What If?

Inspired by Lennon's Imagine....

What if there was no more hate,
No guns or knives or swords?
No violence or anger, rage or rape,
No more such thing as war.
What if there was no more crime,
No dying in the streets?
No more stealing or vandalizing,
No robbers, thieves or cheats?
What if there were no need for jails,
No prisons, just empty cells?
What if convicted women and men
Found peace within themselves.
What if there were no disasters,
No death-tolls from famine or disease?
What if there were no terrorist attacks,
No killing at home or overseas?
What if there were no rich or poor,
No social tension or strain?
What if there were no struggles for,
Political dominance or gain?
What if everyone shared what they had,
Weren't concerned with their own wealth or fame?
What if they gave to those that are sad,
To ease their less fortunate pain?
What if there were no hunger or starvation,
Food hording, destroying or waste?
What if third world countries or nations,
Were afforded more than a taste.
What if every man, woman and child,
Could think for themselves and decide?
What if one's rights were never on trial,
No more suicide or genocide?
What if there existed systems of health care,
Available for everyone?
What if those systems were always there,
For those in need of them?
What if everyone had a nice place to live,
Their own shelter from heat, cold and storms?
Kitchens to cook in, mirrors to look in,
Soft beds to sleep and keep warm?
What if everyone had clothes on their backs,
Hats, coats and comfortable shoes?
What if there were nothing folks lacked,
No more depressing bad news?
What if winning didn't mean everything,
It was okay to have fun and lose?
What if those wronged weren't bent on suing,
Didn't point fingers and accuse?
What if the world joined together and sang,
All at one melodic time?
What if the world's church bells all rang,
In a precisely unified chime.
What if all children laughed and played,
Together in a virtual play-land?
What if musicians all joined for a day
In a worldwide symphonic band?
What if we all had convenient access,
To churches, education and schools?
What if every child were obedient and confessed,
Their respect and abidance toward rules.
What if learning was real, not conceived?
We all could read, write and do math.
Intelligence put there for all to achieve?
So each could create his own path.
What if there wasn't anything at all,
That restricted one's desires and abilities,
To establish one's self and be who we are,
To live happy, healthy and free?
What if the world was just a better place,
Full of love, peace and sweet harmony?
What if we all just became friends,
A one world, global family?
What if it all were suddenly replaced,
With Lennon's Utopian dream?
Wouldn't it be that One better place,
He Imagined so eloquently?
What if mankind could only see,
How perfect that One world could be?

What if it was up to me?

Copyright © May 2010
Kevin Mooney

Today's Just Not The Same

Our 10 year old Labradoodle, Daphne, died suddenly and unexpectedly, this morning. She lived a wonderful life. This is dedicated to her...



I lost a childhood friend today,
One I loved so much.
She was always there for me,
Wanting to be touched.
A loyal friend,
To the end,
I'll miss her very much.

I lost a bit of shadow today,
It's no where to be found.
My world seems somewhat emptier,
With it not around.
There's a pair,
Of empty chairs,
With no familiar sound.

I lost a true companion today,
A loyal, devoted fan.
One I always counted on,
To nudge my idle hand.
No cold, wet nose,
Or cuddles close,
Every now and then.

I lost a piece of me today,
A piece I can't regain.
I pray that she's at peace today,
In her new domain.
It's hard to say,
She's gone away,
Today's just not the same

Sleep well Daph. We'll miss you very much...

Daphne Mooney (March 2002- October 2012)


Copyright © October 2012
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
100412

From Manger To Cross

Once upon a time, many years ago,
A very special child was received.
He was born in a manger with no place to go,
His future and purpose preconceived.

The birth was foretold, by generations old,
In books and psalms from afar.
Those that bore witness had come to behold,
A miracle proclaimed by a star.

Man's future lay, swaddled in hay,
His mission, transgressions to bear.
Surrounded by animals, shepherds and Kings,
With good tidings and gifts brought to share.

Do you suppose that there were those,
That knew who this child would soon be?
The living word, the one that arose,
Sent here to save you and me.

That night in a stable, a child proved able,
To inspire all nations to pray.
A story was cast, one sure to last,
It was proclaimed a glorious day.

Years went past but few people asked,
What became of that fortunate Son?
A man came forth and performed great tasks,
That inspired and astounded everyone.

As it turned out, many learned about,
His ability to heal and foresee.
His fan base grew and many soon knew,
That this was the child of prophecies.

He taught how to give, to love and forgive,
Performed a miracle or two.
He set an example for people to live,
Through suffrage, abuse and solitude.

One day a friend, one loyal to the end,
Pointed him out in a crowd.
Those that he served had forsaken him,
Admonished and cursed him out loud.

He was sentenced die, for no reason why,
He carried his burden upon his back.
His head was adorned with a crown of thorns,
He never complained of what he lacked.

He struggled at times, but managed to climb,
The hill where his cruel fate had led.
He was nailed and tied for committing no crime,
People watched as his hands and feet bled.

They lifted him there, up into the air,
On a cross firmly fixed in the ground.
All he could bear was to suffer and stare,
As onlookers gathered all around.

Many souls left, bereaved and bereft,
Unable to watch or comprehend,
Those that stayed, silently prayed,
That his suffering would eventually end.

When his time came, he offered no blame,
He asked only his Father forgive.
"They knew not their sins or where to begin,
To atone for the lives that they live".

As he died, all mankind cried,
At that moment it began to sink in.
This was that child that years ago lie,
Swaddled with the burden of sin.

That hallowed day, far, far, away,
On the eve of man's eternal cost.
Was when it began, the first Christmas day,
Jesus journey from manger to cross.



Copyright © December 2009
Kevin Mooney

What Christmas Is All About

Anticipation begins and gradually kicks in,
While shopping days wane and disappear.
Excitement blends in and slowly transcends,
As traditions and good tidings reappear.

Children grow restless, as school days dwindle,
Their lists continue to grow.
Moms and Dads spend and find ways to rekindle,
The holiday spirit they know.

Houses are decorated inside and out,
Trees find new ways to glisten.
Mistletoe hangs and stories come out,
As eager ears strain to listen.

December days mount, while parents recount,
Fond memories of past gifts and toys.
Yuletide ghosts greet the heavenly host,
Through time spent together, love and joy.

These days it seems, not everyones' dreams,
Are packaged and adorned with bows.
Those without means go to extremes,
Just for food, shelter and warm clothes.

This winter's eve, try to conceive,
Of those with no gifts to give out.
Help children believe, to give's to receive,
It's what Christmas is all about.



Copyright © December 2009
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
123109

Noel

This is an acrostic...


Two thousand ten years ago,
Heaven reached down to earth.
Everyone there would come to know,
Freedom through one single birth.
Irrespective of color or creed,
Rebirth was offered to all,
Serving witness were Shepherds and Kings,
Transfixed on a child in a stall.
Never before in man's history,
On that first Christmas eve.
Eternal life's solved mystery,
Lay free to those who believe.



Copyright © December 2009
Kevin Mooney

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123109

I Gave My All

I gave my love a flower
In a gesture of chivalry,
I gave the world the power,
That God so blessed in me.
I gave my love a ring,
So she might marry me.
I gave the world my body,
In health and frailty.
I gave my love my seed,
To plant our family tree,
I gave the world 2 sons,
To preserve posterity.
I gave my love my life,
To embrace eternally.
I gave the world all I had,
To face eternity.

I gave my love my hands,
To hold close and lovingly.
I gave the world my eyes,
So a blind person might see.
I gave my love the vision,
Of what true love ought to be.
I gave the world my tongue,
To taste joys bitterly,
I gave my love sensations,
Wrought with sensuality.
I gave the world two lungs,
So those congested can breathe,
I gave my love a lasting breath,
Of fresh air and tranquility.
I gave the world two kidneys,
To cleanse life giving blood.
I gave my love the lasting knowledge,
That she was always my one true love.
I gave the world my heart,
So no other would miss a beat.
I gave my love a cherished life,
Complete and worry free.
I gave the world all my parts,
For those dying terminally.
I gave my love true memories,
To never forget me.
I gave the world all I had,
The day God came for me.


Copyright © December 2009
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
090609

Christmas Tree Haiku

Cone shaped evergreen.
Lots of gifts scattered beneath.
Shining to be seen.

Dressed poignantly proud,
Wrapped in a tinsel lit shroud.
Star worn on its crown

Copyright © December 2009
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
010310

From Manger To Cross

Once upon a time, many years ago,
A very special child was received.
He was born in a manger with no place to go,
His future and purpose preconceived.

The birth was foretold, by generations old,
In books and psalms from afar.
Those that bore witness had come to behold,
A miracle proclaimed by a star.

Man's future lay, swaddled in hay,
His mission, transgressions to bear.
Surrounded by animals, shepherds and Kings,
With good tidings and gifts brought to share.

Do you suppose that there were those,
That knew who this child would soon be?
The living word, the one that arose,
Sent here to save you and me.

That night in a stable, a child proved able,
To inspire all nations to pray.
A story was cast, one sure to last,
It was proclaimed a glorious day.

Years went past but few people asked,
What became of that fortunate Son?
A man came forth and performed great tasks,
That inspired and astounded everyone.

As it turned out, many learned about,
His ability to heal and foresee.
His fan base grew and many soon knew,
That this was the child of prophecies.

He taught how to give, to love and forgive,
Performed a miracle or two.
He set an example for people to live,
Through suffrage, abuse and solitude.

One day a friend, one loyal to the end,
Pointed him out in a crowd.
Those that he served had forsaken him,
Admonished and cursed him out loud.

He was sentenced die, for no reason why,
He carried his burden upon his back.
His head was adorned with a crown of thorns,
He never complained of what he lacked.

He struggled at times, but managed to climb,
The hill where his cruel fate had led.
He was nailed and tied for committing no crime,
People watched as his hands and feet bled.

They lifted him there, up into the air,
On a cross firmly fixed in the ground.
All he could bear was to suffer and stare,
As onlookers gathered all around.

Many souls left, bereaved and bereft,
Unable to watch or comprehend,
Those that stayed, silently prayed,
That his suffering would eventually end.

When his time came, he offered no blame,
He asked only his Father forgive.
"They knew not their sins or where to begin,
To atone for the lives that they live".

As he died, all mankind cried,
At that moment it began to sink in.
This was that child that years ago lie,
Swaddled with the burden of sin.

That hallowed day, far, far, away,
On the eve of man's eternal cost.
Was when it began, the first Christmas day,
Jesus journey from manger to cross.



Copyright © December 2009
Kevin Mooney

As We Gather...

Friends, lets toast another year,
Make the most of what brought us here.
As we gather, united as one,
Spread love and joy to everyone.

Lord give us this day the right to receive,
All the blessings to those that believe.
Should we stray, stumble or fall,
Show us the way to conquer it all.

Your Word is a blessing, a comfort to share,
With those who are lost, spiritually unaware.
A rock to cling to when storms will not cease,
A cornucopia of hope, a formidable feast.

Savor the moment, be vigilant, sincere,
Think of the less fortunate this time of year.
Reach out and touch those that you love,
Honor friends, family and God up above.

Lord give us this day the power to see,
How truly wonderful life can be.
As we gather, bow heads and pray.
Humble ourselves this Glorious Day.




Copyright © November 2009
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
112209

Borrowed Shoes

A child unborn cannot choose,
When life begins? It's win or lose.
To those that believe, its a blessing sent,
To those that can't see, its a detriment.

A newborn entered the world today,
Conceived and borne in the usual way.
A child unable to survive on its own,
In need of love and a stable home.

It had no choice in the hand it was dealt,
No idea of what others' felt.
The blossom of a seed unwantedly sewn,
Helplessly handed to those unknown.

A child can't decipher that which he lacks,
We're all born naked, no clothes on our backs.
Parents and society determine one's choice,
A single child has no vote or voice.

To be showered with gifts and the riches of kings,
Or chastened with poverty and borrowed things.
Given the choice I think most would agree,
Even second hand shoes can be a luxury.

This child was brought up with love and respect,
The kind of nurturing not everyone gets.
It was raised and reared bereft hatred or abuse,
Not a burden or victim, needs never refused.

It grew into a fine human being,
Morally just, despite its beginnings.
Soon it became the envy of most,
A community pillar, source of reputable toasts.

A natural born leader that so many trust,
A political mind, a poll voter's must.
Eventually hailed chief of a sovereign land,
A life fully lived from a birth unplanned.

It just goes to show you that rights misconstrued,
Can shatter a life before its brand new.
All living creatures deserve life if they choose,
Whether they're wanted or someone's bad news.

The choice is easy when one can see,
A life preserved for posterity.
Though impoverished inability may offer an excuse,
Even an unborn child has a life to lose.
Every chance to be proud if only in borrowed shoes.


Copyright © October 2009
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
102409