Jesus, Child of Heaven

Jesus, Child of heaven, Splendor from on high:

Emptied, yet so full of grace and wondrous light.
How long we have waited for your infant cry.
Fill the earth with gladness; light this empty night.

We are humbled and astonished, for we know
Your love will release us from our captive state.
King of Glory, true Light, what could we bestow
On the One whose birth the angels celebrate?

Pondering it all, we meditate and sigh.
Clothed in flesh! How meek, how lowly now You seem!
Born to serve us gladly, born to bleed and die,
Born to wash us in your cleansing crimson stream.

Jesus, Lord of heaven, Mary's little Child,
Cradle us in Your love; be our hearts' delight.
Grow in grace and beauty, Savior meek and mild.
Swaddle us in garments of celestial light.

© 2023 David Acosta

Holidave

"Calendar, Calendar on the wall,

Who is the holidayest of all?"

I ask, and reach for that big, fat tome

Of cute-and-quaint but senseless advice,

Like "How to stay put when you'd rather roam"
Or "How to be perpetually nice."
Now, put on a hap-happy-holiday face;

Give a mile when all you can afford is an inch;

Waltz across those icy streets with hallowed grace,

Even though you're halfway from Kringle to Grinch.

Run away? Skip town? Break free? Come on, get real!

You're gonna pay a hefty price if you misbehave.

What do you think this is? Bueller's Ferris wheel?

Be a gentle, genteel, pleasant, playful Holidave!

© 2023 David Acosta

A Bottle of Fresh Mountain Air

I had hit rock bottom at last.

All my dreams were shattered; I wanted to die.

So much for my sunny forecast;

I hit the streets, determined to say goodbye.

There was a vendor standing there.

I asked him, "Sir, what are you selling today?"

"Fresh, restorative mountain air!

And it's not for sale; I'm giving it away."

"You've bottled it?" I asked. "Yeah, right."

"You doubt me," he said. "That's your prerogative."

"Can't afford it," I said. "Good night."

"But it's free!" he said. "Wear it, share it, and live."

"Wear it?" I asked. "Fresh, mountain air?"

"Yes, like cologne," he replied. "Take it from me."

"Share it? But there's nothing in there!"

"Oh you're wrong, my friend; take a chance and you'll see."

"What have I got to lose?" I said.

"That's the spirit!" he said. "Have a lovely day."

"You too!" And the green light turned red.

So I left him behind; I hurried away.

Bottled fresh mountain air—he's nuts!

I laughed as I crossed to the opposite side.

"Hot dogs! Soft drinks! Chips and peanuts!"

"A special on footlongs!" an old vendor cried.

It's you again! Here, on this side?

You're the guy who placed this bottle in my hand!"

"Not sure what you mean," he replied.

I looked back: no vendor, no bottled air stand.

"But he looked just like you, I swear!

Didn't you give me this decanter of air?"

"No, sir, but what you're holding there

Is no mere decanter of air; it's a prayer.

Twist the top open; go on now!

Your heart's dearest longing is in there, my friend.

Yes, you're gonna make it somehow;

Your life is worth living; this isn't the end!

The bottle of air represents

The spirit you carry within—can't you see?

You mustn't give up; recommence!

Don't bottle your yearning to live; set it free."

© 2023 David Acosta

Longevity

Give me many years on earth—

Yeah, that's my plea.
Give me time to grow and learn

And hear and see.

Just a hundred years or so—

Yeah, that'll do!

I won't press the matter, though;

It's up to You.

Is it not a wondrous plan,

Longevity?

You could mull it over and

Get back to me.

'Cause I'd like to be the man

I promised I would be.

I think I will; I think I can,

But You've gotta bless me!

I'm hoping You'll consider my wise point of view,

And grant me everything that I now ask of You:

Give me many years on earth—

Yeah, that's my plea.
Give me time to grow and learn

And hear and see.

Just five hundred years or so—

Yeah, that'll do!

I won't press the matter, though;

It's up to You.

Is it not a wondrous plan,

Longevity?

You could mull it over and

Get back to me.

'Cause I've yet to visit Rome;

I've never been to Greece!

No, no, no, don't call me home

Before I am at peace

With facing who I am behind this charming mask.

I need more time—a lot more time—and so I'll ask:

Give me many years on earth—

Yeah, that's my plea.
Give me time to grow and learn

And hear and see.

Just a thousand years or so—

Yeah, that'll do!

I won't press the matter, though;

It's up to You.

Is it not a wondrous plan,

Longevity?

You could mull it over and

Get back to me.

Or perhaps two thousand years, retrospectively?

A face-to-face to face encounter—yeah, just you and me!

In Nazareth or by the Sea of Galilee?

I've read about it, pondered it, but do I see...

That I'll never change unless

I realize

I am not what I possess,

What I devise,

Or demand in prayerful mode—

I've been unjust!

All my best-laid plans erode;

They turn to dust.

So here I am now, yielding my audacious plea;

Oh Father, not my will; Your will be done in me.

© 2023 David Acosta

Beautiful Immutable Love

I don't wanna be a clanging cymbal;

I don't wanna be a clamorous gong.

I don't wanna merely mix and mingle,

Or compromise in order to belong.

So many definitions:

So many experts on love these days.

All of their suppositions

Mingle and mix in a swirling haze.

I found love on the banks of the Jordan;

When he smiled he gazed into my soul.

He said, "Come, be immersed and restored in

Living water that will make you whole."

Now I know he came from above.

Oh, beautiful immutable love!

I could roam the earth for endless ages;

I could live a hundred lives on my own;

I could get to know a thousand sages;

Without love, I'd fade into the unknown.

So many people chasing

An ever-elusive dream come true,

Seeing themselves embracing

A love they can trust and hold on to.

I found love on the banks of the Jordan;

When he smiled he gazed into my soul.

He said, "Come, be immersed and restored in

Living water that will make you whole."

Now I know he came from above.

Oh, beautiful immutable love!

So many roads to choose from,

So many kinds of love—or so they say.

Open your heart; don't run from

Love that is strong and will not fade away.

I found love on the banks of the Jordan;

When he smiled he gazed into my soul.

He said, "Come, be immersed and restored in

Living water that will make you whole."

Now I know he came from above.

Oh, beautiful immutable love!

© 2023 David Acosta

I'm the Dancing Rain

I had hesitated,

But now I'm falling for you.

Yes, I know you've waited

For sunshine and skies of blue.

I could go away, yes,

But let me inspire you.

Let my lively drops bless

And brighten your point of view.

Find an unseen partner and move your feet;

Listen to my invigorating beat

As it taps on your trembling windowpane.

I'm your friend, the magical Dancing Rain. 

If you think you need to

Alter your circumstance,

Go barefoot; feel free to

Cast off your cares and dance.

Leave the past behind now;

There's nothing there to dread.

Let it go; unwind now,

And heed these words I've said:

Find an unseen partner and move your feet;

Listen to my invigorating beat

As it taps on your trembling windowpane.

I'm your friend, the magical Dancing Rain. 

Next time you're feeling lonely and sad

And clouds hide your skies of blue,

Think back on all the fun you had

When I spent the day with you.

Soon enough we'll meet again.

Think of me every now and then.

Find an unseen partner and move your feet;

Listen to my invigorating beat

As it taps on your trembling windowpane.

I'm your friend, the magical Dancing Rain. 

I'm your friend, the whimsical...amiable...

Magical Dancing Rain.

© 2023 David Acosta

Summer

Palm fronds laugh as they discuss

Summer songs from long ago,
Mesmerized by swirling blue and green.

Setting sun is envious;

Windswept raindrops claim they know

Where wild sky and verdant fields convene.

Daydreams rise without a care

On a gusty tropic wave;

Yearnings youthful soar on weightless wings.

Summer joy is in the air:

Lovers hide and misbehave.

Moonlit shore approves of summer flings.

Stars combust when lovers kiss;

Turgid branch ignited sprouts;

Rising tide enamored comprehends.

Rapturous romantic bliss!

Will it yield to autumn doubts?

Will love evanesce when summer ends?

© 2023 David Acosta

The Beckoning Rain

Rain, why are you laughing crazily?
What are you trying to convey?

Why in the world are you so glad?

What do want from me today?

Yes, I'll admit it: I 've been sad;

I yearn to laugh my fears away.

Rain, why are you singing happily?

What is this joy you can't contain?

Your lively, light-soaked melody

Dazzles my trembling windowpane.

Why are you serenading me,

Beckoning me with your refrain?

Rain, I know you're dancing now for me!
Each droplet has a role to play
In this enchanted happenstance,

This wild, remarkable ballet!

Sweet Downpour, yes, I'll have this dance!

Cocooned here I'll no longer stay.

 

© 2023 David Acosta

(Photo by d e s k t o p l u x . c o m)

Lukewarm Heart

People spinning in;
People spinning out.

You're int'rested, yeah, but you're kinda bored—

What's that all about?

Who're you using now?

Who's been using you?

Is it a nightmare in the making, or

A dream come true?

Yes, of course, you'll commit;

But the odds are you'll quit.

You're a cold-hot, pretentious upstart.

Motives skewed, ill-defined;

You can't make up your mind.

You're a lover with a lukewarm heart.

You are yes and no;

You are in between.

You're kinda, sorta, maybe, thinkin' 'bout it—

Well, what do you mean?

Just a half-assed dance:

Fickle do-si-do.

Why don'tcha make a deal and deal with it,

Or deal a death's blow?

Yes, of course, you'll commit;

But the odds are you'll quit.

You're a cold-hot, pretentious upstart.

Motives skewed, ill-defined.

You can't make up your mind.

You're a lover with a lukewarm heart.

You play the game like a pro,

Starring in your self-centered show.

Maybe you'll hit the road,

Or maybe you'll stay.

When you're through you'll gloat

And you'll simply say,

"What's done is done,"

All in the name of noncommital fun.

You are yes and no;

You are in between.

You're kinda, sorta, maybe, thinkin' 'bout it—

Well, what do you mean?

Yes, of course, you'll commit;

But the odds are you'll quit.

You're a cold-hot, pretentious upstart.

Motives skewed, ill-defined;

You can't make up your mind.

You're a lover with a lukewarm heart.

© 2023 David Acosta

[Photo by i m a g e a r t . c o m]

No Tithing Required

 [Isaiah 55:1]

In our sanctuary

All are welcome, rich or poor.

You need not be wary;

No delusions of grandeur.

No tithes-and-off'rings weekly quip;

This here's an honest fellowship.

No Levitical priest here.

There's a place for the least here.

Money only goes so far;
Come all, come as you are.

Give your love! Love is priceless.

Lay your heart at the altar;

You won't be coerced into

Making payments you can't afford.

Give your love and your time, yes.

No, you're not a defaulter.

Got no cash? We'll welcome you.

If you feel inspired

Bring your love; yes, love will do.

No tithing required.

In this sanctuary

Everybody matters, see.

Our staff isn't scary;

What we offer here is free.

No charge, no ten percent tip;

This ain't no shifty dealership.

There's no cover charge; welcome!

We've got freebies here; want some?
Money only goes so far;

Come all, come as you are.

Give your love! Love is priceless.

Lay your heart at the altar;

You won't be coerced into

Making payments you can't afford.

Give your love and your time, yes.

No, you're not a defaulter.

Got no cash? We'll welcome you.

If you feel inspired

Bring your love; yes, love will do.

No tithing required.

"Come, everyone who thirsts;

Come to the waters;

And all who have no money,

Come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

Without money and without price."

Give your love! Love is priceless.

Lay your heart at the altar;

You won't be coerced into

Making payments you can't afford.

Give your love and your time, yes.

No, you're not a defaulter.

Got no cash? We'll welcome you.

If you feel inspired

Bring your love; yes, love will do.

No tithing required.

© 2023 David Acosta

No Tithing Required

[Isaiah 55:1]

In our sanctuary

All are welcome, rich or poor.

You need no be wary;

No delusions of grandeur.

No tithes-and-off'rings weekly quip;

This here's an honest fellowship.

No Levitical priest here.

There's a place for the least here.

Money only goes so far;
Come all, come as you are.

Give your love! Love is priceless.

Lay your heart at the altar;

You won't be coerced into

Making payments you can't afford.

Give your love and your time, yes.

No, you're not a defaulter.

Got no cash? We'll welcome you.

If you feel inspired

Bring your love; love will do.

No tithing required.

In this sanctuary

Everybody matters, see.

Our staff isn't scary;

What we offer here is free.

No charge, no ten percent tip;

This ain't no shifty dealership.

There's no cover charge; welcome!

We've got freebies here; want some?
Money only goes so far;

Come all, come as you are.

Give your love! Love is priceless.

Lay your heart at the altar;

You won't be coerced into

Making payments you can't afford.

Give your love and your time, yes.

No, you're not a defaulter.

Got no cash? We'll welcome you.

If you feel inspired

Bring your love; love will do.

No tithing required.

"Come, everyone who thirsts;

Come to the waters;

And all who have no money,

Come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

Without money and without price."

Give your love! Love is priceless.

Lay your heart at the altar;

You won't be coerced into

Making payments you can't afford.

Give your love and your time, yes.

No, you're not a defaulter.

Got no cash? We'll welcome you.

If you feel inspired

Bring your love; love will do.

No tithing required.

© 2023 David Acosta

Cast It into the Fire

The heavy load you've been carrying

Is weighing you down more and more,

Slowly draining the life out of you.

You've lost your way, so you're hurrying,

Still clinging to what you deplore.

Deep down you know what you need to do:

Take your burden to the mountain;
Cast it into the fire!

Doesn't matter where your heart's been.

Drop your cares and acquire

A clearer vision, a life brand new.

It's your decision; it's up to you.

The path is steep, and you want to quit.

You can't turn back; there's too much at steak

You'll reach the goal if you don't give up.

Disregard your doubts, and submit

To the task at hand—it's make or break:

The mountain waits; time to climb—look up!

Take your burden to the mountain;
Cast it into the fire!

Doesn't matter where your heart's been.

Drop your cares and acquire

A clearer vision, a life brand new.

It's your decision; it's up to you.

You think you'll repeat your mistakes.

It makes no difference; what's done is done.

The future beckons; you must move on.

You're not sure you've got what it takes

Just keep your eyes on the loving Son.

Forget the past; it's time to press on!

Take your burden to the mountain;
Cast it into the fire!

Doesn't matter where your heart's been.

Drop your cares and acquire

A clearer vision, a life brand new.

It's your decision; it's up to you.

© 2023 David Acosta

Waxing Cold

I don't want live inside this little box,
This odd contraption clinging to my hands.

Time scampers away, a foe I can't outfox.

Wall clock tick-teases me while my thumb scans.

Download! Upload! Binge-watch all my favorites now!

Greet my neighbor? Wouldn't that cause a scene?

I'm in control! Or am I controlled somehow

By my possessions, by a pow'r unseen?

More is less these days, and that perplexes me.

And my gadgets cannot bridge the distance

'Tween what is real and these images I see.

What is the purpose of my existence?

Heart's been hardening, closer to robotic,

A cold, data-amassing entity!

Will I choose to love in a world chaotic,

Or will these things I hold take hold of me?

© 2023 David Acosta

NaviGATEway

Settle down; come on.
Let it be; move on.

Hoist your sails: time to depart.

New day, new journey—take heart!

Waves are beckoning; heed them. Sail on!

Never mind the past;

Can't relive the past.

Feel free to leave it behind;

Let it go; seek and you'll find.

Press on, sailor, now; leeward at last.

When you recall it

Call it a blessing in disguise.

No needless stalling;

Follow the sun with cloudless eyes.

Take a chance;

You won't know till you've tried.

Steady, now;

Let the wind be your guide.

What was it all for?

Never mind, now; ignore

The guilt-trip revolving door

The unfair, unsettled score.

See yourself dancing on a distant shore!

If you play the blame game,

You will fan a dark flame

That'll reel you into regret.

Oh, it's time to forgive and forget.

Living in the past is a downright shame.

When you recall it

Call it a blessing in disguise.

No needless stalling;

Follow the sun with cloudless eyes.

Take a chance;

You won't know till you've tried.

Steady, now;

Let the wind be your guide.

What have you got to lose

By jettisoning your blues?

Time to navigate into

An uncharted point of view.

Can you envision it? It's a brand new day.

Sail on boldly into a naviGATEway!

When you recall it,

Call it a blessing in disguise.

No needless stalling;

Follow the sun with cloudless eyes.

Take a chance;

You won't know till you've tried.

Steady, now;

Let the wind be your guide.

Steady, now;

Let the wind be your guide.

© 2023 David Acosta