A Look at Life―
A Collection of Poems
By Raymond Mears
Here are several poems by poet, singer, and songwriter, Raymond Mears. After you read them you will be invited to purchase a copy of his book for $7.99.
Second Edition 1999
Copyright © 1999 Raymond Mears
All rights reserved. This book or portions thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher, except for brief passages used in reviews.
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Path Publishing, Inc., with Path Publishing in Christ
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ISBN 1-891774-13-1
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 99-70595
A Look at Life―
A Collection of Poems
THE SEASONS
In youth it seems ‘twas ever spring. I’d spend each day discovering
how bluebirds fly and robins sing—in youth when it was ever spring.
I’d greet each day with zestful joy as though it were a bright, new toy,
and all my wits I would employ to fill each day with zestful joy.
But then I found a sharp new pain that came like early summer rain.
I’d love and lose, and love again, and grow with each new love and pain.
I grew until I learned to face the truth that life is like a race:
to run each day without disgrace, with truth and honor kept in place.
All through my summer I did grow till autumn’s wind began to blow.
An early chill to let me know, as summer comes, so must it go.
And autumn comes to one and all with colors rich in early fall,
and peaceful days while we recall our youthful time—we had it all.
But now comes winter, stark and cold, reminding me I’m getting old;
though, if I may, I would be bold. I will not fear the winter’s cold.
For winter’s cold does always bring rebirth of life to ease death’s sting,
and when with angels I do sing, I’ll know I’ve found eternal spring!
HIS WISDOM
What can I write that would cause you to stop and read the words that I write?
What can I say that would cause you to pause and read on into the night,
that would cause your pulse to quicken with joy and create a thirst for more?
What could I possibly have to say that has never been said before?
With all my talent, with all my skill, I conjure up words to impart—
words to awaken emotion in you, words that will live in your heart.
But, yea though I strive and my talent is great, no new ground can I trod.
For nothing, you see, in Heaven or Earth is new ‘cept it come from God.
Only His wisdom that comes by His Spirit can lead us to trails unknown.
And only His love through His Son Jesus Christ can show what must be shown,
the very greatness of His love, as His Son gave His life on the cross,
that His own creations, you and I, may never be counted as loss,
to be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—a truth that’s not really new.
But maybe my friend, just maybe, you see, this truth may be new to you.
And so, with love in my heart I pray, for these words you
will pause and you’ll see.
Though men may deliver the words of truth, only God can set you free.
THE FLOWER
I saw a flower on the hill, a tiny golden daffodil.
But only one did my eyes see. Now where could all the others be?
For all life shares a common need and if but one, whence came the seed?
And, of a truth, if it be told, this tiny flower could not be old.
So I cried, “Lord, Your Majesty, would You unfold this mystery
and wisdom give that I might know what made this little flower grow?”
The Lord replied, “Your hill was bare and sore in need of beauty rare.
’Twas I who planted there the seed as I’ve supplied your every need.
If you will but receive this flower, believe it came by My great power,
and nourish it with love, you’ll see it will fulfill its destiny.
You’ll see, in death, life will be found as it returns unto the ground.
Then resurrected in the spring, the bounteous life that it will bring.
I will complete what I’ve begun, when unto you I sent My Son,
Until your hill that once was bare is filled with beauty everywhere.”
MOTHER
When as a lad I’d hurt her so by doing something wrong,
she’d always tell me it’s okay; her love was just that strong.
I’d ask how can you love me still with all that I have done?
She’d smile and say, “It isn’t hard; you know you’re still my son.”
As I grew up I’d go away without a thought at all
of pain I might be causing her; she always stood so tall.
And she’d be there when, once again, back to her arms I’d run,
so lost and hurt and scared until she’d say, “You’re still my son.”
Remembering when my father died, I thought that I would, too.
But she was right there by my side with help to see me through.
I knew her heart must hurt so bad to lose her special one,
yet she gave love and peace to me. She said, “You’re still my son.”
Though time has waved its magic wand and youth has passed her by,
she still can greet me with a smile and twinkle in her eye.
No longer can she cook or sew the way she used to do,
and feet that used to love to dance have lost a step or two.
But when she says she’s getting old and must be quite a bother,
I smile and say, “No, it’s okay. You know you’re still my mother!”
THE TEACHER
There was a man who taught me well in early youthful years.
I learned through happy days and sad, through laughter and through tears.
He taught me not to act through fear, to cultivate my mind—
let knowledge guide my every step, that wisdom I might find.
He led me through the door of life, a door he opened wide.
And there were times he stood so tall I’d almost burst with pride!
Yes, there were times he stumbled, too; perfection’s just a dream.
He made mistakes like any man, and often, it would seem.
By deed he showed me I should know and love my fellow-man,
for anytime he saw a need, his was a helping hand.
He loved his country music; he could dance right with the best.
He loved to fish and hunt, it seems for life he had a zest.
I could not help but learn from the examples that he set.
Both good and bad, they’ve stayed with me and help to guide me yet.
He started out a country boy but oh, he came so far.
And I’m convinced that he’s with God, my dad at last a star!
THE BOY
It was Christmas Eve I found him in that little Georgia town.
A frightened boy who cried when he thought no one was around.
I asked what he was doing there, no shoes upon his feet,
‘cause, let me tell you, it was cold and it began to sleet.
“I got no shoes,” he said to me, his face a wrinkled frown.
“I got no older brother, so there ain’t no hand-me-downs.
I may have a dad somewhere, but mister, I can’t say.
When Momma talked about him, she just said he went away.
Big brother, he got drafted, and he died across the sea.
Little sister got adopted by some folks in Tennessee.
Wouldn’t take me with her¾prob’ly had no room, you see¾
and if you’re keepin’ up, you’ll know that just left Mom and me.
Mom went to see the doctor¾made me promise to be good¾
and when she never made it back, she knew I understood.
You can see I’m doin’ fine, so don’t you put me in no home.
I will soon be ten years old and I can make it on my own.”
And then the tears came streaming down, as he began to cry.
I picked him up and held him close, and soon he closed his eyes.
And gently then, I took him home, as he lay fast asleep,
and I still recall that Georgia night, I found a son to keep.
We hope you enjoyed the poems by Raymond Mears. To help you in your decision to purchase A Look at Life for $7.99, below are praises from the back cover, the Contents page, and the “About the Poet” page. If you knew Raymond the way we know Raymond, you would buy at least one copy. Probably two or more―for friends!
“A rare few are given, or possess, the ability to put thoughts, ideas, faith or emotion into words. Raymond Mears is one who has this divine gift. I am proud to call him friend.”
Johnny Hathcock, songwriter—
well-known for “Welcome to My World” and other great songs
“Ray’s colorful lyrics both touch the heart and invigorate the soul, leaving no doubt as to the Source of his talents.”
Debra Smith, author of the
Hattie Marshall Frontier Adventure Series
“Several of the poems touched my heart to the point of tears, which to me is a true testimony to the skill of the poet. Please pass on my gratitude to Raymond. The Lord has gifted him abundantly.”
W. Timothy Boyd, poet
Contents
FOREWORD 5
THE POET 8
A SPECIAL GIFT 9
THE GIFT 10
LOOK THOU DOWN ON ME 11
THE SEASONS 12
IT SURELY DON’T SEEM RIGHT 14
LAMENTATIONS 16
HIS WISDOM 18
SPRING 20
THE SENTRY 21
THE WORKER’S PRAYER 22
THIS CHILD 23
TODAY 24
GOD’S WOMEN 25
A PRAYER 26
THE FLOWER 27
THE LOVE OF GOD 28
FAMILY 29
MOTHER 30
EFFIE, NELL AND BILL AND I 32
THE TEACHER 34
MY DAUGHTERS THREE 35
GRANDCHILDREN 36
CANDY 37
DANNY 38
KRISTI 40
DENISE 41
CHRIS 42
AUNTIE 43
REUNION-ITIS 44
THE VACATION 46
THANKSGIVING 48
A CHRISTMAS PLAY 50
BAH, HUMBUG 51
IF I COULD… 52
A FRIEND 54
ALONE 55
OLD WILLIE 56
POETRY 58
SLEEP 59
SUCCESS 60
A DREAM OF LOVE 61
THE CHAIR 62
THE PATH OF KNOWLEDGE 63
THE REF 64
THE STRANGER 65
JEREMY THE RANGER 66
THE BOY 68
THE HONEY TREE 70
THE SUN 71
THE SEED 72
THE PRINCE OF ROOBERAND 7
About the Poet
Raymond (Ray) Mears has spent most of his life in one of two places, California or Texas. Born in Fort Worth, he has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Kennedy assassination and the Reagan years. For the past nine years he has resided in Amarillo, Texas. He has always had a God-given talent for putting words together in rhyme (in song or verse) in such a way that a message or story is told. Having begun his career singing with various bands in the Country-Western field, he (as he puts it) saw the light and now devotes all his talent and energy to serving God. He has produced several CDs of his favorite songs.
About Path Publishing in Christ
Only once in a long while does a talent like Raymond Mears come to a publisher, as if dropped from Heaven. This collection of poems fits well with our mission, which is to publish spiritual creations for an aspiring world. We are grateful to have been part of a blessing to his family and to lovers of poetry and song.
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But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things
shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33