GOT TO SEE MY FATHER

Traveling far,

energy low,

light changed to darkness

many miles ago.

Trying to reach home

before his end.

Traveling this road alone

all over again.

Last chance cafe

is up ahead.

I will pull in, not to stay,

just for coffee and short bread.

Then it came to me,

his heart is weak,

this is my father I got to see.

Maybe the last chance we have to speak.

For a lesson learn

is wisdom gained.

Never to be late again,

for this I yearn ,

just to whisper his name.

FATHER

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2009

TO MY WIFE ON HER BIRTHDAY

I find you so special in every way.

I learn something special and

exciting about you each passing day.

I have watched you overcome pain

and sadness, I have witnessed yours tears.

I have watch you grow during these thirty-five years.

I have tried to be strong for you in

my weakest hours.

I have tried to nurture you as a

gardener would his flowers.

I have always seen in you a pure heart

and the uncanny ability to carry on the fight.

Even when things seemed wrong,

they always turned out right.

I have always admired the greatness of

your stature and the strength of your

convictions. How you rely on past

experiences and your intuition.

Your Birthday is very special to me

because I have you in my life. It

is even more special to me because

you are my wife.

Happy Birthday,

Your Loving Husband

Gamaliel H. Gooding

Poetic Verses

Copyrighted 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "Ilona"

The inevitable is what a birthday brings.

Timeless memories of days gone by.

The joy of listening to the Robin sing.

Your beauty never subsides.

Gifts wrapped in threads of gold,

from a distant placed filled with love.

True love of a friend from the soul,

with the heart of a Turtle Dove.

For all the birthdays, present and past,

may they always serve to enlighten your days.

To give back to someone who would give their last,

what better gift to give then to remind you always,

that you are loved by your brother

A poem for my sister

Your brother, Gamaliel

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEPHEW "Carlos"

How often do we get the

chance to say happy birthday

to a family member we love.

Hopefully it is every chance we

get, the years go by so quickly,

as we watch intensely as life unfolds.

Remember to live each day with vigor,

fearlessly challenging all the obstacles

that life places in your path.

Know that you are loved by your family,

and adored by your friends.

Always remember, it is true love that last.

May your BIRTHDAYS be many and fruitful.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2011

THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT CHOICES

No one really knows what the future holds.

Through our efforts we strive to reach our goals.

After laboring, we wait for the future to unfold.

Building lasting relationships between family and friends.

Hoping that the threads are strong that binds and mends.

Having a forgiving spirit that forgives again and again.

It is the natural way of life that allows us to see life as we do.

The road map for each of us is different, so are our pursuits.

The path less traveled may seem harder; but at the end is the truth.

Knowledge seekers without a goal or reason.

Are like the search for the perfect flower, when out of season.

Going here and there, there is no cohesion.

How much have you gain from these few lines of rhyme.

How flexible are you to the changing times.

Have you made the right choices, are you willing to walk the line.

MOTHER

Before my earthly conception,

I was bless by the creator

who knew me in him.

With my earthly birth,

I was bless again with an earthly

mother who knew and served him.

As a child I would acknowledge

her kindness with an angelic smile,

and touch the tip of her nose.

We were of one mind, body and spirit.

My mother knew my every need. I don't

remember shedding tears for any link of time.

The days when food was scarce, no

milk, bread or meat was near,

she didn't worry, she knew her father.

She only had to go behind close doors,

and talk to him. He always

answered whenever she called on him.

Now that she is gone from the earthly realm,

I don't have to fear. She doesn't have

to pray from a distance.

Now she is sitting beside him.

She can talk to him face to face about

my needs, and they are still being met.

She continues to be mother.

Happy Mother Day

Your Loving Sons

Gamaliel and Curtis

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2009

To My Wife, Elvira On Mothers Day

Mothers Day has always

been my favorite day of the year.

I get the opportunity once again to give

praise to that which I hold so dear.

I am thankful that God saw in his

infinite wisdom to bring us together.

You have been patient through the

good times and stormy weather.

Through your eyes, I came to see

the true meaning of friendship and love.

Because of the goodness of your heart,

I was transformed into a Dove.

Even though Mothers Day comes once a

year by a calendar that is man made.

I know that you are a mother all year long,

that is why I give you praise.

Forever your loving husband

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "DANI"

On this special day, I find

it necessary to put on display

my adoration for a special friend

that has become family in

every way.

The innate qualities you possesses

gives new meaning to friendship.

I am honored to have you in the

family. You are truly

a special gift.

I am honored to call

you my special friend.

May all your Birthdays

be special.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hristina

On your Birthday

I'm thinking about how much light and sparkle

you freely dispense wherever you go,

how your sunny smile lights up any gathering.

Every birthday marks another year

of you radiating positive happy energy,

contagious happiness that infects all who

come in contact with you.

May your next birthday find you the same...

glowing from within, beaming bright joy on

everyone you meet.

I feel blessed to have known you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

BETRAYED BY HER EYES

The intensity of her eyes

brings to bear a revelation of

truth and sanity.

When I thought I had within my

grasp the true self, I discovered

the reflection in the mirror.

In the mirror I can see only

her eyes, the entirety of

her being escapes me.

Her eyes once again

have betrayed me.

What has one gain from the

admiration of an image that

portrayed no soul on the

other side of the mirror.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2011

LIFE 'S A FLOWER BED

The flower bed of life are a

mixture of very delicate flowers.

Some petals are easily blowned away

with the slightest burst of wind.

Life life, flowers are not always rooted

in fertile ground, nor are they always

deeply rooted. In some cases their roots

are shallow and planted in unproductive soil.

Life life, one of the most beautiful

of all flowers, the rose, are attached

to long stems, with penetrating

thorns that will inflict pain.

I would suggest that like a flower

bed, careful planning of life soil

should be properly treated, the thought

process should be properly seeded.

Our direction should be properly

motivated and our intentions should

be deeply rooted, to ensure that

we are not deterred from our journey.

We are ultimately responsible for our own

flower bed. Whether it becomes a bed of

roses with painful thorns or a beauty that

will enhance our lives is the question.

It is my hope for humanity, that we have

become mature and advance enough to

deal with the pain and growth that is

generated from the penetrating thorns of life.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2009

Lend Me Your Ears

I am always talking to the wall.

My voice appears to vibrate in the wind.

When asked to explain what I said,

I have to start all over again.

Lend me your ears that I may share

with you my thoughts.

I am eager to impart with you something

other then what I brought.

The material things you seem to enjoy,

silver and gold and flora ensemble.

I seek only to enjoy your company

and for that I am truly humble.

Lend me your ears that I might

share with you my childhood dreams.

All the things I longed for but could not own.

I have learned the true value of simple things.

I have learned that to listen is to learn.

I have given thoughts to those without ears.

Value of words to those who listen is a gem.

I have been far from the truth, and yet so near.

I finally discovered the secret to life's success.

The inner voice of the soul is in control.

I now listen with serious intentions,

and marvel at the stories untold.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2009

A Preacher's Life

One of choice would be easy to say.

That is not the case in most assignments.

True ministry requires God's intervention,

and must be blessed with God's consent.

Man's belief that fortune and fame,

is acquired by the use of his own power.

Religious ministry works only in God's name,

and not in the hands of cowards.

What man does not understand,

he has no power of his own.

Through the ages he has tempted God's hand,

but God's plan cannot be undone.

The devil knows that hell is his home.

He seeks to corrupt as many souls as he can.

In the end, the devil and the corrupt stands alone.

The God of Heaven and earth is still in command.

The Preacher's journey is a perilous one,

his life is not his own.

Delivering the message as it is written,

is his goal until God calls him home.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2009

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

He has been elected by a higher source

to travel this road less travelled,

with the true willingness to confront

the demons of centuries past.

He has picked up the banner of

those who have given their lives

that he might have this great

opportunity to share his dreams

without regard for color or class.

He brings to the world a vision

of unity and equality, a united

America, that will serve as a beacon

for all of those that seek access to

to these shores.

He dreams of a world that provides

safety without the threat of war, where

there are no longer the disenfranchised,

where no one will be denied their basic

needs of life, where there are no closed doors.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2009

A Field Of Music

When I was young, I would

spend large amounts of time

walking between the corn

rows listening to the wind as

it made those melodic sounds.

When I became a man, I

remembered those sounds. I

discovered that it contained the

violin, piano and the heavenly

harp that produced soft melodies.

I don't recall loud horns or

big drums. I remembered that the

music flowed evenly. I recalled

asking myself, how was this

possible.

From above the clouds a voice

shouted! Your mind was in tune

to musical instruments of nature,

a symphony that I had created

just for you.

As a child you mind was clear

and your heart was pure, which allowed

me to commune with you through a

field of music.

It is good that your spirit has remembered

me. I continue to walk with you down the

corn rows of life.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2011

The Journey

A great distance we have traveled

on land and sea,

with tidal waves and winds

of rage, placing

our lives in jeopardy.

This hazardous journey

and leap of faith,

has brought us to this land,

where the sun shines bright and

the days are filled with grace.

We give thanks to he who guided us

with keen eyes and mighty hands.

He carried us through the tidal waves

to such a place of beauty

amidst the perils of the raging wind.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding

Copyrighted 2011

Poetic Verses: The Journey

Poetic Verses: The Journey: "A great distance we have traveled on land and sea, with tidal waves and winds of rage, placing our lives in jeopardy. This hazardous journe..."

The Journey

A great distance we have traveled
on land and sea,
with tidal waves and winds
of rage, placing
our lives in jeopardy.

This hazardous journey
and leap of faith,
has brought us to this land,
where the sun shines bright and
the days are filled with grace.

We give thanks to he who guided us
with keen eyes and mighty hands.
He carried us through the tidal waves
to such a place of beauty
amidst the perils of the raging wind.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

Poetic Verses: Life's A Flower Bed

Poetic Verses: Life's A Flower Bed: "The flower bed of life are a mix of very delicate flowers, their petals are easily blown away with the slightest wind shift. Like life, fl..."

Life's A Flower Bed

The flower bed of life are
a mix of very delicate flowers,
their petals are easily blown away
with the slightest wind shift.

Like life, flowers are not always
rooted in fertile ground and they are
not always deeply rooted. In some
cases, their roots are shallow and
delicately planted in unproductive soil.

Life life, the rose, one of the most beautiful
of all flowers, it is attached to long
stems with penetrating thorns that
can and will inflict pain if not properly
handled.

I would suggest that like a flower bed,
careful planning of life soil should
be properly treated, the thought
process should be properly seeded.

Our direction should be properly
motivated and our intentions should
be deeply rooted, to ensure that we
are not deterred from our journey.

We are ultimately responsible for our
own flower bed. Whether it becomes a
bed of roses with painful thorns, or a
beauty that enhances our lives is the
question.

Have we become mature and advanced
enough to deal with the pains of growth
from the penetrating thorns of life?
That should be the question.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

Poetic Verses: Inner Observations Of Oneself

Poetic Verses: Inner Observations Of Oneself: "I sometimes lends my ears to the silence, where I can hear nothing in your world. It is important to be alone with oneself, in order to obs..."

Inner Observations Of Oneself

I sometimes lends my ears to the silence,
where I can hear nothing in your world.
It is important to be alone with oneself,
in order to observe the true mirror image
of the reflection we try so hard to conceal.

In order for us to destroy the anger that
lurks within all of us, waiting patiently
for the spark that will send flames flying
recklessly and aimlessly through our lives.

We must allow the creator of all things,
in heaven and in earth to enter our lives. Only
then will the mirror reveal it's true identity.
Only then will we be able to defeat our demons.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H.Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

An Unbeatable Spirit

In the not so distant past, I dare to remember
the long hot summers of toiling in the fields.
Pulling the ripe green corn from their husky beds.
Cuts and scratches that refuse to heal.

There was no shade other then the stalks.
One would have to stay crouched to dodge the sun.
The pain from walking all day, in a bent position,
only the years would reveal the damage done.

Determined I am that my spirit will not be lost,
in this battle being waged by those who abuse.
My back may bend, to straighten no more.
But my spirit will soar and endure.

The legacy I leave to the youth of today,
take no wage for that which burns inside.
You may shed your blood and your tears in
your struggles, in the end your spirit survives.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

gamalielgooding.com

Check out my new website, gamalielgooding.com. I will be adding to it as I strive to improve. Let me know what you think.

A Father's Love and Advice

I am truly fortunate to witness
the remarkable gift of fatherhood.
To nurture and to give of oneself
as only a father should.

To share my knowledge with
my son, to give him an edge.
To promise him guidance, fear
he does not have to dread.

This road of undisclosed secrets,
you don't have to travel alone.
I am always near, hold my hand,
and I will lead you home.

The end results of your journey
is determined by your will to succeed.
The outcome of your journey,
requires your will to believe.

Failure to confront life head on
will result in fragmented ideas.
With no road map to guide you,
There will be no life to live.

Always remember to listen with great
intensity when those of wisdom speaks.
It will serve you well, when you are
faced to face with truth or deceit.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

Black History

We all can remember the great names
in history that has contributed much.
Have we ever looked in the next room,
or who's sitting at the dinner table,
or getting up early in the morning to
go to work to make sure that the bills
are paid.

What about the thoughts of who provided
for you as a child, unable to wipe your
nose, change your clothes. The comforter
that was there in your dim lit room, to
administer first aid for your winter
cold. The one that calmed you after
a bad dream.

Yes let us always remember the great men
and women who made a great sacrifice, some
the ultimate sacrifice by giving up their
lives.

Let us never forget that those great heroes
of history past and present, would not have
been possible, if it had not been for those
that came before them.

GOD, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers,
brothers, sisters, aunts uncles, nieces, nephews,
cousins, true friends, and yes sometimes a complete
stranger can be the turning point in our
lives.

So when we speak of Black History, let's
make an effort not to leave out anyone that
may have made a difference.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

COMPLACENCY

Sitting here doing nothing,
could be doing something.
Talking about the others that
are doing nothing but grumbling.

Could be working on my dream.
Could be writing about life's ups and downs.
Could be satisfied with my feet in the mud.
I could swim or I could drown.

In my ample closet of things to do, I don't
count fear among them, do you?
I do believe that I am predestined to be great
among men, justice is mine, justice is due.

I for one, have a great desire to restore
that which is rightfully mine.
The thief of my soul's identity will be revealed.
It is at the end of this journey that I draw the line.

Be careful of those who come disguised as
sheep, but is actually ravenous wolves.
Don't set by the wayside waiting for a free ride.
Show them that you did because you could.

There is no place for complacency.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2010

KEY TO KNOWLEDGE

This journey on this endless road
of discovery with it's pain and pleasure,
light and darkness is it's main
color scheme.

But I wear suits that glitter in any kind
of weather, in sunshine and rain, and I
adorn myself with accessories,
gold necklaces and diamond rings.

When I look in the mirror, I see
the reflection of who I am not, and
my true self frowns at what I
have become, self-centered and vain.

My journey I am told should be a search for
the enlightenment of the soul. One of the main
ingredients for acquiring wisdom is patience.
The wise said remove from a hill of sand one grain.

I have removed from the center,one grain, as the wise
has said. I asked the question why one grain?
He answered, if you have searched and found the
center, it is patience you have gain.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

There Are No Boundaries To The Soul

Cities of old, our mind does visit with
some degree of accuracy, from dreams
on wings of gold.

Night flight, guided by the moon and
stars, unimpeded by earthly obstacles. There
are no boundaries to the soul.

Fear not to dream of distant places where
the waters are icy blue and the flowers
smiles in your face.

Flap your wings of gold. You will find
yourself on a moon lit island,with
your soul in a quiet place.

Your mind will be free to roam
the heavens, and talk with the
angels of old.

Once again, you will witness that there
are no boundaries to soul.

You will dream of the creator's wisdom
who existed before the earth was formed.

Your head will rest upon his bosom,
and all your worries will be gone.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

Poison

Dreary days and
endless nights, tormented
by man made dreams.

Smokey clubs on
Sunset Boulevard, needle
infested alleyways,
and little girls that pimps craves.

I long to rid myself of this self
imposed prison of degradation,
of suffering and endless pain.
If there is no suffering, there is no gain.

I have discovered that my
many friends are few.
The many used me to no end.
The few help me to begin again.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

For My Wife (Elvira) On Valentine's Day

How often I have neglected to give
thanks for your unconditional love,
true dedication and your respect.
How often I have neglected
to thank you for being a
dedicated wife and mother.

For you are my friend and my lover,
the backbone of my existence for all
these years. Roses, candy, decorated cakes,
flamboyant parties,
gifts of diamonds and rubies,
traveling to an isolated
island with beautiful flowers
filled with perfume.

This would seem like the perfect
gift to give someone as special as you.
But I know you so well. You would
prefer to continue seeing the
gleam in my eyes everytime I come
home from work.

You would prefer the soft touches and
agreeable glances that we give each
other as we sit at the table having
breakfast and snacks.

You would prefer that we continue
to see in each other all
that's required to sustain
this blessed union.

Knowing all of this,you are still
deserving of all the gifts.

For your are a very special Valentine,
you are mine, all mine.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011

Not So Different

We laugh, we cry, we pass judgment
without giving any thought to the
consequences that follows such
unbridled rhetoric.

We are narcissistic, stuck on oneself,
yet we are no better then the person
we are sitting next too. we enjoy
the love we have for self.

We shy away from political discourse
that will in some way bare our soul, allowing
the sun to shine thru. We would prefer
demagoguery and criticism instead.

We shy away from our beginning, attempting
to evade the reality of our being. We
fail to give thanks to our creator.

Self grandiosity usually terminates
with grave consequences.

Poetic Verses By Gamaliel H. Gooding
Copyrighted 2011