Raised to believe what you are told
sometimes they didn't get it right
Beneath the muck and mire reveal
true to life issues with consequences
Fact checks confirm what we all know
however the need to triple check remains
The CORE VALUES we poses make us
who we are and build our character
Days by day we seek to stay connected
to friends, business colleagues & family
Have we lost touch with the personal
affect of shaking hands and saying hello?
Face to face and not only by computer screen,
fax or twitter.  Keeping it real and honest,
telling it strait with confidence every time
Deep within my core, I value; GOD, family,
good friends, hard work, peace and love.

I admit that I am a man
and with that comes man things
I'm obsessed with the shape
and can't help but stare
when you pass by
Albeit a subtle glance
sometimes it's a full out
ogle
Tight jeans or yes...
the classic yoga pants
can drive a sane man wild
What is it that makes me crazed
why can't I stop?
If there was a 12 step program
to taper me off
I would be in rehab
Even the summer tiny shorts
and beach thongs... why do you
tease me to break my neck
I want and need help, but
a well designed bubble,
apple, onion, aka *****
is a terrible thing to waste
I love and respect all your
feminine parts, ****...

Suspended high above the canopy
I swear that I can view a very slight
curvature of the Earth in my mind

Vigorous prep for safety purposes
I stable myself to fly if but only
for a moment in time to feel free

The ZIP LINE carries me over the
jungle-like tree line with speed
while I twist & turn semi controlled

I close my eyes briefly to understand
the sensation of flight with my hands
out to represent the superman appeal.

The breaking system tripped and I
arrive safely with a jolt and the nest
sky canopy ever is experienced.

Never Underestimate your worth
your willingness to overcome
your strength to achieve

Never Underestimate your creative mind
your light to uplift others
your faith in times of doubt

Never Underestimate your spirit
your heart when others do
your ability to see good

Never Underestimate your Gods love
your ability to change the world
your true path to greatness.

A charm it is for sure
as I struggled to find you
It took over 20 long years
and my thirst for you
will never waiver
A charm you are
in the twilight of my life
Hard to resist yet easy
to define your meaning to me
Ever grateful I will be to you
for your guidance, trust
and peace.

Water so scalding to melt plastic
and yet I fill my container to full
Not coffee or tea as consumption
was not the plan on my mind
The red bladder of synthetic-like
rubber with white plastic cap
Stretched out on my king bed
lower back exposed from pain
I gently lay upon you and feel the
the slow burn of relief & comfort
The wince and grit of my teeth
are obvious although soothing
Hot water bottle please take my
pain away please help me today.

Oh to let go and
be free to dance
like no one is
watching you
moving your
body with an
energy of youth
Hands lifted high
and spinning about
with eyes closed
to feel the music
Connections made
as bodies intertwine
in animalistic motions
with no cares as the
reality of the day is
lost in the sound.

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.

I pull back and backhand
you like an old school
**** checking his ***
I don't condone that
behavior, I'm making
a point... literally

Next comes that vicious
overhead smash in the
name of love as I
desire to keep you
in a confined box

Forehand after Forehand
to complete the point, set
and ultimately match
You may judge me with
your rules, but you
will not break me as
I am the winner.

Taken for granted or
taken out of context
We often hear what
we want to and the
focus is near sighted
Random conversation
that goes sideways at
the drop of a hat
builds a distinct stress
Explanation ensues
and all reasoning falls
by the way side
Trust must be rebuilt
Honesty must accompany
The rise and fall of love
suggests many complicated
facets that often evoke
bias emotions.

Parsed upon a river bank
the north shore
as the confluence
gathers and flows...
swift as the Stratus clouds above
I attempt to find the meaning
of everything
Just one of those lazy
summer day
with time on my hands
speculation abounds
as my INTERJECTIONS
ring true in my head
I surmise nothing
yet proclaim to the
realization
that
nothing
will ever be the same
we move forward
we grow and learn
that is the extreme constant
Rolling with the punches
will lessen the burden
of changing times
We have no choice but
to adapt
or be left behind
See clear the way
of your short life
cherish it
live it
and
love it.

Today is the SWEETEST DAY on Earth
because you are in it
Not just a day of hearts and roses
to express my feelings for you
Not just a day of chocolate and poems
because its deserved daily
This day is for love and lovers
to ignite passion and romance
To take you by the hand and dance
when no one is watching
To have a plan that shows you
love without uttering a word
Truly the SWEETEST DAY as
we unite together as one

In my tiny world
nothing compares
to your aroma
when freshly baked
out of the oven
the scent of
GINGERBREAD
assimilates itself
into every corner
& crack of the house
That spicy hint of
ginger and nutmeg
combine to arouse
my scenes of days
gone by of giant
GINGERBREAD men
and large glasses of milk
by the fireplace
In any form as a loaf
or snap you are king,
but warn with whipped
cream... nothing else
needs to be said.

Is the wool still being
pulled over our eyes
Can we still afford to
swallow the conspiracy
pill of life?
Over the years a continual
status quo of ultimate B.S.
has been force fed to us
and we take it and take it
with little to no reservation
I'm no rebel, but yet my eyes
are open to the facts, the clear
cut dysfunction of things
Contrary to what is written,
what is televised, what is tweeted
or messaged... we need to wake
the hell up before its to late
People are you not tired and
fed up and seeking more?
Do you
NOT
crave justice?
Do you
NOT
require the truth?
Are you
NOT
tired of being
BAMBOOZLED?

Swimming about in menial tank
I wonder if you are content
Blue and green grave with a
few fake green plants and
small diver to keep you company
The attempt to provide a tranquil
environment appears fleeting
Even the bubbling treasure chest
seen cliché at best
I watch you for a bit and feed you
the same flakes day in and out
Do you resent me for that
redundant meal?
To my dismay, I find you floating
upside down one morning
and give you a less than proper
burial via flushing without
saying any words for memorial.

You had me at chocolate
then you didn't stop
Baked to perfection
slightly golden brown
and balanced to a
soft & crisp touch
I need you to be warm
with milk chocolate
oozing
on my finger tips
Not to thin as you can
be lost in my
ice cold glass of milk
For me, no equal
exists to you
By the dozen
I consume you
without reservation
to my diet
Shaped to any form
or on a stick
you complete me.

Can't help myself
as I watch your
mouth open wide
as you attempt to
cover it up by hand
Your eyes close ever so
tight that a single tear
trickles down your
soft feminine cheek
My involuntary reflex
takes hold I mirror
your weary action
Ironically, everyone
near me reacts in a
similar fashion thus
becoming infectious
Not bored or tired,
however sometimes
it just happens to me.
Did I drool as I check
my dry chin... whew,
not this time.

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.

As a child of the sixties
I've seem my share
the names and hatred
legislation passed to
bring a semblance of
equality
Those that came before
black and white
that gave their lives
I salute you
no greater sacrifice
could  I imagine
Have we not learned
from the past
Have we not buried
those demons
We all deserve
CIVIL RIGHTS
to just be
Still we have a
way to journey
on this front
Speak the truth
always
Do what's right
always
Don't hide from
injustice.

I've written hundreds of poems
yet a milestone of sorts has been
made crystal clear

I was in poetry limbo for years
never in care about words that
lift up, affect or challenge me

I'm whole with a vision to
reclaim my style, to change
the world with one poem

Clarity is empowering
a force of nature that has
no boundaries to restrict.

Is there anything
more divine than
something made by
human hands
Throughout generations
of honed skills
handed down
to family member
or apprentice
crafted to be passed on
only to become
possibly antiqued
The subtle care and
time involved with
impeccable technique...
no substitute for the
HAND CRAFTED.

As in the days of Pentecost
when the disciples gathered
becoming on one accord in
the presence of the Lord

I relinquish my soul to seek
a deeper level of worship with
the One who sits Most High
to gain spiritual understanding

UPPER ROOM PRAYER
ultimately losing track of time
to claim peace, clarity and
love in a true clean heart.

Blended and aged to perfection
semi sweet or dry to taste
you pair well with any meal

We toast with you
and celebrate special occasions
when you get all bubbly

Rosé
Blush
Blanco
Burgundy
Chianti
Moscato
Reisling
Pinot Noir
Malbec
... just to new a few

My carafe breathes
with FERMENTED GRAPES
fill my Waterford crystal glass

Poured to perfection
I drink you in
you complete my day.

Long past are the
days of celebration
and acknowledgment
I take no pride in
showing off for my born day
No cakes, parties or gifts
No cards, dinners or posts
on social media needed
The older I get, the less I
require & essentially need
I've got the blues
The BIRTHDAY BLUES
...*dun dun da da dun.

The nostalgic aroma
of fresh baked
GINGERBREAD
takes me back to
youthful time of
holiday and family
Soft, moist and warm
with the lingering
smell of cinnamon,
nutmeg and ginger
is heavenly at best
Finished with fresh
whipped cream that
slowly oozes into the
warm slice and
overwhelms the
palate to an absolute
level 5 drool point.

I have you wrapped in my arms
stretched out on a red leather sofa
  facing one another we connect
   as we often do with eyes engaged

After a gentle loving kiss to remind
you that you are forever the one
  I get you to close your beautiful
   blue eyes and relax deep into me

Our CUDDLE TIME is precious
in securing optimum mental health
  and releasing the stress of the day
    until we are mind-clutter free.

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.

Downtrodden times
call for moments
of visceral innovation

Ingenuity that stems
from a need to
supersede destiny

HUMANITY discovers
a way to push forward
in natural selection

Creative brilliance
is shown favor
in spite of our flaws.

Captured by our love
we share an esoteric
  connection that only
   we can understand
Thunderstruck by a
beauty inside & out
  a mesmerizing trait
    shared by very few
  Opposites in some
manners yet common
  simultaneous thoughts
flow between us.

Sweetest one without concept
your BABBY FACE moves me
essentially to tears.

Not just of your beauty,
but inside

As you proclaim this I claim you
to seek your BABY FACE
all the days of my life

Like a newborn, your beauty
is pure and unspoiled.

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.

O chronic PAIN
I rebuke the evil
you inflict
upon my body
I refuse drugs
that disguise
your symptoms
and mask
your lingering ailments
You do not
control me
I will get stronger
through hard work
proper nutrition
and prayer
PAIN
I own you
I break your grip
and free myself.

The day of love
is at hand as I
await your
pending arrival
I arm myself with
one dozen of the
finest red
long stem roses
Selecting one to
purge the bulb of
all peddles
I line the pathway
with red silky markers
leading you
towards the bedroom
Peddles of a Rose
placed strategically
to peak curiosity
Intrigued you are
and the anticipation
of what is to follow
empowers my plan
I visually undress you
as you take notice of
my eyes loving you
Without a touch or
verbal command
to slowly undress
yourself with desire
in your eyes
Your nakedness
fully engaged
you spread your
frame across the bed
and the oil massage
ensues with
silky red peddles
gently gliding upon
your glistening body
You moan in
sheer pleasure
which continues
until need me to be
the man you require.

Wake me then set me on my way
     crack my eyelids and expose the
  warning rays of sun to my face

Fill the room with bold aromas
     that energize life with fervor
and spring the body to function

One grand cup that overflows
     with goodness and blended
with cream and raw sugar.

Nose carefully placed at opening
     to absorb the caffeinated wonder,
yet again... its too **** hot to sip.

The few I poses
are golden...
OLD FRIENDS
are always there

The comforting shoulder
a bent ear
and sounding board
one who doesn't judge

A great lunch buddy
and small savings & loan
Loving guidance giver
the one who keeps it real

OLD FRIENDS
are not always
best friends, but
they know us like none other

They offer a place to stay
when you need time away
Often distant for years, yet
a call can remedy elapsed time.

My heart is prepared to burst
with the thought of going
   though an entire lifetime with
   never feeling loves warmth

To be shielded from glow of
love without feelings ones
   arms wrapped around you
   to take away the pain & hurt

Never feeling the touch of
love wiping away your tears
   and locking gentle fingers
   as you walk together in sync

Being MINUS LOVE and not
tasting the soft lips of one that
   raises your body temperature
   compels me to weep in sorrow.

Like any other day
I awake to give thanks
All senses and limbs
in complete tact
ever GRATEFUL I am
Seeking the meaning
of my existence on
this complex rock
I ponder all things
large and small
Limited in my slumber
time passes swiftly
supported by my
blood shot eyes and
semi-weary body.

Gazing into your world
  I see the sunrise in your
     lovely & ornate blue eyes

As the power of the moon
  controls tides, you pull me
     deeply within your soul

Our connections forever
  remain R A P T U R E D
     in a compelling enigma

Unexplainable like and
  X-File episode, yet our
     attractions are seamless

U blanketed in my arms
  reveals a confidence and
     soberly tempered peace.

Meaning of
life is
the life
you mean
to make.

Taking a portion of
culinary verbiage
and building a
strong relationship
begins by combining
essential ingredients

1 part - trust
1 part - honesty
1 part - compassion
1 part - respect
1 part - humility
1 part - levity

Wisk gently and
F O L D E D  I N
with the key binder
of love
Let it rise,
slowly bake on low,
let cool as needed
and enjoy for an
entire lifetime.

I look to you for
fairness, truth
and loyalty
Your laugh and
smile move me
I wake to your
Smiley Face
lighting up
the world as
only you can