A desert flower
diamond in the rough
warms a place
in my heart
strengthen the bond
over years to come
keeping the flame
from burning out

Lessons taught
and lessons learned
over time
the path does curve
to bring you slowly
face to face
understanding the value
of time and place

To share a place
and some time
remove the shades
from your eyes
open now
for you to see
a lonesome dove
floats so free

Shadows
you do taunt me
as you move across my wall
a trick of light which brings fright
so eerily you flow
perhaps you are a remnant
of a tragic played out scene
wandering eternity
unaware of what has been

maybe you are something else
an ancient call to flight
natures way of warning me
of creatures in the night
Often I sit and watch you
and ask my self these things
then the room seems to grow cold
sometimes you move my things
the hairs on my neck arise
my ears begin to ring

I've seen you sitting mutely
out of the corner of my eye
but when I turn to greet you
there's nothing to describe
oh you have a story
which I long to receive
tap lightly on the wall at night
the secret that you keep

I am not so afraid of you
as once I had been
just a shadow of your former self
ever repeating scene
are you aware
of just what you've become
or is this what awaits us
after our curtain call

Shadows
you do taunt me
as you move across my wall
real or imagined
a treat for us all

Silent warnings
dimly perceived
shadows falling
like dead leaves

Just another story
like you and me
dissedent reason
can't ever please

Standing alone
in a crowd
waiting for emotions
to cloud

Cant stand inside the ring
cant even perceive a thing
always striving
for the truth

Making a martyr of
my youth
now it seems
long in the tooth

Keeping young
is just a game
being young  
your voice to gain

When I was a young boy
there was a frightening dream
in the dead of night it came
like a vision unfolding


the scene was as I can best describe
a giant sludge machine
turning ,twisting , mixing
all that once had been
a dark grey pasty ooze it was
then the scene did change
to a flat green moving belt
with daisy's  a popping
maybe this is what awaits
after our final day
a little glimpse to prepare
for your souls next phase

Or maybe reincarnation
works a little this way
blending experience and flesh
to make a better clay
from which to mold
a new life form
free of the past
moving off into the world
on a different path

Blinded by wind
and billowing snow
frozen horizon
distant shore

Out on the ice pack
time is on loan
death's always stalking
which way will you go

Freeze in the night
or a treat for a bear
survivals the name
of the game out there

Maybe you'll drift
for many a day
slowly you'll starve
maybe your saved

Perhaps while your blinded
you'll step through a hole
drop through the ice
succumb to the cold

You cry for your mamma
how did you get here
traded a bit of adventure
and lost all that's dear

Farewell to Mamma
farewell to ye all
there's no hope for tomorrow
going for a stroll...........

I can't stay here tonight
gotta keep runnin'
but there's nowhere to hide
keep gettin' dragged under
urges build deep inside
control is the problem

Wasted all my yesterdays
fortunes lost never regained
took a while for me to see
Sobriety, brought victory

I can't stay here tonight
temptations weaken me
when we unite
the demons take over
lose track of time
nothing else matters

Wasted all my yesterdays
fortunes lost never regained
took awhile for me to see
sobriety brought victory

Well I stayed here tonight
took on all comers
stood tall for the fight
attacked from all corners
beat back the night
standing tall on my own now

Wasted all my yesterdays
fortunes lost never regained
took awhile for me to see
sobriety brought victory

Alone I sit once again
a prisoner of my thoughts
pressing questions left unanswered
in the setting dusk
only time will tell the tale
of pennance versus praise
standing up or laying down
the choice is ours to make

Heading out, in the driving rain
the endless road ,of my journey
Often I think, I think of better days
wanting only to celebrate.

Life's  twisting pathways
leave you spinning,lost as in a daze
When you wake up you will see
it was only just a dream

Time rolls on,years melt away
Years become just another day
time has come to turn the page
Before another takes you slave

Some will not be so lucky
Some will not get to play

Life's become a cheezy charade
We live on ,in memories
Live beyond our mortal days
stand strong , always pave the way

As I sat reading
one of the bards tales
the laughter within me
could not be quelled
he wrote with authority
he wrote with some wit
his words seemed to match
with the joint I just lit

As I continued
to peruse the tale
A voice from the kitchen
slightly derailed
my narrowing focus
had suddenly gone south
it seemed that I now
had cotton in my mouth

I reached for the glass
beside on the stand
intending to quench
the thirst I now had
but not taking an eye
off the page before
I clumsily knocked
the drink to the floor

I looked around
if any had seen
where was the cat
when I really need
a lackey , a scapegoat
on which to lay blame
The voice from the kitchen
called out my name

"What was that noise?"
inquired the voice
looking around
I had but one choice
Take off my socks
and sopp up the mess
down the hallway
came her footsteps

Quickly I scrubbed
and scrubbed some more
the cranberry juice
had stained the floor
suddenly there
before me appeared
the fuzzy red slippers
which I so feared

"You've stained the carpet!"
spat my angry wife
I quivered and shrank
hopefully out of sight
"I've told you before
"your not allowed."
"to sit and read stories
with liquid around."

With my head bowed
I went for the door
containing the machine
I'd used before
patiently she watched
as I cleaned the spot
removing the stain
which I had wrought

Took a walk down a lonely beat
nowhere town ,nowhere street
walked in silence listening
to the wind blowing through
the trees

Hoping fortune would smile on me
tortured days turn to tortured dreams
endless lies bear bitter fruit
endless lies conceal the truth

You cant fly on broken wings
You cant fly on midnight dreams
take a look and what do you see
come on baby ,take a walk with me

An empty page in a dusty book
been ten years since I looked
at the pictures of another me
come on baby take a walk with me

You can't fly on broken wings
You can't fly on midnight dreams
take a look and what do you see
come on baby, take a walk with me

Woke up to a smiling face
memory lane was an empty place
distant pictures of another time
another place to conceal your lies

You can't fly on broken wings
You can't fly on midnight dreams
take a look and what do you see
come on baby, take a walk with me

Say your wicked
Say your mean
I only know you by the way you treated me
took the time to listen
took the time to wander by
opened up your heart
and stood the test of time

and I say thanks
and I say thanks
Thank you for doing what you didn't have to do
and I said hey brother Thank you

Sitting with you
on the bus that day
neither of us knew
we would end up this way
started to look to the other one
whos on the hook for a little fun

and I said Thanks
and I said Thanks
And I said thank you for doing what you did'nt have to do
and I said Hey sister Thank you

just one life is all we have
seems like a shame to waste it
complications often rule your day
but you can escape the day

Say your wicked
say your mean
I only know you by the way you treated me

All at once the memories
come crashing to the fore
transporting me back in time
where I was yet once before

My hands began to tremble
shivers shook me to the core
sweat began to bead my brow
the clock struck half past four

The keening wail pierced the night
the Banshee's mournful cry
heralding yet another
passing of my kind

The creature it has followed us
from an early time
a transgression of an ancestor
brought this curse to life

Our family has a history
we came from on the moors
just poor Celtic farmers once
a past that is no more

Warily I look around
from ceiling the the floor
it seems that it has found me
its duty carried forth

I once thought this was fantasy
a scary story told
by my aging grand parents
when the nights were dark and cold

But now the horror strikes me
as I settle to the floor
I am the last one of my kind
The Banshee will cry no more

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.

Soundly trounced
the beaten man
warily offered
his shaking hand
to the victor of the bout
from the start
there was no doubt

That he would fall
this day it seemed
a shame for all
who'd come to see
the champ reclaim
his title belt
one more time
we all felt

The Champ had won
so many times
you had to know
there'd be a time
when along would come
a newer face
knock him down
take his place

His fans belief, unwavering
his character,  unsavory
but that's what it takes
if your to be
the champion of
your childhood dreams

He taught the kids
and played the roll
took their papers
and signed them all
a champ and a star
he felt like a king
he reigned supreme
in the squared ring

But when he was
alone at home
all he sought
was to drown
all the sorrows
he'd been through
kicked and teased
like a fool

If the kids
could see him now
curled and lonely
in his shell
would they then
ask him why?
could he answer
and not cry?

Then came the day
of the title match
he knew within
it was his last
he'd make a show
for his fans
he'd even do their
favorite stance
the time had come
to pass on
the title of champ
his time was done

After the show
sitting all alone
thinking of all
that he had done
in walked a kid
and before him he stood
and  said
you are still The Champ
in my book

darkened room  quartet's playing
the crowd, hungry for more
down here air is getting hazy
your ashen faced ,headed for the door
came again for the painted lady
her eyes you can't ignore
black dress, silk stockings
memories of long ago

sometimes I feel I'm going nowhere
sometimes I feel it's my time to win

Dawn is breaking, streets are empty
you look around from your hole
some people say that your crazy
but man that's not it at all
in the alley there's an entrance
a vision slot on the door
secret knock gains you entry
inside elixirs steal your soul

some times I feel I'm going nowhere
sometimes I feel it's my time to win

darkened room quartet's playing
you stumble back through the door
came again for that painted lady
her eyes you can't ignore
ruby lips, long finger tips
they rock you to the core
secret knock gains you entry
'round the circle here we go

some times I feel I'm going nowhere
sometimes I feel it's my time to win
'round and round this circle never ends
carry on boy quitting's no way to end.

The cold grey dawn
was setting in
shattered bodies
moaning wind
all that remained
were the cries
orphaned children
asking why
widowed mothers
take to the streets
must now provide
for families needs
while those who sit
in offices high
turn their back
on those who died

Through the years
and through the tears
we suddenly come to see
the damage we've done
to all those someones
takes root and begins to feed

Waking at night
not just from fright
the cold sweat does remain
the shivers that climb
up and down your spine
A reminder of all that pain

The pain you inflicted
whilst still in your youth
as you struggled to live with a theme
stomping on feelings
of those already reeling
with only one foot in the ring

Oh you will suffer
I promise you that
as what comes indeed goes around
remember this when
you cry for your sins
alone on the cold wet ground

A contract is a contract
a deed is a deed
for what I am paid
I must complete
that is the way
of life for me
I'll take care of your problem
for a fee

My parents are gone
can bring them no shame
won't leave a mark
on my family name
the family I serve
knows the life well
there is no turning back
the toll of the bell

Innocent victims
do bother me
at least for a while
till the drugs settle me
but it is false
this delaying of pain
at night I can see them
silently asking
"why have you taken
my life from me?"
"in order to feed
your unholy need"

I have no answer
to give to thee
it is just business
at least to me
stalking by moonlight
silently creeping
keep out of sight
my quarry can't see
slip out of the shadows
deliver the blow
disappear in the night
collect my dough

I chose this life
it seemed so cool
but after years
the toll, let me tell
going to hell
a certainty
enjoy myself now
counting money

A wig and some make up
so it can't be seen
who is doing
these dastardly deeds
maybe a pistol
or a knife in the neck
or maybe a bomb
placed in a pack
no matter the way
when I have been paid
there will be no stopping
your life I will take

Doesn't beauty
lie within
the boundaries
between love and sin?

Staring out the window
As the landscape rushes by
Storm clouds on the horizon
Paint a blood red sky
Feeling melancholy  
As the day now turns to night
The distance that's between us
Fades just like the light

The day was fast approaching
I could hardly wait
three days of sun and fun
were what was on my plate

They came from other countries
as well as from my own
gathering for what would be
an amazing show

Hero's from the 60's on their last hurrah
giants from the 70's were surely going to rock
then there was the newbies
thrown in like fresh meat
going to do their best to serve
a heavy musical treat

We packed the van and headed south
gathering friends along the way
hoping that the sun would shine
and stay that way for days

As we got closer to the entry gate
a thrill it went right through us
I remember  to this day
the excitement built incredibly
it seemed to come in waves
passing a spliff between us
peering through the haze

We entered the event site
and quickly set up camp
close to the gate
so we would not be missed

The late arrivals came at last
and then we did all toast
to our great fortunes
who would drink the most

The air was electric,
energy pouring from the crowd
the first band came to take the stage
a roar was let out

The crowd it  did move
as if it were one
giant breathing mass of flesh
in the blazing sun

We danced and sang till it was dark
the first night had begun
the music pounding out it's love
to the sinking sun

The heat it was oppressive
early the next morn
running behind the water truck
soaking away the sun

The next three days were a blur
but oh what a blast
The time made me appreciate
the love of the past

This happened back in '97
but to this very day
I wonder have I spent a better weekend
in  all my waking days.

startled by the swiftness
of actions gone awry
standing feeling helpless
as the world goes by
say the wrong thing
at the right time
and you will not have to have
a reason to decline

there comes a time
when truth comes out
but t'was plain for all to see
the fiction that did exist
was between you and me
we played the part of partners
lovers and best friends
acting out of loyalty
more than a feeling

Although many years have passed
and change of attitude
nothing has ever felt the same
since walking in summers dew
when I first caught you with him
my heart it did feel crushed
but it turned out that you'd been
once or twice around the block

As I sit here wondering
am I going insane?
holding court and handling
all the in between's
still I wear a smile
and laugh at life's gift's
looking for direction
not caring where I've been

Standing awash
in the light of inspirational splendor
a creation so bold
yet subtly sweeping
giving rise to emotional swells
that leave you reeling, gasping
catching your breath
like the rolling breakers
racing across the surface
of a large expanse of water
the meaning of life
never clearer than at this moment
when all senses collide
sight , sound , smell,
touching you
at the very core of your being
the gallery is vast
not just of painted things
experiences and pleasure
all at once it brings
flashes of past days
the parts that you have played
but all that really matters are
the lives that you have changed
for the better or the worse
none remain the same
a price worth admission
on any given day

Time won't wait for me
it marches straight ahead
like the changing seasons
bringing storms again
visions twisting and turning
inside my head
this gift's a curse
don't be fooled my friend

Visions
of your future
just a touch is all I need
I see pictures forming
the voices pleading out to me
feels like rain is falling
tears are rolling down my cheeks
feels like heavens falling
the worlds weight upon me

Some of my words
you have failed to heed
it's hard to watch this unfolding tragedy
I feel the fear , the pain, the uncertainty
each vision shared
takes a piece of me

Visions
of your future
just a touch is all I need
I see pictures forming
the  voices calling out to me
feels like rain is falling
tears are rolling down my cheeks
feels like heavens falling
the worlds weight upon me

This was written back in 2003  Recent events in my life have made me revisit this one..

Awakened from my slumber
as hunger begs its toll                          
the hollow aching yearning begins to take control
arise I must and seek to sate
the life-force that I crave
out upon the countryside where I ply my nightly trade

Lonely travelers in the night
bade wary by the wails
wander through the forest still
scoff at folkies tales
as darkness does decend and shadows increase their daze
does a shiver go up their spine
as they meet my empty gaze

The deed is swift and satisfies
As once again I'm whole
It's seems that from the cruelty
Life again unfurls
No I shall not linger here
As darkness turns to light   
I shall retreat back to my home
And slumber till tonight......

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

"At last!" he cried
"You have arrived!"
"I thought you'd never come"
his smile belied the turmoil inside
deeper than  can be described

The journey began
with a half drunken plan
boasted and rejoiced
the fact that they said
we were out of our head
gave credence that indeed we were right

We stayed up for days
studying adventurous ways
to bend the physics of time
a place to begin and a place to win
Oh! destinations divine

We studied old tomes  
divined lizard bones
yet certainty did evade
we  struck out on our own
a cold dusty road
a bleak foreboding feeling

We were walking along
when the object crashed down
a short distance away
we scrambled to see
what could possibly be
lying there in the field

A machine of strange purpose
it turned out to be
but what we just could not say
the occupant  was tossed
and his life was lost
out on that cold barren plain

We looked in the hatch
of this very strange catch
surveying a very strange scene
and there on the wall
strangest of all
was a panel displaying this date

With a whoop and a roar
we toasted each other
it was just what we needed to find
a machine that could bend
space and time on their end
Yes, I was going to ride

I strapped myself in  
and started twisting the dials
not knowing what I was doing
it started to hum
I looked at my chum
my grin I was unable to hide

I reached for the dial
and gave it a swift turn
not caring the destined date
the vibration did rise
blurring my eye's
shaking my very senses

A flash and a bang
and at once it all came
to a lurching  halting stop
the vision out side
brought fear to my pride
quickly I switched back the date

Vibrations and dizzyness
I sensed once again
as through the veil I passed
to land me back here
white haired from the fear
of a future so distant  from here

I leapt from it
that infernal machine
and bade no one go near
it must be destroyed
oh how I cried
smashing it with my bare hands

You asked what I seen
in that futuristic  scene
that could blanch the life from my eyes
the horror revealed
would make a man squeal
a tear rolled down my cheek

A desolate plain
was all that remained
of a civilization that we had attained
but greed and deceit
routed us in defeat
destroying our very souls

I'll take a step back
and try a new tack
from this day going forth
to lead by example
and not be trampled
standing for what is right.

The Muses keep coming
putting rhymes in my head
begging me to share these things
not only with my friends
the spirit does give wisdom
but you must lend a hand
just open up and let them use
your unsteady hand

What makes the Muses choose you
no one can really say
but I think what matters most
is getting them to stay
for insight is their specialty
a guiding light of truth
just like musicality
you just let it flow right through

Perhaps you will reach the one
whom needs your message most
or maybe someone reads it
and uses it to quote
whatever is the reason
the Muses knew ahead
they composed and stuck the message
deep inside your head

I think that they've been here
since the ancient times
giving us a helping hand
by leading us, the blind
they taught us how to survive
they taught us how to sing
they even taught us what life is
and how to live in harmony

But most have forsaken
these voices from within
and go about their daily lives
living on a whim
Listen to the voices
not the ones that drive you mad
listen closely to the ones
that comfort you in bed

I can not imagine
a life with out them there
how does one  express themselves
when no one really cares
it must be a horrid life
to face the drudgery
without a way to ease the pain
or an outlet for release

So thank the Muses
for their gift
they surely do deserve
all the thanks that comes their way
recognition above all
for the contributions
they have made today
giving me the words
and you something to say

Waking from a frightening dream
quaking in the night
who has heard my wordless scream
echo through the night
did I wake someone else
from a pleasant dream
or am I facing all alone
this wordless, pain filled scene

The morning sun,warms my soul
makes me feel alright
the demons can not chase me here
they're only out at night
so I'll make my way
through the day as best as I can
with pleasant thoughts filling me
of good deeds done by man

I can feel the terrors stalking me
as the sun goes down
planning their next attack
when my guard is down
encircle my bed with a charm
I heard once long ago
hair rising on my neck
as the wind begins to blow

Again she comes and stands silent
at the bottom of my bed
holding out her hand to me
beckoning me to my end
so sweet she looks, as she waits
so patiently for me
her lips curl up to reveal
a nightmarish scene
eye teeth longer than the rest
the fear comes rushing in
then she's looking in my eyes
caressing my exposed neck

She sinks her head lower
I can feel her fetid breath
the coldness runs down my spine
I begin to sweat
I struggle in my sheets
trying to get away
silently screaming to myself
then I am awake
I am sure this is just a dream
but I must ask myself
why is my neck so sore
and why have I bled

They came from above
on chariots of fire
intent on delivering
knowledge inspired

The spaceports were built
seen only from above
scratched from the soil
carved from the rock

We welcomed them openly
praised their light
built statues of tribute
studied the night

They gave us a goal
and then shut us down
seems we were smarter
than they bargained for

When we reached out
and touched the sky
they confused our tounges
so we couldn't fly

They were afraid
of losing their place
aloft in the heavens
Gods out of place

Then they descended
and took for mates
merging within us
create a new race

Mutants were born
then tried to disgrace
the very Gods
who ruled this place

The revolt came swiftly
and from it came
they abandoned the planet
went back whence they came

Ever since that day
we still deny grace
defending the knowledge
keeping them away

I cast aside those
feelings of shame
focusing on
a burning flame
the one that lights
my path for me
the one that lights
for all to see

The path has been
a winding road
traveling hither
to and fro
always changing
through the years
but steadily on
despite my fears

the gift of a vision
so long ago
brought me this season
through which I flow
playing for love
playing for free
the song is my gift
that I give to thee

The feelings arise
at first in your gut
spreading so slowly
gripping your heart
the words seem alive
pulling you along
suddenly your singing
it seems from the heart

reliving your life
a lyric at a time
purging the feelings
held deep inside
feeling a bit lighter
after the release
a feeling that stays
sometimes for weeks

Your path it is paved
with music and with words
the people and places
the stories you've heard
situations created
sometimes without thought
bring forth a creation
making you who you are

Today I have to wonder
about people once again
some live to cause trouble
while others live to win

why is what your neighbor does
any business of your own
unless it interferes
with property that you own

I find life is hard enough
without the extra strife
of having people accusing you
wasting a lot of time

vindictive little weasels
surely you will pay
for all the trouble that you cause
Karma works that way.

we've been at the bottom
of  that barrel
of which you speak
only to rise above
expectations we exceed

then all the thanks
the world gives to you
can easily be summed up
but really seeing the picture
is hard when your hung up

bent on the destruction
of characters that you don't know
just to feed some jealous need
like a hog stuck at the trough

those whom you hold close
will soon turn on you
it's just the nature of the game
the piper calls the tune

So even in my anger
I still feel sorry for you
for having to be such a ****
afraid of  name being known

I often wonder
what happened to
all the people
I once knew
do you find
this vexes you?
as the figures
drift through your life
some bring joy
some bring strife
some stay with you
through the years
some simply disappear
lessons learned
in time it seems,
conjure up many themes
darkness, laughter,bitter tears
all just symptoms
of your fears
but in the end
it seems your peers
help you out
through the years
sometimes we are
slow to realize
friendship is
the real prize

Spreading division
spewing forth hate
an inferno was growing
instead of debate
unwilling to reason
unwilling to bend
he preached of restoring
his view of the faith

It mattered not
whom he'd killed
or made to suffer
infidels they 'd been
unworthy of life
in the creators grand scheme
they were lower than slug
the vision he'd seen

Attracted to him
were the lowest of low
the uneducated
would die for his cause
he peddled in hope
while selling his dream
taking out on the innocent
his satanic scheme

A loser in life
a loser in love
lashing out at his neighbors
demanding they look
upon his new greatness
surely they'd see
a man of importance
he'd finally be

Lines were now crossed
there was no going back
forces were gathering
a decisive strike back
with no more warnings
for none were required
the world would soon see
this prophet retired

Whilst I was riding
early last eve
a peculiar thing happened
you'll scarcely believe
just to the left
out of the corner of my eye
I caught some motion
it was a surprise

the squirrel was fast
along the fence top did he
run along at breakneck speed
I chuckled to myself
but it did keep pace
it was clear to me
it wanted a race

A race it would be
man versus beast
defeat by the squirrel
was not to be
I could sense the challenge
in it's beady eyes
down the boulevard
we did fly

A man did approach
I veered to the left
he looked astonished
the squirrel just leapt
over the branch
that suddenly appeared
I took the advantage
and increased my speed

half a block to go
then the fence it would end
me and the squirrel
were neck and neck
racing for pride
who would be beat
we increased the pace
hearts setting the beat

then it happened,
a scrabble and a squeek
the squirrel had crashed
into a tree
the poor little guy
didn't see the branch
that had snaked across
his narrowing path

the end of the race
it happened to be
but defeat for the squirrel
brought no pride for me
I laughed to myself
and shook my head
and then I thanked God
for all he had sent.

a simple gift
yet one so full
of meaning and belief
placed around my neck
with hopes and loving dreams
placed there by my loving friend
as I stared out at the sky
the light streamed in warming the room
as inwardly I cried

I cried for the moment
but you would never see
the love that I held for you
grew ever ,ever deep
I cried for what I could not have
and what could never be
I cried for the loss
of those feelings within me

There is not a day goes by
when I reflect on that day
or when you greeted me
in your special way
I read the words you wrote to me
and smile all the same
and gently rub the ring I wear
while whispering your name

As lazy days turn to night
wasted days steal your life
oddly it seems,we just can't see
the bountiful harvest
that waits for thee

We stumble and bumble
as weeks turn to years staring so blindly
as smiles turn to tears
tending the gardens intentions have made
while riding along in life's parade

The time passes faster
the older you grow
while perspective runs deeper
as experience's flow
the river of life
is long and winding
with rapids and backwaters
so keep your sight keen

Standing tall
for all to see
majestic grace
reveal to me
the secret that
you hold so dear
the secret that
you hold so near
a mystery from ages past
that blooms as though
the day won't last
spreading out
into the world
loving embrace
needs no words

Waiting
alone in the dark
wondering what
has made me start
was it the wind
or was it the sin
which has etched
my sunken heart

Wanting
to have you near
silent whispers
to my dear
but that cannot be
you have gone
joyful memories
our favourite song

Wishing
to meet again
seemed so foolish
to me then
now I see
differently
your no longer
next to me

Willing
to travel back in time
to take back
all the crying
rip from you
that fiendish beast
that ate you completely
piece by piece

Watching
you slowly fade
will stay with me
till my last day
maybe that's why I start
that's the sin
that etches my heart

"Beware  ye that enter!"
" a word to the wise"
shouted out the pitcher
while pointing inside
There before me sat a tent
arrows pointing out the way
while the surging wave of people
forced me on my way

The sign it read Beware
in letters  big and bold
what you will see in here
will make your blood run cold
grisly noises and some screams
emerged from the tent's fold

Closer I was pushed
to the awnings door
among the throngs of people
to my uncles leg I clung
the feeling I had was tense
unsure of what to do
the yawning mouth engulfed us
my eyes dare not leave the floor

A Man Eating Chicken
was what the sign proclaimed
pictured in my young mind
a horrific feast
but what sat there before us
shocked me into dismay
a gluttonous man in checkered shirt
greedily filling his face

On the table before him
sat the poor carcass
ripped apart with savagery
a bird once so robust
the crowd let out a laugh
and the let out  a sigh
as we were ushered out
into the noonday sky

I came across a strange man
while walking on my land
perched upon a rock
at me he waved his hand
as I approached him
offering this ,he said
"I have arrived here on this rock
at this present time"
"I am here to meet a fellow
traveler of time"

I stared at him agog
not believing what I heard
He said that on this spot
his arrival had been planned
I thought he asked what time it was
so I produced my watch
he slowly shook his head
and slyly ,he mocked
" What precisely is the year?"
he asked
as he sat back on the rock

I started to relay
an answer to the man
the year is 2768
that we are standing in

His eyes grew large
his face turned white
the blood just drained away
grasping at my shoulders
he asked
"What year did you say?"
again I told him the year
in which he had arrived
He screamed aloud and clutched his head
"why oh why oh why?"

"Why have I arrived here
so badly misplaced in time?"
"all that I have known
is now dust,just left behind"
"700 years ago my counterpart was here"
"I wonder how long he waited"
and did he remain here?"

I asked him the name
of this counterpart of his
I laughed aloud
as he relayed a name
that I knew well
he rattled off the name
of my ancestor and me

Our family had arrived here
oh so long ago
but it never was explained
just how this spot was chose
it seems clear enough
now that he is standing here
the man standing before me
was responsible it appears
for our people to have arose
from the very dust
of this tiny lonely rock
floating through the dusk

As I explained these facts
the man began to grin
"It looks as though our meeting
Has .. Finally... Happened

The Stubborn man refused to budge
or listen to complaints
he always wore a frown they said
while standing at the gate
on rainy days he might stay in
on sunny days stay late
but there was not a day went by
when he wouldn't wait

Exactly what he waited for
no one could ever say
the local folks just wandered by
wishing him a pleasant day
he would gruffly wave them off
and mutter to himself
while keeping up his vigil
and keeping to himself

Curiosity finally gripped me
I had to find out for my self
so cautiously I approached the man
and this is what I asked
why do you stand here every day
peering into the wind
a lonely endless vigil
seemingly without end

He smiled at me as best he could
and slowly shook his head
"I am waiting for somebody
who wants to be a friend".

Of all the old tales
and folklore alike
vampires , werewolves
and ghouls delight
the one which I fear
even to this day
the witch of the north
Windigo is it's name

The natives hold true
the stories they tell
of the forlorn ghoul
floating through the trees
howling out its warning
to those who will heed
to those who don't
their flesh it will eat

This was the tale told to me
by my good friend Yves
tramping around the northern woods
in the fall of'70
Yves was not a man
to scare easily
he laughed and scoffed
at tales of thing he could not see

My blood it did freeze
on that last October eve
when the wind began to howl
on all hallows eve
the sound seemed to come alive
whipping up the leaves
the only one who showed no fear
was my good friend Yves

We had come up north
to survey the scene
checking into stories
of people missing
the guides we brought
we thought were stout
turned out not to be
all but one,cried aloud
and ran into the trees

Young Gaston and Yves
surveyed the scene
howling wind and  screaming
then the wind died
and silence took hold
Oh how they talked so bold
they cursed at the trees
and taunted the leaves

Breaking the silence
was a keening wail
the fury of which
I still can hardly tell
the sound shook my bones
clear to my knees
it looked like it scared
even Gaston and Yves

I thought I saw
a fleeting mist
flowing through the trees
seeping, creeping
with a growl and a yell
the furies of hell
were unleashed around me
swirling about
a vortex of pain
I never seen
Gaston and Yves again

I searched for a sign
early next day
for what had become
of my friends you would say
all that I found
were bits of cloth
and some teeth
all that remained of
Gaston and Yves

Try as I might
the sight will not leave
my hair is now white
as you can plainly see
if you go to the north woods
you better beware
of the dangers and creatures
that do lurk there

Standing, staring
watching helplessly
as you turn away
you're leaving me

Joyful times,
soul full tides
happy memories
slowly  drift away
like leaves in the stream

Silent nights
wordless fights
it all seems to me
pain filled feelings
start to weaken me

I think of where
we have been
and what cannot be
there's no more to be said
our time is at an end

maybe we
can finally see
just what it means
slowly sinking in the mire
misreading your desire

Fooling my self
like only I can
almost believing
I could be your man
that you would want
the same thing too
clearly again
I had been duped

If you're
wearing your heart
upon your sleeve
there are those who
will deceive
tear down your walls
take from you
everything you thought
you knew

so move along
don't look back
the road ahead is
long and black
finding light along the way
holding on till night is day.

Lofty expectations
often do give rise
to disappointed feelings
when things go awry

Friendships seem
to come and go
like the seasons
natural flow

Painfully aware
am I this day
of many things
I'd like to say

But I choose
to shower you
with blessings for
this open door

to come and go
without so much
as a note
or a thought

of whom we've
touched, and sought out
lessons learned
lessons taught

I see the world
in this new light
moving on
starting tonight

I'll be back
someday you'll see
it's never to late
to be set free

When I look
in your eyes
I can sense
your desire

a fleeting glimpse
of pleasure sought
no longer afraid
of getting caught

so hold me close
when I am near
whispering what
you want to hear

the language you speak
isn't in words
being with you
its own reward

as we travel
this road together
learning and laughing
round every curve

when we reach
the final stop
look in my eyes
I'll give you my heart

Moving slowly as I walk
through the darkened hall
voices seemed to call my name
beckoning from afar
are they really spirits
moved on to another plain
or is it creeping madness
insidious in its pace

The headaches started weeks before
but I will not let on
The fear that daily grips my soul
will it last for long?
my memories are fading
lost within a maze
a labyrinth of my own design
oh it feels so strange

The people that I encounter
each and every day
some I seem to recognize
others just seem to fade
I can't remember all the time
who I really am
how I came to be this way
or what will happen next

The chilling part of this tale
is it happens every day
some of us are old and frail
while others still like to play
nature plays its tricks on us
some are cruel indeed
robbing us of our life
of our will to be

I don't know what I'm afraid of
but the fear is truly real
sit and watch the sunset
until it disappears
how on earth did this happen
just what was the cause
something that I ate perhaps
or maybe just a clot

Whatever is the answer
my fate is surely sealed
today uneasy happiness
tomorrow rest in the field

well I see now
things are still the same
empty words
your lying brings you no shame
still got secrets
you keep from me
better look for
someone else to play

I should have seen it coming
but it hit me like a ton of bricks
you would think by now
I'd know all your *****  tricks
sitting all alone
wondering why it's got to be this way
sitting there all alone
looking at the telephone
wondering if it's really all inside my head

well the rug's
been pulled out from me
fool me twice
the shame is on me
took me for a fool again
patience now
is creek ice thin

I should have seen it coming
but it hit me like a ton of bricks
you'd think by now
I'd know all your ***** tricks
sitting all alone
wondering why it has to be this way
sitting there all alone
looking at the telephone
wondering if it's really all inside my head

I can see by the look in your eye
body language gives you away
if you could just see your self             bridge
you would shrink into a shell

Should have seen it coming
but it hit me like a ton of bricks
you'd think by now
I'd know all your ***** tricks
sitting all alone
wondering why it has to be this way
sitting there all alone
looking at the  telephone
wondering if it's really all inside my head

With glowing eyes
meeting mine
time stood still
so divine
watching as
the sun did set
for all the trials
no regret
to have another
loving day
sharing laughs
while we play
but those days
are ending soon
the sands of time
change the rules
so I will grasp
and cling to
my little girl
an adult too soon.

Topsy - Turvy
watch the clowns
going up
or is it down

In this labrynth
made of lines
all sense is lost
of depth and time

Impossible angles
do veer off
magical visions
held aloft

A parchment square
upon the wall
reveals the path
careful, don't fall

A journey to
your minds eye
changing angles
smiles arise

is it in
or is it out
that's the question
there's no doubt

Topsy -Turvy
no one sees
the very same
thing as me