Poetry by Edward Earl Mills

My NAME IS ILLITERATE

Earl Mills — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:32:27 +0000

I’m red, yellow, black and white
From every nation and tongue
Old middle age and young.

I have no boundaries
Generational or race
My father couldn’t read
Now I take his place.

You look for me
In all the wrong places
For I’m closer than you think.

Sitting in the church pew
Pretending to read just like you.

Hidden in plain sight
Woven into the fabric of society
Because of my one ignorance.

Masquerading as literate
Has become my game
Because of the shame
Of my real name.

Avoiding situation
In fear of hearing this word
READ that which I can not do.

Many try to give me a face
With social status or race.

I’m just ordinary people
That can not read.

Embrassment keeps me from coming to you
Normally it takes a tragedy
For me to break through.

The thought that illiterate
Imparts in your mine
Disparity needs to be refined.

I’ve tried to paint a picture
On the canvas of your mind
To help you understand
This illiterate life of mine.

Blind as a Bat

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:14:12 +0000

HEY YOU LITTLE CAT IN A HAT.
I’M A BAT – HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT?
I SEE YOU DOWN THERE EYEING THAT RAT.
THAT’S PRETTY GOOD FOR SOMEONE
WHO’S BLIND AS A BAT.
DO YOU HAVE NINE LIVES OR IS IT JUST A TALE?
ARE YOUR EYES THAT KEEN OR DO YOU
RELY ON YOUR SMELL?
DO YOU HATE WATER, IS THAT A LIE TOO?
THERE’S A LOT OF THINGS I WONDER ABOUT YOU.
I’LL SEE YOU LATER, HOW ABOUT THAT?
ALTHOUGH THEY SAY I’M BLIND AS A BAT.

Click on the image below to see the poem with pictures:

I Walked Right By

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:58:45 +0000

I walked right by my friend
in an unsafe act.
I was in a hurry I would be
right back.
What could happen? just minutes
that’s all.
I turned around when
I heard him fall.
I should have stopped
and took the time.
I walked right by a friend
of mine.
The next few days were hard
you see.
Every time his children
would look at me.
I should have stopped
and took the time.
I walked right by a friend
of mine.
I walked right by his
wife and children today.
At his funeral not knowing
what to say.
I should have stopped
and took the time.
I walked right by a friend
of mine.

Click on the image below to see the poem with pictures:

TRUE TO MYSELF

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:22:43 +0000

To others I may lie
To myself I know why
Hidden secrets never told
To my grave

Truth locked within
One knows not a friend
This thing I must let go
It carries my woes

I tell myself I know
Secrets are now gone
No longer do I groan
To myself I do not lie

When Called of God

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:21:07 +0000

When called of God, others are first.
For more of God you thirst.

Your selves are dying to others’ needs.
Continually planting seeds.

Not seeking money, glory or fame, only Jesus do you proclaim.

You plant, water, and watch us grow.
In our future your labor shows.

For in our hearts are planted seeds.
Because God’s vision, you have received.

Though the vision to you is clear;
Bringing it to pass may require a tear.

Not seeking money, glory or fame; only Jesus do you proclaim.

Living by principles, you teach us well.
Through eyes of others, they can tell.

Me and I you’ve tried to erase.
God in us taking its place.

Not seeking money, glory or fame, only Jesus do you proclaim.

Leading examples, we see that you pray.
For the knowledge of God has come your way.

With wisdom and knowledge, you teach His word;
Not from yourselves, His voice you have heard.

Hearing from God is first in your lives.
Standing together as husband and wife.

Not seeking money, glory or fame, only Jesus do you proclaim.

With prayer in heart, you press each day;
The Word of God leads the way.

You’ve humbled yourselves time and again.
If you hadn’t where would we have been?

I Now Confess

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:15:49 +0000

I have tried, I made a mess
To you, oh Lord, I now confess
I listened and heard the word each day
Now and then I’d even pray
As night gives way to dawn’s first light
Lord fill my soul, I will not fight
Step by step I need your grace
Come now Lord and fill this place.

Alone with Myself

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:13:50 +0000

With guard down I sigh,
Alone with myself; no need to lie.

All hypocritical thoughts now rest.
No one to impress.

Sunday’s face put aside.
I do not run, I can not hide.

Society dictates how I should act.
Only God knows what I am like.

All alone with myself -
The one I know best.
Naked before God, I know rest.

Earl
September 2003

LIKE UNTO A FATHER

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:11:48 +0000

Without a word your life has spoken
It rings loudly in my soul
Things I thought would never be
In my life they now unfold

You’re Lord of All

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:10:52 +0000

The twinkling of the stars
The moon You hung in place
All of the universe
Displays Your mighty grace

From the rising of the sun
To the going down of the same
Will my soul
Magnify Your name

From heaven to earth
And all it’s worth
You’re Lord of all

Lion of Judah
Prince of Peace
Almighty God
Whose mercies never cease

We left up holy hands
With out wrath or doubt
It is You, Lord of all
We can not do without

Kingdoms rise
Kingdoms fall
Throughout eternity
You’re Lord of all

When Jesus is Lord

Earl Mills — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:07:23 +0000

When life has tossed you to and fro
Others would be down
Within there is a glow
That is when you know

Down to your last thin dime
One cent belongs to Him
Others wouldn’t do
God’s spirit leads you

Friends — not many
Path that leads this way
Hours spent alone
In His presence will you stay?

Rising of the sun
Brings on His praise
That guides you through the day
Not life’s toils
God’s word lights your way