Category: Poetry

To Take a Stand for Truth

If a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked. Proverbs 29:12

“Be fearless in your stand for truth and honesty. And may God use you to defend the innocent,” 2 Chronicles 19: 11 (TLB)

 

To Take a Stand for Truth

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

Sometimes in this life, we must be bold

As I watched a man who believes truth must be told

No eloquence found as he battled the lies

But at least he does care, at least he tries

To stand up against the evil without

Whose arrows of lies were meant to cause doubt

The media spins and twists them around

Until it is hard for truth to be found

Some try to say that it’s personal pride

That drives him to speak or be drawn aside

To speak very harsh with little remorse

Yet, as I watch and study this course

I see a man who must speak the truth

Although at times, he may sound uncouth

A man with a heart that really does care

A man unafraid to ask for our prayer

So, it is; I too must take a stand

Pray for this man and pray for our land

So I ask you to think as you cast your vote

To whom now would you rather devote

Your loyalty, trust. For your future you see

Depends upon this. One chance to be free

From those who make a career of lies

With political correctness as their disguise

Perhaps for the first time in my life, I have diligently watched the election process unfold. I use to watch the news; but, then I turned to listening to the actual speeches of both candidates. Certainly, I tuned in for the debate. I watched as a skilled politician gave her striking blow at the end to someone so caught off guard by a lie. Look back at his face, “What are you talking about?” A beauty queen, who by the very nature of her own occupational choice, was under contract to maintain her body. One, whom he chose to work with rather than to fire (which he could have). I am certain her runner up would gladly have taken her place. As I watched the week unfold, I realized that for Mr. Trump what was most important is that a lie was not left on the table. There are no tapes or collaboration that he ever said those words; but, Ms. Clinton knew that it would resonate with all the women who struggle with weight. So, very calculatingly she had solicited, trained, and prepped Ms. Machado with one idea–get in a final word at the debate that would be like a knife blade; even if a fabricated lie. She used our greatest insecurities to cut to the core, manipulating women without any regard of dignity. Then, I realized that over the last year; each time Mr. Trump had stuttered and stumbled it was because he could not leave a lie on the table without trying with all his might to reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Secretary Clinton has a lifelong history of lying. In fact, she is very skilled at doing so. She spoke about all of the USA having innate biases; perhaps, for once she is speaking the truth about herself. After all, she did call one fourth of the US  “a basket of deplorable irredeemable”  who should not be considered American. She did that not only at her fund raisers; but, also on an interview on Israeli TV. She referred to the Black youth as super predators. She referred to Bernie Sanders followers as a group of Baristas living in their parents’ basement” who were attracted to his “false promise” because they are “children of the Great Recession.” So, who has the innate biases?

So, my prayers are with Donald Trump. I must stand with someone who at least takes a stand for truth; even, if at times is not so politically correct and did not grow up on a debate stage.

[tweetthis]If a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked. Proverbs 29:12[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”“Be fearless in your stand for truth & honesty.” 2 Chronicles 19: 11 (TLB)” username=”effiedarlene”]

photo courtesy of:  https://unsplash.com/@delfidelarua7

Living Bible (TLB)  The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Memorial Day Tribute (Poetry Sunday)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15: 13

Memorial day was set aside as a day to remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom.  They have willingly served and died to stand for their belief in justice, honor and dignity of our great country.  We must not take lightly our liberties or use our “freedoms” in such a manner as to dishonor their sacrifice.  They fought that we might have freedom of speech, religion, and to keep us safe from terrorism of any form.  It is easy to forget the huge sacrifice given by each person in our armed forces and by those who are sworn to serve us in law enforcement.  During this weekend, set aside the barbecue  for a moment of silence to contemplate those who have given their life to allow you to live the life you have.  Then, say thank to all those who have served and those who are serving still.  I am privileged to work each day with veterans.  I see first hand the toll that service has taken on their bodies and hearts; yet, never have I seen a more gracious, honorable group of men and women.  Their bravery continues to shine forth with hearts of gold. Their own medal of honor, each and every one.

Flag draped Casket

 

A Memorial Day Tribute

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

Was it love that made you go that day?

Defending life your post you’d stay

Your uniform you donned with pride

With rifle slung there at your side

Did you know that day you’d pay the price?

Love would demand your sacrifice

Ah, yes you knew that could be true

And still you went, for that was you.

A hero’s heart and spirit soared

Defending truth its own reward

It was for me you died that day

That I might live and laugh and pray

While safe, secure my freedom won

Because of all that you have done

And though you did not know my name

You fought and died for me the same

So let me pause with grateful heart

To mourn the life, you did depart

And do what you would want me to

By thanking those who follow you

Those donning uniforms with pride

With rifles slung there at their side

[bctt tweet=”It was for me you died that day That I might live and laugh and pray” username=”effiedarlene”]

Photo used by Permission of Ronald Barba

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

One Nurse’s Choice to Serve

In honor of National Nurses week, I wanted to share this poem with all the nurses I know and all the nurses I have not yet been honored to meet.

nursing graduation

 

One Nurse’s Choice to Serve

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

So Tired and worn she was that day

Slowly now she made her way

With nothing left that she could say

She fought so hard to save his life

And then explain to his dear wife

That He was gone now far away

 

She held back each and every tear

All the anguish, all the fear

She gazed into the bathroom mirror

She wore the mask, the gentle smile

That she must wear a little while

For all the patients left to cheer

 

Tired and worn she left that day

Her heart and mind in disarray

What could she do? No need to stay

Her shoulders, back and feet did ache

Not near as much as her heart break

She’d hurry home alone to pray

 

Exhausted now she went to bed

Her whispered prayer was hardly said

Her Bible lay today unread

Her sorrow did her heart consume

And fill the corners of the room

Too tired to think or look ahead

 

She then awoke at early dawn

Once more to work she would be drawn

Her coffee pushing back her yawn

She donned the uniform once more

As she had all the years before

As off to work she had then gone

 

Today would be a brand new day

With many words left now to say

A nurse will always find her way

For Angels held her through the night

Instilling strength and God’s own might

As Mercy, Love replaced dismay

 

And as she walked onto her floor

A patient standing by his door

He called her name and called once more

“Thank you, my dear for all you’ve done

Because of you my battle’s won”

Those words then caused her heart to soar

 

And as she worked on this bright day

She knew the words that she should say

Remembering why she chose this way

A nurse was who she’d always be

‘Twas more than merely destiny

It was her choice a nurse to stay

 

And from this honor never swerve

It always was her choice to serve

[bctt tweet=”Nursing is more than a career for those of us who choose to serve, it is who we are.” username=”effiedarlene”]

I would love for you to take a moment and share a comment, a story, or a dedication for either a nurse you know or your own experiences as a nurse.  Click here to comment. then scroll to comment section or press leave a comment below.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Poetry Sunday: A Daughter’s Surprise

This series on love has been quite intense at times I know.  Perhaps today we can just take a moment to laugh at even ourselves.  As I pointed out, God is always at work to transform this heart of mine.  The years that Mom lived under my care were at times challenging; but, oh so revealing.  She lives now in an assisted living because the care she needs is more than I can provide and still work; yet, now we can laugh about our lives together.  I never miss going to see her and sitting for a while.  I take her treats, gifts and “things” every week so she doesn’t worry.  Sometimes I pick her up to go to the movies or out to eat.  She seems much happier there, since she doesn’t have to worry all day, “Oh what will I do if Darlene dies in a car crash!  Or can’t make it home!”  This poem I wrote for a humorous poetry contest.  When I read it to Mom, she laughed at each verse.  Then she said, “So, true.”

Mom and I 001

A Daughter’s Surprise

By Effie Darlene Barba

It was a quarter til six

Before the sunrise

Came a tap at my door

Awoke by surprise

I pretended to snore

The pounding grew louder

Now she called my name

As “Yes Mom,” I said

She then did proclaim

Quite loud “Are you dead?”

How do I answer?

I thought for a while

Oh what do I say

And then came a smile

I answered this way

“Yes mom, I’m dead, but

Don’t call the police

For an hour or two

Or three at the least

Until I say to”

She paused a moment

“I wanted to eat

I don’t want oatmeal

Or some cream of wheat

I really do feel

I want to have eggs

And toast so you see

You need to get up

And cook them for me

With maybe a cup

Of fresh coffee to”

So needless to say

There would be no hope

To sleep in today

Although I could MOPE!

I tried then to smile

As her breakfast I cooked

Her face then a scold

She spoke as she looked,

“You are getting old!”

“Oh, by the way can

You go to the store

My diapers are low

And I really need more

A hundred or so

I must not run out

I use ten every day

Down to nine hundred

Well there is no way!!

Such worry and dread!”

As she wrung her hands,

“Oh, me oh my, dear

What should I now do?

This worry and fear

My mind all askew”

                                “Where was I? Oh Yeah!”

“Then when you get back

My Laundry needs done

But please leave my lunch

With a sweet roll or bun

I love you a bunch”

“Thank you for breakfast

It really was nice

For dinner perhaps

Some chicken and rice

For snack then some wraps”

“Oh, my now I’m tired

I must go to sleep”

And off mom did go

To sound slumber deep

The sun now aglow

I went to get dressed

And to my surprise

There in the mirror

I saw there- mom’s eyes

Then it was clearer

That she had been right

I am getting old

The thought did occur

As life does unfold

One day I’ll be her

So today I must laugh

Today I will sing

And dance through this day

As though it were spring

No time to delay

No time then to waste

No time to be sad

No time for sorrow

No time to be mad

Sometimes in relationships we need to stop a moment to laugh at ourselves Laughter can be healing

Love covers  1000 wrongs when we look deep within our self & remember the Grace we were given

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Poetic Tribute to Our Military Heroes

Happy 4th of July!!  As we celebrate our countries independence; let us pause to say thank you to all the men and women in uniform or who have ever worn a uniform that we might enjoy our freedom.  We need to take a moment and pray for our country and it’s leaders.

One nation Under GodA Tribute to Our Military Heroes

(To All Who Have Served and are Serving)

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

A Hero sat beside the grave

His friend was buried there

He wondered if he’d be as brave

When bullets filled the air

 

A Hero stood beside the bed

A Comrade lying there

“She’ll never walk”, that’s what they said

It all seemed so unfair

 

A Hero walked-some foreign street

The people turned and stared

Some would run to hide-retreat

While others simply glared

 

Did others know the choice they’d made?

Protect, to serve, to save

Whate’er the cost, their post they stayed

For love, their all they gave

 

A Hero walked into the room

The doctor standing there

The saddened face, the sense of gloom

An illness, very rare

 

A Hero stood with stoic grace

Though sadness filled his eyes

The gentle smile upon his face

His broken heart’s disguise

 

These veteran Heroes stood the test

With all that they did do

We must now give to them our best

Our service, Our “Thank you”

Is there anyone you like to specially honor?  Click here and share their story.

The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header  and the picture of the bodybuilder is Ronald Barba.  Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you.  Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.

©2015 Effie Darlene Barba

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.