I used to think that time will only tell,
A phrase used more than once throughout my days,
And, then I met a woman named Noelle,
She brought me clarity to cure my haze,

So beautiful my heart skipped twenty beats,
Angelic timbre straight from heaven’s gate,
So smart and witty no one can compete,
Did destiny provide my one soul mate?

So different yet inherently the same,
Embracing every shared in common trait,
A cautious courtship both vowed to maintain,
Yet so entranced two hearts could scarcely wait.

A fairy tale we know so very well,
I’m so in love with you, my sweet Noelle...

My heart would be remiss,
Neglectful to dismiss,
Significant events which have occurred,
On Tuesday of last week,
Our boldness passed the meek,
And intimate proclivities concurred.

Platonic in the past,
Strong feelings have amassed,
Forevermore each other we will share,
Acknowledged here and now,
Concurrent with a vow,
To treat your heart with love, respect, and care.

Though prematurely had,
Inclined to make you sad,
Imploring you to tender your refrain,
I hope you rest assured,
The truth behind my word,
Insures your choice will never be in vain.

Michael Dane Stone
28-July-2018

How much can I thank thee? Let me count the ways.
I thank thee to the depth and breadth of plight
my soul can reach, when days felt dark as night,
for the ends of moving, confined in space.
I thank thee to the level of every day's
most urgent need, by sun and hope so bright.
I thank thee freely, a man who strives for right.
I thank thee purely, as we share in praise.
I thank thee for assistance put to use,
In my old briefs, and with adulthood faith.
I thank thee with a thanks I'll never lose,
With no restraints, I thank thee with fresh breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and if God choose,
I shall but thank thee even after death.

Michael Dane Stone
7/13/2018

If every day was sunny,
we'd miss the soothing rain,
If every mood too merry,
no growth would come from pain.

If every person kindly,
we'd make no special friends,
If hardship stayed behind me,
the means negate the ends.

If every waking moment,
ecstatically devoid,
Annoyances and foment,
Complacency employed.

The ultimate conclusion,
logistically undone,
Beyond this grand illusion,
Two halves made whole as one...

​Michael Dane Stone
24-September-2018