In a dry and barren desert,
in a stark and lonely land;
I searched for ample shade,
and touched its friendly hand.
In the canopy of cottonwoods,
in the coolness of its leaves;
I hid from pouring rain,
as it wet my sleeves.
In the vastness of a canyon,
I marveled at its sight;
and slowly headed back,
at the coming of the night.
In the dark and velvet evening,
I looked up and kissed the stars;
stood staring at the moon -
a world away from cars.
On an island in the sky,
I gazed at brown-scorched earth;
the diversity of nature's child,
the variety of its birth.

I am dreaming of tomorrow,
when the world turns well;
when we lose the sickness,
and there's nothing left to sell.
When the hate will vanish,
when solid peace returns;
when we learn the truth,
for which the sad heart yearns.
I am dreaming of a new day,
with promises of hope;
with souls of happiness,
that no more have to cope.
Of things that will bring joy,
of things that will bring love;
when each day shines bright,
from the Love that's up above.
I'm dreaming of tomorrow,
when the reality takes place;
when we've no need of dreams,
for the blessed human race.

Father you know well,
the things that trouble me;
the things I overcome,
just wanting to be free.
I sing to you in praise,
let my soul be glorified;
hear my fervent prayers,
know my heart has tried.
Let my voice be heard,
by angels in my keep;
give me peace of mind,
when inside,  I weep.
Keep me strong in Spirit,
and let my lamp be bright;
let me feel Your love secure,
in the forest of the night.
Father guide me on the path,
that leads me to salvation;
so that the day will come,
when I reach my kingly station.

She never wanted love,
only to hold my hand;
when the darkness fell,
she felt that it was grand.
To cuddle and to coo,
with my arm around her
shoulder ;
she just wanted to be held,
nothing greater, nothing
bolder.
I wanted more and told her,
she'd just laugh and smile;
be content,  she said,
just hold me for awhile.
I put my hand upon her knee,
she removed it - silently;
was I too much a panderer?
was it too rude of me?
She never wanted love,
just a flirt - that's all she was;
let this love remain a ******,
because, because, because.

There is contentment in my early walk,
my back is relishing the morning sun;
cares and thoughts are far away from me,
set aside, the things that must be done.

The air is fresh and clean, skies are blue,
my dog pulls ever lightly on the leash;
sometimes,  it feels as if he isn't there,
such are the worried thoughts that cease.

The hilltop offers me splendid views,
of town  and wood  and distant peaks;
it seems that I'm the only one around,
a sense of pleasure of the world I seek.

Far down below, the traffic is but mute,
the only sounds I hear are those of birds;
I love the feeling of my slow and even pace,
when I've no need for empty talk or words.

I delight in my need to find such walks,
with my canine companion by my side;
when from the world I find this place,
and for a precious hour I can safely hide.

The trouble with ambition,
is that we want too much;
when money is our master,
we've nothing but its clutch.

It's a bind that never ends,
it's the sacrifice of peace;
we accumulate forever,
not knowing when to cease.

Wanting better cars and houses,
wanting this and wanting that;
we forget what matters most,
we get rich and we get fat.

Friends fall by the wayside,
and the lovers come and go;
and we forget the meaning,
of just going with the flow.

The trouble with ambition -
lack of morals fall aside;
and our ethics fall apart,
in the wallowing of pride.

Take a cup of Dickinson,
add a bit of Poe;
a pinch of Rod McKuen,
not too much you know...
A teaspoon full of Kipling,
a tablespoon of Frost;
stir it in the ***,
so not much is lost.
A dash of Robert Service,
a dash of my friend, Shelly;
a little Tennyson,
is good for one man's belly.
For sadness, add Millay,
for humor, Ogden Nash;
for adventure, Masefield,
for D. Parker, something brash.
A recipe for poet's stew,
just simmer for an hour;
and relish the aroma,
of poetry and power.

Poets are a common breed,
they're a dime a dozen;
my uncle was a poet,
as was my second cousin.

Some are mad romantics
some are crazy, like a loon;
they write at all the odd hours,
morning, night, and noon.

The good ones leave you gasping,
at each turn of phrase;
you envy their technique,
strive to learn their ways.

The bad ones leave you laughing,
as they offer empty blithering;
you tend to scratch your head,
is there such a word as glibbering?

But, bless them all for trying,
to say what's on their minds;
it only goes to show you
it takes all different kinds!

Why do you keep hiding?
you're a fickle, funny thing;
the winds keep right on blowing,
so I know, it isn't Spring.

There's still the cold and frost,
to remind us you aren't here;
but subtle hints of promise,
remind us that you're near.

You doing it in reverse,
coming in like a lamb;
exiting like a lion,
are you weather's sham?

We need heat and blossoms,
some budding would be nice;
we had our fill of chills,
and were tired of the ice.

Show yourself for what you are,
the hope of things much better;
let me leave my coat at home,
so all I wear's a sweater.

Be more like Spring my friend,
get those gardens growing;
warm those spring-like days,
and get that sap a-flowing.

We're in the right position,
not too close to burn right up;
enough oxygen to sustain life,
sweet, the wine, from God's cup!

So sweet, the taste of love
from brimming hearts,
sunshine from above,
from which we all are parts.

The seasons bring variety,
in so many different ways;
as the earth turns in silence,
like half-forgotten plays.

The music that we hear,
the visions that we see;
made for eye and ear,
for you alone - and me.

And if you think it chance,
then you won't ever know;
the reason why we breathe,
and why the soul does glow.

Evening comes much later
than the day before
as Spring waits for her
time on stage
winter drags her heels and
leaves in snow filled rage.
Can you feel excitement in the air?
is your step a little faster?
it's the season of becoming
what you are seeking after.
The air is crisp and clear
the daytime's getting longer
and you feel the sap return
your body's getting stronger.
Anticipate the morning
the positive just flows
you meet up with a lover
the love, it grows and grows.
Who doesn't like the Spring?
you'd have to be a fool
to not like Spring's parade
when love itself does rule.

I went to see the sunset
from high upon a hill;
the clouds were forming right
I waited for the thrill.
But it was just a sliver
a gold ribbon in the air;
but still, it mesmerized
as all I did was stare.
My dog was sitting by me
to him, I gave his pats;
and drank in the coming dusk
as I brushed aside, the gnats.
The day was fading quickly
the shadows kissed the night;
and up here, upon the mesa,
the world became all right.

I can't give you happiness,
but I can make you laugh -
there's too much sorrow now
so on that, I'll pass.
Rodney got no respect
but he left us his laughter -
and we all need merriment
for things that may come after.
The blues are fine in passing
but prolonged, we do not want -
so conjure up a smile
not something that will taunt.
Grieve, but for the moment
but good cheer is for all time -
the sharing of good memories
so better than to pine.
Let humor be a constant friend
put the gloom away for now -
and for the comic geniuses
let's give a gracious bow.

You were a sordid torment to my soul,
with your differences, well expressed;
your love, it couldn't make me whole,
I was a fool in love, and I never guessed.
Your abrasions took me by surprise,
your rudeness was an added slap;
I felt stupid,  who once felt wise,
but our division was too great a gap.
I was thoroughly wounded to the core,
bent and bruised by angry hurtful things;
I then surmised I wanted you no more,
those weren't memories love brings.
I tried my best to make you understand,
to rectify the wrongs you accused me of;
but in the end, you never took my hand,
so it disappeared,  what once was love.
I'll not lay down and play the fool,
it's too late to mend and turn around;
I left you and I finally let you rule,
I only hope it's happiness you found.

I saw you again last night,
you were with another man;
I turned around in flight,
I just couldn't understand.

Why you left in great distress,
with a note that left me blue;
I miss you so my darling,
when you wrote that -
we were through.

What happened to the dreams,
we had for you and me?
love just fell apart it seems,
were we so  blind we could not see?

What made you run away my dear?
was I so awfully bad?
now I'm left with only fear,
we've lost what we once had.

I saw you once again, tonight,
you were laughing and carefree;
I was standing, in dim light,
I guess you never noticed me.

Let me climb a lonely peak,
where no other feet have gone -
to soothe the savage breast,
as I hike along;
To still my anxious soul,
to meditate on high -
to be where eagles soar,
where I can hear their cry;
Take me to the sites,
that can take one's breath away -
for an hour, for a moment,
let this solitude but stay;
Where horizons never end,
only vision fades from sight -
when the shadows of the evening,
takes from view, the blazing light.
Let me rest upon a ledge,
from a cliff upon a peak -
to relish in my spirit-force,
the words I cannot speak.

Under the golden maple tree,
nestled in fields of clover, green;
across a meadow of flowers -
that's where my dreams are seen.
Along a trail of fallen leaves,
beside the clear cold streaming brook;
you'll see the dreams I have -
but you must carefully look.
You cannot gaze,  then say,
"I cannot see a thing" -
you must know what dreams look like,
and what such dreams will bring.
Look very close and you will find,
the dreams my heart do hold;
seize the moment and the dream -
if you would be so bold!
Under the golden maple tree,
against the earth so green;
across a meadow of violets,
that's where such dreams are seen.
Along a path of scattered leaves,
beside a fast flowing stream;
look close, look hard,  - you'll see
the reality of my dreams.

There are no roses in this garden blooming,
they've withered and died on their stalks;
like the flickers of love that we had,
when we started stopping our walks.

When the kisses gave up their warmth,
when the touches soon became brief;
and embraces were often forgotten,
in various stages of grief.

There are no flowers in this garden growing,
just the tangled masses of weeds;
that perished with our troubles,
that ceased, just like our needs.

When the silence became the norm.
when our eyes looked the other way;
and the nights became too long,
for anything good to stay.

There are no roses in this garden blooming,
only a barren plot;
adrift in memories,
of bitter unanswered thought.

How many loves can one man have?
is there a quota on the heart?
is there a barrier to love,
that keeps them all apart?

The mind does not keep tabs,
on the stirring of a soul;
on the spirit of a touch,
that tends to make us whole.

The heart is broken many times,
by thoughtless words and deeds;
the sadness and the pain remain,
not what the body needs.

Yet, once more, the flame burns bright,
and the soul meets someone new;
suddenly,  the sorrow's gone,
and we begin anew.

How many loves can one man have,
before the curtain falls?
before the race is finished,
before the heartbeats stall?

Where would I be without your love Lord?
seems it took forever, until I accepted You;
through the endless trials and tribulations,
You were with me. You saw me through.

Your the only one, I can truly call a friend,
You-the only one that's never let me down;
earthly friends, they come and then they go,
but I know that You, will always be around.

I will stay obedient to your truthful ways,
I will sing a praise, morning, noon and night;
without Your grace, the  darkness covers me,
I eagerly embrace Your Word and shining light.

Man has failed at life, and of trying to be great,
he has turned his back to God and all His ways;
alienated himself to God's commandments,
now, he's being punished all his earthly days.

Forgive them, for they know not what they do,
they are blinded by the evil prince of night;
they hear, but they don't truly understand,
against the pawns of Satan, we must always fight.

You told me that you loved me,
I told you that was good;
but you never said goodbye,
like I thought you would.

You told me I was beautiful,
I laughed and said, "All right";
but you never said, "I'm leaving",
when you walked out in the night.

You said we were forever,
I smiled and said, "Okay",
but you never said "adieu",
when I thought that you would stay.

You said I was your treasure,
you said I was your prize;
but now I'm by myself,
left sorting out your lies.

You told me that I mattered,
we were a perfect fit;
but now I know the truth,
you were but counterfeit.

What's the use of love,
when his words just leave you shaking?
when you shiver in the night,
because you're heart is breaking.

What's the use of kisses,
when they are just a peck?
when you wonder he's been,
and you're life is one big wreck?

What's the use of hugs,
when they're just a quick embrace?
when he's always in a hurry,
and you can't stand the pace?

What's the use of dreaming,
when you know he will not change?
when he has no time for you,
when he is acting strange?

What's the use of love,
when he's driving you insane?
when he doesn't give a ****,
if your life goes down the drain?

I remember my first love,
she came without a song;
no fanfare in her entrance,
but I saw in her, no wrong.

In time my heart was captured,
she was lovely and pronounced;
I was smitten and bewildered,
as my desire pounced.

For twelve years that it lasted,
the cup of love just flowed;
but came the day of reckoning,
we paid back the price we owed.

Love falls too hard for lovers,
when they drift and crumble;
they're left without an anchor,
too proud to say they're humble.

Now, first love's but a thought,
recessed   far in my mind;
as the birth of love is magic,
so is the ending, too unkind.

Was it love that made
a fool of me,
or was I a fool to start with,
then fell in love?
Was I blind
before love came or
was it love that
caused my blindness?
Of love itself; is there
just one kind?

Was it at first sight or
did it come about after
several dates?
Movies, walks and dinners,
with love thoughts on our plates

I think analysis falls short
when we try to pigeonhole
the genesis of romance.
Let's listen to our hearts
before we start the dance.

But be aware of heartstrings,
that tug and pull at dreams;
many dreams are shattered,
fall apart, right at the seams.

Yet, don't hesitate to love,
Cupid always took a chance;
explore your soul as well,
in the realm that's called romance.

Rain falls, glistening,
on the tall brown grass
of winter,
I look and see a rainbow
to the east;
the day is ending on a
note of dying beauty,
will nature's wonders ever
one day cease?
Man pollutes, all around,
the earth's eroding,
the air, the water and the
bleeding ground;
yet in the magic of a rainbow,
there's still loveliness around.
The slanting rain are like the
tears of angels,
weeping for the magic that
now dies;
cleansing earth once more, again,
I tell you, I can almost hear their cries.
Lights are now so bright, they hide
the stars,
the cities gleam and chase
the stars away;
they swallow children in the schools
and in the streets,
we fight them,  but we just get
in the way.
We welcome soon, the prince of heaven,
to restore the beauty, truth we've lost;
to give peace to every living creature,
to purge the old, whatever it might cost.

Must I be the only one that knows
it's over?
Have you fooled me for so long
I could not see?
now we all know just where it is
you're heading,
What happens, I ask in vain, to me?
If love's one-sided, well then,
my God, it's really finished;
you cannot stay, when love is gone,
you must look for someone new,
you must listen to a new love song.
Love is always there, just look around,
catch someone's eye and show a smile;
speak with modest understanding,
maybe, she will stay by you, a while.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained,
don't be shy, step up to the plate;
you're the one, that's in control,
though others say, it must be fate.
What once you had is now a memory,
some thoughts are good and others, bad;
be thankful for the good ones that remain;
be thankful for the love that once you had

Today - we take love, by the hand,
a gentle squeeze, (part of the plan);
a tender touch, as we embrace,
the first time, that I kiss your face.

Tomorrow - we will make it stronger,
for love to last, a little longer;
a sweet caress, I stroke your cheek,
affirmation of, the love I seek.

I hope - that in the years to pass,
we've found a bond, that surely lasts;
two hearts, we share love's golden prize,
that captured us, by wild surprise.

I know what love is..
it's the smile in other's eyes;
it's the laughter of woman,
it's the sound of lover's sighs.

I know what joy is...
it's the comfort of your arms;
it's the sunshine that you bring,
along with all your charms.

I know what sorrow is...
it's the weeping at a death;
it's the loneliness of friends,
the sudden intake of a breath.

I know what fears are...
it's that the day won't end;
it's nights that are too long,
it's what's around the bend.

I know what love is...
it conquers fear and sorrow;
it accepts things as thy are,
so that we can face tomorrow.

I know what love is..
it's a poem that speaks;
to the heart and to the soul,
and to the love we seek.

Hold me,  when you feel desire,
kiss me,  as the day grows long;
set my heart and soul on fire,
listen to,  my sweet love song.
Hold me,  when the times get lonely,
kiss me,  when I first awake;
tell me,  I'm your one and only,
share with me,  the world I'll make.
Touch me,  when you want me close,
give to me,  your arms at night;
and of your love,  a great big dose,
that will satisfy all night.
Hold me,  as the dawn comes breaking,
kiss me,  when the shadows fall;
touch me,  when your heart is aching,
and,  as the sunset,  softly calls.
Hold me,  when you've lost a friend,
kiss me,  even though you're blue;
for me,  the moments never end,
as long as they still end with you.

Basal cell carcinoma,
is dotted on my face;
my dermatologist's goal?
erase each single trace.
Patchwork, here and there,
his sutures mar my skin;
Frankenstein reminders,
of where his work has been.
A little, next to my nose,
and a little by my eyes;
remnants of his diligence,
from where my skin has fried.
It's the least invasive type,
thank God for little things;
my state is full of sunshine,
and what such sunshine brings.
So I slap on the old sunscreen,
that gooey, paste protection;
in hope that it suffices,
from Old Sol's intervention.

Why does love, seem far away,
when she sits so close to you?
so cold at times, like the moon,
romantic at a distance too.

When her sun begins to shine,
I've forgotten all the rest;
I curl myself into her arms,
my head, upon, her breast.

Love does crazy things to you,
if you try to understand;
what's in her heart and mind,
don't try to change it's plan.

She what she is and so are you,
accept that and be glad;
for you never had, such a love,
of all the ones you've had.

Love is not to analyze,
that only brings it down;
love is to enjoy your world,
no matter where it's found.

Six minutes passes quickly,
so here's what I want to say -
God bless my fellow poets,
who rant and rave their say.

Who offer up their talents,
to share their cares and woes;
to inspire other writers,
and not step on their toes.

Who struggle with each word,
to say what's on their mind -
to give vent to their feelings,
to others, self, and mine.

Who preach the way of poetry,
that calms the mind and soul;
that examination of the heart,
that often makes them whole.

My six minutes now is up,
so I say a fond farewell -
to the poets, everywhere,
may the day for you be well.

Father, I will know you,
much better after death;
when my soul has died,
when I've taken my last breath.
For all of us must die,
before we truly live;
and like your precious son,
our souls to you, we give.
And in our offerings,
we have expectant hope;
that in what we all encounter,
with You alone, we cope.
Down on earth, below,
we all must pass Your test;
knowing that which follows,
will surely be the best.
Your blessed word is
our great light,
that sees us through,
life's constant fight.
A lamp that shines forever,
for our hurried feet;
where hearts and minds
are mended,
to the glory that we'll meet.
You are the true, eternal dream,
that we can clearly see;
we ask that You do keep us,
in Your sacred memory.

Morning sun, entering the sky,
bright and clean and fresh;
promises of warmth ahead,
as the hours of midday mesh.
The Spring of a new year,
lies dormant, full of hope;
the promises of  change,
from winter's slippery *****.
We wait with anxious breath,
as the cold goes in retreat;
as the frost of dawn recedes,
on silent, cat-like feet.
We wait, with new found spirit,
for the best of times ahead;
we wait, with bated feelings,
these tiered clothes to shed.
Old Sol is rising quickly,
on the back, the heat is felt;
I watch with satisfaction,
the icicles that melt.

I wish you sunshine when it rains,
a happy song to ease your pains;
a laugh for every time you cry,
and lovely dreams for bye and bye.

I wish you happiness each day,
whether at your work or play;
the promised hope, of tomorrow,
the quick passing, of each sorrow.

I wish you summer when your cold,
a confidence, to make to you bold;
a treasure house of constant love,
that you can wear, just like a glove.

I wish you sunsets that always please,
on a hot day, an ever cooling breeze;
a little rain when things are getting dry,
and dreams at night, where you can fly.

I wish you memories that never end,
the companionship of a secret friend;
the love of nature that makes you smile,
and some poetry, that bides with you awhile.

Father, all I see ahead,
is Your supreme creation;
forgiven, when Your Son bled,
to form a Holy Nation.

Grace given as a token gift,
truth that speaks as Love;
stable, when the earth does shift,
from the mighty One above.

Light that shines on others,
Faith that keeps us strong;
strength that seals and covers,
like a Rock to lean upon.

Blessings flow from sacred word,
the knowledge of Your power;
music that we've seldom heard,
Your joy is one great tower.

I will always praise Your name,
in times of peace and trouble;
You transformed my sorry life,
and lifted me from rubble.

There's a gypsy in my blood,
that wants to run the road -
and I must travel to the spot,
to where my heart's been sold.

Give me, the open spaces,
let me wander in the night -
let me hike the distant hill,
then my heart will be all right.

I've a need to roam the land,
for the  places I still seek -
to hear the wild goose cries,
to view the snow-capped peak.

Guide my feet to somewhere,
absent traffic and no talk -
just the hush of quiet forest,
under leaves where I do walk.

There's a gypsy in my blood,
to be a carefree vagabond -
taking solace in a journey,
to the vast and far beyond.

sitting on the porch
enjoying midday sun
while others reel in snow
not having any fun

riding icy roads
they slide and spin
going the other way
that they have been

snowing in Atlanta
freezing in Mobile
they scratch their heads
in how the scene unreels

while here in Arizona
we sit and soak in heat
that exceeds the normal
such a wintry treat!

can't help but rub it in
the wonder of the weather
we're blessed to have it so
this January treasure.

I am a secret admirer,
of her beauty, sweet and fair;
from the glow of her lovely face,
to the curve of her cheek so bare.

I do not exist, not in her thoughts,
not in her world, not in her eyes;
I'm nothing in a world of naught,
and a sigh of inaudible sighs.

One day I'll have the treasure,
that my heart is longing to take;
one day she'll be at my side,
what a happy couple we'll make!

I will exist, both in her heart and mind,
then we'll share the world together;
the laughter, the tears, the joy,
then, we'll be happy beyond any measure.

Till then,  I'm a secret admirer,
of her beauty, sweet and fair;
the eyes that speak of enchantment,
and the cascade of her falling hair.

Give me back the days,
the ones you stole from me;
when love began to fade,
take back the hurtful things
you said,
the lies you cruelly made.
Then mend my heart and
heal my soul,
and give me back the dream;
that long ago - began with you,
when we were once a team.
And say the words that touched
my mind,
that only lovers know;
that satisfied and comforted,
and caused my love to grow.
Give me back security,
that made me safe and strong;
and I'll forget the pain,  and
forgive with each day's song.
Give me back the stolen hours,
and we'll make a brand new start;
give me back... my sanity,
before I fall apart.

I'm not fond of hospitals,
the sick, the injured, the dying;
nurses wearing gloves and masks,
catching bugs when I'm not trying.

But we have to pay respects,
to those we love and cherish;
to be there in body and in mind,
when they may sadly perish.

We have to stay quite cheerful,
to lift their sprits up;
to say they will get better,
to be there as they sup.

To make them laugh, not cry,
to encourage them each day;
while they are confined in bed,
till they're released one day.

But hospitals are my bane,
I can't get away too quickly;
from the things that one can catch,
by just visiting the sickly.

I am not society's child,
nor a slave to worldly things;
I reject the ways of men,
and what that often brings.

I am a child of God,
and it's His truth I follow;
man's ways are not His ways;
their ring is often hollow.

But the Holy Spirit doesn't lie,
never falters,  never sins;
its presence is forever,
of my enemies,  it thins.

I am a slave to Christ,
a servant to the King;
that only asks for Love,
and not to kiss His ring.

I'm in the world,  not of it,
this kingdom is not mine;
I'm waiting for God's kingdom,
that in time, will come and shine.

There's a trail that climbs a mountain,
long and winding, unforgiving;
it's like the road of life,
the daily hum of living.
You may make it to the summit,
or then again, may not;
you may succeed in life,
or you may find it's not your lot.
You're sure to stumble on the way,
watch your step and keep on going;
you may fail at certain things,
but mostly, you'll be knowing.
The view atop the mountain,
is one that's unsurpassed;
the view of life can be as great,
once the stumbling's past.
Life's the mountain you must climb,
you may reach the top,  or not;
yet the journey - that's the thing;
but you must give it your best shot.

It was just an online romance-
e-mail murmurings of love;
imaginary musings,
from somewhere up above.

It was feelings spoke with hope,
the ramblings of a poet;
searching one's own heart,
we're the only ones that know it.

When did poetry erupt,
into poems now laced with pleasure;
when did the words one said,
exceed one's own true measure?

When did friendship turn to love?
when did it escalate?
is it predictability,
or a random act of fate?

It was just an online romance -
with poetry, its base;
until  it changed to something else,
and now, we have to face.

I do not need a map,
to get from here, to there;
from point A to point B,
I can choose just where.
I do not need a compass,
to sail the ocean blue;
a boat that's tried and tested,
will ensure that I get through.
All I need is God,
to be secure and safe;
shelter from life's storms,
from surly winds that chafe.
All I need is love,
to protect me from all harm;
and the subtle  softness,
of your cherished arm.
All I need- I have already,
I don't need another thing;
contented and at peace,
in what this world will bring.

The dawn is filled with warmth and promise,
I awake to Jax, bounding on the bed;
better than the dream that I was having,
that I was drowning in my car instead.
How strange the nightmares that we have,
they seem so real....uncomprehending;
we wake, relieved to find ourselves alive,
relieved to realize the dream was ending.
Thank goodness, the dreams are not so bad,
most of my dreams are of a better kind;
they don't disturb or rattle me,
they help me,  in actuality,  to unwind.
Have you ever dreamt that you were floating?
astral projection, I believe the saying goes;
out of the body, connected to a silver cord,
you are there above, but no one knows.
Maybe I am thinking of a death encounter,
they think your gone, but you are not;
either way, you've left the physical realm,
you feel you must go back, before your caught.
I hope I never have that stupid dream again,
the one where I suspected I was drowning;
it was too real-life like for little me,
it's quite enough for me to wake up frowning.

You must remember,
just how much I loved you -
when first our love took shape;
before the curtain fell on our parade,
and covered us in one big drape.
After that,  we lost the way,
we tried to fix things on the mend;
we recalled our times together,
but it was useless in the end.
You must remember,
the way that I once held you -
and laughter, far outweighed the tears;
before the final act was finished,
we had the whole of all the years.
But now we cannot find an answer,
to questions that surround the mind;
it's best to leave them all unanswered,
I'm too afraid of things that we might find.
Just remember how I loved you,
before the truth,  became deceit;
before the angry words were spoken,
and you walked away on angry feet.

With the wind chill factor,
the temperature is thirteen;
I was out for twenty minutes,
it felt angry, bitter, mean.
I had to walk the dog,
he don't stay still for long;
he stares at me and waits,
like he's right and I am wrong.
I cave in to his wishes,
and don my winter gear;
a slave to canine wants,
and the cold air that I fear.
At first it's not so bad,
but then the wind starts up;
and I resent his pit stops,
I'm freezing; he interrupts.
It's testing my impatience,
I tug his leash,  to say,
Please hurry up and finish,
we haven't got all day.
To be ruled by one's own pet,
can be viewed as giving in;
but he makes it all worthwhile,
with his goofy, silly, grin.

The dew is glistening
on the tepid waters,
dawn is breaking through
the morning's haze;
I stroll on narrow paths,
and catch a heron - in
my scanning gaze.
The sun is soft on
the far horizon,
and warms my limbs,
from head to toe;
I relish early morning air,
and every passing scene,
where my feet -
bade me to go.
Solitude, it's often
hard to find -
we sometimes get,
the harried other kind;
and so I gladly walk this trail,
to know that quiet will prevail.
Early morning breezes,
fan my furrowed brow,
and the only thing that matters,
is in the here and now.
Such days, remain a memory -
carefree days without regret;
doing what it is I want to do,
escaping from the worldly net.

I cannot fight the traffic,
the horrendous line of cars;
innumerable and endless,
like a road of metal stars.
They cut you off in passing,
you have to hit your brakes;
where did they get their license?
at Walmart for God's sake?
They're in a hurried frenzy,
buying Christmas presents;
they're terror on the highway,
by their very presence.
The holidays are here again,
it's mass transit in full force;
it's dodgeball on the road,
and close to home of course.
And so I do my shopping,
in the coldness of the morn;
avoiding sun and racing cars,
far from the driver's scorn.