John Gilliam Elgin, Oklahoma

I have been writing poetry for the most of my adult life, but there were long periods of time that I wrote none. I have worked in construction for years, building golf courses, freeways, and houses. I have retired, but am still active helping friends maintain their homes. My poetry has been published in several anthologies, and in local newspapers. I have set music to some. I believe we poets have a great opportunity as well as an obligation to promote friendship and understanding around the world.

A FAT AND HAPPY TOAD While driving across the U.S.A. I made a stop along the road And found myself listening to a fat and happy toad. He said: "me and my family are grateful to you all, And the cars and trucks you drive that cause the bugs to fall. As you go flying by I just sit here in place And hold my mouth open wide to keep bug juice off my face." "After bugs have ricochetted off those windshields, Night and day they come my way already peeled." So when your windshield is covered and you can barely see, just smile and say,"there, little friends have some bugs on me." My windshield is covered, I can no longer see the road, But I know out there somewhere is a fat and happy toad.

What will my poetry do today? What will my poetry do today? Will it cause a smile? Will it cause a parent to be more patient with a child? Will it help someone alone feel they have a friend? Will it cause a wayward child to head for home again? Will it help a heart full of hate to forgive and forget? To know that hate not vanquished will lead ultimately to regret? Will it cause someone in school to work hard to pass a test? Or workers on the job to do their very best? Will it help leaders around the world find a peaceful solution To the arms race, human suffering and pollution? Will it help people around the world to understand others, And in turn to understood? What will my poetry do today? I DO HOPE IT DOES GOOD !

All poems Copyright © 1997 John Gilliam. All rights reserved.