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<channel>
	<title>Seeds of Faith</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.joemerrell.com/?feed=rss2" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.joemerrell.com</link>
	<description>Poetry and faith</description>
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			<item>
		<title>Contentment</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=152</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=152#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:34:28 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>		A muse once told me of joy and pleasure,
		Of beautiful things beyond all measure.
		She spoke of trees whose leaves would never fade,
		And daffodils that grew in every glade.</p>
<p>		The mountains were purple and the oceans were blue;
		The sunsets were orange&#8211;of a beautiful hue.
		The clouds were not dark and ne&#8217;er did it rain,
		And lovers were happy; they [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		A muse once told me of joy and pleasure,<br />
		Of beautiful things beyond all measure.<br />
		She spoke of trees whose leaves would never fade,<br />
		And daffodils that grew in every glade.</p>
<p>		The mountains were purple and the oceans were blue;<br />
		The sunsets were orange&#8211;of a beautiful hue.<br />
		The clouds were not dark and ne&#8217;er did it rain,<br />
		And lovers were happy; they never knew pain. </p>
<p>		All of these words, though spoken so fair,<br />
		Were naught but a trifle&#8211;a waste of good air;<br />
		For flowers and trees, though beauty possess,<br />
		Will never compare to your warm caress,</p>
<p>		And mountains and sunsets, though rich in their hue,<br />
		Can never embezzle my love for you.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Song of Spring</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=150</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=150#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:33:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=150</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>		Come stroll with me thou sprightly lass;
		Why should one&#8217;s youth too quickly pass?
		&#8216;twould be a sin to spend our days
		Without each other&#8217;s tender gaze.</p>
<p>		&#8217;tis said that idle minds will stray
		If one forgets he&#8217;s made of clay;
		Are houses built with folded hands,
		Or battles won in distant lands,</p>
<p>		Without the effort of a few
		That choose to do what [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		Come stroll with me thou sprightly lass;<br />
		Why should one&#8217;s youth too quickly pass?<br />
		&#8216;twould be a sin to spend our days<br />
		Without each other&#8217;s tender gaze.</p>
<p>		&#8217;tis said that idle minds will stray<br />
		If one forgets he&#8217;s made of clay;<br />
		Are houses built with folded hands,<br />
		Or battles won in distant lands,</p>
<p>		Without the effort of a few<br />
		That choose to do what they must do?<br />
		It&#8217;s clear that love is not for fools<br />
		Who sit and dream of finding jewels</p>
<p>		Among some lonely distant isle.<br />
		These words I say contain no guile,<br />
		Yet I must ownl that I have naught<br />
		Those golden rings from Holland brought,</p>
<p>		Or stately ships with mighty men<br />
		That sail the seas and back again;<br />
		Nor do I own a large estate<br />
		With marble walls and golden gate.</p>
<p>		My love is all that I can give;<br />
		This empty soul in which I live<br />
		Awaits your lovely, lively form:<br />
		Please say the word and calm the storm.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Love Triangle</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=148</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=148#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:33:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=148</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>                                               I</p>
<p>        [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>                                               I</p>
<p>                                          And she,</p>
<p>                                     Beside the sea</p>
<p>                         With hearts and souls entwined,</p>
<p>                    Deride the man who thinks love&#8217;s blind.</p>
<p>               &#8217;twas God alone who mixed the potent brew; </p>
<p>   &#8217;twas He who found our hardened hearts and made them new.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Haiku: The White Tiger</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=146</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=146#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:31:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Haiku]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>		White tiger paces</p>
<p>		Across the limestone threshold.</p>
<p>		His house has no door.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		White tiger paces</p>
<p>		Across the limestone threshold.</p>
<p>		His house has no door.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Courageous King</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=144</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=144#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:30:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>		Oh restless love which longs to loose those chains,
		You&#8217;re free to roam the wild and distant plains.
		For you were born in fields of ageless splendor;
		Should you be forced to live without the tender
		Warmth and companionship that kings enjoy?</p>
<p>		Or do you think that love could never cloy?
		I&#8217;ve watched you hunting in the morning light;
		Your claws are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		Oh restless love which longs to loose those chains,<br />
		You&#8217;re free to roam the wild and distant plains.<br />
		For you were born in fields of ageless splendor;<br />
		Should you be forced to live without the tender<br />
		Warmth and companionship that kings enjoy?</p>
<p>		Or do you think that love could never cloy?<br />
		I&#8217;ve watched you hunting in the morning light;<br />
		Your claws are sharp and you are keen of sight.<br />
		Perhaps you&#8217;ve stepped upon a thorny tree<br />
		Or found yourself out walking aimlessly, </p>
<p>		But why should you be left in such a rage<br />
		That you should long to stay inside your cage?</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		<item>
		<title>La Plegaría</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=141</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=141#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:20:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=141</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>		       ¡Por favor, el tiempo está ahora!</p>
<p>		We only have this moment, Love.
		Our time is like a passing breeze
		Which sways the branches high above
		Or moves the ships upon the seas.</p>
<p>		Please do not stand as poplars do
		Against the icy northern wind;
		For if you&#8217;ll look you&#8217;ll find this clue,
		That gentle trees know [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		       ¡Por favor, el tiempo está ahora!</p>
<p>		We only have this moment, Love.<br />
		Our time is like a passing breeze<br />
		Which sways the branches high above<br />
		Or moves the ships upon the seas.</p>
<p>		Please do not stand as poplars do<br />
		Against the icy northern wind;<br />
		For if you&#8217;ll look you&#8217;ll find this clue,<br />
		That gentle trees know how to bend.</p>
<p>		The peaceful gull above the foam<br />
		Is well aware of doom below.<br />
		He does not fear to leave his home;<br />
		Nor does he live a life of woe,</p>
<p>		But flies with vigor through the air.<br />
		To you my dear I say these things;<br />
		I trust that you are well aware<br />
		That we were born with angels&#8217; wings.</p>
<p>		Let’s keep our eyes upon the Sun<br />
		And never stop until we&#8217;ve won<br />
		That endless race and life is done.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Song: To Laura</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=139</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=139#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:19:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=139</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>		Arise thou gentle, tender shoot;
		Apollo runs the race with zeal.
		I hear the trumpet and flute;
		The rain, the warmth&#8211;all these I feel.</p>
<p>		As sprightly drops begin to fall
		Upon the daffodil&#8217;s long trump,
		The robin to his mate dost call;
		Soon they&#8217;ll place each tiny clump</p>
<p>		Of amber straw upon the heap,
		Then they&#8217;ll add the twigs with care.
		Inside this nest the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		Arise thou gentle, tender shoot;<br />
		Apollo runs the race with zeal.<br />
		I hear the trumpet and flute;<br />
		The rain, the warmth&#8211;all these I feel.</p>
<p>		As sprightly drops begin to fall<br />
		Upon the daffodil&#8217;s long trump,<br />
		The robin to his mate dost call;<br />
		Soon they&#8217;ll place each tiny clump</p>
<p>		Of amber straw upon the heap,<br />
		Then they&#8217;ll add the twigs with care.<br />
		Inside this nest the young will sleep,<br />
		Protected from the chilly air.</p>
<p>		A bird I am &#8216;though I lack wings,<br />
		And I am subject to the tune<br />
		That mother nature softly sings.<br />
		To walk with you will be a boon;</p>
<p>		&#8217;twill be a rapture of delight<br />
		To hold your hand and touch your mind.<br />
		We&#8217;ll burn as candles in the night,<br />
		Proclaiming joy unto a world unkind.</p>
<p>		While others stand as statues cold<br />
		Awaiting their triumphant day,<br />
		We&#8217;ll laugh, we&#8217;ll sing, we&#8217;ll be so bold.<br />
		Can statues sing? Can statues pray?</p>
<p>		While on their knees the worldly folk<br />
		Implore the shiny, scaly beast,<br />
		No golden calf will we invoke;<br />
		Nor will we join their merry feast.</p>
<p>		Why should we drink their bitter wine,<br />
		When we can share an ancient brew?<br />
		We&#8217;ll share the cup; we&#8217;ll share the vine;<br />
		With arms entwined we&#8217;ll toast to two.</p>
<p>		As one we&#8217;ll live; as one we&#8217;ll pray<br />
		To God above&#8211;the God of love.<br />
		We&#8217;ll share the night; we&#8217;ll share the day;<br />
		Our bodies will touch as hand and glove.</p>
<p>		Around your neck I place my hand;<br />
		My fingers glide across your back;<br />
		Our ankles touch the burning sand.<br />
		What joy we have; we nothing lack!</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Miserly Maiden</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=136</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=136#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:15:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>		You&#8217;ve come to steal my heart?
		An ironmonger&#8217;s wife
		Would ne&#8217;er agree to part
		With hardened ore and strife.
		Am I a single lass?
		It must have slipped my mind.
		I&#8217;m married to this mass
		Of molten copper and brass.</p>
<p>		It&#8217;s fun to polish my rings
		(these stones are getting old);
		My parrot never sings
		(he&#8217;s only made of gold).</p>
<p>		You&#8217;re such a humble man;
		You&#8217;ll never find [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		You&#8217;ve come to steal my heart?<br />
		An ironmonger&#8217;s wife<br />
		Would ne&#8217;er agree to part<br />
		With hardened ore and strife.<br />
		Am I a single lass?<br />
		It must have slipped my mind.<br />
		I&#8217;m married to this mass<br />
		Of molten copper and brass.</p>
<p>		It&#8217;s fun to polish my rings<br />
		(these stones are getting old);<br />
		My parrot never sings<br />
		(he&#8217;s only made of gold).</p>
<p>		You&#8217;re such a humble man;<br />
		You&#8217;ll never find a bride.<br />
		Had you a dark sedan,<br />
		You&#8217;d be afraid to ride.<br />
		28<br />
		A ragged wretch you are;<br />
		You&#8217;re nothing but a fool.<br />
		My reputation I&#8217;d mar,<br />
		My friends would think me cruel<br />
		If I were caught with you.<br />
		You say that you&#8217;re a thief?<br />
		You haven&#8217;t come to woo,<br />
		Or to bring this lady grief?</p>
<p>		Please take this golden chain;<br />
		Remove this silver band!<br />
		I thought you&#8217;d bring me pain;<br />
		Instead you take my sand. </p>
<p>		I&#8217;m glad you&#8217;re not a beau;<br />
		I hate their lustful smiles.<br />
		You&#8217;re such an honest crow;<br />
		You told me of your wiles. </p>
<p>		Most men would steal my heart;<br />
		My riches they&#8217;d ignore,<br />
		But you are much too smart<br />
		To take the pyrite ore.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Adultery&#8217;s Antidote</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=130</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=130#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:12:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>		Variation
		means variety-to most people.
		Here a little Arsenic,
		there a little Strychnine.
		How about a gourmet meal-
		A little Mercury perhaps?</p>
<p>		Drop by drop,
		the infusion begins:
		first by Mary,
		then by Susan;
		finally by you.</p>
<p>		Drop by drop
		the poison falls
		into his veins.
		Will he stop
		before he&#8217;s dead?</p>
<p>		Give him the antidote-
		give him love.
		Love wishes joy
		upon others.
		Love joins man to wife,
		and love rejoins them.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		Variation<br />
		means variety-to most people.<br />
		Here a little Arsenic,<br />
		there a little Strychnine.<br />
		How about a gourmet meal-<br />
		A little Mercury perhaps?</p>
<p>		Drop by drop,<br />
		the infusion begins:<br />
		first by Mary,<br />
		then by Susan;<br />
		finally by you.</p>
<p>		Drop by drop<br />
		the poison falls<br />
		into his veins.<br />
		Will he stop<br />
		before he&#8217;s dead?</p>
<p>		Give him the antidote-<br />
		give him love.<br />
		Love wishes joy<br />
		upon others.<br />
		Love joins man to wife,<br />
		and love rejoins them.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Meditation: On Preachers of the Social Gospel</title>
		<link>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=128</link>
		<comments>http://www.joemerrell.com/?p=128#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:11:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Seed of Faith]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>		By saving the chaff
		And discarding the kernel,
		You&#8217;ve thrown away
		Those things that are eternal.</p>
<p>		Your kingdom consists
		Of bread and honey.
		When you reach those pearly gates,
		What will you do with all your money?</p>
<p>		You would rob the rich
		To enrich the poor;
		Then you would knock
		At the peasant&#8217;s door.</p>
<p>		Now the music plays;
		Later it will stop.
		The rich and the poor,
		Their seats will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>		By saving the chaff<br />
		And discarding the kernel,<br />
		You&#8217;ve thrown away<br />
		Those things that are eternal.</p>
<p>		Your kingdom consists<br />
		Of bread and honey.<br />
		When you reach those pearly gates,<br />
		What will you do with all your money?</p>
<p>		You would rob the rich<br />
		To enrich the poor;<br />
		Then you would knock<br />
		At the peasant&#8217;s door.</p>
<p>		Now the music plays;<br />
		Later it will stop.<br />
		The rich and the poor,<br />
		Their seats will swap.</p>
<p>		While you drive your Lincoln<br />
		With the push button doors,<br />
		You reflect on the wealthy<br />
		And their glittering stores.</p>
<p>		The Gospel to you<br />
		Is only a book;<br />
		You talk of salvation<br />
		While you bait your hook.</p>
<p>		You call yourself a sheep,<br />
		And you know the Shepherd&#8217;s name,<br />
		But you have overlooked<br />
		The sick and the lame.</p>
<p>		You blame it all on money<br />
		(or the lack of it);<br />
		You refuse to acknowledge<br />
		That sin is from the pit.</p>
<p>		You laugh at the devil,<br />
		Or calmly ignore him.<br />
		You imply that being wealthy<br />
		Is life&#8217;s greatest sin.</p>
<p>		You spend your nights<br />
		With pen in hand,<br />
		Signing deeds and loans<br />
		For houses and land.</p>
<p>		Your sermons are simple:<br />
		More food, more gold.<br />
		No mention of Christ;<br />
		You say He&#8217;s sick and old.</p>
<p>		When you endorsed God&#8217;s mortgage note,<br />
		Did you see that bottom line?<br />
		Or did you close your eyes<br />
		And carelessly sign?</p>
<p>		Allow me to read it to you:<br />
		&#8220;Sin&#8217;s great price<br />
		Was paid by the Lender’s Son;<br />
		Nothing else would suffice.&#8221;</p>
<p>		Before you attempt to sell<br />
		Another costly house,<br />
		Remember to introduce<br />
		The bridegroom to His spouse.</p>
<p>Copyright ©1985 Joseph G. Merrell III</p>
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