Bookends

There are bookends that sit on my table
With my Bible, and journals and books
A tottering row of this thing and that
With my thoughts and my dreams in their nooks

Like my opening show on its one end
With the years crowded there in between
And together they give me reminders
Of my soon coming brief closing scene

Yet my heart holds a peace at its center
For God promised that I have a place
And the one who is writing my chapters
Keeps the best for the last by His grace

So, teach us to number our days,
That we might get a heart of wisdom
Psalm 90:12 ESV
Bookends by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright © 2026
All rights reserved


“Know When to Fold ’em”

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. Ecclesiastes 5:3 KJV

“Keep it simple stupid.” was the phrase our professors used when explaining how to teach the high school students that awaited us upon graduation. Though I didn’t teach for long, I quickly learned just how true that was. Keeping it short when writing poetry (and preaching) also matters., and might be best explained by Kenny Rodgers in his song, The Gambler”,

“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em” (Grab the reader with the opening lines), “know when to fold ’em,” (edit ruthlessly,) “Know when to walk away,” (Know when to say amen!) “And know when to run!” (Once you’ve done your best, move on.) I certainly haven’t always adhered to these rules, and occasionally a longer presentation is worthwhile. But on the other hand, I have also discovered that editing poetry can be a lot like the day in shop class when I cut each table leg shorter until I had a table fit for kindergarteners! I lots of other illustrations I wanted to use but, I’ve got to run!

Here in my newest verse, and I hope a decent example of today’s class. To you guys sitting in the back and just doodling in your workbook, you’ll need to, stay after school for detention! Blessings all.

Just Gently Sings

A sparrow who is hungry
Needs no bread to borrow
Nor earthly kings

The raven in the meadow
Without fear of tomorrow
Lifts up his wings

And mockingbird in morning
Who knows not of our sorrow
Just gently sings

"Just Gently Sings"
by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2024
All rights reserved


Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!
Luke 12:24 ESV