All articles by Ken Hale

These are lyrics to a song with the same title (see a recording in the “music” section of this site). Hear the whisper and live your life with faith and hope!
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Hear The Whisper

This song (written and recorded in 2020) asks us to “hear the whisper” of hope, even in the darkest of times. See lyrics below (“continue reading”).
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The Greatest of Wonders (For Zoey)

This song was written and recorded in 2020 for our granddaughter, Zoey. She was born to my daughter and son-in-law, Jessie and Brett, on June 7th. We love you, Zoey! Count your blessings day by day…
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The Day You Were Born

This poem was written on the day our granddaughter, Zoey, was born. It was a special day in so many ways! All best wishes for Zoey and her parents (Jessie and Brett Space).
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April Wants

“Slow down,” said the Virus, but April wants what April wants.
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The Baptism

Written during J.D. Hale’s baptism at Trinity United Methodist Church on November 17, 2019.
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One Love

“Why is one love unlike another”? This poem is an attempt to express my understanding that love is love, regardless of one’s sexual orientation.
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1922

We’ve lived at 1922 Tremont Road for nearly 37 years. This poem is a reflection of what our home has meant in the life of our family and the optimism it inspires moving forward.
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The Place on a Hill

There’s a place on a hill where we all want to be.
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Baby J.D. (A Brave New World)

I was recently holding our new grandson, J.D., when I started thinking about who he would be, where he would go, and what he would see. Those thoughts led to this song. It also represents an apology for all we are leaving for J.D.’s generation to do. “Baby J.D.” (subtitled “A Brave New World”) is the first song I wrote and recorded on guitar. I hope you like it!
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Garden of the Resurrection

My Father is interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Columbus. He is laid to rest (my Mother will eventually join him) in a section called the Garden of the Resurrection. This poem was written on September 15, 2019, after a visit to his gravesite. I was struck by the peacefulness of the Garden and our common mortality in life.
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J.D.’s Song (Close Your Eyes)

This song was written for our new grandson (J.D.) who was recently born to my son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Amy Hale. He is a beautiful boy and a blessed gift to our family. J.D., “close your eyes, hear this song for you…”
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On the Morrow

This poem is a reaction to the divisive nature of our American political discourse.
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I Bid You Fond Farewell

I wrote this poem on the way home from my last pharmacy association meeting. As I bid pharmacy farewell, I am filled with gratitude for the profession, for my former colleagues, and for the many students who meant so much to me for 42 years.
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Upon Reading “Study of Two Figures (Pasiphae/Sado)” by Monica Youn,

I have finally come to realize the source of my poetic tension.
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God’s Wedding Gift

Kendall and Zach Dickerson met on a blustery day at Texas A&M and were married on a blustery day at Dove Ridge Vineyard in Azle, Texas. This poem emanated from our realization that this was a God wink relating to his role in their relationship. Written the day after their wedding in 2018.
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Forever at First Glance

This song is a wedding gift for Kendall and Zach Dickerson (written and recorded in 2018). I love you both and wish you a lifetime of happiness!
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The Caravan

A reporter interviewed a young migrant mother who was traveling with her family in “the caravan” from Central America to the United States. He asked her what she expected to happen when they reached the U.S. border. Her translated response: “May God’s will be done.” Written and recorded in 2018.
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To My Students

This poem was written for my students at the end of my career at the Ohio State University. As I reach the end of a long and wonderful professional journey, it is abundantly clear that students have been my most important companions on this long and winding road!
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Before We Say Goodbye

I wrote and recorded “Before We Say Goodbye” in 2017, as I entered my final year at the Ohio State University. It is a tribute to all those who blessed my life in countless ways for 42 years. “I wish you well and hope the seasons will be kind. I won’t forget the things you helped me find.” The song is subtitled “Where Would I Be Without You?”
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Buckeye Benediction

This poem was written in 2017 and inspired by the lyrics from Carmen Ohio. It is a reflection on the many blessings I have received from my lifetime at the Ohio State University and my hope that others “may also know this feeling through the time and change to come.”
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Hey, Hattie Mae!

Written and recorded in 2017.
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A Hymn for Hattie

This piece contains lyrics to a song for Hattie Mae, our first grandchild. “A Hymn for Hattie” was written upon her birth in 2017, to wish her “Heaven’s hold” and “Holy hope.”
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A Hymn for Hattie

This song is for Hattie Mae, our first grandchild. It was written and recorded in 2017, to wish her “Heaven’s hold.”
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It Was a Young Man

This song was written in 1992, amidst revelations around my beautiful boy, Adam. This recording was made in 2017, as we await the birth of Adam and Amy’s first child.
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A Melody and Me

This song was written in 1978 and recorded in 2017. It is a love story about my relationship with music, “and I’m thankful for the sounds that come to me.”
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The Winds of Change

Written in 2007 and recorded in 2017. This song was composed during a time of significant change in my life, and I feel that the winds are starting to blow again…
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This Train

Written after our Presidential election in 2004, “This Train” has left the station once again.
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An Autumn Improvisation in Four Parts (Hale)

I have always loved to sit at the piano and simply improvise. This is my first attempt at capturing some of that ephemeral music to be shared with others. My impression of autumn in four parts was recorded on November 2, 2016, at My Place Productions.
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The Eastern Horizon

“There’s a cloud on the Eastern horizon blocking the sun and moon, and it blows toward the valley so peaceful to cover the garden green very soon.” Written in 2006 and recorded in 2016.
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3:47

Daphene Maynard Hale delivered me at 3:47am on September 15, 1953. This birthday poem was written in thanks for the many blessings I have received from the wonderful people in my life.
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On a Day Like Today

This is the first wedding song I ever wrote. “On a Day Like Today” was written in 2006 for Lauren and Lane Flood. This recording from 2016 was made in celebration of their 10th anniversary!
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A White Coat

This poem was written for the Doctoral Convocation & White Coat Ceremony honoring the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2020 at the Ohio State University.
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My Amigo

This is offered in memory of Dr. Scott McIlroy. From Cabo San Lucas, our love of El Vaquero, and the occasional sharing of a marguerita or two, Scott and I came to call each other “amigo.” Here’s my loving poem for this heroic, gentle, and giving man – “My Amigo.”
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Love Be With You

This is my daughter and new son-in-law’s wedding song. I was joined in this recording by Vanessa Jones (vocals) and Doug Neel (guitar) from the Conspiracy Band. We had the joy of performing the song on 7/16/16 at their wedding reception along with her lovely bridesmaids. Love be with you, Brett and Jessie!
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On Destin’s Shore

This is Lee Ann and Jeff Naquin’s wedding song. It was sung by Sarah Naquin and me on June 9, 2016, on Dune Allen Beach in Destin, Florida. This recording features Beckie Boger on lead vocals, Bruce Posey on cello, and me on piano and back-up vocals. All best wishes to Lee Ann and Jeff!
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Forevermore

This poem is a reflection, written the morning after the beautiful wedding celebration for Lee Ann and Jeff Naquin.
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Linda’s Poem

We recently lost my cousin, Linda Weber. She had a loving heart and a sweet soul. Linda will be sorely missed.
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Commencement

This poem was written when I received my doctoral degree from the Ohio State University. It celebrates all those who have helped me on my journey (“I am, because we are”). The quote at the beginning is from Linda James Myers, who was one of my advisors. It was taken from her book entitled, “Understanding an Afrocentric Worldview: Introduction to an Optimal Psychology.”
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What More

Recorded in 1982, “what more can I give you?”
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Casting Pearls

Written after a musical performance with some of my dear friends on New Year’s Eve before the new millennium.
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Chapter Three

This poem was inspired by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot’s book entitled, “The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50.”
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Time Stood Still

Moon shine softly through her hair and dances before her… If I try, I still hear the sea (recorded in 1983).
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Vancouver Wants Me

I wrote this song on the campus of the University of British Columbia during a vacation to Vancouver in 1978, at a musically poignant time in my life. This recording from 1983 features the angelic voice of Beckie Boger, with me on piano.
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Tristesse

This poem was written as lyrics for a wonderful piece of music by Dave Wheeler. “Tristesse” is a French word meaning sadness. The poem anthropomorphizes “Tristesse” as a powerful ex lover.
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I Feel a Change

Written in 1980 and performed/recorded in 1982. “Life’s a fiery love, if you’re not afraid to love her.”
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Good Enough

Aren’t we all “good enough”?
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The Blue

“The Blue” is a place where our spirit runs free and we are not tethered to worldly woes. Written in 1980 and recorded in 1983 with Stan Smith (electric guitar), Ned Behrman (‘cello), Mark Brown (bass), Beckie Boger (back-up vocals), and me (piano/vocals).
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I Believe

For my son, Adam.
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My Dear Jet

For my daughter, Jessie.
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