SELAH

SELAH


Exhortation from King David
To measure wisely
Weigh solemnly
Words of men that breed confusion
Give thoughtful reflection
As we read the Book of Life
The one true source
Divine doctrine
Holy Scriptures
Gift from God Almighty
Naked truth
Guiding light
Blueprint for a life of happiness
Pristine and pure
Greek Septuagint
Translations from ancient Hebrew
His counsel
Beacon for our lost world
Wisdom
Sapient inspiration
For all to seek


“Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.”

Psalm 32:7


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

JOE

JOE


His name is Joe
Soft spoken
Frail
A kind and gentle man
Humble glow
Surrounds his haggard features
Years of hard living
Speak volumes
From the soot beneath his fingernails
His skin
Blackheads covered in grime
Loam caked camouflage
Bushy red beard
Speckled with gray
Growing for years without grooming
One of the most polite men I have ever met
He invited me into his home
Underneath the Rideout Road Bridge
We talked for hours
About his childhood memories of Crossroads
Just outside of Ruston Louisiana
His fathers moonshine still
Their only means of support
Tears welled in his lonesome eyes
As he spoke of his wife and children
Lost in the abyss of time
Intelligent solitude
Sprang from him like front page news
He described life on the road
Soup kitchens
Homeless shelters
Greedy social agencies
Tough Texas Rangers
Who take no lip from any man
The demon crack
His first hand account
“How it brings a grown man to his helpless knees”
His knowledge of the bible
Impressive
Far deeper than my own
“The meek shall inherit the earth”
Joe waits patiently for our Savior to arrive
I see him walking along I-565 daily
In search of discarded cigarette butts
“It gives me exercise” he tells me
A chuckle surfaces from his fragile body
Wispy
Pallid
In need of a good meal
God blessed me with a new friend today
Thank you Father
For the benison of His words
His genuine companionship
I will visit him often
My life
Will never be the same


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

LIFE IN THE SHADOWS

LIFE IN THE SHADOWS


My eyes
Trained to spot their presence
Underneath bridges
In every city
Wherever God leads me
I find them
Homeless brothers and sisters
Living in the shadows
Their only shelter
Makeshift highway asylum
In the bowels of progress
Unique tales of heartache and defiance
Individual human nature
Longing for an audience
Simple survival needs
Shelter
Food
Clothing
My face burns with shame
As I reflect on my selfish desires
I observe the glaring disgust
From naïve motorist as they pass haughty judgment
If they only knew
How close they really are to misfortune
I find His Holy Spirit consistently through abasement
As I enter this dire community
Those who have nothing
Bless me so richly
No pity do they seek
Only compassion
Selfless love
As Christ has taught us


“If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother”

Deuteronomy 15: 7



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

SOBER JOY

SOBER JOY (NEW SONG)


Slow pace
Heaven sent
Smile on my face
In any event

Life is sweet
Blessings flow
Front row seat
Eternal show

Holy Spirit (CHORUS)
Fills me now
Grace of God
Solemn vow

Alive and free
Never alone
His energy
I call my own

Sober joy
Humble ways
I will enjoy
Every day

(CHORUS)

By His hand
I will abide
With Him I stand
Satisfied

This gift I share
Free to all
Grateful prayer
Heed His call

(CHORUS)


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

STATUS QUO RELIGION

STATUS QUO RELIGION


Disturbing trend continues
Confederation of church and state
Calculated shotgun wedding
Stalwart laws of man
Impose narcissistic motives
Malevolent hidden agendas
Status quo religion
Human contrivance
Designed to govern deceived masses
Holy teachings of Jesus Christ
My explicit moral guidance
Unique personal relationship
Individual path of vicissitude
Based on His example of peace and love
Will of God
The sovereignty I choose
Free from coercion
Consuming relief of repentance
Comprised of faith and trust in Him
Christian anarchism some have said
A label fueled by mortal fear
Condemnation without acumen
My ears
Deaf to their vain reprehension
Spiritual realm
The path I walk in reverence



“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”.

Matthew 15: 8-9





© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

ISRAEL DIVIDED

ISRAEL DIVIDED


Zion’s children
Dragged screaming from their homes
Synagogues
Cleared by brute force
Gaza Strip
Ground zero
On the worlds political roadmap
Tears of anguish
As they are severed from their shattered domicile
In the name of détente
Speculation runs rampant
Book of Daniel in focus
Peace in the Middle East
Seven year covenant
Waiting patiently in the wings
Israel divided
Torn cloth of prophetic significance
As her enemies gather round


“They have taken crafty counsel against Thy people, and consulted against Thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.”

Psalm 83: 3-4


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

SELF DISCOVERY

SELF DISCOVERY


From the bottom
The summit becomes clear
Auto focus
To lose my arrogant pride
In the depths of despair
Opens the chosen door
God’s private entrance
Stripped of fatal vanity
Robe of humility
A cloak for all seasons
Solemn dirge
Erupts into merriment
As blind eyes suddenly see
Revered reward
Within me all along



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

UNTITLED SONG

UNTITLED SONG

Thought I knew
Everything (Background)
Turns out I know
Nothing (Background)

Break down
Complete (Background)
Born again
Truth in defeat (Background)

New day (Chorus)
Today
His way
My way

Simple brilliance
Holy One (Background)
Blessed gift
Rising sun (Background)

Walking tall
Confidence (Background)
I am forgiven
His love, intense (Background)

New day (Chorus)
Today
His way
My way

Life through death
Eternity (Background)
Reviving breath
For all to see (Background)

No more tears
Sanctified (Background)
Melting fears
Satisfied (Background)

Closing chorus……..

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

THREE DOLPHINS

THREE DOLPHINS


Navarre Beach, Florida
In solitude
I admired them from the sandy front row
Three dolphins
Pearly
Sleek
Powerful
Glide effortlessly through the brine
Impressive forms
Surfing the waves with precision
Their gleeful antics
Delivered me from travail
On that crisp fall afternoon
Twenty four years have passed
Since I was blessed with their appearance
Magical imprint
Forever portrayed
In my remodeled mind


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

NOELLE

NOELLE

Sweet flower that trusted so few
My gratitude
For letting me enter your world
Brilliant flame
Extinguished so soon
Razor sharp intellect
Cherished moments of clarity
Abundant wit
Your gentle nature flowed when you were sober
Behind your haunted smile
Beautiful memories of our long talks on my balcony
Our children, God, addiction
Forever etched in my mind
Merciless disease
So very sick
Horrible
Destructive
Fatal
Screaming banshee of drunken rage
Possessed your delicate soul
Erupting from the dark abyss
Alcoholic demon
Tortured you until the bitter end
We had such hope
Still I grieve
Since you lost your grip
Midnight calls from the county jail
Never asking for money
Just stationary, pencils, and stamps
Our tears flowed in unison
Seedy motels and crack pipes
Your hellish nightmare
Kept me clean
Dry heaves and DT’s
So afraid you would die in my arms
As you ignored the Doctors advice
Helpless
Frustrated
I watched this illness slowly destroy you
Tragic wasted promise
Loved by so many
Yet alone
Spaghetti sauce with carrots
Your favorite
When stomach ulcers allowed you to eat
Magic times when you let your guard down
May you rest in peace my friend
The brutal pain is behind you now
I miss you terribly
© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

MOTHER MOUNTAIN

MOTHER MOUNTAIN

Panoramic splendor
Carved by God’s loving hand
Shenandoah Valley
Just beyond Stuarts Draft Virginia
Driving through animated clouds
I pretend to gently touch them
Jade colored shale
Impressive layers of ancient silt
Golden sheen reflects the sun
Mechum River
Rambles slowly toward the sea
Flowing gently like tears of joy that trickle down my cheek
Time stands still in Albemarle County
Appalachia
Her majestic beauty
Mysterious spell
Summons my attention like visions of home
Granite birthmarks dot lofty green timbers
Enigma lurks deep within her belly
Bats daylight abode
Cell phone towers
Sore spots
Scar this magnificent landscape
They fester like boils
On her pristine face
Progress they say
Groundhogs
Furry brown balls of curiosity
Precariously close to the busy highway
Noble hawk
Ever diligent
Soaring high above
Patiently waiting for fatal mistakes
Massive gravel quarry
Mortal wound
Vibrant mimosa blossoms
Mourn our loss
The Doors keep me company
Soft Parade blares as I drive
Jim Morrison
Acid poet extraordinaire
The ultimate word man
“This is the best part of the trip”
I agree


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

MADISON COUNTY SUNSET

MADISON COUNTY SUNSET

Madison County sunset
Brutal heat diminishing
95 degree cold front
Pool deck at 6:00PM
Solar baked griddle
My son
Frolics with two older boys
Minnesota vacationers
Geography has no bearing
As the children play
“How’s that for a handstand”
I beam with fatherly pride
Phillip
Kind young gentleman
Tribute to his parents
“You may want to cover your eyes kid”
Preceded his perfect cannonball
“How can you wear jeans in this heat” he asks me
Amusing cultural nuance
Curiosity and satisfaction
Will grins as he masters the gigantic umbrella
Inverted canvas bloom
Pesky gnats swarm jubilant sweaty faces
Tangerine fireball in the western sky
Ignites periwinkle hues
As it slips quietly below the pines
Gentle humid breeze
Stirs sultry dead air
Birds lullaby as they settle in for the evening
Brilliant yellow daffodils
Enhance lush green shrubbery
Like neon crayons
Vintage box of 96
Hungry insects
Begin their nocturnal serenade
Natures sleeping pill
Hampton Inn
Our favorite
Oasis at dusk
Manicured excellence
Next best thing to home
Genuine hospitality
Southern style
Smiling staff
Friends
Welcome to my family
“Dad, can I have more cookies” :-)

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

AUGUST DEATH DREAM

AUGUST DEATH DREAM

Restless sleep
Strange dream indeed
With vivid clarity
I envisioned my own death
Fire in an obscure kitchen
Mysterious
Angry street gang
On a bloody quest
Knife wounds in the back times three
Fatal blows
No pain I recall
As the icy steel plunged into my flesh
Only peaceful buoyancy
“Flotation IS really groovy”
As Mr. Hendrix so eloquently described
Birds eye view
My funeral
In humble awe I watch
The mourning crowd gathered
Do not cry dear ones
Celebrate
My quick glimpse of heaven
Magnificent
Not worthy of human words
Angels embraced me in holy warmth
Never alone
They showed me the way
Without a clue to it’s symbolic message
Some things
Are not meant to be understood

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

ANGEL WITH A CANE

ANGEL WITH A CANE

Alabama employment office
Live without a net
Desperate and afraid
Gentle woman walking with a cane
Her hair
White as virgin snow
Brilliant smile
Face aglow
Heavenly
Her fiery eyes reached my soul
“PATIENCE BILL” said she
“THESE THINGS TAKE TIME”
How did she know my name, I ponder
I touched her hand as she passed by
Soft and soothing
Just like my Mom’s
Hauntingly familiar
I thought I knew her
Unexpected income followed
I turned to offer humble thanks
She was gone
Vanished
Angelic gift from He who sent her


“For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone”
Psalms 91: 11-12

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

NOMAD

NOMAD

Battle for sanity rages within me
Emotional tug of war
Nomad
Restless
Searching
I wander
My thoughts
A lonely travel companion
Despair invades
Comfort follows in prayer
No time for bitterness
Resentment
Deadly lover indeed
Dreams of sad endings
Haunt me with her memory
Selfish disease
Commands a painful price
Bright horizon
Fuels my persistence
Powerful faith
Guides my cautious steps
Tomorrow
A mystery
Yesterday
Valuable lessons
Today
Intense focus on His plan



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

LESSONS

LESSONS

The valleys get deeper
Snares that used to trip me up
Made smooth by God’s guiding hand
I learn to travel blindly
No need for human sight
Trusting
As a child
My weakness
Manifestation of self centered pride
Hinders His angels efforts
As they carry me along
Summit high above me
Holy kingdom of Christ
Directions predestined
A map is not necessary
Sweet satisfaction
Peaceful journey
So simple in nature
Refreshing serenity
Showers my soul
In self inflicted blistering inferno
No fear today
Tomorrow may never come
In my distorted measure of time
Lessons learned
Nourish my growth
Wisdom for survival
As He has planned

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

HOMELESS

HOMELESS 8-2-05 On the road….

Virginia highway
2:00 AM
Fog cloaks moonlit shadows
Like nuclear winter
Brave deer
Oblivious to the speeding steel death
Feed serenely on the shoulder
Neon pierces the gloom
GAS, FOOD, LODGING
Refuge from the monotony
But not my home
Tweaking truckers
Caffeine and speed
Chemicals flowing
No sleep for days
Racking up the miles
I let them pass
Michael Franks
Magical voice
Fills my ears with beautiful hypnotic melodies
I dream of romance on exotic beaches
Visions of my son in my arms
Not too old for his “monkey hug” embrace
The very reason for my quest
Cry no more my child
I will never leave you again
Homeless for now
Empty
Weary
Aching bones scream from over exertion
A new chapter begins
Intimate talk with God
His blessed reassurance
Soothing to my soul
Time marches on
Promise of opportunity
Destiny awaits
Holy Spirit
Source of living water
Flowing words
Quench my thirst for significance
Legacy of prose
Devoted to sober salvation
Thank you Father
You have blessed me richly
Serve You I shall
Faithfully

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

SMALL REMINDERS

SMALL REMINDERS

I find them everywhere
Joyful discoveries
I search for them daily
Small reminders
Hand prints on the glass door
Yellow splatters dot the toilet rim
Crumbs scattered in the carpet around his chair
The masterpiece
An artistic gift from my son
Permanently etched in black marker on my desk
Smudges on my computer screen
Evidence of his curiosity
My guitar
Suddenly out of tune
Cost of a ticket to his beautiful concert
The hard brown pic
His tool of choice
Red juice stains in my car
Showcase a ferocious battle with the seatbelt
I feel him in his absence
God’s coping mechanism
To help ease the pain of divorce
His vibrant presence
Seven years of blessings
Rewards of fatherhood
Keep me focused on my purpose

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

BEHOLD

Once
Awash in a sea of self-pity
Victim of my own self-destruction
Mired in evil motives
Prostrate to Satan’s elixir
Desensitized
Torpid
Behold
I stand before you now
Revitalizing force of Christ
Surging from within
Born again
His holy power
I claim in victory
Amazing new abilities
To discern things as they are
Wicked intentions
Lurk behind the mask of prosperity
Injudicious opinions
Formed by judgmental brethren
My words of truth
Brutal in honest reflection
Awkward
Distress those who claim to know me
Left handed compliments
Ignored by insignificance
No regrets
Accept or walk away
This choice is up to you
No longer a slave to social graces
Human approval
Yoke of popularity
Forsaken
Smolder in the ashes of the man I once was
My job
Deliver hope to those who still suffer
Simplistic autopsy
Reveal the morbid disease
Offer past misery
As proof of His saving grace
Withholding nothing
© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

CELEBRATION DAY

CELEBRATION DAY


July 29th, 2005
A day for celebration
As the landlord’s patience ebbs
God’s magnificent promises
I receive with gracious honor
Pass beyond the open door
Without fear or regret
The publisher’s contract
Inauguration of my true purpose
A dream fulfilled
Expanding territory
Global in scope
Mass exposure to multitudes
Words of comfort and hope
True tale of triumph
Grace of Christ personified
Precisely
As He predestined


“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent”

Proverbs 28:20


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

ON A LIMB

ON A LIMB


Life
On a limb
Capricious
Patient fruit
Within pragmatic grasp
Blind faith cynosure
Sufficient advocacy
Sublime resources
Abundant
Beatific
Obdurate conscience dissolves
Incertitude
Daily ablution
Guidance divine
Confident diadem
No man can vitiate
Spiritual freshet
My glory is His
Holy One
From whence I came


“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 89





© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

THE CALLED

THE CALLED


Inspired lot
Strengthened by our pain
Lost before
Chagrined
Bewildered
Now delivered from human squalor
Redeemed by the blood of The Lamb
For this purpose
We go forth anointed
Felicitous life of gratitude
Professing faith resolute
His divine agenda
Preponderant
For brethren, we are many
Sacred paradigm
Righteous path before us
Guiding light from God’s Holy Word
Pristine truth
Saving grace of Jesus Christ
Abundant blessings quench our thirst for immortality
Together we rise
Boldly proclaiming His glory


“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called, according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

ONE STEP CLOSER

ONE STEP CLOSER


One step closer
Eternal home in view
My Father’s house
Blessed nirvana
Narrow road of discipleship
Rough-hewn
Obedient life of service
Controversial to some
It is what it is
I oblige without diffidence
He chose me
Annus mirabilis
His patient focus, surreal
A child again
Eager student of Christ’s holy word
Peaceful
Altruistic agape
Human acceptance
Matters not
Approval from my Savior
Reverent crux of my discernment


“And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

Matthew 4:19


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

SOBRIETY

SOBRIETY


Somber rite of passage
Addicted trail of sorrow
Fades slowly into intellectual recesses
Fabricated inferiority
Conceived from unwashed self esteem
Shed like repugnant skin
Shrill resonance of sobriety
Echoes hereafter
Panegyrized homage
Tormented empty life I left behind
Living testimonial
Healing power of Christ
Badge of grace immaculate
I wear with ebullient zeal
Dawn’s deliverance
Myriad of exploding hue
Jubilant human spirit
Story of my life
Began with complete surrender

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

I Peter 1:23



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

CO-DEPENDENT CHAOS

CO-DEPENDENT CHAOS


Precious energy
Wasted pretense
Living a lie
Vain attempt to defy who I was meant to be
Futile efforts
Desperado
Obsession to fit man made molds
Groomed for success
Syndicated puppet
Deceived by manipulative dark forces
Logging endless miles on a corporate treadmill
Fast track to misery
Dominant ego of self inflicted arrogance
Soul sickness
Choking on distorted truth
So eager to please
Sadly seeking approval from others
Co-dependent chaos
Awakened at the bottom in an alcoholic stupor
I realized I was lost
Convicted by default
Arrogance and pride
Now discarded trappings
Reborn
Blessed emancipation
Sensitive euphoric awareness
Animated macramé of my life
Sturdy threads of complex realization
Delicate braids of woven grace
Work of art by my Fathers nimble fingers
Today
Resurrected for His purpose
I am free


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

TREE OF LIFE

TREE OF LIFE (Inspired by my dear friend Lennita)

Tree of Life
Tiny seed inherent
God’s creation
Born within us all
Sown for human benefit
Soul roots
Deeply centered
Nurtured by His holy word
Gentle rains
Tears of transgression
Sustain leaves of change
Brilliant light of Christ
Heals deadly decay
Dying boughs
Pruned by our Saviors grace
Transfigured branches
Reach for eternal life
Bearing fruit of righteousness
Once sheared
We grow more abundantly
Free from diseased distractions
Blight of sin
Cleansed by blood of The Lamb


The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Proverbs 11: 30

THIS GIFT

THIS GIFT


This gift of words
Passionate
Inspiring
Eccentric in my youth
Rebellious
Eternal search for truth
Divine permutation
Once dark and dismal
Now triumphant
Glorious
Amaranthine
Saved from Satan’s ligature
Alcoholic torment
My every breath proclaims
His healing emancipation
Living proof of Christ’s revelation
Eternal walk
Beside Him I shall serve
Symbol of salvation
All I am
I give to thee

12” Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in the word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”

I Timothy 4: 12-14


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

BLESSED IS HE

BLESSED IS HE


His sacred appointed time approaches
“Alpha and Omega”
“First and Last”
“I AM”
Messengers announce prophetic revelations
Saint John
Our brother
“In the spirit on the Lords day”
His vision
Indeed shall come to pass
Holy command
“Write these things which thou hast seen”
Our instructions are clear
“He that hath an ear let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches”
The Lamb
Christ Jesus
“He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly”
Salvation draws near
With humble heart
Gratitude profound
I shall speak His truth to all who will listen


“Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand”

Revelation 1:3


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

HUMBLE PRAYER

HUMBLE PRAYER


Heavenly Father
This I pray
Light my path
Both night and day

Fill my heart
With righteous love
Holy Spirit
God above

Guide my words
Direct my pen
Forgive my frailty
Human sin

My faith steadfast
I believe
Your Holy presence
Will never leave

To serve you always
Thy will be done
My gifts I share
With everyone

Provide I shall
My children’s needs
Fulfill thy service
A man of deeds

My gratitude
Forever sings
Your precious name
Christ the King

Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 7:7
© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

FINALE

FINALE


Serpents gather
Evil assembly
Misery
The main agenda
Face of perdition
Unified
Hellish legion expanding
One World docket
Satan’s marionettes
Take their places for the finale
False prophets
Trained in deception
Infiltrate organized religion
As it is written
Children beware
Our path is rife with ambush
Treacherous
Close your eyes
Focus faithfully
Follow His light
Holy beacon
Jesus Christ
Deliverance
The Way
Our Savior
With us always


“And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man”.
2 Samuel 22:49

© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

CHAINS OF BONDAGE

CHAINS OF BONDAGE


My sentence here is served
Held hostage in Babylon
Evil grip
Oppressive chains of bondage
God’s mighty hand releases me
I harbor no animosity
Against tyrannical captors
Prayers and well wishes
Brilliant light of salvation
Penetrate their black blinded eyes
Sands of time flow quickly
Prophetic hourglass
Triumphant time is nigh
These gifts I must share
With all who will listen
Hark
Behold
Accept
Our Savior Jesus Christ
Beautiful
Pure
Shall gather His children soon
Take heed lost ones
Destiny approaches


“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindred’s of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen.”

Revelation 1:7


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

SMILING EYES

SMILING EYES


People talk
Some with grace and intensity
Others
Bypass intelligence
Absurd babble gushing
Those I most admire
Speak little
Listen intently
Facial expressions exude kindness
Smiling eyes
Wisdom soaked mien
Gentle manner
Archetype of genuine love in action
My goal
Legacy of compassion
Fiercely authentic
Impact many
Humble servant
Leaving nothing on the field


“My little children let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

I John 3:18


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

Brian's Cross

BRIAN’S CROSS


Tiny boy
Pride and joy
Deathly ill
Unexplained
Tragic
His small heart
Damaged beyond repair
Comatose
Deathbed vigil
Suddenly
Gods healing breath
The child awakens
“I talked to God”
“He said I will be fine”
“I have this cross on my cheek”
Miraculous holy mark
Where once there was none
Vibrant
Alive
With pride
He wears it still
Twenty two years on our Lords sacred mission
Brain’s cross
Healing touch of the Father
For all the world to see



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005


BRIAN’S CROSS

God works through people. Many times I hear exactly what my soul needs to hear through the comments and experiences of another. I met Lisa at my Doctors office one day and was blessed to hear this miraculous story of Divine Intervention regarding her son. His name is Brian and today he is a vibrant and healthy 22 year old young man. He is an Eagle Scout and has achieved the coveted Vigil Order of the Arrow award. He is a dedicated community servant and gives both his time and his efforts to help others.

When he was 2 years old, Brian was diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome. I have included a brief description of this rare disease I gathered from “Kids Health for Parents” website. They can be found at the following internet address:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/kawasaki.html

Kawasaki Disease is an illness that involves the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes, and typically affects children who are under the age of 5. The cause of Kawasaki Disease is unknown, but if the symptoms are recognized early, kids with the disease can fully recover within a few days. If it goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications that can involve the heart.
Kawasaki disease occurs in 19 out of every 100,000 kids in the United States. It is most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but the illness can affect all ethnic groups.

By age 5, young Brian was deathly sick with related heart aneurysms and was not expected to live much longer. The family priest was called in to administer last rites and the outlook was grim. As his family gathered and prayed at his bedside, a glorious miracle happened. Early one morning, Brian awoke from a fever induced coma and told his Mom “I talked to God and He said I would be fine because I have this cross on my face”. As Lisa looked closely at her son, she noticed a mysterious cross on his right cheek that had never been there before. At that time, Brian had no concept of God since his family had very little involvement in a church. This sudden revelation and heavenly sign was quite a shock coming from such a sick little boy.

True to his transcendent words of comfort and hope, gradually Brian recovered from his illness and has been fine since that time. The cross on his right cheek is still noticeable today, a sign of God’s awesome healing power and grace for all to see. Miracles happen every day throughout our experiences. I am grateful to Lisa for sharing this amazing and very true story. I give thanks and praise to Christ our Savior for His abundant blessings.


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

LENNITA

LENNITA


Her smile
Warm like fresh baked cookies
Soothing
Tranquil
Compassion flows from her gleaming soul
Her walk
Hand in hand with our Savior
Inspiration to so many
Triumphant
Death defeated by faith and grace
Survivor
Her quiet strength
Lifted me up at my lowest point
Her blessed example
Gave me courage to hang on
I see God
Glowing in her vibrant loving eyes
Genuine
Sincere
Admired
My dear friend


Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. . . . I have called you friends . . . —John 15:13, 15


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

DEMON OF CONFUSION

DEMON OF CONFUSION


The battle rages
I grow weary from the pressure
Seeking shelter in Him
Please take this burden from me Lord
Full tilt spin
My mind
Perplexed
“What If’s” abound
Demon of confusion
Yields an unrelenting hammer inside my skull
Intense suffering
Clouds placid judgment
Impatiently
I wait
Solitude
Still waters
Calming presence of Christ
Human emotions run rampant
Growing pains
Perhaps
Faithful
Indeed
“Good cheer”
A work in progress


“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”.

John 16:33



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

MY PATH

MY PATH


My friends and family worry
Some think I’ve gone insane
This path I follow faithfully
Not meant to be explained

I cannot serve two masters
My choice is plain to see
Devoted to my Savior
His messenger I’ll be

The time has come to reach out
With loving urgency
Our world is slowly dying
Satan’s insurgency

Compassion, love, and words of hope
To soothe bewildered sheep
I walk the walk He shows me
Comfort those who weep

“Be not afraid my precious ones”
“For I am with you always”
Holy words from Jesus Christ
To guide us through the maze

My blessings are abundant
These gifts He gave to me
I will use them in His service
For all the world to see



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

JOYFUL REUNION

JOYFUL REUNION


Steadfast faith
Focused intense belief
I trust with all my soul
God’s wonderful plan
Abundant answered prayers
Joyful reconciliation forthwith
Reunited with my children once more
Abnormal separation no longer acceptable
Bitter struggle to provide
Corporate puppet without justification
Futile chase for the dollar
The sacrifice
Not worthy of the prize
My blessed seeds
I shall dry your anguished tears
My choice is crystal clear
Those who do not understand
Are not meant to
The path
Paved by His precious grace
You need me
As I need you
With courage and resolve
Priorities organized
I stand firm
Together soon
So it shall be


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

NEW AGE PHILISTINES

NEW AGE PHILISTINES


Judge me not
New age Philistines
My path
Chosen for me by The Father
Needs no approval from you
Imbecilic proclivity
Eye of the needle
Heavens entrance
Awaits your camels thread
In doltish bliss
You wallow in your hypocrisy
Joy evades you
As fraudulence flies from your sharp tongue
Gnashing of teeth
Worthy due for those who mock the truth
Pagan symbolism
Idols join your final journey
In complete darkness
Your boastful threats sound so small
Verbal vomit
Incoherent babble
You call conversation
Get behind me
Vulgar canker
Lost one
I pray for your wayward soul


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

MISTY MOUNTAINS

MISTY MOUNTAINS


Misty Mountains
Dwelling in the clouds
Sleepy giants
Reach effortlessly for the stars
Enchanting
Mysterious
Majestic
God’s footstool
Etched in beauty and splendor
Granite grey haze
Shrouds lush green trees
Dripping with warm July rain
From your mighty vantage
A better glimpse of heaven
For a brief magical moment
I am lost in your charm
Your infectious quiet solitude
Speaks volumes



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

THE VISION

THE VISION


April 5th, 2005
I had a vision
Of what I am to be
Clear
Concise
Stimulating
Holy blueprint
Gods worthy plan for my journey
Enigmatic young messenger
Chosen vessel
Anointed harbinger
His eyes aglow with energetic authenticity

“GOD HAS PLACED A GREAT TRUTH WITHIN YOUR BELLY. YOU ARE TO GO FORTH AND SHARE THIS TRUTH WITH THE WORLD. YOU WERE SAVED BY HIS GRACE AT THE FINAL EDGE OF DEATH FOR THIS PURPOSE. NOW GO OUT AND MINISTER TO ALL WHO WILL LISTEN AS THE PROPHETS HAVE DONE BEFORE YOU. SO SAYETH THE LORD.”

Divine metamorphose
Smooth and worthy clay
Made sturdy by The Fathers loving hands
Inspired work of art
Fresh from His kiln
I am ready Lord
I have no fear


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

THE DREAM

THE DREAM



The dream
Tiny infant
Stillborn
Amniotic death
Fills oxygen starved lungs
Precious gasp
Epic subsistence struggle
The miracle
Hand of God
Almighty
Healing touch of life
Placed gently on his minuscule chest
Triumphantly
The child awakens
Fighting for survival
Holy breath
Expels fatal fluids
Angelic eyes
Filled with wonder
The silent stranger
Glowing truth radiates from his gentle glance
“Be not afraid”
“For I am with you always”
Welcome little one
Your journey has just begun


Isaiah 29:8
“As when a hungry man dreams that he is eating, but he awakens, and his hunger remains; as when a thirsty man dreams that he is drinking, but he awakens faint, with his thirst unquenched. So will it be with the hordes of all nations that fight against Mount Zion.”


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR

REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR


Insignificant persecution
Man made lies
Fabrication derived from evil origin
The righteous stand accused
New World Order puppets
Vent their pitiful frustration
Lust for power
Vile quest
Doomed to miserable failure
Wrath of my enemies
Falls helpless at my feet
Steadfast allegiance
Eyes fixed upon Christ
Redemption draws near
Complete salvation
Infinite
Inestimable
Infectious intrepidity
With confidence
I shall overcome

9“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

MY SAVIORS CALL

MY SAVIORS CALL



My Saviors call
Unmitigated
Pronounced
Moving
Sacred life of discipleship
Spontaneous
Liberation from human bondage
Flexible
Simplistic
Childlike wonderment
Enlightened purpose in loving obedience
No need for fear
His patient hand guides with deft precision
Devotion complete
In faithful gratitude
I follow



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

POUR ME OUT

POUR ME OUT


Gilded lust fades
Driven by riches no longer
Blistering thirst for truth
Beyond earthly treasures
Enlightened quest
Virtuosity
Brutal self appraisal
Reveals precious drops of candor
Scrupulous Holy Grail
The frantic search is over
Narcissism melts in His brilliant presence
Selfish needs matter not
Prepare my soul Heavenly Father
Living fountain
Pour me out
Reveal your glorious purpose
Use me to thy service
A hopeless sinner
Saved by Divine Grace


“None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself” . . . —Acts 20:24



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

GIFT OF LIGHT

GIFT OF LIGHT


Brilliant light
Holy
Bright
Pristine
Scintillating
Behold His glory
Magnificent origin of luminosity
Guiding beacon
Comfort to our dark world
Impossible to extinguish
Manifestation of purity
Bounteous gift
My Fathers triumph
Wonderful bestowal
Birthright of righteous love
I share with you now


© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

LITTLE HORN

LITTLE HORN


Deceiving diatribe
Repulsive rhetoric
Pseudo wisdom
Designed to mislead
Rape bewildered masses
Clandestine motives
Permeate journalistic reports
Drama starved audience
Devour well orchestrated propaganda
Superficial clergy
Admonish innocent lambs
Exhort demonic destruction
Little Horn
Poised for ascension
Complex political beast
Silently approaches


2 Thessalonians 2:3
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005