When I have finished climbing up the ridge
to some secluded green and leafy knoll
where the view is often grand and splendid
then I can say, it's well, within my soul.
When I have reached the summit of success
and realized the elusive, treasured goal
then I'll bask in joy and satisfaction
for it's well, so very well, within my soul.
When I ask myself, the silent question,
for whom and what the bell does softly toll
I think of the captain of my salvation
and it's well, so very well, within my soul.
When I know, that without Him, I am lost
when I know, it's Him, that makes me whole
then there's peace, that passes understanding
and it is well, so well, within my soul.
When I see waves that kiss the distant shore
the white-tipped water on its constant roll
then I have a view of heaven's glory
then all is well, so well, within my soul.

The monsoon has arrived
with anticipated rain-
too little for our drought
of our arid, thirst-starved plain.
But every drop is welcome
with a fraction of its sum-
more in the days ahead
that certainly will come.
This rain fell hard and fast
cold and wet and measured-
the moisture signifying
something that was treasured.
The air,  now brisk and cool
a sweatshirt may be needed-
even just a long-sleeved shirt
is a piece of clothing heeded.
God gives us want of things
at His own pace and time-
on this high desert ground
of prickly pear and pine.

This day has been too long
I'm ready for night's song
a reverie of pleasant sleep
and dreams to keep
and dreams to keep.

This day has been too long
correct me if I'm wrong
but twilight is a gift
a prelude to a rift
a prelude to a rift.

The dark is creeping fast
what light there is won't last
sandman spreads his seed
the comfort that we need
the comfort that we need.

Outside the stars are glowing
a cool light breeze is blowing
and my bed is like a nest
to curl  into...to rest
to curl  into...to rest.

This day has been too long
the heat has been too strong
and the coolness of the night
gives me solace till the light
gives me solace till the light.

What will you do with love
when once it comes your way?
will you put it all aside
for another rainy day?

Will you visit other pastures
that look greener and more fair?
is there something you don't like
perhaps the color of her hair?

What will you do with happiness
that knocks upon your door?
will you wait until it stops
until it's there no more?

Happiness is fleeting
grab it while you can
tomorrow waits the sorrow
to ruin one's own plan.

What will you do with love
when it "falls" out of the blue?
will you turn aside and wonder
if it's really love you knew?

The spirit of man is war
the spirit of God is peace
man's wars continue
in God's world, they cease...

The spirit of man is pride
the spirit of God is humble
pride is the curse of man
in God's world, it crumbles...

The spirit of man is hateful
God's spirit is that of Love
man's world is the earth
God's world is above...

The spirit of man is lies
the spirit of God is truth
man's ways are evil
God's way are couth...

The spirit of man knows failure
the spirit of God, does not
man's education is nothing
unless, by God he's been taught.

The night we danced in moonlight
was the start of something new
was the budding of romance
and was the love that first we knew.

The moon's glow, settled on your cheek
I held you tight, as we swirled around
through the clouds the moon did peek
and that night, our love was found.

Stars were companions to the moon
like the stars, dancing in your eyes
then the music ended all too soon
people started saying their goodbyes.

We continued dancing with no melody
imaginary strings that touched our heart
we were seeing things nobody else could see
and for those moments, didn't want to part.

The night we danced in moonlight
was the beginning of our dream
the merging of two souls as one
like two rivers flowing in one stream.

Take me in your loving arms
do with me what you will
calm this restless soul
and let this heart be still -

Then kiss me tenderly
and set these lips afire
so I may realize my dream
that's fueled by my desire -

Hold me close, hold me tight
whisper words I want to hear
the night is cold without you
but warm when you are near -

Your eyes are stars that shine
they stun me with their glow
hiding treasured secrets
that I'd like to know -

Take me in your loving arms
it is there,  that I am safe
put your cheek right next to mine
so that I can kiss your face.