Cause for Rejoicing

In the presence of the angels
there’s rejoicing when is heard
that a sinner has repented
at the hearing of God’s Word.

Who rejoices? Who is present
where the angels chant their praise?
Could be father, likely mother, 
who on earth have closed their days.

Yes, you went the wrong direction,
which your mother said not to;
“It’s my life!” Oh, how it hurt her.
Brazenly, your plans went through.

Now she’s gone—has been promoted,
ne’er a protest we can raise.
She will shout glad hallelujahs
as her son or daughter prays!

fpn/undated




Picture: accessed online at huffpost, July 8, 2017

Dying Prematurely

Lord, don’t let me die till the day I expire;
this life is for living, as voltage in wire.
It’s tragic to see some exist, but not live,
while on earth must be served—no longer can give.

The heart may be strong, while the brain is now dead;
such a one, to be sure, spends the whole day in bed.
Another may walk, he may talk, he may eat;
but he doesn’t make sense, how sad such to meet.

But the saddest of all, though conscious and able,
whose life has gone sour—has on hope turned the table.
He no longer can smile or speak kind, cheery words—
never sees the blue sky, hears no songs of the birds.

Deliver me, Lord, from a premature “death”
while my lungs keep on taking in natural breath;
oh, let me rejoice and give thanks constantly
till the day I expire and You call me away!

fpn/1986




Picture: depositphotos.com #59346527, standard license