Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Saturday, July 4, 2026

"Semiquincentennial"

Go-karts
Pizza
Pizza
Waiting for ice cream
Live music
Waiting for ice cream
Live music
Waiting with i
                      c
                         e

Anyone have a napkin?

Fireworks—
right overhead! 

                              c
                                r
                                  e America!

Friday, December 23, 2022

"It's Christmas At Last"

The weather outside is frightful,
but the fire is delightful

Jessica's here with her parents;
the tree is decked with presents

The Grinch is on the tube;
the Rackley boys are enthused

It's Christmas at last,
and we're having a blast!

Saturday, February 12, 2022

"Martha"

I didn’t know Martha
—I can say with absolute certainty
that she never treated me like a stepgrandson—
But after coming here,
And being greeted with a swarm of smiles, hugs, and handshakes from people I’ve never met,
I can say of Martha,
That I know her

Sunday, May 8, 2016

"For Mom"

I did not have a choice
In who I got for mother,
But even if I did,
I would not choose another

She gets my silly jokes
Right away or soon thereaft’;
My heart sure loves to smile
When Dad or I make her laugh

She taught me all thro’ life,
Such as how to fold clean socks,
Drip castles at the beach,
And fresh undies for the doc

When snoozing in the morn,
Once or twice, but never thrice,
All others hear the beep;
Best get up before the ice

On tax and other such,
My knowledge is ‘most bereft,
But this I know for sure:
Debits always on the left

She loves her only boy
And she loves his three sons too
And that—love—is the
Most important thing to do

And so I hope you see,
When we honor all mothers,
I’m grateful and I’m glad,
And could not choose another

Friday, July 25, 2014

"A Day Off"

The coffee's on
The wife is gone
Boys are up
It's time to strut

Monday, July 7, 2014

"In A Sea Of Goldfish"

In a sea of goldfish sat a Bryce
He looked around, said, "Hey, this is nice!"
We fed him a bit more
He threw most to the floor
Then we gave him a bath once or twice

Friday, May 23, 2014

"Rainy Day"

Don’t you worry ‘bout storms breezy
Fam'ly time is still quite easy
Order up some pizza cheesy
And play Trouble or Parcheesi

Cards and dice, also dominoes
Guesstures, checkers, and Uno
All are names which you ought to know
(Just a few of the games we own)

Skip-Bo, Twister, Pictionary
Scrabble with a dictionary
There's no need to be contrary
Gather ‘round sweet frozen dairy

More is merrier and quite fun
But don’t forget: there's one on one
Go until it’s set (clouded sun)
Relationship is what you’ve won

Saturday, March 29, 2014

"Our Man Bob"

You know those jokes
Told by some folks,
With Saint Peter at the gate?
He won’t have to ask, nor even wait

“Hi! I’m Bob and I’m a Christian!
How are you? What’s up, mister?”
Peter smiles. “Simply marvelous, dear.
Blessed beyond measure, now that you’re here.”

You see, our man is no stranger
To this place with no danger
I wouldn’t be at all surprised
If he’s giving tours to the newly arrived

He’ll meet the apostles and prophets
Full formal names? Nah, just drop it
Jimmy, Jerry, Pete, and Paul
Our beloved man knows ‘em all

They’ll share the verses that each of them wrote
Bob’ll race ‘em and probably quote
And just before he reaches race’s end,
He’ll turn, see, and say, “You are my Amen!”

He’ll kiss and embrace his Lordly Savior
His presence evermore to savor
By cuttin’ a rug in Heaven’s ballroom
Or standing silent—his only other volume

I knew this man first as a brother,
Then as pastor, mentor—almost a father
Showed me excellence: Don’t fudge it,
Especially when it comes to making a budget

Asked my boys, “Who does your hair?”
(This he never feared: number one, all over there)
We would argue the best way to drive:
Fast and precise or safe, sure to arrive

He sang this truth like it was an ode:
Christians don’t die, only change ZIP codes
Bob lived and led true wisdom from above
But most of all, he showed everyone love

His favorite Bible book was Ecclesiastes
And last of all but certainly not least:
This picture ought not be painted,
But who told you, you were naked?

Sunday, December 8, 2013

"Baby's Delight"

Button nose
Rosy cheeks

Bright blue eyes
Three new teeth

Leaning in
For kisses sweet

Almost there
SLAP!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

"Hello, My Name Is Milk"

My name has been changed
More than once, in fact
The first was when I wed
The second? Just before he’s fed

Baby needs comfort
Baby needs love
Baby needs food
Baby needs me

I can comfort
I can love
I can feed
I can be

Day and night
And night and day
I give my best
While Baby's at breast

Daddy's for fun
I am for food
I'm no longer Mommy
My name is Milk

Thursday, October 10, 2013

"Once, At Sea World"

Orcas are dolphins
Dolphins are mammals
Mammals have hair
That’s why we missed Shamu:
She was gone, using shampoo

Sunday, August 4, 2013

"Quiet Observation"

In the waning light of evening,
  I study him
My eyes caress his cheek,
  kiss his head
  (my lips are jealous)
Chest rises,
  falls in rhythm
Tiny fingers clutch
  at nothing
He sleeps
He is innocent
He is my son

Sunday, July 14, 2013

"Daddy's Lullaby"

My baby blue
I do love you
And Jesus, Lord Jesus
He loves you too
My baby blue

Thursday, February 28, 2013

"The Narrow Path"

In ancient times, all of Egypt did grieve
Failed to recall what Joseph had started
After ten plagues, king demanded they leave
Moses did pray, led through Red Sea parted
On a more recent night, long before morn,
For an answer, Nicodemus quested
Then spake the Truth: you must again be born
He went away confused and perplexèd
Two months after most recent December
I witnessed again a momentous joy
(The other two I clearly remember):
Blood accompanied arrival of boy
 Nation, spirit, person: births unfolded
 Narrow path unveiled: Beauty beholded

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

"Midnight Diaper"

i cannot yet squat
i squirm
i squiggle
i squirt and squizzle
squeal

wait for it
wait for it

diaper's fresh
repee

squirt, squizzle
squeal

turned red like a t'mater
do it again
three hours later

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

"Reactions"

Momentous first breath
Breathtaking moment
Tears, smiles mingle

Silence shattered:
Hello, world!

What’s his name?
Dappled, bright fame

I didn’t know
I could fall in love
A fourth time

Pixels distilled
A century of likes
Coupled with salutations:
 Congratulations!

Flowers and Hi!
Kissies and smiles
Son of my right hand

Little fire
After school
Covered ears
Overcame fears

O how cute!
O how big!

When will life resume?
Never
It’s been changed
 Forever

Monday, November 19, 2012

“Daddy Be Thy Name”

Our father
 who art on Earth
Daddy be thy name
Thy tickles come
Thy jokes be fun
But forget not to teach us
Give us this day our daily hugs
And lead us in prayer
 as we pray for others
Guide us in learning the Bible
And deliver us to Sunday school
For thou art our example
 and our model
 and thou showeth us Jesus

Sunday, June 24, 2012

"A Moment Of Awe"

Socrates would readily agree:
Behold! What Beauty!

As she lies in repose,
Here is what I suppose:

To capture this moment,
Parade it before the world,
Enraptured that She has been found!

Then, upon seeing the ring,
I realize:

I already have

Monday, June 18, 2012

"Father's Day V"

Slept in late
Wrapped surprises
Superhero boys
Great things in little packages
Heart touched by sermon
Nap
Brief road trip
Home cooked meal
Slobber doggie ball
Naked belly flops
Twinkle, twinkle little smiles

Tears of joy

Sunday, March 13, 2011

"Memories Of You"

Johnny Carson and then Jay Leno
Juicy Fruit gum...half a piece
The secret door for staff (and family) at the clinic
Pete's Place with poker dogs
Bacon cheeseburgers and sweet tater fries
Back scratches and lap naps
Movies, music, and Left Behind
Learning gravy and loving breakfast
San Antonio, Austin, Fort Smith, and more
Rough-housing not allowed
Sneaking candy
Christmas jammies
Playing cards, dominoes—you know:
Tic and Train?
Canoeing hair and hairless surprises
Memories of you