A poem ...it's important 'what' is said, and it's important 'how' it is said. And I often have to excuse myself on both accounts.

Jayo Bee

There was a man named Jayo Bee

A friend to many as a man can be

Came a time, could've used a friend

Through thick and thin to the very end

One stepped up, no direction or cause

And proud he was, this Eliphaz

His claim to fame was in his dream

A legend in his own mind, it seems.

Yes, he stood tall, he must be heard;

To challenge his experience, that'd be absurd!?!

Listening to the eloquence, standing all he can,

Jayo Bee simply states, "No doubt you're the man!"

Void of all happy, drowning in sad

Still no relief ...no thanks to Bildad.

Eager to add to what's been said so far,

Steps up, so-called friend three, Zophar.

What would you say of Jayo Bee?

Had he one close friend, or two, or three?

He found no comfort by his side

Who'd trust these three ...men full of pride.

Then the youngest, named Elihu

Thought he'd add something new

After all, this upcoming generation

One day'll be bestowed the dutiful veneration.

Though one's faith may seem quite unbending,

Never should one be perceived as condescending

Okay, perhaps there're times one may bend a bit,

But, 'bend not break' may more accurately fit.

The wondrous works we see today

Are not 'shock & awe' in a powerful display.

It's through the hearts of those who humbly pray,

And go beyond themselves to hear what others say.

It should be well-known that this applies to both you and me.

It's not hard to both talk & listen; they're both free.

Lest we listen, and show others we care,

The burden we'd not be invited to share.

Yet, if we both listen to the still, small voice

Perhaps we'd learn to make the better choice.

Just be certain that not by me is wisdom sought.

But, by the One whom I seek, and by whom I'm taught.

********

And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks, but He was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but He was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but He was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle breeze ...a whisper, a calmness, a still and soft voice.

(From the 19th Chapter of 1st Kings)

And the poem is the same, whether it's Jay-O-Bee ...Jay O. Bee ...or Jayo Bee. Just remember, it's between Esther and Psalms.