As the day swings
into motion a silent
calmness surrounds
me just prior to the
worlds awakening

I RISE AND SHINE
with the morning sun
& encounter luminous
rays of warming light
falling fresh upon me

Conceding to its brazen
touch, I melt slowly in
a ritualistic peace with
the Lord before me and
the world behind me.

You majestic
wooden-paddled-wheeled
steamer
splashing down
the waterway
with a distinct sound
that is native to you alone
Timeless you are
with decades of
stories to spin
Smoke bellowing
from your stacks
we break bread
beneath your roof top
Float on to an era
of days gone by
Float on you majestic
RIVER BOAT.

Down by the lake
we pilgrimage to
stroll by water in
the noon day
when the sun is
highest in the sky
I spy the glimmering
dance of reflecting
rays on the surface
I cover my eyes as
it can be blinding
I do my best hound
impression and look
for the flattest rocks
by the lakes edge
Drawing back my
left hand while keeping
low to the ground
I attempt to glide that
flat rock across the
surface of the water
and achieve a many skips
along the surface
4, 5, 6... I can't stop
I'm a master ROCK
SKIPPER and love my
craft, keep playing along.

As a young child
you would wake me
from a dead sleep
and shake me to my core

Covering my head
under the blanket
to keep me safe
never seemed to work

Oh yes... on occasion
I would scurry into the
bedroom of mom & dad
seeking loving protection

The ROLLING THUNDER
booms with a nasty clash
and followed by lightning
that can traumatize any kid

You light up the room
like it was day break
and I shook with fear
until you faded in the distance

Older, wiser and grown
you don't own me now
however you can still catch
me off guard when you roll.

My little yellow
floating friend
that wobbles
and never sinks
U have been
deeply immersed
in bubbles and
never complained
U were always
present in my
birthday suit
and U
never judged
Always a stoic
fan at my
tub concert
U quietly
requested a
second encore.

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?

My
SANCTUARY
is a place of peace
a church
without walls
a quiet
place of serenity
an open field
of rolling hills
with a single
post card-like
tree for shade
a slow moving
shallow brook
with scattered
stones and the
reflections of the
sun sparkling off
the waters surface
a mountain top
far away from the
city with millions
of celestial stars
peering down
upon me in the
late evening sky.

What makes my tongue
salivate for more
What flavors make my
knees weak and shaky
A closet foodie with
a need to break out
To share the experience
from appetizer to dessert,
from ambience to seating
The essence pulls us in
and overwhelms, yet we
remain steadfast to be
objective in our critique
At the onset of the bite
I connect to the SAVORY
sensation my taste buds
stimulate almost instantly
Over and over again I
consume until my
gluttonous conscience
shames me to my core
Ironically enough... I
would do it all over again.

Leaves morph into
a colorful myriad of
rainbow-like brilliant
colors.
From afar we are so
overwhelmed by the
beauty of raw nature
Painted, drawn or
photographed the
occular muscle is in
heightened awareness.
Drink it in as you are
a witness to one of
Gods many wonders.
Always a Season to
remember, always a
Season to be revered.

My Titian SEED
Masterawesome03
3
Bubba
TDR
All code for my baby boy
a total package like none other
athletic and bright
the second you came into this world
the sun appeared intensely more bright
Canadian-American-Multicultural young man
raised in conditions with trials at hand
I miss our bond (father and son)
I miss your hugs (for my soul)
I miss your laugh (to brighten my day)
I miss the summers of endless play
My SEED of love and joy you are
endless pride I feel as you grow
I am blessed of all fathers am I

On that rare occasion
some friends and
lovers come and go

Reluctantly at times
or quietly into
the lonely night

Advantages are
often taken without
plausible merit

Mistaken kindness
for shallow weakness
reveals resolute truth

SEVERED TIES
may reclaim ones
dignity to self

The peace of
letting go may
reclaim self-worth.

You know that I like you hot
water cascading all about me
from head to toe

Massaging my muscles
after a vigorous work out
and relieving my stress

I adjust the head to pulse
and pound those spots
that are in need

You wash away the grime
of the day and pick me up
when my energy is fleeting

I must share you on occasion
when intimacy calls
a sensual rendezvous of pleasure

I conclude you with
supple Egyptian cotton
caressing my body.

I think I can
but stop just short
wondering all along
with regrets
of not trying

so SHY
confidence evades
like a master criminal
eludes the police

SHY to a fault
yes... it's my fault
yet I yearn to
build my self up
if only in my mind

My heart goes with you when you're not around

it seeks you like and arrow to a designated target

The longing to be in your presence is absolute

as I miss your sensual touch and revealing hugs

In my mind we connect on one accord as in a

perfect dream sequence from any love story

I close my eyes visualizing your slender frame

intertwined with mine as the music softly plays

Heart rate risen at the thought of your lovely face

you peak my curiosity and strengthen my faith

My passion for you fills the past empty spaces

therefore I remain yours, forever true and faithful.

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.

I peeped you in
my peripheral
and you totally
invaded my
personal space
Crawling across
my wall I see you
you scurrying
as we mysteriously
locked eyes
Trying to escape
my clutches
is futile as I
reach out and
SMASH you with
more force than
necessary
I reflect with a
miniscule hint
of guilt, but that
creepy bug
had it coming
didn't it?

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

Strolling along the
path of my quiet place
I take the time observe
all the beauty of the
place I am in

From the unique wild
flowers to the birds that
seem to chirp differently,
to being free to roam about
stopping to smell the roses

My mind wiped clean of
all turmoil and daily stress
I meditate to obtain a much
deeper connecting with my
Father above to obtain peace

SOLITUDE invades my life
and speaks to me revealing
a calm, esoteric and relaxed
state of mind, which proves
essential in times of doubt.

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.

I need you
to give life to the bland
My palate longs
to savor your many flavors
the sweet
salty
bitter
sour
etc...
You can change your complexion
instantly
if chilled or heated
then blended with others
you play well together
SPICE of life
you are
as many nations
claim you
Your heat can bring tears
and runny noses
You have the power
to pucker lips
as well as
make any man salivate
like a well trained pet
over your savory presence.

STOP
trying to
get over
and get
REAL
with
yourself

STOP
seeking
a way
OUT
and pick
yourself
UP

Remain
POSITIVE
when all
else fails
looking  ABOVE
for
STRENGTH.

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.

Somehow this term
serves you no justice
and yet you are
SUBLIME to be true

Ever more to be
stellar in your ways
You strive to be your
best in all aspects

SUBLIME you are
as a woman, mother
and mate for the
betterment of us all.

Are you of
SUBSTANCE?
can we relate
Can we converse
and trigger dialogue
that compels
Is your
SUBSTANCE
linear based or
free flowing
Are you just words
spread about
like a deck of cards
thrown to the floor
Is your
SUBSTANCE
real or common BS
are you true blue
Fill me with wisdom
shape my understanding
open my mind
give me
SUBSTANCE.

I come with baggage
not a trunk, but some carryon's
a few
My past is my past
yielding to time with some regrets
Never pretending to be perfect
however my code is pure
Love me and respect me for who I am
and I will reciprocate that value in return
Have my back in time of need
and I will always have yours without doubt
I can surely carry my own SUITCASE
and willing to carry yours
Always stronger together than apart
a travelling partner for life.

Your presence is all around me
beginning as a fine mist to a
modest building crescendo
of fine molecules descending
upon my face as I tilt my head
slightly towards the heavens
The cool wet essence you embody
slowly saturates my t-shirt from
top to bottom, but I have no cares
For once I relish in mother natures
shower and drink it all in as I lift
my arms to catch every drop and
when no one is looking, I extend
my tongue and refresh myself.

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.

I need to go back in time
when family was family
communities where tight knit
and church lasted all day Sunday

You know... back in the day
when disputes were decided
with fists and not guns
and meals shared at the table

Once in a while
on any given weekend
we'd pile in the sedan
for a classic SUNDAY DRIVE

No GPS or directions to guide us
just following the open road
no seat belts or airbags
free spirits in every essence

I miss the road games
I miss the family time
I miss those good old days
I miss that SUNDAY DRIVE.

Perched prone on a beach bed
with my feet dangling in the
pristine white sandy beach

Sea Gulls sing to me as they
search for their morning meal
as a cool breeze moves about

As I face towards the east and
catch the SUNRISE & SAND
as heaven and earth personified

Colors so brilliant and too bright
to view without my favorite shades
heat penetrates my pores and I glow

Rising  slowly into the sky amongst
the pillow-like clouds of peace
I wonder in amazement all day.

We laugh and feel up lifted
and really busting a gut
can sustain us all day, as
the reoccurring joke sits
with us and regurgitates
itself at any and all times
We smile and chuckle like
crazy people to ourselves
That one SUPER FOLLEY
that brings jovial tears and
takes our breath away
You know... the one that
you can't wait to reveal to
others and yet find a way
to mess up the punch line
Enjoy life everyday and
laugh it up till the tears fall.

Let me break it down
to assure I get it right

My love is never fleeting
and always worth the good fight

L I S T E N to the of a voices
of the ones who preceded

S E E all the faces of
friends inspired to be needed

F E E L the full presence
of all things to last

L O V E every moment
never clinging to past

Build up yourself first
and lean in to assist others

Be conscious of the world
includes protection of your brother.

I remind myself to listen
   and look her deep within
      those sensual blue eyes

Slightly leaning in to gain
   a connected perspective
      drinking in her thoughts

Reaching out I touch her
   hand and place it in mine
      never losing eye contact

Her head gently falls upon
   my chest as a small stream
      of tears soaks my shirt

My arms enclose around
   her frame as I feel her melt
      completely into my soul

Looking up at me our lips
   caress and explore a slow
      sweet moment in time.

Good night
sleep tight and
don't let the
bed bugs bite...
their freaking
r      e      a      l
SWEET DREAMS.

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

Reminiscent of a
childhood illness
I relate you to well
I've fallen again and
don't want to get up
My friends and family
impart to me of my
pending SYMPTOMS
I've found the love of
a good woman and
it shows all over me
I talk a little bit softer
I show a bit more compassion
I love a heap more strongly
Yes, I've fallen in love
and there is no cure
no medication to stop it
My SYPMTOMS
are everlasting
and welcome.

Kelly, Hines and Glover
separated by generations
and great individually
in the discipline of TAP
The step-ball-change
pioneers of this stylized
form of expression
changed the game for all
The timing, rhythm and
innovation wowed the
world over and their
legacies carry on
Kelly, Hines and Glover
all hall of fame worthy,
inspire new generations
to leap, sand glide and
soft shoe on wood boards
We remain in awe of
the skills required to
perform at the elite
level of greatness
Many amazing women
and men have come and
gone and we bow to the
excellence in craft
My appreciation does
not go unlooked and I
look forward to others
to take up the mantle
and continue to TAP.

I watched you confidently
    glide across the room and
         you had to know that every
eye
  was up on your every curve

Your hair even flowed behind you
     like some runway model during a
          show with a fan blowing in your
stunning face
  you are unknowingly serving notice

The graceful hip sway and
   dominant stride was enhanced by your
      muscular calf in the 5 inch MK's
scarlet red
  you TEASE ME with a subtle glance

I swear the dress was designed around
   your frame to drive men totally insane
      I can't help but to secretly view all of
you
   peeking over top of my dark sunglasses

You stopped and momentarily posed
   wondering if I would respond in kind
      I froze like the proverbial deer
weakened
   by your beauty, I miss my opportunity.

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.

We disagree to disagree
  although it sounds nice
    truth be told, not really

Opinions may vary and
  we spat over what seems
    to be non essential matters

T E N S I O N  R I S I N G
  in the face of adversity
    we step away & regroup

Seeing the situation so
  much more clear as my
    head levels... a calm exhale

We come together in peace
  We resolve our views in faith
    We part strengthened in love.

Words give life to a blank page
deeply etched for eternity

Who is... they and why do
they get to make the rules?

THEY SAID this and
THEY SAID that

Well I would like to say
something profound
and longstanding...

Not right now,
I'm just saying.