Stretching, Not Praying

Getting ready to run,

I was full out stretching.

A neighbor walked by and said:

Brother, I am so glad to see

That you are praying.

Sister, I replied,

I'm stretching, not praying.

Getting ready to do

Some good for myself,

Not wishful thinking.

Chris Brockman

Comments: 22

Karen E. Oct 23, 2010, 12:23am UTC

Absolutely love this.

Chris Brockman Oct 23, 2010, 9:22am UTC

A little more running and a little less wishful thinking would go a long way towards solkving the health problems people face.

Karen E. Oct 23, 2010, 12:46pm UTC

I remember being able to run. My knees are so bad now that even walking down to the barn is a journey. I see people running on country roads and feel the loss of something very beautiful.

Karen E. Oct 23, 2010, 12:47pm UTC

40 years of pushing beds and lifting people, kneeling at wounded feet and the like...

Barbara H. Dec 30, 2010, 9:43am UTC

Karen my dear woman. I know of what you speak. We have three nurses in the family who haave done the same. It seems it takes health and stamina to provide health care for the ill and aged and nurses give up more than just their caretaking ways in the profession. It takes such a special soul to be a nurse. Bless you and all nurses everywhere.

Karen E. Dec 30, 2010, 8:37pm UTC

Oh Barbara you bring tears to my eyes. That is so sweet and kind.

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JustMe ~I'm happy to be~ Oct 23, 2010, 7:26am UTC

Big smile.

Chris Brockman Oct 23, 2010, 9:22am UTC

Back at ya :)>

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Ann Marcaida Oct 23, 2010, 11:11am UTC

Was this based on a real-life incident?

Thanks for sharing with Gather's Best Writers and Artists. Now featured.

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Jennifer Lee Oct 23, 2010, 11:36am UTC

Why do I get the feeling that even if I were running, I couldn't escape from all the issues that face America today? Hopeful poem, even tho you don't pray.

Chris Brockman Oct 23, 2010, 11:55am UTC

Because it would be very hard to run away from them. They will be there and affect all of us directly or indirectly, whether we know about them, care about them, vote, or whatever. Hopeful? Yes, because, as they say, the Lord helps them that helps themselves.

Ruthi C. Oct 25, 2010, 8:06pm UTC

And if Christians, like myself, would only realize what you say here, Chris, our Lord might get in his day of rest!
:-)

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David W. Oct 24, 2010, 11:47am UTC

You really have to strech the mind to blieve that praying will help. This is what I live by, "If your boat is sinking pray all you want, but swim like hell for the shore."

This is a very publishable poem, a bit of whimsy and some deep thoughts all rolled up into a neat and tidy ball of string.

Chris Brockman Oct 24, 2010, 12:10pm UTC

Publishable? You mean someone publishes poetry? Any suggestions?

David W. Oct 24, 2010, 1:51pm UTC

I do not know if you are kidding or not, but just in case, go to,
www.winningwriters.com for the best input on contest for writers and poets. i am on their maililng list andrecieve great info every month.