What's the point of livin'
When there's nothing left, from givin'.....

There's just little left to make me wanna stay.
I hear Heaven's just a simple step away.

The salty tears are coursing down my cheek.
The heart is strong, the spirit's somewhat weak.

I try to hold on tighter to the truth that I once felt.
Thinking back to times before this hand was dealt.

It seems when I had much there were many,
Now that I've got naught, there isn't any.

Two things that seem to keep me here
Are two things that I hold, clearly dear.

My love of God, my love of one mere mortal man.
For them I'll try to hold on tighter, if I can.

Tell me.....what's the point of livin.
When there's nothing left from givin'....

There's just little left to make me wanna stay.
I hear Heaven's just a simple step away.

Beaten and bloodied.
The waters all muddied.
He never picked up the gun.
He picked sticks and stones.
He battered their bones.
Simply the job was still done.

There's something 'bout the Lake that brings me solace.
It makes me want to stop and take some time.
Like it was, back in the day, when you rode with me.
Made me want to stop and write this rhyme.

The sun still makes it's glimmers cross the waters.
The sun still shines in a bright blue sky.
The trip around the Lake is still quite wondrous.
I go back to when we drove it, you and I.

Now , instead of driving back to Voorheesville,
I go home to my house thats on that Lake.
I sit in front of this, my warming fire,
Knowing that it wasn't a mistake.

The time we spent together.....finding wonder,
Seeing beauty in God's awesome world, indeed.
Though we, my friend, have both moved on,
We still share a common need.

The need to reflect upon the Spirit,
The God thats given all required.
A need for light amidst the darkness.
The will to be as He desires.

The time we spent together was a Godsend.
If we never get together, it's okay.
For what we shared, we're sure to share forever.
Yes we will, forever and a day.....
        JMA 12/03/2011

Rich Grief, as Gold, a priceless weight.
Your love has reached the Pearly Gate.

The Lords forgiving, outreached hand,
Guides her to the promised land.

This broken heart, that haunts your soul,
That keeps your "Self" from being whole,

Will surely never mend complete.
Yet, you should not concede defeat,

For in Gods ***** rests relief.
Your souls touched love, however brief.

The fleeting moments were well spent.
Your time together heaven sent.

Let go the guilt, release the tears.
The days will fly, as will the years.

Then once again the joy will be
The driving force that sets you free.

JMA

For my son, Jason Anthony Ahrens
March 7,1972-November 20 2002

Let me walk You to the door of Heaven,
Kiss my hand and take your leave.
When you turn to walk within the Gate,
You need not wear your heart out on your sleeve.
For the love that you have given me
Is woven into every web that I have weaved.
If the crowd does not believe that
Then their hearts have been deceived.
Talk the talk,
Walk the walk,
Enter in and be received.
Enter in and be relieved.

Cluttered table
Cluttered desk
Clutter everywhere.
Sticks and stones,
Clutter and bones.

Written in response to "Important Notice". Didn't feel the need to expound on the clutter......short and to the point suits this best. The bones spoken of are those used in my Native American Artwork.

Extinguish my fire that oft times burns.
Bless my heart that for freedom yearns.
Do not forsake our souls who fight,
That all of us may sleep at night.
Stand strong beside those souls who serve,
To give us more than we deserve.
So many say, "Just bring them home."
Shall we leave the weak to fight alone?
Remember, all, from where we came,
We fought for freedom just the same.
What kind of people would we be,
If we did not help the world be free?
We  must all share this planet, Earth,
For which the Lord gave his son in birth.
To show us we are brothers, all.
I pray thee now to please stand tall.
Bless our men and women brave,
Free your soul that you enslave.
Just give credit where it's due,
What they do, they do for you!

JMA 2003