Expenses are accumulating around us
Trying to remain calm, I crumble, can't save face
I apologize sincerely for falling apart
And for putting us in this tough place.

On the pole                                                            ­                              

or down the slide                                                


Take­ a trip                        


inside my mind  




Put on a helmet
Because it’s about time
Long overdue trip
taken inside my mind
Harsh bumps and rattles
as you’re shaken about
Thrown off to the side
Possibly upside down
Bright flashes reveal
constantly changing sights
As they endlessly shuffle
and Attention will fight
Like a Black Hole's pull
Imagination creates
with ally Daydream
It’s a tumultuous space
The hurricane winds
which are prevailing about
chaotically swirl
Voices speak and they shout
No symphony music
More like honking of horns
The cacophony hurts
stabbing ears with its thorns


But then quickly a change
as the storm clouds abate
Switched to bright sunny skies
and a beautiful gate
Gave permission to enter
I’m escorted inside
Faces old and familiar
From the shadows they hide
Merrily they share greetings
Earnest smiles and with hugs
Showing signs of relief
Open hearts filled with love


But as quickly it turned
It is turning right back
Skies once golden and blue
Now a murky gray/black
A momentary transition
as we passed through the eye
Blinders placed on our vision
Unaware of the tide
Like a Tsunami wall
with its impending doom
Staring at it with awe
A Showdown at High Noon


These scenarios play out
inside of my head
Shuffling and repeating
Often wishing for dead
But that ephemeral moment
So brief, one could miss
when His Highness the Sun
gives each subject a kiss
The darkness flushed out
And then filling each heart
with a renewing warmth
Now prepared to restart
the cycle, the story
Whatever life gives
Many times seen before
or not something yet lived


This point fundamental
Give the credence its due
You will find that in life
many times you will rue
Beset by the shadows
and the difficult times
seemingly far outweigh
when you’re good or feel fine
Don’t feel down; don’t give up
It’s an infinite wait
Eventually time will come
All the anger and hate
Alcatraz prisoner
Now they make their escape
Freedom marks a rebirth
Superman dons his cape
Holding on to that strength
for as long as you can
While retaining the knowledge
We’re imperfect humans
Life comes with its struggles
And amazing times too
Simple gifts like a smile
Great things waiting for you
When it starts to look bleak
Feeling all hope is lost
Good times must be ahead
Cuz this battle’s the cost

A tribute to the inter-Korean summit  April 27, 2018

Brothers and Sisters of Joseon
In the spring, our love warms our Souls,
like cherry blossoms floating in the breeze at Panmunjom.

In wintertime, our love is cold — it's holding the island of Yeonpyeong
in pain freezing our toes.

If skies are blue, our love is peaceful — two people shaking
hands in the spring sun.
If thunder rolls in, our love is brave, a refuge from the rain.

When spring cherry blossoms bloom,
Our love is bold, like red petals on the Korean rose.

When autumn leaves fall, our love is silver,
shining bright like, Mount Kumgang.

From New Year's day till Dano, the fifth day of the fifth month of
the year our love will continue to hold hands.

From season to season, may peace continue to bloom,
in the land of Korea.

Copyright © 2018 Ronald J Chapman All Rights Reserved.