Latest items:
Joe Breunig, 2 november 2011
Poem: For Upon My Head, Nothing Gold Can Stay
Standing at the threshold
of Death's ultimate door,
my last gasp escapes me...
As I've never experienced before.
Into the Heavenly realm
I ascend in wonderment,
now housed in an incorruptible body
and thankful that from sin I did repent.
Standing in God's throne room
freed of all Earthly flesh,
my spiritual essence is energized
and feeling fully refreshed.
Now gathered unto my Savior,
unencumbered reality is more than it seems;
for to be in His Presence
is my accomplished dream.
Having been given my kingly reward,
in these times of everlasting days,
willfully I set my crown at His feet.
For upon my head, nothing gold can stay.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 1 december 2011
Poem: Spiritual Irony
Foolishness of Jehovah
exceeds the wisdom of Mankind;
torture by crucifixion
was to serve as a deterrent
to stop all forms of crime.
Inhumane treatment
demonstrates insatiable blood thirst
in a vain attempt to bring out
the best character of man
by placing World's justice system first.
However, death of the Innocent Lamb,
a perfect sacrifice God did decree
to bridge the gap of sin
using Man's worst punishment
in a twist of spiritual irony.
Author Note:
From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 2 november 2011
Poem: Enjoy This Season
Withering grass of this season
with your abundance of green,
take advantage of Today -
Contribute to this Earthly scene.
Enjoy your present strength;
ignore worries of the past.
Let the distant failures fade
and let sweeter memories last.
Be true to yourself always,
standing tall and strong.
Focus on your own meadows and...
Learn to hum to Life's song.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 1 december 2011
Poem: My Proverbs 31 Wife
My earthly desire is to have...
a woman comprised of softness,
both in flesh and soul.
Her presence offsets the hardness
of everyday living that bluntly smacks me.
To be with a spirit, overflowing with joy,
greeting me daily with unexpected sweetness,
soothes all internal bruises from
the day's accumulation of subtle brutality.
Rubies belie her value to me;
her natural radiance permeates my core,
allowing me to experience intimacy.
Author Note:
From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 14 february 2013
Poem: Rejoice in Everything!
O Lord, my God and Heavenly King,
my heart continues to rejoice;
for You alone are worthy of praise!
I honor Thee with my poetic voice.
Despite the scars of emotional hurt,
that constantly seek to swallow me up,
I know that You are nearby, having…
sipped from Your sacrificial cup.
Patiently, I wait, shedding anxieties
about my earthly troubles and circumstance.
Joyfully, I petition Thee with prayers,
thankful that You are… Lord of the Dance.
With my heart and upraised hands,
I bask in Your Presence and peace.
Guard my heart and mind with tranquility;
permit my turmoil… to permanently cease.
When I’m focused on whatever is pure,
It’s You - that has my spirit stirring.
Consume my Life with Your essence.
Insure that I… rejoice in everything!
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
Phil 4:4-9
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 23 february 2012
Poem: If I Were...
If I were...
truly illuminated, what would you see?
Could the brightness of Christ fully shine
and the persona of me disappear?
If I were...
gifted, in other unknown ways.
Would I be able to discover them
or would I choose to deny them anyway?
If I were...
blessed, beyond Earthly needs.
How much of myself would I be willing to share,
besides just money and possessions?
If I were...
eloquent, in my verbose speech.
Would I be able to teach anything
and would anyone want to listen?
If I were...
God, as Satan imagined.
Would I give people choice
and have them risk damnation?
Author Note:
From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 19 january 2012
Poem: Prism to our Past
A humbling profession is
Biblical archaeology,
where people are found prostrate -
Searching for glimpses of Man's history.
Forgotten souls and evidence have been
covered by layers of earthly dust,
as recent discoveries now include...
The decoding of Israel's "Exodus".
An eclectic collection of artifacts
of the "Hyksos Expulsion" have been laid bare
by Simcha, the "Naked Archaeologist",
on TV's "The History Channel" everywhere.
Proposed is a brilliant theory,
that spans a labyrinth of time,
while he employs computer graphics
to capture believers' hearts and minds.
An unending excavation
of God's Truth will forever last,
while we focus our attention
and gaze through... His prism to our past.
Author Notes:
Simcha J., the "Naked Archaeologist", recently released a two-hour video called "Decoding the Exodus".
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 19 january 2012
Poem: Only Your Adoration
The essence of God is within,
looking to spring forth in your life.
You have been greatly blessed,
but may be unable to recognize it.
Learn to die to selfish desire
and enable His Spirit to be activated.
All that God requests is your adoration.
Giving praise and singing hymns to Yaweh
means He has captured your heart -
Therefore, your love for Him is... Genuine.
Author Note:
From my book: Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
The ISBN is: 1-4196-5051-3
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 9 july 2015
Poem: Shadows of Shame
Shadows of shame, exist in darkness,
but are not concealed from my God.
Ungodly behaviors can never be hidden,
from Him, Who is omnipotent, omniscient
and omnipresent; Truth can’t be overridden.
Shadows of shame, are easily dispersed
by Jehovah’s piercing Light of Truth;
when looking to Him for assistance,
one’s face will become radiant with joy
from acting with loyalty and persistence.
Shadows of shame, contradict God’s desire
for us to operate with spiritual transparency.
Begin a new work in us today and everyday;
Consume the darkness of sin within us now,
since You O Lord, are the Light, Truth and Way!
Author Notes
Inspired by:
Psa 34; John 14:6
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 31 january 2013
Poem: Temptations
Why is it, that the vilest of temptations
seek to violate my mind, during moments…
of weakness, solitude and prayer time?
Is it not enough that my inner person
has been consumed with the filth of my flesh?
How much longer must I wait for the body
of incorruption that will suit me in eternity?
Though I can’t seem to stop sinning,
is it wrong to want to curb its unwanted flow?
These temptations appeal to my carnality,
but I find their continuing stream tiresome.
Spiritual perfection is an ideal, that cannot…
be achieved in today’s earthly journey.
And yet, to utterly give up and intentionally sin,
will never be an improvement of my fallen condition.
How much training is required to reject ungodliness?
O, Lord, please strengthen my spirit to capture
and discard these thought contaminations…
by making my flesh permanently dead to their allure
and by always drawing me ever closer to You!
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
Rom 3:23; Tit 2:11-14; Col 3:1-11
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 9 may 2013
Poem: Upon this Altar
O my Lord, help me with my request:
Set up Your permanent altar in my life.
Form the foundation of this altar,
with the unhewn rock of my stony heart,
since it represents the many hardships
of lack-luster, life experiences.
Organize these mundane rock fragments,
in a manner that is pleasing to You.
With this personal and secret platform,
I desire to commune with Thee frequently,
for it’s not for religious show or ceremony.
For my heart is still sacred territory,
not to be shared with the vain things,
that keep us needlessly separated.
And lastly Lord, I humbly ask that You
anoint this altar with the consecrated oil
of the Holy Spirit’s presence,
so that my life… remains faithful.
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
Eze 11:19-20, 36:25-29a; Psa 73:25-26; Prov 23:15
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2013, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 29 march 2012
Poem: White for Harvest
Fields are white for harvest
with souls rotting on the vines;
graft them into the Kingdom now,
while there is still time.
Fullness of Life's abundance is available,
when connected to the True Vine;
but how to reach others when -
Christians don't heed the warning signs?
Workers may not be plentiful,
yet, faithful ones always find the fruit;
productive lives are highly visible
from employing Principles most astute.
Examples of Victorious Living serves
as the spiritual scythe for Human reaping;
for people won't be harvested when...
One can't insure one's own safekeeping.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 24 january 2013
Poem: Forever Scarred
Spiked to pair of wooden, interlocking beams,
He hung bleeding, after being severely whipped.
There Christ experienced for the first time,
what it really meant to be like us -
bruised, dirty and covered by a legacy of sin
that clamors for our eventual death.
On that fateful day of His crucifixion,
our Lord felt the agony of separation,
as Jehovah turned His back towards earth,
being unable to gaze lovingly at The Son.
In Christ’s final hours of suffering,
God’s presence had departed from Him;
He was subjected to physical pain,
the shame from emotional wounds of rejection,
the ridicule concerning His destiny
and divine, heavenly authority.
Today He wears the disfiguring reminders,
permanently in His holy and glorified body,
while His eyes drip with tears of forgiveness;
it’s an unending testament of His Love for us,
having been… forever scarred.
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
Rom 6:23; Isa 53:5; Matt 27:27-56; Mark 15:21-38;
Luke 23:26-49; John 19:16-37
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 28 june 2012
Haikus: Exerpt 1 from: Hook, Line & Haiku
Cool flowing waters
cater me with plenty of…
Aquatic playmates.
Smallmouth and largemouth –
Either kind acceptable,
if they are landed.
Get them in the boat!
Fishing stories without proof
are just plain-faced lies.
Imitating bugs?
Fishing is an art form of…
Posing as insects.
The splashing fishes
are vying for attention
during school’s recess.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 22 march 2012
Poem: Fragile, Flawed and Easily Broken
Despite imperfections of this body,
my shell is an earthen clay jar
that's fragile, flawed and easily broken,
letting the Light of Christ shine.
Though not pretty on the outside,
I won't be mistaken
for a white-washed tomb -
God can use my weakness
to display His greatness.
I've chosen to be submitted
to His Will and Plan for my life.
In spite of exterior chips, dings and nicks,
Christ looks inwardly at my heart.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 7 december 2011
Poem: His Blessings
His blessings upon my life flow -
No matter where I am
or wherever I happen to go.
Overcoming the curse of Mankind,
is a consuming, infinite Love
from the One declared divine.
As I continue inside His Will,
sheltered by Sacrificial grace,
His many promises are fulfilled.
Truly blessed, to be a blessing
is simple for anyone to see -
As I'm fully submerged... in God's covering.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 17 may 2012
Poem: Can You Really Love Me So?
Inexplicably, my presence invokes your smile
in instances of pure and uncontained joy.
Can You Really Love Me So?
I dare not ask this question aloud -
fearful that you won't confirm our union.
Being together is magical for me;
each shared moment illuminates my life
with Hope's brightest light.
I dare not ask this question aloud -
Can You Really Love Me So?
Our natural chemistry is a catalyst,
igniting passion that comes from...
Simply gazing on your immortal smile.
I must be crazy to imagine
that you would have me around,
nourishing me with your spiritual essence.
Can You Really Love Me So?
I am willing to learn...
Author Notes:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 8 march 2012
Poem: Today's Great Undead Poets
Today's great undead poets,
awash in the internet sea,
seek to fill the void of sensible emptiness
of our cyberspace world.
Following the heroic tradition of Man,
these daring individuals look to gain acceptance
through the expression of concepts.
Mirroring the virility and vitality of Life,
in defiance of critical naysayers,
the blankness of virtual paper
is scribbled upon with hurt, hope and ideals.
Writing styles and topics,
whether expressed in romanticized language
or the coarseness of profanity,
are brilliantly reflected in individualized glory
and authors bask in the personal satisfaction of achievement.
In the ever continuing flow of poetic thought,
today's great undead poets
find treasures in the discovery of self.
Author Notes:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 28 february 2013
Poem: Contemplating the Lord’s Prayer
O Lord, holy is Your Name!
As one of Your many children,
my inheritance I openly claim.
Willingly I lift my voice in praise,
thankful for Your new mercies
and the warmth of the sun’s rays.
With genuineness of heart
and a simplicity of words,
I desire for Your kick start…
to begin this glorious day,
as I’m covered with blessings,
and faith’s fragrant bouquet!
Forgive me of my ignorance
and lack of spiritual understanding,
when I kneel before Your Presence.
Teach me Lord about true forgiveness;
etch its precepts into my heart;
allow me to remain covered by thy holiness.
Bathe me with divine inspiration,
and cover me with Your Essence,
before I embrace… death’s cremation.
Thanks for meeting my earthly needs;
keep me focused on right priorities
and spreading your Word’s holy seed.
Help me share my poetic story
and touch the lives of others,
until I reach… Heaven’s glory.
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
Matt 6:9-13
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 20 november 2011
Poem: His Blessings
His blessings upon my life flow -
No matter where I am
or wherever I happen to go.
Overcoming the curse of Mankind,
is a consuming, infinite Love
from the One declared divine.
As I continue inside His Will,
sheltered by Sacrificial grace,
His many promises are fulfilled.
Truly blessed, to be a blessing
is simple for anyone to see -
As I'm fully submerged... in God's covering.
Author Note:
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
Joe Breunig, 1 october 2015
Poem: Why Do We Bother?
Make a point of being courageous and strong;
today is another day from our blessed Lord.
Stand against the evil that you witness now,
as a mature apostle with Him… in one accord.
We have nothing to fear from our detractors,
who partake of the unfruitful works of darkness.
With the indwelling of God’s Spirit, we are
protected and covered with His righteousness.
We’ve been called to expose sin in the world,
even though the wicked hope that we don’t bother;
by tackling difficult subjects of human behavior,
we choose to honor Jehovah, the Holy Father!
In Him, we move and experience His Presence;
out of our brokenness shines the Light of Christ;
we desire that everyone should not be afraid
and obtain Salvation’s gift of… everlasting Life.
Author notes
Inspired by:
Deu 31:6; Eph 5:11; Acts 17:28
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 7 may 2015
Poem: Never in Jeopardy
Some days seem to be strangely ominous
and I’m reluctant to leave my comfy bed;
therefore, I clothe myself with Truth,
since I have nothing to fear or dread.
The inspirational courage of Your Word,
girds the frailty of my spiritual essence.
Wherever, I willfully determine to go,
I’m comforted by Your nearby Presence.
Despite the many, evil distortions,
created by human desire and wickedness,
I’m not motivated by fear, circumstance
or doubts, as I’m striving for holiness
that only You, provide with assurance.
I overcome all obstacles set before me-
knowingly sated, with the fact that
my saved soul is… never in jeopardy!
Author Notes
Inspired by:
Deu 6:6-7; Job 13:13-15; Psa 119:105-112
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 1 may 2015
Poem: Religious Brands
It’s really shameful to acknowledge
the divisiveness of all denominations;
a continuing lack of understanding is…
diluting Love’s message of Salvation.
The ongoing promotion of religious brands
has not convinced or impressed the World;
the wholeness of God’s holy Word must be
embraced by everyone, as His boys and girls.
These current disagreements and hostilities
of religious debates waste our precious time;
clearly a lack of Christian unity of beliefs
blurs the position of Faith’s dividing line.
Silly tendencies to argue, keeps us unfocused
and separated from today’s task of evangelism;
Christ died to unite us in fellowship with Him
and not vying for the best speaker’s magnetism.
Faith’s intimacy really permits us to become one
with God in times of quiet reflection and prayer;
religious brands are simply counter-intuitive,
reducing our effective witness of Heaven’s flair.
Author Notes
Inspired by:
1 Cor 1:10; Rom 16:17
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 24 september 2015
Poem: With a Clear Direction
Joy comes to us, when we have…
a clear direction for our life.
Staying on the right path means
walking by the Light of Christ.
When following His divine course,
comfort is found in His Presence
and eternal pleasures are at hand,
for a lifetime of sacred pleasance.
The Kingdom of Heaven is akin to…
buried treasure, hidden in a field.
There’s a great expectation found
in the promise of what it may yield.
Do you know the track meant for you?
Has your secret prize been revealed?
His upright children receive both grace
and glory, since He’s our sun and shield.
Know that He has a plan to prosper all,
from thoughts of peace and not of evil;
He wants us to succeed, with His approval
and not suffer from spiritual upheaval.
Author Notes
Inspired by:
Psa 16:11, 84:11; Matt 13:44; Jer 29:11
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 7 february 2013
Poem: Destiny Helpers
Many have heard that “No man is an island.”
And over most circumstances, no one has control.
So I ask you… “Have you found purpose for your life?”
“With your identity, are you fulfilling your role?”
Escape the snare of delusional grandeur,
for God Almighty has an assignment for you.
Are you prepared with your life skills
and has your Kingdom mission come into view?
Previous individuals came to you (before me)
and broke the fallow ground of your heart.
Has the message of Salvation burst within you?
Are you wanting to serve, but have not started?
Has the “sown seed” inside you… been watered?
Are you on the verge of a spiritual epiphany?
Do you require wisdom, guidance or experience?
Can you determine, why you’re unable to see?
The grittiness of human interaction serves us
as “sandpaper of life”, softening one’s spirit.
We’re to learn from each other, apply God’s Word
and strive to live life… without earthly limits.
Having vested interests in others
helps us to sincerely love one another;
walking in Godly unions and relationships,
bonds us as Christian sisters and brothers.
Remember the complete story of Queen Esther,
whose success was possible by efforts of Mordecai.
Become involved in the ministry of destiny helpers…
For Christ promised to meet our needs against His Supply.
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
1 Cor 3:1-10; Esther
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 12 july 2012
Behind the Poem: Evening Sky
Now that people are becoming more aware of my poetic efforts, interests are being expressed regarding the background of my poetry - in addition, to my spiritual muse. One never knows exactly when the Spirit of God will move on your soul; fortunately I was paying a little bit of attention, one cold winter night...
I've been a member of the IT (Information Technology) community since June of 1981, a profession that constantly tries to turn you into a slave from an employee. Rarely did I ever bring home work; sometimes it was unavoidable, given arbitrary deadlines and poor managerial planning. After dinner on this particular night, I had spread out the pages of computer 'source code' across the entire kitchen table, while attempting to solve a logic problem. ('Source Code' is the logic written by a computer programmer, in a given computer language, that addresses a specific business function. The term is equivalent to a computer 'program'.)
Once I had spent roughly 90 minutes struggling to solve the issue at hand, I treated myself to a mental break. I noticed the gentle reflection of moonlight on the window and decided that I would step outside onto my breezeway for some fresh air. The evening sky that night was a magnificient sight, like many other times. Absent were the visible presence of clouds and the stars seemed noticeably brighter. Taking in this grand view, I let my mind wander, temporarily forgetting about the thousand lines of computer code awaiting me. Gazing upwards, I was quietly reminded of God's promise to Abraham - that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars. I also contemplated why God had designed the heavens to demonstrate His existence.
When the coldness of the winter night started to permeate my body, it was time to terminate my break. Stepping back into my warm home, my brain was re-energized and thankful for the brief, mental hiatus. Trying to re-focus on my work became difficult, as phrases of poem snippets bombarded my soul as "shooting stars". I had been writing haikus and senryus for several years, but not 'traditional' poetry. So to move on, I grabbed a blank piece of paper and started writing, capturing the poem's concept. At the time, I did not recognize or fully appreciate what had transpired. This was my first non-haiku poem written by me; it would be over a year later before I thought to publish my first book.
Having taken the time to compose this poem, I was blessed by God, for taking time to honor Him. Less than ten minutes later, I solved the problem and enjoyed immense relief; plus I got to spend quality time for the rest of the night with my wife. In addition, I completed my project deadline to my boss' delight and surprise.
Joe Breunig, 26 july 2012
In Remembrance of Grandma - Poem & Background
Now that people are becoming more aware of my poetic efforts, interests are being expressed regarding the background of my poetry - in addition, to my spiritual muse. In this installment, I share the background and poem "In Remembrance of Grandma".
I recognize that most of you reading this article will not know much about my maternal Grandmother, other than what you're able to glean from this page. However, there are universal lessons that need to be shared. This poem was originally written for her funeral.
For nearly forty years, I was blessed to have known my grandparents; blessed - because many people don't have the opportunity to know their family history personally from those who came before them. Within about one decade, mine were all gone - with my maternal grandmother being the last one to die. Of the four of them, I had spent the most time with her. My grandmother had moved to Portland, Maine; this came about as the result of two significant events in her life. First, her husband Al Massa died unexpectedly; second, her oldest daughter (and my mom) had gone through a divorce. So they decided to purchase a home jointly and move on with their lives. Also living with them was my aunt Tina, my mother's younger sister.
My grandmother was an intelligent woman; she was one of those people who completed the New York Times crossword puzzles - in ink and usually in under an hour. And she grew some of the most beautiful roses in her tiny backyard. It was wonderful to see the joy in her eyes when it came to her flowers. The problem was that she was heart-broken when Al passed away; for decades they would go dancing at night, just to hold one another more often. With him gone, she stopped living for herself. Less than a year from his retirement, her husband died on the picket line at work. Although I can only imagine her grief, it was difficult to see the affects of this tragedy slowly eat away at her soul. She rarely left her home, with the exception of going to Church, the grocery store or some of the neighbors' homes a few times during the month. She and Al were to go to Hawaii for a second honeymoon, but she could not bear to go there without him. In The Word, we are essentially reminded that "people without vision perish" (and yes, I know that there are variations of interpretation of this concept). Despite our ability to absorb pain, we must learn to move forward in life and not let the pain consume us.
For many years, she smoked cigarettes and was unwilling to give them up. She did so eventually; my mother moved out of their house, Tina got married; she and her husband lived with my grandma. Tina and husband Greg started their own family, raising three boys - thus giving her the incentive to quit. As most everyone knows, smoking increases one's risk of having cancer. My family were under the impression that she had managed to escape the misery of that disease. Less than two weeks from her death was when most of the family learned that she had contracted cancer and emphysema.
Although I understand and appreciate the need for privacy, it was selfish of my grandmother not to share the condition of her health. Her justification for not telling anyone, was that she had decided not to go through with the cancer treatment. By not telling us, she figured that no one would be given the opportunity to dissuade her from her decision. After all, it was her decision (and rightfully so). Before she died, Tina started quickly gathering information about cancer - to better learn about what to expect regarding the few remaining days of her mother's life. One cancer brochure shocked her; as a result of reading the material, she was now having to deal with guilt. This particular pamphlet laid out symptoms and patterns of human behavior of those suffering from this fatal disease - stuff that Tina had observed, but never realized the meaning of until it was too late. So in effect, my grandmother caused her family more pain by not sharing. In addition, not everyone who cared about her, had enough time to say good-bye (while she was alive).
Although I had time to compose this brief poem in her honor, I did not have enough time to process my grandmother's death fully (prior to the service). I was supposed to read the following poem and share a few words. To my surprise, I was choked up with immense grief, which kept me from delivering my eulogy; my wife kindly stepped in and presented the poem. One of my brothers was extremely upset for my inability to talk on behalf of my grandmother; so he spoke on my family's behalf. It's one of my few regrets in life; however, she was the only grandparent of mine that got to read my poetry manuscript. Less than two months before her death, she had taken time read my poetry and was pleasantly pleased with my efforts. During her appraisal of my work was the first time I learned that she wrote poetry - as of today, I've never gotten to read a line of poetry that she wrote. So it breaks my heart not to know what she composed, as well as not being able to share any more of my writing with her. And so here is my tribute for her...
In Remembrance of Grandma
A manicured garden
of colored, cultured roses
now goes untended.
For Marguerite has been freed
of all mortal constraint;
left behind
is a silver trowel
and dancing shoes,
as her spirit flies
to the Hawaiian shore
for pirouetting barefoot
on the seashell sand.
Goodbye Grandma Massa; I miss you already.
(18 June 2006)
Joe Breunig, 5 february 2014
Poem: Costly Signal
Regarding the absolute authority of God,
it’s crazy, silly and futile to rebel;
know that everyone will ultimately bow,
before His throne or the gates of Hell.
Foolishness of God exceeds Mankind’s wisdom;
hidden are the keys of His profound mystery.
We are inspired with awe without intimidation,
knowing that He was crucified upon that Tree.
Acknowledge His deeds, since He loved us first;
worship Him now; His precepts we’re to observe.
Bask unashamedly in the Presence of His Spirit;
know that we have been chosen to ultimately serve.
The sacred megastructure of God’s Kingdom
is a divine threshold of evolving complexity,
that presses us to aspire towards greatness,
though we may be unable to perceive or see…
the plans and purpose He has envisioned for us.
Know without doubt that His plans are intentional!
He sustains His ongoing power through humility;
it’s time we worship Him; discern His… costly signal.
Author Notes:
Loosely based on:
2 Tim 3:16; 2 Cor 2:14; Matt 27:27-54; Eph 1:20-23;
1 John 2:5, 4:13; Jer 29:11; 1 John 4:7-21; Rom 12:1-2
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2014, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 6 august 2015
Poem: Religious Ideologies
The quintessence of Christian living and lifestyle,
is becoming more like Christ through everyday trials;
Flaunting documentation of accomplishments compiled,
will not impress The Almighty or even make Him smile.
Are you hungering or thirsting for His Righteousness?
Or is it some vain imaginary or visionary theorization
to demonstrate a haughtiness of spiritual intellect?
Just because you’re a part of Jehovah’s holy nation,
doesn’t mean that you can bully the unsaved to join.
The World understands and recognizes poor behaviors;
Doing what’s right and being satisfied before God,
implies that you are properly honoring our Savior
through personal conduct and true transparent living.
An increasing affinity for some spiritual pleasance,
is not equivalent to having a relationship with Him.
Religious ideologies are empty… without His Presence.
Author Notes
Inspired by:
Matt 5:6; Phil 1:9-11; Acts 20:17-21
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Joe Breunig, 23 july 2015
Poem: Capacity for Love
O Lord, stretch my spirit and soul,
for I can handle the pain of growth;
teach me the proper words to speak;
I’m ready and gladly take the oath
of serving You with my humbled life.
The value of relationships require
patience and wisdom to be employed;
while knowing You, I have inquired
about my identity, found in You.
Having the gift of a poetic voice,
I teach others spiritual lessons;
my spirit climbs, soars and rejoices
when new connections to Your Truth
are realized by Jehovah’s children.
We need each other to fully mature;
hearing testimonies of overcoming sin
and bad situations, we learn more
at accelerated rates- ordained by You.
With my experience and understanding,
let me help others with breakthroughs.
When the latest opportunities arrive,
please enlarge… my capacity for Love!
Author Notes
Inspired by:
Isa 54:2; Luke 5; Eph 3:14-21
Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://amzn.to/1ffo9YZ
By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2015, All rights reserved.
Latest comments:
3 may 2024
violetta
Drzewka do jedzenia:)
1 may 2024
Tak;)
1 may 2024
kb
złotej*
1 may 2024
kontoler żłotej poświaty
1 may 2024
samo życie, każdy swoje brudy ma, lepsze czy
1 may 2024
romantyczny to romantyczny, prawdziwy taki
1 may 2024
ten ketchup to fakt, trzeba przypilnować przy
1 may 2024
interesujący przekaz, jak dla mnie o własnej
1 may 2024
ucieczka z przewidzianym powrotem to też stabilizacja...
29 april 2024
Nie jest niczym podyktowany:)
29 april 2024
sam53
nic nowego, wszystko mam pod kontrolą... tak
29 april 2024
a jak wygląda nieromantyczny pocałunek...?
4 may 2024
kalik
4 may 2024
wiesiek
4 may 2024
Satish Verma
3 may 2024
absynt
3 may 2024
wiesiek
3 may 2024
Satish Verma
1 may 2024
Satish Verma
30 april 2024
Satish Verma
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Satish Verma
28 april 2024
Jaga