Shirley Marie Jacobsen

Chandler, TX, USA

Shirley, a 1993 graduate of SAGU, honorary member of Delta Epsilon Chi society, biography in Who's Who in the World, 1998; "Distinguished Poet" chosen by The International Society of Poets, recipient of the Editor's Choice Award by The National Library of Poetry, 1997; and author of Feelings of the Heart, her life story in poetic and short story form, is dedicated to her husband and four boys. Shirley, a southern gospel songwriter/singer, BMI affiliate, contributor to performing artist's rights, and "world poem for peace," is a jazz composer of son et lumiere at sea, echoing a "wake-up" call for world peace.

Columns and Pillars

One must consider the pedestal
which raises to the sky
staunch and bold it stands tall.
One might ask the reason why?

One must consider it a pillar
It supports the building
more than a filler!

One must realize that it is a pillar
A MONARCH—not a butterfly
made of wood, of cedar—without filler
reaches upward to yonder sky!

Then, one must consider the column
several, perhaps—all in a row
makes one become very solemn
to visualize strength without a bow!

Pedestals require elevation
set higher (better) than the rest
and much concentration
whether they will stand the test.

But, a pillar stands firm
it never budges or moves
It's overpowering—strength affirm
research, analysis, it behooves.

See the columns measured in strength
One realizes the space in time
how masons calculated each length
surges beyond mortar and lime.

Existing for centuries!

The Middle Class Woes

When the middle-class stretches and grows
someone knows! Even though the best decision
may rock the pillar, shake the beam
loose the temporary foundation
the middle-class still are!

The middle-class shakes the rafters,
peers through the roof, stretches—yearning
to grow after the roots are shaken—tough,
beyond what once was the middle-class!

Silly Bus

There are many silly buses in this world
One whirls down the highway 70 miles an hour!
One directs you to your signs
One instructs you in your courses
literature, history, reading, rhyme.
These are important—metal on paper!
One you can trust—one is unpredictable
The ones you can trust are your instructions
Buy only if you follow them.
Read this, read that—test this, test that.
Hand in work on the fourth, add a lesson, a report!
'til you're riding along inside a "silly bus"
And can't get off!