It took a little time to think this,
And a little more time to pen this,
It was hard finding the right words for you,
I still can recall what my brain went through,

Tough it was- so i thought,
Because it felt like a must,
That i have to take note of a day like this,
To express my love to you when my pen and paper kiss

So i imagined what you have borne for me,
Not just for a few hours but almost eternity,
Not just a note or a strain on your brain,
But the entirety of yourself in lose or gain,

A chill of shyness engulfs me,
Nothing too big released from me,
To a woman so fine so dear,
Who for me unconditionally cares,

If i sail across seas for you, that you will do even more,
If i walk on fire for you, greater pains for me you bore,
If i choose to bleed for you, that you have done,
If sacrifice was then a contest, you've already won,

Where would i have been if not for you,
You share a love so priceless and true,
You held me up when no one else could,
You have stood by me more than anyone would,

For all that i am today,
Your love for me this way,
And many more that i can not pay,
Mother, i love you now and everyday.

.

*Cross water stories
beckon with pictures of auras,
glowing symbols of that dream
cast aside long ago
on a wayward stone,
flushed of soft banks
and cattails swaying
in synchronized movements

Winding down some unforgotten stream
where rivers meet oceans
and waves conjure thoughts
of rhythmic bystanders
wishing you well
as you float to that island,
where days last forever
and heart shaped seashells
bloom amidst the sand

Where the footprints you follow
are hers leading toward you
beneath a Mardi Gras sun
beading sweat on glistening bodies,
sun tanned symphonies
wallow in the warm breezes
while aquamarine desires
coming with the tide,
drench you with love

Don't let your light
Be dimmed under someone's shadow

When your footsteps falter and slip
Hold on to me
If your eyes fill with tears
And the future seems blurred and distant
I'll be there to take your hand
You may not see me
But you'll feel me there
Right beside you
Always
So hold on to me

                        By Phil Roberts

Strange creatures circle the edges
And their eyes are hungry and haunted
One day their teeth shall glint dangerously
And I know it very well
For I shall be their meat
Though I cannot imagine fear
And I should feel something

Several people are asking me for help
But I shall probably turn away
For uncertainty clings to my head
Like a monkey that cannot be shaken
With claws in my eyes
I try to see my way out
But, of course, there is none
And the demands on my name
Echo where my conscience should be

Passengers come and go
On my endless journey
The landscape is familiar
And occasionally a memory smiles and waves
All too briefly, it seems
I feel I ought to cry more
But nothing seems to hurt as it used to
Only my nakedness makes me cold

                                               By Phil Roberts