Twas the night before finals, and all through the college,
The students were praying for last minute knowledge.
Most were quite sleepy, but none touched their beds,
While visions of essays danced in their heads.

In my own apartment, I had been pacing,
And dreaded exams I soon would be facing.
My roommate was speechless, his nose in his books,
And my comments to him drew unfriendly looks.
I drained all the coffee, and brewed a new pot,
No longer caring that my nerves were shot.

I stared at my notes, but my thoughts were muddy,
My eyes went a blur, I just couldn't study.
"Some pizza might help," I said with a shiver,
But each place I called refused to deliver.
I'd nearly concluded that life was too cruel,
With futures depending on grades had in school.

When all of a sudden, our door opened wide,
And Patron Saint Put-It-Off ambled inside.
Her spirit was careless, her manner was mellow,
She wore a white toga, she started to bellow:
"What kind of student would make such a fuss,
To toss back at teachers what they tossed at us?"

"On Cliff Notes! On Crib Notes! On last year's exams!
On Wingit and Slingit, and last minute crams!"
Her message delivered, she vanished from sight,
But we heard her laughing outside in the night.
"Your teachers have pegged you, so just do your best.
Happy finals to all, and to all, a good test!"

--Selected from Mikey's Funnies.

For so long I wondered where you had gone.
Endlessly searching, and always alone.

Wrestling with Satan, gambling to win.
Loosing each battle again and again.

Flesh so weak, temptation so strong,
The pain within battled on and on.

I fell to my knees, to Jesus I cried,
"Open your arms and let him inside!"

"His pain is to much, he can stand no more!"
"Show him your mercy, and end this war!"

Without hesitation His arms opened wide.
They were nailed to a cross and itŐs there where He died.

He took all the pain the suffering and sin.
And washed it away as if it had never been.

He showed you His glory, He gave you His peace.
With holy assurance his love would not cease.

Now the look in your eyes reflects his great grace.
For now I can see the "SON" shining in YOUR face!

--by Laura G. Brown - 11-13-2002