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Losing…

I just lost again
but it wasn’t really personal
Not like some ones I love
some ones I respect

In all of history
one loser was the most
Mankind did their best
to put him lower than low
Spit? Beat? Humiliate?
Hang naked on a cross on a hill
for all to see him die?

In all of history
he broke the chains
to conquer death
and make a way to heaven
for you
for me
How’s that?

A sister did her best
put herself on the dotted line
and worked and worked to win a post
only to lose
A hard, hard thing.

A short time passing,
she has thanked the Lord
for changing how she’s lived
The winner waded in
and found a swamp so smelly
he’s challenged every day
to keep above the smell
While she invests in little people
grandchildren growing quickly
to spend her retirement grace fully

Now comes a friend
who did his best
if he were a bear he’d be a grizzly!
For over a year
he walked the county
meeting people
making friends
then putting up signs
giving his all
His family pitching in
and walking in parades
speaking warmly of who he is
a man of many talents

And he lost.
Another fellow, got the vote
somehow was considered better
A puzzling thing
to understand
The why of this defeat

Life can be
about the changes
that are hardest to understand
Sometimes it’s because
this is earth
not heaven, we need to know
imperfection is the rule

What may be best
doesn’t happen
It makes a contrast easy
We get a glimpse
of what might have been
what makes far greater sense
But it’s our task
to move on through
to do our best today
This day
It is the day
the Lord has given
and we will rejoice
and be glad in it!

Surrounded by
so many blessings
we scarce can begin to count them
Health, family, those who love us
care for us
lift us up, when the world pushes down

I do believe
we’re more than conquerors
through the love of Jesus Christ
Who knew
really knew
that we are sinners
yet gave his life for us

We respond
by lifting high his banner
by lifting up our heads
to carry on,
and on,
and on
as long as we have life

Lin, post-election, 08

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Losing…Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:05-04:00

Constance June Perry Warfel

Forty five years now,
And counting
Kayper has stood the tests:
High prices; low prices
Too hot; too cold
No electricity; no water
Too much rain; not enough

She has been a rib
Close to my heart
All of the way
Morning, noon, and night
Day after day
Year after year

From coed to gammy
Her counsel’s always firm
In her yes
And in her no
Honesty, integrity, have been her mark
Hard to think
Nigh impossible
To ponder life without her

While shaping my life
She has fostered others
Giving them life
Birthing, feeding, caring

We turn to her
For a listening ear and heart
Trusting in her judgment

Steady
Like a rock
Yet surprising
Both shielding us
And leading us
Through her living example

Best of friends
And so much more
Farm wife
Mother
(now `Gammy’)
Reflecting her mother
Grandmothers too!
She is a prize
And precious!

We raise our thanks
That she is ours
And we are hers!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
For don’t you know
God made her so

05/07

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Constance June Perry WarfelLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:05-04:00

Fallen Runner

Fallen runner
Race done
Race won

So many touches
So many people
Along the way….

Business?
Hundreds
Success!
Young agents trained
Peer fellowship shared

Faith
Looming large
And larger still
Thru it all
Thru it all
He learned to trust in Jesus
Learned to trust in God
Walking his faith

Ah, Ben and Judy
Devoted
One now fallen
Race done
Race won

Selah, Lin 02/08

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Fallen RunnerLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:05-04:00

A Lady Passing

We can’t help it
don’t even want to try
Our eyes fill with tears
and, when we’re in the right places,
we simply cry.

Emotions need to get out
we’re really not made to keep them
in the right places
at the right times
we need to share them

A tightness in the throat
something is gripping us
and tears welling up
then falling like rain
is how we’re made
how we need to be

“In His own image he made them,
male and female He made them’…
So a part of God
is in each one of us
Mysteries do abound
and mothers were there
from the beginning

The ability to conceive a child
carry them in secret
birth them into a crying world
nurture them until they stand
until they walk away some day
Then rejoice in their parenting
while caring for parents

In a mother’s arms
in a mother’s heart
we live as long as she,
right there, intimately
breathes, touches

Someday, we know,
she’ll slip away from earth
but remain
in the arms of our memories
in the heart of our hearts

Rest in peace
mom

In Remembrance of June Lincicome, mom
March 28, 2008

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A Lady PassingLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:11-04:00

Permission

An extraordinary thing
happened along my way
I caught another glimpse of God
This is how it happened:

I sat in church
my beloved close beside me
I watched a family
two rows in front
sitting close together
father, mother, young son at ease
the father put his arm
around his beloved’s shoulders
(again, a common sort of thing in church)
and then the son
aged six or so
reached high for him
and put his little arm around his mom too

Permission shone
to all who saw
to all who drank it in

Permission is a God blessed gift
precious beyond measure

God the father
Awesome God
stretches us so greatly
can be intimidating
(and maybe should be)

Then Jesus comes along
but in a gentle way
extends his nail scarred hands to us
It’s up to us to take them
-sense permission here?-
to join Him or walk our way

If we do
a journey’s born
another pathway taken
doors begin to open
to places not before seen

We can come into His house
call upon His name
and worship Him
Our eyes begin to see
more clearly
Our ears begin to listen
more deeply
Understanding grows
Permission flows
communion is shared

Permission to come to God
happens…

Selah,
Lin 07/06

To Matt, Annie, Israel and Noah

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PermissionLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:11-04:00

In Remembrance*

In remembrance of Him
I tore a piece from the loaf
an emblem of a will
greater than sorrow
greater than sin

In remembrance of Him
I lifted a cup to my lips
an emblem of life
poured out for us…, for me

Not my will, but thine, He said
then submitted himself to die

In remembrance of Sharon
words of love were spoken
recognition of a life invested
caring for Christ
caring for others

In peace, she slipped from this life
to a place prepared for her
promised, by a waiting Savior

Her will, at last, became perfectly His
and she is in His presence, forever

Grace like Rain, by Todd Agnew

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
was blind, but now I see clearly

Hallelujah, grace like rain, falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains, are washed away, washed away

Twas grace that taught, my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed

Hallelujah, grace like rain, falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains, are washed away, washed away

*In remembrance of Sharon Garrett

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In Remembrance*Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:12-04:00

I have walked among you*

I have walked among you
some dozen years now
learned your faces
know your voices
can call your names

I’ve heard you speak your passions
seen you walk the lines
of reaching out to help
I know your heart to serve

Together, we have sought out wisdom
invited in, listened to and questioned
the best and brightest in the land
who ply themselves to understand

Together, too, we’ve helped to build
I’ve seen your courage
know your metal
watched you taking action

There’s more to come
change, adapt our middle name
lead is what it’s about

Walking together
speaking our passions
searching out wisdom
changing, adapting, acting
we’ll challenge the mountains
and by God’s grace move them…

My best to you!

*In accepting ICCTA’s Ray Hartstein Trustee Achievement Award,
Lin Warfel quoted from his own poem “I have walked among you”

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I have walked among you*Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:12-04:00

Living Love

I know a piece of love
I’ve read of it in books
Other people know about it
books tell their stories

I know a piece of love
I’ve seen some people wear it
they move in gracious ways
blessing those around them

I know a piece of love
I’ve heard the songs proclaim it
men, women, using words
that circle round about it

It seems that love can build
each age bricks and mortar
strange walls go up
strong, yet allowing passing through
All through life a building
marriage, children, grandchildren
caring for parents
Just when one reaches the top
looking back we see
creation is speaking through the times

For God so loved the world
that he gave his only son
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish
but have eternal life*

Lin 04/09

*John 3:16

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Living LoveLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:12-04:00

Hats Off…

It’s that time of year, of course,
when farmers gather, ponder
Ever notice a row of signs
along a field of corn?

Company names
in bright catching colors
with numbers and letters all different
A closer look
shows some differences
in height or breadth or color

They’re different hybrids
the result of skills
applied to ‘make it better’
The latest offerings
on display
for farmer’s choice, selection

Just last eve
I attended a session
where company offerings were touted
Their very best
all growing nicely
preached about to us
Me, and my fellow farmers

The study done,
we marched to a tent
where good food was awaiting
A smiling crew
all prepared
to fee the hungry fellows.

And then it happened
a moment so choice
poignant to be certain
“Let’s have a blessing”
said our host
and the caps came off
just like that.

No one said
take off your hats
No one said
bow your heads

The hats came off
the heads went down
work seasoned hands were folded
Boys and young lads
dads and grandpas
as one joined in the quiet
A simple prayer was offered.

I love those people
I’m one of them
Oh yes, we have some questions,
but we know whom
we have believed
and who is able
to keep that
which we’ve committed
against that day.

We know
His eye is on the sparrow
we know
He watches us

We walk in His shadows
we walk in His light
Day after day
throughout our lives
we live in deep communion
We are small
and we know it
He transcends
and He shows it

Yes, our hats come off
for those moments
and then come back on
There’s work to do
and we’ll do it

Enjoy your food
the best the world has known
It’s waiting there for you
Savor the Father
and the Son
the best the world has known
they’re waiting, patiently,
for you….

Lin 08/09

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Hats Off…Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:13-04:00

Music for the Soul

Andy Williams crooning
about the season ‘wonderfull’
Bach and Brahms and Mendelsohn
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords
Forever, forever, forever

Silent Night, Holy Night…
So many artists
putting their arms around what happened
stretching, stretching, stretching
to reach a tiny baby
put it in perspective….

So here we are
two thousand years passing
putting our arms around what happened
and wondering

Wandering?
Ah, a song about that too!

I go for the wonder!
The awesome human attempts
to re-create the wonder, the majesty
that came to us
to each one who looks up
to each one with room at their ‘in’
to stretch, to reach
and put our arms around Him

We know we’re too small
much too small
Like our grand daughter
who tries to put her little arms around me
laughing and loving
full of life, she tries,
but relies on me
to swoop her up
and put my arms around her

Then she can put her arms
around my neck and squeeze
holding tight
“I love you grandpa!”

So we come to God, this season
knowing we’re too small
And God knowing
sent the baby
we can put our arms around
and begin
to know a bit of God….

Merry Christmas, Lin 09

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Music for the SoulLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:13-04:00

Lady

Words can wear such differing clothes
Indeed
Some are mountain top experiences
One leaps to mind, for those who love Him,
Jesus
Another word has grown as I have
that would be the title ‘Lady’

Sure, she can be a queen
but the word is much larger, not confined
held captive by parentage, nobility
and, Sure,
“In the beginning, He created them.
Male and female he created them.
In His own image, He created them.”

Lady brings together
beauty
mystery
complexity
class
poise
female
and often, mother

Seems men are sort of simple
although they have their ways
Gentleman is welcomed too,
but Lady deserves a pause, reflection
for what she brings to us

She softens the world
sculpting away sharp edges
her hands, her touches,
her knowing looks
smiles and frowns
and questioning expressions
link us to still waters
green pastures
home

And then,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
she has a baby!

Lift your glass with me
to give a toast to those
who rise so high and stay there:
“Lady”!

Lin 10/2011

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LadyLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:13-04:00

Hand in Hand

Lots of memories
as a little lad
my hand captured in mom’s
No doubt, no hesitation
I was ‘in good hands’…

City streets
streaming traffic
mom and I on the curb
Her hand tight on mine
I was her prize
but you know what?
She was mine…too!
I just hadn’t thought about it yet

Years in passing
teen years came
and a girl became a girl
Beautiful smile
energetic lass
could run and throw and catch
but a switch was thrown
and things were different
one day I held her hand
others giggled
LW + JB
she smiled

Days rushed past
a surprise coke date
a lady become someone special
very special
and more special
offered her hand to mine
as long as life shall last

The proffered hand
unfettered, free
has value off the scale
mothers hand, fathers hand,
lover forever’s hand
The hand of God, hovering over us

And along came Jesus, man
a hand to children
to friends
to all who come to Him
reaching out
becoming closer than a brother
becoming father and mother
walking with us
holding our hand, always

Albrecht Durer’s sculpted hands
betende hande
symbol of giving, done
May our hands, my hands,
do as well

Take my hand?

Lin 1/2011

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Hand in HandLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:13-04:00

How Cold Is It?

Depends, I suppose!
Grandad and I
stood on deck
Antarctica 91
Icebergs ringed our spot
penguins checked us out
Warm, summer, you see,
at zero or there abouts….

Fluffy the cat
with two inches plus
of thick luxurious fur
prefers the outside
instead of my shop
heated to 45

Enter me
bundled to nines
toes and fingers still cold
as I climb a ladder
to check a bin
breath blowing fog
eyeglasses steamed
Starting a truck
uh, uh, uh,
kerboom!
Ker chug chug chug
It spits and coughs
then evens out
but starting, none the less

Then there’s big diesels
oil like tar
fuel at risk of jelling
that just wait for spring
or warmer days
No problem sitting quiet

I remember times
we milked some cows
early morning and evening chores
I sat on a stool
and milked away
my head warming from the flank
and my hands warmed by teats like toast!
The milk steamed
in the ice cold pail
as I carried two to the house
The basement was warm
from a giant coal furnace
as Grandma ‘separated’ cream

We had an axe
we chopped the ice
from the horse tank every morning
Then the cows drank deeply
40 gallons per daily
amazing to see them slurp!

One time in economizing
grandpa got some hay
spoiled, useless, some fellow thought
so grandpa got it free
We heated water
and heated sorghum
mixing the two together
then poured it on
the nasty hay
and watched the cattle woof it!
Problem was
our pants got stiff!
Would stand up in the basement
without us in them!
Ever walk
in frozen pants
and hear them crack and crackle?

There was a time
when cold winds blew
and snow became a blizzard
The sheep were lambing
so I went
to help them through their labor
I couldn’t see
a hundred feet
or even 15 maybe
I hung on to
the pasture fence
to go and find the barn
Once inside
it seemed so toastie
and lambs were born somehow
I helped the mamas
dry them off
then watched the lambs stand up
BAAAAAAAA
(Momma!)
(I’m hungry! Really I am!)
Amazing what can happen

Reminds me of
another story
when settlers first had houses

Grandma served
as a neighborhood deliverer
more common than a doctor
Reifstecks’s lived
across the section
their house a rough affair
One winter day,
a baby came
to a cold, cold room
blankets catching snow
but still he came
that little fellow
who lived to 79!
Again amazing
how we cope

What good’s the cold
you well might wonder now?
It kills the bugs
that eat our crops
and kills the funji
that would kill plants too
For that we must give thanks!

Cold’s a blessing
can’t you see?
So hunker down and dream
of springtime sun
and summer breezes
they’ll soon be on their way
We’ve turned a corner
(winter solstice)
so days will start to linger
each day longer
into summer
just hang on!
The weather’ll change
in just another slumber !

Lin, 12/08
Think “Global Warming’!

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How Cold Is It?Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:13-04:00

Summer Frost

The early morning sun
is shining down on me
It’s my last day of planting
and I’m thinking about frost!

Why would I do that
on such a warm sunny day?
Ah, the years have taught me well
in sometimes cruel, sometimes harsh ways
Be ready for weather
surprise is up nature’s sleeves
I’ve been there! Seen that!
September frost does happen….

Back in ’74
or there abouts I think
just south the house
stood a fine field of beans
chest high, record yielding, I thought
Evening on the patio
I gazed across the field
the breezes waved the field
like on some distant shore
Maybe best ever, I thought,
then turned away to suppers call
and time to play with kids

Night time brought coolness
then a cold front passed through
dawn I looked again
frost sparkled like diamonds
on the sea of emerald green
As the hours passed
the color darkened
and darkened more
until the whole field was black!
Arrested! Killed! the plants were dead!

From sixty bushels to six
in those few hours happened
Money all spent
on seed and fuel and machines
my year’s pay shrunk
my wallet very flat

We study and we plan
to maximize returns
then we gamble
trust, some say,
and plant another crop
It’s all part
of the farming adventure
not for weak of heart!

Like the Shakers
our hands we give to work
and hearts we give to God
For we are so small
and get reminders
this is earth, not heaven!
Perfection’s not for here
but there is a place
awaiting us
the choice is ours to make…

Lin 06/08

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Summer FrostLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:14-04:00

Planting Time

The planted field
is a thing of beauty
Rich soil combed
in rows so straight
a blanket of seeds
just beneath the surface
Soon the sprout
will break the surface
drinking in the sunshine
Roots branching
winding a finding their ways deeper
drawing water and nourishment
the crop is growing

A hungry world is watching
Oh come, harvest come!
Feed the nations!
One more time!

Selah, Lin 06/08

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Planting TimeLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:14-04:00

Dancing with the Wind

Doctors have their ways
to lead down strange paths
Where our minds work on ice
slipping and sliding on slippery slopes

Awake, but not really,
connecting dots is hard
needles come and go
tv’s show their paths
moving in very private places

Nurses pay us tention
knowing what to do
and when
and why
and where
and then
Doctors pop in and out
Stars of stage and screens
Skills hard to imagine
in their hands and brains
Tools hard to imagine
extend their reach
harm us less
and speed the way to recovery

All in all
mysteries abound
that healing can occur
in ways undreamed til now
and yet there’s more to come

But for now
we’ll say our thanks
and do our best
to do as doctors say
Life is precious
we know
even more
we know

Lin, to Andy, post op 03/08

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Dancing with the WindLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:14-04:00

From See to Shining See

Early morning finds me
out standing in a field
What I see amazes me
amazes me

What was, just weeks ago,
winters’ spoilage covering
the browns and tans and grays
has come to be another color
speaking growth and life and promise.

As far as I can see
a blanket of greens has covered
the fields we farmers plant
The early morning dew
the bright and shining sun
make a sparkling, shining sea
of maize and soybeans growing.
Gentle breezes blowing
cause the leaves to wave

Oh, what promise is showing
of what there is to come

In a hundred days or so
this blanket will have run its course
a hidden switch will throw
and back to browns and tans we’ll go
the harvest will begin.

Where one tiny seed was planted
the tall corn plant will be
five hundred seeds will wait
to be food, fibre, fuel
For now it is for us to pleasure
to see what God has done
We tilled and planted sure
but God created life

Tiny seed, tiny egg
with amazing living potential
Will we plant them
Will we let them grow
Care for them
Love them

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From See to Shining SeeLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:14-04:00

Days of Rain

It’s November
yet the grass
is springtime lush
fresh mowed lawns
look e’er so new
and yet I know
around the corner
a cold wind comes our way
so saw the firewood
keep it dry
for the day that’s coming

We see so dimly
take a seed
that looks so plain and lifeless
a handful, a sackful, not impressive
just lying there so lifeless
like the soil
our present eyes
see not beneath
the covers
there’s life therein, you see
waiting for us to discover
whether towering oak
or fields of corn
the seeds are tied together
deep inside
the genes have codes
that fit together neatly
bring together
circumstances
and life bursts forth

Another day
long ago
the wisest man instructed
“Be born again”
a silly thing to utter
Yet He knew
the codes yet secret
the mysteries deep inside
a seed…
…and me
waiting to be discovered

Grass and seeds and me
all bound together somehow
we’re digging deeper, higher, wider
all a seeming struggle
the picture still a window
shadowed, but growing brighter
Some day, the Good Book says
we’ll suddenly see clearly
this I understand

November 04 Lin

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Days of RainLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:14-04:00

Early Morning Darkness

In early morning darkness
there’s soft, pattering rain
striking cold glass windows
winter, calling again

Winds whisper gently
“You need this”.
Soils will soak it in
hold it
for summer’s plants
to gain
and surge
to harvests plenty

Gray light yields
more gray and black
leafless trees
etched in ink
road lines all laid out
shining strips across the fields
light poles straight and tall
stern, it is
this gray and black
But all of us are knowing
we’re but a tiny way
from blazing white profusion

So for this morning, Saturday,
we’ll snooze a little longer
Waiting for
a quiet time
when rain has called a halt
then we’ll feed the cats
and claim the day
in luxury perusing
papers, books, and antique malls
a movie if we’re choosing

The gray today
is nature’s way
of layering a painting
Tis only priming
don’t you see
not finished landscape coming

Lin 11/04

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Early Morning DarknessLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:14-04:00

Waiting for Rain

A summer afternoon
some weeks with little rain
the sky darkened in the west
Rows of corn and soybeans stand
wait
vulnerable
No choice have they
on weather serves
they simply, purely, wait
With me and friends
oh we talk about
chew eschew
wait also
But we watch the sky
ponder the clouds
check the radars and the net
Our churches join to pray
daily, we do too
and wait

Lin 05/05

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Waiting for RainLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:15-04:00

Scattered Thunderstorms

The corn curls and spikes in thirst
the soybeans barely grow
cracks appear in the parched soil
We know, we sense
their mindless cry for water

The weatherfolk make their commentaries
about the lack of rain
the market masters spin their webs
and make their largest gains
but the farmer and his family
look to the skies in vain
“I need rain.”

His savings are all out there
in seed and fuel and plant food
in machines and labor out there
waiting to see what comes
For some, their lives are out there
there is no other plan
no crop, no money, no farm next year
“I need rain”, says he…

Small wonder farmers pray
they know their helpless state
no politician makes it rain
Simply God, knows what’s at stake
and moves, wonders to perform

The stars align, the oceans roar
the thunder and the lightning come
but rain, so welcome,
is what we pray for
two inches!

Selah

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Scattered ThunderstormsLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:15-04:00

Drought

The plants and I
study the sky
hoping, thinking: Rain
Seeing naught but blue
from north to south
east to west and
high as eye can see

Not today
the message says
will rain, gentle rain
give drink to plants and me
we’ll have to wait

The timings not ours
we control it not
in any way or form
it’s but our lot
to watch
to wait
to know

His eye is on the sparrow
I know He watches me
to see what I will do
how I will act responding
to challenges built, created ‘in’
the world that does surround us

Study there
reveals a plan
created beauty and complexity
discovery unlimited in creation
limited only by my and our uncovering
We build a dam
and send the water
to flood the fields and grow
plants in deserts
food abundant
We study all the plants
and codify, modify,
bend to our current purpose
We fertilize, we chemical
we fan the genes to marvel
what we’ve ‘created’
(really discover)
only to come back

To watch the sky
my plants and I
to hoping
thinking
rain

Lin 06/05

015

DroughtLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:15-04:00

A Summer Passing

A summer passing
with scant rain coming
drizzles and dew
and those not often
the warm sun drying
soil and plants

Forecasts promising
but rain not happening
the days turn into weeks
while farm folks watch
and farm folks pray
and folks with yards and gardens
use their sprinklers often
then they watch too
for signs of rains
and note the forecasts promising

Thirty percent, forty percent
fifty and sixty too
still not much happens
and the soil dries further
the plants begin to wither

The wife in garden
I on mower
watched the skies begin to darken
we talked to God
and kept one eye
to wait and see what happened
First a sprinkle
then big splashing drops
(good omen, to be sure)
then finally heavens opened
and like a blessed shower bath
waves of rain poured down
Wet, but not caring,
I headed for shelter
as wife headed for the porch swing
The rain kept up
as did our thanksgiving
and soon the puddles formed
first time in weeks, no months
we’d seen the puddles
oh what joy we felt!

Wife sat and swung
while warm tears ran
thanks and happiness flowed
Of course we hugged
and thanked some more

Farmers, nature, and God
living close
knowing each other
happy to be alive
and see the rain
smell the rain
feel the rain
again

Lin 07/05 A half inch…

014

A Summer PassingLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:15-04:00

Thunder Rumbles

Thunder rumbles
but shies away
somehow having lost its way
to my front step
my whole farm

Its sister rain
is hiding too
as thunder teases us
raindrops fall
other places
succoring thirsty plants

How does this work?
we are led to ponder
the pathways thunder takes
the byways rain does course

I, like neighbors, listen
watch
and wait for rain

What’s in this mystery
created within
about the ways of rain
why does it fall, and not
on very certain places

Are we to think
we can direct
the great grand forces of nature?
Indeed, it brings us back
to “What is man, that Thou are mindful of him?”

Drought summer 2005

012

Thunder RumblesLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:15-04:00

The Rain Came…Late

September found us
hot and dry
thirsty people
thirst crops
thirsty lawns, flora and fauna
Drought, they called it
and there we were
United there
town and gown
and country folk
farmers and sidewalk pounders alike

And then the rains came
soft and gentle
soothing all
the crops and people
great full thank full
once again
the grass was green
the crops did what they could
their season was ending
for some was over
but on that final edge
the crops drank in
did what they could
to yield their fruits for us

Farmers have
a lot of habits
maybe in our genes
but in our culture
One habit being
in three dimensions:
remember back
bout previous years
study what’s at hand
and plan for next year
always three
Tuned in to nature
God’s creation
the picture always in motion

So, we harvest with mud
meet the challenge
happy to think ‘next year’
This rain is part
of next year’s plan
which started in past summer

The rain came late,
but early too
Now winter’s cold is coming
and we must run
to do our best
harvest what we have
Squeeze it for good prices
Soon to settle in
beside our hearth
and swap our cherished surmises!

Lin 09/08

011

The Rain Came…LateLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:15-04:00

Summer Rain*

Across the midwest prairies
the summer rains come and go
A lightning show
with rolling thunder
clouds piled higher than mountains
and winds that gust
all bow down to rain

When plants and people
begin to notice
supply is running low
they pause, look up,
are reminded
how small our efforts are
The lightning, thunder,
clouds and wind
are out of our control
So too, is rain
whether more or less
we can ask
that’s all

Interesting that,
the Good Book says,
God caused a mist to rise up
then created rain
followed by plants and…man

In the communion therein
we live today
rain, and plants, and man
to watch, and grow, and be

Oh, study, yes we do,
and often do discover
hidden layers of creation
only to find
another layer
and another

I do agree
with Preacher Nygren
wherever we focus
study deeper and deeper
it leads us back to God

Let us be tender
with plants and people
let us be tender towards rain
and let us be tender
towards the God
who sends it
again
and again

The thunder rolls
across the prairie
The sky is darkened blue and gray

Rain begins to fall
dancing on the sidewalk
playing a tune on the metal shop roof
It soaks the rich black soil
bringing to a sheen and shine
the gift of earth and life.

Water draws us all together
in many different ways
each human has to have it
indeed it’s part of our conception
and pre-birth in the womb
And we need it, use, daily all our lives.

When raindrops fall
to cover all
We need some recognition
I urge you pause
reflect
and celebrate
the gift of earth and life….

Romans: 1:20

*Lin 04/06

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Summer Rain*Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:16-04:00

See The Children

In the whirling world of work
it’s so easy to stop and watch
but so seldom done…

Children, around the world,
at play, no matter where
adapting to their place
some climbing trees
(to read a book, or play Tarzan/Jane)
some running, chasing
a bird, a bee, a butterfly
or a dog or cat perhaps

Sometimes serious
sometimes so happy
their laughter fills the air
Grandparents get to watch

A comfortable chair
in a spot of shade
no hurry to go or do
just watch, and savor
little ones right now
knowing, they will grow quickly

Maybe they are our gauge
of how things really are
like the butterflies
so dependent on a just so environment
they reflect the good and bad
honest to the core

Some live in hunger
some are just plain fat
some are stuck inside
glued to screens of various sorts
and some are out and playing

“Imagination. More powerful than knowledge”
Einstein said a while ago….
And that is where the small ones live.
A bedroom monster
under the bed
Harry Potter
flying in their heads
Good angels, bad angels
far away places
where it snows in summer
or planes fly so high
or ships plough the waters
and it’s okay to ask,
some hundred million times:
“Why?”

Somewhere in our world
we need that chair
that shady spot
to sit down and watch
to study and see
all the world’s children
How are they doin?
And do our best
to keep the good things
and work to fix
what could be better.

Selah, Lin 07/08

009

See The ChildrenLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:16-04:00

First Day of the Week

Let the week begin again!
The garbage man just came!
The dumpster of living refuse gone
I can begin again, dear Finnigin!
Through the week I toil and sweat
fixing this and that
making and building all sorts of things
and then there’s ‘stuff left over
Flotsum jetsum whatever you call
it things not worthy of keep
so into the dumpster they go
perhaps ‘the American Way’

In the simple ways
of long ago
or Amish living today
recycling goes on daily
with only a squeal left over
Experience is a teacher
when food fiber and fuel are scarce
things get used and used again
‘then fixed for almost forever

Not so, in America today,
we build to throw away
when the shine comes off
We enshrine in plastic
more and more
then buy strong shears
to break the box
throwing more away

The earth opens up
and swallows the trash
in gulps ever growing larger
Trash haulers love us
get bigger trucks
compactors on wheels
streaming our alleys daily
We’re tidy, though,
by eventide
the refuse is covered up
valleys full
we just move on
trains and barges rolling out
farther and farther from the towns
I love my dumpster
I don’t want to think
about the enormity of it all
the garbage heap
the garbage mountain
the earth becoming level
valleys gone
all filled up
with the refuse of us all.

Lin 07/08

007

First Day of the WeekLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:16-04:00

Bread and Soil…

Somewhere a man, woman kneads a pile of dough Ingredients measured
all created
mixed together just right Water, flour, yeast
joining chemistry together as the hands, the fingers, roll and squeeze and shape roll and squeeze and shape

Somewhere a man, a woman
kneads some special soil
Ingredients measured
all created
mixed together just right
joining chemistry together
the hands, the fingers, knead and mix
knead and mix
preparing for seeds or flower

As time goes by
secrets unfold
at first we watch
but then dig deeper
“What happens when…”?
We want to know
Tools are born to help us
Magnify, more and more
we gaze ever deeper, deeper
discovering more, seeking more
the things that are there,were there
all the time
We see patterns – created? designed?
Finer and finer we study’
each discovery a ‘wow’!

So we have some stories coming through the ages: “I am the bread of life.” and this from the beginning: “The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life
and man became a living being.”

What is it draws mankind to the soil again?
What deep down longing’s satisfied in
kneading, shaping, soil or bread planting seed or flower?

We wonder.
Fresh baked bread aroma…
Summer rain on garden soil…
We touch the warm brown crust
We hold a fruit or flower
Enfold a tiny child to us?

Glimpses come
then whisk away
Little bits of heaven?
Is there somewhere, ‘out there’?
It all is brought together:
Instead of ‘seeing through a glass dimly’
We’ll see all, face to face…

Lin 1/3/09

006

Bread and Soil…Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:16-04:00

Capturing

Capturing
a thousand little pictures
of people growing up
Thoughts
Actions
Smiles and frowns
Quizzical
‘Thinking’
The pictures slip on past
some, hopefully captured
in still frames on some paper

Who knows?
Some day they might be captured on pages of the months
riding atop some 35 squares the month and year somewhere

Captured better
in a mother’s heart on pages written well
Sculpted like the little ones in mind and body, spirit too Forever in each other
precious
molding the meaning of life
Happy New Year, mom!

Grandpa W.
1/09

005

CapturingLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:16-04:00

Strange Brew

“Tis a strange brew we are we humans
We struggle to stay dry in rain and dew and humidity
Then jump into a pool or lake or gulf or ocean
We snuggle in our beds delighting in a bit more sleep then rise, stiff and sore from staying there too long
We spend a lot of time a lot of money too
for entertainment big and small that disappears like magic
A really fine dinner finished the last piece of an apple pie is certainly the best piece ever so we pause, debating, “Do I eat it now?”
Eliminating suspense, or do the logical thing
and leave it ’til I’m hungry?
A man and woman marry
and spend the years a talkin’
observing, reflecting, commenting about
a thousand million things
Then reach a time of silence
just sitting with each other
passing memories between each other
somehow without talking
their spirits having become one

Indeed we are a strange brew
body, mind, and spirit
a chip
one might say
off the old block
on a journey measured
by a little piece of time
The body made from dust will one day return to same
the mind may leave a trail in pages pictures kept
the spirit moves into another realm about which we get but glimpses
Loving long
becoming one with another may be one page, one picture of that spirit world we go to
All I know for certain is that it is good to wonder
Selah, Lin 09/08

004

Strange BrewLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:16-04:00

Riding on the Wings

Riding on the wings of prayer
can make some tough trips smoother
Somehow things go better
riding on the wings of prayer

I know it’s so, you see,
as I recently did
Drove fourteen hundred miles
smoother than you can believe

Concern, big time,
was in the seat beside me
A big thing, concern
about a daughter being challenged
‘Auto-immune disease’
the doctors call it
and indeed it is a challenge
a lot of “I don’t know’ in there

Mile after mile, I went
wide awake and alert
hour after hour, I went
moving with the traffic

Now, I’m a farmer,
so I drive a lot
most of it 5 miles per
So thruway speeds
are exhilarating
and the scenery constantly changing
not like a half mile field.

As time goes by
sleepy is normal
so my feet go up
and I quick nap
especially after lunch

Not so, riding on wings
prayer lifting me up
I’m wide awake and alert!

But wait, there’s more!
Indeed, God answers prayer!
At journey’s end
He is there and we realize
He was there, all of the time!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
and thanksgiving to those who pray
lifting us up, so we can
ride on the wings of prayer.

Selah, Lin 5/10

003

Riding on the WingsLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:17-04:00

Tall, Tall Cotton

Once a year
a strange thing happens
Men wear gowns
as well as women

Cued they come to take their seats
Strange hats with tassels
gowns all pressed just so
The end of a journey, they sit

Dignitaries gather
up high on a stage
Folks with titles
Offices gained
they look upon the graduates
they look upon the families and friends

Tall, tall cotton graduation day
graduation ceremonies
Lifetime memories marking

Time was,
I wore the gowns
graduated
but I came back
to do it again, and again

Maybe 40 more or so
I’ve been there
now on the officer side
Trustee
Chairman of the Board
I shake their hands
“Congratulations!”
“Well done!” I say.
Four hundred at a clip.

Of all these times
one stands out
with very special meaning.

There is a young lady
I watched grow up
along with siblings three
Actually, I remember her parents getting married
It’s been a while ago….

Beautiful child
beautiful young lady
but that’s not half the story

Inside, she transcends
beyond the thousands I’ve seen
She is tall, tall cotton

Now I’m a farmer
to be sure
Growing crops for 50 years
I know what happens
to grow a crop
the things that come together
must
to get to that point
when the growing crop
is splendid
just before the harvest
Thinking, planning, doing,
working hard and tending
sticking with it, thick or thin
and then, sometimes,
it happens:
Tall, tall cotton

Came together
a thousand things
Blessing and my work
A joy to be noted
the special crop
the abundant harvest done

So she came, Suzanna,
across the stage that evening
Yes, beautiful young lady, outside,
but oh the measure inside
Tall, tall cotton
crossing the stage
shaking the hands proffered
Diploma signed, sealed, now delivered
“Congratulations!”
“Well done!”
Hugs to follow soon.

For just that moment
I got to share
with that field of tall, tall cotton
I’ll remember, cherish
the graduate
who moved the bar so high
so few will ever reach it

Selah, Lin 5/10

002

Tall, Tall CottonLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:17-04:00

After the Storm

Yes, the wind did howl and roar
the trees shook and pieces of leaves flew
branches broke and came crashing down
barn doors bent and strained against the strength
lightning crashed and thrashed about
stinging particular areas
leaving chunks of bark
scattered far
and an electric smell particular
thunder rolled and rumbled loud
then rumbled loudly again
at last
rain soaked world
was quiet again
and the sun came out so clear, so bright

I walk the farmstead
survey the fields
the wet grass soaks my shoes
and mud, sweet mud is all around
I could almost hear
the thirsty plants
drinking deeply the fine cool water
the air rich
with cleansed aroma
and the world right again
balance
as we crave it
comes between
the rain and drought and keeps us
on our toes, or on our knees
in humble adoration
of the beauty, of creation
oh, how awesome!

Lin 07/05

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After the StormLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:17-04:00

The Olde Barn

Great grandpa’s day,
a first on the farm
was the income producer the proud new barn

Rising stick by stick
skilled hands hewed, pegged
put together the skeleton
then roof and siding and more
a little room for tack
a little room for special feed
a little room for tools and a vice
stanchions for the cows
who would stand and munch while we milked
and a giant space for hay

Oh the memories piling with the hay!

Playing in the mountain
with grandpa far below
a fell into a cavity
I could see the top way up
and yelled for grandpa
He heard me and came quickly
dropping a rope down to me
pulling me up and out
(I still get claustrophobic!)

Another time I climbed the ladder
to throw down hay for the cows
just about dark, it was
As I reached the upper floor
two red beady eyes,
and a big mouth of sharp teeth greeted me
I yelled and raced down and out
to grandpa’s laughter
A possum had run me off!

Another time I tried to help
Grandpa had a brand new pitchfork
he only had half broken tools
I was working with the hay
most awkwardly
the handle being for a grown man
and me but a small boy
So I used my brain and thought
“Saw in the tool room, vice to hold the handle”
and I cut the handle to my size.

Grandpa was apoplectic
but never said a word
’cause my motive was pure-
it was for WORK
a religion of sorts.

The stories are many
I sure could go on
about life in the barn
I need to write that
for the grandchildren?

A hundred ten years have passed
since great grandpa worked there
and now, now,
the barn can’t be used
doesn’t fit what we do
and is gonna come down

A giant machine will come
and with a great iron hand
swing and bang and bring it down
to a sad, sad pile of sticks
Yes, we’ll recycle, as much as we can

Soon it will be
like a spent party balloon
laying, waiting
to be sorted out and gone
The party is over
but the party goes on
just in another way

Good bye, old friend
you served ever so well
but you, too, must return
to the soil from which you came.
Lin 11/2011

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The Olde BarnLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:17-04:00

Memorial Day

American Flags
red white and blue
fluttering in the breezes
Moments of crowd silence
the taps mournfully playing
Throats tighten
tears begin to flow
as memories of loved ones flood
as we look upon long lines
of white tombstones stretching
across the rolling hills

Freedom is not free
though for me and thee
it can be not costly
for we are here
to live our lives in prices paid
by these, the fallen, on our behalf

Walking past the tombstones
the dates call out the places
where men traveled, then fought and fell
to speak no more
to touch no more
to begin to lose their faces
Can we remember, see them smiling?
Less and less we see
that they were little babies
nursing at their mother’s breasts
They were students learning, graduating
surging out across life’s oceans
making their way in the larger world

Now they lay
quiet
forever

What can we learn
from memories sweet
cherished loved ones there
what can we share
that has some meaning
for the pain they bore?

Life is precious
on that we need reflect
affirm it strongly
lift it up in prayer
Resolve
to do our part
each one
to honor sacrifice
on our behalf
that it not be in vain.

Lin Memorial Day 08

032

Memorial DayLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:17-04:00

The Sun Comes Up

The psalms often end
with the word “Selah”
It is thought to mean
‘the orchestra comes up’

Behind the scenes
music is playing
ever so softly
background notes

Is it not so
often in our lives
when the times are tough
when the days are dark
the sun comes up
and the orchestra
that was there all the time
blossoms into full notes

So we have springtime
when our clocks jump ahead
and Easter presents
The ‘music’ comes up
the winter hidden sun
soaks and warms the soil and us
and colors unfold around us
bathing our bodies, minds, and spirits

Ah, yes, the Son comes up!

Selah! Lin 03/08

024

The Sun Comes UpLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:18-04:00

Through her eyes…

They are blue
my lover’s eyes
and known to melt me, meld me
in numerous ways:

Her mind is keen
perception fine
in measuring situations
knowing people
in intuitive ways
she often knows them better
than straight line me
who tends to be
the last to sense some subtleties

Her judgment solid
time and again
she is the rock so firm
in sticking to
what she knows as ‘right’
matching knowledge with action

She knows me
knows each child
and spouse and grandchild too
carries burdens
for all of us
in wishing us the best

From only child
to mother of five
and grandmother now to six
her love surrounds
encourages on
each and all of us.

Some forty years and more
she’s held my hand (and me)
advising, helping, sharing, loving
how blessed can one man be?
Indeed I know,
God loves me so,
because, just look,
He gave her to me…

Kay, Kayper, Constance Lin, 08/05

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Through her eyes…Lin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:18-04:00

August Fog

Kinging the rain
but just for a moment passing
the night air lays heavily
on morning breaking

Don’t we know
the son is ‘out there’
Power on high coming
burning through the fog,
the flotsum jetsum of earth
of humans coming, going
so quickly

We make our moves
scurrying here…, and there…
needing to stop
to listen
to soak it all in

Quietly
the fog blanket covers
quietly
it is pushed away

Not by our might
not by our power
but that of a Creator
who is above all things
and in all things

As sleep slips away
and our minds begin to click
our vision is wont to clear
and we can greet the morning

“Great is thy faithfulness
morning by morning
new mercies I see
All I have needed
thy hands have provided
Great is thy faithfulness
Lord unto me.”*

Lin 08/09

*Chisholm, Runyan, 1923, Great is Thy Faithfulness

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August FogLin Warfel2022-09-03T14:54:18-04:00

This Is A Custom Widget