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THE CLASS OF FIFTY-NINE
It sure would do us all some good
To sit down now and then,
And make sure that we really understood
The way things were back "when".
Before the age of the internet,
And all of this high-tech stuff,
To recall a time we won't forget,
A time some folks call "rough"
A time when life was not lived as fast,
As life is lived today,
A time we recount from our memories past'
When we were both care-free and gay.
So let's go back to yesteryear,
And stroll down memory lane,
And share a thought, a smile or tear
Relive each happy scene again.
Recall the games we used to play,
When we were little girls and boys,
Without inventions of today,
These sophisticated high-tech toys.
Like hopscotch, jacks and hangman
And red-light green-light too
And Hide-n-seek and kick the can
To mention just a few.
Remember summer's fun-filled days
When you were just a kid,
Each new fad, the latest craze
And all the "trendy" things you did.
Pedal Pushers and Poodle skirts,
Penny Loafers and Saddle Shoes,
Rolled up sleeves on white T shirts,
Were the latest fashion news.
And Pony Tails and the "Elvis" look,
Were hairstyles so in vogue.
Faded pictures in our old scrapbook
Reveals so many a dashing rogue.
Our high school days now long gone by
Now memory recalls,
When we went to good old "Clovis High"
And walked her hallowed halls.
Of chocolate shakes and cherry cokes,
We sure did drink our fill,
We shared in all the latest jokes,
When we went to the "Silver Grill".
And Foxy Drive In was the place to be,
It was a place that was "really cool"
Where our friends and classmates we'd always see,
When we went there after school.
And dragging main street was the thing to do,
It was really an awesome sight,
To go and pick up a friend or two,
And join in on a Saturday night.
There many friendships soon were formed
That have lasted through these many years,
And many hearts are still fondly warmed,
To recall again those "wildcat" cheers.
To classmates who have sinced passed through,
This mortal valley's few short years,
I pause to think of each of you,
I bow my head and shed a tear.
To the rest of us who still remain,
Now and then let's take the time,
To go back in memory once again,
And recall our class of fifty-nine.
Ken Hammack
1/22/01
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WHAT IF THINGS WERE DIFFERENT
If some way I could find to walk back into time,
And alter a scene or two,
In each race that I ran, In each shipwrecked plan,
I wonder just what I would do.
To change every course, lose every remorse,
That would bring every lofty plan low,
Would I more carefully plan, at each crossroad I'd
stand,
I wonder which way I would go?
Would criticism be heard, would there be a harsh word?
Where a much kinder word should be,
Would I hear a loud cheer or would it be a proud jeer?
Where there shouldn't be one you see.
Opportunities missed and untaken risks,
That would help some poor soul on the road.
Would there be those I shun and things left undone,
That would lighten some travelers load.
What would be the cause when I failed to pause,
To kiss away some little child's pain.
Would it be wealth or position or selfish ambition,
Or desire for much personal gain.
And out of my stress in my dash for success,
Would I trample some soul neath my feet?
And seeing their lack, would I still turn my back?
When their needs I could easily meet.
Would I be such a brute in my careless pursuit,
That I blindly would push one away,
Would I hold each one near while they are still here,
Would I love them and hug them each day?
With a wide open mind I am sure I could find,
If my heart would be honest and fair,
I could search hard and long and could find every
wrong,
But each one of them still would be there.
For I can't change any, no matter how many,
For they're still the past don't forget,
But I can live now and show others how,
To live life without any regret.
Live my life for others, my sisters and brothers,
Put others ahead of myself,
Give of heart, soul, and mind, to help all of
man-kind,
Find those things that bring real peace and health.
But there would be some things that from memory
springs,
That I wouldn't change for a minute.
Like a great mom and dad and the family I had,
And the love and acceptance within it.
To be taught right from wrong and a faith that is
strong,
In an infinite almighty God,
For the songs I would sing, yes even the sting,
of His loving but chastening rod.
For the things I've discerned and the truths I have
learned,
As I've journeyed this pathway of life,
For each trial I face, for God's mercy and grace,
That brings peace and assurance midst strife.
And for each one of you, my classmates so true,
And for all the fun times that I had.
For those days long gone by at old Clovis High,
I will always be grateful and glad.
And when my life is done at the setting of sun,
With all troubles and trials surmounted,
Among each tear that is shed, may I hear it said,
That my deeds and my life really counted.
Ken Hammack
1/24/01
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AFTER
When life becomes burdened with worry and woe,
When your body is wracked with pain,
There's so much assurance just to know,
There is always a rainbow after the rain.
When the path that you travel is steep and rough,
And angry the waves upon which you are borne,
To understand this gives courage enough,
There is always sweet calmness after the storm.
When heavy the weight of the midnight hour,
And, troubled, your soul yearns for the light,
It's sweet just to know by God's grace and His
power,
There is always the dawn after the night.
When friends all forsake you and you're on your own,
And you think that there's no one who cares,
Just fall on your knees before God's great white
throne,
There is always an answer after your prayers.
When you suffer the loss of one that you love,
When you can't face another tomorrow,
Just trust in the Christ who will lift you above,
There is always deep peace after each sorrow.
When strength starts to falter and it's hard to
believe,
When your faith seems to be running out,
Just yield to His Spirit, it's fullness receive,
There is always assurance after each doubt.
When you think that you've given all that you can,
When you think hard and heavy's your cross,
Trust in the One who has hold of your hand,
There is always great gain after much loss.
When the tests that you face bring you down to your
knees,
As you travel each long weary mile,
Believe in the Truth which each trusting soul frees,
There is always new strength after each trial.
When your life is through and the prize has been won,
For the deeds and the life you have given,
At the setting of sun may you hear said "well done",
After this life there is heaven.
Ken Hammack
2/06/01
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ROSES AND THORNS
Within each life a candle glows,
To light our way God's lamp adorns,
Within each life there blooms a rose,
Majestic there among the thorns.
Within each life there's bad and good,
For every life in sin is born,
Man did not choose the way he should,
Refused the rose and chose the thorn.
Within each life God pours His grace,
Through Christ, His Son, who suffered scorn,
When on the cross He took our place,
God's precious rose became a thorn.
Within each life God rains His love,
Like dew drops in the early morn,
Refreshing water from above,
That nurtures both the rose and thorn.
Within your life what would you find,
To make you happy or forlorn,
Just always picture in your mind,
The fragrant rose and not the thorn.
Within my life what would there be,
That blesses hearts and strangely warms,
I hope my friends will always see,
Lovely roses instead of thorns.
Ken Hammack
2/12/01
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MY VALENTINE
(Dedicated to my sweetheart and sweethearts
everywhere.)
I hold your love within my eyes,
In them your loveliness will shine,
It's plain to see I've won the prize,
Since you became my valentine.
I hold your love within my arms,
In them, sweetheart, You're sure to find,
Safe harbor from that which alarms,
I cherish you my valentine.
I hold your love within my heart,
Deep down inside I know you're mine,
I've known it from the very start,
When you became my valentine.
I hold your love in this very thought,
In every verse, each word, each line,
Your sweet caress is all I've sought,
From you my little valentine.
Your sweet caress you've always given,
Your tender touch is oh sublime,
You've made my life on earth a heaven,
You're wonderful my valentine.
I've held your love through many years,
I'll hold it till the end of time,
Your love is precious to me dear,
Because you are my valentine.
So on this day that's set aside,
To honor love and hearts that twine,
I see you still my "blushing bride".
You'll always be my valentine.
Ken Hammack
2/13/01
MEMORIES
"God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in
December." - James M. Barrie
Memories are such marvelous things,
Echoes from our distant past,
That gently tug at our heart strings,
Paints precious moments that will last.
Memories are like butterflies,
That fly so softly on the wing,
So lovely as they flutter by,
And cause our hopeful hearts to sing.
Memories bear both good and ill,
They oft come flooding oer the years,
Hark closely and you surely will,
Hear joyful laughter through the tears.
Memories like the morning dew,
Refreshes spirit, mind, and soul,
Turns cloudy skies to azure blue,
Mends broken hearts and makes them whole.
Memories are your steady anchor,
When stormy waves around you roll,
Lifts you up above the rancor,
Buoys safe your battered soul.
Good memories are sure to be there,
They will never fade away,
Just look and you will surely see there,
A bigger, better, brighter day.
Memories are from what you borrow,
When loss of loved ones you must face,
They help you through your pain and sorrow,
Reveal to you God's loving grace.
Memories are like the pretty flowers,
Their fragrant scent we oft remember,
And in our coldest, wintery hours,
Bloom lovely roses in December.
So if some day you're down and out,
Feeling lonely and very blue,
Just journey recollection's route,
And see what memories do for you.
Ken Hammack
3/02/01
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NEW BEGINNINGS
Oft we tire of toil and spinning,
Pilgrims on life's cluttered way,
We desire a new beginning,
A brand new start, a fresh new day.
In both the losing and the winning,
We may find our souls distressed,
Choosing then a new beginning,
Brings us comfort, peace and rest.
When we weary in the striving,
Struggle with our heavy load,
We would seek a fresh reviving,
A respite on life's tedious road.
When we're tossed on seas of sorrow,
Caught beneath grief's undertow,
There's brand new hope in each tomorrow,
The Holy Scriptures tell us so.
While groping thru the midnight hours,
With no light to show the way,
God soon will send refreshing showers,
Dawn will break, just trust and pray.
If your battered spirit's waning,
As you battle fear or pain,
Victory's yours just for the claiming,
In our blessed Savior's name.
When at last this life is finished,
Time for us will be no more,
New beginnings aren't diminished,
On Heaven's golden shore.
Ken Hammack
3/05/01
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A PLACE OF SOLITUDE
There is a place of solitude,
That beckons come within,
Where loneliness does not intrude,
Nor naught of this world's din.
A haven from my busy life,
A place of sweet release,
A refuge from the clamoring strife,
A place to find deep peace.
Oft times I find myself immeshed,
In trivial, mundane fare,
I take the time to be refreshed,
Commune with God in prayer.
And from the fray that oft oppresses,
I'll quickly turn aside,
Leave far behind the fret and stresses,
Within God's solace hide.
And in God's perfect union,
Find fellowship complete,
Partake of sweet communion,
While at my Savior's feet.
Then from that place of solitude,
I boldly will depart,
With mind and soul and strength renewed,
To serve some seeking heart.
And out among the multitude,
When conflicts press me sore,
To this lovely place of solitude,
I will return once more.
Ken Hammack
3/06/01
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MY FRIENDS
I'm thankful for the many friends,
I've made along the way,
To know their friendship never ends,
Means more to me each day.
And if the road be smooth and plain,
Or bumpy be the ride,
In health or sickness, joy or pain,
They stay right by my side.
To lift me up when I am blue,
To help me understand,
In all the little things they do,
They lend a helping hand.
When I look back into the past,
Recall a childhood pal,
Great memories that will always last,
Are even with me now.
We used to romp and laugh and play,
From light till setting sun,
Comrades true in every way,
One for all and all for one.
But time and tides march at a pace,
That quickly moves us on,
To another time, to another place,
Where a new friendship will dawn.
Leaving toys and childhood joys,
I'd grow into my teens,
With thoughts of girls with pretty curls,
And that one "special queen".
At last she came into my life,
With tenderness and care,
And very soon became my wife,
Her love with me she'd share.
But she is more than just a mate,
As our lives together blend,
I think it's absolutely great,
She's also my best friend.
And thru the years there's lots of friends,
Who fondly I recall,
Thanking God for all of them,
And that He would bless them all.
But I have found another friend,
Like Him there is no other,
He will be with me till the end,
Stick closer than a brother.
And when I face death's chilly tide,
As all of us must do,
This friend will be right by my side,
To guide me safely through.
There I'll climb those golden stairs,
And walk on golden streets,
My friends I hope to meet you there,
Our friendship now complete.
Ken Hammack
3/07/01
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A TRANSPARENT LIFE
Oft times I fool my closest friends,
Try to erect some great facade,
But there's a place down deep within,
That's only known to me and God.
I'm often not what others see,
Some times my very life's a fraud,
But in that place of honesty,
My humbled heart "comes clean" with God.
Yes there are some who think I'm neat,
They quickly offer praise and laud,
But there's no place for vain deceit,
When I come face to face with God.
He turns His piercing eyes on me,
Applies His loving, chastening rod,
His mercy, love and grace I see,
As I peer into the face of God.
And in that look my soul is cleansed,
My feet with truth and faith are shod,
So both my family and my friends,
Can see in me the love of God.
Dear Lord, this is my fervent plea,
As oe'r this path of life I trod,
When others look, may they not see me,
But a merciful, forgiving God.
Ken Hammack
3/09/01
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MY RACE
There is a race that I must run,
It was designed by God's own hand,
I cannot stop till it is done,
The finish lines on heaven's strand.
Sometimes the path ahead is clear,
No obstacle or hurdle seen,
Unfettered from the weight of fear,
My step is sure, my vision keen.
Sometimes I soar on eagle's wings,
Surmount the high and lofty place,
My soul is free, my spirit sings,
As I race on at heightened pace.
On the mountain top I'd choose to stay,
Partake of fellowship so sweet,
But His stern and gentle voice will say,
Your race, my child, is not complete.
The wilderness lies just ahead,
Through it you too must pass,
O'er parched dry ground your feet will tread,
Your soul will feel it's fiery blast.
And you must run the valley course,
There your path the shadows shroud,
Your weary heart will feel remorse,
As you pass beneath the darkening cloud.
This is the race God chose for me,
I cannot run this course alone,
His leading, loving hand I'll see,
A guiding light from heaven's throne.
There will be those along the way,
My friends, I know, who really care,
Who'll cheer me on in every way,
And hold me up in every prayer.
And when I near the finish line,
Begin the last lap of my race,
The victory, then, I'll know is mine,
I'll thank God for "Amazing Grace".
And from the grandstand I will hear,
From those with race already done,
A grand and glorious "holy cheer",
My crown of life I've finally won.
Ken Hammack
03/23/01
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You are listening to "On Eagles' Wings"
Author Unknown
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Poetry of Bobbie Burnett, Section 1
Poetry of Bobbie Burnett, Section 2
Poetry of Bobbie Burnett, Section 3
Poetry of Bobbie Burnett, Section 4
Poetry of Bobbie Burnett, Section 5
Poetry of Bobbie Burnett, Section 6
Poetry of Bobbie Burnett, Section 7
Poetry of Everett Steele
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 1
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 2
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 3
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 4
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 5
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 6
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 7
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 8
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 9
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 10
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 11
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Holiday Greetings!
Poetry of Ken Hammack, Section 13
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