DANCING FOR HIM I entered the club and beheld this breath-taking scene. It was Joyce from Brazil as beautiful as a dream. I knew I was shy, but I gave her the eye – a she came my way I couldn’t believe that these words I’d begin to say: “Hey, baby, you are so pretty and that dress is a sexy one. How about you and me tonight have lots and lots of fun.” She danced for me and with her moves, I was in a trance. Could this be some weird magic or a real live romance? I bought her a bunch of flowers and a box of candy, too. So she would know my feelings for her were so very true. I enjoyed her shapely body as her breasts and booty wiggled. She filled me with much joy and elation as I giggled. But the Holy Ghost convicted me – “My son, you don’t belong. Not in this place – no, not here – I will make you strong.” So I brought Joyce the Bible and told her to read this Book. It will change your life like mine and give you a new outlook. You still can be dancing but not in that place of sin. You can express the way you feel by dancing just for Him. A new life will be yours and you will be born again. All you have to do is agree and just say when. So now Joyce is still as beautiful as she can really be. And what’s more, right here now, she can truly see. She will never dance again where the lights are dark and dim. For she will be dancing in the light – yes, dancing, dancing for Him.

POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD Does it take much to say “thank you” To appreciate the good that comes our way? Can our speech be seasoned with salt and grace To plant seeds of contentment each night and day? True, we are only mortal, but can we be much more And walk that walk of faith, trusting in Him? All we need to do is pray and ask for His blessing. To be in control and stay good, avoiding sin. Isn’t it wonderful to encourage others To build them up rather than tear them apart? To help heal a wound with the right, blessed word And strengthen each ailing and broken heart. You’d be surprised what good comes from within As you utter sweet words to soothe one’s soul. To bring forth peace and blessed assurance, To make each hurting heart completely whole. Yes, truly there is “Power in the Spoken Word.” And times to speak out and when to refrain For if we are not bitter but better in our responses The blessings from above are all ours to gain!

THE MICK I heard of the “Babe,” Gehrig and DiMaggio, too, But I grew up with the “Mick” – the hero that I knew. I wanted to wear Number 7 just like this amazing guy Who could sure knock the ball so far away into the sky. I’ve never seen such strength as when Mickey came to bat. It made me proud to see him wear the N.Y. Yankee hat. Yes for me, he was the ultimate hero, the man for all seasons. The way he played and all that he gave show you all the reasons. But the pitcher he feared most he didn’t face at the plate. It was the fear of an early death that burdened him down with weight. So thus he began to drink to escape from the pain And bury all those feelings so they would never come back again. He hung out with Billy and Whitey into the wee hours of the night. And with all the boozing and partying, he didn’t care if he was ever right. So it goes, the damage was done, the Mick was never the same. He had to resign - he had more than enough – oh, what a shame! He spent his remaining years under the doctor’s care, Hoping one would find the cure for him, somehow and somewhere. But at least his friend Bobby came and ministered to him. And helped Mick to receive Jesus and stay away from sin. So now he’s gone and left us all – goodbye to Number 7. Mick’s playing the game of baseball way out there in Heaven. I’m sure we’ll all miss him and the way he used to play, But for kids like you and guys like me – the “Mick” will always make our day.

And The Little Child Said And the little child said – would you be my friend And come out with me to play? We can have fun under the shining sun And enjoy each moment of the day. I love to pick flowers and catch butterflies And place them in a nice old book So when I get the urge to be with them All I have to do is open it and look. I love to be happy and feel lots of joy And play games that make me smile. Would you share that feeling with me, my friend, Every time? Or even once in a while. Would you come with me and my mommy I wish my daddy was home, too. But he passed away a few years ago And that’s why I feel lonely and blue. My mommy tells me to “Keep the Faith” And say my prayers every day and night And do all the good that I should So everything will turn out right. Well, I have to go home now, it’s getting late. I had such a nice time with you. It’s great to have a friend that makes me feel good, That I know is faithful and true!

I’d Rather Have Jesus Than Sin I’d rather have Jesus than sin. He died for me and He died for you. Do you think you would die for Him? You say you want lots of great wealth. You desire the things of this world. Do you think you can enjoy it all without your health? Jesus doesn’t demand success from you. He just simply wants you to be faithful. To accept him – to follow him - and always to be true. You’ll find no shortcuts on the road to perfection. The road to perdition is just around the corner. But if you pray and try hard, you’ll find He gives directions. As for me and mine, I shall serve the Lord. No matter whatever may come my way I know that I can get through it by His Holy Word.

Black and White She was black and I was white. Some people say – hey, that’s not right. I was from the East and she from the South. I wondered if we could ever work it out. I felt she was sent from Heaven above. I heard color shouldn’t matter if it’s all about love. So I followed my instincts that were basic and true. And told this black girl – Baby, I love you. She said, “Johnny, you’re the man that I desire. “I feel such passion – you set me on fire. I don’t care if you are white – that’s okay. I will love you tomorrow as I love you today.” I told Candy – “Like chocolate, you are so sweet Baby, you make my heart skip a beat. When we two wed and become as one I will hope for a girl and wish for a son.” We got the blessings of my mom and dad. They said, “Candy what makes you happy makes us glad. So, mix with you man and create a delight Something quite beautiful in our Creator’s sight.”

It’s Just Me and Nobody Else It’s just me and nobody else Facing the world – staying alive - Coping and hoping and doing whatever - All that it takes to make sure I survive. Yeah pal – it’s just a one-man show And I’m the star of this one-act play. I wish it was a comedy with plenty of humor, Not a tragedy with pain each time of the day. It sure would help is I was married And had some kids and a loving wife. I’d then have a support group to come home to – To help ease all my stress and all my strife. I don’t know how some people do it. All alone – just waiting to die. Not even trying to reach out for help Or praying to God or just asking Why? Well, I keep busy in my state of depression And write poetry when it comes to my mind Just hoping I’ll find the right words to create That make sense and help me to rhyme. Life’s not easy my friend – no not easy. But it doesn’t mean we have to take a dive. With faith in God, one can rise to the occasion And be strong and proud to be alive.

Coming to Woodstock Out in the cold – all by myself No one to rely on – no one to be trusted Feeling the blues every day and every night As for my livelihood – I’m always busted. Will someone rescue me and give me shelter? Hell no! You stink – get lost! Is what they say. Man, these kats are just as cold as the weather. I’m probably better off dying any time of the day. Then I met this joker called Preston Wright. Tells me a social worker will help me out. All I got to do is make my mind up now To keep believing for better and cast away doubt. I’ve got to make a journey to Woodstock Sounds like a place with drugs and rock and roll, I say. I am told to just register and listen to my worker. And that means no more drugs and no more drink. So you got it pal – I’m coming to Woodstock Where a poor soul like me can begin to start living. And I know I can make it now, my brothers, Because I’ve been given a chance – what’s more – I’ve been forgiven.

Thoughts While Laying on the Grass Born alone I will die alone But worst of all To live alone To have friends To get together Yet to be alone Lost in the crowd Aware of everything Yet too self-conscious Finding myself By losing myself But in finding this world I lose myself So thus I get high Cause I won’t have to lie

An ECHO from the GHETTO (Don Juan Speakd Today!) Look – Here, I’m an animal called: MAN I live in a jungle called: the City I act in a play called: LIFE There are many critics and much criticism When you appease them – you’re exalted When you annoy them – you’re disgraced Are they right or are they wrong? Who’s to say, another night comes and another day.