Western true and blue, but somehow a poet too.

Isn't it funny how throughout life we run,  run, run

Till life and sickness get us so run down

Forever thinking that we would always be invincible 

And nothing could slow us down, now how laughable 

Half a century old….and I'm still aging 

With each passing year, the days are accelerating 

Now my body grunts and groans 

Because of my rickety old bones

Just to do those once easy to do tasks

Now I don't take any unnecessary risks

As I look in the mirror, no matter the angles

There's no covering up all these unsightly wrinkles 

I can see both the past and the future

Knowing that there's not much I can alter

But wait for a gosh dang - bloom'n moment 

I now have an untreatable ailment 

I ask everyone, What was I doing a moment ago?

My mind swirls dropping cells like unneeded mementos 

Life has a way of forgetting about Me

Heavens to Betsy, since when can't I see?

I fumble for my fashionable, old person bifocal glasses

Just to find out, now I can't fit into my old, sportier britches

So out come them ugly, stretchy suspenders 

That bring back some horrible reminders 

Of laughing at my dearly, beloved great grandfather

And now, I'm the brunt of each round of laughter 

Since when did this pop belly appear in my midriff?

All of these maladies, make me reach for my handkerchief 

I suddenly realize, that no longer can I run

It's something that I now know can't be done

Nope, no more races against all them young bucks

Hecks bells, now I'll have to get rid of all my spandex

I tell everyone I have to go home, because I have a headache 

But it's really because, it's too cold outside and my knees do quake

Now that I'm home, I put my plastic dentures to soak

Then I take my medicine against heart disease and stroke

This life's race against time can never be won

But while it lasted, gosh, it sure was fun

So, hum, now I've wandered off in this stinky, smelly, old nursing home

As I scratch my bald head, let's see if I can remember how to get back to my room

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

Upon entering our home's front door

I smell a smell so intensely pure

As if upon command, my mouth begins to water

My feet towards the kitchen do not hesitate nor falter

I find a loaf of sweet, delicious, homemade bread

This incredible smell goes instantly to my head 

Longing to add the taste of sweet honey butter

To my slice of bread lavishly, it, do I smother

The hot release of steam as I cut into the loaf

Truthfully, bread is best right out of the stove

My strong frame melts just like the butter

Oh yes, this piece was just an appetizer 

My stomach growls for the next hot, dreamy slice

My desire to savor another delicate portion does increase

As I reach for the breadknife, I remember to say thank you and please 

It is said that people can smell Mother's bread upon their deathbed

Yes, that heavenly taste and smell of freshly baked bread

Thus today, I will savor each and every tender bite

Sinking my teeth into that tender morsel, to my heart's delight 

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

The Book of Mormon

There is a book of scripture that talks to each of us

With profound prophecies that speak about our worthiness 

Lehi's dream was to guide us along the straight and narrow path

Young Nephi followed the whisperings of the Spirit while in his youth

Jacob said that if we prune, dung, and care for the tree

We can make it back safely to Thee

Though we may be a branch grafted onto that old trunk

Good fruit from us will the Master pluck

Enos, though he went out one day a-hunting

Received a remission of his sins by earnestly praying

After reading these pages, the Lamanites would gain a knowledge of Christ

Looking forward with renewed hope, by the Holy Ghost, they'd be so enticed

Long live King Benjamin

My goodness, what a man

His son, Mosiah, was a prophet and seer

Who had four sons that caused an angel to appear

These four men taught the Lamanites with such great power

Insomuch so, that the Holy Spirit their physical bodies did overpower

Two thousand sixty sons did take up their swords 

To defend their people from the wicked Lamanite hordes

Alma the Senior at first was a wicked high priest

Though upon hearing Abinadi speak, his wicked ways immediately ceased

Baptizing his people in the waters of Mormon

He started many people on the path towards salvation

Alma the Younger, was also a wicked and idolatrous person

For which, he suffered for three days and nights till his sins were forgiven 

Thereafter, his greatest desire was to have the voice of an angel 

Amulek and Zeezrom, were amongst those who heeded Alma's call 

Nephi and Lehi, though prisoners, stood within a circle of fire

They wanted all to know about God, this was their desire

The soldiers listened and became believers

They soon became God's spiritual ambassadors

Nephi kneeled upon his garden tower

While beneath him wicked Nephites did gather

He foresaw the workings of the secret band of Kishkumen

That they would bring about the end of this great nation

Samuel the Lamanite, upon the walls of Zarahemla did preach

That Christ would come down to earth and, us, He would teach

Thirty four years after His birth, He did appear 

To these, His other sheep, His voice did they hear

To become witnesses, His wounds did they feel

Throughout the land,  all people, these witnesses did tell

Salvation could be had if at Christ's feet they would kneel

Then their wounds would He carefully heal

Almost three hundred years would pass away in peace

Till Mormon saw that the people's faith did decrease

A commandment to make a compilation of sacred records 

And write about this nation's wickedness as it spiraled downwards

A final farewell to his people did Mormon give

Hoping that his son, Moroni, this war would outlive

Before everyone was killed there upon Cumora's green hill

All prophecies up till then were entirely fulfilled 

Moroni, a final challenge to all

Unto us has he issued this call

If we will but read and pray with real intent

Our lives will this book compliment

The Book of Mormon has special meaning to me 

But, its teachings are meant for all, you see

Of prophets, seers, and revelators who lived here so long ago 

The truth, by way of the Holy Ghost, upon us will he bestow

So it's quite simple for you and me 

If we but follow Moroni's steps to see

If this book testifies that Christ died upon that lonely tree

Then true followers of Christ will each of us be

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

Adiós

Que Dios esté con vos 

Ninguna vez te he hecho imaginar 

Que aquí me iba a quedar

Añoro mis días de estar a tú lado

Pero mi vista se ve muy nublado

Veo el mundo en todo su esplendor 

Ojalá que algun día, llegaré a ser un ganador

La competencia para ganar un dólar 

Me causa un gran dolor 

Judas vendió su alma al dar un beso

Solo para ganar unos tristes pesos

Tantas veces he tratado escapar 

Esta prisión que me ha atrapado con todo vigor

Cansado y sin defensas 

Mi cuerpo ya no tiene las fuerzas

Para continuar en esta lucha

Contra gerentes que son tan mensos

Gente que sigue en su estupidez 

Y el mundo cayendo en iniqidad con rapidez

Hay que aguantár las pruebas de esta vida

Porque siempre va a haber conflicta 

Prestamos atención a las leyes de Dios con diligencia

Y siempre tener nuestras metas en la vista

Lástima que esta vida pasé tan veloz 

Si lo único que quiero es estar con mis amigos 

El último día de este jornada tendré que deciros

Gracias y Adiós

Escrito por:

Jason Cheney 

My Smile Прside Down

I've learned to smile while I cry

Perhaps, someday, I'll know the reason why 

My heart so heavy, yes, so poignantly full

Thus my heartstrings do I gently pull

So that the corners of my lips turn upwards

Though they continually strive to turn downwards 

My warm, salty tears could fill a measuring cup

But no one will notice as my smile rises up

On the surface, I am as happy as a lark

For it is my signature trademark 

But deep down inside 

My sorrow do I hide

I hurt day in and day out

But I will never let anyone see me pout

My heart and soul just want to shout out loud

I will not, no not ever, in front of a crowd

So I've learned to smile while I cry

After giving vent to a little sigh

I just smile and continue on

As I run this Earthly marathon 

Supposedly, life is to be filled with fun

But rarely, inside, will it ever see the sun

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

A thousand miracles performed by Christ

Soothing the anguish of each sinner sufficed

By taking a moment to lift a suffer up

And with those sinners He didst sup

He healed the sick and the afflicted

Their terrible suffering was quickly abated

The woman who sought out the Savior 

To but touch His garment was her desire

A young girl who died

Through priesthood powers gently applied 

She like Lazarus did awaken

To their family's acclamation 

Ten lepers who sought out the Lord

A blessing and healing they couldn't afford

One turned to show his thanks and gratitude

By giving honor and glory to the most high God

A woman who was caught in adultery

Whose accusers left in a scurry

Afraid of lifting a stone

Leaving them there, all alone

He entered the Garden of Gethsemane

Alone and scared yet upon bended knee

To take upon himself everyone's sins

He looked unto his father because of his sore afflictions 

He bled from each pore

This wounds me to my very core

Each drop of blood he spilt

If I repent, I will live again without all this guilt 

Soon to be found upon a cross

Not recognizing his hand in our life will be our greatest loss

This miracle wrought by his hands

Has broken the oppressor's iron bands

They are in plain sight for all to see

These miracles were performed for you and me

All glory to Him while kneeling before Him upon bended knee

So that at God's table, we will not be an absentee

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

Flit and fly

Busy little fly

You sit and chat 

Then you scat

A million miles today

A race for food you say

Rather it's do and die

It's not time to lie around, you reply

I'll make the time 

To find the most delicious grime

A garbage can comes into sight 

Oh what pure delight

Happy am I

For tomorrow I'll die, fat and sassy I happily reply

Written by:

Jason Cheney and Gabby Galvez

This inability to stop inhaling

These sweet fragrances are so breathtaking

Stirring tender memories from my childhood

All of them, rich and good

They bring peace to my soul

They have indeed made me whole

Happiness mingled with a pinch of nostalgia 

Triumphs and losses are swallowed up by this beautiful aroma

I smell the essence of each individual flower

Mixed in tandem, my olfactory senses it doth shower

I sense the beauty of this moment 

The timing, so delicate … so perfectly eloquent 

I wish I could remain

In this beautiful state I'm in

Knowing that this moment was made just for me

A smile, a wish come true, my soul caught up in jubilee 

This infectious aroma, this essence 

Has created such an exquisite ambience 

Wherein I may find inner peace

Until I exhale, and my breath, I release 

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

Hath no man called upon thee?

While walking upon Earth's highway 

Desperate to find the answers to life's many questions

Far too many people have their own opinions 

Looking and searching until life is no longer fun

Clouds and rain do overshadow the heat from the sun

Emptiness within me while in a crowded room 

The bitterness, the gall of despair, which over me doth loom

Hatred, anger, bitterness, doth fill my life 

All I've ever wanted was a world without strife

Yet I have found nary a place to rest

To unburden my weary head from all the unrest

Happiness to me is an unknown 

For I have traveled these many roads, all alone.

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

Mis lágrimas 

Mi angustia 

Mi lamento por este alma pérdida

Mis miles de recuerdos de ti

El dolor

Mis gritos

Mi corazón tan débil 

Mi cuerpo sin fuerzas

Me atraen a tu puerta, querido Señor

No aguanto tanta pérdida

Abrazame por favor 

Quitame el dolor y estas lagrimas

Da caricia a mi alma

Abre a mis ojos

Quita las palpitaciones de mi corazón 

Extiende tus brazos hacia mi.

Ayúdame sentir mejor

Colma mi corazón 

Con tu amor evangélico 

Envuélveme en tu abrazo amoroso

Ayúdame entender "el porqué?"

Silencia mis gritos

Toca mi corazón 

Levanta mi vista, Señor

Hasta tus cortes celestiales

Para ser un testigo

Del Plan de Redención 

Y que me amas 

Esta es mi oración 

En tus manos deposito mi confianza 

Para que algún día yo

Contigo y con ellos, puedo vivir 

Escrito por:

Jason Cheney

Such anguish in my soul

Why doth the devil have so much pull?

To draw me down below

Eternal happiness I feel I must forego 

I can't seem to rise above all this pain

My tears fall upon my cheeks like rain

I can't see through solitude's darkness 

My heart cries out to me, "life is pointless."

When I am in this moment of despair

It's time to kneel in earnest prayer

My God, I need Thy help to draw me up

I know that Christ did drink from that bitter cup

But I cannot fathom what effort it took

Yet of it He still partook 

How strong He must have been

To withstand Lucifer's evil grin

Never to relinquish his eternal perspective

To achieve His Infinite objective

So as we wallow in our own sorrow and pain 

Remember that Christ did obtain

Through trials at Gethsemane and there upon Calvary

He did rise above all this world's drudgery 

He's here to help lighten our load

This burden upon Him can we unload

To stand up straight 

Grabbing the iron rod with all our might

Placing each foot in front of the other

Into God's waiting arms, and also those of our Elder Brother

Where this anguish can be swallowed up 

If we will do one simple thing, JUST LOOK UP!

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

The loneliness of the night

To some it is quite a fright

For this purpose God created "light"

In the wee hours of the morning 

My mind begins churning 

I often find that it's time to begin writing

I can't go back to sleep 

I've tried counting thousands of sheep

Therefore, I turn to God, while others are asleep 

My thoughts are often just my own

About the gospel seeds that I have sown

And how quickly my kids have grown 

Or, how I wish to become like Nephi of old

Who did everything that he was told

He saw Christ, angel's, and other things foretold 

I think of God's expectation of who I could become

I am free to act, due to Christ's ransome

His ways have never been cumbersome

Talents that have been given to me

These have been a benefit to many you see

But my body aches, the hour is half past three

While upon my bed I do lay

I read, ponder, and pray

What more can I say

The night has passed

A new dawn has come at last

I feel somewhat downcast 

As I wonder how to withstand another day 

My body and mind must not sway

From my duties to perform, today

While others got a full night's rest

For me, today will be my biggest test

As my body doth protest

Why on Earth couldn't I sleep

Into thy hands, Lord, my soul please keep

As I travel, work, ponder, pray, and seek

Let this next night be more restful and kind

Into thy hands I place my tired, weary, old soul and mind

Please Lord, help me to fully unwind

As each hour swiftly flies

I gladly close my beautiful blue eyes

In hope that my body, this night, will reenergize

I know that through the silence of the night

I have come closer to my Heavenly Father's light

By reading about him, because I've accepted his invite

To become more like Him

Therefore, I sing my favorite hymn 

"Oh My Father", this phrase fills my heart to the very brim

No matter what, to Him I'll sing

His matchless love gives me wing

He comforts me, when my heart is aching 

What comfort, joy, and beauty is found in this phrase

I stand in all amaze

While looking upon Thy face

"My God How Great Thou Art"

Thou hast known me since the very start

In Thy embrace, my troubles and worries do depart

I deposit my life into Thy loving hand

My faith in Thee will help me withstand 

The trials of this life which are just part of Thy eternal plan

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

How tender and sweet are the prayers of a child

So full of faith, yet so mild

In this mortal life, they are so easily guided

It has therefore been promised

That if we become like one of them

We would eventually meet He who was from Bethlehem.

How wonderful it would be

To be one of those who sat on his knee

To hear him say

These, with me, will forever stay

In that celestial home

Where I invite all to come.

Written by:  Jason Cheney

Nostalgic for what's been lost

My best friends and family do I miss the most 

Saddened by not seeing those who've passed on

This cry of loss causes me such deep emotion

Cut to the quick by the forfeiture of an era passing away

You remind us to be cheerful and happy, this you say

As we remember their faces in our mind's eye 

Saying that we don't miss them would be a terrible lie

Of this I'm sure you'll all agree 

That saying goodbye is never easy

Just knowing that they aren't with us anymore 

Makes us want them nearer, all the more

The outstretched arms waiting to embrace us

This terrible, unrelenting feeling of our loss 

Of love and laughter

When we were all together 

How can life go on?

This thought seems to spawn

Feelings of hopelessness 

And loneliness 

Dreaming of those days long past

When I saw you last

I can't wait to be near you again

This, my joy, I can't contain

I'll run to you when I see your face

To be once more within your embrace 

My dear loved ones and friends

Someday we'll be together, when my own life ends

Never ever to be apart

This will just be the start

Of our lives together 

For eternity, in the hereafter

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

I nestle into my favorite spot

Upon my Father's knee 

To listen to Him

A lesson and story He recites to me

I love to gaze into His eyes

He speaks with such love and reverence you see

My focus is upon His face

I listen so very attentively 

His voice so mellow I begin to weep 

I lay my head there upon His chest

He lovingly wraps His arms around me

He is my hero, yes, my best friend you see

That day a memory I did make

Though off on a new adventure I did partake 

But my heart longs to hear His voice 

I yearn to look upon His face

So through the veil I do eagerly peek

For those memories that I do solemnly seek

I look for Him where I did depart 

He is waiting for me there with His arms wide apart 

My God, my Father, whom I entreat

Hold me tight, like before

So I might feel loved once more

This is my most earnest prayer 

I know that though we are far apart

My loving Father has heard me up there

For I feel His hands lift me up

As He once more sets me upon His knee

I nestle into my favorite spot

And lay my head once again upon His chest

My Eternal Father gently soothes my fears

My son, thou art loved by me, this thou hast always known

Yes Father, this I know

Today I just needed an embrace and hear thy voice 

I've missed thy presence this thou must see

And being held here upon Thy knee

Written by:

Jason Cheney 

I write by the light of my phone

Because my heart is unusually full

I oftentimes write when I feel that mighty pull

With my deepest thoughts, they and I are all alone 

The words distill upon my mind

I cannot stop myself from writing 

The words, they just keep on coming 

This Godly talent so simple and kind

I find joy and peace in my poems

When feeling blue, they lift me up

While pondering their words, I naturally look up 

For God is speaking just to me, it seems

It's then that I realize I am not alone

So I continue to write

Each new memory or thought I do contemplate

My true feelings are soon set in stone

I've never had such a friend

Me, myself must I earnestly show

That through my poems will my love for God continually grow

Unto Him my truest feelings do ascend 

He inspires me to greater heights

So my poems soon speak of Him

My love for my God and for my Savior will never dim

I find the words wherein my soul delights

I share them with Him, with you, but oftentimes just for me

To remind myself that there is beauty all around 

I listen for these whisperings that within me do abound 

For I know I've heard them before, while sitting there upon my Heavenly Father's knee

Written by:

Jason Cheney