Category: poems

Like I Should

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, country, Lyrics, music, poems, Poetry3 Comments

Image result for lmending past hurts in a marriage

These words started coming to me and I could hear plain as day Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert singing them.  I am sure it needs to be tightened up a little and maybe a few words changed here or there.

Maybe if I could get a 100k shares and a 100k retweets this will get to them and maybe, just maybe….

Chris sings:

I know I don’t love you like I should

If I could change our past I would

I know I forgave you but I haven’t forgot

When a heart’s broken your left with what you got

These demons in my head tell me you’re the same

But I hear your whispers saying you’ve changed

What’s a heart to do that’s battling his head

Is there life left to a love I gave up as dead

These days aren’t easy

These nights ’bout kill me

These tears fall with the memories

When I don’t love you like I should

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Miranda sings:

I know I caused the tears you cried

I know it’s true that I lied

I know I walked out on a man who’s good

I know I didn’t love you like I should

But here I am fighting with all that remains

Can’t you hear my whispers I’ve changed

If your heart could forget the past

I know  we have a love that will last

I see how you look at me

and the nights you fight the memories

The tears you cry nearly kill me

I remember when I didn’t love you like I should

There comes a time when you move forward

You decide to no longer be tortured

You go on without me or you fight to stay

It’s a choice we need to make either way

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Chris:   I can love you like I should

Miranda:   (How I pray you would)

Chris:  I can hold you on the darkest nights

Miranda:  (I won’t ever lose my sight)

Chris:  We can take a step to a new day

Miranda:  (I’ll be there every step of the way)

Chris: I can love you like I should

Miranda: I can love you like I should

Both:  We can love like we should

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Either Way by Chris Stapleton –  

Tin Man by Miranda Lambert – 

 

 

What If I’m The One

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, Poetry5 Comments

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What if I’m the one to change history

What if they beat, ridiculed, spit on me

I know it all sounds a little crazy

But what if I’m the one

What if it’s just a single word

Or a poem someone read or heard

What if their lines became a little less blurred

What if it’s me someone is waiting for

What if something I said shook them to the core

What if they asked, “Please, tell me more.”

I know it all sounds crazy but it’s true

What if we stepped outside our box and grew

It could be me, it could be you, or even you

A tiny stone can cause ripples to expand

A butterfly flaps it’s wings and the wind crosses the land

What if it’s my hand they need to get out of the quicksand

A single smile can change a day

A single word can change the way

Maybe they could walk in hope instead of being afraid

What if I took that chance

What if I really took a stance

If I really looked instead of giving a glance

What if I always walked in the light

Brought a hope to the darkest night

Helped someone win their fight

See it’s not that far out of reach

If I just practice what I preach

I’m not a teacher but I can teach

What if I embrace it instead of run

Would I realize I could be the one

Did I do what needs to be done?

What if I am in front instead of behind?

I believe one person can open the eyes of the blind

I believe one person can change humankind

What if it’s you? What if I’m the one?

God Help Me by Plumb –  

One Man Can Change The World by Big Sean- 

Lions by Skillet – 

I Stand Here by Hannah Kerr-  

What If I Gave Everything by Casting Crowns – 

One Voice by Jason Gray – 

Did You Mean Me by Todd Agnew – 

 

 

Birds Of A Different Color- A New World

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, poems, Poetry7 Comments

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Lots of music at the end but there are so many songs, from all genres,  dealing with these issues.

Catch up on the history of the birds:

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

 

Even though the dove ruled with compassion and love

Many birds had decided they had had enough

They wanted a leader like the Eagle had been

Their patience had started to wear thin

As they secretly plotted against his rule

There was a riot at one of the schools

A female red-throated hummingbird said she didn’t like males

Her parents didn’t understand and wanted more details

“What’s there to say? I am in love with another female hummingbird”

Her parents kicked her out of the nest without saying a word

Then an Ivory Gull said he was in love with a Black Rail

“You can not love one not of your kind,”  their parents started to yell

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They were told they had to leave their land

They were in love and could not understand

The hawk, vulture, condor, falcon and osprey came together

“We are the biggest birds and surely we are the  most clever.”

“This is our chance to take a stand,

To make our presence known in the land.”

They quickly spoke up and said; “We can all agree

That these birds style of living isn’t for you or for me.”

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The mockingbird and turkeys shook their heads yes

Did they ever have their own thoughts? It was anyone’s guess

They continued, “We shall banish them, but why stop there?”

“If you aren’t from our country, but from lands elsewhere,

Then you should be banned and sent from where you came.”

“All the problems in our land, well, you are all to blame!”

“Syrian Serin, Algerian Desert Lark,  Arabian Partridge, African Sacred Ibis

Afghan Babbler, Yemen Thrush, Palestine Sunbird, any we have missed?”

“Oh yes, Somali Starling, West Mexican Chachalaca, Banded Quail

Red-shouldered Hawk, Plumbeous Kite and Aztec Rail.”

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“We no longer will welcome you with open arms.”

“We don’t care if less than 1% of you wish to harm.”

“We will no longer take a chance if  you are from the Middle East,

From Mexico, if you are LGBT, your numbers must be decreased”

“We should build a cage around our entire land!”

Many of the birds thought that was a great plan

But other birds were smart enough to know if it will keep birds out

Then the cage can keep birds in, and of that, they had no doubt

The dove stood tall amidst the growing controversy

“Don’t you see, these birds are the same as you and me.”

“We all have come from different lands to make this land our home.”

“We should accept all birds, not give in to this hate syndrome”

“Where is the good when we choose these birds to be expelled?”

“We have been taught to love all birds, not just ones like yourself”

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“The Eagle taught us when he gave us these words:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all birds

Remind them to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one

To be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle to everyone.”

“I implore all birds to take a stand, to do what is just and right,

To end all this bickering and all these fights.”

“Instead, reach out a helping hand,  open your wings wide.”

“We can change this land if we show all birds the love we have inside.”

“We can no longer be the silent majority!

“The words I speak come from the highest authority!”

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“Our God, Jesus our Savior, commands us to love!”

The birds started whispering about the dove

One by one they stood up and said: “We agree!”

“This land was made for you and made for me.”

“We can live in love and make this country grand.”

“To the Republic and for what it stands

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!”

They all agreed it was time to stand together before they all would fall

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Bleed The Same by Mandisa- 

Heal Our Land by Kari Jobe- 

All Around The World by Taj Mahal and Keb Mo – 

I Hate Hate by About A Mile – 

The Gospel by Ryan Stevenson –  

Lousy Sum Of Nothing by Erasure- 

Remembered For by Colony House – 

How Many Walls by Rise Against- 

Reptiles (We Woke Up) by Flogging Molly – 

Say It All by Matty Mullins – 

World We Used To Know by Scorpions- 

Silent Majority by Nickelback- 

If We Keep Doing Nothing by Kris Allen- 

Pressure Under Fire by Gov’t Mule- 

Dear Black Son by Brother Ali- 

Pray For The World by Deon Kipping- 

All Join Hands by Acoustic Ghost- 

The Greater Good by Styx- 

Sons and Daughters by Brett Stanfill- 

Who Taught You How To Hate by Disturbed- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sun Doesn’t Always Come Out Tomorrow 

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, Poetry2 Comments

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 – 

 

When The Sun Sets In The Ocean

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, marriage, poems, Poetry3 Comments

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At the end of the day when the sun sets in the ocean

Does she welcome him with arms wide open?

Does she tell him how much he was missed?

Does he cherish each and every kiss?

Does he talk about the damage he’s done?

How people pray for rain but there is none?

How the ice caps are less and less?

How the heat from him is causing a mess?

Or does he talk about all the good times

People laughing, basking in his sunshine

The picnics and the foods that grow

Does he talk of times from not long ago?

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Does she talk about the storms and hurricanes?

Does she talk about how she wishes she could see the plains?

Does she complain about her waters rising?

Does she blame him for the people dying?

Or does she talk about how the people play

How they jump over or try to ride her waves

The joy in someone’s eyes as they see her for the first time

Does she wonder if their love is strong or are there warning signs?

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Or do they talk about what a wonderful team they are

How they are always together to look at the stars

How both of them together can cause great things to occur?

Does she tell him how much she loves him and he loves her?

When they are all alone in the dark

Do they share what’s deep in their hearts?

When he wakes to start another day

Is there a tear in the ocean’s waves?

When he is gone and up high in the sky

Does he think of her with a twinkle in his eye?

Does she say hurry home soon?

Does he say tonight we will watch the moon?

So much can happen, so many feelings and emotions

At the end of each day when the sun sets into the ocean

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In Case You Didn’t Know by Brett Young – 

Walk Away by Goo Goo Dolls-  

If We Were Vampires by Jason Isbell –  

The Story by Brandi Carlile-  

One Day At A Time by Brian Courtney Wilson- 

House On Fire by Rise Against – 

Ordinary People by John Legend- 

I  Won’t Give Up By Jason Mraz – 

 

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, poems, Poetry6 Comments

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It has been a year since my first Birds post.  Six months since the third one. This one I actually meant to release after the elections but…

I have another one ready to go that will be published next week. I hope you enjoy them.

Be sure to catch up on the history of the birds:

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

 

It would soon be a sad, sad day throughout the land

When the eagle would soon fly to Heaven to be in God’s hands

All the birds talked about the progress they had made

When they all decided to love instead of hate

They all knew a new leader needed to lead

But some birds didn’t think there was a need

Why can’t we just govern ourselves

While others thought that would not go well

It wasn’t long before the roads the eagle paved turned to gravel

All the progress the birds had made started to unravel

The Hawk stepped in and said he had something to say

“I should be the leader because I am a bird of prey!”

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The Vulture laughed out loud and said he should be the one

A younger Eagle said he had the right since he was the son

The Hummingbird said it should be him since he was small and fast

The Falcon and the Osprey both said no as they laughed

“How can a small bird be a leader?”

“Wake up little bird, you are just a dreamer”

It was then the wise old Owl spoke up

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“All of you are making me sick, ENOUGH!!”

“Listen to how we speak!”

“If only the Eagle wasn’t so weak”

“It is as if all we have learned has been erased”

“Appreciation and respect for others is being replaced

With words of hurt and words of hate”

“I see a new leader as all of you debate”

“The only one who hasn’t said any words

Should be the new leader of the birds”

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All the birds looked around wondering who it could be

They all gasped when they saw the Eagle crying quietly

“This was just a test of the last resort”

“For my time here is indeed short”

“Have you all forgotten how it was before?”

“When we all killed in a useless war.”

“We can all coexist in love.”

“That is why I will appoint the dove.”

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“There is no other way we can live,

As we have been doing, we must continue to give.”

“We must continue to encourage!”

“Let kind words continue to flourish.”

“Help all those hurt and  in need.”

“Don’t let in selfishness and greed”

“These might be the last words I say.”

“Love, my friends, love instead of hate!!”

“I pray you will always do what is just, what is right.”

Then the Eagle spread his wings and took his last flight

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Better Than I Found It by Danny Gokey – 

Here We Stand by Chosen House Choir- 

Brother What Happened by Muddy Magnolias- 

How Did You Love by Shinedown- 

As Long As There’s Love by Alabama- 

Enough Love To Go Around by Doug Anderson- 

Troubled Times by Green Day- 

4-15-13 by Dropkick Murphys- 

One More Light by Linkin Park – 

Unstoppable by Matty Mullins feat Jordan Feliz – 

Change For The World by Charles Bradley- 

Choose To Love by Francesca Battistelli – 

One Way To Live by Clint Black- 

Unite by 1Girl Nation- 

Heal Our Land by Troy Sneed- 

O God Forgive Us by For King & Country – 

What Do I Know by Ed Sheeran – 

Get Together by The Youngbloods – 

 

 

 

Remember The Fallen

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, in memory of, Memorial Day, poems, Poetry, remember our soldiersLeave a comment

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Remember the fallen

The ones lost and forgotten

The ones who didn’t make it home from the fight

When you sleep in your bed tonight

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Remember the ones who went to a foreign land

The ones who had the courage to take a stand

The mothers who left their daughters

The sons who left their fathers

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Remember the ones who don’t work a forty hour week

The ones who can’t call in sick when they are too tired to speak

The ones who don’t get a holiday to rest

The ones who battle the enemy and the stress

The ones who die today so we can have a tomorrow

The ones whose yesterdays are filled with sorrow

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The ones who don’t make it back

The ones who died in Iraq

The ones who changed history

When they went to Germany

Could you imagine this world if they simply said no?

We want to be with our families so we won’t go

The choice they made to serve

Often, not getting the praise they deserve

The sacrifices they make daily

For you, for me and our country

Freedom isn’t free and they hear the callin’

Remember them today, remember the fallen

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I Will Remember by Peggy Lynn – 

The Other Side by Colton Dixon – 

Heaven Was Needing A Hero by Jo Dee Messina – 

I’m Gonna Miss You by Interstate 10 – 

Soldier’s Light by Rylee Preston – 

Airborne Ranger Infantry by Kristy Lee Cook – 

Mr. Red White and Blue by Coffey Anderson –  

Soldier, I Thank You by Jordan Leigh –  

Thank You Soldier by Joe Brucato – 

 

 

I Planned On Coming Back

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, marriage, poems5 Comments

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The character in this poem leaves to find himself, but in reality, it could be about each and every one of us who have “checked out” of their marriage. Those who are there but are not there. Don’t think they will always be there waiting for you to come back.

It could be for you, my readers, since I have not posted in a month. Has it really been that long? I never meant for it to be that long but sometimes I get caught in a tornado and I wait to land in OZ.

I planned on coming back

I just needed a short break

But I got lost counting the sand

Thinking you would wait

 

I spend my days staring out at the water

Wasting memories in the ocean breeze

Order another rum and coke

The memory of you dances in front of me

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Seeing the moon’s reflection

Looking up at a million stars

As one falls from the sky

I make a wish to heal these scars

 

I walk farther and farther away

I can’t understand why I can’t pick up the phone

Why I can’t get on that airplane

Why I can’t come back home

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I never meant these days to turn to months

I never meant to leave you like that

A lost heart trying to find its way

But I always planned on coming back

I knew my time had passed

As the months turned to years

I don’t know why I couldn’t turn around

The dolphins can taste my tears

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What was I missing?

What was I trying to find?

I realize it was right in front of me

But I can no longer call you mine

 

I can tell you didn’t expect to see me here

Face to face and I state it is a fact

I promise you this

I was always planning to come back

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I can see it in your eyes, I see it in your smile

I found myself but now I know that it’s too late

I say I’m sorry and turn to leave

Why did I think you would wait?

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The Gospel by Ryan Stevenson – 

The Haunting by Jackie Evancho –  

Just Like Everybody by Ben Moody- 

Remember Who I Was by James Arthur –  

What Kind Of Man Am I by John Mellencamp- 

Never Let You Go by Manafest – 

Mansion by NF – 

No Man’s An Island by Tenth Avenue North – 

Always On My Mind by Willie Nelson-  

Not Broken Anymore by Blue October – 

If I Told You by Darius Rucker – 

Can’t Keep You Here by Jennifer Paige – 

Sorry by Aquilo- 

 

Skipping Stones With Ghosts 

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, memories, poems, Poetry10 Comments

There are times when I just want to be alone

Left to my own mind to find my way home

Then as I throw another stone off the coast

I realize I’m skipping stones with ghosts

Memories of a past I can’t let go

Crashing like the waves with each throw

The girl’s heart I broke

With each harsh word I spoke

The tears my mom would cry

With each and every lie

The one I let get away

Because the words I couldn’t say

Antique shopping every Saturday afternoon

I’d say no, a million other things I’d rather do

The show you wanted to see I said we couldn’t afford

The truth is I thought I would be bored

More thoughts, more regrets, kept pouring in

Like they were riding the ocean wind

The far away sound of a single sea gull

Another memory I wish I couldn’t recall

During the holidays how you loved to decorate

Singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Jingle All The Way

All the presents you loved to give

All these memories I can’t relive

It’s time to clear my head

Wake my heart from being dead

Time to put these memories on a stone

Let each go with each stone thrown

Every regret, every emotion

Drown them in the ocean

I’m no longer the person I was

Forgiven, me and all my flaws

Three Feet Of Water by Brantley Gilbert – 

Find You Here by Ellie Holcomb – 

Never Been A Moment by Micah Tyler – 

Seasons by Fight The Fade – 

That Was Then, This Is Now by Josh Wilson – 

A Lot Of Things Different by Kenny Chesney – 

Burdens Of The Past by Amber Pacific – 

My Past by Donnie McClurkin – 

Leave The Memories Alone by Fuel – 

Dead Memories by CrossFade – 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

On By roberthansen1317In birds of a different color, Christian life, Christmas, Christmas music, love, Merry Christmas, poems, Poetry25 Comments

 

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

Please take a minute to catch up on the history of the birds: (just click on the links)

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

 

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 

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art credit: Peter Rabbit

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Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson – 

My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant – 

Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band – 

Join With The Angels by Matthew West – 

Little Drummer Boy/ Peace On Earth by Bing Crosby and David Bowie – 

Rest In You Tonight by The Oak Ridge Boys – 

Gather Round by Band Of Merrymakers – 

My Wish For Christmas by R Kelly – 

Love Is Christmas by Sara Bareilles – 

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon – 

The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath – 

Love Is Here by Laura Story – 

A Joyful Noise by Little River Band – 

Wish List by 7eventh Time Down – 

Love Can Build A Bridge by The Judds- 

Prayer Of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan – 

Silent Night by Pentatonix – 

Joy To The World by Jeremy Camp – 

We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Celtic Women –