Shimmering, miasmic waves
of suffocating heat,
bounce off the scorching pavement
and distort the tortured street.

A toxic stew of asphalt sticks
to every tire and shoe,
as tar begins to bubble
'Tis "The Texas summer goo".

Oppressive heat beats downward
from relentless glaring sun.
Be wary of Apollo's malice!
Summer's just begun.

I think about him often
and on Father's Day, I dwell...
upon the things he gave to me
and taught me oh, so well.

I go back to those early years
when on my father's knee...
he'd give to me a special hug
and then he'd say to me:

"...life is what you make.
Don't look for special breaks.
Keep your chin up
when the world seems doomed,
for goodness sakes.

Always keep love in your heart.
on that you'll always count.
And when you do...well..
there's no obstacle you can't surmount.

You can be, all that you want
for you have that kind of power.
You're not as fragile, as it seems
though, I see you as a flower.

Do not be afraid to love
freely, with all your heart
I will protect you always
but you must also...
those times when we're apart

That day will come along
when my body falls apart.
And then, I must be moving on
but I'll remain forever...
within your heart!"

He left me in 2013
to go and be with God.
I knew he would someday
of course…
yet still, I find it odd...

that I can still recall his voice
from all those years ago.
And I'd just like to say that...
I listened, and I love him so!

How wondrous,
the romantic heart
that beats
within my breast.
Often do I listen
and within
my mind caress.

The thoughts and sights
that float before
the fantasizing eye.
'Tis much more fun
to dream and
let reality go by.

Eyes..."the windows of the soul"
revealing all i am and are...
Layers of emotions
that show every battle scar.

With a phrase or harsh action
they may show such grief and pain.
Some often ignore the signs...
and just attack again.

They speak to you, succinctly
and can be an open book
If you would only take the time
to take a deeper look.

They soften when they fall in love
and sharpen to a lie
And tighten when duress is near
and narrow when they spy.

They widen when the wonders
of the world come into sight.
Then close when darkness falls
and just embrace the night.

They flinch when they are startled
and they smile when joy is near.
And lubricate themselves with tears
when losing someone dear.

If you should pay attention
to the billboard of the eyes.
They often tell the truth
and seldom falsely advertise.

Evening has subsided with a whisper in the west.
It chased the sunset's final rays as she prepared for rest.

Night has dropped her curtain but the moon has come to play.
The overture begins, as lonely crickets have their way.

The breeze begins to soften and the grass is standing still.
The leaves no longer beckon in the trees upon the hill.

I huddle in the darkness and await the rising wind.
A prayer is formed upon my lips, in homage to a friend.

And there ... I feel the sweet caress, a hand upon my cheek
A breeze that comes from someone ... from the passing soul, I seek.

And as I watch the lingering stars and hear the rustling leaves
I know that she has left this world and heavenward, she weaves.

I bid farewell to one, who loved this life, and all it gave
I dedicate this poem to her and toward the moon, I wave.