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.

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.

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.

Two hours in my waking day,
I drink my second cup of joe;
my synapses fire slowly -
with still a ways to go.

The darkness yet prevails,
no rosy fingers seen;
only quiet in this house,
a tranquil, ghostly scene.

A single light's enough,
to brighten up the room;
to scatter blackness nil,
to rid the morning's gloom.

A shower's in my mind,
not too hot and not to cold,
to freshen up the body,
for the day that's to enfold.

A rhyme to start the engine,
the sparkplugs of the mind;
to get the juices flowing,
for the coming daily grind.

Once we were a Christian nation,
close to God and full of love;
now we've cast Him out,
like a worn discarded glove.

Thought we could do without Him,
said doing good, was good enough;
thought our own way was the right way,
we've found out the road is rough.

We've all turned away from God,
we now worship different things;
like money over Jesus -
are we shocked by what it brings?

We're all headed for disaster,
it's too late to hit the brakes;
it's too late to turn around,
for God and heaven's sake.

Once we dwelt with God,
said prayers and offered praise;
but from grace, we fell,
in our final coming days.

November quirky winds,
blow warm, and then so cold;
it's autumn, fast receding,
it's winter getting bold.
Holidays keep spinning,
the shopping, the spending;
advertisement heaven,
is close to never-ending.
November kills the leaves,
in spurts, in numbing fury;
the people flock to malls,
in too much of a hurry.
November hides the sun,
in shadow and in darkness;
it kills the budding flower,
as it displays its starkness.

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.

The sun is slowing setting -
in the clouded western skies;
and chilly darkness covers all,
like for the one that slowly dies.

Wane of twilight has moved on -
cool night's formed and spread;
and a somber, quiet hush appears,
but nothing close by me is dead.

A page has turned, like in a book -
of this life's,  never-ending story;
and of the way we live it through,
and of God's auspicious glory.

It's only seasons ever-turning -
with the changes of each day;
tears of happiness that glow,
in the laughter of a child at play

Later on- I'll stand at your grave -
(or you at mine) then, we'll weep;
but not for very long, my sweet,
for you (or me), we are but asleep.

It used to be,
New England had
fall magic...
of autumn colors
that were unsurpassed;
In Vermont,
solitude and serenity;
Alas - those magic days
have passed.
Two-lane roads,
are filled with
speeding cars;
at least, at night,
you still can see...
the stars.
It used to be,
the pace of life
was slow;
today - it's hectic;
the only quiet now,
is winter's snow.
It used to be,
there was peace,
within the village,
where I would go;
but that was in
the magic of
one's early youth...
decades... and ages,
not so long ago.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Outside, the day is warming
inside, the coffee dwindles
I'm getting the gumption to go
just looking out the windows
My reactions slow with age
it's harder to get going
arthritic limbs resist
when cooler winds keep blowing
Don a sweater and a cap
a windbreaker will do fine
thick and heavy trousers
hiking boots to toe the line
Sun shades and some gloves
dog bags,  for my furry friend
who trots along beside me
his devotion never ends
The walk is paramount
all other things are petty
the coffee's almost gone
and now, by God, I'm ready.

Strange, sitting on the porch,
at six,  in the evening time;
skies have gathered darkness,
as I start, my budding rhyme.
October's spell,  nigh over,
ahead, lurks gray November,
cool winds and leafless trees,
the sensations,  I remember.
I wish fall would never end,
alas!  nothing lives forever;
life-it's like a breeze blown leaf,
whatever its endeavor.
Pages opened, pages closed,
the book of souls,   roll on;
with laughter, tears and love,
the remnants of its song.
Hold fast each golden moment,
of its lovely, shining gift;
that stands above all others,
and with the heart,  does lift.

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.

If your reading this, take heart
it's for you and you alone
for the poetry you write
that makes us sigh and groan;
that makes grin and smile
that inspires and enlightens
our each and every mile
that gives us cries of sorrow
that stirs our hearts to gladness,
that tugs at our emotions
that keeps us all from madness.
Ours is a special group
we honor one another
with tales of poetry
for our sister and our brother.
So, here's to you, the poet
may your poems sing loud and clear
may you never cease to write
causing tears and cheers!!

There was an old man from Brazil
who gulped a ****** pill
it stuck in his throat
he almost croaked
it hurt when he started to speak
now he's just fine
but his neck was stiff for a week!

Forget the past
just let it go
the old days do not last
tell me you didn't know.
Leave it all behind
trade it for tomorrow
the sun above, it will still shine
it's time to end all sorrow.
It's only excess weight
baggage you've not lost
don't be burdened down by fate
no matter what the cost.
Grab the coming days
the future there is calling
cast aside those old, old ways
change and don't be stalling.
The past is only history
you're living in the now
tomorrow's just a mystery
I wish that I could show you how.




play it as it lays

In the echoes of my mind, you live
unforgotten dreams, of a distant past
of love and bitter moments
of a bond that did not last.
Of a touched and tortured heart
of a human spirit, bleeding
of strong desires, crushed
left with a soul that's needing.
Left with remorse and sorrow
both - empty and adrift
when the differences appeared
and life began to shift.=
Bruised and battered is the heart that hides
ravaged by the hurt and pain
no one sees the tears of spoken lies
they fall silently, like April rain.
Lamentation is the final song
we put away the misery with stoic grace
smile and laugh, as we move on
letting no one see our own true face.

Weep for a world that
knows no God but money;
that has no inner soul and
thinks crude humor is funny.
That worships movie actors
that yell for more of singers
that only speak to others
by working  of their fingers.
Weep for a world that says
same *** is fine and dandy;
that anything goes if you are
over-sexed or simply randy.
That *******'s not wrong
that a *******'s only play;
that a bit of *** is love and good
a jumping of the bones is A okay.
Weep for a world that is deceived
weep for those lost and led astray;
for those disenchanted by their life
for those misguided in their way.

I went to the Feast
everyone I knew was there
for those that could not make it
I said a silent prayer.
For eight days, we rejoiced
with praises of thanksgiving
singing glorious songs to Him
most grateful and forgiving.
It was the Feast Of Tabernacles
what it's like when Christ will reign
for a thousand years of joy
when we'll put away all shame.
Embracing truth and blessings
fueled by God's great power
to the Rock of our salvation
under His strong tower.
When Satan's in the pit
and peace will find it's way
to a new and splendid world
how we'll celebrate that day!!

Heavenly Father, hear my prayer
in this new year we still care
for peace and love and hope
give us the strength to cope

Give us the faith to trust in God
for each and every need
the fortitude to do what's right
and on His Spirit, feed

Heavenly Father, hear our voice
for a nation that is bleeding
physically and spiritually
it's not Your voice we're heeding

The world is chaos and confusion
they're calling evil good
they've done away with sin
not doing what they should

Heavenly Father, hear my plea
Your the hope of our salvation
we await Your son's return
to heal this broken nation.

Father from above, you called my name
brought me out of darkness, to the light
forgave my sins and lasting shame
strengthened me for the daily fight.
Showed me truth when there was doubt
gave me blessings, showered me with love
when I found what life was all about
when I looked and found You up above.
You gave me hope and not despair
Your Holy Spirit gave me power
now I have love ad strength to share
and I am safe, in Your high tower.
Father God, King of Creation
You are the refuge I do seek
You are the Rock of my salvation
the Great Eternal, of which I speak.
You are the Father of us all
and very worthy to be praised
with Grace and Joy, we can stand tall
and in the resurrection, we will be raised!

I always wind up here
no matter where U start
but it's my special place
so dear to my old  heart
All further thoughts are futile
to that, I am resigned
my mind cannot acknowledge
such ideas of any kind
I am happy and contented
in the spot which I am in
far away from trouble
from the places I have been
Sheltered by my living
it is well within my soul
as I feast upon my pleasures
the things that make me whole
Long walks with my dog, Charlie
curled up with one good book
listening to my music
in a cozy, pleasant nook
The days go right along
year by year by year
and whatever things befall me
I always wind up here.

In the passages of time, your there
with sparling eyes and long red hair
we fell in love so easily it seemed
was it so real or was it just a dream?
For the first time in my life, I fell
from my empty room and cell
head over heels in love with you
into your  warm embrace, I flew.
In the memory of time, your there
but the passages of age is never fair
our love eroded by neglect
how sad, the memories reflect
Time is never kind to those apart
to those left with  a broken heart
bittersweet photos of a ugly end
things we couldn't fight off or defend.
In my mind's eye, your there
sparkling eyes and wind-blown hair
a sad reminder of the love we shared
when, once upon a time, we cared.

If I could hold you
just a little while
put my arms around you
and hold you close
I would melt into
you and stay still until
enough minutes had past,
I would not remember how long
it
had been when
last I did that.
Time moves so slowly when
such contact is repressed.
But you run and hide and
laugh at my unmet desires.
The game is getting old...and
darling, so am I.

There is no snow, but
leaves have lost their hold
there is no frigid wind
but  the morning's bright and cold.
And so I ask myself...
do I really want to walk?
the urge to go is strong
but my body balks.
My  dog waits patiently
gives me a puzzled look
he ***** his head as if to ask
he knows me like a book.
For him I bend a little
he means the world to me
I picture him outside
loose and  running free.
And I cave in to canine wishes
to the love of my dog, I submit
he so easy to please
don't want him to throw a fit
and so I go.

In the east, the day is dawning
at  6 am, I'm still yawning
sipping my early cup of joe
I ponder, where it is, I'd like to go.
That's retirement, I guess
finally done with work, I now  can rest
no more punching timeclocks
no snarled traffic or roadblocks.
How do I spend my time, I ask myself
walking, reading, writing,
dusting off neglected shelves
loafing on the open porch
until I feel the sun begin to scorch.
Taking long, warm baths and showers
stopping to admire flowers
curling up with one good book
not much caring, how I look.
Eating foods that I love best
watching hair fade from my chest
doing things that give me pleasure
in whatever form or measure.
On my face is one big Smiley
as I live,  the life of Riley.

When the rain keeps me from walking
and the cold keeps me away
and I don't feel much like talking
then, I find another way...

to entertain my soul
to satisfy my longing
such things that make me whole
I do not like prolomging.

A good book is a plesdure
or some peaceful, quiet song
Chopin's a pleasant treasure
nothing noisy or too strong.

The walk still beckons me
the clouds have left the sky
is that the sun I see?
then I must say goodbye!

A turkey leg's delicious
with potatoes, it is grand
veggies are nutrious
have  it in your head, to plan;
Just what to eat and when
portions are the things to count
when in doubt, eat less
just have the right amount
it eliminates the stress.
Eat well and please, be merry
a steak with mashed potatoes
with a glass of frothy sherry
perhaps a salad with tomatoes.
Eat just what you crave
and do not over eat
your not livimg in some cave
we want you slim and neat!

Like a leaf, we wither
like  a flower, we soon fade
too much sun destroys us
we must always seek the shade.
Here today and gone tomorrow
like a shadow passing by
we are for just a moment
like a twinkling of an eye.
In the vast eternity of time
we blossom quicly, then we die
hopefully, with love and peace
knowing well, the reason  why.
Shadows come and shadows go
like a fleeting, rushing stream
in  a life, that soon is gone
like  a long forgotten dream.

Don't care much for politics
let me tell you why
they make too many promises
they smile at you and lie.
They slander one another
with ******, cold remarks
revealing absolutely nothing
they go off on their own larks.
The economy is awful
the border is a mess
abortion is outrageous
who's winning/ It's anybody's guess.
No one likes our choices
Trump is mad at everyone
Kamala should be a model
they're is no one else to run.
Vance and Waltz keep dancing
vying for second place
the whole caboddle's rotten
a total grand disgrace.
That's my take on politics
it's not something I adore
it's slimy and it's crude
alas, a dismal boor!!

It is finally over
the lies, the smiles, the slander
the false promises of glory
to our emotions they do pander.
The guy they love to hate
has won
the beauty queen is gone
some have fallen by the wayside
some have still, gone on.
The country's still divided
the right to **** your baby stays
the pros and cons are many
they burden us in varied ways.
The ads are finally over
the divide is still as great
now begins the process to
decide what is our fate.
Pray now, for our leaders
it's the only choice to make
let the real BOSS know what's wrong
and be good, for heaven's sake!

If I had my way
the rain would fall each month
a little here and there
not in one big bunch.
You wouldn't hear of ******
on the evening news
of violence, *** and ****
no more delving in the blues.
If I had my way
there would be only cheers
to satisfy the heart and soul
void of sorrow, hate and fears.
Where a child was safe in school
and the nation was united once again
where love was once again the Golden Rule
and there was no division among friends.
If I had my way
then in God, we'd always trust
where treasures are stored above
not down here - where they would rust.

The days are getting shorter
so am I
they fade into sunset sooner
dark grows the sky.
The beauty of October is almost gone
the colors all grow dim
the best is in the mind
full to the brim.
Just for a time, you came
to brighten up the day
with cool and crisp of perfume
we always knew you could not stay.
Soon, the winter shows its face
cold and frosty flakes of snow
come floating down like cotton *****
the season is too long, I know.
Seasons of my life are passing quickly
an avalanche of time goes by
time speeds up with advancing age
everything grows older
so do I.

Your time is now
shadows of the night
creep (I don't know how)
it just seems right.
I yawn as sleep approaches
I look forward to the rest
numbness of the limbs enroaches
sleep to get things off my chest.
Blotting out the day
as I slowly slumber
I had my fill, my say
no more, my pick of numbers.
Going to the land of Nod
be back in seven hours
nestled in my quiet pod
climing ivory towers.
Goodnight and fond farewell
adieu and sweet goodbyes
in dreams I soon will dwell
with snoring and deep sighs.

In the absence of your love
I felt betrayed
was I wrong to think it would
be different, had you stayed?
Love's a funny thing I know
it can be great, but then
why do I feel so low?
We never could agree on life
you wanted to be the boss
I had my doubts that you could lead
now, I'm paying for the loss.
Down the tubes love went
we could not save it in the end
too many barriers to fight
and so, it went around the bend
Out of sight but not out of mind
we tried and tried, but it was gone
never to return for a final time
love's old, sweet, bitter song.

Heat surrounds me
like an unwanted blanket.
I'm sitting in my shorts
nothimg else, on the porch.
Hints of a soft breeze does not help,
they are waves of hot air,
not at all pleasent.
Tickling beads of precipatation
form on my back, chest and armpits.
In the shade of my enclosure,
the thermometer reads...100 derees.
I am reading a good book by Ken Follet,
800 pages in length. (I am on
page 262)
In the valley of the sun (Phoenix),
it's 118.
Just knowing that makes
me feel cooler instantly.
Summer in Arizona is not
for the faint-of-heart.
I come inside to towel off and get a cold drink.
It is 75 degrees in the living room.
I head for the recliner, get comfy
and take my afternoon nap.