Hunger

Bare cupboard, empty wallet, medical test.
Lost direction, upset stomach, holy fast.

In the midst of my hunger I ponder,
How many resources we squander.

Life is consumed in daily excesses,
That never bring eternal successes.  

The most precious jewel is a soul,
Who with trust in God can be whole.

Destroying or ignoring a gemstone,
Both remove God from the throne.

Reality belongs to the astute few,
Who though full have hunger in view.

By Alan T. Stokes

April 14, 2002

To help those who are hungry visit The Hunger Site .

Go

To all your communication add a smile
And others will love you and go the extra mile.

Embrace your interdependence upon others
And you will find support through your sisters and brothers.

Let teamwork be a part of every task.
And don't let yourself hide behind a mask.

Then you will find the sun will shine right
On all the fruit of your plans and might.

By Alan T. Stokes 
January 9, 2001


Note:  Written at American Camping Association Sectional Meeting.  
Requirement was to write a poem using the words communication, teamwork, and interdependence.  

Our God Hears

He hears our tears,
When no one else sees them.

He hears our sins,
When no one else redeems them.

He hears our dreams,
When no one else believes them.

He hears our pains,
When no one else understands them.

He hears our temptations,
When no one else can handle them.

He hears our joys,
When no one else caused them.

He hears our problems,
When no one else wants them.

He hears our prayers,
When no one else hears them.

He hears our praises,
When no one else is worthy of them.

He hears our tomorrows,
When no one else knows them.

He hears our daily steps,
When no one else joins them.

He hears our victories,
When no one else values them.

He hears our dear children,
When no one else could find them.

He hears our complete life,
When no one else still remains.

He hears our eternal soul,
When no one else hears our heart beat.

By Alan Thomas Stokes
October 25, 1997    Used with a Sermon on 
Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8; Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 10:46-52.