Hmm, I ran across this one today and I liked it.  I must have written it a year or so ago, but here it is now…

But the man who loved whiskey and hated self-denial
Never grieved over loved ones nor walked down the aisle

Had plenty of pictures but not many stories
Had not lost any battles, yet not gained any glories

His philosopher’s timbre was ready to greet you
But only for sick games he’d play to defeat you

The gnawing fear and sorrow he’d long ago medicated out
But at the heavy price: his capacity to accept hope

His “boundaries” had been masterfully crafted over time
Full of razor wire, land mines, EID’s, and booby traps
Strategically placed to permanently maim
The brave explorers who come with their Treasure Map

He covers his sniper tracks to ensure legal footing
When he cries “intruder; self-defense!”

But today, as he looks down the barrel sight,
He makes the mistake of looking into the face
Of a distant, childhood friend
Who unmistakeably recognizes him,
Knows his malicious intentions,
Yet bears a genuine, and disarming, countenance.

My Help Comes from the LORD

A Song of Ascents.

¹I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
² My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth. 
³He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
⁵The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
⁷The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
⁸The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.

Him: So, are you going into the store (supermarket) now?
Her: Yep, I’m right outside.
Him: What are you planning to cook tonight?
Her: I don’t know.
Him: Wait… so what are you shopping for at the store?
Her: I thought I would browse a little and figure that out in there.
Him: Hmm?!  <pause… hearty laugh>

…and that, folks, is the glorious difference between his thought processes as a guy and hers as a girl.  I love it!

I got a God-fearing woman
One I can easily afford
I got a God-fearing woman
One I can easily afford
She can do the Georgia crawl
She can walk in the spirit of the Lord.

Gonna Change My Way Of Thinking, Bob Dylan

Thanks, Bob, for passing this on - it is only absurd because of the element of truth.  Oh my G-d, what have we done?

Let’s put the seniors in jail, and the criminals in a nursing home.

This way the seniors would have access to showers, hobbies, and walks, they’d receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs etc. and they’d receive money instead of paying it out.

They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly, if they fell, or needed assistance. Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes, and bring their meals and snacks to their cell. They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.

They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, pool, and education. Simple clothing, shoes, slippers, P.J.’s and legal aid would be free, on request. Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard, with gardens. Each senior could have a P.C. a T.V. radio, and daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors , to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct, that would be strictly adhered to.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The “criminals” would get cold food,  be left all alone, and unsupervised.
Lights off at 8pm, and showers once a week.
Live in a tiny room , and pay $5000 per month and have no hope of ever getting out. Justice for all.