AMERICA'S PLIGHT
by JOSEPH T. RENALDI
Beware Americans of the threat at hand,
The terrorist plot to destroy our land.
It is not the fear of the Al Qaeda or Taliban,
But those radical forces who are a part of the evil plan.
Do not permit apathy to govern our way,
It will be a national tragedy that will lead us astray.
Remember the symbolic words uttered on the mall,
"United We Stand, Divided We Fall."
Rise and stand tall to America's urgent call,
From every hamlet, town and city - large or small.
Please - no hesitation - your services are needed,
From all walks of life - the urgency must be heeded.
The cost of combating terrorism will be extremely high,
It is not just today - but everyday or years without a sigh.
Protecting our way of life is not free - a sacrifice must be made,
Blood, sweat and tears as strategy are laid.
Obstacles will be encountered on the terrorist trail,
Still, our resolve will be strong and we will prevail.
God gives us the strength to withstand the nation's pain,
And pray that our efforts against terrorism will not be in vain.
A MINER'S TEARS
by JOSEPH T. RENALDI
My chair is rocking back and forth,
Gazing at the scarred mountain slope.
Behold - an inactive mine and coal breaker
And a mound of refuse with little hope.
A coal stripping pit filled with water,
Idle railroad tracks and polluted streams,
Remnants of a productive era of the past,
And a time that is linked to repeated dreams.
Challenges to the passageways below the earth,
Always mindful of a family tradition to fulfill,
That created an excitement during my youth,
Strolling the path to the mine on the hill.
Now reminiscing - these later years,
Retired and that I older grow,
I seek my rocking chair and dream
Of the rugged coal miners of long ago.
There's something sort of special about
A coal mine that my memory supplies.
But the more I rock - it seems the more
The tears get in my eyes.
LIFE'S HIGHEST GOAL
by Joseph T. Renaldi
Many men and women devote their lives
Seeking and searching for gold
Clamoring they must prepare for
The time when they are old.
They plot to seek possession
Of many materialistic things
To display before their neighbors
What success and wealth bring.
What are their true and worthy possessions
When they depart from this earth at last
And realize there is no earthly thing
To which they can hold fast?
The only things they really possess
Are in their heart and soul
So filling these with moral values
Should be their life's highest goal.
Thus, when the world fades from their view
And their time on earth is done
The only possessions they take with them
Is what their soul has graciously won.
MY BELOVED DOG
by Joseph T. Renaldi
Today, while I sit on my chair to rest,
Reminiscing the time I love best.
In my vision I can see,
My mother giving a Schnauzer puppy to me.
Gretchen was chosen to be her name,
She was a delight when into our life she came.
We pampered her and watched her grow,
She is intelligent and always curious to know.
She barks incessantly and sits up and begs,
Hops up on the sofa even with short legs.
Sleeps on the bed keeping our feet warm,
Startled by a noise she sounds like a horn.
Sparkling are her eyes focused where you stand,
Extending her paw to seek your hand.
Follows you where ever you go - frisky yet meek,
The ears upraised to hear you speak.
She is an everlasting love that will never bend,
Strong is her loyalty and would face death to the end.
She guards and protects us each day,
The memories of Gretchen will never fade away.
