Ballade of Phineas P. Gage

The blast gone bad, a spike through his head,

Phineas Gage's pierced skull did bleed.

The doctors marveled he wasn't dead.

His healing wounds and brain succeed.

But personality has changed indeed.

No longer on the railroad; he farmed.

Physique injured, the spirit does heed.

My soul bespeaks the body harmed.

Can't consecrate the wine and bread,

The old priest must rest, the church agreed.

Dementia running full speed ahead,

His love and fervor for God now freed.

For God's memory doesn't fail or need.

The hearts and minds he kindled and warmed

Still remember; the psyche will feed.

My soul bespeaks the body harmed.

A baby born with the news most dread;

About special needs the parents read.

Won't learn, won't marry; fate...a life in bed.

With inspiration and warmth they lead.

Perfect strangers, to care and help, some plead.

The smile the child's face radiates; charmed!

All glory to God, Christ does intercede!

My soul bespeaks the body harmed.

Spirited debate birthed a creed.

Composition of body and soul we're armed.

Phineas P. Gage your day is decreed.

My soul bespeaks the body harmed.

- Gary Edward Geraci

If I Had Been That Man

By the grace of God 

I have been chosen 

To be the husband of a woman

The descendant of King David

The mother of the Messiah (they will say)

Mary my betrothed

A young impeccable virgin

Beautiful

Modest

Spotless

Pure

Well-versed in the traditions of her faith

Aspiring to virtue

Attentive

Caring

But bound by a vow from the depths of her loving heart

A vow I vowed not to violate

I will provide and protect her

The mother of God's Son (they will say)

Shield her from the disgrace of carrying a child

For she now carries a child, how could this be?

Let it be widely known

The child is mine

- Gary Edward Geraci

Come Aboard

Come Aboard!

Majestic liner cruising bottomless seas

Desiring pure, chaste, and virtuous ports afar.

Spacious staterooms and cabins arranged for a queen.

Oceans ahead so smooth she'd skate not sail,

This mystic vessel is the "Ave Maria."

The fleet of three, berthed along the bay front dock,

Denying the birth of God and the Trinity,

Set sail for the good of mankind, this truth they hold.

But rocky shores and stormy waters do slow

The "Socinean," "Arian," and "Nestorian Sword."

Bustling harbors, vivacious yachts; beauty! 

But truth?

The waters sullied by some fifty shades of grey,

Loud shrieks of pleasure heard from the deck below board.

Haunting, treacherous shallows and bars along the way,

Her lifeboats more seaworthy than the "C. Jansen" herself.

One noble craft to satisfy all man's yearnings is now ashore.

Come aboard, all aboard!

Rich and poor alike, there are no tickets for sale, nothing to buy.

All one must do is choose.

- Gary Edward Geraci

On Being Saints

Saul the man was hunting followers,

Damascus bound.

Falling to the ground, blinded,

now hearing

"I am Jesus whom you persecute!"

Life-changing,

Paul's fresh faith endearing.

Living or dead exists a union

of believers;

One, strong Mystical Body: the

faithful 

on earth; those in heaven; the souls in

Purgatory.

Excluding the damned, their last choice, fateful.

One with their Head who is Lord

this they will share.

If any part undergoes affliction?

Sad.

All the rest do too. Should one be found

of honor?

All celebrate like an Olympiad.

Among the Communion of Saints is

a love active.

Fervent desires for mortals

they hold.

Length of time for meriting does pass.

Strength, power, the

Saints worshiping are bold.

Repercussions, reverberations

perfectly

transforming world history. It's a

fact.

Hearts vitalized by the unknown

sacrifices

of others. Drawing one closer -

ev'ry act.

Each sincere, repentant Confession,

man's sins purged!

Zion and earth rejoicing, a

lost coin found!

Some here, there, and in between.

Those on pilgrimage.

Chains loosened; brothers bound.

Saints of Ephesus and Achaia,

nascent and

now new Church Militant: still fighting.

The dead

a Church Suffering: hope not lost.

Church Triumphant:

for all the blessed in heaven

Christ bled.

Heavenly hosts won't forget

those left alone.

Imperfect love for God; in them He still

dwells.

Grace filled, adorned, for whom Jesus died.

Blissful joy!

The Saints' prayers far excel.

Break the bonds of Christ's members? Death won't.

Face to face God we see! Ecstasy! Bliss! Our

Destiny!

Sin and the devil at war with

pilgrim people.

Our fellow man the ally,

not enemy.

Son on the Cross a Redeemer,

done to death, changed.

The whole body, every joint does

wield.

Children of the vine sprouting upwards;

Angels too;

"Kingdom of God" revealed.

- Gary Edward Geraci