It's hell getting older-
accepting that you can't
do things you did thirty
years ago.

The younger generation
doesn't understand  
how you can get up out
of your chair, take two steps
and

Last week was difficult for me, giving a eulogy
for my best friend of 54 years.
Although we lived in different cities, at times in different states,
we never missed calling each other two to three times a month.
For fifty four years, he never forgot my birthday. I always forgot his, and we laughed about it.
My parents treated him as the "unofficial third son",  and he reciprocated in kind. A strong bond, like no other.
We did manage to see each other a couple of times a year, talking about what's new, what isn't, and who has left us.
We talked about our families, accomplishments of our children, and solved the political issues of the times. Of course, no one listened to us, and the world moved on.
He may have left this mortal earth, but he is still here, in unforgettable memories, and the laughter, and the smiles.
For that, I will always be thankful for the man I always called, "a brother." Roger, I will miss you, terribly!"
copyright January 21, 2014-Richard Riddle

It is a requirement, embedded by nature, incurable, no antidote known by mankind, and only affects-"Grandfathers!"That uncanny, mysterious malady, yet awe-inspiring talent of-"B S'ing the grandchildren!" Tall tales of heroic deeds, sprinkled with a dash of truth(okay, so it might be a small dash), to totally making something up. After all, it's what "grandfathers do, did, always have, and always will.

Frustrating, perhaps a bit irritating, to their parents(your children), you bet! Which is probably one reason we do it, without any signs of remorse. But, choose your subject matter carefully. Let those B S genes flow like the Mississippi, carrying the imaginations of those priceless gifts to places unknown.  

My son, Russ, said to me one day,"Dad, you have to stop feeding them that stuff!" "Why?", I responded,

"after all, that's what grandfathers do."


copyright: richard riddle October23, 2015

My wife, Karen, often stated, "You inherited your family's B S genes." I suppose there is a "bit of truth" in that. Okay, maybe a little more than "a bit." Most would probably take that kind of statement as an insult. However, I would rather consider it as a complement. I like, for the most part,  being placed in the catagory of being a "storyteller."
Throughout my childhood, yes, I was a child at one time,  I was fascinated with poets in the genre of the storytellers like Robert W. Service, a master of poetic storytelling(verse) who  could grab you by the seat of your pants with his tales of the Yukon Territory. Hugh Antoine d'Arcy's The Face Upon the Floor", another classic of verse. And many other poets trying to emulate those writing styles, and having their works instead attributed to those "grand masters."
It is my opinion that most of the newcomers, to this site anyway, have little or no knowledge of these writer's whom I consider the "true raconteurs." Someone will comment that Edgar Allan Poe was a great storyteller. Yes, he was, but he died in 1849, long before the arrival of those that I mentioned in the period(late 19th century to early 20th) .
Over the next day, or two, or three, I plan to post a couple of these early works, and hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Sincerely,
Richard

Yes, I went to a "magnet" high school-
After all-
Somebody had to be the
"Negative pole!"

copyright: richard riddle-09-10-2015

May 13, 2016
1:00 a.m.
"Grasping for straws, again!" It's amazing to me, that when we start aproaching  my age, how we start reflecting on events that, at the time of their occurence, were not important. Case in point:
Lubbock, Texas, September, 1953, if memory serves. During that time local television stations, at noon, always had a 15 minute newscast, followed by another 15 minutes of "public service programing, featuring upcoming events in the surrounding communities. This time of year, it was always the "South Plains Fair."
My brother, Bill, and I belonged to a volunteer service group that was scheduled to appear on such a program aptly titled "Hospitality Time." Also scheduled was a country western band that was to perform at the fair. I can't recall the name other than they were associated with a circuit called "The Louisiana Hayride",  similar to the "Grand 'ol Opry", both very popular on the radio, you do remember 'radio', don't you?"
Prior to the telecast, we got into a conversation with one of the musicians, who 'plunked' on his guitar while waiting for their call.He turned out to be the lead singer. Not being a country music fan, I  didn't pay much attention to them, after all, it was "just for the Fair." After they finished and were leaving, he turned to my brother and me, and said, "nice to meet you." It wasn't until a couple of years later, when I realized that we had met, and talked with, Elvis Presley.
copyright: richard riddle: 05-13-2016

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
A Dutch Lullaby.


WYNKEN, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe,--
Sailed on a river of crystal light
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we!"
       Said Wynken,
       Blynken,
       and Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe;
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew.
The little stars were the herring fish
That lived in the beautiful sea--
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish,--
Never afeared are we!"
So cried the stars to the fishermen three,
       Wynken,
       Blynken,
       And Nod.

All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam,--
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home:
'Twas all so pretty a sail, it seemed
As if it could not be;
And some folk thought 'twas a dream they'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea;
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
       Wynken,
       Blynken,
       And Nod.

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed;
So shut your eyes while Mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:--
       Wynken,
       Blynken,
       And Nod.

Eugene Field

"Making friends whom we may never see, whose hands we may never shake, but a friendship none the less, that is spread throughout the globe, and the thoughts that will always be there."

From my piece, "Strictly an Opinion", October 20, 2014.

Richard

I always knew when she was irritated with me-
her ears would start to lower until they were parallel with the floor
like the wings of an airplane, attached to the fusilage
She would then start swishing her tail
like a lion-tamer's bullwhip-
and she won't blink!
I wish my wife would stop doing that. It embarrasses the cat!
copyright" richard riddle 05-04-15

I don't care who THEY(generally speaking) are!

I don't care if THEY are scientists or trash collectors!

I don't care if THEY are lawyers, judges, politicians!

I don't care if THEY like, or dislike, the Kardashians!(or Miley Cyrus)

No one on this earth -
understands -    
v
v




"CATS!"

copyright: richard riddle- 08-11-15
(revised: 07-31-16)

You are you-
I am me, but
If you were me, and
I were you-
Who then, would we be?

copyright: richard riddle: August 09, 2015

(if you want to "win friends and influence people", don't write stuff like this.)

Chances are, you have to do a 'search', then order one on line. If you're under 60 years of age, you probably never heard of it, anyway.

Walking in to a pharmacy, or drug store, asking a young clerk, who is in their late teens, or early twenties, or even 40's to 50's, knowing very well what their reponse will be before you ask the question, becomes'comical', seeing the puzzled expression on their faces, especially when the companies web site indicates the store has it "in stock. A"simple little tool", inexpensive, but to some, of which I am one, 'priceless.'  It can relieve a huge amount of frustration in seconds, put a smile on your face, make your day "bright" again, saves time, can help prevent being late for appointments, and it has been around for centuries, long before the 'zipper' was invented. Approximately eight inches long, solid handle, with a curved wire tip, two and a quarter inches in length. I introduce you, to,"The Button Hook!", Tah-Dah!

This "simple little tool" is used by many who are afflicted with such maladies, as arthritis, or have neuropathy issues in their hands, making it difficult to button a shirt, pants, etc. Just insert the wire end through the buttonhole, loop it around the button, pull it through.
Some tools have a 'hook' on the opposite end of the handle, to help pull shoelaces through the eyelets.

I realize this is not a poem, but there are many on the site in my age range that may have similar issues, or perhaps physical issues due to injury or illness. Just wanted to pass this on to you.(I posted a photo on my Facebook timeline.)

richard riddle 06-06-2016

I love you as if you are a brother-
we’ve been friends for many years,
We’ve stood with each other-
thru good times, and some tears-

Now, some news has come to me-
news, I do not like-
That “demon ***” has clenched its teeth-
And has taken quite a bite.

Its up to you, to fight this fight-
and I know that you can win-
So, listen, to what I have to say-
For I’m with you, thick, or thin

"It’s YOUR HAND that holds the bottle-
It’s YOUR HAND that pours the drink-
It’s YOUR HAND that lifts the glass-
And its YOUR HAND, that CAN, pour it down the sink!"
Copyright: Richard Riddle November 02, 2013

Like the  'Leaves of Autumn'

they fall

Leaving open spaces on barren limbs....
only to await new generations to take their place-
Such, are the "leaves"", on a..............

"Family Tree."*




r.riddle: October 09, 2016

(Adam and Eve,  having been recently created)
E: "I'm cold, go start a fire."
A: "What's fire?"
E: "Gather some dry twigs, slap two rocks together, then the twigs get hot."
A: "What's a rock?"
E: "Sheesh! Do I have to do everything?"
A: "I'm hungry.I'm tired of eating apples."
E. "Its the only thing we have, that tree over there is full of'em."
E: "Don't like it, go **** a dinosaur!"
A: "What's a dinosaur?"
E: "Look behind you!"

copyright" richard riddle-September 29-2015

I never know when its going to happen-
waking up in the middle of the night and not seeing you,
or feeling you, next to me

"She fell asleep again on the sofa", I say to myself-
Quietly, I get up, walk toward the living room-
it is then I realize, again, that you had left this mortal earth-

Nine years ago.

Love never dies, does it?

copyright: richard riddle Febuary 06, 2015

I never know when its going to happen-
waking up in the middle of the night and not seeing you,
or feeling you, next to me

"She fell asleep again on the sofa", I say to myself-
Quietly, I get up, walk toward the living room-
it is then I realize, again, that you had left this mortal earth-

Eight years ago.

Love never dies, does it?

copyright: richard riddle Febuary 06, 2015

I never know when its going to happen-
waking up in the middle of the night and not seeing you,
or feeling you..... next to me .......

"She fell asleep again on the sofa", I say to myself-
Quietly, I get up, walk toward the living room-
it is then I realize, again, that you had left this mortal earth-

Nine years ago.

Love never dies, does it?

copyright: richard riddle Febuary 06, 2015

There are many "you's" out there, on the highways, byways, freeways. Those that put others in harms way, excercising their egotistical need to be "first in line", "head of the class", so to speak; "**** the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" is their rallying cry.

It makes no difference what "YOU" are driving, old vehicle, new vehicle. Perhaps an overly powerful pickup truck, or an SUV, that makes YOU feel IMMORTAL. Ice, snow, rain, dark of night, makes no difference to YOU. Inconsiderate, rude, careless, makes YOU, dangerous. Today is no different, its "all about YOU." Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, no need for signals, tail-gating,  trying to get that vehicle out of YOUR way, because YOU are being "INCONVENIENCED!" YOU, don't care! For this morning, like any other morning, "its all about YOU."

The lights are a bit glaring, as you begin to emerge from that state of unconsciousness, laying in that hospital bed, wondering where you are, who, and why, are those strangers standing around you.
They are the doctors, nurses, first responders, investigators, preparing for your reaction when you're told that the brains of your spouse and children had to be scraped off the pavement with a snow shovel.
You should be proud of yourself. For today is truly,
                                              "All about YOU!"

copyright: richard riddle April 03, 2015

Because of an upsurge in fatal accidents in the North Texas area, and elsewhere I'm sure, I believe it appropriate to repost this write.

There are many "you's" out there, on the highways, byways, freeways. Those that put others in harms way, excercising their egotistical need to be "first in line", "head of the class", so to speak; "**** the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" is their rallying cry.

It makes no difference what "YOU" are driving, old vehicle, new vehicle. Perhaps an overly powerful pickup truck, or an SUV, that makes YOU feel IMMORTAL. Ice, snow, rain, dark of night, makes no difference to YOU. Inconsiderate, rude, careless, makes YOU, dangerous. Today is no different, its "all about YOU." Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, no need for signals, tail-gating,  trying to get that vehicle out of YOUR way, because YOU are being "INCONVENIENCED!" YOU, don't care! For this morning, like any other morning, "its all about YOU."

The lights are a bit glaring, as you begin to emerge from that state of unconsciousness, laying in that hospital bed, wondering where you are, who, and why, are those strangers standing around you.
They are the doctors, nurses, first responders, investigators, preparing for your reaction when you're told that the brains of your spouse and children had to be scraped off the pavement with a snow shovel.
You should be proud of yourself. For today is truly,
                                              "All about YOU!"

copyright: richard riddle April 03, 2015

37 years as an accident investigator, have seen many of these. This piece was inspired by Jamie Burkes, "BOOM". Thanks, Jamie!

Because of recent fatal accidents that have occurred recently in the Dallas area, I felt it appropriate to repost this piece.

There are many "you's" out there, on the highways, byways, freeways. Those that put others in harms way, excercising their egotistical need to be "first in line", "head of the class", so to speak; "**** the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" is their rallying cry.

It makes no difference what "YOU" are driving, old vehicle, new vehicle. Perhaps an overly powerful pickup truck, or an SUV, that makes YOU feel IMMORTAL. Ice, snow, rain, dark of night, makes no difference to YOU. Inconsiderate, rude, careless, makes YOU, dangerous. Today is no different, its "all about YOU." Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, no need for signals, tail-gating,  trying to get that vehicle out of YOUR way, because YOU are being "INCONVENIENCED!" YOU, don't care! For this morning, like any other morning, "its all about YOU."

The lights are a bit glaring, as you begin to emerge from that state of unconsciousness, laying in that hospital bed, wondering where you are, who, and why, are those strangers standing around you.
They are the doctors, nurses, first responders, investigators, preparing for your reaction when you're told that the brains of your spouse and children had to be scraped off the pavement with a snow shovel.
You should be proud of yourself. For today is truly,
                                              "All about YOU!"

copyright: richard riddle April 03, 2015

Because of recent fatal accidents that have occurred in the Dallas area, I felt it appropriate to repost this piece.*

Richard Riddle 11-06-2015

There are many "you's" out there, on the highways, byways, freeways. Those that put others in harms way, excercising their egotistical need to be "first in line", "head of the class", so to speak; "**** the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" is their rallying cry.

It makes no difference what "YOU" are driving, old vehicle, new vehicle. Perhaps an overly powerful pickup truck, or an SUV, that makes YOU feel IMMORTAL. Ice, snow, rain, dark of night, makes no difference to YOU. Inconsiderate, rude, careless, makes YOU, dangerous. Today is no different, its "all about YOU." Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, no need for signals, tail-gating,  trying to get that vehicle out of YOUR way, because YOU are being "INCONVENIENCED!" YOU, don't care! For this morning, like any other morning, "its all about YOU."

The lights are a bit glaring, as you begin to emerge from that state of unconsciousness, laying in that hospital bed, wondering where you are, who, and why, are those strangers standing around you.
They are the doctors, nurses, first responders, investigators, preparing for your reaction when you're told that the brains of your spouse and children had to be scraped off the pavement with a snow shovel.
You should be proud of yourself. For today is truly,
                                              "All about YOU!"

copyright: richard riddle April 03, 2015

Here I am, sitting on my..., excuse me.........in my chair, trying to come up with a suitable topic. Right now, that  appears to be doomed for failure. So, be that as it may, I decided to go back to the archives and pick a few that I hope you enjoyed, and hope you still will, much like the television network programming which inundates our homes with reruns this time of year. But, I will take this opportunity to wish all of you a "Happy Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas, and eventually, a Happy New Year!!"(which year that will be is unknown at this time.)

richard riddle: 11-27-2016
(re: hellopoetry.com)

"Hey bud, you're taking up two parking spaces!"
" Same to you, pal!"
"Did you break all your fingers but that one!!!"
"Hey, kid! You're mom's looking for you. She's in hardware!"
"There's a 5 cart collision on aisle 6!" (store pa system)
"Daddy, I have to go the bathroom!" "NOW!!!"
"Has anyone seen a 4 year old boy wearing a black t-shirt with AC/DC on the front!!"
"Dad, they're out of toilet paper!"
"I locked the keys in the car!"
"Have you seen my purse!"
"Dad, the zipper on my pants broke!"
"What do you mean my card's been denied!!!!!!"
"I smell something burning!"
"Why is that fire truck pulling up behind us?"

and it goes on.....................

copyright: richard riddle Nov 11, 2014

Richard Riddle:  12-07-1941 - Born with bombs "bursting in air, and on the ground" (literally), and I'm still around, irritating people . Well, a person has to do what they do best, don't they.
There will be no gala events, black-tie parties, proclamations issued, or "Keys to the City" awarded, etc. I will be with my son, daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, my cat "Brie", and a special person for whom I am so thankful to have come into my life at the right time. They are gifts that are given to me 365 days a year.
I am thankful for the friends I have at work, and for those who have stayed beside me over the years. I am also thankful for those who have since passed into another dimension, but whom I remember with great fondness.

"Thank you, everyone!!"
richard riddle

Thank you Eliot York for creating this magnificent site. It has been a "blessing" for me in many, many ways!

It is perhaps, the most important-
So often read-
Most ignored-
Its meaning
Taken for granted-
Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

richard riddle

"Reading", is one thing; "Comprehension", is another!

copyright: richard riddle-July 02, 2015

Arriving at home, I saw my father sitting on the front porch, and the lawnmower in the grass:
RR: "Hi dad, how are you today?"
Dad: "Can't get the mower started!"
RR: "Dad, it's a "push-mower."
Dad: " Yea, I know."

copyright: richard riddle-September 14, 2015

(a repost from October,2015)

I know I'm what is called,"an old fogey."
(I prefer "Elder")
Can't help it, age dictates it.
It happens, and will happen, to most of us,
For time runs faster than we do.

I find myself reflecting on "what used to be"-
instead of "what is", "what could be", or "should be"-
"Good times, bad times", all part of living,
in an ever-changing world.

Priorities change....... daily-
Attitudes change...... daily

What we want today,
we discard tomorrow-
"What is", becomes "So what!"
"Unification", has become obsolete!''

A different work ethic..... born!

The "Rally Cry!"...
"All for one, and all for "ME!"
has become the norm........

We will answer for it................

some day!.....


copyright: richard riddle October 13, 2015

From October, 2015*


I know I'm what is called,"an old fogey."
(I prefer "Elder")
Can't help it, age dictates it.
It happens, and will happen, to most of us,
For time runs faster than we do.

I find myself reflecting on "what used to be"-
instead of "what is", "what could be", or "should be"-
"Good times, bad times", all part of living,
in an ever-changing world.

Priorities change....... daily-
Attitudes change...... daily

What we want today,
we discard tomorrow-
"What is", becomes "So what!"
"Unification", has become obsolete!''

A different work ethic..... born!

The "Rally Cry!"...
"All for one, and all for "ME!"
has become the norm........

We will answer for it................

some day!.....


copyright: richard riddle October 13, 2015

I know I'm what is called,"an old fogey."
(I prefer "Elder")
Can't help it, age dictates it.
It happens, and will happen, to most of us,
For time runs faster than we do.

I find myself reflecting on "what used to be"-
instead of "what is", "what could be", or "should be"-
"Good times, bad times", all part of living,
in an ever-changing world.

Priorities change....... daily-
Attitudes change...... daily

What we want today,
we discard tomorrow-
"What is", becomes "So what!"
"Unification", has become obsolete!''

A different work ethic..... born!

The "Rally Cry!"...
"All for one, and all for "ME!"
has become the norm........

We will answer for it................

some day!.....


copyright: richard riddle October 13, 2015

I feel the darkness-
the profundity of it's power
enwraps my soul-
Yet, I can see-
I touch the dark.......

Silhouetted against the aura of human faith-
it surrounds me-
A myriad of words floats within the cubicle
that holds my sorrow--
And the darkness grows darker......

The darkness, giving birth to the voices-
in the distance, afraid, sensing fright-
But only God knows for sure-


WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS!!!

copyright r.riddle October 08, 2013

Reposted March 16, 2015

I feel the darkness-
the profundity of it's power
enwraps my soul-
Yet, I can see-
I touch the dark.......

Silhouetted against the aura of human faith-
it surrounds me-
A myriad of words floats within the cubicle
that holds my sorrow--
And the darkness grows darker......

The darkness, giving birth to the voices-
in the distance, afraid, sensing fright-
But only God knows for sure-


WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS!!!

copyright r.riddle October 08, 2013

Sorry folks, just couldn't resist the urge!

"Life in a Cubicle" (formerly "Untitled"revised 10-8-2013)


I feel the darkness-
the profundity of it's power
enwraps my soul-
Yet, I can see-
I touch the dark.......

Silhouetted against the aura of human faith-
it surrounds me-
A myriad of words floats within the cubicle
that holds my sorrow--
And the darkness grows darker......

The darkness, giving birth to the voices-
in the distance..... afraid........ sensing fright-
But only God knows for sure*-


WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS!!!

copyright r.riddle October 08, 2013

(From October, 2015)


On the highway, 3am,
a myriad of stars
looms over the expanse
like a blanket of fairy dust-

You're the only one on the road

You pull off onto the shoulder - stop-
climb out of that motorized wagon,
lean back against a  fender-
Stretch those legs a bit

What was it that made you stop....  
    Something....inexplicable

The desert can get cool at night-
the silence.....part of the mystique,
creating the mood, for what
is about to come.....

You stiffen...silent...pensive

a slight breeze begins to lift-
becoming stronger-more gusty
You turn,  facing it-
'listening', waiting....for what?

'for the rumble'

Faint at first
growing louder as it nears-
the sound of steel and wood
breaking the silence                                                          ­­­                  

Wagon Wheels!
roll'n atop the wind!

The migration West-
their spirits riding,
relentless in purpose-
Men...women.... children....

You can only imagine-
the expression on their faces-
determined.....dauntless.....

building this country-

You smile.....
as they pass.......
How proud of them, you are....
the spirits of our ancestors

Who carved the path-

A drop of a tear-
as the roars of the wagons
Quieten.......fading........

into..... silence

Standing poised....
absorbing  the beauty.........
You understand the magic-....
of its solitude.

the desert....
at night



copyright: richard riddle October 26, 2015

On the highway, 3am,
a myriad of stars
looms over the expanse
like a blanket of fairy dust-

you're the only one on the road

You pull off onto the shoulder - stop-
climb out of that motorized wagon,
lean back against a  fender-
Stretch those legs a bit

What was it that made you stop....  
    Something....inexplicable

The desert can get cool at night-
the silence.....part of the mystique,
creating the mood, for what
is about to come.....

You stiffen...silent...pensive

a slight breeze begins to lift-
becoming stronger-more gusty
You turn,  facing it-
 'listening', waiting....for what?

'for the rumble'

Faint at first
growing louder as it nears-
the sound of steel and wood
breaking the silence                                                          ­                  

Wagon Wheels!
roll'n atop the wind!

The migration West-
their spirits riding,
relentless in purpose-
Men...women.... children....

You can only imagine-
the expression on their faces-
determined.....dauntless.....

building this country-

You smile.....
as they pass.......
How proud of them, you are....
the spirits of our ancestors

Who carved the path-

A drop of a tear-
as the roars of the wagons
Quieten.......fading........
into..... silence

Standing poised....
absorbing  the beauty.........
You understand the magic-....
of its solitude.

the desert
at night



copyright: richard riddle October 26, 2015

(from October, 2015)

On the highway, 3am,
a myriad of stars
looms over the expanse
like a blanket of fairy dust-

you're the only one on the road

You pull off onto the shoulder - stop-
climb out of that motorized wagon,
lean back against a  fender-
Stretch those legs a bit

What was it that made you stop....  
    Something....inexplicable

The desert can get cool at night-
the silence.....part of the mystique,
creating the mood, for what
is about to come.....

You stiffen...silent...pensive

a slight breeze begins to lift-
becoming stronger-more gusty
You turn,  facing it-
'listening', waiting....for what?

'for the rumble'

Faint at first
growing louder as it nears-
the sound of steel and wood
breaking the silence                                                          ­­                  

Wagon Wheels!
roll'n atop the wind!

The migration West-
their spirits riding,
relentless in purpose-
Men...women.... children....

You can only imagine-
the expression on their faces-
determined.....dauntless.....

building this country-

You smile.....
as they pass.......
How proud of them, you are....
the spirits of our ancestors

Who carved the path-

A drop of a tear-
as the roars of the wagons
Quieten.......fading........
into..... silence

Standing poised....
absorbing  the beauty.........
You understand the magic-....
of its solitude.

the desert
at night



copyright: richard riddle October 26, 2015

5:30 a.m:

Been awake for an hour, can't sleep, can't relax the brain. Came up with this. Just something to do at this tme of the morning.

I don't know how many times, never counted them, when investigating a motor vehicle accident, a participating driver said to me: "I wouldn't have hit that parked car if that "little brown dog" hadn't run out in front of me!", or "I had to swerve to keep from hitting that "little brown dog!" If in a tree-lined neighborhood, substitute a squirrel. Squirrels add more crediblity, simply because their reputation for running out in front of moving vehicles at the 'last second" is universal.

Why do squirrels do that? I don't know. I don't know anyone that knows. I don't know anyone who knows anyone that knows! It is truly, one of "natures mysteries." And, it's hard to prove that it didn't happen, for these little beasts always seem to disappear,  never to be seen again.

Why a "little brown dog?" Dogs come in different colors, different sizes, but in vehicle accidents, it's always the small, "little brown dog".. It makes no difference that the blood alcohol level in the driver may be two to three times over the limit, or talking on their cell phone, it's always the fault of the creature with the furry little ****.

This will probably generate some comments on collisions with deer, moose, perhaps a rhinocerous, but that's a different level. I interviewed one driver who claimed the bright lights from a UFO blinded him moments before he "ran into the ditch", then sped off into "nether space." That UFO was probably piloted by a "little brown dog" and a squirrel.

01-24-2016

Regardless of the portrayals by The "old masters" in their oil paintings, or Hollywood depictions:
I don't believe that when Adam and Eve were created, they resembled "Mr. Universe" or any of the "Victoria's Secret" models. Rather hirsute individuals, carrying a club fashioned from a tree limb, toenails in need of clipping, arms dragging the ground; and that's Eve. I can't begin to perceive what Adam may have looked like.

copyright: Richard riddle-March 09, 2015



Edit poem

Regardless of the portrayals by The "old masters" in their oil paintings, or Hollywood depictions:
I don't believe that when Adam and Eve were created, they resembled "Mr. Universe" or any of the "Victoria's Secret" models. Rather hirsute individuals, carrying a club fashioned from a tree limb, toenails in need of clipping, arms dragging the ground; and that's Eve. I can't begin to perceive what Adam may have looked like.

copyright: Richard riddle-March 09, 2015

Arriving for medical appointment today:

Richard to Receptionist: "Richard Riddle for 3:30 appointment with Dr. Beersmell."
Receptionist: "He's not in today. He's ill."(Brushing hair off of forehead)
Richard: "I know this is probably a silly question, but why didn't someone call me earlier so I wouldn't have had to drive ten miles?"
Receptionist: Long pause......"I forgot."(Brush-Brush)

Richard: I'll reschedule when he comes back. Thank you, Amber!





copyright: richard riddle 04-22-2015

The moon hangs full, above our eyes-
a glow of gold upon it's plate
calm and serene, the Wiccans rise
to cast their spells of love, not hate.

copyright: richard riddle-June 03, 2015

Marching back and forth on the crowded sidewalk, carrying a sign warning all that "the world will soon be coming to an end", this self-appointed prophet laid out instructions on how we could protect ourselves from the apocalypse. As our eyes met, there was a "glint" in his eyes that  told me there was "more to this story." As he passed, I turned around for another look. On the backside of the sign, "For your last meal, eat at the Downtown Cafe, 100 E. Broadway."

Some people just don't give up a chance to make a buck.

copyright" richard riddle march 3, 2015

Wouldn't it be an extraordinary event to hold an "HP" convention at some point in time, having  the opportunity to come "face to face" with those poets, writers, and contributors, whom we so admire. Only to discover that those profile photos and information from whom we receive notifications and messages, are all "FAKE." That no one is who they purport to be! That, alone, would be one "hell of a story!"

richard riddle: 11-30-2015