You vanished from my life
just like a dream-
I wasn't what you thought
not what I seemed;
but then, love is often blind
and deaf and dumb-
we went our separate ways
not even chums;
committed to a wall,  unseen.

A barrier that none can see-
an obstacle that bars our way-
built for only you and me -
when one has nothing more to say.

I only wish you happiness and cheer -
good luck in your endeavor dear -
now, you've got one less to fear -
when long ago, we grew so very near.

Once you were here,
then you were gone;
forgotten me, me too,
you laughed and moved on.

I died in your sleep,
you died in mine;
what the hell darling
the past  was once fine.

This is a memory poem
written in a hurried manner;
could have been better my friend,
but I was never a planner.

Love lost is always tragic,
nice, sweet, sad, funny and blue;
scattered feelings, shattered dreams,
upset by things we never knew.

I'll forget you in a while,
love's not easily  won or lost;
but we always pay a price,
and always it's too much a cost.

I'm not ready to go, just yet,
let me stay a little longer;
I'm not that old you know,
perhaps a bit less stronger.
But my mind, it's still alive,
sharp as a tack... (I think);
I have many things to do,
that will keep me in the pink.
Old age is but a state of mind,
I have pleasant memories;
the years have been but kind,
(tho' I've sailed on troubled seas).
Let me leave when I am ready,
I will fight the dying light;
I'll be wary of the coming storm,
and the never-ending night.
Let this life keep right on rolling,
like the pages of some book;
content with passages of time,
for the world, one long last look.

Some night, I'll stay awake,
to hear the coyotes howl;
listening in the dark,
to nightly creatures prowl.
One day, I'll sail away,
to a far and distant land;
and ponder in my dreams,
God's great and awesome plan.
I've always been a dreamer,
a traveler in my mind;
escaping life's illusions,
to see what I would find.
Always searching, always seeking,
for unexpected treasure;
a vagabond of sorts,
in which I take my pleasure.
Some night, I'll board that ship,
from where there's no return;
on that mystery boat of death,
where I'll live again...or burn.

How glorious Your truth Lord
from the dawn of our creation
from the beginning of all time
you formed each separate nation.
How wondrous is Your beauty
that flows to every  shore
that firmament of sky
that leads to heaven's door.
How beautiful the night
that shines in every star
that galaxy of diamonds
that we  see from afar.
How majestic is Your truth Lord
from Your written word
from Your mighty voice
like thunder, we have heard.
How magnificent Your glory
to those that heed Your call
to those that are forgiven
from their lowly fall.

In the shadows of the twilight
I will take my daily walk
and thru passages of time
to my Savoir,  I will talk.
I will talk and He will listen
how went the passing day
whether good or bad
from Him, I will not stray.
From His word I will not waver
to that still small voice inside
that keeps me true and humble
from my arrogance and pride.
Darkness now approaches
fading fast, the golden light
the stars appear in Glory
announcing His great Might.
Gazing at the evening sky
I accept what will transpire
leave mute, the question why
praising Him, whose truth is higher.

Your love was almost warm
just like a summer breeze
that ruffled up my hair
as it hop-scotched through the trees;
Your love was soft and sweet
like cotton-candy tasted
I licked it slow and steady
so nothing much was wasted;
Your love was like a dream
so credible and true
but reality was broken
by things that were not true;
Your love was most deceiving
here today and gone tomorrow
now forgotten happiness
and a river full of sorrow;
Your love was grand deception
and ended in confusion
proving love is blind
and master of illusion.

The heat comes, in little waves,
lapping at my neck and shoulders;
my search for shade is futile,
I walk amongst the boulders.
Their granite faces solemn,
standing mute above me;
I escape the burning breezes,
and set my spirit free.
The heat seeps through the air,
there's only scattered shade;
I wish for pools of water,
the image quickly fades.
Not much water in the desert,
only dried up pools of muck;
there's no freedom from the heat,
I'm simply out of luck!

The desert, slowly grows on you
there are no trees in all that space
the sun was so hot, like an oven
and of a cloud, there was no trace.

But then one night, I camped outside
there was no noise, no planes, no cars
suddenly, I was startled out of sleep
God, I could almost touch the stars!

I'd never seen the Milky Way so close
I marveled at its clarity of light
that set the universe aglow
what a grand and awesome sight!

One spring I saw, the cacti all in bloom
saw a mesa, rise to kiss the evening sky
saw a flaming sunset.  in the west
that made me want to shout (or cry).

The desert has a beauty all its own
from a view a hundred miles away
at first, I wanted desperately to leave
but now I've changed my mind, I'll stay.

The wind is at my back
the evening sun is setting
I walk the grass-lined track
easy, carefree - no fretting;
the lake shines in the light
with the granite dells behind
it's a clear and lovely view
that these ancient eyes do find;
a bit of nature for the soul
it nourishes the heart
it makes this body whole
of which it is, a part;
when the day is nearly done
and the heat is on the wane
I say goodbye to sun
on its long orbital train;
here's twilight, creeping fast
the shadows, now encroaching
comes the stillness then at last
sunset,   now approaching.

How could I ever doubt you
when you showed me how to live?
when you showed me truth
and asked me to forgive.

You were always in my heart
but not often in my mind;
until I heard the call
and love is what I find.

Your the rock I lean upon
the light that shows the way;
the savior of my soul
to whom I kneel to pray.

The anchor of my restlessness
the safe harbor where I hide;
the shelter that I seek
from all angry tides.

How could I doubt you, Lord
when you've turned my life around?
giving me love and power
and now, a mind that's sound.

FAREWELL MY LOVE
I'm off to la-la land
to the spot called Nod
I'm sure you understand.

Seasons change as seasons do
the dawn comes awful early
and if I miss my sleep
I wake up very surly.

The night comes late
the sun comes quicker
in my bedroom window
the birds begin their bicker.

Sunrise comes a-creeping
sunrise brings the light
my eyes absorb the glow
and thus, it ends my night.

So, I'm off to bed at nine
to dream of sugar-plums
and other dream-like things
until the morning comes.

The winds of March
they came in May
with rain and hail and cold
the wind was rushing,
numbing, chilling
forceful, brash and bold.
The snow stayed on the peaks
maybe skiing until June
I bundled up my body
whistling a listless tune.
I braved the wind and rain
dodging hail, ignoring cold
gathered all the sunshine
my aching limbs could hold.
The winds of March
they came in May
they may be here till June
meanwhile, I'll keep writing
these silly little runes.

Words never spoken
are written on paper
for souls that need
inspiration or
consolation
for completion.

When the  light came to the world,
the people knew Him not;
until the blind and deaf were healed,
they knew not what they sought.

Until the lepers skin was cleansed,
and Lazarus was raised;
until the miracles occurred,
was He ever praised.

Until the crowd, they followed Him,
did the Pharisees run scared;
and plotted then to **** Him,
and whip His body bared.

They nailed Him to the cross to die,
all part of God's great plan;
He died for all the sinners,
but they didn't understand.

A perfect sacrifice was he,
to shed His blood for all;
He paved the way for man,
so they could heed His call.

And the darkness never knew Him,
because His light did shine;
giving life to others,
in this present time.

Desert rose is in full bloom,
I can smell its strong perfume;
a hawk is dipping in the wind,
in fluffy clouds the sun is pinned.
The air is light, no humidity,
a hundred miles my eyes can see;
one mile high, on rolling hills,
evening brings its springtime chill;
I walk along the lonesome road,
shedding quickly, daytime's load;
Content to set a modest pace,
content to be within this space;
relishing the twilight coming,
I begin my quiet humming.
The desert rose is in full bloom,
I can smell its strong perfume,
there's nothing now, that I lack,
as I make the turn to head on back.

I approached it with trepidation
asking, does this thing even float?
shut up and hop in he laughed
and please, don't rock the boat.

I  am, a middle-of-the-roader
careful not to get anybody's goat;
not to hurt anybody's feelings
to behave and never rock the boat.

It was a chilly, windy, rainy day
I'd brought a sweater and a coat;
I side-stepped gingerly aboard
making sure, I didn't rock the boat.

I was aware of his funny, wary look
I made sure to smile and not to gloat;
I seated myself with slow anticipation
serious and stern, not to rock the boat.

Relax,  I think we're safe in this old tub
if it sinks, then by god that's all she wrote;
one more time, I remind you, my friend
be alert and aware, and don't rock the boat.

I washed my sins down by the river
cast them on rocks, baked by the sun
the Holy Spirit came into my soul
proof that my old life was done.
I repented and was found worthy
all the past was gently wiped away
all the old was buried very deeply
once I found and walked his Way.
Darkness faded from my vision
replaced there by a god-like light
it was then I knew, I need not fear
the coming days and coming nights.
I gave my burdens up to Him on high
the excess baggage faded from my view
I found the truth that set me free
from all the earthly things that I once knew.
I washed my sins down by the river
the blood of Christ did all the rest
I stood tall, before my Savoir
knowing I had passed the test.

Once the golden bowl is broken,
once that time becomes our foe;
then who you are is lost,
from the person we did know.
When friends don't recognize you,
because you don't know them;
when you forget, who you are,
you've moved closer to the end.
Once the golden bowl has broken,
only troubles lie ahead;
only heartaches round the corner,
becoming days you dread.
Memory fades into the night,
and in your house, you're lost;
the mind is jumbled, rattled,
your dreams are all but tossed.
Then the golden bowl is broken,
no matter how you've tried;
because the soul's now in limbo,
because, its heart has died.

Your love is like the weather
it changes with the day
sunny, cloudy, windy
rain that comes my way.

Your love is like the seasons
in the summer it is hot
and in the throes of winter
often it is not.

Your love is like the weather
it's gloomy or it shines
it's like the fickle wind
that can moan and whine.

Your love is like the seasons
in spring when fog is low
and misty dew appears
or in the fall when colors glow.

Your love is like the weather
it's often clouded over
or like the splendid sun
upon a field of clover.

You are the king of all that matters
watching what we do we trepidation
as we break Your Ten Commandments
and fall apart, divided as a nation.

We seem to think that we don't need You
sinning, throwing caution to the wind
forgetting where in the world we came from
pushing away memory of where we've been.

Killing daily, babies while in their womb
accepting things, we never did before
becoming strangers to ourselves
as we walk, mindless, out the door.

Forgive us Lord, for our stupidity
have mercy, on our heedless soul
as we break, into useless pieces
all the things that once, had made us whole.

Have pity on the way we view our lives
with no reflection on our godless heart
forgive us, for our wicked, shameful ways
of which, by our mistakes, we form a part.

Sniveling was never part of my plan
it was getting snarky, getting out of hand;
but Springtime's is but a fickle friend
and in time, it all will surely end.
I had to get a shot to knock it out
rather than to let it drip and pout;
there was too much weeping of the eyes
too much sneezing, amongst the sighs.
Too much blossoming and blooming
too many juniper trees looming.
I fought it till I finally gave in
to put up with it any more would be a sin;
aggravation and suffering was misery
I was determined to not let it get the best of me.
A Kenalog shot brought me great relief
and at last, I freed myself m from needless grief;
until next year, when Spring comes around once more
and I am faced with it again, the thing that I abhor.

Be there with me Lord,
as I climb the mountain;
as I struggle onward,
to drink from Your true fountain.

Give me strength from sinning,
give me a touch of grace;
keep me on the narrow path,
that leads right to Your place.

Let me be forgiving Lord,
from injuries received;
give me Your just wisdom,
from which I'm not deceived.

Give me a heart that's full of love,
for every human being;
let me be Your shining light,
of strangers I am seeing.

Be there with me Lord,
still my insurrection;
and don't forget my soul,
on my day of resurrection!

We walk in evening, in the hills,
the trail is rocky, somewhat rough;
it climbs along a ridgetop,
steep, but not too tough.
We stride with certain measure,
the air is breezy, cool and clean,
we leave the worldly cares behind,
below, the grass is getting green.
A little hike, into the blue,
scattered clouds, dots of white;
the mountains turning purple,
with the diminished light.
An old man and his dog,
enjoying the day and life;
with close companionship and love,
escaping the daily strife.
Our lives are but a shadow,
soon we'll be gone; tomorrow;
blessed to share the end of time,
of happiness and sorrow.

Don't write to me of love
it's failed me way too much
left me hurt and angry
left me in its clutch;
I give it only mixed reviews
there's something that is lacking
why do I lose at love?
it always sends me packing;
Unanswered questions left
I'm puzzled by their meaning
I'm confused I do confess
I miss its careful screening;
Don't speak of love to me
it makes my heart to racing
seeing that I'm left alone
to feel the pain I'm facing;
Don't toss me any breadcrumbs
I've had my fill of feast
of silly dilly romance
that lurking constant beast.

Have you listened to the wind?
then you know its song
melodies that no one knows
to you alone belong.

Have you listened to its cries?
then you know of sorrow
moans that whisper in the air
that no one else can borrow.

Have you heard its quiet thoughts?
when you're stopped and still
upon the meadow, soft at dawn
or high upon a hill.

Have you heard its breezy sighs?
that ruffles through your hair?
that soft and lingering embrace
on a day that's sweet and fair.

Have you listened to the wind?
did you hear its message clear?
all right's with the world
that you and I hold dear.

Old age doesn't slow you down
it speeds things up -
you forget things, you laugh at
certain happenings without forethought;
you drool in your sleep
talk to yourself a lot more.
Your taste-buds has memory lapses.
You watch Family Feud and consider that
appropriate entertainment.
The highlight of your day begins
and ends
at the mailbox.
(who writes letters anymore?)
Older friends you know
appear in the obituaries now and then.
Famous people that you thought
were long dead are starring in
a new television series.
You've now outlived six dogs,
and four marriages.
Your hair is gray instead of
reddish-blond (all over).
You soak your dentures instead of
brushing your teeth.
Change the batteries in your hearing aids
on a fairly regular schedule.
Put your glasses on now to read.
Take several little naps during
the sunshine hours...and
thank God for another day of life.

Always, You were with me
when paths were long and rough
when I failed to hear Your voice
when life was hard and tough.
When life had little meaning
when daydreams were obscured
I fought against the system
and not once was I heard.
Always, You were with me
in nights where nothing mattered
in rage where anger ruled
and lives were often shattered.
When the wind, it blew too strongly
when it stormed most every day
when there was little comfort
when bitter moments had their say.
Always, You were with me
through the thick and thin
but You saved me from the pit
and from my life of sin.

You cannot start again
what's gone is gone-
time forgets its place
and moves on.

Days still bright and sunny
nights still dark and long-
strangers passing by
with life's old sweet song.

Love is buried and forgotten
in a place you can't recall-
memory fades with aging
like the trees that grow so tall.

Someone says that time is healing
but you do not find it so-
words are often meant to heal
but they're wrong I think you know.

All but bitterness has vanished
in the void that swallows all-
in the echoes of your mind
when you woke up from your fall.

They have stolen Your identity
preaching false news of the gospel
made up stories of their own
of things that are not right;
by the works of Satan,
the devil himself,
the prince of darkness -
who loves the cloak of night.
Making the day of sun as worship
saying Easter instead of Passover
turning Christmas into profit
saying He (Christ) was born that day;
if you look into His word
you see that's it's absurd;
He was Autumn's child
not in the winter, no way.
Man pursues the world
with traditions of his own
unaware of who it is
that sits upon the throne.
False teachers teaching lies
they truly are deceived;
and God looks down and laughs
though He is much aggrieved.

How my heart ached when you left me!
how the days were drowned in sorrow;
the nights seemed endless, dreary
still, there came, the bright tomorrow.

How my soul cried days without you!
days that offered little hope;
I couldn't think, but of your face
I just sat around and moped.

Then the morning fog was lifted
how good again, to see the sun!
I looked forward to the evening
now convinced my life's not done.

I was saved, that day from drowning
she was like you, in many ways;
but she never left, like you did
she loves me, and she stays.

How my heart was broke in pieces!
when our pledged love went awry;
how we struggled hard to save it
how long it's been since it did die.

Keep your heart from evil
the day wanes much too fast
honor truth and mercy
only things that last;
Your life is but a flower
a blink in time's great plan
fill your soul with love
and know that it is grand;
Fear the Lord above you
and obey His every word
lift your voice in prayer
and you too, will be heard;
Forgive ones that hurt you
all enemies and foes
Your Father watches all
let troubled waters flow;
Your body is a temple
keep it clean and pure
then you'll gain a kingdom
if in this world, you endure.

You stand the test of time
when all else falls away;
when things no longer matter
but the dawn of each new day.
There's the beauty in the heavens
when the sun fills up the sky;
when the blue is just amazing
where the crow and eagle fly.
You stand the test of time
when all shadows fade from view;
and the darkness is eclipsed
by the truth I never knew.
Until I felt my heart melt
as the lies died one by one;
I stood apart from my life
ashamed by what I'd done.
You stand the test of time
it's of You that I have need;
I've now risen from the ashes
from my selfish, petty greed,
I don't understand the peace
but it fills my soul with pleasure;
goodbye to all that's tainted
I now have found my treasure.

Walking on the slick and slippery trail
mud was ******* at my sneakered feet;
on caliche ground and crumbling clay
more obtrusive with the morning's heat.

Dappled sunshine played its hide and seek
my quiet, smallish terrier trotted by my side;
and as we broke through the forest glade
we entered grassy meadows high and wide.

The wild, west wind, was blowing very strong
hanging, stratus clouds showed promised rain;
here, the way ran almost razor straight and true
with very little elevation and hardly any gain.

If it wasn't for the slippage and the sliding
this earthly path would be a pleasant walk;
an outing, generally agreeable and grand
without need of conversation or silly talk.

In the distance, long low clouds are crying
with tears formed, from ending winter's cold;
yet I'd not hesitate to come back here again
to but be a lonely vagabond, if truth be told.

Hello Lord;  seems I talk to you so little
memories of time have made them brittle;
yet You're nor far off from me I know
You alone can make the waters flow.

Time does not heal...no, I know I'm right
only You, the truth, gets me thru the night;
there are such things that will not go away
only faith in Your power, gets me thru this day.

I cry to You,  because no one feels my pain
with no hope, tomorrow's but a  foolish game;
and I would be alive but I would die inside
because in this world, there is no place to hide.

And so, I turn to You, the Captain of Salvation
You know my state of being...my true station;
the comfort from Your love keeps my heart strong
and it's in Your family, that I feel I must belong.

When all else fails,  You're still standing there
You hear and listen carefully to my prayer;
and time becomes a thing that slowly fades
and too, the world's grand and great charades.

Thank you for the rain Lord
that fell throughout the day;
refreshing, and much needed
in your own time and way.
So,  resting from not walking
I played music gathering dust;
mellow jazz and Frank Sinatra
slow, sweet melodies I trust.
I read from books of culture
of you, God,  and daring men;
it relaxed me to a great degree
in my warm, secluded den.
I read your treasured word
of truth and peace and grace;
hopeful of the coming time
when I might see your face.
I gave you thanks and praises
for all the blessings in my life;
that brought me out of sin
and kept me free from strife.
Like rain that cleans the skies
my heart's been cleansed by you;
who took me from the filthy pit
to worlds I never knew.

I am the blanket that covers -
your body, from head to toe;
that protects you from the night
and relaxes your evening's woe.

I am the blanket that moves -
when you turn in troubled sleep;
keeping the dreams more safe
as you're falling into the deep.

You slumber under my cover -
as the sandman creeps on in;
stealing away before dawn
as the sun slips over the rim.

I am the blanket that loves you -
from your head to the tips of your toes;
no one suspects our belonging
to each other -  nobody knows.

I am the blanket that covers -
every fiber of your dear soul;
that stretches from end to end
the body that makes you whole.

The wind was cold and chilly
blasting over corridors of sand;
the underpass took us through the overpass
echoes in the tunnel part of my plan.
My dog's name rang out like thunder
bouncing loudly off the concrete walls;
in the desert, far away from town,
far from any sight of malls.
Hints of rain formed in the clouds
but it just added to the walk;
in the hills of little growth
where there is no needed talk.
Traffic's noise was quickly fading
as we climbed into those hills;
they took us west of busy streets
from formal dress and fancy frills.
Out under under skies that ran forever
to mountain ranges rising tall;
where we ran out of highways
or the sight of any wall.

How healthy is your heart?
is it evil or is it good?
do you strive to do what's right?
behave,  just as you should?

Man sees the outward being,
but God looks upon the heart;
just whose child are you?
of whom are you a part?

The way of the world's not right,
they're deceived by the father of lies:
unmoved by honest emotions,
unmoved by sorrowful cries.

Man's ways are not His ways,
man's ways are not the path;
they trouble the one on High,
and only incur His wrath.

How healthy is your heart?
does it follow the way of the Lord?
dos it seek to escape the justice,
of His terrible swift sword?

January skies are clear and cold
they hold no hint of spring -
the sun provides no warmth
of what the future brings.

The snow comes without warning
soft and white and silent -
it's lovely to behold
fluffy, wet and pliant.

January skies are pale in color
the blue is often missing -
the night is swift in coming
more daylight now I'm wishing.

The winter seems to drag its heels
it stays around too long -
I'm longing for the green again
and the start of April's song.

January skies are somber
dismal, gray, depressing -
it comes and will not leave
its end is beyond guessing.

Howdy George -
Here I am in sunny Arizona,
the heat is fine and mellow;
it warms the bones real nice,
I'm a fortunate, happy fellow.
The sky is very blue and clear.
I can see for miles and miles;
the people here are friendly,
they're tanned, full of smiles.
The women, are most lovely,
light-browned, very charming;
and their smiles are best of all,
totally disarming.
In the distance, purple peaks,
twice as high as here;
in the clearest air I've seen,
they seem to be quite near.
There's something special here,
that old-time places lack;
I'm already indoctrinated,
and I might not make it back.
See, I've put all cares aside,
and I'm drinking ice-cold beer;
but still I say to you, old friend,
sure wish that you were here.

- Dave.

The weather's mild for winter
like a January thaw
perhaps a quirk of some kind
of nature's improbable law.
We get rain instead of snow
we get snow instead of rain
it happens frequently
****,  here it is again.
A t-shirt & long-sleeved shirt
they keep the chill away
I hike a spotted muddy trail
as morning leaves its stay.
The sun plays hide and seek
with cotton colored skies
the lake is hosting mallards
I hear their winsome cries.
It doesn't seem like winter
in fact, it's more like spring
and as always, I'm enchanted
by what the weather brings.

Must we go on like this?
no embrace, no kiss?
must we fight once more?
when will you walk out the door?
Leaving me and love behind
with someone else for me to find
can't we reconcile the past
and rescue out lost love at last?
Must we go on like this?
ignoring things that once we missed?
passing each other in silence
all that's left is violence.
First the slap, then the push
no more beating round the bush
leaves a sad and tragic ending
that is way past mending.
Must we go on like this?
what happened to the marriage bliss?
I sit and ponder, think and muse
the day it all went down the tubes.

Look to the distant stars at night
see the handiwork of the Lord
see how the sun and moon do hang
by the might of invisible cord.

Watch the four seasons changing
with beauty and simple grace
and look to the heavens above
everything's in its place.

Take the baby in your arms
and marvel at human birth
that came from the dust of ground
shaped by the tendrils of earth.

Watch the love of the mother
with affection for her child
with the touch of kindness
with hands that ever so mild.

Think of the passage of life
and ask if something is odd
that some still fret and doubt
the very existence of God.

A new year Lord -
to open up our eyes
to cleanse our hearts
to stop the lies.

Lies they separate us
from the King above
lies that break apart
the ones we know and love.

A new year Lord -
to stop the sinning
that keeps us losing
instead of winning.

Siding with the darkness
shutting out the light
making wrong our choices
ending up in plight.

A new year Lord -
to rectify our badness
that destroys the soul
and always ends in sadness.

I repent of all my sins,
greed and lust and malice;
give me grace and knowledge,
to enter in Your palace.
I repent of anger Lord.
of lies, of hate and cheating;
make them problems of the past,
let the memories be fleeting.
Forgive my carnal mind Lord,
wash clean,  the heart of me;
remove the veil from off my eyes,
so that I can truly see.
Let me be Your shining light,
for others that are lost;
let me spread the truth of You,
no matter what the cost.
I repent of all my sins,
make my creation new;
alive instead to Jesus Christ,
one of His chosen few.

in the chill of morning,
when the sun is at its rise,
and light grows in the east,
in the west, the full moon dies.

my cheeks are touched by cold,
with my fingers feeling numb,
I raise my arm above my chest,
blotting moon out with my thumb.

the trees are black and barren,
now stripped of any leaves,
they still have symmetry,
though they have lost their "sleeves."

outlined against the sky,
they're still a lovely sight,
dark in the morning's glow,
they're shedding off the night.

the silence of the coming day,
is refreshment to my soul,
gaining peace in solitude,
fulfilling my own role.

I was taught to deny it.
But I know it's there.
I was made to suppress it,
and I tried to obey.
Sometimes the only way
that I can express it, is this
way, through the written word.
A visual healing of a sort. Be
a man they said. Big boys don't
cry they affirmed. But I think
that I suffer more by camouflaging
it that I would by declaring it
vocally. If I could just scream and
carry on at the top of my lungs,
perhaps I'd feel better. So, please
excuse me, while I screech, ignore
me while I curse, and pardon me
as I release loudly and vehemently
all the pain I've kept hidden in my
life.

I sit in the non-smoking section
of the restaurant. That's a laugh.
The smoke from your noxious
**** still finds me. It makes me ill.
I am going to ask you to extinguish
it, or else heave in your face. I'll
pursue the former but actually favor
the latter. I could just up and leave,
but that would be acceding victory
to the American Tobacco Industry-
and to you, the original Marlboro Man.
As politely as I am able, I walk over to
your table and ask you to put it out.
It's made me sick. You smirk and ask
me if I'm serious...the favored response
occurs.

The morning's dark and gloomy
chance or rain, the papers said ;
I put on rain-repellant gear
and it's off to the trails I head.
Skies are shadowed and cluttered
like shrouds, the clouds roll by;
but below me the ground is solid
brown, hard packed, and dry.
Beside me, a glow's now forming
the sun, now takes center stage;
it lightens the landscape around me
and its color now,  is beige.
But it lasts for only a moment
the shrouds come creeping back;
and in minutes the darkness returns
and is changing the color to black.
But now I've begun my return
and my hiking's on the wane;
I've gambled the odds in my favor
by dodging the chance of rain.