Poems by Ralph Quinonez

I put on my gear to go for a bike ride,
Helmet light on, water bottle by my side.
The morning sun is soft and low,
Casting light on the road below.
I look along side the quiet bike lane,
The ride will take me to a place that will clear my mind and brain.
All the chickens scatter as I pass them by,
Their feathers flutter underneath the morning sky.

A dog starts barking as I pass the porch he's on,
Then settles down as I ride past his lawn.   
I leave the neighborhood so far behind,

And trade paved streets for peace of mind.
Deer running thorough the pastures grass,

Lifting their heads as I quietly pass.

Their gentle eyes watch me without fear,

As if they know I mean no harm from here.

Their slow steady hay is chewing time,

Feels like a quiet, sacred, heavenly rhyme.
The fresh air brushes across my face,

Cool and clean in its wide embrace.

It fills my lungs, both deep and wide,

As gratitude rises all from inside.

The country side stretches far and free,

A living place you would want to see.
All the beautiful things God has placed in my sight,

Makes the ride more enjoyable as I see the light.
In every field and sky above,

I see His quiet hand of love.
Riding through this open land,

Feeling the breeze across my hand.

I understand in moments like these,

Life's greatest gifts are simple and free.
And as I turn back around to go back home,

No longer feeling so quite alone.
I carry peace within my chest,

From riding the country roads I feel so blessed.


In the quiet of my sorrow,

When the night feels oh so long,

You are standing right beside me,

And Your presence makes me strong.

Every tear I thought was hidden,

Every fear I tried to hide,

You were holding me so gently,

Never once you left my side.

When the thunder rolls around me,

And the shadows drown the light,

You reach out to calm my chaos,

You are hope through out the night.

For the cross has split the darkness,

And Your mercy never ends,
Every sinner seeking refuge,

Finds a Father, finds a friend.
No one searching is denied,

No one broken cast aside.

Every whisper of Forgive me,

Heaven hears and Heaven cries.

You restore the lost and weary,

Lift the fallen, make them new.

Every road of grace and mercy

Leads my wandering heart to You.
Oh, Your grace will carry me,

Through the storm and through the sea.

You are faithful ever near,

Whispering, My child, please come here.

With the love You gave me that day,

When Your Son took sin away.
I will trust You and I'll hold on,

Your grace will guide me to be strong.

You look out into the water;
The waves make the most beautiful sound.
A place you find peace and comfort,
Walking hand in hand and looking around.

As you walk toward the water,
Sand coats the bottom of your feet.
The smell of the sea salt drawing you closer,.
The view is so beautiful, oh so sweet.

Almost as if it is calling you.
Sometimes it's only in your mind.
A place to clear your thoughts
And leave everything very far behind.

You find shells, rocks, and other things.
The warmth is like a kiss from up above.
Looking out into the Gulf Coast
Can only remind you of true love.

As the waves come crashing in,
Time seems to be standing still.
The sun is shining down on you
As you walk the beach at your will.

Paradise you thought you could never reach.
Out in the distance you can see the ships sailing by.
Tears of joy for the scene God has put before you,
As the moment makes you cry. 

Two shadows are together as one,
A sign of great unity.
A great day full of fun
While walking at the beach.

Lord, hear my prayer oh so dear.
My heart is aching; my mind isn't clear.
My love has left me; it hurts my soul.
Without that love, I don't feel whole.

As I sit here and wonder how things would have turned out,
Not to have been part of your life was there ever a doubt.
I would see you again, just didn't know when.
A long time has passed, wondering how you have been.
Just to see your face one last time is something I never would have thought,
You have been on my mind all this time, something that I had always and never forgot.
The lessons that I learned from you, made each day more pleasant,
Your teachings of everyday life were such a warm and needed present.
I leave you now knowing you are safe in his arms,
No more pain or suffering, away from all harm.
Rest with the angels, until we all will see you once more.
We love and have missed you, things we will always adore.
Watch over us now, for one day it will come.
When we are laughing and talking and having oh so much fun.
We miss you mom, but we are glad that you made it home.
We wouldn't have wanted it any other way even if it meant for us to be alone.