"Pledge"

I pledge obeisance to the Lord
of the universe and all it contains,
and to the cross on which He hung,
one Kingdom of our God
Who, without partiality,
offers freedom and salvation to all

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adapted from “The Pledge of Allegiance”
Francis Bellamy, 1892
Public domain

"Where My Heart Is"

I dig for treasure—
It’s hidden
And beyond my grasp.

I don't really want it,
Don’t want the responsibility,
Or the ache in my back.

I know that,
According to the law in this place,
It will end up in a museum.
I’d get my name in the paper,
But what good is that?

It’s not mine to mine,
And not mine to dole out,
And not mine at all.

I quit the search
And surrender my shovel

"Again, So Soon?"

Here we are again at the vet...
While I was locking the shed,
You escaped your kennel bed
And left me a package in shreds.

I called the wife. “Go!” she said,
“For he soon could be dead!”
I know it’s not toxic—I had checked—
But your belly full of a full pound of bread?

On the highway I drove (admittedly sped).
Registered as you’re fetched by a tech.
The doctor gave you some meds.
Soon your snack came back ou—oh, dread!

“It will cost much” said the girl at the desk
—Not at all unexpected—
“It’s worth it,” said I, nodding my head.
“After all, he’s my very best friend.”

"You're The Holy God"

You’re the holy God,
You’re the Ancient of Days
And forever in truth do You reign.

You’re Creator of
All that exists,
You spoke ev’rything in six days.

Ev’ry heart leads false,
But You’ve forgiven us—
In only Your grace can we brag.

So when that ol’ serpent fires his darts,
We put trust in You, holy God!

---

adapted from “You’re A Grand Old Flag”
George M. Cohan, 1906
Public domain

"Turning Every Way"

To rush the gate
is to invite death;
You will not enter,
You shall not pass

But to come with faith?
To kneel? To yield?

Flames burn off every blemish,
Heated blade presses out every wrinkle;
Spirit purifies as it gives light,
Word washes even as He speaks

To kneel,
to yield,
trusting that which pierces heart
and divides the soul?
This is life.

Therefore, choose:
How will you approach?