Brian was born on a Naval Base in Rota, Spain.  He started using drugs before the age of 14 and spent most of his teen years in juvenile detention centers.  Brian's cocaine use led to a near-death experience, during which he saw the light of God and decided right then that he was through with that lifestyle.  He moved back to Wagener, near his parents, for rehabilitation.  With God's help, he has been sober since that decision.  In 2008, Brian began craftwork and poetry.  He works for Burketts Screens and considers Wagener his home.  Brian is the father of 5 children.

 

God's Voice

The prayers from people & this country air

have done my sobriety good.

There isn't anything like fresh well water &

talking with God as I walk through the woods.

With the rabbits running & squirrels climbing &

birds singing out loud

The trees grow so tall, they raise up to the clouds.

Every day in my sober life I try to be outside just before dawn.

To see God's beauty as the sun comes up, as I drink my coffee and yawn.

The way the sun shines through the trees,

This memory will always last

Thanks to God He's taking away some

of the painful memories of my past.

The fruit on the trees & flowers growing

All seem cool to me.

You see, I was an addict for many years, never noticed,

Now God allows me to see.

So you know those little voices in your head

that let you make your choice,

Surely you can tell right from wrong,

Listen to God's voice.

He'll help you with your troubled life,

This I know is true,

He's made my life so much better,

He'll make yours better, too.

You have to want to quit inside your heart,

This has to come first.

He'll come to you quickly,

Like on a hot day with lemonade,

Quenching your thirst.

I'm a recovering addict, you can be, too,

It is your choice.

Those two little voices in your head,

Take my advice,

Listen to God's voice.

 

 

 

 

My Small Town

 

I think about this world, I've traveled all around

There isn't anything like the kindness from people in a small town.

With kindness in their hearts and a smile on their face

Most people in a small town never wandered far from their place.

They always want to help and let you know they care

The old guys seem to have knowledge, hunting stories they want to share.

Everyone should visit a small town, I know they really should

It's much different than a big city, walking through the woods.

Picking blackberries and plumbs, tilling the garden, too

Look at God's nature and his beautiful sky so blue.

Most buildings are old, not many of them tall

A lot of people will wave at you, Most of them say "Ya'll."

I've been from California to Canada and Florida to New York City

And there isn't anything like a small town, If you've not been there, What a pity.

You can tell by my little rhyme, I've been all around

But there isn't anything like coming home to stay in Wagener, my small town.

 

Busbee Brags As you visit the local restaurants in Wagener, please look for our "Busbee Brags" writing samples.  We have placed student writings in plastic frames at some local restaurants.  Please enjoy this artwork and compliment the authors when you see them around town.  We thank these businesses for their support of Busbee Elementary School.