Golden beak pecks at the bars,
longing to glide among the stars,
yet here it is trapped inside,
but on the breeze, it yearns to fly.

As others do so blissfully
it watches them so wistfully
knowing that it only learned
to hide from the sun or feel it burn.

With its pecks and sun and rain,
the old steel bars begin to change,
orange rust, it begins to thin,
just perhaps, a future win.

A lifetime watching them with ease
outside alive upon the breeze
second-hand freedom flying
high above as it sits crying.

And then finally the steel gives way,
spread her wings on this day,
Not trapped anymore soaring free,
amazing what her eyes can see.

The rain, an aphrodisiac,
droplets magnifying beauty,
moisture igniting lust,
but unable to quench the flame.

Imagination,
clicking of antique typewriter keys,
puffs of dust rise,
ghostly steps trod creaking stairs.

Scurrying sounds emanate
from dark corners and inside walls,
my breaths are so loud,
I hold it.

Comments and ideas
smeared on train cars,
telling stories of life,
tags of love and anger.

Art amongst the people,
approval is not required,
some look in awe,
others in disgust.

It takes all kinds,
I'm not sure it does,
however,
we have all kinds.

Memories of making love
under bridges in the fall,
our bed of golden leaves,
continuing to blow over us
on the afternoon autumn breeze.

Cinnamon, clove and spice,
was the taste of you,
all morning baking pumpkin pies,
I begged you for a walk.

Dirt road dust,
the sound of the creek,
the splashing sounds as we threw rocks.

I kissed you neck and lips,
as if tasting the divine.

You grabbed my hand and lead me under the bridge.

Wine glasses filled with red,
matching shadows under lace,
a devilish and delicious grin,
the smile on her face.

She wishes to devour me,
taken over by the devil inside,
I believe I shall allow it,
and enjoy the Valentines ride.

Boiling clouds look like crashing waves,
the desert craves the monsoon rain,
tumbleweeds surf the raging wind,
thirsty sand swallows in gulps.

Saturated, puddled and running,
toward the lowest point around,
reflecting lightning flashes,
mirroring the raging beauty.

Merging torrents stampede,
forming rapids through arroyo's,
matching the roar of the thunder,
and cascade down into the swollen river.

Desert grass, long brown, suddenly greens,
small flowers erupt volcanically,
a pyroclastic flow of yellow and purple,
quickly covers the satisfied landscape.

Enjoying the moisture while it lasts,
the clouds break revealing blue sky,
the roiling sun makes it's appearance,
ready to bake the sand once more.

Clinking links, hang from silvered cuffs,
jagged edges glisten in the blazing light,
sweat runs down the back,
from the hacksaw might.

Drops of blood imagined,
running down from my heart,
her words a dagger,
destroyed my new start.

Escaped a prison,
but waited too long,
my bird began to sing,
a brand new song.

Cinderblocks attached
to the brand new chain,
pad locked in place,
as I stand in the rain.

Stiletto blade digs in
leaving a thin red line,
that will burn and drain
in the salt water brine.

Crashing waves below
swallow chain and concrete,
followed rather quickly,
by the soles of my feet.

Dragged down below,
even only in my mind,
sunk into a pit of despair,
I will be hard to find.

Blurred images of reality,
spread across the canvas,
pastel mirages entice me,
to enter the dreamscape.

Mental impressions,
transferred by brush,
transports me to Argenteuil,
to share a drink with Claude.

Tucked sails rolled away,
as mainmasts rock in the breeze,
the gentle lapping of water,
reaches my ears.

Details seep into consciousness,
but quickly dissipate,
much like the smokestacks ejecta,
filters away in the background.

Red hair hangs down,
freshly brushed out,
like curtains covering,
the two dollops of lust
upon her chest.

Pink lips open,
white teeth gleam,
skin tightens
and bumps raise,
as my fingers barely graze.

Hot breath applied to her nape,
causing eyes to close and flutter,
sneaky hands slowly pull sheets,
down, down, down, revealing
breathtaking landscape, ending in pink toenails.

A roaming tongue paints
a picture of passion,
butterfly wings open,
the core of femininity,
exposed, like a jewel.

Approaching deftly,
slowly working the maze
of hot red emotions,
stoking the fire to white hot,
until it threatens violence.

Then with finality,
the flames are extinguished,
nozzled streams at the base,
an explosion taking the fuel
that fed the conflagration.

Skeletal fingers
claw at the hour glass
the scythe swings impatiently
time is on no ones side

cold depths
6 feet down
or flaming heat
and a silver urn

the ravens beaks
tapping, tapping
dark wings flap
in the black night

an escaping howl
from the wolf pack
running, running
feel the breath on heels

the sand continues to fall
the minutes pass
hopes and prayers
do nothing

Just live
in the moment

As the boulevard runs away from me,
carrying you further and further out of sight,
the delirium tremens kick in
trembling now, alone in my chair.

Hallucinations start,
my lost beauty teases,
walking by, half naked
replaying memories past.

Leaving me in a puddle
of tears and slobber,
as I attempt to detox
my soul from a drugged love.

Though love it was,
cut with more lust
and speedy encounters
with no foundation

Red apples hang next to green leaves,
black ants; slowly crawl in a continuous line,
yellow and brown bumbles hum around,
goats, Meh-eh-eh! Meh-eh-eh! in the pen.

Dewdrop jewels hang from leaf tips,
falling occasionally in the light breeze,
stainless steel glimmers in the sun,
as the blade bites into the apple's flesh.

Juice runs down lips and chin,
a sweet liquid flow perfuming her neck,
and continuing down between pert *******,
resulting in a quivering motion as it tickles.

Sticky sweet kisses, like apple cider,
walking, as hands and fingers knot together,
golden tansies stand alongside the orchard,
I pluck one and put it behind her ear.

Grass, mown short under bare feet,
a path toward the house, birdbath in front,
bluebirds preen, blue and rose beige feathers,
calling out a trilling chirp, background music.

A pair of front porch rocking chairs,
white wood, with brown wicker seats,
anticipate us, as the sun begins to set,
and crickets begin to sing the evening's song.

Her body's curves,
excite my passion,
riling up my heat.

At one with the,
slithering coils and,
serpentine dreams,

Inspiration found in her treasure,
sensations send me higher.

Flowing thoughts delve deep,
into a well of lust,
never to see the bottom,
every emotion belongs to her.

The sun is burning down on my SFA cap,
my love sits beside me, her leg up on my lap,
we are on the shores of Cedar Creek Lake,
watching boats and skiers cut a foamy wake.

Her golden skin that shows, has a **** glow,
a tan she got started in New Mexico,
the bikini she's wearing is a Texas flag,
makes it look so good, I really have to brag.

We're just doin' nothin', want to come along?
the radio is playing, come on and sing a song.
The cooler is filled with blue mountain beer,
what are you waiting for, just get on over here?

The breeze is steady and its blowing brisket smoke,
my red solo cup is full of Beam and coke,
the table is filled, with snacks and chips,
some hot and spicy queso, I can't wait to dip.

The day is waning, the moon starts to climb,
cool water and sun made the day sublime,
golden stars now fill, the heart of Texas sky,
laying on the dock, in the middle of July.

We are really good at this,
it's our favorite pastime,
relaxing doin' nothin',
really is no crime.

We're just doin' nothin', want to come along?
the radio is playing, come on and sing a song.
The cooler is filled with blue mountain beer,
what are you waiting for, just get on over here?

We're just doin' nothin', want to come along?
the radio is playing, come on and sing a song.
The cooler is filled with blue mountain beer,
what are you waiting for, just get on over here?

To ride the wave into winter,
with her cool breezes and snow,
banishing the fallen leaves,
wiping away the last vestiges of what was,
wiping the slate clean, for what is to come.

Nothingness, blackness, a living veil,
the wooden stick in my fingers,
am I ready for the light, or shall it remain unlit.

Rock slopes capped
in oranges and browns,
leaves waterfall down the edges,
pooling at the base.

The zephyr sets them in motion,
a river of leaves in flash flood,
dancing colors wash through,
the arroyo dry, but still flowing.

Cypress branches hang solemnly
in the early morning stillness,
I feel the polar opposite,
I know the knees of the trees
hold bass and crappie
which I am here to catch.

With Texas rigged worms
and with feather-tipped jigs,
I grin with glee at the still water
and make my first cast,
waiting and salivating
with excited anticipation.

The boat glides silently,
trolling motor directed,
ultralight rod, orange and white bobber,
red and chartreuse jig ready,
wrist flick sends a ballistic arcing bait.

Landing 4 inches from the cypress knee
the bobber never stops at the surface,
sinking quickly, I lift the rod, and line runs,
reeling quickly, to prevent tangling,
I boat a sixteen-inch white crappie,
hopefully one of many.

Head shaved smooth,
beard on point,
about to hit this *****-tonk joint

Hat cleaned up,
boots shined up right,
bling belt buckle, shiny and bright.

At the bar, two shots back,
redhead slides by,
I begin to mack.

Buy her her a drink,
wants Beam on ice,
she shows a smile that lights up the night.

Asked her to dance,
a song by Jerry Reed,
belly rubbing music is what we need.

Spin her around,
a time or two,
she leans in close when we are through.

Our lips meet,
lightning strikes,
the place goes dark, closes for the night.

Hand in hand,
to my pick up truck,
the city is dark and thunderstruck.

Cruising back roads,
watching the storm rage,
Bob Seger sings, Turn the page.

So that's what I do,
I make my move,
she moves back and is down to groove.

Dancing in the rain,
in pick up lights,
beginning something special, on this night.

Silver white foam floats on the sea,
piling up near a driftwood tree,
gray and old and barnacle encrusted,
my secrets to it have been entrusted.

Sitting there in the noonday sun, watching families having fun
throwing frisbees and *******,
I sit, feet dangling and bare my soul.

Waves run in and wash my secrets out,
that old gray tree never nags or shouts,
Everyday, fall to the spring
new mornings and secrets I bring.

It passes no judgement no matter the tide,
straddling it the storm of life I ride,
then another soul I met,
take her to the beach, to get all wet.

Played all day into the night,
as the temperature falls, I think I might,
histories and secrets up in smoke,
barnacle limbs burned as I broke.

A driftwood no longer remains,
with her I will share my love and pain,
watching the last embers burn and fly,
a final tear comes to my eye.

Told pain of the past kindles love,
we lay on the sand, watch the stars above.
with the burning of the tree,
finally my soul is free.
.

Vivid images jump from the page
the smell of sea, salty air
flapping of canvas
sound of shouting orders

In my minds eye
I am transported
to the cutter
each word an image

Around the horn of Africa
under evening skies
the last of the suns rays
casting cloud shadows upon the deck

The trees sway in the breeze
rustling of leaves
just audible
over the slap of waves on the hull

As I turn the page
the voyage continues
to where?
I'll have to finish reading to find out

Hate festers and boils to the surface
erupting in pustules of angry words
shouted out of gritted teeth
overreacting to the slightest annoyance

Lashing out at people who cannot help
driving a wedge in relationships
a psychological mind full of issues
metaphysical pain, manifesting

My tongue a cat of nine tails
leaving scars on the psyche
of friends, family, children
and even more so on my own soul

Out of control
uncomfortable in my own skin
my thoughts wearing thin
deep dead set eyes

Dark circles underneath
a cold black spot where
my heart used to reside
rotted away over years

Alone, through my own making
a hermit, tucked away
out of sight, ignored
to wallow in my own pain

Dude knows how to lay the pipe
pushes it in and glues it tight
you enjoy his hot wet work
but in the morn your pocket hurts

Freedom paid for with lives and blood,
boots on the ground all around the world,
landing craft beaching on foreign shores,
as bullets, whizz by and bombs explode.

Aircraft were flown, in all manner of skies,
ready to act at a crackle of the radio,
the black depths patrolled by submariners,
watching and listening with tools of sound.

Floating on the surface of the worlds waters,
gun metal gray monsters loaded for bear,
the sailors pride evident in the gleam,
inspiring respect, and fear.

From out of planes they bail,
carrying everything they need,
landing behind and among the enemy,
this is where heroes are born.

Uniforms shined and polished
medals pinned upon proud chests,
tears fall down everyone's cheeks,
as flags are draped and salutes fired.

Freedom purchased with brave lives,
still, some must soldier on,
remember and respect,
the ones in uniform.

Lost in memories murk
those words must sometimes lurk
out of the darkness and into the light
I must use my mental might

Extract them from the folds
no telling what they hold
a bit of humor or romance
you have to give them a fighting chance

Light the fire under your muse
**** her till she blows a fuse
then the pen and juices go
fill the pages with the flow

Write until the need ebbs
weave through text exciting webs
of suspense or sultry lust
your pen no longer full of rust.

Eve
the embodiment of beauty
yet bad judgment
changes our view

Painted passion
***** lips
ignites desire
all eyes
on her
as she purses
all wish
for a kiss

Share and share alike
like the village bike
jaded to extremes
loss of all your dreams
searching and searching
for love that's lurking
but never finding
one that's binding.

More is not necessarily better
and less is sometimes not enough
but just right
and a kiss goodnight

Heated memories
entranced in summer sun
resonate forever in mind

Kismet brought us together
in a short time
still in love
summer souls fastened

This dress barely conceals
her curves and shapes
instinctively my hands explore
never before touched places
knowing smiles on her lips
secrets conveyed with looks

Lemony sweetness on her lips
using every ounce of appeal
started a spark
that continues today

Gnashing teeth
stained red,
polished by,
a searching tongue.

Instincts on high alert,
nostrils flare,
tapetum gathers light,
searching the dark.

Ears perked,
stillness of muscle,
an odd calmness,
before the attack.

Hindquarters load,
the spring has sprung,
launching, teeth bite down,
crimson metallic Tang in the air

Clear as crystal on the beach
seconds later, sight cannot reach
as if gauze placed over my eyes
on that sense I can no longer rely

I still hear the waves and taste the salt spray
but the sight of ships, is  what I pray
cruising in the aquamarine sea
take in the impressive a sight to see

The mists roll in and cloud the scene
a bit of fright, into the serene
swirling and moving ghosts and ghouls
in the early morning sun, our brain is fooled

The soup blows away with the breeze
kicks up the sand, and the leaves
clears the view, and dries the sweat
into the water, great tide to get wet.

The full moon cresting the horizon,
red to orange to gold then silver,
a crispness in the air, a bit cooler,
as the breeze illicits a shiver.

Leaves crunch underfoot,
as Pegasus flies across the sky,
each star an exquisite diamond,
shining through the atmosphere.

Suddenly the smell of leaf smoke
touches my nose, leaving me longing,
smores and hot chocolate and a blanket,
snuggled up with my wife.

Memories taste like candy,
as a smile of trick or treaters
like the walking dead,
haunts my thoughts.

A change of winds direction,
cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg,
the neighbor baking,
thanksgiving will soon be here.

I sit back in the porch swing,
clear my mind of thought,
and just enjoy the early darkness,
as summer fades away.

An eerie song bubbles from the depths,
not quite describable, but you can feel it,
a shadow emerges into sunlit waters,
growing larger as it approaches.

Suddenly like a volcano erupting,
a huge body covered in barnacles,
erupts on the surface in a balletic roll,
gasping for air and spewing water.

Several others join the first,
the majestic spectacle of nature,
the largest creatures on the planet,
move off in a group, just below the surface.

What was that, I heard her say,
in the darkness of the night,
I say it was simply night whispers,
inspiring dreams of fright.

Do not strain to hear,
what they have to say,
if you finally understand,
in your dreams, you'll have to pay.

The monsters mumble purposely,
like the piper plays a tune,
you try to hear and decipher,
like an archeologist and a rune.

But its a trap, I'm telling you,
those hushed words filled with sin,
the more and more you listen,
ensure that they will win.

So roll over and go to sleep,
no need to pray for your soul,
if you just ignore them,
you will prevent their goal.

Washed up on a shore,
awakened all alone,
no buildings or people,
no huts of grass or stone.

Looking all around,
in the glinting sand,
bits and pieces of my boat,
waves carried to this land.

Do I sit and cry,
or gather what I can,
I must answer quick,
I'm the only one who can.

So I choose quickly,
to see if I can survive,
but I want to do more,
even alone I want to thrive.

So explore my island jail,
to see what is here,
fresh water spring found,
hogs, and some kind of deer.

Rats and seabirds too,
live upon this rock,
if they can, I can too,
I refuse to ever stop.

The smell of bakers yeast
with molasses undertones,
the roar of propane as it ignites
sending blue flame and heat.

Copper *** and curling tubing
a hint of brass here and there,
aromas of cooking flour paste,
and the steady drip into a mason jar.

Shifting ice's avalanche noises,
now a steady stream flows,
swapping jars and taking sips,
adding apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Crystal clear liquids,
some now full of fruit,
stacked in the corner
ready for the next party.

My love for you runs deep,
in a crystal clear spring;
hidden from sight,
in the cave of my soul.

It emerges as a waterfall,
when I kiss your lips;
or squeeze you in an embrace,
which sometimes leads to more.

With gentle care I explore,
your body and your soul;
with my hearts fingertips,
I tease you till you glow.

Erupting love from within,
the volcano in both of us;
mixes and ties us together,
as the knot pulls tight.

Our arteries and veins,
slowly braid combined;
hearts begin to merge,
as we become one.

No longer hidden,
in the cave of souls;
our love shines like the sun,
glowing for all to see

People deep in the south,
brown, white and black
if there's trouble, we got your back,
when we’re cut we all bleed red,
I believe that’s enough said.

Terminal Sickness is a terrible thing
especially if its the one that wears your ring
The disease causes a prolonged fight
No one knows whats wrong or right

Doctors offer chemistry
Preachers offer ministry
You offer lots of love
you try to contain, like a glove

The treatments help but take their toll
The patient tries to stay whole
But is eaten by painful holes
having trouble fulfilling the roles

Of spouse and lover and of friend
Even love is not enough in the end
You try and try and cry and cry
No matter how hard you pry

The beautiful body begins to die
the one on which you did rely
The medicine and love cannot prolong
Time to sing our goodbye song

Its not about you but in the end it is
After she's gone, just you and the kids
Hold on to the beautiful memories you had
but move on with life, and please don't be sad.

Night creatures on the prowl,
stalking their prey in silvered moonlight,
from above wings flap and eyes glow,
searching for mice and shrews.

Through tall grass and into the
plowed fields, slinking close to the ground,
flattened and oozing through mountain filtered
cool air, the tomcat searches for a meal.

Nights gossamer gown now burned away,
I sit and look across a field of hay,
in the distance, deer now feed,
I wonder where this day will lead.

The coffee with its own cream clouds,
fuel, the thoughts of screaming crowds,
but for now, I am here alone,
sitting on my back porch throne.

As children we fell in love
and continue to this day
after 21 years
I still feel the same way

Still beautiful today
as you were those years ago
now our kids are that age
where does the time go

According to the web
nickel or brass should be your gift
how about at poem on paper
to give your heart a lift

I love you more today
than is even possible right now
I do not need to renew
no need to reavow

Read these words and know
that I would not change a thing
each time I look at you
inside my soul sings

When I kiss your lips
it still sets me on fire
this will be the case
till the day that I expire

With fire burning,
hot and wild,
the night bleeds dark,
and scares the child.

With floors a' creaking
tree limbs scratch on glass,
winter winds make,
monsters en mass.

Buried under blankets,
as closet doors rattle,
imagined fear,
wins the battle.

With thunders boom,
and lightning's flash,
down the hall,
the child makes a dash.

At Dad's bedside
stops and stares
my eyes open
and now I'm scared.

Silent child,
stares at me,
is he awake,
what does he see?

Walking back,
turning on the light,
showing that,
there is no fright.

Good night now,
go to sleep,
hoping that,
no demons creep.

The every inside everything consumes me,
anxious paranoia has set in,
deep breathing no longer helps,
but I go on anyway.

The screaming gears
bones exploding
organs ruptured
fluids running

Lost
I search
Yet I find
Nothingness

Found
It was located
What you ask
Nothingness

Nothing
Surrounds me
A void
Something

Moves in the distance
A flash
A spark
A flicker

Just outside
The realm
Of seeing
Mystery

Intrigued
I focus
Looking
There

Questions
Closer
But not any clearer
Fear

Waiting
Approaching
Waiting
What could it be

Expectations
Rise
In my sea
Of nothing

Texas border, El Paso,
I-10 and a ways to go,
just stopped and filled the tank,
grabbed some food and a drink.

Should be good for a while,
need to make three hundred miles,
next stop, where the grass turns green,
somewhere the other side of Abeline.

Adding 10 to my trip,
taking the left-hand split,
where the interstates divide,
from ten to twenty I take in stride.

Reach down and crank the radio,
the next exit is for Cisco,
quick pit stop, cashier with a frown,
let's head on to ol' cow town.

Passing through onto big D,
Dodging traffic hoping to be free,
as the drives begins to wear
First Monday, Canton, just up there.

As prairie lands give way to trees
and big cities are behind me,
Lindale and Tyler's exits
not far now to make a Texit.

Getting close now Shreveport bound,
there a hotel so I can lay down,
Ranging Texas far and wide
made it across I smile with pride.

Waves of green,
then of amber,
then a beach of sand,
after the harvest.

Do you ever wonder why,
we are born so we can die,
and all through life we must try,
and through rough waters, we must ply.

Working hard for a piece of pie,
making wishes to stars in the sky,
speaking sarcasm with a wit that's wry,
then with our last breath, leave with a sigh.