"Done because we are too menny"

How many will heaven hold?

How many does God love?

Is this sounding too bold?

 

What's too hard for the Lord?

What is it he can't do?

Leave your dross for this gold.

 

He hates the death of souls,

He loves the sinner, true,

Longs to enlarge the fold.

 

How many will heaven hold?

How many does God love?

Their number can't be told.

 

I read Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy in my early twenties. A miserable book, it reaches a low point when the socially-disturbed son of the hero and his lover "Little Father Time," comes to believe that he and his half-siblings are the source of the family's woes and so murders her two children and commits suicide by hanging. He leaves behind a note that simply reads, "Done because we are too menny." No wonder Hardy wrote no more novels. This was my oblique response.

Kanpur August 31 1979

I know big boys don't cry
But I'm ill and I'm down.
My spirit burns low,
And my heartfelt cry -
Not medicine, father,
Not comfort, not home,
Simply "Mam".
Where's my mother?
O to be in her arms,
O to be cradled, caressed,
To be cared for by no other hand,
Take me home to my mother land!

(As a young man I travelled to India and got sick, as you do. I wrote this then.)

Not hard to believe it

Earthly things seem to me like a day dream,
Like a cornfield lives men sway before me.
O loving God, you're my Lord,
Your Christ is my love and I rest on your Word.

Sinners dance in a trance all their life time,
Grace from the Spirit could save them from their crime.
With him we may mount and ride
Pilgrims to heaven, your Word is our guide.

The Widow's Mite

The widow's might
Might be but a mite,
But oh that we might do the same.
If our mite was our might
And our might was given as a mite,
Then how mighty might we be.

Unborn

While I was still a twinkle in your eye,
Why did you have to blink?

Ambition

When I thought of being
What I am today
Many moons ago,
Little did I know
It would be this way.
No, I never really knew,
I didn't have a clue
But now, I do.

True Love

True love is like the morning sun
It's big and round and lots of fun
But like the sunrise every day
Why is true love so far away?

The fantasist

He imagined Imogen
While on a date with Kate.

Lyrical and cynical

I'm too far sighted
To be incited
To be excited
Over you.

Preacher's Saturday Song

Where's my hymn book to?
Is it in Timbuktu?
Where's my hymn book gone?
It was here all along.

Cool of the day

I'm walking on God's earth
In the cool of the day
Wending my way
In the cool of the day.
On my own
In the cool of the day,
In the cool, cool, cool of the day.

When will I walk with him
In the cool of the day?
With Christ I say
In the cool of the day.
Hold his hand
In the cool of the day,
In the cool, cool, cool of the day.

Today we walk as one
In the cool of the day.
I walk and pray
In the cool of the day.
With my Lord
In the cool of the day,
In the cool, cool, cool of the day.

Deja vu

This is the poem about deja vu
Here's the poem that tells you what to do
And it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

This is that poem about deja vu
So now you know exactly what to do
For it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

That was the poem about deja vu
The poem that told you just what to do
And it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

Which is the poem about deja vu?
The poem that tells you just what to do?
Is it just like the poem that you read?
The one that got stuck deep inside your head?

This is the poem about deja vu
Here's the poem that tells you what to do
And it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

Deja Vu

This is the poem about deja vu
Here's the poem that tells you what to do
And it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

This is that poem about deja vu
So now you know exactly what to do
For it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

That was the poem about deja vu
The poem that told you just what to do
And it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

Which is the poem about deja vu?
The poem that tells you just what to do?
Is it just like the poem that you read?
The one that got stuck deep inside your head?

This is the poem about deja vu
Here's the poem that tells you what to do
And it's just like the poem that you read
The one that got stuck deep inside your head.

My old street

I drove down my old street the other day.
Some boys kicked a ball on the green, where I once would play.
The trees on the green are as fat as me
And one of the three trees no longer remains, I see.

I wanted to stop, speak of years before,
But they wouldn't have understood what I did it for,
So I drove on.

On looking through my window and seeing a hill

On looking through my window and seeing a hill peeping out between the concrete

There's always a gap in any terrain
There's always a way
To find comfort from pain.


There's always a space in any place
There's always a way
To go on by God's grace

Resolution

I'll guard the source of life, my heart,
From sin's foul stream I'll keep apart.
Lord, keep this well spring pure and whole
And oft may Christ refresh my soul.

Indecision

My spirit says yes
But my soul says no
The Lord says go
And I say whoa

She

She spoke of silence
Her words were grey
We'd walked through meadows
Of amber hay.

She spoke of values
Her words grew strong
We'd walked through mountains,
Heard birds in song.

She spoke of wisdom
Her words were clear
We'd walked through showers
On land so drear.

She spoke of leaving
Her words grew cold
We'd walked through forests
Our love now old.

Carnivores

If I were a tiger
Maybe I'd bite your leg.
If I were a spider
I guess I'd spin a web.
But as I'm a man
I've a better plan,
I'll just look the other way.


If I were a cobra
I'd go straight for your head.
If I were a boa
I'd squeeze you 'til you're dead.
But as I'm a man
I've a better plan,
I'll just look the other way.

Time

Time, like water,
Tickle-trickles through my fingers
And I lick the silver bubbles
As I try to taste this life.
Days surge on like soldiers
Heading for the front
And I find myself in anguish
As I seek and strive to warn
This fading generation.

Whereat

Had you heard,
Ed had a hood?
He would.
It looked so odd,
Handmade in hide.
To hide your head
Inside a hood
It is not good.

And I'll add -
Hudd had a hat,
Cool cat.
The hat was hit
But it was hard.
To hide your head
Inside a hat
That's where it's at.

Hymn Haggai 1.12

SM

The Lord our God sends word,
He does not silent stay.
His prophets show to us the way
To serve his Christ, our Lord.

Our Lord declares to each
"Forever I'm with you"
And stirs his people up to do
All that his servants teach.

And those who serve the Lord,
Who long to see him bless,
Through him do nothing more nor less
Than heed his every word.

This way alone is wise,
It makes the conscience clear
For true and valiant son-like fear
Behind obedience lies.

Come come come

Come, come, come
Imprison me, Lord,
Shackle my soul to obeying your word
In your grace, O Lord.

Come, come, come
Lock me in your heart,
Fetter my faith that I may never part
From your way, O Lord.

Come, come, come
Never let me go,
Capture me always and so let me know
All your will, O Lord.

Come, come, come
Never let me flee,
Make me your servant and so set me free
Every day, O Lord.

The Preacher

Ink onto paper,
Tongue licking lip,
Then running through the fields,
Falling as I trip.
A final chord strikes,
A raindrop in the yellow flower -
A moment of beauty
Is a moment of you.


Within lies an age
Gone. Couldn't wait.
Reaching, clutching, grasping -
The last straw floats
Away. Today and yet.
There is now and there will be
Within us - forever.
Holding and being held.

We only gain what God gives.

Babies

Pharaoh he hates you
You make the Israelites strong
Therefore he decrees
You won't live long.


Molech he hates you
Says he needs you for his pyre
Therefore, so they say,
You're for the fire.


Herod, he hates you
He seeks the One from on High
Therefore "innocents"
You all must die.

Britain, we hate you,
Inconvenience, we are taught,
Therefore they declare
"We must abort".

Duty

The way is called duty
The way to beauty
The only way
And so each day I pray.

The truth is in duty
Truth has such beauty
That is so true
And so I worship you.

A life full of duty
A life of beauty
That's how to live
And so my life I give.

Ship

Down to the green sea,
The black sea,
The foam white froth sea.
Down she goes,
The seagulls follow on.

Through water,
Over water,
Up then down she goes,
Seeking safe haven,
From the wild wind that blows.

Now

Now is always now
(At least it is now).
Tomorrow is tomorrow
'Til tomorrow comes
And then it is today.
Today was tomorrow
Just a day ago
And soon it will be yesterday -
So fast the hours flow.
But now is always now,
At least it is for now,
For even "nows" are "thens"
And some of them "agains".

Best days

My best days are spent walking in the breeze
My best days are spent under shady trees,
The best days of my life are spent in prayer.


My best hours are spent down upon my knees
My best hours are spent before him who sees,
The best hours of my life are spent in prayer.


My best moments pass lifting up my eyes
My best moments pass looking to the skies,
The best moments in life are spent in prayer.

Be humble

Be humble
Don't bumble
Like a busybody bee.
Be humble
Don't rumble
Stumbling around so noisily.

Be humble
Don't grumble
Like a nagging wife might do.
Be humble
Don't fumble
Mumbling aloud "what shall I do?"

Be humble
Don't crumble
When you see the seeming odds.
Be humble
Don't jumble
Tumbling your glory in with God's.

Duty Free

O to be duty free
And out of the pouring rain
O to be duty free
On an airplane bound for Spain.

Seventeen

I was once seventeen,
I must have been.
It seems so long ago,
And I didn't really know
I was seventeen.

Know what I mean?

Birds of Pray

Don't be a peacock, thinking that you're grand,
Don't be an ostrich, your head in the sand.
Don't be a dodo that's dead, it's not there
And don't be a cuckoo, forgetting to care.

Don't be a sparrow, hopping here and there,
Don't be a starling, saying all you dare.
Don't be a woodpecker, hamm'ring on one theme
And don't be a blue-tit, taking all the cream.

Don't be a barn owl - looking half asleep,
Don't be a penguin, diving in too deep.
Don't be a parrot, mouthing old cliches,
And don't be a mynah, repeating each phrase.

Be like an eagle, high soaring above,
Be like a turtle dove, pointing to love.
Be like a robin, Christ's blood on your heart.
Be like a pigeon, ready to take part.

Be like a blackbird, keep sounding God's praise,
Be like a swan, be gracious in your ways
Be like a song thrush keep tugging at times
Be like a jackdaw should - confess your crimes.

Contrary

If your life was blue,
You'd wish it was red.
Because you're alive,
You'd rather be dead.
Oh why should it be
That we hate being me?

If your life was white,
You'd wish it was black.
All's rushing forward,
You'd rather turn back.
Oh why should it be
That we hate being me?

If your life was grey,
You'd wish it was brown.
It's time to look up,
So you're looking down.
Oh why should it be
That we hate being me?

If your life was green,
You'd rather it yellow.
You should be outraged,
But you're feeling mellow.
Oh why should it be
That we hate being me?

If your life was pink,
You'd rather it turquoise.
Outwardly happy
Yet within, your heart cries.
Oh why should it be
That we hate being me?

Lonely Winter Tree

Lonely winter tree

In the rain for me,

I was glad to see

You standing so tall.

Lonely winter tree

Stood alone like me,

Remaining to be

Faithful through it all.

Lonely winter tree

You're just like the tree

Where Christ died for me,

Where Christ gave his all.

Just in case you need me

Just in case you need me -

I'm always here!

Just in case you need me -

I'm always near!

Just in case you need me -

I'll help you through!

Just in case you need me -

I need you too!

Life-ication

We all need 'ead-ucation

Otherwise we'd all be dim

But what about spirit-ation?

Why don't they life-icate?

I'm all for 'ead-ucation

But what about

Preaching the Word?

Uriah

Every ounce of strength,
Each drop of devotion,
It was given for you
But you let me down.

I fought your battles
While you remained at home.
How I laboured for you,
But you have failed me.

When you called me back
I waited on your words.
So committed to you,
But you just left me.

I did not go home
But waited at your house,
So delighted in you,
But you betrayed me.

How you have failed me
But my eyes see your Son,
The one who'll one day come,
God's anointed One.

He'll never let me down.

Seven Days Plus One

In the Monday of your life
Doing your best with zest
Preparing for the rest.

In the Tuesday of your life
Watch or failure may spoil
Or zeal may overboil.

In the Wednesday of your life
You're halfway through the week
Time for change? Time to speak?

In the Thursday of your life
There's still plenty of time
For all your grace to shine.

In the Friday of your life
Working life's end is near
A weak end you may fear.

In the Saturday of your life
Soon you will leave this scene
What is will be, has been.

In the Sabbath of your life
Soon comes the move away,
Eternal seventh day.

And I heard of a man on the way
Whom the Lord gave an extra day.
He gave it back without complaint,
Then he faced his death as a saint.

Snow drops

I saw the snowdrops pure and white,
I knew they'd won their fight.
The winter's gone
The sun shines strong,
Despite a sniping wind.

Now may the King of glory reign,
I know he'll win again -
The devil gone,
My heart made strong
Despite temptation's sting.

I love the snowdrops' hint of Spring,
I love you Jesus, King,
Death defeated,
Sin depleted,
Soon all his praise shall sing.

Unfinished piece

I once met a man who never finished his ... you know ...

So unlike me! I finish everything I do.

Even when I am writing like this, it's still true,

It's never left until ....

(I must get this finished one day)

All encompassing

An accident in the occident left my dented boat storm tossed,
Disoriented in the orient - I thought that I was lost.
With a murderer in meridion I chased some Somalis
But in Septentrionalis I slept in a tree in Ali's.

Doing the math

At sixes and sevens
It doesn't add up
My multiple problems
Begin to mount up.

How can I be equal
To all that's ahead?
What will be the sequel -
The end that I dread?

Subtracted, divided
Decimated, beat,
I stand here derided,
Thrown down in defeat.

*

We'll not be outnumbered
With God on our side
Where one is a hundred,
The Seed multiplied.

So look to the Father
And turn to the Son.
Rely on the Spirit
The great Three in One.

Oversight

You have the oversight
Not to look down on their deeds.
You have the oversight
Not to overlook their needs
You have the oversight,
A good shepherd feeds.

I haven't got time

I haven't got time to write this poem
I haven't got time to put it down
I'm too busy living to write a good poem
I'm living it out, living it up.

If you have the time to read this poem
Or if you just want to put it down
Then how about your living a poem instead?
So very soon we will both be dead.

When I was a boy

When I was a boy
My life was filled with joy
Every single time
I'd make my poems rhyme.
But now that I'm a man
My life is filled with pain
And poems just won't rhyme
But I guess it doesn't really matter all that much.

Psalm 56

My God, show mercy, I'm distressed
By foes in hot pursuit;
They all day their attack have pressed.
They all day persecute.

Many attack me, in their pride,
Afraid, I'm trusting on,
On God whose word is to be praised.
I trust in God - fear's gone.

What can mere mortals do to me?
They twist my words all day;
Their schemes they all intend to be
My crumbling and decay.

They plot, they lurk, my steps they see,
They hope my life to take.
They're wicked, wrong, don't set them free;
In wrath, God, nations break.

Record my mis'ry; write what's found,
My tears list on your scroll.
Are all my cries not written down,
Yes, all my tears, the whole?

Then he'll turn back, my enemy,
When I call out for aid.
By this I'll know that God's for me,
God's for me, whose word's praised.

In God, whose word I praise each day,
Your word I praise, Lord, true.
In God I trust, fear won't hold sway,
What to me can they do?

I'm under vows, my God, to you;
Thank-off'rings let there be
Giv'n to you, for you're the one who
From death has rescued me.

From stumbling you have freed my feet
That I may walk before,
Before you God and in the light
Of life for evermore.

Insights within my scope

My life is like a stethoscope,
I sometimes wonder how I'll cope.
I'm ignorant of all around,
Yet within, I hear each sound.

My life is like a microscope,
I sometimes wonder how I'll cope.
Little things seem to grow in size,
Then tears start to fill my eyes.

My life is like a periscope,
I sometimes wonder how I'll cope.
Everything is so up and down,
Every smile becomes a frown.

My life is like a telescope,
I sometimes wonder how I'll cope.
My future is so very clear,
But I cannot face what's near.

My life is like a k'leidoscope,
I sometimes wonder how I'll cope.
The colours are all so vivid
But life itself is livid.

My life is like a spectrosope,
I sometimes wonder how I'll cope.
Somehow all life's competing strands
They make too many demands.

My life is like an oscilloscope,
I sometimes wonder how I'll cope.
See how fast my heartbeat can change
Watch how I cover the range.

Fragment 1

Took me as I was,
Took my life.
He who gave it all,
Sacrifice.
He's the one that I'm
Living for.
There's none on earth that
I love more.