Ernie Gill Corbin, Kentucky

As a minister in the churches of Christ, Ernie wrote his first poem at age 40. He has now written over 700. His poetry has been published widely including in The Library of Poetry. His recent book, "Daddy do you love me?", is in it's second printing. His future plans call for a collection of poems on tape. His family says they have learned more about him from his poems then from anything else. Ernie says, "My poetry has afforded me opportunities to serve my community and God. Somehow poetry seems to speak to the heart of the listener."

My Birthday (Excerpts) I flex my muscles all by myself looking for swelling that used to be there. To my dismay, they sag and droop. The only thing that could help is prayer. I pull in my stomach when ladies are around and try to look manly and strong. The truth is, I'm glad when they leave for I can't hold it in too long. My teeth are mine and are original My ears still need no amplification. But it does seem like everyone mumbles and I don't understand all the conversation. I wheeze when I run and snore when I sleep. But I'm still a romantic at heart. For I know one thing for certain, if I'm getting older, so is my sweetheart.

The Crying Child (Excerpts) The child sat quietly in the corner. The hurt he felt not visible to the eye. The pain was real and deep. All he could do was sit and cry. The confrontation was ugly. The words were hurtful from the start. The remorse he felt for what he'd done was genuine and from the heart. His crime, a foolish mistake, a glass of kool-aid spilled on the floor. He had been told not to carry drinks. But, childlike, he had forgotten once more. His apology fell on deaf ears. It seemed no one wanted to hear. The carpet was worth more than he. He wished he could just disappear.

Childhood Past The kids are grown and childhood is past. They've all married and scattered at last. Visits are infrequent and long overdue. The house seems empty with just me and you. Sometimes at night, when everything is still I watch in silence across the old window sill. I guess I'm hoping that out of the night car lights will shine as they come into sight. I know I can't turn back the clocks. Momma and I have all the keys to the locks. But our love of them will not disappear for deep in our hearts they are always here. So, we let them go with a pull at the heart. Trusting God to protect them while we're apart. We know we can't keep them with us forever. Seeing them now and again is better then never.

All poems Copyright © 1996 Ernie Gill. All rights reserved.