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usadeepsouth Phil Bratcher's Poetry It Might Have Been What might I do if I were to live life over? The obvious for sure-- I could have been wiser Saved more money Gotten more education Had more ambition Eaten less sugar and fat Gotten more exercise But I would promise myself To have more guts Along with a set of brass balls And very little fear To speak out more when my Integrity and beliefs were challenged To lead more than follow To stake my claim in the Promise Land Waging war with all comers To live more singly and with greater intention And from my soul--my truer self No longer a secret As The Eagle In the crevice Or on a cleft You are safe You won't be left Shift your weight And brace your stance It's not too late For a miracle's dance Never worry that You were left to die You were put here As the eagle Because you can fly In A Mystery You're OK If you only knew You needn't worry About a wind that blew If it did, then it's past We call that history Which never lasts But repeats in a mystery Reverend Phil Bratcher has been a counselor in private practice for over 10 years. Now in his 25th year of ministry, Reverend Bratcher has worked mostly as a therapist and spiritual counselor specializing in spiritual direction, the relief of depression, life strategies and career planning, long-term illness and relationship issues for couples. He is also trained in The Work of Byron Katie, teaching individuals and facilitating groups in the faith community and his community at large. Often a featured speaker, Reverend Bratcher is a volunteer chaplain for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Upstate Coordinator for the South Carolina Global Warming Campaign for the Christian Action Council in Columbia, South Carolina, and is past Secretary to the Executive Board for Greenville Faith Communities United which seeks social justice and interfaith understanding. Reverend Bratcher makes his home in Greenville, SC, where he is a member of the Metropolitan Community Church and is their interfaith representative to GFCU and past chair of their outreach and singles committees. E-mail Phil at Peacefulstar@msn.com. _________________________________ To read more of Phil's poetry, click here: A Sampling Three Poems More Poems Want to leave a comment about Phil’s poems? Please visit our Message Board or write Ye Editor at bethjacks@hotmail.com. _________________________________ Back to USADEEPSOUTH - I index Back to USADEEPSOUTH - II index