Ode to the Prodigals • The Havok Journal

The world went to hell
in a handbag
but I was fine you see!

I’d been to the cross
taken a look
a quick visit must have changed me.

I wore different clothes
I talked a new way
I even gave money at times
I felt so safe, warm, and secure
How could I have been so blind?

Selfishness, selfishness, selfishness reigns
Mocking the King of kings
So little preaching of the Cross,
Of suffering and shame

Thank you, precious family
For crying out to me
Keep crying the cross of affliction
For everyone to see

Your heart is in my hand
I know the cost you pay
I’m so proud of your family
You all have reflected “The Way”

Is Jesus really Lord of Lords?
Truly King of Kings?
Or is He neatly on your shelf
Lined up with all your things?

Selfishness, selfishness, selfishness
Ruling and reigning in me
For I’ve fallen in love with the world
And all is vanity

You too could have been selfish
With excuses like all the rest
But in the day I hold you?
You will receive my best.

For in the day I hold you
You’ll hear you passed the test

You passed, you passed
You ran the race
You’re making the Father proud
Your joy will be complete
Surrounded by a crowd.

A crowd of those inspired
Through me to you, to me
I’ll hold your heart forever
Through all eternity.

So share this heart
With your family
With blessings from above
My heart for you and yours
A picture of my love

My heart is in your hand
You know the cost I paid
I’m so proud of your family
You all reflect “The Way”

__________________________

*Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Personnel destined to return to the U.S., wait at the Bien Hoa Air Terminal for a National Airlines flight home.* Department of Defense. Department of the Army. Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. U.S. Army Audiovisual Center. 15 February 1968. Source.

For 43 years, Dennis and Diana Nickell shared their lives, passion, and hearts. Dennis, a Vietnam Combat Veteran who dealt daily with the aftermath of his 14 months in-country, spent his later years reaching out to Veterans, their loved ones and tried to help share why you should never give up. Sept, 12th, 2021 Dennis joined his brothers in arms in heaven, who never had the chance to have the life he fought for daily, and his wife Diana still carries on the mission of educating, enlightening, and encouraging those who have paid such a heavy price for freedom.

Dedicated to ALL, first responders, and heroes, Diana has found peace in the wealth of her family and her faith. YouTube series Surviving Vietnam can be accessed freely at https://www.survivevietnam.com/

“Quiet Place” first appeared in Breaking Chains, written by Dennis Nickell.

All rights are reserved, for created content shared about their amazing journey, including original poetry by Diana. Feel free to contact Diana at dnickell1955@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.