Doris Paul Detroit, Michigan

Doris has been writing poetry since the early 70's. She is a retired educator who worked as counselor at the Washington Careers Center, a school for special -needs students in Detroit. She is an active member of her church, Northwest Seventh-Day Adventist, and a musician. Doris has had her poetry published by The National Library of Poetry and in her church newspaper (The Northwest Herald). She also published a collection of Haiku poetry entitled "Solar Trek" in Haiku. She took her doctorate in Special Education. Doris says "writing poetry helps me focus on God's goodness to man."

LASTING BEAUTY You may not favor Adonis - With classic features so rare, You may not resemble Venus With face so radiantly fair; You may desire to be taller, (So all can look up to you), Or- you may wish to be smaller To wear the outfit that's new. Remember: Lucifer ( the beautiful cherub- Arch -angel formerly of heav'n)- Father'd sin in GOD's universe When pride and greed were found in him. On the other hand; JESUS CHRIST- our loving Savior - Had an unattractive visage, (however) HIS boundless love was the magnet Attracting all to HIS message. Epilogue Looks don't determine the essence Of character a person has: It's the beauty in our hearts That for Eternity will last!

DAMASCUS For a little o'er a harrowing fortnight Thirty-nine American hostages were held, Innocent victims of Middle East Terrorists' planning: Whose fate was chronicled to all the world, so well. A way of escape --the sought -for solution-- Was conceived via covert diplomacy. Only one thing was desperately needed: a refuge Before departing to Frankfurt, Germany. Some countries shunned the responsibility, (France adamantly spurning the hapless plea.) Syria, for whatever reason, offered Damascus As exit to eventual liberty. Well nigh two-thousand years have almost elapsed Since Saul, sin's hostage, en route to Damascus. On his terrorist mission against the faithful Christians. In broad daylight encountered the LORD JESUS. (Freed and completely changed, Saul then became Paul. Preaching the Gospel of Salvation to all.) We must have a destiny with Damascus. We must encounter that Man of Galilee! We--former hostages and captives of satan's kingdom-- Now, in CHRIST, know full and complete---Liberty.

Easter Eggs: yellow, pink, and amethyst, A symbol of earth's Renaissance, Set within the awaken'd womb; Tulips: mauve and alabaster, Ever mindful of the Master's Resurrection from mortal tomb.

All poems Copyright © 1997 Doris Paul. All rights reserved.