Category: poems

One More Star

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

When I was just a boy of eight

I’d often stay up way too late

I’d look up into the dark night

And wish upon every star in sight

What were my many wishes I wished back then?

Maybe for more toys or maybe for more friends

But then time passed and I grew up

And I quit believing in that stuff

Wishing stars, lucky pennies and wishing wells

All those magical things became a hard sell

Wishing on a light from the past

No wonder wishes never last

Then I got a little older only thought of myself

I was number one and didn’t need any help

Didn’t really believe in love

Really wasn’t sure there was a God

But still I prayed for something to believe in

Searching for a truth that wasn’t deceivin’

Then I got a little older started to realize

That most people believe their own lies

But I believed in you, I believed in us

Now I know why I don’t believe in love

And I wonder how did we end up here

When the laughs were replaced by tears

Hard to move forward when we’ve been here before

And my forever was different from yours

When I think back on all the wishes of my youth

I feel as if there’s only one cold hard truth

I must’ve wished on every star near and far

‘Cause now you’re gone I’m wishing I had one more star

Forever Or The End by Skillet-

Here’s To Moving On by Dashboard Confessional-

Rose Tinted Glasses by James TW-

Say Goodbye by Citizen Soldier –

Shouldn’t Matter But It Does by John Mayer –

When Was It Over by Sasha Alex Sloan and Sam Hunt –

Only One Piece Of Paper (A Poem For The Ocean)

On By roberthansen1317In beautiful world, change the world, Christian life, poems, Poetry, world changerLeave a comment

Image result for ocean trash

I was walking beside the ocean

With a piece of paper in my hand

I read what it said and threw it in

Then started to walk in the sand

But I hadn’t gone more than a few steps

When my conscious started speaking to me

I looked back from where I had been

What I saw I swear I could barely believe

For all these animals had tears in their eyes

Heartbreaking Photos Show What Your Trash Does To Animals | HuffPost Impact

There was a turtle tangled in a sick pack ring

Discarded by someone who thought it was only one

There was a seagull who couldn’t sing

A plastic bottle cap stuck in its throat

There was a shark with a beer can stuck in its gill

There were many fish with plastic bags stuck on their fins

There was a whale with a belly full of trash that should’ve been in a landfill

I’m sure from things that people thought were only one

There was a dolphin who could barely breathe

A plastic bottle stuck in its blowhole

Image result for animal caught in ocean trashImage result for animal caught in ocean trash

All these animals spoke to me from the sea

And a tear fell from my eyes

I walked into the sea and grabbed the paper I had thrown

I said goodbye to the animals

And took the paper back home

I threw it in the recycle bin where it belongs

Because my trash doesn’t belong on the land or in the sea

My trash doesn’t belong wrapped around an animals legs

My trash doesn’t belong in an animals belly

It belongs in the trash, even if it is only one piece of paper

Image result for save the earth quotes

Love Song To The Earth –

Different World by Alan  Walker –

Better Than I Found It  by Danny Gokey-

Little Changes by Frank Turner-

Be More Kind by Frank Turner –

Truth To Power by One Republic –

When I Learned How To Not Love You, I Learned To Love Myself

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, love who you are, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

When I learned how to not love you

I learned how to love myself

When I learned a prison doesn’t have to have bars

I realized I was free to fly to the stars

When I learned the rules of the game

I realized it was a game I didn’t have to play

When I learned that I was strong

I realized I’d be okay on my own

When I learned to laugh in the face of adversity

I realized my circumstances do not control me

When I learned my feelings could not be ignored

I realized I was made for so much more

When I learned I no longer needed you

I realized what I needed to do

When I learned years of love can be thrown away for a day of fun

I realized that our hopes and dreams were done

When I learned I still had hopes and dreams

I realized things weren’t as bad as they seem

When I leaned to give God complete control

I realized he could make my broken pieces whole

When I learned it was okay to cry

I realized it was time to say goodbye

When I learned how to not love you

I realized I always had the power to choose

When I learned how to love myself

I realized I did not belong in hell

Love Not Hate- Christmas Eve

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, poems, Poetry2 Comments

cardinals, goldfinch, bluebird, nuthatch, chickadee:
art credit: James Hautman

History of the birds:

Love, Not Hate: Part 1

Love, Not Hate: Part Two

Love, Not Hate: Christmas Eve

Love, Not Hate: A New Chapter

Love, Not Hate: A New World

Love, Not Hate: The Division

Love, Not Hate: The Reconciliation

Love, Not Hate: Tragedy At Mandalay Bay

Love, Not Hate: Continue To Love

Love Not Hate: Love On Trial

Love Not Hate- Trick or Treat, Halloween Night

Love Not Hate- Teach A Human Day

It was Christmas Eve all through the land

All the birds stared in amazement at the Christmas tree so grand

The little birds could barely contain their excitement

The older birds looked on, filled with contentment

The eagle remembered how far they have come

He remembered all the work ALL the birds have done

Which made this day an even more special day

He took his place and said: “Birds, I have something to say”

Want to see one--not at a zoo--SOON!:
photo credit: Paula Krugerud Photography

“I’ll keep it short since tonight the little ones can’t be up late.”

“It has been a long time since we chose to love instead of hate.”

“It was a lot of work to repair our broken relationships.”

“As you all know, it hasn’t always gone to script.”

“We have learned from our mistakes, our experiences.”

“We have learned to work through our differences.”

“We have returned this land to the way it was created.”

“For that reason alone, tonight we ALL should be celebrated!”

“We are gathered here today because of the one who was born.”

“Who also died for us, tattered and torn.”

“As some of us birds are getting older,

We know we can’t carry this land on our shoulders.”

“We must teach the next generation

That love is the only way to rule this nation!”

All the birds started to sing

A beautiful sound that caused a gathering

All the animals from the forest came

The deer, the rabbit, the skunk and others you know by name

They gathered around the Christmas tree

They held hands and all sung with glee

The sound reached near and far

Then humans arrived, by foot and by car

They couldn’t believe their eyes

It was then they started to realize

Everything they thought they knew had to be ruled out

Because right there was a hawk singing with a field mouse

There was a bear beside a deer

There was a sheep standing by a wolf  with no fear

There was a fox right beside a hare

All these beautiful birds were there

They could hardly believe their ears

When the animals said: “There is nothing here to fear!”

“Yes, at one time we were all enemies!”

“We decided to let love rule our hearts until our eyes could see!”

Then the humans held each other’s hands

All the different people across the land

Blacks and whites, Muslim and Christian

All races, all people, could see the animals vision

The eagle then spoke once again:

“One last thing to say my friends.”

“To move forward you must move on from the past!”

“You have to live as last is first and first is last.”

“Let every man, every woman, every boy, every girl

Know what it’s like to have peace in this world!”

“Let ALL our voices join together as we sing Silent Night!”

Then they sang Joy To The World  and We Wish You A Merry Christmas

I can only say it’s all true, as I was there to witness

All the birds of a different color

Helped all the people discover

Instead of fighting they should ALL join hands

Because love is the only way to rule the land

Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a love filled night 

Image result for animals around a christmas tree

Image result for bible verse on christmas

Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson –

Santa’s Wish (Teach The World) by The Tenors –

Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band –

Join With The Angels by Matthew West –

Rest In You Tonight by The Oak Ridge Boys –

Gather Round by Band Of Merrymakers –

The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath –

Wish List by 7eventh Time Down –

Silent Night by Pentatonix –

A Christmas Prayer

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

Image result for charlie brown i think there must be something wrong with me

A Christmas prayer

For the ones out there

Who aren’t full of happiness and  cheer

Who are depressed and worn out this time of year

This time of year can be tough

Sometimes you just want to scream ENOUGH!

Maybe it’s the loss of a loved one

Or past hurts that have been done

Everyone else seems full of glee

You’re thinking “everyone but me”

You aren’t the only one faking a smile

Remember the season is because of the birth of a child

It’s not the decorations or presents

Or all the parties and events

Here is an open invitation

To join in the celebration

Image result for bible verses on hope and strength

No gifts to bring or trees to decorate

Whenever you are ready, we will wait

A genuine heart with love to give

I believe you are meant to live

Do not give up, Do not be dismayed

If you are having a string of bad days

There is a hope for a better tomorrow

One not promised without sorrow

One not promised without pain

One not promised without rain

One promised that you are never alone

One promised that you have a home

One promised that you are loved

One promised of HOPE,  sealed by His blood

Image result for luke 19 10

I can’t promise tomorrow will be better

I can promise you have a helper

Instead of falling down it’s time to rise up

Don’t give up when you’ve had enough

The night will fall and the sun will soon shine

Please, please give it some more time

Tomorrow is new

Perhaps a blessing for you

Tomorrow will soon be here

And maybe, just maybe, it’ll be your year

A baby boy was born in a manger

Don’t let him be a stranger

Get to know hope, love, forgiveness and grace

Tomorrow you will gladly embrace

I want you to know you are known

And that you aren’t alone

Don’t give up, YOU are loved, even when you are blue

This is my Christmas prayer for you

Image result for 1 corinthians 2 9

Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad for long periods of time. They can refer you to a mental health specialist. If your feelings of sadness during the holidays are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, do one of the following immediately:

  • Call 911.
  • Go immediately to a hospital emergency room.
  • Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

You can improve your mood by practicing self-care during the holidays. Eat a healthy diet, and maintain a regular sleep pattern and exercise program. According to the kept Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, as little as 30-minutes of cardiovascular exercise can provide an immediate mood boost similar to the effects of an antidepressant medication. Joining a support group where you talk to people with similar experiences to yours can also help.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU HAVE WORTH AND YOU ARE LOVED MORE THAN YOU KNOW!

Image result for bible verses on tomorrow is a new day

Lots of songs but couldn’t decide to put suicide or hope or someone loves you song so put a mix of all them.

Just Because It’s Christmas by Anne Wilson-

Why by Faith Hill – 

Why by Rascal Flatts – 

Different Kind Of Tears by Sully Erna – 

Before The Morning by Josh Wilson – 

Somebody Stand By Me by Faith Hill –

Home by Phillip Phillips- 

Pray For You by Blessid Union Of Souls – 

I Don’t Have The Answers by We Are Messengers- 

10 Years Today by Bullet For My Valentine- 

Hold On by Good Charlotte- 

Hold On by Wilson Phillips- 

The Last Night by Skillet – 

The Reason by Lacey Sturm- 

Take The Bullets Away by We As Human- 

The Right Time by Disciple – 

Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.- 

Goodbye (I’m Sorry) by Jamestown Story – 

Just Say Jesus by 7eventh Time Down – 

Pray For Me by Kirk Franklin –

Welcome To My Life by Simple Plan – 

My Story by Big Daddy Weave – 

Hope Was Born This Night by Sidewalk Prophets – 

The Sun Doesn’t Always Come Out Tomorrow

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, Poetry2 Comments

Image result for suicide prevention

Feeling lost at school and feeling ignored at home

Surrounded by people but feeling all alone

I think I’m tired of fighting the fight

I’m ready to leave this life tonight

There’s nothing here as far as I can see

I wonder if anyone will even miss me

Meanwhile two blocks away

Stacy winds up another day

She remembers him and when they were so close

But lately he seems distant,  disappeared like a ghost

I’ll call him tomorrow to just say hi

She doesn’t know he’s ending his life tonight

Image result for suicide prevention quotes

Meanwhile two rooms away his parents talk

About how they might go take a walk

Should they go back to his room

They joke how it seems like a tomb

They remember how he laughed not long ago

Would they have tried harder if they had known?

Meanwhile two key strokes away

More of the kids in school type away

Making jokes and calling him names

Doesn’t he know he’s so lame

They wish he would go away and die

Tomorrow they will cry and wonder why

He thinks of how his life will end

Too many torn pieces to try to mend

Image result for air1 verse of the day psalm 42:11

His phone rings “hey how are you doing”

It’s Stacy asking how things are going

I was going to call you tomorrow but why wait

She didn’t  know that tomorrow would’ve been one day too late

A knock on his door and mom says let’s leave

We are all going to go get some ice cream

No ifs ands or buts, you’re going

If they only knew what he thought of doing

His screen beeps and Scott starts to fight

What you guys say is wrong, it isn’t right

How about saying something positive

And he starts to think he might want to live

He gets off his bed and starts to head out the door

That’s when his bible fell onto the floor

A verse about you will have pain, suffering and sorrow

Then the Air1 verse of the day says hope in tomorrow

Image result for air1 verse of the day psalm 42:11

Then his youth pastor sent a text to see if he was okay

He sent back looks like I’ll make it through another day

Is there someone that you know

That thinks the sun won’t come up tomorrow

Image result for air1 verse of the day psalm 42:11

One Day Too Late by Skillet  – 

I Can’t Breathe by Bea Miller – 

The Call by Matt Kennon – 

Beautiful by MercyMe – 

Hard Love by NeedToBreathe- 

Hope by Ryan Calhoun – 

My Friends by Oh Wonder – 

Hope by Superchick-  

Hope For The Hopeless by Papa Roach – 

Remain by Royal Tailor – 

Not Today by Hillsong United – 

Be Still And Know by Hannah Kerr – 

How Do You Get That Lonely by Blaine Larsen – 

Storm Inside Of You by Veronica Ballestrini- 

I Want To Live by Skillet – 

Broken by Lifehouse – 

Santa’s Magical Helpers

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

Image result for santas magical helpersMeet Santa, aka America's Truck Drivers - All That's Trucking - Trucking Info

The population was booming

Santa’s sleigh was zooming

More and more people were being added to the naughty list

But Santa knew there were still a lot of good that couldn’t be missed

He worked extra minutes into the long night

He barely finished before the sun’s first light

Then he thought, next year I must do something else

I can’t keep working like this, doing this to myself

Then right before his tired and sleepy body hit the bed

A crazy idea, too crazy he thought, popped into his head

I need to find some magical helpers to help me

Magical helpers who could even deliver before Christmas Eve

He smiled at the thought, presents delivered every day

He could just feel the weight coming off his sleigh

He wondered what the world would think of his wonderful scheme

Then he went to sleep and had the most wonderful dream

He put his plan together all year long

There was no way his plan could go wrong

He put it into action well before October’s last day

Christmas was here before trick or treat the kids would say

Sale, sale, sale, the biggest sale of the year

He flooded your inbox with emails disguised as cheer

Buy now, order now before you run out of time

Trust me, kids, there’s no reason to wait in line

You see, Santa’s elves had finished their making by June

Santa worked them so hard that the North Pole ran out of room

So they shipped everything and everything was gone

They sent all their gifts to a magical place called Amazon

Santa’s idea was going as planned and working perfectly

This year, he wouldn’t have to go down one single chimney

Santa called all his magical helpers headquarters

They said they were ready and awaited their orders

Then the orders came in and they hit the roads

Delivering Santa’s gifts in sun, rain, sleet, and snow

You know them as Amazon, UPS, USPS, and FedEx

Delivering Santa’s gifts right to your doorstep

Be sure to thank those who deliver near and far

Because now you know who they truly are

They are more than just drivers, they are Santa’s magical helpers

I sure hope they don’t bring me an ugly Christmas sweater

So if Christmas Eve comes and Santa’s sleigh and reindeer aren’t in sight

Thank his magical helpers who already brought your gifts before tonight

Image result for packages on front porch

Santa’s Got A Semi by Keith Harling –

Christmas Stockings

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, inner voice, integrity, love who you are, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

The Christmas stockings were hung with care

Some were extraordinarily beautiful, others ordinarily fair

Some were hung by the chimney

Others were hung on the tree

Some were made with bright colors

While others must’ve been bought for a dollar

Some had lights that shined so bright

Others even glowed in the dark of night

Some had glitter that sparkled from time to time

None of these comes close to describing mine

On my wife’s she had written a bible verse

One of my daughters had Santa on hers

Another daughter made hers with good cheer

While another finished hers by writing the year

When we were all done we were quite pleased

Then we joined hands and prayed for the least of these

But back to the stockings galore

There’s so much to say, so much more

Some had to be at least three feet long

When those are filled, I hope the nail is strong

Some are just a little bigger than my foot

For mine, I gave Santa a list, in case he needed my input

Some are made with love, paint, and glue

Some are quite fantastic while others have a mistake or two

Some were stitched and crocheted with extreme care

Others looked like they came out of the drawer by your underwear

Some had stickers of Santa and Rudolph and such

Others had just a name, but that was enough

On that Christmas morning, I learned a thing or two

From these Christmas stockings and I’d like to share with you

It doesn’t matter what the outside is

Because there is one thing I know and it’s this

It doesn’t matter what’s on the outside

Because the outside is just a brilliant disguise

What matters the most the outside tries to hide

What really matters is what’s on the inside

Image result for bible verses on whats on the inside

Inside My Head (Seeing A Therapist)

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, Poetry4 Comments

I was hoping to have some new Christmas stories this year but I have a lot going on so will repost my old ones in the next few weeks. I might be able to get one new one out I started but I have other fish to fry. And I apologize for not having the time to reading other posts. Sometimes some things have to give to make room for something else and unfortunately it always seems to go back to reading and writing are the easiest things to give up.

Since early September, I’ve been seeing a therapist

Thought I’d knock some things off my list

I knew I had one or two, no more than three

But inside of my head is a scary place to be

The monsters in my head

Have been fed and fed

I found things I forgot I lost

Buried deep, but at a cost

Didn’t want to talk but I spilled my guts

Didn’t know I was this messed up

Often putting myself in solitary

To find out I’m my own worst adversary

I’ve had walls built so high

I forgot what was locked inside

They say scars make you stronger but they hurt like hell

I never knew I had so many stories to tell

Didn’t know I was broken until those words were spoken

Here I am standing on the ledge hopin’

Someone, anyone will pull me back

But I don’t think I know anyone like that

Can you hear me shout?

My silence is so loud

Slowly we’ve been tearing some of those walls down

A little hope but at times I felt as if I would drown

We all grieve in our own way

I kept throwing things in an open grave

Tossing my feelings and emotions inside

Always looking for a place to hide

No fears, no tears for too many years

All the while, collecting a lot of souvenirs

But those souvenirs were really just debris

Weighing me down, keeping me from being me

Little did I know they were tearing my world apart

All those things that were hidden in the dark

I’m starting to see in a new light

I know my life’s worth the fight

I still don’t know what’s on the other side of the door

But I’ll take the next step forward to be healthier than before

Citizen Soldier is one of my favorite bands and most of their songs I feel like they were inside my head when they wrote them so here are some of their songs.

Bedroom Ceiling-

I’m Not Okay-

If I Surrender-

Hand Me Down-

Weight Of The World-

Stronger Than My Storm-

Invisible-

Would Anyone Care? –

Just Be Happy-

Gave You My Heart

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, Poetry6 Comments

I have posted this a couple times before but will post it again today since I am having a hard time finishing anything new that I am writing.

I came home from work Friday night and Kim told me Deanna, one of her best friends and mentor, told her about a vision her daughter had. Her daughter just finished her freshman year of college and truly lives for Jesus.  Deanna said maybe Rob can turn her vision into a poem or a song. I took Kylie up to get her shower ready and sat down and this is what came out.

It is truly an inspiring vision and I hope my words do it justice.

Gave You My Heart

I gave you my heart and you walked away

You’re my dad, you were supposed to stay

I couldn’t keep it all together today

I grabbed what was left of my heart and walked to the beach

Walked far enough until your memory was out of reach

I screamed at you dad until I was too hoarse to speak

Then I saw a piece of sea glass so bright

It had such a mysterious light

It was like a piece of day in the darkest night

I bent down and dug with my free hand

There had to be more pieces under the sand

That’s when I felt the presence of another man

It was like a dream as my other hand held my heart

The one that you, dad, had ripped apart

Then I had a thought, this isn’t the end but a brand new start

I felt this man telling me to turn in his direction

But I couldn’t so I grabbed my sea glass collection

And I tried to hold a piece just right to see his reflection

I couldn’t turn around, I knew what he wanted me to do

I couldn’t give him my heart dad, I had given it to you

And I was scared he would walk away with it too

Then his hand touched my shoulder

My courage grew just a little bit bolder

My tears started to flow as I began to molder

I turned and as he reached for me I saw the scars on his hand

He looked at me and I knew he wasn’t just a man

That’s when I dropped my sea glass in the sand

I let him hold me for what seemed like an hour

I could feel his gentleness, as well as his power

I felt his love pour down on me like a summer shower

I whispered, “If I give you me heart will you walk away?”

He said “I’m your father. I’ve never left, I will always stay.”

I knew he was telling the truth so I gave my heart to him that day

Heart to God - Fringe Church

(image credit: Kevin Carden Photography)

Busted Heart ( Hold On To Me) by For King and Country – 

Let Down Your Guard by JJ Heller – 

Every Beat Of My Broken Heart by Hawk Nelson – 

Take  A Broken Heart by V Rose – 

I Let My Heart Open by Charles Billinsgley –  

Here’s My Heart by Lauren Daigle – 

Friend Of A Wounded Heart by Point of Grace-