A Forest Memoir

A Forest Memoir

The forest west of Santa Rosa,
The calm white Russian River peeks through the greens,
In my car on the road through the forest
My children frolic like little birds in a stream.

Between the redwood trees
An Airstream with a dazzling metallic sheen.
The blind belief that manmade is an antonym for the natural
Overturned by the mysterious harmony scene.

A bonfire creates various contours in the darkness –
Barks of the trees, a silver lining,
Browned marshmallows before they become s’mores,
The eyes of my children shining.

A late night due to card games, maybe a dream.
Glimmering frost and clear sky make my eyes bright.
The waning moon at dawn, the sun beginning to rise,
My heart filled by the sparking hours of last night.

— Daisuke Sato

Graphic: sdnet01 – pixabay.com

(The word Airstream is permitted to be used for non-commercial purposes.)

I am glad to introduce my ESL student, Daisuke Sato, as my guest poet. He shares his thoughts about a recent trip he and his family took. He has done a wonderful job!

The lines below are particularly meaningful –

The blind belief that manmade is an antonym for the natural
Overturned by the mysterious harmony scene.

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You can also find http://ChristianPoetryPublishing.com from http://HisPoems.com and from http://WordsOnTheWay.com.

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Impressed

“I just read to my husband your ‘Old and New’ poem. I am so impressed by your beautiful poetry.” Debra L. – Gilroy, CA

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If you would like to receive my free Christian poetry reading emails from time to time, fill out the Contact Form below with the word “Follow.”

Other poems are available in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on February 23, 2023February 24, 2023 by farsails

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

I Thessalonians 5:18

Christmas is here again.
Can we make it through?
A lot of things to think of.
A lot of things to do.

As we are some older
And the children moved away.
Should we travel there
Or could they come to stay?

Presents to buy.
Presents to wrap.
The tree to put up.
Need to take a nap.

Cookies in the pantry.
Turkey in the frig.
Pies in the freezer.
Ready for this gig.

Our kids arrive
And grandchildren, too.
Then the drudgery
Turns into debut.

The oldest one, Sara,
Is asked to read the Story
About when Jesus came
And left His glory.

Hands held.
It’s time for the blessing.
Thanking God.
We are not distressing!

Christmas is here again.
Can we make it through?
A lot of things to think of.
A lot of things to do.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: dandelion_tea – pixabay.com

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Holy Bible – I Thessalonians 5:18 – NIV)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

_______________________________________ Announcement:
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com now has a new connected website – HisPoems.com.
HisPoems.com is a way to get to ChristianPoetryPublishing.com more quickly. It also makes it easier for you to tell people about the site. But no matter what, we are still here to serve you at ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

_______________________________________
As If Watching A Movie

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry. As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

Very Moving

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

Complimentary in Faith

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

_______________________________________

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

If these poems minister to you, I’d encourage you to pass the word along talking with your friends; when you write an email; or when you’re on Facebook or other social media to include a mention of http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, please fill out the Contact Form below. To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

Thank you!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ” ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on December 23, 2021December 29, 2021 by farsails

10th Anniversary

10th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com
[ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com / WordsOnTheWay.com / HisPoems.com]

November 2011 – November 2021
“To Rally ‘Round – A Little Closer to Heaven”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 (Holy Bible – NIV)
_______________________________________________ Announcement:
ChristianPoetryPublishing.com now has a new connected website – HisPoems.com.
HisPoems.com is a way to get to ChristianPoetryPublishing.com more quickly. It also makes it easier for you to tell people about the site. But no matter what, we are still here to serve you at ChristianPoetryPublishing.com.
_______________________________________________

Anniversary 10 – Amen

By – Charles B. Mayes

IN 2008 SOME HARD CIRCUMSTANCES opened my eyes to my total dependence on God. From this emerged my ministry of writing Christian poetry readings seriously and frequently.

“I do enjoy the poems and they do always point to Jesus.” Anonymous

THROUGH THE YEARS as I’ve been on the website, I also distributed printed readings through individuals, churches, and the LifeWay Christian Store community center.

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

I WANT TO THANK all my email and WordPress followers, LinkedIn readers, and visitors to my website for your continued support.

“I’m sorry that it took me so long to thank you for your wonderful gift of poetry.
As I was reading your poem, [Independence Day] the images of the people celebrating Independence Day and being proud of this day came to me as if I was watching a nice short movie. I was very moved.” Daisuke (Luke) S., Mountain View, CA.

MY APPRECIATION also to Samuel Rondón Acevedo who has done an excellent job translating some of my poems into Spanish.

“I just read ‘Mistaken Identity.’ It is very moving, and one of your best.” Joan M.-H., Muskogee, OK.

ALSO THANKS to my sisters, Nancy and Cherry, and Pastor P.T. Mammen for their encouragement from the beginning. I appreciate the excellent editing of my wife, Dolores. I thank my nephew, William, for helping greatly with the domain.

“I really enjoy your poetry. I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.” Travis B., Asbury, WV.

LORD WILLING, I want to continue to minister through these poetry readings.

“You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!” Steven C., Oregon.

God bless!

TOP 20 POST VISITS November 2011 – November 2021 in Order from Greatest to Least

1. Home Page / Archives
2. A New Year Resolution
3. God, Help Me This New Year
4. Changes
5. The Old Country Church
6. About the Author
7. Children Praise the Lord: A Thanksgiving Day Reading (with Actions)
8. Children Know the Resurrection: An Easter Sunday Reading
(with Actions)
9. New Book Ministers to Readers
10. Harvest Festival Time
11. I Don’t Have a Father
12. Running to the Tomb
13. New Year
14. Mother and George Washington
15. When I Right a Poem – Rabid to Write / When the Blessings Come
16. Holding Jesus / The Day Before Thanksgiving
17. The Last Thanksgiving
18. A Prayer for America
19. I Prayed for You Today / Christmas Memories / Children Know the Gift: A Christmas Day Reading (with Actions)
20. He’s Already Taken Care of It / Joy in the Morning

TOP 20 POST VISITS BY COUNTRY November 2012 – November 2021 in Order from Greatest to Least [2011 – Not Available]

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. China
5. Germany
6. France
7. India
8. Indonesia
9. Philippines
10. Hong Kong SAR China
11. Brazil / Netherlands
12. Russia
13. Venezuela / Australia
14 South Korea
15. Japan / Finland
16. Italy
17. Kenya / Nigeria
18. Bahamas / Barbados / Mexico / Singapore / United Emirates
19. Spain
20. South Africa

POEMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE in a chapbook titled, A New Year Resolution and Other Poems (including The Missionaries) by Charles B. Mayes. It contains 22 poems. The foreword is written by Dr. P.T. Mammen, Senior Pastor of San Bruno (CA) International Christian Center.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

Graphic: Stuart Miles – freerangestock.com

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on November 15, 2021 by farsails

Pullin’ and Prayin’

Pullin’ and Prayin’

Psalm 107:17-22

I’m pullin’ and prayin’
For you to come through.
Your health failed again,
But your job you must go to.

You’re gaunt and frail.
You were once muscular strong.
Now your face is drawn.
Your vigor all gone.

But God will answer.
I’m sure of this now.
His healing energy.
His healing power.

You’re looking better
As time goes on.
Strength returning –
A phenomenon

Laughter returns
Like the good old days.
Still pullin’ and prayin’
That this all will stay.

— Charles B. Mayes

When you have a relative that has been very ill, and you want them so badly to get well, and you pray for them, and God answers — it is so wonderful! You then continue to pray that they will stay in good health.

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ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – Established 2011

SPEAKS VOLUMES

“Windows to the Soul is really good and speaks volumes about what a lot of people are thinking.” Nancy R., Kansas, OK.

SHARING AT SUNDAY SCHOOL

“I really enjoy your poetry. I will start sharing in my Sunday school classes.” Travis B., Asbury, WV. ____________________________________________________

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on July 2, 2020 by farsails

I Don’t Have a Father

I Don’t Have a Father
(Psalm 68:5)

I don’t have a father:
No father with whom to play.
No father to help with homework.
No father image each day.

My friends are the same.
For years, it’s so hard.
An emptiness in our families.
One missing, one apart.

A man I met as a teen –
Said, “I am here for you like a fill-in dad.”
He’s my Sunday School teacher.
My life for me – now not so sad.

He told me about his Father God,
Who led my life to change.
He explained about His Son Jesus.
Now my thinking rearranged.

I have a Father,
My emptiness is gone.
He cares for me.
Makes me glad and strong.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: aihaaihaaiha2 – pixabay.com

Many children in our country and all over the world do not have a father present in the home. However, God said that He would be “a father to the fatherless”. [Holy Bible – Psalm 68:5 – NIV]

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

To request my free Christian readings by email, sent from time to time, please put the word “Follow” in the Comment section.

Happy Father’s Day!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on June 21, 2020 by farsails

Christmas Is A Family Time / Navidad es época familiar

Christmas Is A Family Time

Christmas is a family time
As it was so long ago,
With Joseph, Mary, and the Baby,
In the stable, as we all know.

They weren’t missing anything
With the Gift right in their sight,
With the angels up in the sky
That very holy night.

The warmth and love that family shared
As shepherds came right away,
To see what had been told them
That first Christmas day.

The family looked in wonder up at the star
Not placed on any tree,
But placed by God up in the air
For them, for you, for me.

And some years later, like ornaments,
The wise men came to give,
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
To help the family live.

Joseph, Mary, and the Baby,
All had their special part,
As Mary thought, and thought,
And treasured all these things in her heart.

So Christmas is a family time
As it was, long ago, that year,
And now we gather once again
For gift giving, love, and good cheer.

— Charles B. Mayes

Illustrations/graphics supplied by GospelGifs.com are copyrighted and used with permission.

Christmas is a time for families to get together. This might be with our relatives and/or Church family.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

Navidad es época familiar

Navidad es una época familiar,
como bien lo fue en tiempo pasado,
con José, María y el bebé en el establo,
como ya todos estamos enterados.

No les hacía falta nada,
teniendo el Regalo justo frente a ellos,
con los ángeles arriba en el cielo
contemplando aquel divino momento.

Calor y amor fue lo que esa familia compartió
mientras los pastores estaban a campo raso;
pastores que confirmaron lo que habían escuchado,
de un cumplimiento profético digno de un parnaso.

La familia miró arriba a las estrellas;
no, no fue a ningún árbol decorativo.
Miraron a los astros puestos por Dios en el cielo,
colocados allí como testigos contemplativos.

Y algunos años luego, con ornamnentos,
hombres de sabiduría vinieron con homenaje.
Sus obsequios fueron oro, olíbano y mirra,
para que la familia viviera digna y no en hospedaje.

José, María y el bebé, cada uno en particular
tuvo su parte en este evento tan especial.
María hizo bien, pues pensó, reflexionó y meditó,
y estas cosas en su corazón así atesoró.

Así que navidad es una época familiar,
como bien lo fue hace tiempo, por ese año;
por eso ahora nos reunimos, una vez más,
para hacer dádivas y dar amor, como en antaño.

— Charles B. Mayes

Traducido por Samuel Rondón Acevedo.

Las ilustraciones y gráfios provistos por GospelGifs.com están bajo derechos de autor y usados con permiso.

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – “Como ciertos poetas de entre ustedes han dicho: ‘Porque también somos linaje de él’.(Sagrada Biblia, Hechos 17:28)

Traducido por Samuel Rondón Acevedo.

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Posted on December 15, 2019 by farsails

Children Discover Spring

Children Discover Spring

Chorus:

Thank You for the Springtime.
Thank You for the flowers.
Thank you for the birds
Singing through the hours.

Verse 1:

We love You and praise You.
In Your Word we trust.
Receiving Your great blessings.
You love us so much.

Chorus

Verse 2:

Now when we are fearful
We look up and pray.
You hold our hand beside You
And brighten up our day.

Chorus

Verse 3:

You are with us, Father,
From now through the end,
To comfort and help us.
You are our best friend!

Chorus:

Thank You for the Springtime.
Thank You for the flowers.
Thank you for the birds
Singing through the hours.

— Charles B. Mayes

Graphic: Maska5 – pixabay.com

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on April 19, 2019April 19, 2019 by farsails

Mother and George Washington

Mother and George Washington

The Father of our Country’s
Birthday is today.
It’s memorable,
But not in only one way.

Because, you see, our dear Mother
Was born on this day, too.
She remains such a blessing
For me and also you.

With ice cream (a la mode)
As we eat our cherry pie,
We’ll remember George and Mother
We cannot tell a lie.

So, we see that we are double blessed,
In 1918 Mother, and George 1732.
Both meaning so much to all of us,
Born on February Twenty-Two.

– Charles B. Mayes

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Posted on February 18, 2019July 8, 2020 by farsails

7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com

7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com
[ChristianPoetryPublishing.WordPress.com]
November 2011 – November 2018
“To Rally ‘Round – A Little Closer to Heaven”

“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” (Holy Bible, Psalm 12:6).

Anniversary 7 – Serving Heaven
By – Charles B. Mayes

IN 2008 SOME HARD CIRCUMSTANCES opened my eyes to my total dependence on God. From this emerged my ministry of writing Christian poetry readings seriously and frequently.

“I do enjoy the poems and they do always point to Jesus.” Anonymous

THROUGH THE YEARS as I’ve been on the website, I also distributed printed readings through churches and the LifeWay Christian Store community center.

“Love your poetry writing! So complimentary in the common faith!” Chanel B., DE.

I WANT TO THANK all my email and WordPress followers, LinkedIn readers, and visitors to my website for your continued support.

LORD WILLING, I want to continue to minister through these poetry readings.

“You keep writing, I’ll keep reading!” Steven C., San Jose, CA.

TOP 20 POST VISITS 2011 – October 2018

1. Home Page / Archives
2. A New Year Resolution
3. God, Help Me This New Year
4. Changes
5. The Old Country Church
6. About the Author
7. Children Praise the Lord: A Thanksgiving Day Reading (with Actions)
8. Children Know the Resurrection: An Easter Sunday Reading
(with Actions)
9. New Book Ministers to Readers
10. Harvest Festival Time
11. I Don’t Have a Father
12. New Year / Mother and George Washington
13. Running to the Tomb
14. When I Write a Poem – Rabid to Write
15. When the Blessings Come
16. The Day Before Thanksgiving
17. The Last Thanksgiving
18. A Prayer for America
19. Children Know the Gift: A Christmas Day Reading
(with Actions) / I Prayed for You Today
20. Christmas Memories / He’s Already Taken Care of It

TOP 12 POST VISITS BY COUNTRY 2012 – October 2018
[2011 – Not Available]

1. United States
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Indonesia
5. India
6. Philippines
7. Germany
8. Netherlands
9. Australia
10. Hong Kong – SAR China
11. South Korea
12. Japan

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . .” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)

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Posted on November 7, 2018 by farsails

The Best Father

The Best Father

You are the best Father.
We’re thankful for all you do,
From working hard,
To sharing your wisdom, too.

It’s so fun to be around you.
We enjoyed playing Ball and Hopscotch.
You smiled and let us win,
As you carefully watched.

You observed us grow
From little tykes, to big.
You were there for us, attending –
A game, a play, a gig.

In the living room,
Praying for us by name, we saw.
On your knees,
For our God you have reverent awe.

You protected us.
You helped us, in life, get through
This godless world,
As up, up, up we grew.

Now we raise our own kids
Just like you, dear Dad.
God gave you to us.
For this we are so glad.

You are the best Father.
We’re thankful for all you do,
From working hard,
To sharing your wisdom, too.

— Charles B. Mayes

The Best Father was like my father. The Best Father is one who loves Jesus Christ, his wife, and his children. He is one who gives his all for them. That’s why he is the best!

I appreciate all those who follow my website, and those who drop by from time to time. May God richly bless all of you!

If you would like to use this poem reading as a performance; or on your website; in your newsletter; bulletin; speech; sermon; class; etc., you must indicate on the communication that the author is “Charles B. Mayes” and it is “Used by Permission”. If it is used on a website, please add our website address, or link to http://www.ChristianPoetryPublishing.com which can be connected to from outside this site.

” . . . creative energy evidenced through every line . . ” – Dr. P.T. Mammen

If you would like to purchase a copy of the above book, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you with the description, price, payment, and mailing arrangements.

If you receive these poems by email, to use my form to answer me, just forget the form on the email and go to the bottom left and click on farsails which will take you to my blog. Then choose this poem and you can use the form with the poem.

Thank you and Happy Father’s Day!

ChristianPoetryPublishing.com – ”As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ ” (Holy Bible – Acts 17:28)
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Posted on May 21, 2016 by farsails

christianpoetrypublishing

to rally 'round – a little closer to Heaven

christianpoetrypublishing

Category: Father

A Forest Memoir

Can We Make It Through Christmas?

10th Anniversary

Pullin’ and Prayin’

I Don’t Have a Father

Christmas Is A Family Time / Navidad es época familiar

Children Discover Spring

Mother and George Washington

7th Anniversary – ChristianPoetryPublishing.com

The Best Father