I will do this for you, because I love you so.
I will not let you perish, I will not let you go. 
I will die in agony, to clear your name. 
I will suffer the indignities, of sin and shame.

Only walk with me a while, through the Gethsemane of life.
Be patient through your suffering, enduring a little strife. 
For tomorrow will come, and all the world will see,
Yonder on the mountain, God setting free.

The prodigal son, exiled from Eden so long ago.
But loved so much, God was willing to forgo. 
The majesties of heaven, to show love had won. 
Not only a friend, but beloved son.

Russ Pergram

John Q. Public

The Congress of the United States?
Actually do something right?
Oh come now John Q. Public,
You're smoking something, right?

Do you really think they're there?
Oh, can't you see!
You really think they care?
Hell no! They're concerned only with "me".

It's time we get our heads out of our asses,
Yes John Q. -- I'm talking about me and you!
Isn't it clear their agenda?
What they're trying to do.

With every bill that passes,
Every successive term they serve.
They push us ever closer to socialism,
And we let them! Come on, let's get some nerve!

Let's vote them out.
Yes, every single one!
Let us not relent!
Until the people have won.

The attention of all the politicians.
The "so-called" powers that be.
Show them government isn't political bureaucrats.
But every day American's, like you and me.

Let them take their special interests,
Their gimmicks, their ruses,
Back into the real world,
And toil under the shadow of their own abuses.

But friends, it's not the politicians,
Who really are to blame.
It's you and me, John Q. Public.
Yes us! We all play the game.

We get complacent, into ourselves.
Pay little attention, a deaf ear turn.
We really don't give a damn,
Until it becomes our concern.

We allow them the opportunity,
To sit back, pick and choose.
With little or no supervision,
Until they think they cannot lose!

Well it's time for a makeover!
Time to trim the fat man's waist.
Snap them back to a diet of reality,
Hold them accountable for their waste!

It's about time we renovate Washington,
Elect men and women with common sense.
Send home fancy talking, professional politicians,
Big-money bankers, hotshot lawyers and dispense.

With this idiotic idea that big brother,
Knows more than you and me.
That we, everyday John Q. Public,
Are woefully inept, and unable to see.

The flimflam game they play in Washington,
The bipartisan political sleight of hand.
Well don't you think it's about time John Q. Public?
We show Washington that we do understand.

That it is John Q. Public who governs.
John Q. Public who says, yes or no.
That John Q. Public chooses its politicians,
And John Q. Public who says… time for you to go!

 

 Russ Pergram

Who Am I?

Am I but a shadow,
Only thinking I am real?
Have I any substance?
Can I really feel?

Or am I but an illusion,
Contrived just for me.
A holographic reflection
Of what I wish I could be?

When I look into the mirror,
Is that the man I am at all?
Or, simply the memory,
Of a man I recall.

 

 Russ Pergram