People always offer opinions and advice,
As to what you should or shouldn’t do,
Though they can barely manage themselves,
They seem to know what’s best for you.

An old friend offers relationship advice,
As he talks about his latest divorce,
He always blames his latest ex-wife,
And I just nod and say “But, of course.”

Another friend offers financial advice,
Talking stocks and bonds on the phone,
I’d probably take him a bit more seriously,
If he hadn’t called to ask for a loan.

A neighbor cornered me the other day,
Bragging about her new diet,
If she wasn’t still 400 pounds herself,
Perhaps I would like to try it.

Another comes over to share with me,
Their latest sure-fire scheme to get rich,
It’ll be something totally different next week,
And they’ll be back with a whole new pitch.

Whether who to vote for, or what to wear,
Or to what church I really should go,
Where I should live, or what I should eat,
They always act like they know.

It’s amazing how people see problems in others,
Without knowing that much about me,
But somehow the problems in their own lives,
Are something they can’t really see.

07-14-12c.

I have entered so many contests,
And I’m starting to wonder why,
Just sitting here thinking about it,
Makes me want to cry.

I always try to do my best,
To make my words compelling,
I make sure not to use text speak,
And I even check my spelling.

But it seems that whatever I do,
My words just get neglected,
And though I start with high hopes,
I always end up feeling rejected.

I wish I knew the judge’s address,
Or at least of their PayPal account,
Then I could at least send them a bribe,
Just tell me the correct amount.

Just once I’d like a great big trophy,
That I could stand up on the floor,
Or even just a paper certificate,
That I could put on the refrigerator door.

Just once I’d like to hold my head,
High above the crowd,
Be able to phone my mom,
And make her really proud.

But, now I enter another contest,
And I’ll probably crash and burn,
I should probably take up another hobby,
But, I guess I’ll never learn.

10-16-12.

Once again it’s that time of year,
When political banter seems the rage.
When otherwise normal people,
Try to come off as some worldly sage.

I have friends who are really nice folks,
Any other time of the year.
But, once they start with the political rants,
I really don’t want them near.

Of course, their views are always right,
How could it be any other way?
And you too could be right like them,
If you just listen to what they say.

Some people take it all quite seriously,
And engage in rather spirited exchange.
As if convincing all their Facebook friends,
Will bring about a world of change.

But the more I hear all this political banter,
The more it makes me think.
That the only party I want to join,
Is one where I can get a drink.

10-07-12.

The world remains heavy of heart,
And saddened on a February day,
For a man named Trayvon Martin,
His young life was taken away.

So many questions remain unanswered,
But there is one thing that’s fact,
A young man lost his life that day,
In a senseless and violent act.

But now some are calling for more violence,
And their cries are heard across the land,
Crying out for vigilante justice,
To take matters into their own hand.

For vigilante justice never works,
And more violence is not the cure,
For how much more must we bear?
How much pain can we endure?

For violence should not beget violence,
And hate should not beget hate,
And only the one above we call God,
Should be the judge of a man’s fate.

For I ask you people to end the hate,
And the hurting of each other,
For in the eyes of our Creator,
We are all Sister and Brother.

We’ll never know all that happened then,
But we do know one thing as true,
A shot was fired, and one man stood,
Where moments before were two.

So please people may we learn from this,
And stop the violence and pain,
So a young man named Trayvon Martin,
Will not have died in vain.

04-10-12.

It seems that lately I can’t get no peace,
From all those so-called Grammar Police,
Who for some reason think that I should care,
The difference between there, they’re and their.

They want to analyze everything I say,
Just waiting for me to lie when I want to lay,
And I really think they just do it because,
They want to further some petty cause.

So, what I do is I mess with there head,
I write the word red when I really mean read,
And I couldn’t care less if they throe a fit,
Should I confuse the words elicit with illicit.

And it really don’t phase me if I’m derelict,
By writing something like “cause and affect,”
I’ll just stare and say “Whatcha gonna do?”
If I want to write that the sky is blew.

Though I really shutter at the very thought,
I’ll try to be discrete and not get caught,
But if they should arrest me and throe me in jail,
Just bee sure and come and post my bale.

05-06-12.

I had a dream just the other night,
That people would no longer fight,
No more wars to be lost or won,
That everyone could live as one.

I had a dream just the other day,
Of streets where kids could safely play,
And treat each other with respect,
And never come to know neglect.

Where children grow in a loving home,
And would never face the world alone,
To live in comfort, and without need,
Regardless of their race or creed.

That the God we worship is all the same,
No matter what we call his name,
And honor each other’s right to choose,
Regardless of their different views.

And if my dream should ever come true,
It will be up to people like me and you,
And I dream the day should come at last,
Where hunger is a thing of the past.

For I dream one day the human race,
Will make this world a better place,
Where fighting and wars will someday cease,
And our children may know a world of peace.


11-25-11b.

I Want My Poetry…

To be far more than just a rhyme,
An idle way to pass the time,
As you take in my words like a drink,
I want my words to make you think,
To make you examine your very soul,
And help you reach that ultimate goal,
I want my words to inspire the masses,
To join together and unite the classes,
To inspire people to make a start,
To see the good in another’s heart.

To do what’s right, as you should,
And bring about the greater good.
I want the words that I write,
To fill others with delight,
To satisfy your every need,
To free the world of hate and greed,
To wipe the tears from your eyes,
There for you to silence your cries,
My words your comfort in time of pain,
To bring you sunshine instead of rain.

And if some day I can’t be by your side,
Let my words be your guide,
It is my gift I give to thee,
And as you read them, think of me,
And even though I can’t be there,
I’ll think of you and say a prayer,
And if my words should bring you peace,
And from your troubles provide release,
It’s what I want my poetry to do,
To be my gift, from me to you.

03-09-12.

Some loves may come your way,
And captivate your mind,
And some loves may touch your heart,
With words so sweet and kind.

But, your love has touched me deeper,
More than you'll ever know,
More than merely capturing my heart,
You're etched upon my soul.

A love that will forever burn,
Like an eternal flame,
And long after we both are gone,
Our love will always remain.

For our love is eternal,
Forever, come what may,
A love that can't be measured,
Like the hours in a day.

And someday amongst the heavens,
Written with stars across the sky,
On the list of the greatest lovers,
Will be the names of you and I.

02-03-12.

The darkness descended upon the night,
So heavily you could hear it hit the ground,
The birds still sang their songs by day,
But I could no longer recognize the tune.
My feet ran furiously,
But I gained no ground.
I reached out,
But no one was there.
I looked upon the faces of the crowd,
But no one seemed to know me.
And the truth was,
I barely knew myself.
I got down on my knees and begged forgiveness,
Guilty of what, I do not know.
My emotions seemed frozen into place,
Like the time that appeared to stand still around me,
Every minute that passed seemed like hours,
And days crawled by like eternities.
And yet I knew the journey had just begun,
For I am at the entrance to a long, dark tunnel.
And as I stand before the cold darkness,
My thoughts weigh heavily upon my mind,
Like the heaviness in my heart,
But venture forth I must.
For I must escape this place that holds me,
With every fiber of my being.
And things will never be the same.
I pray that things will never be the same.

12-22-11.

I want to teach my dog,
Some tricks that are new,
Like sit, fetch and heel,
As a dog’s expected to do.

But after many hours,
Things are not going good,
For despite all my efforts,
She won’t do as she should.

She can’t fetch to save her life,
And it’s just a little ball,
But instead of carrying it back,
She’ll just let it slip and fall.

My nerves are starting to fray,
It seems that I’ll never win,
Far from concerned with her failures,
She’ll just stand there and grin.

I’ll take her out for a walk,
Hoping by my side she’ll stay,
But she’d rather sniff the flowers,
That grow along the way.

And if I try to get her to sit,
And stay until I call,
Now she wants to play,
And go and fetch her ball.

As if having fun is more important,
Than doing what you should do,
Sometimes I have to wonder,
Who should be teaching who?

10-17-11b.

I poured out every thought upon the page,
Filling it up with all the rage and anger,
That you have instilled inside me.
My pen literally quivered,
As I held it in my sweaty hand,
Yet the words flowed swiftly,
As venomous as any snake,
And almost as deadly.
As I poured the last of the wine into my glass,
I reviewed my handiwork.
Three pages of anger.
Three pages of hurt.
An expression of all you’ve done to me,
As best as I possibly could.
I carefully folded the letter,
And stuffed it in the envelope.
And with quivering pen,
I wrote out your address.
It was late, and I’d post it in the morning.
I went off to bed that night.
The next day I spent quietly around the house.
It was cold outside,
And it was warm by the fire.
In the afternoon,
I opened another bottle of wine.
I sat pensively for some time,
Just watching the flames dance
Upon the logs in the fireplace.
Amidst the crackling of the timbers,
I picked up the envelope.
I stare down at your name upon it.
I take another sip of wine,
And remove the letter.
As I begin to read it again,
I am reminded of everything you’ve ever done.
All the hurt you’ve caused,
To myself and my family,
Comes back again over three pages.
My blood starts to boil again,
And my palms start to sweat.
There is a damp thumbprint on the page,
And the edges of the letter are damp and frayed,
From holding it tightly in my hands.
I lean back in my chair.
I know I am not ready to forgive.
I don’t know that I ever will be.
And God knows I will never forget.
In fact, I hope you rot in Hell,
And if I could deliver you there myself,
Lord knows, I would.
But, I can never stoop to your level.
I can never stoop to your level.
I sit for some time just watching the fire.
In a while, I pick up the letter,
And walk over to the fireplace.
I toss it upon the flames.
I sit back down and sip my wine.
And as I watch the letter burn,
The sparks cackling,
And the black soot fall upon the logs,
I know I can never stoop to your level,
But, there’s a part of me that says to myself,
“God, I wish that letter were you.”

11-07-11.

At family gatherings throughout the year,
There are those who add to the holiday cheer,
Those who brighten up your day,
Every time they come your way.

Most are a pleasure to be around,
As fine as any friends I’ve found,
But, there are a few I’d like to loose,
If I could only pick and choose.

Some that are a pain in my rear end,
I’d like to delete like a Facebook friend,
Others who insist they are family,
But sure don’t look a thing like me.

Others who are annoying beyond belief,
Whose only purpose is to bring me grief,
They’ll have to get along on their own,
They are not going to get another loan.

The problem with relatives is understood,
You have to take the bad with the good.
Though some I wish would get lost at sea,
They probably think the same of me.

09-11-11.

We’ve been together for so long,
And I think the time is right,
Something I just need to ask you girl,
And I need to know tonight.

So much has changed for me,
Since you came into my life,
I need you so much, you see,
And I want you for my wife.

So girl, will you marry me?
As I’m down here on my knees,
It’s with you that I want to be,
I’m asking you baby, please.

I never thought I’d find someone,
As sweet and kind as you,
Someone I can love so much,
And loves me so much too.

So many years I’d been alone,
Without someone to care,
And when I finally did find love,
It was like an answer to a prayer.

So girl, will you marry me?
As I’m down here on my knees,
I need you so much you see,
I’m asking you baby, please.

I’ll have to say, the joy you’ve brought,
Has made my heart sing,
And my heart would sing a joyous song,
If you would wear my ring.

And we could spend our lives as one,
Until our dying day,
I just need an answer from you,
Just answer when I say.

So girl, will you marry me?
As I’m down here on my knees,
It’s with you that I want to be,
I’m asking you baby, please.

09-05-11.

I remember when I first laid eyes on you,
You were the best I’d ever seen,
I’d never seen a woman like you,
I was wondering where you’d been.

And I recall our very first date,
As I stared into eyes so blue,
I felt myself falling in love,
Head over heels for you.

Refrain…
But there’s so many unanswered questions,
And I’m not going to place the blame,
I just have to wonder sometimes,
Did you ever feel the same?

And I recall that very first kiss,
And I remember from the start,
It was like Cupid shot an arrow,
Aimed straight into my heart.

And I think about the times we loved,
And how you held me tight,
How you set the night on fire,
And how it felt so right.

Refrain…
But there’s so many unanswered questions,
And I’m not going to place the blame,
I just have to wonder sometimes,
Did you ever feel the same?

Now that I’m left alone,
With so many tears I’ve cried,
I wonder why you did me wrong,
I’m wondering why you lied.

And I think about all those tears,
As another falls from my eye,
I have to think if I cry any more,
My tears will all run dry.

Refrain…
And there’s so many unanswered questions,
And I’m not going to place the blame,
I just have to wonder sometimes,
Did you ever feel the same?

09-01-11.

You probably were a bully,
Who never did well in school,
Stole other kid’s lunch money,
And thought it was really cool.

And now you’ve moved on,
To stealing other’s work and time,
All without a hint of remorse,
As if it’s not even a real crime.

I’d like to think people like you,
Deserve a special place in Hell,
For when you steal an author’s work,
You steal a piece of them as well.

So now I’m going to dare you,
To try and steal this poem,
Post it on another site,
And try to call it your own.

And if you think you can do it,
And never will get caught,
The only thing I can say to you,
Is you’re dumber than I thought.

04-22-11.

I returned to Paris as in days gone by,
Now that I’m here, I’m not sure why,
For the city that once felt like home,
Is a joyless place when you’re alone.

I can’t help but recall the older days,
Of sipping wine in corner cafes,
Romantic dinners by candle light,
That lasted well into the night.

The walks along the river Seine,
Huddled together against the rain,
Hand in hand we’d stroll the street,
Stealing kisses, so discrete.

Now as I walk along the avenue,
I think about the times with you,
But the city we both loved so dear,
Is a lonely place without you here.

And though I yearn for the times of old,
Now the city just seems so cold,
I made my return but I’m sorry I came,
For Paris will never be the same.

04-12-11.

Don’t tell me that you need me,
And I’m the best you’ve found,
Because if you really needed me,
You at least would come around.

Don’t talk to me on the phone,
Saying words I want to hear,
And giving me more excuses,
Why you can’t be with me here.

Don’t tell me that you love me,
And how much you really care,
But when I really need you,
I can’t find you anywhere.

Actions speak louder than words,
And for all your fancy talk,
It just don’t mean a thing,
If you can’t walk the walk.

Because it’s not what you say,
As much as what you do,
And if you can’t understand that,
I’ll just find somebody new.

04-28-11b.

An honest man who worked real hard,
And did his best throughout his life,
To clothe and feed his proud family,
His four children and his wife.

Born in the early twentieth century,
He knew that times were often tough,
But he always did whatever it took,
To ensure his family had enough.

A gentle man who spoke with kindness,
And ungraciousness was never heard,
Who still believed in God and family,
And knew the value of a man’s word.

Some would say he was old fashioned,
He rarely drank and did not smoke,
But he was always there to lend an ear,
And always the first to offer a joke.

A kinder, gentler, more honest man,
Could never be found anywhere,
And I know as sure as there’s a Heaven,
That you will find my Grandpa there.

03-17-11.

Is happiness something far out of reach?
Something for which we must strive.
Like some far off destination,
Where we hope someday to arrive.

Or is happiness just a commodity?
Something that can be bought,
Or is happiness something we all can learn?
Something that must be taught.

Is our happiness in short supply?
That may someday come to an end,
Or is there enough to go around?
That we can share it with a friend.

There are many things we’ll never know,
Like an envelope that’s always sealed,
And yet as we pass through life,
The answers are slowly revealed.

For we‘re all here for a reason,
As we pass from young to old,
And the longer that we live it,
The more answers will unfold.

And though we entered the world that way,
We were never meant to be alone,
And though we may often try,
We can’t do it all on our own.

For I believe happiness is our purpose,
And a purpose made to share,
To help make happy the ones we love,
And show them that we care.

And whatever our purpose in life may be,
And only time will truly tell,
My only hope is that I’ve served it,
And served my purpose well.

03-13-11.

I’d heard about social networking,
And how it was the next big thing,
So I just had to take a look,
And ended up on Facebook.

It only took me a little while,
To fill out most of my profile,
But I have spent many a night,
Figuring out the rest of the site.

I never realized I had so many friends,
The friend requests never end,
All the people I can’t stand at work,
And now the biggest high school jerk.

I have to admit I’ve learned a bunch,
I know what all my friends eat for lunch,
And it really helps me that I know,
Everyone’s favorite TV show.

The work on Facebook never stops,
I have to water my imaginary crops,
Send get-well wishes to Farmville quick,
My friend’s imaginary cow got sick.

I now realize my chances are dire,
Of ever building a Mafia empire,
And perhaps it is a bit of a shame,
My It Girl will never go on to fame.

My kids' statuses tell me of their life,
At dinner time I get poked by the wife,
I try to keep my friend count nice and fat,
So, I even signed up the dog and cat.

I guess you can say my life’s complete,
I have more friends than I’ll ever meet,
On Facebook I can roam far and wide,
And I never have to go outside.

02-19-11.