My dad preached to us every day. Well, maybe “preached” is an exaggeration. He counseled, admonished, and imparted words of wisdom constantly.  The poem below, which I wrote a year or so ago, is derived from something he used to tell us often. “Don’t let anyone use you as their garbage can.”

“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God” (Ephesians 5:4 NLT).

I Don’t Want to Hear it! A poem by Alton E. Sumner

I don’t want to hear anyone’s dirty jokes,

Their promiscuous exploits and lascivious anecdotes.

I don’t want to hear anyone casually cuss, and swear,

And spew lies and gossip like smog in the air?

Blethering about their latest high

The drugs and drinks that make them ‘fly’

Bragging about wicked schemes deployed,

 While their souls are slowly being destroyed!

Like a nation reeling from its leader’s lies

And yearning for healing from beyond the skies,

Like Luther, “Here I [take my] stand”

I refuse to be their garbage can!

My mind is a precious metaphoric pail

Craving living water from Jacob’s well.

Now, I do not claim to be holier than thou.

My mind is not veiled high in the clouds.

As Jesus loved weddings and celebrations

I, too, love laughter and festive jollification.

My conversation will be holy still

As I strive to obey and do God’s will.

Oh, to hear that someone has forsaken their sin,

And now has the Light and Love within!  

No longer prating about immoral excess,

But standing now on God’s blessed promises!

Focus Quote: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”   –Ephesians 4:29

Please see my website below for how you can get a copy of my book: Standing on the Promises