William Chaplar Poems

You feel like a fool 'cause tomorrow in school is a test in U.S. History.
You open your book, but it soon starts to look like it's all just one big mystery.
You pull out your phone, call your friend up at home, and ask her if she understands.
But she's clueless too, and so now you two need to make some quick test-cramming plans.
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There aren't many tales that have ever outdone
The often-told story of the Prodigal Son.
It's a tale of forgiveness and parental love;
A message that, these days, we could all use more of.
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I looked across the gap into an intolerant world,
And fear began to throttle my resolve.
Living like the person I was born to be became
A problem I seemed unable to solve.
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You ran away from home one year and ended up in jail.
To make things worse, your parents had to come and post your bail.
If this dumb act defines you, then your life will be a mess.
So stop being your last mistake and be your next success.
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While oil spewed into the gulf, what action did you take?
Oh sure, millions were quick to cite the president's mistake.
But how many Americans chose to drive a little less?
(Our endless need for gasoline's what brought about this mess!)
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So now you've finished high school, but what does that really mean?
A child and an adult is what they say you're still between.
Then what exactly do adults expect you to endure
Before they will consider you emotionally mature?
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I think of things I might have done and sights I might have seen;
the many claims I might have staked—the me I might have been.
When I review my sordid past in search of whom to blame,
I realize the guilty party doesn't have a name.
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While staring out my window, I espied two racing boats;
the wind they captured forging them ahead.
I pondered about those who have raced and believed they lost
because of something that was left unsaid.
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Olympiads are often filled with tales that motivate.
And listed here are some that many find to be first rate.
And there may even be a few that bring about a tear or two.
So let's give credit where it's due by honoring the games.
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The first day that you went to school, wet tears flooding your eyes;
the day you got hurt on the field and thought you'd surely die;
that time when someone broke your heart and you weren't thinking clear;
through all of these, you were put at ease when Mom told you, "I'm here."
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