O, Blessed Land

O, blessed land, you evergreen,

in winter full of spring,

so many friendly smiles I´ve seen,

and so your praise I sing!

On any road or street or lane

there´s smile in every eye,

true, I am limping with my cane,

is that the reason why?

No, that I don´t believe at all,

your style is just like that,

so friends I dare you gladly call,

for you I raise my hat!

Behind the smiles I sense a fear,

a dread deep in the heart,

which from the outside you can´t hear,

it still tears souls apart!

I have a joy with you to share:

The sinners´ friend and Lord,

who for your precious soul does care,

and yet He´s so ignored!

You blessed land, o what a shame

the Gift of gifts to spurn,

I plead with you, call on His name,

with tears to Jesus turn!

Clovis, Ca., January 6, 2010