In my forty-sixth year
I have learned to stay clear
of the pitfalls which once
befell me

Lessons I've learned
as the years burned
have turned out
to warn me

the voice in my head
quells urges to tread
where once  it seemed
I ran blindly

perspectives  have changed
like  land after the rains
have rushed by and scoured
it dry

feelings have changed
as I watch with dismay
society falling around me

the lines of the past
no longer last
blurring to a grey
hazy outline

it is claimed to be
kinder and gentler to thee
but a savageness
does underlie

all that remains
of the kindness that's claimed
cheap fascia, wrecked by the rain

gentleness does apply
to those who ask why
ignorant of their surrounds

a kick in the rear
still it appears
is truly a step forward

as I have related
these feelings belated
again the changes occur

to all I must say
thank you this day
for reading the
words from my soul

He cast's a long shadow
in the cool morning sun
striding with purpose
the job must be done

Out by the woodshed
quietly does he
make his presence known
by whistling softly

For many years now
he loved what he seen
the good and the bad
and all in between

Over the years
the joy's drained away
making this job seem
harder each day

***** long hours
spent oh silently
crouched in the shadow
of the old growth  trees

Waiting for a sign
surely there will be
another visitation
patience is the key

He prepares himself
so stolidly does he
for the visitors
he must receive

Scare them away
any way that he can
keep the homes safe
from raiders of the land

Invaders without conscience
intent on the feed
no malice intended
but will not concede

The problem arose
because of what we
thought was a kind thing
was not to be

Disrupting the law
that nature provides
giving courage to those
by feeding their kind

Soon there becomes
no other way
to deal with the problem
the beast must be slain

So wearily the man
slowly does raise
rifle to shoulder
then he does pray

Pray that his aim's true
quick it will be
no pain for the critter
whatever it may be

Woe be to him
now he sit's silently
crying so softly
alone in the trees

Sitting here this morning
enjoying the suns rays
reflecting upon life again
what a great journey

through tragedy and victory
and all that's lain between
times and personalities
I've met along the way

there is a fraternity
to which many do belong
some are there willfully
but some just don't belong

every day we pay our dues
though the members seldom meet
taking on the challenge
seven days a week

through good times
and sad times too
the challenges we meet
always moving forward
never do we retreat

we give advice
and push the swings
listen to the cries
joyus moments we do live
in our children's eyes

we are there when life begins
though rarely do we sing
praises for the job we do
or the joy it brings

we pass on the knowledge
of how the world works
so the next generation
will not be off worse

we bring strength
we bring wisdom
at least we often try
to teach our children
how to play
and even how to ride

I would be remiss
if I didn't mention too
the mothers role in all of this
to them I  say Thank You

There are some Mothers
who are in this club as well
doing the job  that is ours
and doing it **** well

So my wish today is simple
for it is our day
reflect upon the job you've done
Happy Fathers Day.

As the ink
dries on the page
a listless feeling
does engage

Melancholy thoughts
long summer days
innocence lost
merciful haze

Thinking back
to those days
sends a quiver
through my veins

Horror revealed
in your eyes
as I relate
this sickly tale

Taken from
the school playground
broken trust
the color light brown

I wish I knew
a name to match
the blurry vision
baseball cap

I cried for help
you came to me
broke the window
set me free

If not for you
I might not be
able to write
this sad story

I thank you now
like everyday
by making the most
of the life you saved

I can still hear
footsteps ringing out
coming up the stairs
to finish me off

Breaking glass
the sound does thrill me
it is the sound
of being set free

This is the tale
of wild hair McGee
affectionatly known
to some as Scotty

Zipping around
the airport with glee
in his big yellow forklift
writing poetry

Many have wondered
how his name came to be
it was hung on his back
by his boss Jeffery

Dumping the bins
in his faithful steed
a machine that is known
as ol' smokey

If you want to judge
the course of the day
just take off his helmet
his hair would then say

A little to the left
no patience left
a little to the right
stayed up late last night

If standing up Straight
you might have to wait
all to the back
your the bottom of the stack

Don't take it personal
it;s not meant to be
all in a days work
for wild hair McGee

The bandy legged monkey
doth delight in all that he
experiences and witnesses
in this life's journey

He and his best friend
the ***** grinding man
dressed up in their finery
traveling about the land

Dancing with hat in hand
for a modest fee
the children always come around
smiling with glee

As the music crescendo's
at a rising pace
he swings around the market square
smile frozen on his face

Whirling, twirling, swinging
yet keeping out of reach
stretching, holding out his hat
collecting his *****

When at last the crowd thins out
it's time to take a break
move off to another square
fresh for the take

Living off each other
in this symbiotic chase
works well for each other
food is served each day

The bond that has formed
over the years it seems
has transformed to friendship
neither is lonely

The Bandy legged monkey
and the ***** grinder man
partners on a journey
into the promised land.

Blueberry you sit
heavy on my mind
met you at a party
of a friend of mine

So free a soul
I've scarcely met
with your multi- colored dreadlocks
and presence so fresh

Colorful outfit
like I've never seen
flowing so graceful
as you wander near me

Rainbow scarf
of fabric so fine
green khaki jacket
and a gleam in your eye

You struck me at once
unlike many before
as someone who knows
the trips gift for the soul

The freedom you showed
was clear to see
the joy in your eyes
as you prodded playfully

My soul it did sing
with joy this day
at seeing you Blueberry
lighting the way