Inspiration and Reality: Stories written in poetry to inspire and inform

By Mark Anthony McCullogh

About the Book
Inspiration and Reality contains stories written in poetic form to inspire and inform, to help one think outside the box. From historical facts to its refreshing guides of faith and beyond, this book demonstrates to the reader truth, love, and value through its past, present, and futuristic content.
About the Author
Mark Anthony McCullogh is very involved in his church, both as a member of the Vestry acting as Chaplain and a participant in weekly services. His hobbies include photography, gardening, reading, and antiquing. McCullogh has a special interest in old and historical homes and automobiles. He is also very interested in history and current affairs.
McCullogh is married to his long-term partner, with whom he shares a dog named Betsy. McCullogh majored in ministry and business, and minored in psychology. Mark is also a member of the Academy of American Poets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Nov 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887296715

Book preview

Don’t Judge a Book by First Impression

All books are a soul of a person who worked with toil and sweat,

These books more than likely are from a person you have never met.

How would you feel if you spent months or even years of something from your heart?

Only because of its shape, size, color, or title be frowned upon and tossed back into a cart?

Authors have families to feed and bills to pay and monies to generate another book,

Dear reader, before you toss it, take another look!

Then after that second look you might just agree,

You get to know a person who and whose work is not bad, you see.

Upon that second look you may disagree,

It may please the author to go on respectfully.

Don’t judge a book by first impression,

For most writers would be in a deep recession!

Think of those variety of cakes you worked so hard to bake and you knew they were great! You had everything out, you thought was just right for them to buy at that bake sale, to try a piece before buying. Hardly anyone did, they judged! It looked to rich, it wasn’t. Sugar and gluten free, they can’t be. You had signs that told them you had that, but they didn’t bother! They assumed!

They didn’t stop or if they did, they didn’t take the time to find out if the cakes were right for them. No time was taken to know you as a person, to say hello and compliment you, and it hurt in more ways than just your feelings, didn’t it? Same with books and authors. Break the cycle, really take the time and look at a book today!

The Maker of Stained Glass

Whether shown through sunbeams or inside at night with lighted glow.

Seven years in the making by a modest and kindred soul,

Who worshipped with talent that only God could bestow.

There once was a church in Pensacola, Florida that gave all eyes a show,

Sometimes it was hard to listen to a sermon when surrounded by such inspirational beauty,

It’s imperfect I know its flaws, as this talented maker of stained glass once said to me.

In thought, it reminds us of the greatest Maker of stained glass, who sent the greatest and most perfect mosaic to be shattered at Calvary!

God Almighty Lord of Hosts rings out in angelic chorus,

As loving pieces of God’s infinite mosaic is made and laid out before us!

A bright red cardinal in a green fir tree sings a pretty melody,

Or white snowcaps on bright vistas a testament for all of us to see!

Or the eyes of animals when lights flash directly in their eyes,

To the sunrises and sunsets with partly cloudy skies.

And the different hues of the ocean and sky with their shades of green and blue,

And the enchanted yellow island flowers that bloom for you!

Nine billion souls born with beautiful colors and shapes,

Many flying above to partake the endless patches of woven landscapes.

To be thankful to see with eyes of brown, black, green, blue, and hazel,

The vast array of colorful mosaics priceless in God’s high appraisal.

Despite how we view the word stain in our stained glass and how it is perceived,

Just know to stay focused on your call remembering the day you first believed.

By faith and service, the mosaics of our lives are of God who makes no mistakes,

Please feel inspired by viewing others as windows and so that’s what it takes.

For God the maker of Stained glass spent time to help you shimmer and shine,

And now it is time to love one another, and all creatures asked of Christ Devine.

Just as sure as we are here, and we go to work school and play,

Always be mindful of those less fortunate in our lives today.

Yes, there once was a church with stained glass that gave all eyes a show,

Until Hurricane Ivan came now the display is no more.

it took seven years to make the maker Ralph did say,

It was a miracle, all but one did not blow away.

They are neatly stored away waiting again for their day!

The Bostonian Lady, Ode to Crystal Joy

That Bostonian lady is riding in her car,

Why can’t I posted on her plate!

She is her own when it comes to playing cool,

She travels down the road smooth and straight!

Crystal is her name she travels to and fro,

The gigs that she plays covers the bills.

Mile after mile with that smile she woos you in,

She sings like a bird and gives everyone the thrills!

Crystal joy! Crystal joy!! Crystal joy!!!

Her presence is known by the company she keeps,

And her stories are precise she could go all day!

Her style is one of a kind she keeps it