Listening To My Family Poem by Randy McClave

My dad taught me to stand up against a bully
Especially those who are mouthy and unruly,
He told me to always stand my ground
And then to pound.
My mom taught me no one was better than me
And I was no better than a beggar under a tree,
And the main difference between me and them
Their good choices they did condemn.
My grandfather who was a vet
Said serving and suffering for his country was no regret,
He said he would do it proudly once again
As he will forever stand with all proud service men.
My uncle once said this about those who mock and curse
They are cowards who think they are the worse,
They are repeating like a barroom canary
Someone should go out and buy them a dictionary.
My aunt once told me this about the rich
They look down on laborers and those who dig a ditch,
They want nothing to do with us the working class
Unless they need someone to protect and defend and harass.
My brother once told me this
Without God's love and compassion, peace you will miss,
He told me to read and understand the Bible
Then I will know my sins and my every rival.
My sister once spoke
Don't be deceived or tricked by those who provoke,
And those who believe and who spread gossip and rumors
I see them as evil people giving others tumors.
My son once had said
We are all equal when we are dead,
And how we were and acted while we were living
Either in Heaven or Hell will be our new beginning.
My nephew's and nieces all said once before
Always choose and open the worn out door,
Then always listen to the pastor's preachings
And then always follow all of Jesus's beliefs and teachings.
This was spoke to me by my loving family
To lead me out and away from all confusion and calamity,
My pride and my everlasting soul was at stake to be concise
So, with thought and prayer I took their advice.

Randy L. McClave