Hidden Costs

by Cheryl Merrick

Encouraged by glib assurances of
“You can afford it.”
“Your family deserves it” and
“Besides it will increase in value”,
they sign the contract for the luxury home.

As the years pass, the “hidden costs”
begin to appear.

The Path to Happiness

by Cheryl Merrick

From the movie screen and acclaimed authorities
oozes glitzy, golden promises.
They confidently claim
the path to happiness
will be found in acquiring more:

Christmas

by Cheryl Merrick

The angels proclaimed peace
and joy to the world
on the night the Savior was born.

But how far from peace is the woman
    rushing from store to store
    seeking the illusive “perfect gift”?