In the Hurricane's Wake
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
5.1 Lunar Dreams By David Alan Hoag - July 21, 2009 "You won't reach the moon!" the critics would say. It seems, where angels fear, you'll oft find fools. Fools with poor computers to chart their way The tools back then: engineering slide rules. The Russians claimed a scientific win, But a grander goal, Kennedy would tout: "Easy to orbit some sputnik-type tin, But we'll walk on the moon, by ten years out!" Amazingly, we've proven that we can Pursue, and yes, catch the dreams of our mind By our self, it's: "One small step for a man," Together: "One giant leap for mankind!" Here's to the millions of people who shared As they listened at home or in their cars Though humans may be by gravity snared, We look up and dream of flights to the stars. Forty years later, where did it go wrong? Space-junk… high over clouds of white cotton; Footprints left by Commander Neil Armstrong; The Moon's great promise… all but forgotten. There's no indication or any sign That men will walk in the lunar dust soon, But, the summer of nineteen-sixty-nine We saw men walk on the face of the moon. Our fate is not to be safe; it would seem. Our destiny is really so much more. We take that small step, deciding to dream; We make that giant leap… when we explore! [Written to commemorate the 40th anniversary of man's first steps on the Moon.] 5.2 In the Hurricane’s Wake by David Alan Hoag - January 5, 2014 I wake now to a house that’s calm; No body-slamming boys To budge this world-dead sleeping log With: “Pop-pop, fix our toys!” I shuffle through the living room. Why aren’t I filled with joy? For now my toes no longer ache Stubbed; bleeding by some toy. The kitchen floor is clear again; No wooden blocks to kick. But more amazing, I suppose… My bare feet now don’t stick! No doors are slammed, no balls are thrown, No shades knocked off their lamps. No shouting, screaming, screeching play, No sticky-fingered scamps. Now, once again, I sit and read Without a lap that’s sore From reading to a little boy Demanding: “Just one more?!?” Their visit’s done, and all’s now back To where it needs to go. Chaos is gone, order restored, And yet… I miss them so! 5.3 A Father’s Questions by David Alan Hoag - February 2, 2014 How is it that you’ve filled our house Yet again with blocks and toys, And chaos… and the shrieks of joy From your precious little boys? How is it that I walked the aisle And then let him take your hand, To pledge his love… and yours to him… With a golden wedding band? How is it I survived the nights Where behind the door I’d wait, In fevered, wild imaginings… Were you just one minute late? How is it that the local schools Were the options you’d refuse, The distance, parties, or the slugs… Why pick Santa Cruz? How is it that you learned to run; That YOU… diving in the pool? From Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade, Are you suddenly through school? How is it that the tiny child Newborn, and sent from heaven, And always still my little girl… This day turns thirty-seven? [Inspired by, and written for my oldest daughter, Jennifer Jerkins, on her birthday. With love, Pop.] 5.4 The Real Diehl by David Alan Hoag - March 9, 2014 Rare indeed, a love so deep; Not commitment, chore, or duty. Instead, a focus most can’t see, He saw your inner beauty. Far beyond your shaping world He could see a future glowing He loved the you… that you would be; A rare, discerning, knowing. “Encouraging is easy,” He’d chuckle with a grin, “And more so when your heart will see Their gifts, locked deep within.” The secret that will unlock The gifts God gave to you and me? Just emulate what Diehl had done: Encouragement’s the key. [Monica was Diehl Martin’s beautiful and talented lady, special in his eyes. The more I knew Diehl, the more I came to understand that he saw EVERYONE with that same special discernment.] 5.5 Send-off by David Alan Hoag - April 20, 2014 You all have gone, well more or less, Though... always growing is the mess, And for what's left behind, I'd guess, We'll ship it up... by UPS. I hate it when we have to part, So, ere you get too big a start... Like thieves, you've practiced well your art... And once again, you've stole... my heart! [Written just as my eldest daughter and her family (Jennifer and Henry Jerkins, along with Jeffrey Delgado and Bob Jerkins) left after their Easter visit. When the grandsons come for a visit, our neat and ordered life dissolves into constant uproar and chaos; I love it!] 5.6 Citizen Soldier By David Alan Hoag - October 10, 2001 Citizen Soldier, Citizen Brother Your family… And fellow citizens… Salute you, thank you, and pray for you. We salute you… Salute you for being one of the best… Salute you for submitting to training few can endure… Salute you for standing tall and proud… Salute you for choosing to defend the security and the freedoms of our country. We thank you… Thank you for serving your unit… Thank you for serving the military… Thank you for serving a grateful nation… Thank you for serving a world, which oftentimes seems ungrateful. For you, we pray… Pray that God's hand be upon you… Pray that God's protection surround you… Pray that God grant you courage, strength, and resolve… Pray that God tempers you with wisdom, mercy, and kindness. Never forget… Never forget who you are… Never forget who, and what, you represent… Never forget the words of Abraham Lincoln, who said: "With malice toward none… With charity for all… With firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right… Let us strive on to finish the work we are in… To bind up the nation's wounds… To care for him who shall have borne the battle And for his widow and his orphan… To do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace… Among ourselves… And with all nations." [Written to celebrate Ian Hoag's graduation from Navy Seal training on October 10th, 2001. And yes, I’m very proud to have a Navy Seal in the family! Ian is my Dad’s Uncle’s boy. I think that makes him a cousin of some kind. Whatever you call it, I call it AWESOME!!! ] 5.7 Thanksgiving Reflections By David Alan Hoag - November 16.2007 In ages past, Thanksgiving Day Brought thanks from employees Whose bosses gave them Turkey Cards; “A Bird”… that's sure to please! As time went by, the coupon changed. Not good for just a bird, But also could be used to buy Most vittles for your herd. So now… we have a plastic card, With no restrictive clause. It's good at stores… for anything, Which really gives me pause With choices all throughout the stores How will I ever choose? Perhaps I'll celebrate in style And spend it all on booze! [Written in appreciation of our Thanksgiving gift card]
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
In the Hurricane’s Wake… David Alan Hoag has been creating original poetry for more than 45 years. As you experience his poetry that spans many different genres, you will find yourself experiencing every emotion but one… you’ll never find yourself bored as you sift through the offerings of a unique and gifted poet. An unapologetic follower of Christ, several of Mr. Hoag’s poems reflect his beliefs and his faith. His poetry, however, is as multidimensional as the man, so you’ll experience everything from the sacred to the sublime. Again and again, you’ll find yourself turning to the pages of this book for humor, unique perspectives, encouragement, and inspiration. Whether employed as a senior software engineer, performing as a professional magician, serving at his church, or just hanging out, David Alan Hoag infuses poetry into every aspect of life. He definitely doesn’t live up to the typical expectation of a boring technical geek. Besides being a poet, he writes a Christian blog (Alive in The Spirit), has been a performing member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood, a sculptor of mobile art, geocacher, MMORPG player, and business owner. Dave lives in Orange County, California where his wife, daughters, and grandchildren are a constant source of joy and blessings.
About the Author
In the Hurricane’s Wake…
David Alan Hoag has been creating original poetry for more than 45 years. As you experience his poetry that spans many different genres, you will find yourself experiencing every emotion but one… you’ll never find yourself bored as you sift through the offerings of a unique and gifted poet.
An unapologetic follower of Christ, several of Mr. Hoag’s poems reflect his beliefs and his faith. His poetry, however, is as multidimensional as the man, so you’ll experience everything from the sacred to the sublime. Again and again, you’ll find yourself turning to the pages of this book for humor, unique perspectives, encouragement, and inspiration.