Heaven’s Hero

I know you’re crying in the night
But we don’t hear a sound.
We are home with our families,
But for you, no one’s around.

I know you’re stomach’s aching
But we don’t feel your pain.
We’re having dinner with our friends,
But you eat our remains.

I know you sell your soul
But we don’t hear your pitch.
We’re too busy splurging
While you sleep in the ditch.

I know your clothes are dirty
But we don’t see your grime.
We’re too busy primping
While you run out of time.

I know your heart is hurting
But we don’t :hear it break.
We’re too busy living
While men buy the love you make.

I know that you are out there
But not many know you are.
I am busy praying,
It is you I’m praying for.

I want to see you laugh at night
I want to hear that sound.
I want you with a loving family
With people all around.

I want to feed your stomach
I don’t want there to be pain.
I want to have dinner with you, my friend
I want you to feel no shame.

I want give your soul back
I don’t want it to be sold.
I want you to have a nice warm bed
And to never feel the cold.

I want you to have clean clothes to wear
I want to see your beauty.
I want you to be the child your are
I believe it is my duty.

I want your heart to feel true love
And the pain you feel be zero.
I want you to know that in my eyes
You are Heaven’s Hero.


Gretchen France
6/4/01

Did You...

Did you see that man on the street,
Painted in filth without shoes on his feet?
Did he ask you for money and did you read his sign
That said he served our country one time?
Did you give him a dollar, or even five?
And did you feel your heart swell with pride?
Did you wonder what he’d buy to eat
And wished you could put shoes upon his feet?
Did you secretly hope that you set an example
As your children watched you do what you could do?
Did you smile at him as he nodded in thanks
And did you feel that tear as your heart strings were yanked?
Did you notice the man and that all his belongings
Fit into one bag as he began walking?
Did your eyes follow as he went on his way
And did you watch what he did with those few dollars that day?
Did you know that he went to the store that was close
But not to buy food, for which you had hoped.
Did you know that he walked to the counter instead
And asked for some matches and Marlboro Red?
Does that make you feel sad and just like a fool
Because you gave to a man that didn’t buy food?
Did you have to hear the “I told you so’s”
From people that never gave to a soul?
Did you feel the embarrassment and all of the shame
Because you gave to a man that has no name?
Did you say to yourself "that’s the last time I'll help"
Because you can’t deal with the ridicule dealt?
Did you stop to think how that lonely man feels
When he has to buy cigarettes in place of his meals?
Did it ever occur to you that he smokes for a reason
That it curbs his appetite during the hunger season?
Di Nd it cross your mind that to him it seems
That his own death is what he wants to bring?
Did you ever realize that we really don’t know
What it must be like to sleep in the snow?
Did you tell your critics it’s not right to judge
And that God does not ever hold a grudge?
Did you tell them the value and the joy in living
Is all in the rewards we receive from giving.
Did you know that God doesn’t care what he bought
And that He doesn’t care what your critics thought.
Did you know that that veteran was not just a man
Because before you that day, Jesus did stand.

Gretchen France
6/11/01

I Want To Be More Like Them

Tonight my children hugged my neck
Then kissed me on the cheek.
Their bodies melted into mine
As my heart grew soft and weak.

Amazed at all the love they have
And the forgiveness they possess
Allows them to express their love
And forget about all the rest.

As I watch them mosey on to bed
And waste time along the way
I reminisce of all the things
That went on at home today.

Rush to get them out of bed
Throw clothes upon their backs
Already feeling frustrated
As they leave messes in their tracks.

Sweeping brushes through their hair
With yelps as knots are found
Patience wearing thin by now,
Toys already on the ground.

Quickly pulling out the bowls
For cereal and milk
Wishing they would hurry up.
The bus will be here quick.

Reminding them to brush their teeth
And don't forget to rinse
Knowing the inevitable,
Someone will come out drenched.

I hand out kisses and back packs
As I rush them to the bus
Wishing they would hurry
As I remind myself, don't cuss.

I wave to them so proudly
As I catch the kiss they've blown
And tears build up in my eyes
As I realize how they’ve grown.

Today will be the day, I think
I will make my children proud.
I'll have more patience with them today
And my voice will not be loud.

I’ll be the mom
of every kids dream
I’ll plan fun things
And keep their room clean.

But before I know it the bus is home
And the kids are out of school.
Today's the day I'm going to try
To really keep my cool.

I ask them how their day was
As they drop their things on the floor.
By now they’ve kicked their shoes off
And running out the door.

Get back in here and pick up this stuff
And don't go out again
Put your shoes where they belong
You're not playing with your friends.

Your room's a mess as is this house
And I am not your maid.
I’m wondering when I will receive
The patience for which I've prayed.

Stop fighting with your sister
And leave your brother alone
We have to get this house in shape
Daddy is on his way home.

I vowed I’d be a Super Mom
And I hoped it would start today
Maybe I’ll start some other time,
Tomorrow's on it's way.

Rummaging through the cabinets
Wondering what to cook
Dinner was scheduled an hour ago
And they won't let me off the hook.

Can't have pizza again tonight
McDonald’s I am sick of
Put time management on your prayer list
Is all that I can think of.

Leftovers is a great idea.
They liked it yesterday.
But how do I convince them of that?
Somehow I’ll find a way.

Stop being silly at the table
And where do you think you’re going?
Did you ever pick up your clothes
That you left on the floor this morning?

Remove your plates from off the table
And let me check your homework.
What do you mean it’s not complete?
Do you think that I’m a jerk?

March yourself into your room
And get that homework done.
God what happened to my patience today?
I thought you'd give me some.

No one gets dessert tonight
Your room is still not clean
I wanted to make them proud today
I don't want to be so mean.

Get on your jammies and brush your teeth
It’s time to get to bed.
How many times do I have to say
Stop running or you'll hit your head.

Turn that music down I yell
How could you like that song
And why is it that you pick and fight
With each other all day long?

I’ve had enough just go to sleep
And sleep in your own bed
I think your hearing should be checked
You haven't heard a word I’ve said.

I plop down in my chair to rest
But only for a minute
I swore I’d clean this house today
But unfortunately I didn't.

In a line, here they come
What do they want now?
I swore I would be better today
What happened to that vow?

We all just wanted to say goodnight
And tell you that we love you.
And as I saw them standing there
The guilt inside me grew.

As each of them hugged my neck
Then kissed me on the cheek.
Their bodies melted into mine
As my heart grew soft and weak.

Amazed at all the love they have
And the forgiveness they possess
Allows them to express their love
And forget about all the rest.

As I watch them mosey on to bed
And waste time along the way
I reminisce of all the things
That went on at home today.

Tomorrow will be the day, I think
I will make my children proud.
I’ll have more patience with them then
And my voice will not be loud.

Lord above, can you hear my plea
Teach me to be like them.
Make me blind to the little things
As they mean nothing in the end.

Gretchen France
5/23/01