Happy Birthday To The Long Winded

  
 

Creativity

01-15-04

I started writing poems many years ago. As a salesman, I ate “out” every day. I would get the waitresses name & leave a poem, written on a napkin along with a tip. They’d remember & look forward to the poems. These were spontaneous efforts, influenced by moods, surroundings, & service. This evolved to poems to loved ones & friends. I guesstimate about 400 poems are floating around, NOT counting the scurried scratchings of a hungry peddler.

Then, in the spring of 2000, I started my PLWP INC. journal, at the prodding of Bren Tucker & Nan Abraham. While I’d never written anything but poems before this, I found my fountain of emotions flooding onto those pages, giving me a much needed release. I found no topic sacred. Things my closest “real” friends & family never new, became exposed to the world.

My PD was diagnosed in March of ‘92. I’m not sure how much PD has influenced my writing, but it’s certainly give me the time. I do realize more sensitivity & emotion since PD. I guess in a way I’ve come to know “me” better & those close to me, that have read my journal, claim a better understanding of me. I highly recommend everyone writing their own journal. It has helped heal much for me & will be part of my legacy, to my grand children.

Jimmie “Toad” Turner

Toad652 yahoo.com

 

  

 

It’s time to celebrate the day, that God blessed the world with you

Reflecting on your worth to us, recognizing some of what you do

Although much is done by a serving one, that is never known to tell

You have led us faithfully as a Pastor, while serving your flock well

 

As for me I’ve felt your tenderness, yet in convictions you are strong

Yielding to the leading of the Spirit, to show us where we belong

Standing by our side, thru good & bad, on you we can depend

It’s good to know, support will show, & stay there till needs end

 

Now I realize you’re not perfect, & your hair is getting thin

But we know that you’re a “keeper,” & you’ll fight until we win

It’s because you were sent by God, that our time together’s splendid

Even though the rumor has been spread, that you tend to be long winded

 

Written by: Jimmie “Toad” Turner 01-18-04

Dedicated to & inspired by Bro. D.L. McCulley,

beloved Pastor, of the Springdale Church of God.

 

   

 

Thru PD Eyes

I used to look at all my world, thru invincibility

That there’d be limitations, just never occurred to me

 

My mortality arrived one day, so much to my surprise

While glaring from my PD mask, my world’s seen thru PD eyes

 

While walking I looked way ahead, although my journey was unknown

Now I must look to place each step, as my fear of falling’s grown

 

I once thought I was a big man, but I was cut down to size

Now in the mirror I see atrophy, tears flowing thru PD eyes

 

But my story doesn’t end here, in fact it just begins

Sure I’ve wept at “losses,” I’ve then rejoiced at “wins”


A time for counting blessings, my spirit bleeds but never dies

I now have time to set things right, as seen thru PD eyes

 

I can trade secret whispers, with grand children not yet grown

Things only “Pa” can teach them, that they’ll pass on to their own

 

Their parents are so busy, it seems time’s sprouted wings & flies

But “Pa’s” looking for the school bus, anxiously thru PD eyes

 

The things once lacking in priority, now are on list number one

While on my list they’re not forgotten, not so many left undone

 

The needed hugs & squeezes, for a caregiver that always tries

The love still flows & yearning shows, even still thru PD eyes

 

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t thank God, for PD & what it’s done

But I praise Him, for grace & mercy, & for a race that’s to be won

 

My healing may not come till death, then I’ll hear those gasps & sighs

As I see the Angels welcoming me, but not thru PD eyes

 

Written by Jimmie “Toad” Turner 01-16-04