‘St. Joseph’s Admonition’ and Other Poetry by Gregory Ross

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St. Joseph’s Admonition

Forget yourself, and do what’s right,
Remember how you gained your sight,
So do not pause to quench your pain,
Your will is strengthened by the strain,
But weakened if you do not fight.

Pick up your sword and slay with might,
The demons who tempt you with fright.
While thinking of Heavenly gain,
Forget yourself.

Sharpen your mind just like a Knight,
That with your speech your words may smite,
And keep you from all that is vain,
Recall that Truth shall fight and reign,
For in the meek God does delight.
Forget yourself.

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Oaks of Strength

How many saplings die after they sprout?
Or stunted, greenwoods rot alone and fall,
Among a forest rich in dust and drought,
From hopeless soil which feeds them with a pall.
What is the name we give to men who grow,
To be upright old oaks of strength and shade,
Whose branches stretch for youth to swing below,
And use the gifts their wood and sawdust made.
How did they climb great heights to reach the sun?
Such broad and healthy trees today are rare,
As toxins kill small roots that aren’t yet done,
And smog from doubt has shrunk and choked their air.
Yet, fertile faith and family will grow,
The oaks of strength we want our boys to know.

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Gregory Ross is an emerging poet and a pilot who lives in Stafford, Virginia.