Quiet Rhymes
Reba McIntyre-Kindred
Quiet Rhymes
by Reba McIntyre-Kindred
© 2009
Cover Artwork by Timothy Stafford © 2009
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced electronically or in print in any form except for brief reviews without the written permission of the publisher.
ISBN: 978-0-9796288-5-6
Creative House Press
www.CreativeHousePress.com
INTRODUCTION
Who is she? She’s a little old lady having a feisty conversation with her best friend in a bus station. No, she’s a sophisticated aristocrat that cannot adjust to the ordinary. No, she’s a woman of no means weeping about her daughter who has gone down the wayward path. No, she’s a teenager, a little girl. No, she’s Reba Kindred as she goes through her many characters with the greatest ease and finesse making each as believable as the other.
If talent belongs in Hollywood then Reba ranks with the stars. But so go things of value. The biggest diamond is still lost in some remote hill in our world and somewhere in a little village on the outside of modern civilization is a famous artist’s painting that has not been viewed. But the hill does not minimize the value of the diamond. Neither does the village hut dim the beauty of the painting.
Reba’s talents are multi. She writes poetry and prose, words of comfort and plays, and still has time to help someone find the words to tell their loved ones how they feel about them in verse. She acts and she can sing with the voice of a mockingbird and has space in her life to reach out and direct little children in plays and helps adults to fulfill their never realized dreams on the stage.
The little lady with the bright eyes and beaming smile remains a mother and a faithful believer in God, a point that all her plays reflect. She not only gives motherly care to her own but reaches out to the cries of others when she knows that they are hurting. She’s sometimes hurting herself but she seldom complains. She is constantly in thought and planning for things she hopes will come to pass.
You are loved Reba and you are wished all the best in this book. May God ever bless you in your quest to reach the unreachable star.
In Christian love,
Roy Beaty
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
I have known Reba most of her life, but we became close friends when she began her fourth grade class where I was the teacher at Powell Point High School in Kendleton, Texas.
What I remember best about this young pupil were her quiet serious eyes. Frequently, I would remind her to smile.
She didn’t seem to particularly care about being involved in the fun and games that were carried out on a daily basis by her classmates, but could always be found sitting among the High School Choir during their rehearsals. Her strong fascination for music and the arts was very much evident in the early years of her life.
By the time she reached sixth grade, her strong love for music quickly earned her first seat in the school’s band. She had chosen to play first clarinet.
In tenth grade, she won the hearts of many, including the Texas Southern Band Director, who attended the concert to witness this gifted young lady play an entire ‘Mozart piece at such an early age.
During her senior year, she graduated from Powell Point High School in 1966, as valedictorian of her class. She was also voted: Girl most likely to succeed.”
I am happy to have been a part of Reba’s young life. Today, as an adult, she continues to make me proud. I don’t have to remind her anymore to smile. She has a lot to smile about these days.
Hats off to you Reba, and remember:
‘The Sky Is The Limit.’
Frances Braxton
Fourth Grade Teacher
Powell Point High School Kendleton, Texas
(Deceased 2009)
“BEST WISHES TO THE AUTHOR”
From Dignitaries:
"Quiet Rhymes is very uplifting and inspiring. Reba McIntyre's creative genius transmits a positive light with smooth, penetrating verbiage. As one flips through the pages, there's a sense of comfort and confidence that prevails. A must read for old and young alike!"
Deacon Jones
Baseball Hall of Famer
Baltimore Orioles
It has been said that talent is money. If this is a true statement, then you are a very wealthy lady. This book of poems is just another one of your special ways of reaching out to others. Keep climbing that ladder of success; soon you’ll reach the top.
Johnny Hollan
Green Bay Packers
Quiet Rhymes——A book of poems by Reba McIntyre-Kindred is wonderfully written, sensitive and inspiring. The poems ring with faith, joy and hope. Truly, they will minister to many as they have ministered to me and my family. May God grant Reba good success for she has not hidden her God given talent, but she is using it for God’s glory.
Celeste Bedford Walker,
Broadway Playwright and Friend
Reba Dear-
Live life one day at a time. Make friends fast and leave the judging to the Lord. Never give up old friends for new ones, just keep adding to the list, for this is truly the spice of life. Always remember what I told you. Say your prayers and board that plane, ship or train, then leave the driving to God. May success abundantly surround you.
Huey Long “An Original Ink Spot”
Music Educator and Historian
Black History Exhibits
New York, N.Y.
Reba is a lady of all work all action. Her warm spirit and super energy motivates all. Working with this young lady was indeed rewarding and I look forward to having her join me in future projects. I wish you much success on this book of poems, Reba. May God bless you to pen many more.
Al Edwards
Texas State Representative
District #146
Congratulations, Ms. Reba Kindred on the publication of your book of Poems! I have followed your work for several years and I believe it has been inspirational to readers throughout the County. Your work has also served our readers well in the Ft. Bend Good News Monthly Newspaper, May God Bless you in this future endeavor.
Rev. Michael D. Bufford
Publisher/Editor
Ft. Bend Good News Monthly
I have been witness to your creativity for many years. You are an incredible talent. Much luck and success.
Jo Trull
Adult Services Programming
George Memorial Library
From Family:
We have watched you struggle, we have watched you fail, but through it all you raised your head and with God’s grace you have prevailed. You have always taught us that time and faith will cure all, and you have proven this over and over again. This book is a perfect example of your patience and faith. We are so very proud of you. You are the best mother any three children could be blessed with. We Love you for giving us life and raising us to be who we are today. We love you mom.
Romona, Shontelle and Nicole
I have known Reba for quite a number of years. I will always remember the first time I met her. Her warm, kind personality left me with a lasting impression. Today, I am proud to announce that I consider her to be the daughter I never had. She is a bright, talented and an enduring young lady, and with all of my heart, I wish for her a successful future.
Martha Johnson
God Mother
Reba (Mimi), You have been doing a wonderful job with your writing career. You have given us so many ways to look at life in different perspectives. Each time we read your poetry or watch your plays, we feel happy and honored to know you personally. You have kept the faith, and now the long, hard hours of struggling are paying off. We wish for you all the best of luck with your book, Quiet Rhymes. Remember to keep God in your life and He will pave the way. We’ll love you always.
Your God Children
La Shonda, Kiara, Ashley and Brianna.
Nana, I often reminisce on one of your poems entitled; Endurance is next to Godliness. You have proven that endurance is the master key. You have been an inspiration to me since the day I met you. May God continue to bless you.
Love
Odell Roberts, Jr./Son-In-Law
From Co-Workers and Friends:
Reba, My unspoken feelings, thoughts and words are spoken through you with miraculous form, fashion and style. I’ll speak to you in more detail about this at the top.
With unspoken Love
Ivory Black/Uniques Production
Your words bring hope and inspiration to me. Keep up the good work, and may God always bless you in your efforts.
Monique Locke
Cast Member and Friend
I have known Reba since the early 90’s. She was a great inspiration to me when I first became a member of the Sugar Land Church of Christ. She approached me one day after church and asked me if I wanted to be in a church play. I said, “Yes,” because acting had always fascinated me. I had a few lines, and then was asked by Reba to perform in a play with her professional drama group called The Uniques. Turns out, Reba is an excellent play-write, director and producer of plays. I have been hooked in drama ever since. For years Reba has been a true friend and dynamic drama coach to me. She is always professional and handles all situations with grace and dignity. The world needs more talented, high spirited and loving people like Reba.
Regina Jackson, Cast Member and Friend
You have been an inspiration to me, and I really enjoy the way your plays come to life and the way they inspire me as well as the audience. May God continue to bless you with much success.
Monti Cuba
Cast Member and Friend
Reba— Success May Come
Success May Go
But God’s Gift In You
Continues To Grow
A Dear Friend
Gloria Shears Lockridge
Reba— A woman of immense talents... I’m often amazed at how easily poetry and writing comes to her. Just give her a word; she’ll make it waltz across the paper in a split second! May she continue to edify and entertain with this God given gift.
Your Pal Jewel Hamilton
Actress/Uniques Production
Reba, do you remember years ago when I told you not to be discouraged, because you will be very successful one day? You have tried so hard and have had so many ups and downs, but you are a child of God and he will continue to smile on you in your efforts. He won’t let you down if you continue to put your trust in Him.
Ve Ella Watkins
Long Time Co-Worker and Friend
Even if you had not written this book of poems, I would still be proud of you, because you and I go a long way back. But because you have written all of these wonderful poems, I am exceptionally proud. May God continue to guide and bless your many efforts.
Minnie Hill
Your Friend Always
Reba, I have enjoyed your work for many years now and it always leaves me with a feeling of inspiration, encouragement and hope. The lord blessed you with a special gift and I pray you continue to allow him to use you to bring joy and fulfillment to others. May the world see the wonderment you display through your words.
Always,
Connie Bolden
Reba, so many things come to mind when I think of you. The way you have of being able to touch hearts with such emotion. I have been blessed by your work. Continue to let your faith guide you and you will continue to be the blessing that God intended you to be. My prayers go out to you.
Love,
Glen Bolden
FOREWORD
The world itself is made of good,
And God himself suggest we should;
Cater to all by way of trust
Until the day we return to dust.
So many times I’ve heard it said:
There is no peace until you’re dead.
But today I tell you, it’s just not true,
For God is here to see us through.
I’ve written this book while here on earth,
And just like you, I’ve known from birth;
That the world itself is pure and good,
And oh, how I wish, If only I could;
Make every man, young and old,
Turn to God, and save his soul.
But then I remembered, maybe I can,
By word of mouth from man to man.
So if my friends you’re not in tune,
And if you’re aware, that of course you should:
PLEASE— Come Into:
“MY WORLD OF GOOD.”
CONTENTS
A LITTLE BIT OF PROSE
CRY OF THE RAVEN
MOUNTAIN MAN
BATTLES OF WISDOM
ONCE THE DAY IS GONE
THE RIPENING OF THE APPLE
TOGETHER - LET US PRAY
THE PRAYER OF A BABE IN CHRIST
A WORD OF PRAYER
IT’S NICE TO SHARE
MY PRAYER
PLEASE EXCUSE ME WHILE I PRAY
IT’S EASY TO PRAY
HAVE PATIENCE WITH ME
TEACH ME LORD
LORD HELP ME
THE POWER OF PRAYER
LIVING IN TWO WORLDS
LET US ALL BE THANKFUL
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
GOSPEL IN VERSE
GOD SMILES WHEN WE REPENT
LIVING WITH NO INSURANCE
LIFE IS A JOURNEY
GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN
IN THE NAME OF A LIE
IT IS YOUR LIFE
IN HELL YOU’LL LIFT UP YOUR EYES
LIFE IS A PERFECT GIFT
JESUS IS WAITING
TRUE HEART’S SONG
GOD IS KEEPING RECORD
GUILT IN MAN
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
JUDGMENT DAY IS COMING
JUST FRIENDLY CONVERSATION
THREE LITTLE WORDS
A GENTLE BREEZE IS BLOWING
IDLE MAN
THE MAN IN THE MOON IS ME
MY PRECIOUS EYES
GUESS WHO
THE GIVING HAND
FIREFLY
FEELING HOPEFUL
GOD CHANGES THINGS
BLUE DAYS AHEAD
MY SPECIAL LOVE
A LOVER’S DREAM
BACK TO SCHOOL AGAIN
WHEN IT IS TIME
THE TALL MAN
A DYING TOWN
TALES OF YESTERDAY
OLD MAN ROY
GOD’S IMAGE IN MAN
LIFE AND LOVE AT WAR
THE WOMAN AND THE SNAKE
THE DEVIL’S CANE
A BARGAIN WITH DEATH
THE PROUD LITTLE SEED
WOLF IN SHEEP CLOTHING
JUST CURIOUS
HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE YOUR BROTHER?
WHAT’S YOUR REASON?
WHO HINDERS YOU?
IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION
HOW YOU SEE THE WORLD
A MOMENT OF INSPIRATION
I SEE A GARDEN
DON’T LOOK BACK
A LIGHT OF HOPE
BEHIND THE DARKEST CLOUD I SHALL SEE THE LIGHT
GOD’S WHITE SNOW
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
NEVER GIVE UP
THE DAY I PRAYED FOR RAIN
THE WAY I SEE IT
A SHOW OF FAITH
GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN
I WANT TO BE
BITS OF LIFE
LIFE
SUMMER TIME
HUMBLE IS THE WAY
GOD IS LOVE
I AM NOT DISCOURAGED
THE LIFE OF A BIRD
I LOVE COLORADO
BECAUSE HE LIVES
ONE DAY AT A TIME
THE BUS STATION
MAKING HISTORY
EDUCATED FOOL
SLAVE ANCESTOR’S SPEAK
MOANS OF A SLAVE
ECHOES OF THE WHIP
NEGROES FOR SALE
AN OLD SLAVE SPEAKS
MY MASA SAY
DOWN RIGHT BLACK
BOY YOU BETTER PUT THAT MARIJUANA DOWN
THE WOOD PILE
WRITE MY WAY UP OUTTA THIS MESS
SHINE DOWN HANNAH
A SPECIAL RACE
HATS OFF TO BLACK ENGLISH TODAY
PRETTY BLACK
I AM BLACK
A THOUGHT TO PONDER
THE OLD AND THE YOUNG CONVERSES
OLD BLACK SLAVE – MODERN DAY CHILD
A BLACK MAN’S PRAYER
A BRAND NEW DAY
BLACK
AN OLD MAN DREAMS
HEY, LOOK AT ME
HOECAKE BREAD
ONE BLACK SISTA GONE INSANE
I LOVE MY BLACK SISTERS
MY BROTHER, SISTER AND ME
DEDICATIONS IN VERSE
ODE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
ODE TO LANGSTON HUGHES
SLEEP MY LITTLE BABE
WELCOME TO THE WORLD
TRULY A BLESSING
I KNEW YOU WHEN
THE GIFT I BEAR
SOMEONE SPECIAL
MY BIG BROTHER
MY MOTHER
THANK YOU NANIE AND UNCLE BUDDY
FRIENDS FOREVER
WITH LOVE ALWAYS
THE FULL FIGURED WOMAN
WE LOVE YOU ROY BEATY
A SPECIAL BOND
GUIDING LIGHT WORDS TO MY SPECIAL GRANDBABIES
MY FRIEND
A GOOD FRIEND
I’M SETTING GOALS
THE WISE LITTLE FLOWER
MY GOD CHILDREN
LOOKING BACK
MY PLAY SISTER (FATS)
A LOYAL FRIEND
OUR FRIENDSHIP IS NO ACT
TWO WRITERS
GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYER
PERSONALITY PLUS
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
OURS FOR LIFE
A SPECIAL DEDICATION
SAYINGS YOU CAN HANG YOUR HAT ON
Let’s Meet the Author
The Boy Who Hated Being Black
A LITTLE BIT OF PROSE
CRY OF THE RAVEN
She flies through the night, unseen by human eyes.
Her blackness causes her to blend with the darkness.
No man shall see her as she swiftly passes over.
She travels without fear, as though she is protected.
God has made her as black as the night.
She is first chosen among all others.
History has given her first seat upon its throne,
But she cries in the night, for they have taken her crown.
High on the mountain top, she dares to build her home.
Her young is now protected from the evil deeds of man.
She knows she is the Queen, and she fights to claim her glory,
But she cries in the night, for they have taken her crown.
MOUNTAIN MAN
I’ll bury my dead
So the buzzards won’t pick their brain.
With pains that I can no longer endure
I will flee deeper into the mountains.
Eye for an eye;
Tooth for a tooth;
This is the law
If you’re a mountain man.
Meat of the wild shall fill my belly.
Strangers will I meet on my journey.
Higher and higher I travel
Until the mountains have swallowed me whole.
THE BATTLES OF WISDOM
When one chooses wisdom,
The battle is great.
For warriors of evil forces
Will come to change your mind.
Be not so discouraged,
For wisdom carries knowledge.
Hand in hand they march in battle,
And fear not;
While they conquer.
ONCE THE DAY IS GONE
As I sit in this dark and lonely room;
This room— This very room, where I‘ve sat before.
But though it’s the one and the same,
There seems to be a change,
And I cannot feel the same, anymore.
“Why?”
l ask myself from day to day,
“Must the joys that fill our lives;
Just come— Then fade away.
Why must babies cry.
And all who live must die,
Why?
Oh Why...”
Then slowly did the answer come,
Like a mist that fills the sky:
Once the day is gone,
It is gone forever,
You cannot reinstate it,
Only imitate it.
Pretend, if you must,
But that day has gone to dust.
Once the day is gone,
It is gone forever.
THE RIPENING OF THE APPLE
First, we have a plant, which man defines as tree.
The tree consist of one main trunk,
And many, many branches thereof.
There are all kinds of trees,
But the tree of which I speak, is called:
“The Apple Tree.”
The APPLE is the fruit, that grows on the apple tree,
A fruit that is as old, as life itself.
But before the apple is truly ready for picking,
There is a long process it must complete.
Yes, “THE APPLE.”
So big and red and tasty when it ripens.
Therefore, we hasten the growing process,
Unknowing, that we’ve spoiled the apple.
TOGETHER LET US PRAY
THE PRAYER OF A BABE IN CHRIST
Feed me with milk oh Lord,
For my teeth are yet not strong.
My soul cries out for stronger food,
But my belly cannot digest it.
My body is strong and steady,
And I’m eager to learn thy ways.
But first I know that I must crawl,
For my legs are not able to stand.
Bathe me with love and compassion,
And I’ll blossom and bloom like a rose.
For I know the tempest shall come to me,
But his words will fall from my ears to the ground.
Have patience with me I pray oh Lord,
For today I smile and tomorrow I frown.
My body is ready for the work I must do,
But my flesh is weak, have mercy.
Forgive me oh Lord when I do wrong,
And help me to humbly pray.
For with each day comes sin and shame,
Jesus died for this very purpose.
Help me oh Lord to shine like a star,
So that all will see my glowing light.
For in this world I shall live like a man,
But over my head will hang a halo.
Give me knowledge as I study your words,
For I wish to obey your every command.
Today I am only a babe in Christ,
But tomorrow, I’ll lead an army.
A WORD OF PRAYER
As I bow my head in prayer,
I feel a flow of love.
I know that God will grant me peace,
And watch me from above.
The prayer I pray comes from my heart,
My mind is set on thee.
And when I’m done I feel his grace,
Wash softly over me.
I thank him for his daily care,
And all he’s done for me.
There’s nothing like a word of prayer,
To help my eyes to see.
IT’S NICE TO SHARE
To have a dollar
Is not so rare,
Only when
You have to share.
But when you share
God smiles above,
He knows your heart
Is full of love.
So make God happy
Every day.
Let’s share our troubles
As together we pray.
MY PRAYER
Oh Lord my heavenly Father,
I thank you for this day.
I ask that you will guide my hands,
In each and every way.
I know before this day is done,
Satan will show his face.
Please be a shield and guide to me,
And keep me in your grace.
The Bible tells me, this I know,
That human flesh is weak,
But I should trust and serve the Lord,
And all his goodness seek.
PLEASE EXCUSE ME WHILE I PRAY
I don’t want to seem unfriendly,
For truly, I want you to stay.
But I have a problem, I cannot solve,
Please excuse me while I pray.
For if you have faith in God up above,
There’s no need to worry day by day.
Allowing troubles to get you down,
When it’s simply so easy to pray.
I tell you these things not just to be heard,
For I live by these words that I say.
And when I’m in doubt, I won’t hesitate,
Please excuse me while I pray.
IT’S EASY TO PRAY
If you are one who finds it hard,
Or simply just can’t pray.
Remember, God is so divine,
He knows your every way.
Don’t be afraid, don’t be alarmed,
Just tell him how you feel.
But most of all just be yourself,
In short, just be for real.
Whatever you want, whatever you need,
God already knows your case.
His love for you is sweet and strong,
No matter what creed or race.
God wants us to pray, for he is the one,
To carry our troubles to.
That’s how we grow in truth and faith,
By letting God carry us through.
So don’t forget to call on God,
Asking for guidance each day,
And maybe real soon you’ll say to another,
It’s really quite easy to pray.
HAVE PATIENCE WITH ME
When I’m afraid to speak, I ask myself,
What is this thing so strong and close at hand?
For if I truly trust the God I’m serving,
Then surely, time is wasted fearing man.
And when I lay me down to sleep and slumber,
I pray that God will keep me in his sight.
But yet, sometimes, I feel a flow of terror,
That keeps me awake and tossing through the night.
I cannot understand my way of reasoning;
For I know the God I love can set me free.
So on my knees, I kindly ask my Father,
“Oh Lord My God,
PLEASE— BE PATIENT WITH ME.”
TEACH ME LORD
Teach me Lord from day to day,
To accept all things that come my way.
When all is said and all is done,
Give me strength this race to run.
Teach me Lord to call your name,
Only when needed and never in vain.
Give me the power to love and to share,
So the whole world will know that I care.
Teach me Lord to hold my ground,
When the tongue of man strikes me down.
Help me to hold my head so high,
And sing unto heaven: Sweet By and By.
Teach me Lord to lift mine eyes,
Above the hills toward yonder skies.
To seek the things that serve me best,
Until my time has come to rest.
LORD HELP ME
Although this pain has wrecked my life
And tossed my soul from shore to sea,
These magic words can heal all things:
“Lord Help Me.”
For men may share my grief and woes,
But none can know my heart like thee,
And that is why I gladly shout:
“Lord Help Me.”
Some good days these eyes have seen,
But better days are yet to be,
As long as faith will help me say:
“Lord Help Me.”
I like to read the story of Job,
For he stood like a rooted tree,
And in his weakest hour He cried:
“Lord Help Me.”
I feel that this is just a test,
And faith in God is the key,
I cannot let old Satan win.
“Lord Help Me.”
THE POWER OF PRAYER
Prayer will open any door
Or help a blind man to see.
Prayer creates a mind of love
Where evil used to be.
So if you desire to conquer evil,
Especially in our world today,
Simply lift your eyes to Heaven,
And from your heart begin to pray.
LIVING IN TWO WORLDS
One half Black,
The other half White.
Please tell me dear Lord,
Just what is my plight?
My lips are thin,
My nose is flat.
My eyes are blue:
But my hair is black.
That’s why I’m so mixed up,
Like sand caught in a whirl,
And the real truth is, it’s really sad,
Cause I fit in neither world.
So today, I thought I’d pray, Lord,
For I need your help to carry on,
Then softly did the answer flow:
“To you, I do belong.”
LET US ALL BE THANKFUL
Let us all be thankful,
For life, whatever it may be,
And pray that God will send good cheer
Upon all land and sea.
Let us all be thankful,
For rains and misty dew,
That sweetly kisses life below
And make old dreams brand new.
Let us all be thankful,
For a God who cannot sin,
And if we choose to run His race
We cannot help but win.