I am trying a new website creator. Not sure I like it, but it will do for now. Holy Week is the most important week in the Christian year. Much was happening, much is mirrored in our personal lives today. Here is this collection of poems as they have been completed. Please feel free to comment in the section above. My prayer for you, though I don't know who you may be, is that you and the Father will be one in Jesus Christ our Lord and be led, blessed by the Holy Spirit each day as you in turn bless others. If I can pray for you in a particular way, please let me know. These poems will eventually be published in the book series, Sleepless Musings by d. cross riggs, through Amazon, KDP Direct. Vol. I is currently in print.
Danny
30 May 2024
The blindfold of Justice was torn away today
by power thirsty people of clay, led astray
forgetting the Golden Rule, ignoring law
each foolish, leaving a National gash that’s raw.
Liberty, still stands, though under a strain
the Constitution, Bill of Rights, must forever reign
lest our Republic wither, wilt, fade
into darkness, far beyond Freedom’s cascade.
America, inflected as if a banana republic
where Bolshevik’s ideology triumphs, ideals are cryptic
patriot’s dreams turn to dust, if we allow
the pillars of our democracy to bow!
Tar and feather? a tempting reprisal
yet, the Rule of Law demands a firm denial
with due process, the blindfold restored
in our world, the Stars and Stripes again adored.
It must be, one vote for each citizen, none for the rest
our border security we must address
priority by skin pigments? let it be known
to discriminate thus, is a sin to bemoan.
Salute the Flag, kneel before God’s grace
or respect those whose beliefs have a different place
teach American values, loud and clear
echoing our Founding Father’s call so dear!
d. cross riggs ©️ 30 May 2024
My Allegiance I Pledge
I pledge allegiance to my Nation so dear
defending her Constitution, a duty clear
Her flag: the red, white, and blue
calls for me to stand proud and true.
A Nation built on the rule of law
yet violence and crime are what we saw
in the news, in papers and on the screen
invaders with anti-American schemes.
For a torch of Liberty shinning bright
becoming an unfaithful ally, lost in the night
wildly spending as if there is no tomorrow
our inflation brings its heavy sorrow.
A balanced budget, common sense
but attempts always fail amidst the pretense
politicians’ policies, greed, often to blame
leaving our Nation crippled and lame.
Illegal aliens, change of name, it’s a shame
done by groups that scorn America’s name
“Howdy Doody Time,’ some seem to think
as we rush toward an abysmal brink.
Do we hear the sobs of pain from our God?
He gave live to man, whom He shaped from sod.
- cross riggs ©️ 22 May 2024
Playing at 0400
awake against my will in the dark of night
Once upon a time I was born
an experience not forlorn
I grew, I goofed, I learned some more
laughing from my very core.
Playing was easy, in body or mind
in work satisfaction I would find
studies could be boring or fun
connecting the dots had to be done.
To love, to laugh, to kiss in tenderness
are memories of times of bliss
warm days in the Texas sun
the start of a new day just begun.
Learning that I am more than moving sod
that I was created and am loved by God
prayers answered or not according to my plea
the truth is, prayer changes me.
To have a good horse between your knees
walk, canter, run, or jump, worry flees
summertime heat, the sweat trickles down
winter cold, without a coat brings a frown.
Yes, I was born, long, long ago
many sunrises, many sunsets’ glow
joys, tears, and fears are memories past
they came, went, a moment doesn’t last.
- cross riggs ©️ 23 May 2024
The Hole I/We Have Dug
(The 6th longest word in the Oxford
dictionary is below)
I fell into a deep, dark hole
if I could see, I’d be a mole
‘Twas my fault, it usually is
but goofs give live a special fizz.
Some days don’t start quite right
not necessarily leading to a fight
except within, sometimes with God
who made me, on His earth I trod.
Brain fog is better than brain dead
many problems are in my head
“antidisestablishmentarian?” maybe
what’s the price? things are not free.
If I dig the hole, I’m a post
cover myself within, I’ll be a ghost
maybe I can fence my life
then cull the worries and strife.
To live a life well-lived, consider mood
negativity hurts, it can be rude
then fill in the hole we’ve dug
cover it with grass, God’s green rug.
- cross riggs ©️ 24 May 2024
Memorial Day
Young men, young women, futures all
when they heard their Country’s call
stepped up they did, to do their part
taking the oath was a good start.
Defend the Constitution? Yes they said
otherwise, our Republic will be dead
against all enemies, near and far
for Uncle Sam they accepted war’s scar.
They marched, trained, in sun and rain
passed every test, their honor to maintain
Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard
to stem the tide of evil, always standing guard.
Serving at home, and also far away
uniformed services, uniform pay
they knew the truth of getting rich
no one ever did it by digging a ditch.
Shot and shell, disease, and unease
they did the job, were never asked “please”
separated from home, family, the familiar
working to bring the world back on kilter.
All gave some, some gave their all
trading their tomorrows for freedom’s call
they died that we might have our today
so in their memory, in silence let us pray.
- cross riggs ©️ 24 May 2024
In Memory
The faces, haunted by ghostly faces
friends, acquaintances, strangers
I knew them in life
now, swallowed by Death
so young, alive, futures so bright
the throb of life snuffed out
their sacrifice I can never repay.
Silence! Broken by Taps’ haunting tune
is all well without the sun?
the darkness of night, without a moon.
History, fashioned by a disease called war
began before Cain killed his brother
mortal echoes of cosmic battles
disturbing our day, our night
stones, knives, guns, bombs fall as rain
greed, lust for power, revenge, hate
sending so many to an early grave.
Silence! Muffled sobs linger with fear
Taps echoes still, a mournful sound
from eye, from heart, the living shed a tear.
From His throne in heaven above
God weeps for His creation
mankind created for relationship
with God Himself, with all others in love
but in the throes of rebellion comes nasty war
man rides hell bent to his own destruction
longing for the union of mortal and divine.
Silence! Once again, the final notes fade away
remember, honor, those who gave their tomorrow
that we might enjoy our freedoms today.
- cross riggs ©️ 27 May 2024
Memorial Day 2024
Beneath cemetery sod their bodies lay
around the world
they who evil attempted to slay
but each is more than clumps of sod
living souls, belonging to God.
We come, each with a tear-stained heart
to pay our respects, remembering
days with them from whom we are apart
the shadows lengthen
no longer do they have a new day to begin.
Serving they died, these our Nation’s pride
for freedom and liberty
let us not our sorrow hide
giving thanks for them, they no longer roam
as we remember, safely in our home.
Do you see it? Our Nation’s flag flying!
calling us to sacrifice
whether it be in our living or dying
for the sake of others
we are all family, sisters and brothers.
- cross riggs ©️ 27 May 2024
Blade of Grass
Written on my phone when I had
45 minutes of waiting time.
The grass was vibrant green
free of dew
alone walking
sadly, just one not two.
Pausing, in comfort I sat
plucking a single blade
structure and beauty
a major miracle in sun or shade.
Reflexting on herself, in silence
what was, no longer is
from deep within, a tear
life continues, with a different fizz.
Memories, sun's warmth, overpowering
I dozed, perhaps slept
dreams, might have beens
from the mind's hidden depth.
Love is a complex affair tis true
with people, with God
the past is blurry, future murky
it is in this present moment, I trod.
My blade of grass is slowly dying
cut off from it's root
so we to live, need connection
otherwise our living is moot.
The grass I left to melt into soil
fixed my gaze forward
hope, joy, tomorrow's promise
life can never be lived backward.
- cross riggs ©️ 27 May 2024
Holy Week
Hosanna, the crowd yell and sing
the King approaches, praises take wing
All people, all nature, all creation
in this hour of magnificent anticipation!
Monday, Jesus confronts the fig tree bare
His curse, a withering affair
a lesson for humanity, heed God’s sign
fruitless paths lead to death, to decline.
Tuesday, Jewish Inquisition wants to know
Who is Jesus? Whose authority does he show
the answers they dread, truths fear
God’s refining fire may soon draw near.
Wednesday, misguided betrayal’s bite
wrongs to be done in shadows of the night
thirty pieces of coin, a price steep
Holy blood to spill, secrets to keep.
Thursday, at the table, the betrayer revealed
the covenant of bread and cup sealed
a lesson for the morrow, sorrow’s embrace
shadows lengthen, hope fades for human race.
Friday, total humiliation, pain indescribable
no one sees the cross as desirable
cleansing blood flows. This is redemption’s cost
in divine darkness, all hope seems lost.
Saturday, silence in the cold grave
disciples miserable, no longer bold, brave
past lessons forgotten, hopes burned
in quiet stillness, faith’s embers yearned.
Resurrection day dawns, a radiant morn
Jesus emerges, death’s chains torn
Victor over the grave, His reign secure
He is alive, the heart sing Hallelujahs pure!
Today, a miracle still awaits seekers bold
just as then, in a week, redemption unfolds
resurrection’s promise, eternal, deep
those who seek, in faith to Jesus arms leap!
d cross riggs ©️ 24 March 2024
Holy Week - Monday
Genesis, Creation’s marvelous story
God spoke, it then was a hit
even now the heavens declare his glory
though the arrogant man misses it.
God’s command to Creation multiply
fruitful applies to man, flower, and to tree
God said, so we need not ask why
yet, the logic of this modern man does not see.
Jesus saw the fruit tree, barren and bare
He cursed the tree
which doesn’t mean He didn’t care
the tree withered, for it could not flee.
A curse on the fig tree or a lesson for us?
both is a probably answer
He didn’t do it to make a fuss
for disobeying God is a deadly cancer.
Thus the lesson for Holy Week’s Monday
God is serious about death and life
but humankind prefer fun and play
then wonder why this world has strife.
d cross riggs ©️ 25 March 2024
Holy Week, Tuesday
On Tuesday, the Jewish Inquisition’s veil descends
leaders seek answers, hearts unbend
who is this Jesus? Whose authority does He wield?
the truth they fear, God’s refining fire to conceal.
The miracles! give an explanation they ask
Jesus' voice, resonant, authority, takes on the task
did the people grasp secrets beyond abililty
it would upset life’s tranquility.
Each Pharisee harbored personal sin
only Jess discerns the truth within
A pit of vipers! Perhaps not from their birth
but self-purified, filled with unholy worth.
With calm, He answered. His depths revealed
those self-righteous souls, were unsealed
He laid their core bare
self-righteous hearts, they simply didn’t care.
Holy Week Tuesday, let us gaze inward
confess our sins, forgiveness sought, heard
extending grace who sin against us
Holy Week’s essence, a divine compass.
d cross riggs ©️ 26 March 2024
Wednesday - Shadow of Betrayal
Wednesday, Holy Week shadows lengthen
Judas wants Jesus’ power to strengthen
driving the Romans into the sea
Jesus, a different purpose, a different decree.
Attaining one’s heart’s desire
an ancient longing, a modern fire
deceit, trickery, stealth, Satan’s art
disregarding God’s sovereign heart.
Jewish leaders tremble at this upstart
Jesus evokes fear in their heart
He must die for their survival
traitorousness lies in Jesus’ inner circle.
How much? When? the calculating is stark
plans laid, shadows in the dark
modern Christians also plot, sway
denying God, their own desires they weigh.
Judas, like modern man, lacks foresight
foul deeds have a ripple effect in the twilight
Earth’s darkest day looms two days ahead
the goal is to leave God’s hope dead.
Holy Week unfolds, betrayal has a face
as it does today, in time and space
yet, redemption waits, the cross the price
victory not in shadows, but in Jesus’ sacrifice.
d cross riggs. ©️ 27 March 2024
The Last Supper
The Last Supper, etched in history’s scroll
Jesus’s plan will touch each soul
thought the meaning eluded, veiled in mystery
The event holds a cherished place in history.
Bread! Bread! from the desert’s exodus so dry
nourishment that even gold cannot buy
secrets known only to God’s loving heart
in each life, it is a sufficient start.
The cup, not mundane, brims with significance
is vital, it has no insignificance
Jesus said, “This is My blood, shed for you”
making your sins white, through and through!
Judas, the Betrayer, treachery coiled within
knowing that Jesus knew of his sin
“Do what you must! a command, not a plea
reflecting our heart’s secrets, that God does see.
“This is My body! This is My blood!”
My redemption wipes away sin as did the flood
“Come, follow Me!” He calls to each of us
be a man, a woman, don’t be a wuss.
So, at the table we gather. With bread and wine
preparation for an eternity so fine
when we eat and drink with Him, face to face
impacted by God’s love, by His grace!
d cross riggs ©️ 27 March 2024
Friday to Saturday of Holy Week
Crucifixion’s curtain falls, darkness weeps
Temple’s veil, torn asunder, whispers secrets
earth trembles, soldier’s lips confess
“Surely this man was the Son of God!”
His lifeless body, cradled in borrowed stone
tears, fears, disciple’s hearts adrift
lost in sin’s tempest, where virtue bleeds
good slain by the product of evil’s seeds.
Jesus, undeterred, descends to Hell’s abyss
preaching the Gospel to skeptics, defiant souls
they yearn for God’s throne, reject His name
does heaven wait for destiny’s script.
On earthly shores, ignorance veils eyes
Jerusalem, unaware of impending dawn
in modern times, echoes of mystery persist
the sage discerns Easter’s whispered promise.
Where is the Amen? Does silence mock our faith?
or weaves a tapestry of hope
deluding not, beckoning toward eternity’s embrace.
very soon, life eternal shall rise triumphant!
The first Adam brought sin, death, and strife
the second Adam, Jesus, forgiveness, peace, and life.
d cross riggs ©️ 29 March 2024
Resurrection Morning
Oh, ye of little faith, the echo resounds
a borrowed tomb
its confines a temporary dwelling
reserved for a weekend’s fleeting breath.
The disciples didn’t perceive, no rumor whispered
ressurection’ s pulse thrummed in prophecy
the Master’s words etched forever
those who mourned felt sorrow, not in vain.
The stone rolled away! Guards flee in terror!
burial cloth, neatly folded
dawn kisses the sepulcher’s threshold
He was gone – risen triumphant!
Miracle! An act of God, woven through time
ancient promises fulfilled
man’s fate, no longer Hell’s abyss
the door, Jesus, is open for all to embrace.
The cry of “then” echoes across to our “now”
Christ Jesus lives! Breathes! He Is Alive!
trust in Him, eternal life unfurls
our Creator’s gift, whispered through the ages.
Sound the trumpet, let the anthem soar
the great I Am remains, forevermore
giving humanity hope’s radiant dawn
peace, love, an eternal oneness with God.
Easter transcends bunnies, eggs, bonnets
it beckons to redemption, forgiveness
a new way of living, not merely forgiven
also to be forgiving, divine love to be living.
d cross riggs ©️ 29 March 2024
Easter Day Plus 1
Easter is over, an amazing story
compassionate love, gritty, gory
miracles, betrayal, fears, tears
triumphant victory with cheers!
A dramatic slice of human life
the bonding, the strife
between persons, within each one
ongoing, till life is done.
Easter is over, the drama continues
it is part of divine venues
stones are rolled away
Satan still has his devilment to play.
Jesus walked out of the tomb
told His followers to bloom
in faith, obedience, and sacred duty
wrapped in hopes and dreams, truly.
Jesus, laughing, loving Jesus' call
is to follow Him, to give our all
life in heaven begins on earth
when we have our spiritual birth.
d cross riggs ©️ 1 April 2024