Poetry by Michelle Mundling

I Believe In You

2006-08-29T20:05:00.000-04:00

If you put your dreams
Upon a dusty shelf
Because you lost faith
You didn't believe in yourself

Maybe you were discouraged
By people who were cruel
Who said you couldn't make it
Don't be the naysayers' fool

Dreams can come true
Though some will never get it
Because a neglected dream will die
But only if you let it

Anything is possible
If you put your mind to it
It takes hard work and practice
You've just got to do it

You have to want it enough
Earned with sweat, aches, and tears
It may take days, it may take months
It may take several years

It's not going to be easy
At times it may be hard
But the bigger you put forth the effort
The bigger the reap the reward

Don't worry about your challenges
Or what people see in you
You're not alone in your journey
Because I believe in you

When you finally make your mark
And success is in the air
Please know this poem was written
To let you know I care

(c) Michelle Mundling
August 2006

Visible Christian

2005-03-09T18:24:00.000-05:00

You think you're on some holy mission
By telling everyone you're a good Christian
Trying to save souls? Not with that attitude!
You're pretending to be nice but instead you're rude

It's all I can do to try to get along
With someone who thinks (s)he can never do wrong
I'm not perfect; I never claimed to be
So I don't appreciate your chastising me

You're quick to tell me my actions are bad
Detailing my faults with a myriad
Of various quotes from the holy bible
*Nagging me about how I'm so liable

Judge not lest ye be judged
Yet your opinion of yourself won't be budged
Focusing on someone else's splintered eye
While blinded by the plank in both your eyes

You're not my dad, you're not my mother
You say one thing then do the other
Actions speak louder than words, your deeds
Only satisfy your insecure needs

You're what they call a visible Christian
Hurting fellow lambs by your imposition
Soiling the glorious testimony of others
Making it harder for your sisters and brothers

Are you that arrogant, or haven't you heard
We're all trying to live by His holy word
Living by example speaks loudest to all
But you're setting yourself up for a humiliating fall

So tell me, what would Jesus do?
I don't think He'd be acting like you
Spare me from your saving "grace"
Until you clean up your act, get out of my face

Michelle Mundling
March 2005

*With thanks to Debra Thomas for bringing to my attention an inappropriate verse in the original publication. It has been modified to rectify the situation.

My Journey Has Just Begun

2004-05-07T00:57:00.000-04:00

God knows of your grief
And your emotions of dismay
He sent me with an explanation
As to why I've gone away

God said it was my time
And took me under his arm
He had a new job for me
To help protect others from harm

A guardian angel for loved ones
Is what I wanted to be
All the good I hoped to do
Is now possible by me

Inspiring the ones
With a need to create
Comforting the victims
Of another's hate

Granting the confused
With a vision of clarity
Convincing the miser
To give to charity

No more fruitless days
I'll have so much to do
The best part of it is
My love will always be with you

I'll walk this path of fulfillment
With my Father and His Son
My time on earth is over
But my journey has just begun

(c) Michelle Mundling
May 2004

Torn

2003-06-26T01:10:00.000-04:00

I have this friend who is facing divorce
Her husband has abandoned her and forced
Her and her daughter to suddenly move out
And leaving her without any support or clout

Two other friends are painfully mourning the death
Of three loved ones, witnessing their last breath
One is bad enough, but three in one week is tough
The grief is overwhelming, coping becomes rough

They all need me now, but I'm unable to clone
Myself into two people so support can be shown
Do I choose the mourners who are surrounded by family?
Or the friend whose mate has become her enemy?

I see support and love extended to my friends in grief
My other friend's predicament is beyond belief
Abandoned and betrayed, she is left with nothing
That one needs a friend; I have to do something

The days go by as I help out one
While thinking of the other as the tasks are done
Despite my absence, my heart still bleeds
Even if they think I've neglected their needs

Some time has passed since the decision I made
To help a friend whose heart was betrayed
Over another friend who was also in need of me
To be there to comfort for a loved one's loss times three

I love them so much that my heart was torn
Afraid of hurting them and facing their scorn
No matter who I chose, I still hurt the other
Whether it's the soul sister, childhood friend, or her mother

(c) Michelle Mundling
June 2003

The Day The World Stood Still

2001-09-21T21:36:00.000-04:00

This poem is dedicated to all those who lost their lives in the Pennsylvania, Pentagon and World Trade Center attacks on 9/11/2001

Nobody knew what was coming when the airplanes flew
Into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, too
The passengers' heroics before the Pennsylvania crash
Saved untold more lives from the terrorists' lash

People all over the world stopped and stared
At their television screens and computer monitors' glare
Watching the destruction of architecture and life
And the aftermath of helplessness, suffering, and strife

Survivors and witnesses felt too many emotions to name
Someone was responsible, but we didn't know who to blame
The destruction hit us hard, many were injured, even more died
Everyone there tried to help as we all watched and cried

I am but one voice who speaks from the heart
Feeling a myriad of feelings, I don't know where to start
As I see videos and pictures of other countries displaying
Their emotions ranging from crying to praying

Candlelight vigils and moments of silence to grieve
Shared tears of sadness ... You made me believe
All over the world came support out of the blue
You showed us you care! This American thanks you!

We now know who's responsible for the evil bloodlust
It's now clear that retaliation is a must
United we stand as the world hopes to defeat
Osama Bin Laden and his terrorist fleet

History will never forget the destructive insanities
Of one man's attempt to bring America to its knees
We all witnessed a madman's determination to kill
September 11, 2001 ... the day the world stood still

(c) Michelle Mundling
September 2001

Sidewalk Monitors

2001-05-06T01:05:00.000-04:00

The sidewalk monitors are a special breed
They're nosy and they like to lurk
Or they stand around outside their offices
As if they have nothing better to do at work

Another person's business is their topic of choice
The victim is someone not in their clique
The things they have to say about others
Is so rampant and untrue that it will make you sick

"They went elsewhere for lunch, they're snubbing the boss"
"Look out for so-and-so; she's a snitch"
"She gets the best assignments because they used to date"
"Have you heard about her? She's a practicing witch."

"New clothes, new car, he's flirting with the new girl,
Trying to impress her and make goo goo eyes"
With the new sexual harassment laws in place
An innocent man can lose his job because of those lies

Their idle chatter is not being productive
All they're doing is making things rough
For other workers trying to do their job
We're all sick of it! Enough is enough!

So to all you "monitors" aka "gossipers"
It's time for you to get a life and grow up
You're not getting paid to talk about your fellow workers
So get back to work, mind your own business, and SHUT UP!!

(c) Michelle Mundling
May 2001

Ultimatum

2001-02-28T01:13:00.000-05:00

Here I stand, my emotions so confused
We're supposed to be friends yet I feel abused
You're suddenly silent or quick to chastise
Every action I make you have to criticize

Why are you sometimes frosty when I say hello?
It's as if you'd rather see me go
Why do you do this to me off and on
If I wasn't a true friend, I'd already be gone.

I don't understand your current attitude
It's not as if I was asking for undying gratitude
But I would like to know if my efforts were wasted
In nurturing a relationship that should have lasted

A part of me says I should leave you behind
You're not worth the effort of trying to be kind
Yet a part of me says to give you some slack
Because others in the past have stabbed you in the back

But I'm not like them! I've been true from the start
Yet you're the one stabbing me in the heart
I've been loyal and understanding, but my time is due
For you to treat me like I have treated you

I've done nothing to you to deserve your moodiness
It's time for you to get over your broodiness
If you value our friendship you'd better start talking
Or you can forget me because I'll be walking

(c) Michelle Mundling
February 2001

Waited Too Long

2001-02-27T01:14:00.000-05:00

I'm tired of getting another heartbreak
My love has been true even though you forsake
My feelings and devotion and loyalty to you
While I wait in the hopes that my love will break through

Although I want to know the truth I'm not sure I can accept
The brutal honesty of your feelings toward me except
I can't wait forever while I deceive myself
Hoping one day you'll want me for yourself

My desire for you is strong but I'm not going to force
You to love me; it's like beating a dead horse
I don't think you realize just what you'll be missing
But I've got to get over you; I've got to stop wishing

In order to move on my feelings for you must die
Can't believe I waited this long, but now I know why
I'm going to redirect my life and get you out of my view
One day, I'll wake up ... and I'll be over you

(c) Michelle Mundling
February 2001

Family Parasites

2001-02-20T01:02:00.000-05:00

In most normal families, the elders are respected
But there are descendants that keep theirs neglected
Only coming around when they see an opportunity
To get something for nothing from their familiar community

Just look at them! They call themselves family
Claiming their bloodline proudly for all to see
But what you see is just for appearances sake
That's right! Their professed devotion is all a fake

The best description for them is "parasite"
Because how they treat their elders just isn't right
Always poor mouthing or borrowing but they never repay
You could call it thievery (in a subtle way)

"Don't have time to visit! I've made other plans!
Can't cancel this date! It's out of my hands!"
Their dates get more money and devotion and time
Than their elders or children; their behavior is a crime

They're never there when you need them the most
And what little is done, they make the biggest boast
They make things harder for their families
With family parasites, you don't need enemies

(c) Michelle Mundling
February 2001

Count Your Blessings

2001-02-04T03:27:00.000-05:00

I have had good fortune, Some say luck is on my side
But I know my life is blessed because Lord God is my guide
He knows what's in my heart; my faith cannot be hidden
It gives me the strength to avoid what is forbidden

He gave me the gift to see the good that is all around
The depth of this treasure to others is profound
To be able to see the bright side instead of being troubled
Makes my load lighter and my happiness doubled

I may stumble, I may fall
But I know that through it all
He will be there to give me strength
To cope with Life's trial the entire length

(c) Michelle Mundling
February 2001

Desperate Longing

2000-04-23T00:58:00.000-04:00

It's taken me a long time to start
Taking the courage to open my heart
To the possibility to love again
Someone more than just a friend

Constantly fighting a battle wits
Within myself from subtle hints
I perceive from you as we interact
Trying to sort the fantasy from the fact

I've been longing for what feels like forever
At times I feel like what I most desire will never
Materialize in this lifetime or the next
Like my very existance has been hexed

Yet I keep the hope that my time has come
When my love is returned and we become one
Why can't I find the courage to tell you
From my heart my feelings so true

If I told you how I really felt
Would it be your heart I beheld?
Or would your feelings for me change
And make our friendship estranged?

Are you hiding your feelings about me too
Just like I hide mine about you
If I knew how you felt about me
I could adjust my life accordingly

Until I know for sure, it would cut like a knife
Having to exist without you in my life
I love you so much ... I want this to be real
I wish I knew how you feel

(c) Michelle Mundling
April 2000

It's All An Act

1999-11-14T03:05:00.000-05:00

It's all an act and you've been busted
The betrayal we feel because we trusted
You and your lies is beyond all belief
Now you'll be alone to suffer your own grief

When are you going to turn your life around?
Pick yourself up off the ground!
You mouthed too much and provoked our hate
Actions ... not words have determined your fate

We cared about you but we refuse to play
Into your schemes so you can get your way
Your "poor pity me" act is wearing thin
Don't play with us; you're not going to win

Stealing or lying, you see no wrong
In twisting the facts to string us along
You need money, or you need a favor as a friend
When it comes to your laziness there is no end

What's it going to take? Time in jail?
Or get caught in danger than you cannot bail?
You think you got your act perfected to an art
Your luck is running out; you're not that smart

Your telling us that you're so distressed
Going so far to claim that you're depressed
But all we see in your situation
Is your attempt at verbal manipulation

It's all an act and you should have known
You behaved like a jerk, and now you're alone
Do you feel remorse? Have you learned anything?
Because of your selfishness, you lost everything!

(c) Michelle Mundling
November 1999

Priceless Friends

1999-10-25T01:03:00.000-04:00

So many definitions of the word "friend"
Countless examples that will never end
A friend to me is someone so true
Accepts you as you are, who believes in you

Those who call just to say "hi"
You miss them like crazy when they say "goodbye"
The ones who visit ... you know they feel
Your love for them is genuinely real

The kind of friends you spend time with
Giving each other an emotional lift
Mo matter the place or time of day
The friend you're with makes it okay

They give you hugs to show their support
When you suffer the trials of life's traffic court
They know you'd do the same for them
Because your bond is as priceless as a gem

Your friendship and love means so much to me
I consider you all like my family
This poem is your tribute, you may have guessed
With friends like you, I am truly blessed

(c) Michelle Mundling
October 1999

Confidence Betrayed

1999-09-14T03:25:00.000-04:00

I tell myself that it’s not personal
Yet I feel like I’ve been hit with an arsenal
You pick and punish like you’re in the right
Now I’m cornered and ready to fight

When you sit and state your case
I see fake innocence upon your face
I want to believe the words you say
Though I don’t like the games you play

You tell me that you’re the one
Victimized by past deeds others have done
Yet your actions tell a different story
Greatly tarnishing your reputation of glory

The pedestal I placed you on
Is crumbling from the weight of a ton
Of ill wills and deeds inflicted on me
Blinded by your anger, I finally see

You didn’t used to be this way
You used to be kind and fair every day
The admiration I gave you when you were near
Has now turned into resentment and fear

I’ve proven my trust and loyalty to you
But I have no choice, I must betray you
To save your soul from the monster you created
Before you become the one most hated

The one over you must be told
Before your wrath against me unfolds
Nothing I do seems to be good enough
I’m tired of your games; you play too rough

I mourn for what you were before
The hurt I feel inside I no longer can ignore
Beware the authority that goes unchecked
Where is the person I used to love and respect?

(c) Michelle Mundling
September 1999

My Beloved Jimmy

1999-05-20T01:22:00.000-04:00

This poem was written for a friend of mine

Each day when I pass the lake you took my kids to fish
I still remember my thanks to God for fulfilling my heartfelt wish
He sent someone like you into my life to heal my heart, and then
Showed me that it was possible for me to love again

Your humor, your wit, your compassion unleashed
My love hidden away safe from harm, out of reach
Even with the ups and downs, my life was always fulfulled
Until the day a neglected tree fell and had you killed

The pain was unbearable! I couldn't believe you were gone
I wondered if I would ever have the strength to carry on
But now you are my angel, watching over me with love
I feel your presence and protection as you guide me from above

It's been a while my love since our life together ended
I still miss you so much; my heart is far from mended
To have you in my life each day was happiness renewed
I'll cherish every day we had; my dearest, I'll always love you

(c) Michelle Mundling
March 1999

Someone Cares

1999-04-28T01:09:00.000-04:00

When long awaited plans suddenly come crashing down
Bad news pops in and decides to hang around
When your dreams start to feel more like living nightmares
.... someone cares

When other people's walls frustrate your every move
Silly people's actions and theories you're forced to prove
When their pettiness has you ready to pull out all your hairs
.... someone cares

When trying to do the right thing goes against the group's compliance
Living by your principles speaks volumes of defiance
When you feel the wrath of their hatred and hostile glares
.... someone cares

When you overcome those obstacles despite all the pain
And good fortune falls upon you like a warm gentle rain
When you find true happiness and nothing else compares
.... someone cares

(c) Michelle Mundling
April 1999

Second Chance

1999-04-14T03:36:00.000-04:00

People nosing
Opportunity closing
Question posing

Underpaid
Emotions played
Decision made

Leave or stay
Consequences to pay
Come what may

Want to soar
Thankless chore
No more

Bleak outlook deceived
Freedom achieved
Psyche relieved

Depressing grind
Left behind
Peaceful mind

Backward glace
Second chance
Time to advance

(c) Michelle Mundling
April 1999

One Simple Decision

1999-04-07T01:06:00.000-04:00

The doors around me were closing off opportunities
My stubbornness nearly cost me with severe penalties
By hanging on to a misguided dream
More like a nightmare is what it really seemed

Years of routine and endless suspension
For a change that never came, it increased my apprehension
I finally knelt down from my environmental strife
And asked God almighty, "Is this going to be my life?"

He heard my prayer and answered my plea
I am the one to make it happen, only me
In order to make a change I must make my own
Decisions and choices, reap what I've sown

I followed His advice and made up my mind
I expected the results to be harsh and unkind
Soon I realized the changes around me
Was actually a change in my philosophy

It is so funny how one simple decision
Can change your outlook's total vision
And what before seemed an admission of defeat
Became more of an advance than of a retreat

(c) Michelle Mundling
April 1999

Dear Friend

1999-03-14T03:42:00.000-05:00

Dear friend, I see you crying over your loss
Can I listen to your woes of pain?
You feel everyone's turned against you
Now you feel persecution and shame

For believing in those who betrayed your trust
And now are laughing in your face
Dear friend, how can you feel you're wrong
When their actions are that of disgrace?

Dear friend, I know you feel your loss is great
You mourn for what you thought was there
You were lead to believe in a friendship not solid
Grasping for nothing but dead air

Dear friend, you mourn for what is really a ghost
A phantom of lies, a snake of deception
That slithered into your life without mercy
Manipulating you to submit to its reception

Dear friend, please take my hand
And let me lead you out of your sadness
You now see them for what they really are
Distance yourself from their madness

They fear and distrust what they don't understand
Which is why they try to hurt you
Double faced exposures reveal the truth to all
As pathetic losers not worthy of you

Dear friend, you have so much to give
You try to see the best in all you meet
You accept their faults and feelings and opinions
You respect their privacy and remain discreet

Dear friend, let us leave this forsaken place
And with happiness resume your life anew
Be true to yourself and remain as you are
Because no one is better than you

(c) Michelle Mundling
March 1999

You're Not My Friend

1999-01-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

You're not my friend, it came to an end
I was deceived; you left me bereaved
I'm letting you go; I've nothing to show
For our time together that just wouldn't weather

Deceptions and lies; they strained the ties
Of friendship and respect turned to hurtful neglect
I tried to understand; reached out for your hand
You left me waiting while you took their baiting

There is no more trust; how can I when you must
Keep company so fake? How long will it take?
Until you're used, humiliated and abused
Yet you go back for more as I wait at the door

I was the friend, loyal to the end
Patient and true, I believed in you
No judgment, no begrudgment
Accepting you as you are until you pushed me too far

I've had it this time; you committed the crime
You forgot and ignored me; your rudeness floored me
After all I've done and was the only one
Who stood by you and waited, protecting you from the hatred

Was your only defender, but you were a pretender
I hoped reason would rule, but I was the fool
I won't hang around and look like a clown
I've got better things to do ... so to hell with you!!

Michelle Mundling
January 1999

Divine Hypocrisy

1994-03-22T22:46:00.000-05:00

The message is true, it can be great
But why do men twist it in into a faith of hate?
The message of, "forgiveness, tolerance, and love,"
Duly delivered they believe from the Being above

They may be right, but who are we to say
Which faith is true? Which is the way?
To Heaven or not remains to be seen
True faith does not originate from a human gene

It comes from the heart, and God will not be denied
His true followers love -- no one can hide
But beware the fanatics -- their zeal for control
Only blocks the real message getting to their soul

The Word gets twisted down a spiral of lies
Then re-emerges with an urgency that reaches the skies
False hopes and false dreams don't last very long
After the dazzle wears off and reality ends the song

They push too hard! They push too far!
Their message of "His love" leaves a spiritual scar
Dare not disagree, for once it is known
Your doubts reek "lack of faith;" seeds of contempt are sown

Can't dis their deity, their wrath have no bounds
They seek you like voracious blood hounds
They will not stop unless you convert
And it doesn't matter if in the process who gets hurt

All others are wrong; they are the ones
Spouting the Holy Writ like bullets in machine guns
If you still won't listen, they try the hard sell
"Give your soul to Him now or you'll burn in Hell!"

Emotional tyranny and spiritual terrorism shall thrive
So long as the hypocrisy of their faith survive
I beg you all stop! Leave your fellow man in peace
You can't convert us all, so fall to your knees

We all have separate paths that we each must follow
How dare you condemn the others when your own faith is hollow
How dare you judge me, my heart, and my soul
As an entity of good and bad, even I play a role

I have my own faith -- God knows where I stand
I want to be able to reach out to his hand
Free will is a gift, true faith should be free
But religious oppression will never allow it to be

By force or by fear your deed won't be done
Because deep in your soul the war won't be won
Listen to the voice inside of you -- Shed all of your denial
The time will soon approach when we all go to trial

(c) Michelle Mundling
March 1994

*Personal note: this poem is not anti-Christian, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, etc ... it is anti-fanatic. There is no freedom of religion without freedom from religion. You have to respect other people's beliefs if you want your beliefs to be respected. The Golden Rule is universal.

I Think You Know

1992-06-11T00:56:00.000-04:00

I've got to get out of this place
Though I hate to see that look on your face
Beaming hurt and betrayal for all to see
Baby, that expression is not fair to me

I've been honest with you, I would never lie
To you about my feelings, I'd rather die
Than to see you so dismayed
That my love could ever fade

Time passes, things change
Still wonder why I why I feel so strange
Love is supposed to be eternal, but I realize now
That by waiting forever I have changed some how

You say, "Wait! I'll make it right!"
It's too late for that, even with all your might
You try to convince me to wait some more
While you attempt to change your life; Please! No More!

I don't like what I've seen in you in the past
You've failed the test of true love that lasts
The conflicts, the let-downs, the changes in you
I'm tired of lying to myself that you'll come through

It didn't help at all when you tried to cover
The lies you made up to keep me as your lover
You should have known that I would eventually see
The deception you tried to weave around me

I can sense in my soul when something is wrong
And I only feel worse when you string me along
Trying to convince me that all is well ... well it's not!
I hate these feelings of deception your denial has brought

I don't want to hurt you you've got to see
That my heart once again belongs to me
Don't try to hold on, please let me go
Deep inside, I think you know

I won't be happy living a lie
To say, "I love you," I won't even try
I care enough as a friend, this much is true
But as lovers, our relationship is through

Waiting for you to make up your mind
Now I have to go on and leave you behind
I've tried everything, but life must go on
In the morning you'll see that I'll be gone

(c) Michelle Mundling
June 1992

Dreamworlds

1991-08-20T12:49:00.000-04:00

Originally published in "Lines and Shadows" May 1982

You lay your head on a pillow and slowly close your eyes
Your head drifts off to sleep as your Dreamworld starts to rise

When this World is built, it is done without flaw nor error
This World can be filled with ecstasy or filled with horrid terror

This World seems so real, yet has no logic or reason
It does not matter what the year, it does not matter what the season

All through the night you face its challenges alone
For no one can be there to help you, so you must be on your own

When your Dreamworld starts to fade and you awake to the day ... then
You may be more willing to face the real world again

(c) Michelle Mundling
August 1981

Wishes and Wants

1990-09-10T11:57:00.000-04:00

Originally published in "Lines and Shadows" May 1979

I wish by day, I wish by night
I wish for things that please my sight

But the one thing that I want than all of the rest
Is something I think will be one of the best

Something important, or something neat
Or something I can do that's really really sweet

I can wish for anything! That's really some choice
Too bad I won't get anything at the command of my voice

(c) Michelle Mundling
September 1978