But first …
Here at HudsonWiNightlife, the idea has been floated to bring in other voices to the conversation, although that has proven to be far flung and in the future. Or so I thought.
The guest writer, whose work follows, moved that far forward fast. Someone I may at some point collaborate with, a budding musician who also writes lyrics, said I should in the foregoing run some great song-like poems by an older relative who is close to him. When I saw it, running this stuff during the just ending holiday season seemed a foregone conclusion. So I moved it to the forefront. But this site being what it is, I could have used a bit more foreboding and questioning. As in honor the message — and like my own writing it brings in God, either in well-chosen spots or full-blown forays — but bring in irony when appropriate. With that said, and to further align it with this site, when you read through, carefully, you may see similarities to the work of artists in heavy metal, a staple of this site, from Maiden to Metallica to even Motorhead. And rare here and there for her, again pick and choose, the presence of doubt you see more often in those other bands. But a strong faith is good, and there is room for many places on that range. That said, again, enjoy this poetry in this season. Good stuff. Joy from often jolly Joy.
“A Sight Unseen”
By Joy Conrad
You shed your tears, for I am blind
Please don’t cry; I really don’t mind.
I have seen the light and it guides my way:
And I will see the face of God some day.
Weep for those who have their sight,
But cannot see wrong from right.
For they live in darkness – not I who am blind,
You must see in one’s heart and beauty you’ll find.
Don’t cry for me because I am poor,
I have more riches than ever before.
I have God’s love in my heart to glow:
Shining brighter than all the gold you could show.
Yet, weep for those who cherish their things;
For only God’s love is what happiness brings.
Don’t cry for me because I move so slow,
God doesn’t mind waiting for me – you know,
Shed your tears for those who run fast,
Not seeing the beauty they have just passed.
Hurrying along without a moment to spare –
Not even knowing what God has to share.
They stumble and fall and don’t understand:
Yet I walk slow – God holding my hand.
“True Love is Worth Waiting For”
By Joy Conrad
Waiting and waiting is sometimes hard to do.
Waiting for that someone whose love will be so true.
The temptations of life are so hard to resist –
I sometimes wonder if that someone does exist.
But, deep within my heart, there he’s a strong fate –
That soon I will find my so much dreamed of mate.
His love will be honest, clean, and true,
A love that’s understood by few.
But, to each other our love will be fulfilled
Through the hands of true love that God hath willed.
Before we go back to more Joy …
— As a follow-up, boy did my brother come through on Christmas with all the gear, as far as decorating. This says it: Multiples of both Christmas trees and full nativities. Even at least one decoration in every bathroom. Dozens of not just bulbs, but also balls and bells on even the smallest tree. But as far as nativities, once past his neighborhood and its very nice houses, I saw a craggy cracked small nativity that looked like it was about to drop wood pieces. I thought that in reality, sans lights so bright, this was more like what the first Christmas probably looked like. And the advent calendar, the Old School one with doors you open while you wait, had been appropriately placed on the door of a further back room.
The holiday, or just prior, for a bell-ringer I saw was also less than comfortable, if not cozy. It was the first real cold snap, and it was bitter. Earlier in the day it had been in the 40s with little wind. So the bell-ringer thought he need not look at the weather report, and it showed in his dress. But there was the gathering area of a store for a very occasional less-than-two-minute warmup. I asked him if he had looked at the weather report, and the question he kinda dodged, simply saying he had volunteered for the job and signed up back before Thanksgiving. All over town, there were late-breaking sessions for free gift-wrapping for those late shoppers, each across multiple venues. Once home for the holidays I was naughty and didn’t get a last trio of gift cards until the noon hour, Dec. 24. The Olive Garden was practically filled with bags, mostly grocery style, that were partway full. I thought they were either doing the ultimate holiday charitable giveaway, or people had yet to arrive for a pickup catered Christmas. Seems it was a combo of both. One woman had several bags of prepared food lugged out. I guess she did not have to cook this day. —
Now Joy picks up where she left off …
“In My Heart Forever”
By Joy Conrad
You are the only one I love and will forever more.
You’ve given me the love I’d never known before.
A love that is more than love, and words I must look to find.
To express the feelings that are always there,
In my heart and in my mind.
And Darling soon we’ll be together and words we will not speak,
Yet in the moments the meaning of true love we’ll seek.
Together we will always share all the happiness life can give.
Forever Darling my heart is yours, my life for you I live.
“Our Savior”
By Joy Conrad
Jesus, our Savior, our Truest Friend
When our hearts are broken, He will mend.
He is the way, the Guiding Light,
To help us through each day and night.
Each one of our hearts he wins;
So that our lives be not of sins.
He will help us to do right.
For we are always in His sight.
Jesus is Whom we really need
No matter who, what color, or creed!
“Flying”
By Joy Conrad
Lord, I’m looking from above
At the wondrous land filled with your Love.
The clouds so mellow, the sky so blue,
And I feel your love through and through.
Oh, how you have touched me, knowing you are near,
To ease the pain and sorrow of the unknown that I fear.
It’s trusting in You and believing Your Word.
No words are spoken, yet I’ve heard
The beauty of life You’ve given me;
Yet, I know the hereafter is a glory with Thee.
May I live my life, and You guide me through
With peace, and love, and joy with You!
“I’m Walking With You, Lord”
By Joy Conrad
You are with me wherever I go;
Without You, the sun doesn’t shine; a star doesn’t glow.
When I need help, You’re a Friend who’s there:
To comfort, to love, and show You care.
You reach out in darkness and make it light
I do the wrong thing and You show me what’s right.
Forgetting my faults, forgiving the wrong
You take me hand as we walk along.
When I’m walking too fast, Lord, You slow me down.
You ease my heart – make a smile from a frown.
The path may be rough, the hills steep and wide
But, I’ll make the journey with You by my side!
“Friendship”
By Joy Conrad
Friendship is a beautiful and priceless gift,
It is one you give as well as receive.
A friend is someone who is there when you need help
He laughs with you in joy, comforts you in sadness.
A friend reaches out with understanding and openness.
He lends a hand before he is asked.
A friend forgives.
When you need someone to talk to day or night…
A friend will listen, he will hear you.
He will stand by you, but never step on you.
A friend will guide you, but never rule you.
A friend will give from his heart
And make sure he never breaks yours.
A friend – someone in your life who says –
“Thank you” for being my friend!
“Up On the Mountain”
By Joy Conrad
Looking down from the mountain, Lord,
At the beauty you have poured.
The trees, the grass the sun’s warmth I receive;
And from my heart saying – in You I believe!
You’ve given me life, You’ve given me love;
You’ve given me strength from above.
You’ve touched my heart in sorrow,
Reached out when I needed you there.
And trusting in You, I know,
No burden or hardship is too great to bear!
So often, Lord, I find myself hurrying through the day,
Not taking time to thank You for all You’ve sent my way.
So looking down from the mountain Lord –
I’m looking up to You!
“For Mary’s Son”
By Joy Conrad
If I cannot reach you with my arms,
Let me reach you through my heart.
You are my son and always will be;
Even though we are apart.
Times are hard and I wish I were there…
To tell you son how much I care.
Sometimes I’m alone and the tears fill my eyes;
I’m thinking of you and I hear your cries.
I’m not always right, but I try my best –
I guess God is putting us through a test.
But, through my heart and God’s love – please understand…
And when I’m not there — let Him take your hand.
For Chuck’s Mom – “Margaret Conrad”
By Joy Conrad
Dear Mom –
I know I’ve said it so many times before;
But “love” cannot be said too much
For someone I adore.
You’ve reached out and touched me
In so many ways,
Giving me the sunshine if it were a gloomy day.
Caring and giving of yourself in all you do,
Being so “special” because you’re just “you!”
Giving me strength and helping me grow
You saw my faults but never let me know.
You were always there before I could ask –
To help no matter what the task.
“Love” – a special word from my heart;
And no matter where you are, we’re never apart.
“One Yellow Rose”
By Joy Conrad
I give this rose with lasting love
And I feel your presence from above.
I think of you as each day goes by
And cherish the memories that never die.
I remember your unselfish heart and giving way;
The sunshine you put in every day.
The memories of how much you cared
And that special warmth you always shared.
Your courage and strength, so incredibly true.
When I began to fall, you carried me through.
As I give this rose and my heart cries;
Life must end, but love never dies!
“Anthony David Tutrone II”
By Joy Conrad
A baby boy entered this world on June 28, 1964.
A cute little bundle we all grew to adore.
Yet, life was a struggle for this one to keep alive;
Like a “Tiger” he fought and fought to survive.
God has blessed him with courage, strength, and ambition;
Sincerity, kindness, faith, and devotion.
He’s served his school in sports, in council, and more.
Achieved awards none had achieved before.
He’s admired by his fellow students; loved by his family and friends.
The list of his accomplishments never seems to end.
He believes in equality, what’s fair, and that justice survives.
There is no prejudice seen through his eyes.
His goals he sets high, as his future nears
He overcame doubts and shuns those fears.
He is walking through life – each step firm and strong –
God taking his hand as they walk along.
“You Never Left My Side”
By Joy Conrad
How many times I have failed you, Lord.
I’ve let you down when I should have tried.
Yet, You never left my side.
When I felt alone and had no one to care.
Fought out in anger and reached despair.
I felt you there when all I defied.
You never left my side.
I’ve taken the wrong road and you turned me around:
‘Til the path to Your door I again found.
You let me in and held me when I cried.
You never left my side.
You’ve forgiven me and made me whole.
Touched my heart and healed my soul.
In Your faithful love we will always abide;
You never left my side.
“As I Look Into My Life”
By Joy Conrad
To understand myself is truly a goal,
To look into my heart and search my soul.
To let go of the old and grasp onto the new;
To live life to the fullest as God intended me to do.
To conquer my fears, as they have conquered me;
To be more than I hoped I could be!
To love unconditionally as my Lord loves me,
To look deeper than only what I see.
To realize success is only knowing that I’ve tried;
To know happiness is measured from the inside.
To not judge a man until I’ve traveled in his shoes;
To reach out to others, telling them the “Good News!”
To grow and learn what I do not understand
To let God guide my life as He takes my hand.
The end.