About the author

          An old country boy

My name is Mark. I’m just an ole country boy. 
My heart He filled April 26, 2021, with rhyming joy

God showed up and gave the gift of rhyming to me
I now share it with all who listen for His Beauty to see

MarkWaldrop
Mark’s Email  ke7wa@juno.com
Mark graduated from Park City High School in Park City, Kentucky in 1964. He then attended Arizona State University before returning home to join the Family Funeral Business. In 1968, He graduated from The Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Kentucky.
With a career spanning over 50 years, Mark served in the Funeral Care Industry until his retirement in 2014.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Mark had various interests. He developed a passion for flying and obtained his Private Pilot's License during his senior year of high school. Another area of interest for him was Amateur Radio, and now holds the Extra Class Amateur Radio License KE4WA. He actively participates in several Christian Nets and serves as the Net Control for the 8 Am Bible Fellowship Net on 7188 Mhz every Thursday morning. More information about this can be found at bfn2.net. He is also active on the 7240club.com at 10 Am E & Ambassadors for Christ Net afc7280.com 2 Pm E both on KJ4TN remote. 
Following his retirement in May 2014, Mark began his journey as a poet in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. He is an active member of the South Carolina Poet Society and credits God for his rhyming abilities. Words started flowing for Mark on April 26, 2021, and have continued ever since. He invites others to read, enjoy, and meditate on his poetry 

Mark’s Email  ke7wa@juno.com

248TH USMC BIRTHDAY

United States Marine Corps Flag
    248TH USMC BIRTHDAY

In the crucible of history, for 248 years strong,
Marines stand united, a legacy that's long.
From Belleau Wood's echoes to Inchon's shore,
In blood, sweat, and sacrifice, honor they bore.

Heroes like Woody Williams, Cafferata, and Daly,
In the heat of battle, their deeds spoke bravely.
Shoulders we stand on, their courage our guide,
Earn our title "Marine" with each rising tide.

From the Great War's trenches to battles untold,
Marines fought for freedom, courageous and bold.
In Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East's call,
They answered with valor, they gave their all.

A life of service, of sacrifice profound,
In mud-covered uniforms, honor is found.
To be first to fight, the mission we embrace,
Choosing the path that others might not face.

In war's shadow, Marines relentlessly train,
Excellence our standard, to endure the pain.
From sea to land, we rise and return,
Our unique culture, a flame that'll forever burn.

Sergeant Major Ruiz and I stand with pride,
In this past year's feats, our strength amplified.
Every Marine, active, reserve, and vet,
Uphold our standards, a duty we won't forget.

Protect your kin, preserve the legacy we share,
Happy Birthday, Marines, in unity declare.
With "Ooh Rah" echoing, let our spirits soar,
For 248 years strong, and many more.

Taken from 
A MESSAGE FROM THE
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE
CORPS
General Eric M. Smith

November 10, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

A profound peace

In praise of God, our anxieties cease to be,
A soothing balm for our minds, our souls set free.
For in the act of appreciating His grace,
We find release from worries that we face.

Stress, a heavy burden we often bear,
In every aspect of life, it's always there.
But when we lift our voices in grateful song,
The Father's peace in our hearts is strong.

As the psalmist knew, in God we find our place,
A refuge where we pour our hearts with grace.
The burdens lifted, we gain a vital key,
To physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.

So let us appreciate God, in reverence and praise,
For in His presence, our worries we erase.
In that release, we find our souls set free,
A profound peace, a gift from the Almighty.

November 8, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Green Pastures

In pastures green, where waters flow,
The LORD, my shepherd, makes me know.
Beside still waters, my soul restored,
Guided on paths, for His name adored.

Through shadows deep, no fear I find,
With rod and staff, His peace entwined.
A table set 'midst foes unkind,
Anointing oil, my cup assigned.

Goodness and love, my constant guide,
In every step, by His side.
Through days and nights, through joy and strife,
In the LORD's house, I find my life.

November 8, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Shortcomings

I can't blame my shortcomings on what I don't have
Shortcomings come from within and how I behave

I can long for things of this world and covet others' possessions
Being content and calming my soul should be my mission

Quieting my soul and having peace within comes from knowing my maker
Not walking with Him, I will have no peace until I meet the undertaker

October 7, 2023
MarkWaldrop

Hope

I have hoped for many things in my life
Some brought more some less strife

Hope is a good thing if what you hope for is good for you
It can be equally as bad if it is evil and not true

Hope in the Lord will always benefit me and you
All Blessings come from God that is so true

It is difficult to put my trust in something I can't see
Becoming  easier over time when I see how he takes care of me

November 6, 2023
MarkWaldrop