Politics

Some so-called leaders will never understand

The world is not always at their command.

Leaders with authority to use and never abuse.

In a world sitting on a powder keg with a short fuse.

So many with that self-serving and unworthy cause

Never accepting how others see all their flaws.

Never spending the time learn, they will never be wise.

So many sides to issues but blinded to compromise.

Decisions, decisions, which one can possibly be best.

Make the right one to settle all of this worldly unrest.

Day after day, you watch the world news

Seeing other countries with narrow views.

In many foreign lands you don’t dare speak your mind.

Limits placed beyond what should be done to humankind

Learning opportunities limited or none at all.

Country after country watch their freedoms fall.

Here you may pray in whatever way you believe.

So many unaware of all the blessings they receive.

We all should never forget the freedoms that we enjoy.

More than ever, it’s a privilege we can never destroy.

I wish there were words that I could use in a simple rhyme.
That could improve the current politics that rule our time.
In my younger days, there was always a middle ground.
Sooner or later both sides found a way to come around.
The right to vote, promised everywhere in our land.
Now limited by those who want old rules to stand.
The Golden Rule of our youth no longer applies.
News portraying hatred is no longer a surprise.
Guns, shootings, death in every nightly newscast.
How long can this fractured country ever last?
Surely there is a solid road giving all the chance to succeed.
Giving one the chance to be measured by action and deed.
The next generation should have the right to fulfill their promise.
Our generation has the obligation to make sure they can’t miss.

This verse was originally in the book I wrote on Volunteering. With this election year, it seems right to post today.

When change is inevitable and must be done,
Tis wonderful when all move forward as one.
All opinions and ideas are there to explore,
Now which ones do we move to the floor?
Leadership is there to manage the change.
Done right, it won’t seem so strange.
A clear view moving forward is powerful & essential,
Giving everyone a chance to live up to their potential. 
We know there will be challenges to be met,
Plans to be made and expectations to be set.
Moving forward for all, there is bound to be some fear,
Such will always be the role of a leader and volunteer.

If you believe, you can achieve.

You listen to those running state their case.
Politics, up close and right in your face.
Left or right issues, are they right or wrong?
Every candidate running comes on strong.
Mudslinging and name calling we all hate.
Wouldn’t we all love a productive debate.
Sound bites and news with never enough details.
Candidates with a campaign they hope never fails.
It’s always important to understand what’s at stake.
With the elections and choices, we are going to make.
With election day near and right around the bend.
When all nasty TV political ads will come to an end.

In front of me, is a Peace Lodge bracelet.
A symbol that I hope everyone will get.
There are words from long ago,
With meaning that all should know.
What happened to “ Live and Let Live”
What extra meaning can I add and give?
Who has given the guns the illegal right,
To determine who will not see tonight?
Why should our children live with this fear?
Work together to make these headlines disappear.