My mind swims
with distress
and empathy
given my many
blessing bestowed
Am I deserved
Am I genuine
Encountering life
as it passes by
do I see homelessness
do I see poverty
I spy the man
clutching the
tattered cardboard
sign willing to
work for food
How has he fallen
and can I lift him
To be without
shelter
food
water
clothing
companionship
in an
UNKNOWN
POVERTY
for most
Compromised
and
possibly broken
minus
creature comforts
we take for granted
To be exposed
to swelling heat
driving rain
and extreme cold
is cruel at best
Albeit home grown
or third world
in nature, the means
is available to
annihilate this
convoluted
condition of
mankind.

NEVER WAIVER
in your dreams
stand steadfast
and resolute

NEVER WAIVER
in love
jump in with
both feet & commit

NEVER WAIVER
in your word
do your best and
keep it always

NEVER WAIVER
in your handshake
be firm and tight
keeping eye contact

NEVER WAIVER
with your heart
give it freely with
absolute compassion.

Stricken by doldrums
of everyday life
We gather to debate,
solve world problems
& talk general issues
A sanctuary of solitude
with rules that apply
like a Vegas excursion
The original men's social
club & escape of the
mundane to sharpen
ones style and enhance
ones appearance
Tears of joy and sadness
abound within the walls
History & current event
matters echo in the voices
of all who pass through.

Below the golden fields of tall wheat
lies a slow flowing stream of shallow depth
The scent of spruce fills the cool breezy air
along with a gentle buzzing of the bees as
they pollinate every flower in the fields.

Time almost stands still while looking up at
sparse motionless and wispy-like clouds
Turning my face into the warm cast rays of
sunshine, I stand until a GLOW covers me
Today I am blessed amongst all men.

At long last a break in the proverbial action and much-needed rest is at hand

The long scalding days that bring little relief of rain and occasional cool breeze

Rays bearing down upon us with no regard, but to claim 3rd degree burns

Seeking a shelter of brisk conditioned air to rest my tired bones and mind

Slumbering eyes transgress to a SUMMER SIESTA, rejuvenating the weary soul.

Success without failure is luck
Luck without trying is lazy
Lazy is no excuse,  let's face it.

I don't wish to be a the
   one who follows without
       ever leading
The one who never
     ventures out of my
         simplistic comfort zone
I don't want to be a
     S T R A I G H T   L I N E
        without ever taking risks
Taking roads less traveled
   flowing with the curves
      and elevation changes
I don't want to be plain
  vanilla, I want to have flavor
    and flair without reservation
I want to have a voice
   not being a bystander in
      this complex society
I don't want to be a common
  S T R A I G H T   L I N E.

I am of the human race with
common issues we all face
as we navigate through life

My mind is corrupt with
images failure and success
always seeking greatness

Determined to write my
story on my terms, I yearn
for love and compassion

A clear choice to undertake
an ISOLATED JOURNEY
to understand my resolve.

I can travel the globe
& witness all it's
beauty and splendor

Intrigued by cultures,
language and cuisine
to broaden life's journey

My key to access every
corner of world is my
P   A   S   S   P   O   R   T

I feel for the close minded
failing to embark from a
self imposed life bubble

Fear not life and all its
offerings to impact our
spiritual explorations.

Morbid to the core
society had turned
without reservation
Focused on matters
all to surreal & grim
We turn away from
all that is good and
commonly pure of
substance for the
wicked and sinister
Mired in depths of
muck and evil ways
We cannot turn away
from trauma as we
embrace the carnage
rubbernecking our
way through life
Turn from these ways
for they are doomed
to be our downfall
Don't just stop to
smell the flowers...
behold the beauty.

Standing before you
eyes slightly closed
I peer into my most
inner deep thoughts
A prayer or a wish
to suffice my soul
referencing my past,
present and future
I gently toss a coin
of intrinsic value a
WISHING WELL
hoping for fulfillment
praying for an answer.

Slapped into the restraints
of a blissful romance
literally captured by love

Respectfully overstated
but never under diminished
feelings of lasting amore

Sentenced to life without
possibility of separation
unity is bonded forever.

Saddened by my actions
that brought water to
your beautiful eyes

I exclaim my remorse
on bended knee before
God and the world

Hurt and distraught
a step is taken back
realizing pains depth

A second chance is
warranted as you
yourself were human.

Caught in the wake of
your emotions, I'm
compelled to empathize

Committed to genuine
understanding without
a lack of contempt

I look deep into your
eyes and acknowledge
that I truly hear you

A single salt filled tear
visible by it's trail
confesses your love.

I recognize the game
and observe the antics
from afar, yet close enough
to view the subtle intent

Always a back pocket
H I D D E N  A G E N A
completely bias in nature
and unwilling to succeed

The unmitigated digging
for any dirt to further the
ugly cause of doing others
injustice for no reason

Karma will always play
a roll in leveling the
field when appropriate
despite evil intent.

A youthful stretch of the legs
in the orchard with shallow
rolling hills and long grass

Strolling with an old
WICKER BASKET
collecting apples & berries

Gentle breezes push the
tall grass to and fro
as the sunrays encircle me

I day dream of fresh pies
crafted by loving hands
made by mother nature.

Drums, bongos, bass
driving sound that
fills the soul & spirit
Bodies in movement
to expressive
BEATS

Africa, Latin, Caribbean
I feel and accept your
offerings of cultural music
designed to up lift in
times of loving peace and
deep spiritual mourning.

I long to write in the style
of eighteenth century poets
or civil war period citizens

Every word seemed well
thought out & strategically
placed for maximum effect

Brilliant Victorian literature of
of romantic time, juxtaposed
to a tumultuous national battle

Dictations delivered with a
veritable sophisticated splendor
unmatched in any era

Pen and ink on handmade
P   A   R   C   H   M   E   N   T
will last forever in perpetuity.

As having an avid distain
for strangulating traffic
I chose to remain
FOREVER CIRCUITOUS

Choosing the path
of least resistance
I seek to flow with life
riding the proverbial wave.

My vision was flawed
& clarity was restored
astigmatism corrected
giving unobstructed
sight and a healthy outlook
Designer frameless with
compelling style & flair
resting comfortably and
weightless on my bridge.

Always there when needed
like an friend from the past
In my time of sorrow & grief
or to lift my spirits after a
lost love, you step in on time
Without a word you listen
and provide stable advice
like a warm thick blanket
I digest everything you
place in my path to enrich
my soul with consequences
I need you as much as you
need me and you know that
we are so so good together
Temporarily in a better place
your sweet and savory treat
empowers me to feel loved
Bitter sweet in defiance, I
yearn for more, however
I to have limits and must
overcome the rich decadent
demons of faux friendship.

Sworn to serve and protect
above all is the mantra

Lives placed on the line daily
not knowing when it's your time

Care, custody and control
while protecting the blue line

Brother and sisterhood of peace
that isn't for everyone

Look up and I am there when needed
your 6 is mine to guard at all times

Public servant of the finest order
keep the faith and the focus.

As we journey through this life
PEACE      BE     WITH      YOU
As we love and reach for stars
PEACE      BE     WITH      YOU

Rolling hill & mountain ranges
reaching into heavenly clouds
surpass my every vision of the
Lords most awesome goodness

As we search for spiritual bliss
PEACE      BE     WITH      YOU
and be resigned to what may be
PEACE      BE     WITH      YOU.

MAYBE
I need you
MAYBE
I don't
MAYBE
time will tell
or
it will stand still
MAYBE
the sun will shine
or
the stars will fall
MAYBE
I love you
or
am I in love
MAYBE
my heart will flutter
or
stop from your beauty
MAYBE
clarity will open my soul
or
close the hole of the past
MAYBE

The Cali. sun has shown upon you
and time has worked it's magic
Mother nature in her majestic way
has fashioned and transformed you
to a tiny golden, green or black
shriveled-baby-sweet-fruit of
goodness and perfection
Devoured by the dozen in your
nominally size challenged box,
we love you in cookies, cereal
and bread, minus the little stems.

WTFreak... you again
this is my BBQ and I
know that an invitation
was not sent to you and
your tiny little friends

You bug the mess out
of me... no pun intended
and you just have to
touch everything when
no one is looking

Evil as a common fruit fly
I chase you with my swatter,
hand and shoe
Sorry, I had to do it
or did I?

You've flown in my ear,
eyes and nose... yes, you
have even tried my mouth
You fly close about my head
and I dis-like you greatly

You follow me around
like a hungry pet that
needs to be fed
Patience lost, I try to
end you with malice.

Ladies love you
no denying it
Many try to
emulate your
style and you
still don't give
a ****t
Bucking the
system and
doing it without
regard, you
poses an edge
No suit and tie
on you, casual
and relaxed
is your game
Pushing the
envelope of life
I am not you
and you not I.

Either an
enthusiastic expression
or most epic poem
commonly used in
musical terms to
achieve powerful
expression & emotion
My muse
my CRIMSON RHAPSODY
of deep passion and love
You are epic and
compassionate with a
true heart of platinum.

Hot and fresh
steam exposed
center when
the crisp shell
is hand cracked
or gently sliced
Lox, cream cheese,
butter or jam
Sides of bacon,
sausage or egg
adorn the soft
middle in
sandwich form
From Poland to N.Y.
with all your
varieties, you truly
hold your own.

I'm apt to regress
in times of peril
yielding to the
good fight and
taking the stand
of an OVERT PACIFIST
Turn the other check
if need be, thus
fending off aggressive
tactics utilized to
demean and terrorize
Raised to hold my own
giving respect to a
bully-type situation
using my skill and
whit to overcome.

This parasitic plant
has many rumors
& myths surrounding it
From the Greeks to the
Scandinavians and Brits
MISTLETOE has been
misunderstood and uses
even more obscure
Utilized for good luck
and peace in ancient time
we all prefer the modern
use to kiss beneath
Placed at the center of
any doorway during
the Christmas season
we seek that special
smooch from the one
who moves our souls.

Back in the day
   we all looked forward
      to AFTERNOON RECESS
at time to play
    with friends outside
        in the old school yard
games of tag, duck duck goose,
    red light green light and my
        favorite  of all... dodge ball
grass stained knees & brush burns
     covered our little bodies and
          we never cared as a spray
of bactine or merthiolate cured all
     soaring on swing sets
         playing marbles and trading
cards was always on the list
     throwing a football, baseball
        or frisbee was common
We were allowed to play
     unencumbered and just
          be plain old kids.

Far to often we are
failing to involve
ourselves to make
a difference today

B Y S T A N D E R
standing by on the
sidelines as an
common onlooker

Take a stand and
do something to
affect or effect the
world you live in.

Approaching from the rear
after watching her for what
appeared to be hours
I gather my nerves to
request a slow dance as
Luther Vandross plays
softly in the background
To my surprise I head "sure"
as I take her supple hand
leading her to the dance floor
with a straight spine and
chest fully out for once
I gently press my hips softly
against hers, not to cause
panic or ******* and
she indulges to my relief
No turning in slow circles
we sit in the pocket of a
slow groove trying not to
look into one another's eyes
commence the SLOW GRIND
of heat and well placed passion
designed to effect and affect
Caught in a smooth flow
of timed precision and ******
movement, a connection is
made to kindle a probable
spark to be explored.

As a young child I would
awaked from my mid-day nap
to the glorious smell of fresh
home-baked cookies, not the
premade out of the tube crap
... the real deal made by mom
Was I dreaming of her awesome
soft baked chocolate chips, the
classic sugar cookie or the
peanut butter thumb print
No matter... I was good with
anything produced by her hand
Sneaking down the stairs to the
kitchen I follow my nose to
discover nothing but aroma
Mixing bowls are all cleaned and
no sign of any used baking sheet
First instinct is to climb the cabinet
and search the old hiding spot
to no avail, she has out smarted
me yet again in concealing evidence
No jar is left probing by my best
Sherlock Holmes investigation
the HIDDEN COOKIE JAM will
not outwit me again and again
I will seek you until I find you
then I will lay waste to you like
Cookie Monster had his way on
Sesame Street.

L A B E L S
are for cans
not people

we slap one
on anything
or anyone

derived to
segregate
without cause

history will
show & prove
our errors

we are human
we are people
we are one race.

To approve or
                        to punish one
for warranted
                        or unauthorized
            actions
                       Another double
meaning verb
                        contrived to confuse
or give meaning
                            so conversely I
have SANCTIONED
                                   this poem...
       right or wrong?

Is it possible
to be
OVER BLESSED
when just simply
being blessing
is enough

I look back
on my life
and it remains
true for me
that I've had more
than my share

Grateful I am
without any
hesitation or
expectancy of
God's glory
shining upon me.

I know it's real
I feel it everyday
either when He
wakes me
or in my slumber
OVER BLESSED.

U are not real
so clearly
U can be a
fantasy
in my mind
U exceed all
logic and
comprehension
U shake me
to my core
and challenge
my normal
thinking style
U exploit my
****** sensibility
and
social awareness
U are my
PHAN TACY
U are not real
as I continue to
tell myself
Hoping that
U will vanish
like smoke in
a blowing wind.

As we get older
  the mind can
    slowly deteriorate
      yet some of our
   elders are beyond
RAZOR SHARP
  as we seek guidance
    and keen wisdom
      from their
   lifetime of
experiences
  Some more quick
    and cleverly whited
      than most
   comedians
Appreciate the
captivating genius
   & cerebral knowledge
they impart upon us
Take it all in and be
  metaphorically nourished.

Selfies are
semi-ego driven
to a degree

They show the
best and
worst of us

Captured via
photo or video
for all posterity

The extreme
pursed lip pucker
to appear ****

Cheeks slightly
withdrawn exposing
the DUCK FACE.