From pictures far away
I watch you slowly grow -
behind the scenes of silence
the images do flow.

I pray for you and love you
being ostracized not fun -
my family is too far away
but what's been done is done.

From pictures far away
I see your smiling faces -
from my visits long ago
there isn't any traces.

We smiled and laughed together
don't you remember when? -
it took me by surprise
when it all came to an end.

From pictures far away
from a Facebook page you're making -
I gather back the love
that keeps my heart from breaking.

Agape love is God's great love -
for strangers and for friends -
for every human being -
a love that never ends.

Compassion for the future -
for the promise of tomorrow -
when wars will not exist -
in a place that knows no sorrow.

A heaven, here, on earth -
with Christ, our righteous king -
where peace will reign forever -
when all the angels sing.

Where joy will follow happiness -
where the word of truth is spoken -
where there will be no lies -
where nothing there is broken.

A world of constant sunshine -
where darkness is not known -
where agape love abounds -
where love is always shown.

Father, you sustain my life,
from beginnings to the end;
when You called me out -
what day, I know not when.
Your word gives me the truth
to me that is sufficient;
it led me to believe,
where once I was deficient.
Father, I will thirst no more,
Your words, a living fountain;
enabled me to overcome -
each and every mountain.
I grow in grace each day,
You are the one true vine;
soaking in the autumn rain -
and in the soft sunshine.
Father, you sustain my life,
I sing my praise to You;
and lift my voice in song -
You make each day brand new!

September's child is special
born in autumn's gold;
brother to the pumpkin
sister to the cold.

September's child is lovely
the heart's in the right place;
born in the changing leaves
adorned with God's own grace.

September's child is full of love
for family and for friends;
granting each an honored spot
with love that never ends.

September's child is filled with life
for enjoying nature's touch;
relishing the autumn rains
not too little, nor too much.

September's child is special
between the heat and cold;
graced with special beauty
graced by autumn's gold.

The road has been too long Lord
but the end is now in sight;
shelter me this little while
while I keep off the night;
the night from which, I won't wake
once this body's lost its fight.

The road was winding, twisting,
never knew, what's round the bend;
only sadness Lord and sorrow
that I thought had no **** end;
obstacles thrown in my path
that I thought I could not mend.

The road was way too  long Lord
until I saw Your light;
until I felt Your blessings
that made it all...all right;
when you took away the darkness
and made each new morning bright.

Father, you know my suffering and pain
yet you sustain my life again and again;
you ease my suffering with silent laughter
and ease my pain for what comes after.
You are the reason for my songs of prayer
for without Your love, who else would care?
most people live for just themselves
they've food, but nothing else upon their shelves.
They bow and serve a different God than I
but never comprehend the very reason why;
they sneer and curse and say that God is dead
and live for pleasures that satisfy their head.
I am one isolated,  far from worldly being
but I know truth and what it is I'm seeing;
the soul that avoids the Lord is dying
for lack of empathy, for lack of really trying.
Father, I 'm safe when I turn my heart to You
because I know full well You'll see me through;
and I sleep, without an earthly, troubled care
knowing in my heart and mind, You're there!

On this hilltop, looking down,
the muddy river flows
on the waters far below
midday sun makes it glow.
You could put the Empire State Building
in there, and its top wouldn't show
this, the grandest of the canyons
swallows it up you know.
The speck (me) is awed
I walk fast back to my tent
the day is ending quickly
the bulk of sun is spent.
Indian Gardens, my oasis,
is a clump of green below
the rim is still miles up
I was here once and I know.
I'm back for the second time
the hike from rim to rim
sleep comes swiftly to my eyes
as the daylight dims.
The huge domes and cliffs
surround me with their height
marveling, I fall asleep
becoming one with night.

Morning walks are pleasant walks
on open endless plain;
the dew is glistening, clinging
from flowers in the rain.

The quietness is hallowed
free from noise and stress;
it calms the walker's mind
and lets the mind undress.

What is left -  is beauty
of Nature's winsome view;
reflections of a palette
of what you never knew.

Colors from a scrapbook
of mountains, sky and sun;
artistry of Nature's hand
now here, but not yet done.

Morning walks are my delight
on the narrow, meadowed lane;
meditation... of a sort
from flowers in the rain.

Suffer love in silence,
don't disturb the air;
with silly sounds of speech,
as if you really care.
Don't upset the applecart,
let things stay as they are;
why trouble your own thoughts?
do you wish to go that far?
Suffer love with stillness,
be a rock upon the shore;
be a fortress, all but mute,
why ask for something more?
Let the wounds heal slowly,
take time- to remain fast;
like everything in life,
this too, I know, will pass.
Suffer love in loneliness,
why risk the hurtful word?
they'll only deepen silence,
from the ones he never heard.

Why mindful of mere man my Lord?
a creature formed of flesh and blood -
mixed with earthly dust and clay
and a good amount of mud..

We all fell when Adam did
blessed by God, cursed by sin -
we struggled from that fateful day
in ancient eons, we have been.

Some liked dark, much more than light
they're children of the lie -
performing evil works
their souls are born to die.

Some liked the light and followed it
they are children of the Lord -
they follow God's great plan
the word of truth, their sword.

They cast off carnal thoughts
and sought the Holy Spirit -
so we they faced temptation
they came nowhere near it.

Your creation Lord...
some will hear Your call -
and some will surely falter
they'll not be there at all.

A sad goodbye is better
than no goodbye at all
love has faded out
did you hear its fall?
Did you feel the hurt
that lovers sometime share?
or were you but indifferent
and swept aside your care?
Not all love goes smooth or well
when attitudes do change
when once you were in love
but now you feel it strange.
Better sadness at goodbye
than no regrets at all
love has lost its balance
did you hear its fall?

You are my rock Lord
the horn of my salvation
the anchor of my soul
the hope of one great nation.
You are my love Lord
through good times and the rest
when I was lost and all alone
You saved me for the best.
Now I know Your ways Lord
and the path that leads to grace
the road that leads to peace
in Your treasured place.
You are my strength Lord
without You I would falter
thank You for Your blessings
at the footholds of Your altar.
You are my rock Lord
the faith that never dies
the hope of a tomorrow
wherein my future lies.

Lynx Lake lies quiet in
the early rays of sunshine.
no ripples to disturb the
waters,
nor harsh cries of jays,
just a stillness that pervades
and like a painting, is mute
and beautiful.
The tall ponderosa trees
dot the shoreline,
adding stately elegance
and silent majesty to
the cool air that is my
morning drink,
secondary to my two
cups of coffee but
just as pleasing and
satisfying.
I meet three people
walking their dogs
as I am doing, on my
three mile nature stroll.
Two miles north of us,
drivers are racing along
highway 69, hell-bent
for the work that
awaits them.
Too far away to
hear the traffic's roar;
I am content to be
enveloped in solitude,
among a princely forest
lost to the world for
an hour.

I ordered a burger plain
with a glass of ale;
I bit into it heartily
leaving a bread crumb trail.

It curbed my hunger
the ale was crisp and cold;
onions lay atop
my leafy lettuce fold.

I munched in sweet delight
watching a baseball game;
it didn't matter who
it's pretty much the same.

A culinary treasure
of drink and meat and bun;
savoring the taste
when I didn't have to run.

Just a simple meal
a small thing in itself;
a gustatory pleasure
celebrating self.

I threw away a love
because it was one sided;
she was not the girl for me
because I have decided.

She was just a dear friend
not the love I wanted;
but we grew too close together
and her pleasant body taunted.

I threw away a love
like tissue I've discarded;
she was too possessive
I left her broken-hearted.

She was like a clinging vine
when I escaped her clutch;
I didn't miss her then
and now, too, not much.

I threw away a love
it was a one-way street;
she was just a friend
I happened to just meet.

Stay?
For whom, for what?
No way!

There is nothing like
the climbing of a trail,
to still the tremors of
one's soul;
To wash away the daily
sweat of life,
to purify the heart
and make it whole.
The views above, make
those below, enchanting,
the vast expanse of
mountains that surround;
up here the air is
clean and fresh,
and peace and quiet
relatively found.
The summit's not important,
'tis but the climb;
that renews and replenishes
the constant state of mind.
Give me the solitary hike
in which to linger;
marveling at the artistry
of God's great finger.

So long to love
it's too **** complicated
and simply over-rated
so goodbye to love.

Adieu to all the romance
the showiness and song
goodbye to false embraces
that lasted way too long.

Farewell to hugs and kisses
that end right at the door
send it on its way
I've been there before.

Close the door on arguments
that flare for no **** reason
for no good explanation
must be the angry season.

So long to love
I'm always the wrong mate
goodbye to love
it seems to be my fate.

Spread my ashes to the wind
where the breeze is blowing
makes no matter, east or west
I will not be knowing.

In the morning, at midday
I don't really care
in the place that I have picked
aw hell,  just anywhere.

Cremation is my choice
It is my final wish
I've always loved a torch song
sung by some jazzy dish.

Close to death, I still makes puns
making jokes until the end
when the reaper takes me down
I won't be on the mend.

Laughter's the best medicine
though far ahead I see
that the last laugh that I have
will certainly be on me.

The problem with time is
there never is enough
things happen all again
things get nice, things get rough.

We repeat mistakes
sometimes we don't learn
we run out of time
we fizzle and we burn.

We die before our time
in a mindless reckless way
with cellphones and the road
and thinking it's okay.

Time corrupts our body
the muscles and the waist
the eyes and ears and legs
often go to waste.

The problem with time is
the clock,  it never ends
we forget where things are
or the e-mails that we send.

It's better this way...
ignoring one another
of what we've put away.

I was drawn to love
but not the way you were
mine was from above.

Secrets kept from others
is not what I wanted
that road only smothers.

What we said still matters
though now its put aside
and lies in silent tatters.

It's better this way
that were remain apart
that we keep to ourselves
lest we break each others hearts.

The winds have swept the sky
like a broom, it makes things clean;
the morning's fresh and bright
the tips of mountains gleam.
A perfect summer morning
sweeps my troubles out of view;
the world is made afresh
from the other one I knew.
A light breeze is caressing
my brow, my face, my skin;
a shower of contentment
is washing me again.
Such times are always welcome
to the Lord, I give the praise;
thankful to be living
in the autumn of my days.
Thankful for the blessings;
He places at my feet;
hopeful for the future life
upon His judgment seat.

Let the rain fall hard and fast
pelting arid ground
the darkened clouds won't last
before sunshine's found.
Let the tears fall as they may
wipe and dry the eye
tears will finally fade away
and then you will get by.
Forgive the hurt that he deals out
but don't forgive forever
do not weep and do not pout
take on your own endeavor.
Love it comes and love it goes
don't stay in the web
let him flee where no one knows
let the waters ebb.
Let the winter run its course
let the sorrows die
all things go to their own source
we don't know just why.

Hello Lord, it's good to have You here
I awaken with the sun, and joe
it's a boon to have You near
but then, You always know.

You make each day a treasure
walking by my side
Your love's beyond a measure
I've nothing left to hide.

When all the shadows fade
Your light becomes my road
in this world we never made
I give to You my load.

You never fail me Lord
it's just me I have to change
all those rivers I did ford
when other thought me strange.

Hello Lord, it's good to have you near
to stabilize my heart
with You, I need not fear
that You will ever part.

I grow tired of love poems
battered hearts that often fall
lost among the songs of pity
love that wasn't there at all.
Love's illusion - cast on air
that settles for a while, then flees
and is carried somewhere else
to other distant lands and trees.
It dies as fast -  as it is born
brief, quick, without much charm
causing sorrows once again
leaving  residues of harm.
Leave it lying on the ground
where scattered leaves gather
where feet will ***** it down
and it no more will matter.
Let the remnants fade away
let the meager moments die
washed away with summer rains
let the love that once was...lie.

You were a ray of sunshine
that stayed with me a while
that brightened up the day
that caused my heart to smile.

But dark days follow sun
and soon the rain did fall
gone the cheerfulness
the aftermath of all.

Like flowers quickly fading
the bloom of love was done
it hid behind the rainbow
of the dying, fading sun.

For us there was no funeral
no cremation of a soul
once were together
now apart,  not whole.

I will keep the sunshine
you once did bring my way
with no regrets or qualms
of what we're like today.

You can leave now
I've mastered the washing machine
swept, dusted and mopped
kept the **** dishes clean.
I made the bed, changed the sheets
made my midday meal
I'm keeping a stiff upper lip
pretending I still have zeal.
I walked and fed the dog
fed the indifferent cats
cleaned off the front porch
shook out the ***** mats.
Made appointments on my own
with the dentist and the doc
to make sure I got up
I set the ******* clock.
You can leave now
I can be by myself, alone
attending knocks upon the door
answering the ******* phone.

I have an new identity,
I have buried the "old" man;
I am a new creation,
you may not understand.
I look and walk as me,
I even sound the same;
but the carnal man is gone,
and I've myself to blame.
My old self was but flesh;
full of this old worldly sin;
to that I've said good-bye,
cast aside where I have been.
I've taken up the Holy Spirit,
made God,  first in my life;
I got the peace I needed,
nullified the earthly strife.
Gave my burdens up to Jesus,
He's forgiven all of I've done;
now I'm a Christian soldier,
putting Satan on the run.

I thought that I could love you
I was wrong
I wasn't on the path
where I belonged;
I fell into the world of love
and drowned
got lost, confused
couldn't turn around;
We were friends but
never lovers
the miles kept us far apart
I thought I gave you what
you wanted
but I left with
little pieces of my heart.
I don't blame anyone
but me
I was far too gone
to truly see;
I love you but
not the way you wanted
but that's the way of love
that leaves me haunted.

Death of a friendship is
like the loss of love
it does mot matter what type.

Once I knew the planets
but then I was in school
I think that there were nine
now I'm an educated fool.

Once I learned to swim
but not until the age of ten
now I live on desert beaches
with no water to go in.

Once I learned to ride a bike
now I'm careful I don't fall
I sold my bike years ago
I don't miss my bike at all.

Once I was a hungry lover
full of passion, full of grace
both are gone with my age
now confined to just one place.

Once I knew the names of strangers
now I struggle for their name
I remember your face I say
(but I know it's not the same).

The boulders are too huge for me
to see too far,
they often block the sun;
but in their beauty there's no mar,
and that's what makes it fun.

I walk the peaks and valleys,
high and lows, they shine;
like walking dirt-filled alleys,
I do not see the grime.

All is what it seeks to be,
nature is unraveled;
as far as any eye can see,
these paths are seldom traveled.

Jumbled rocks of granite, old,
invite my feet to walk;
in a sanctuary of peace that's bold,
where there's no need of talk.

Solitariness is fine,
amid the boulders, grand;
in corners where the sun don't shine,
and no one holds your hand.

Days and nights, they runtogether,
sometimes fast and sometimes slow;
some are toil and some are pleasure,
sometimes I just never know.

Twelve hours sunshine, 12 hours dark,
when your retired. what does it matter?
the sun above, is very bright and stark,
it can fry you, make you mad as a hatter.

Night is black with shimmy-shine stars,
there's a distant planet there tonight;
don't know which one, perhaps it's Mars,
whichever one,  it's quite the sight.

Dawn comes up with pink-tinged feet,
in rosy-petaled splendor;
light and dark, they sometimes meet,
but as often not, that I can remember.

Days and nights, they runtogether,
sometimes fast and sometimes slow;
sometimes they are hard to measure,
sometimes I just never know.

Hot days, dreary days,
now begins the summer;
long days. hazy days,
often times a ******.
Seeking shade, seeking water,
relishing the morning breeze;
cool showers, ice cream treats,
things that satisfy and please.
Beaches in a desert land,
dry and bare and sandy;
frosty mugs of cold root beer,
often come in handy.
Mirages come and disappear,
they shimmer with false hope;
to escape the heat, the game,
at the movies, we can cope.
Hot days, dreary days,
and now we pray for rain;
I'm not looking toward next year,
when we'll do it all again.

I remember fields of youth
where we so grandly played -
we were strong, fleet of foot
how we wish they'd stayed.

The eternal spring of loving
ah, those endless days of bliss -
when tender words were spoken
and expectations of a kiss!

The days we worked with vigor
the nights of splendid passion -
we're they then so long ago?
or have we fallen out of fashion?

Middle age has flown away
all that's left is dying slowly -
all our sins,  we hope forgiven
in the hopes of being holy.

What's left,  is heaven's arms
praying we're accepted -
quashing thoughts of hell
if sadly,  we're rejected.

Now let us speak of love
for love is what you are
let us also speak of joy
for you are its shining star.
You keep me safe,  awake
you keep me safe,  asleep
warm me with your laughter
it's seldom now - I weep.
You bring the sunshine in
you keep dark clouds away
I never have to worry
that by my side you'll stay.
You bring to me the rainbows
and place them at my feet
you're cause for celebrating
when first our hearts did meet.
Yes,  I must speak of love
for love is what you are
when you send it all my way
then you're never far.

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.

'Twas but a little love
that never went away
it blossomed like a rose
like the touch of spring in May

For the heart was made alive
as the days became more sunny
and the soul was stirred by love
and its taste was kin to honey

Something soft and sweet
something warm and tender
filled my mind with wonder
and the magic that it rendered

'Twas but a little love
that had its winsome way
that led me by its hand
and wouldn't go away.

God is not the author of confusion
but can we say the same of man?
he shoves aside the word of God
is that something we can understand?

Man has tried his best to make peace
but his efforts destroy his very plan
it's time to put God back in our life
lest we fall,  as we attempt to stand.

Wars do not solve the anger issues
conflict brings sorrow and more pain
we're left with nothing much accomplished
with little solace  - and very little gain.

We've removed God's blessing by rejection
with abortion, with the wickedness of life
the violence that spreads and conquers
is as deadly and as sharp as any knife.

We are no longer,  what we call united
division covers us, just like a plague
nothing more in life is certain
only something that we call vague.

It's time to shed some things
that bind us and encumber
things that lost their value
like old and useless lumber.
It's time to discard clothing
to the thrift stores they will go
once they had their moments
but moments pass, you know.
I'll give away,  my old L.P.'s
that now,  I seldom play
long ago they had their time
but that time has slipped away.
And don't forget,  all the books
I won't read them anymore
they now are useless items
of violence, crime and gore.
It's time to bury yesterday
the sixties are long gone
just one season now remains
to sing my old life's song.

Who is the man who looks back at me?
the image that I see?
I look a little closer, ***, that's me!
My hair is receding quickly,
there's a bald spot up on top;
at my age, I can't grow a new crop.
The eyes take a while to get brighter -
the small goatee is gray or it's white;
there's a haggard look at dawn,
depending upon the light.
I rise from my bed with slowness,
sit on the side for a bit;
behind the window's curtain,
the morning's becoming lit.
I walk with a cane and a flashlight,
in the bathroom I hit the switch;
the light is suddenly brighter,
my God- old life's a *****.
It takes me some time to get going,
two cups of coffee drunk slow;
I stretch out my legs at the sink,
by God now, I'm ready to go.
I grab Jax's leash from the wall,
he's prancing and all ready to go;
I grab my hat and sunglasses,
we exit -  and go with the flow.

The early morning coolness
finds me on the trail, walking
the crispness of the dawn
looking here and there, gawking;
A hike for me is pleasant
and something of a boon,
I smile at the image before me
for I am walking toward the moon.
though I am not getting any closer
its fullness shines as I look south;
the man in the moon is not apparent
but if I look close, I can see his mouth.
The loop I take is on a high ridge
the highway traffic off to my right;
they're all rushing off to work
I turn, and they are gone from sight.
Back to the car, where I have parked
I make my way on dirt-packed narrow trails;
there are no short-cuts that I take
and the sense of one good walk prevails.

2,000, five hundred feet higher,
it's ten degrees cooler up here;
than the place where I now live
watching the green cacti near.

From where I am,  I can't see it,
I'm too far to the north and east;
but the views I do have,  are great,
Verde Valley's a high desert feast.

The peaks behind Flagstaff's are lovely,
Eighty-nine A winds her way to Jerome;
and a shelter of pines line my footpath,
as we amble and stride and do roam.

Jax - is my  faithful companion,
adorable, trustworthy...true;
a canine that I can call buddy,
he's with me in most things that I do.

The road is a thousand feet lower,
like a concrete snake amid trees;
Wood-Chute mountain's enchanting,
as once more, I return, to just see.