John W. Roach Sonora, CA, USA

Born in Thompson Fall, Montana and brought to Quartz Mountain, California at the age of three. The school of Quartz had eight pupils. For two years I spent one hour a day memorizing poetry. While in Stockton College a published poet, Miss Humbarger guided and helped me in polishing up my first poem, which The National Library of Poetry published. The local paper has published my poems as well. I hope to write enough to make a book of poetry. My poems mostly deal with love and my relationship to God.

Let's Let's you and me write poetry We'll write here in the sand Let's you and me write poetry We'll make it oh so grand. The trees, the grass, will give us themes And then there's you and me, We'll write until the sun goes down and leaves us by the sea. We've many things to write about As we sit by the sea There's sun and wind and rustling surge, And then there's you and me. There's days gone by, and days to come And o so many things That we can think to talk about And give the long day wings.

Thou Lord of the Morning Thou Lord of the Morning Oh King of the night I thank Thee for keeping My footsteps aright. My hand has been set To do many a sin Thou guardest me gently And bringeth me in To thy fold in the evening From the rocks on the hill Where the evil one lingers To entice me on still. So guide me and keep me While my life shall last And give me Thy peace When my journey is past.

Soothe Me Soothe and console me Put me to sleep Lay me down gently At Jesus' dear feet. He will sustain me And comfort my soul His love hovers o'er me As Ocean waves roll Peace and contentment From pain and from strife Love everlasting Sweetens my life.

All poems Copyright © 1997 John W. Roach. All rights reserved.