A collection of thoughts and prayers for our friends their families and the whole of humanity. Written by 76
voices from around the world.

The biggest star shines, proudly announced he arrived
My lord Jesus Christ was born to witness the truth
He granted identities to all of us, lost and unknown
Taught us love, peace and harmony, while forgiving all
A. Amos - United States

An ancient mission, a veiled plan
The Son of God, the son of man
A virgins wonder, a humble birth
The King of heaven is born to earth
Adanette - United States

Winter creeps in as fall fades to an end
frost coats the ground and snow begins to drift
tis' the time of year
Christmas is near.
Alicia Schroeder - United States

Let peace on earth begin at home
And spread to friends far and near
Bringing together all those we love
"It's the most wonderful time of the year.
Ana Sophia - Canada

Little excitement triggering at night
What Santa will bring for me this night
Little wish of mine; do listen my lord
Let Santa bring this time happiness for all...
Anne - India

Egg nog, holly, and Christmas wreaths
Pointsettia's white and bright red leaves
Fat, jolly Santa and Jesus' birth
A bright star arises and alights the Earth
Anne - United States

Adorable boy wiping the blur window pane with his poky hands,
and have a wish that santa claus will bring joy through this window,
Gracefully chanting jingle bells, he became santa for his parents,
so santa given the happiness from this side of window
Anshul's Vision - India

Dreamy hot chocolate kisses
steamy snowflake sprinkled wishes
lists of who's been naughty or nice
blend together this wintry spice.
April -United States

We have no jingles or Santa Clause
We have no snow
Still we have spirit of Christmas
Love and hope
Avinash - India

Christmas in Australia,
Sun, summer heat, Christmas outside
Backyards, and Barb-B-ques
Yule tides under the stars
Barb - Australia

Soft Smells of frankincense.
pine needles of fresh scent of bright Christmas Trees
Frosted windowpanes Magical time of the year
with children playing in the snow
Benita - United States

The season of love and joy is upon us
Sunshine or snowfall, no matter the weather
Smiles and laughter, and good cheer among us
When friends and family gather together
Brian - United States

The count down starts
for the best gift ever received
let peace reign in your hearts
as you wait to unwrap it.
Cassie - Kenya

Time is right, the time is near Christmas will soon be here.
Bells will ring and folks will sing "Oh holy Night all is bright
Children will wait with anticipation for Santa to come
Hearts will be warm, and love will abound Christmas is here.
Cheryl Davis - United States

He is the gift.
Jesus Christ,
He can have our burdens lifted,
By the gift of Christ.
C. Lee Battaglia - Unites States

Wind has licked the poor trees clean
All brown and bare in desolation
All except the evergreen
Soon to be sold as decoration
C. Rose - United States

The snow flakes dance in the wind
Shining lights like a magical dream
For those holding on to promises
To find in these times their wishes.
Dayran - Malaysia

Flash floods of snow replace once august plains of paper white
Mystic rivers freeze over as December lets her true colors shine
Incandescent light spreads throughout the ethereal winter night
As chariot of Christmas comes to life for yet another fiery ride
Doorman Dan - United States

A Merry Christmas poem
Always brings me Advent Joy
As we laud the Christ Child
The Birthday of the King
Douglas Raymond Rose - United States

Shattered crystals float to the ground
Stillness lay upon sweet earth
Warmed by angels silent sound
Jesus love bless yuletide hearths
E.Noodle - United States

To the poor and sick this year
I wish a bit of Christmas cheer
From the homeless and forlorn
Stable where a child was born
Fabian G. Franklin - United States

Christmas shines shimmering bright.
Stars spotlight a dance with the snow.
To welcome a merry season with cheer and light.
Bringing peace, joy and warmth for all to know
Fran Marie - United States

Snowflake kisses, full of holly wishes
peaceful rejoices bestowed upon fellow man
warmth of hope abiding a Joyeux Noel,
& muchly good cheer throughout the coming year
Frieda - United States

Lights shimmer,bells jingle on Christmas Tree
Half asleep eyes waiting for Saint Nick
Straight from the Pole wrapped with love & care
The gifts arrived our homes with a conjuring trick!
Frozen Eyes - India

The night before Christmas is known to be magical
With snowflakes in the air and Santa in the fireplace
And a smile plastered on our child's face
When the morning comes, all the magic will be done
Haley Wilson - Canada

Distance keeps us far apart,
Despite the cheer within our hearts.
The Spirits of Yule sing far and wide,
Let their songs brighten our minds.
Hime no Yuki - United States

Stuff your face, there's more to come
Before the games, the laughter and fun
in lively repose we'll mark the feast
With music and song and family treats
IanJohn63 - United kingdom

This reminds us of the true spirit
of the season.
It is much more than the material dreams dancing in our head
peace and love are the real reason
Jacob - United States

Unpack socks,yes this year is dying.
No child on this day coming should be crying.
I would be lying if I said Christmas isn't exciting.
All joy and glee,wouldn't you agree?
John - England

When children dream each year of Christmas,
Whispers from river and mountain pass --
Touching each language, corner, and part,
Wishing this year's dreams unwrap each heart.
K.L.Goode - Canada

Family visits,
where strangers find each other.
Long lost smiles reborn,
to sister and to brother.
Kusa Da Shin Avira - United States

Shining great star from heaven into hearts
Intimate wooden barn with manger in place
Celebrate the birth of Christianity and Jesus
Who died to keep humanity sin-free and safe
Lady Ann Graham-Gilreath - United States

We danced the year's temporary rhythm
Hitting the high or low steps to each tone
Like black and white in a composition
Let's find forte in harmony made
Laury Hitch - Ghana

The festival of lights is near
"Happy Hanukah" a wish we will hear
Every sundown, one candle more
A wish for peace in our hearts will endure
Lydia Shutter - United States

Bright patterned paper parcels waiting
with ribbons gold, green and red
while children peaceful dreaming sleeping
of the stockings hanging on their bed.
Mad Englishman (Clive) - United Kingdom

Drifting droplets over Christmas Tree
Spreading white foam of cracking snow,
Santa stood beside distributing to all free
****** Mary blessed divinity from above.
M.A. Rathore - India

Son of God, salvation of man
At last unto the earth is brought--
Who will remember, indeed who can
Unless final Ipod or Bratz is bought?
Mark Teague - United states

Thoughts toward the poor, sick or dying
Yet another year passes without some knowing
Of Christmas cheer, frolics for them too annoying
All symbolism meant only for those who are growing
Martin - Ireland

The gift of love.
The gift of peace.
The gift of happiness
May all these be yours at Christmas
MBUYISA - South Africa

To one and all I would grant a gift,
blessings for the holiday season.
Hearts overfilled with a joyful lift
from the angels bright holy beacon.
Michael Greenway - United States

In this season of Christmas
Through the eyes of the child
We look up and do believe
In Peace and Mercy mild
Momzilla - United States

Better than men than me,
Make their own mark
on world
and modern history
Moriarty Mesa - United States

Red and green dress our doorsteps
as our holiday dreams of
smiles and laughter, friends and family
fill our hearts with warmth and love
Ms Jewel - United States

O heart, receive Him! "There is no room in the inn."
May that cease to be our case.
May our blessed Savior be most welcome
in our most holy place.
Nautili - United States

Flakes of snow have come to remind,
Regrets, sorrow should be left behind
Prayers, hopes n joy to everyone's mind,
Family come together for dinner and wine.
Nitesh Poojari - India

The rhythmic snow cascades and falls,
Its beauty overshadows the polar air,
And welcomes the Christmas season,
In a glorious dance the waltz …
Nisa - United States

Christmas morning, early, dark, silence abounds
Coffee in hand, watching the deer on the lawn
Waiting for the family, and their rising sounds
Is there anything more peaceful than Christmas dawn?
NoelHC - Canada

Writing out a list, while sitting in my room
Christmas is approaching everyone soon
Decorating my beautiful green tree
Fairy on top, presents underneath
Noodlebumble"Sye" - Scotland

The wheel of joyful tidings on my mind.
We celebrate love and the gift of life
Our hearts rid of hate and squalor
As we dance to the sounds of Christmas
Norbert Dwayne Weweh - Ireland

We came under the inspiration of poem
To celebrate you, often nobly, is your season come?
Delighted hands trenchant: you reign!
Creeping towards the Bethlehem to be born again.
Onyia-ota, Kingsley C. - Nigeria

The problem with his beard
when the child isn't looking
is the rustle that is heard
when he opens up the stocking
Pete Langley - United kingdom

A fire in the heart as angels sing
Young and old caroling sweet and clear
Wishes for love, and Peace on earth
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
Phibby Veneble - United States

Where the cold bites and snow may fall
there is always a lesson of beauty within for us all
hold the hand out, next to your own
see the unity of the season,that brings us home
Poppy Ruth Silver - United kindom

Let the tolling bells bring peace on Earth
Be the only fire, your yule-log's warmth
The only red, the cheer of holly
The only fallen … a snowflake's folly
Pryde Foltz - Canada

Excesses of the season have commenced
Remember those beyond your fence.
Beyond the reunions,parties and the food
Find in in your heart to do some good.
(Rachelle) Mara Lin - Philippines - China - UnitedStates

As we celebrate in feast this Christmas Day
may you heal our land and the sick
for your touch of love strengthen the weak
a perfect gift for Christmas Eve
Racquil - Philippines

To each in season warmed at the hearth
Soft carols play as we serenade by the fire
The little babe come of a ****** birth
We come to offer blessings of your desire
Realmwriter -United States

This Christmas cold with winter chill,
snow flows free upon the hill,
within the home, warmth from the hearth
parents give love and children laugh.
Richard Allen Beevor - Cyprus

Star of Bethlehem, snow in the air;
red suit, chimney soot, Santa beware.
The stars all sing from high above
and Christmas wraps my heart with love.
Richard Williams - United States

The warmth and love of those amassed
Gathered 'round the family tree
Brings cherished tales of Christmas past
And gifts us with sweet memory
Rita L. Sev - United States

There shone warm light on a cold night
with the angels over head
Keep watch along with the Wise-men
over this blessed child's bed
Ron - United States

Sharing the joys of sharing
sparkling how life meant to give
receiving the blessings of each day
hallmarking the key role of sharing and giving
Roy Mark Azanza Corrales - Philippines

Stockings hung,carols sung
Tinsel on the tree
Don't forget to thank the one
"Twas born in Galilee
Samuel Dickens - United States

The poinsettia alone in a darkened room
Faithfully again begins to bloom
No particular rhyme or reason
Just a beautiful reminder of Christmas season
Sharon L.H. Kelly - United States

A sunny celebration under a winter sun
never put up a tree, no presents
yet holiday spirit excites, brings fun
amidst cake, tales and dear ones: lovely time spent
Sindu - India

I found myself following the Christmas Star
To Bethlehem not too near or too far
Throughout the dessert I roamed
To meet the Christ Child at the Stable Home
SmittyJas - United States

Hoist the glass to men we once knew
those of us who passed on before
The moments shared with precious few
whose souls we knew in times of yore
Tate Morgan - United States

A feathered mess of ****** bird,
Let's feast the corpse no room for third,
Dear pudding flame cause acid nose,
Let's run it off St. Nick's repose.
Thomas - Ireland

Hope is born on Christmas Day
Bow our heads give thanks as we pray
Peace to family and all our friends
Peace to those across all lands
Tina Kline - Unites States

Another year has come to pass...
With many an opportunity missed...
Yearly resolve comes around so fast..
preceded by yuletide bliss
Timothy Woodfin - United States


Spirits or Christmases past,look on those who celebrate today
With the celebrants of Christmases to come, in life's circular way
We think of those who've past on gone, tell of times past we did enjoy
Knowing someday the child will talk of us, whose engrossed in his new toy..
Tomas O Carthaigh -Ireland

Remember Jesus love of mankind
As we celebrate the holiday
With family and friends
Spreading cheer and love to all
(Tootsie Harvey Novels) Valerie L Harvey - United States

Our lord was born into flesh and bone,
dazzling star above his manger shone,
came to pay our debt though vastly great,
that we may enter the pearly gates.
Valormore De Plume - United States

Dry sands in this winter season
Lonely may seem at heart we rejoice
Hiding vibrant happiness for some reasons
Life in this dome, still we enjoy
Willyam Pax - Saudi Arabia /Phillipines

With smiles all on the children's faces
old folks prepare stockings for the fireplace
Churches singing Amazing Grace
preparing his birthing place
Wordman - United States

"Lovebirds dance with Christmas song
Divine message make them happy
Children clatter ding **** ****
Christmas made them quite sappy"
Zainul - Bangladesh

From our family to yours please try to be good to one another this year. The Cafe is a refuge for us all to hang out, share our lives and dream

Merry Christmas Everyone !!!

Tate

With the start of the first inning
as the wind whistled through the tree's
Our short stop had his shoulder broke
and the fates blew in on the breeze

This team was a thorn in the side
of the Harding Presidents Club
It was on this night my son Tate
was scheduled to play as a sub

The kid pitching for North Union
hurled a cooking heater down field
You could hear that freight train coming
as it's hide was 'bout to be peeled

Their coach then rallied his talent
pressing their shoulders to the wheel
like natives dancing 'round a fire
driving devils who'd struck a deal

A death defying mid-air, catch
the bounding, ball tossed on the run
The Devil was in town this night
riding in on the setting sun

They dove and slid then nearly flew
as if the angels rode their backs
While running bases half possessed
plowing the field with cleated tracks

No one remembered the last time
that our team had beaten this bunch
That night they took the field in style
serving them all up for their lunch
,
The dice kept coming up seven
and oh prophetically so
When the sun had finally set
the score was seven to zero

Come ye father's follow your child
through the tough times every one
For the oft chance will someday come
when they will have finally won


Tate

© 2012 Tate Morgan

Written
April 12, 2014
Americans love the underdogs.
original
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/1342622/

Original video poem of the same
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/1354978/

A special gift lies on the wind
for each man who dares the blunder
Then rolls the dice to pay the price
to both touch and feel this wonder


As then one finds the reason why
that has thus far been so hidden
Endless the loads that walk life’s roads
with the fear that was unbidden


Therein lies the conundrum
which we know our hearts to command
Now it will be for us to see
how well the ship of life be manned


Our lives have no greater calling
then to comfort a poor child’s tears
Truth shows clearer through the mirror
for he who shares these hopes and fears


But oh the sounds of fatherhood
how narre they touch to the heart
Laughter and tears pour from the years
for each of us who play his part


Tate

A special gift lies on the wind
for each man who dares the blunder
Then rolls the dice to pay the price
to both touch and feel this wonder


As then one finds the reason why
that has thus far been so hidden
Endless the loads that walk life’s roads
with the fear that was unbidden


Therein lies the conundrum
which we know our hearts to command
Now it will be for us to see
how well the ship of life be manned


Our lives have no greater calling
then to comfort a poor child’s tears
Truth shows clearer through the mirror
for he who shares these hopes and fears


But oh the sounds of fatherhood
how narre they touch to the heart
Laughter and tears pour from the years
for each of us who play his part


Tate
Original version with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/664153/

A rich man's son inherits want
with no desire to work hands bare
Gives the job to another man
to look out from his easy chair

A poor man's son inherits grace
born of toil and sweat of his brow
He adjudged of hard earned merit
pushes on what body will allow

The rich man's son inherits greed
with what malice it may entail
Thinking others beneath his station
for lack of character he does ail

The poor man's son inherits kindness
which with all others level stands
Then asks the outcast bless his door
to share the fruit of his two hands

Heir to what is the rich man's son
tender flesh that fears the cold
To the poor never gives his time
nor dare he wear a garment old

Inheriting, it seems to me
what no good man would wish to be

Heir to what is the poor man's son
strong muscles and pounding heart
Chipped of a marble character
beloved by all he touched in part

Inheriting, it seems to me
what all good men would wish to be

Tate
This is one of three poems I have converted to a new all video format well worth the look at what I feel is the future of our art.
Original all video version
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/1355765/

There was an old man, I once knew
Peaches was the name he used
He was the drunk, set on our trunk
his body old and abused
Sharing his beer with an old horse
who caroused in the end stall
Each day by three, they'd walk by me
and stumble but never fall

His liver was a lace doily
alcohol pickled him thin
He'd been turned down, all over town
no one ever took him in
He drank his beer with ole Nellie
she could tip a bottle too
Swig and sway,  like Don Quixote
as they staggered, swirling, brew

We were headed for the races
this blustery afternoon
Each planned the trip, we had to ship
I knew we'd be leaving soon
From where we trained at the fairground
we carted them to the track
Where all would race, and take what place
each earned in front or in back

Peaches rode in back of the truck
so he could drink the whole way
My uncle said, he'd soon be dead
drinking had seen his decay
We sat apart from others there
he and I were best of pals
He'd tell me tales, of life’s travails
while I ogled all the gals

That day he shared a sordid tale
of pain he caused his own son
He had shouldered blame, bore the shame
for this thing that he had done
Back when he was just a young man
a pillar of support
He took his boy, his life’s great joy
to play their favorite sport

They went to a picnic that day
he had drank one too many
On the way, to watch his son play
of fears he hadn't any
His boy was riding in the back
not thinking they skipped the seat belt
He'd rolled his car, the door ajar
surprise was all he had felt

His boy was tossed out in a field
sweet clover of timothy
The child's light hair, seen lying there
remembered so vividly
"I was a Veterinarian"
said Peaches to my surprise
"I went insane, called out in vain
but God never heard my cries"

"So now I ride where I belong
In back of my self-made bar
Hoping he, will come to take me
by tossing me from the car"
Just then a tear fell from his cheek
the pain enveloped me too
Here cried a man, much deeper than
any of us ever knew

Tate

In a hollow off the main road
sits a village that time forgot
Where things flow, a little slow
and peace of mind need not be bought

The main street beckons all to see
how life ebbed and flowed in the past
Where smiles abound, the happy sound
of a life not metered nor fast

There you'll find the town Silversmith
making jewelry in a forge
The coffeehouse, echos of Strauss
a trodden path out to the gorge

It is home to the Glen Helen
part of a thousand acre woods
Steering the helm, coin of the realm
are the fruits of the craftsman's goods

There by the Antioch College
we spent a good deal of our youth
Climbing the trees, skinning our knees
among beauty we knew as truth


You might just see children playing
Hide and Seek throughout the street
Where "all yee all yee in come free"
sings of a melody so sweet

So should you find that your bones ache
from the pains of life you endure
Take a stroll, over the knoll
to the little town with the cure

Tate

We mixed colors from childhood
with gentle tones that came with time
gave birth to a generation
that became the pride of our prime

Those were days of joys un-ending
you think we won't see anymore
'Cause where we find ourselves these days
we have never been to before

Each place in life brings adventure
meant to try us all of our days
To test resolve and resilience
that we apply to each new phase

We will always have a purpose
as now I am called Papa Tate
To tell you the truth I love it
being a grandfather is great

Tate

True success known by oh so few
who have held its taste so dear
Becoming one's most loving friend
as well as the thing they most fear


Is success so overwhelming
or reflection's failure you dread
Have a mind to be tested here
before on your fears you are fed


It's not he thinking better not
who will be served life’s greatest dish
Only a man who risks his pride
can dream of dining on his wish


Whichever man you choose to be
in this lifetime as in the next
Will lay foundation for the others
who study you and feel perplexed


The man who sees his limits dashed
rendered from toil of sweat and tears
Is he who has lived more in life
than most will know in all their years

Tate
Original with  music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/499184/

These scars I wear each tell a tale
of moments I'll never forget
When loves spark, had once left it's mark
and the fates had called in their debt

Where I fell upon a bottle
cut my arm and nearly bled out
I hit my head, thought I was dead
learned something of what life's about

My legs torn by years of abuse
racing horses like all my kin
I'd go down hard, leaving them scarred
the limestone would tear off your skin

But these were offerings of note
in a life spent chasing ideals
Testing extremes, of my own dreams
run down more than once by the wheels

Son you can't live your life afraid
of each danger that comes your way
So play the odds, tempt the **** gods
rise up and face each new born day

When you are but old and feeble
with your grandchild upon your knee
Tell your stories, of life's glories
show him the scars so he can see

A life spent cowering from pain
will  leave you so aching inside
The gift you'd miss, from life's sweet kiss
knowing you never even tried


Tate  

© 2012 Tate Morgan
Written
October 25, 2012

Beside patches of green grass meadow
golden wheat fields wave in the breeze
Beckoning out to all my fellows
come walk through me with ease


Upon just such a lazy day
I once casually sauntered by
Hearing the call of nature's beauty
thought that God had spoke just to I


With the sound of a lonesome whistle
down the river the steamers rolled
To this the backdrop behind the field
the childhood longing is all told


Across the field dressed all in blue
a boy and his team worked the ground
I stood to watch an hour or so
not moving or making a sound


A smile as wide as the river
shown across the boys bright face
Perhaps this was the very first time
he had taken his father's place


In him I could see a purpose
a reward for his tiny soul
I could tell by the way he worked
nothing would lure him of his goal


Long it is since I felt like that
as a boy just going on ten
Doing twice what was asked of me
to be noticed by him again


Passing for gold in a boy's heart
are all the looks his father pays
collecting what he can in life
to spend long into older days


In him I saw both rhyme and reason
as we all live and pass away
A boy working so hard to grow up
while we men all wish we could play

Tate
The original of this poem I think is much better as I love the music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/444697/

His play he would be forsaking
facing the darkness we all fear
Soul aching tiny heart breaking
oh how he wished that I were near


The matriarch of his small clan
was ill and finally dying
It was his plan to act the man
while inside his heart was crying


I had finished my latest book
which I dedicated to Drake
The Ties That Bind weren’t so kind
as I heard his little heart break


I sent him the book to peruse
in the hopes that it would cheer him
To ease the blues and heal his bruise
though the diagnosis was grim


He took her my book with the note
opened it to the beginning
Where he read the quote,  I had wrote
his face all aglow and grinning


In the end what could any say
to this child who loves his small clan
Love whispered stay,  don't run away
to this boy forced to be a man


Tate
Original poem and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/701419/

It seems we never get enough
attention from all our friends
We seek to play, everyday
in the vain hope it never ends

As writers we are a vain bunch
never satisfied with ourselves
Making wonders, of life’s blunders
that will then sit upon our shelves

From each of the great poets here
we search for that kindly spirit
Seeking such proof, tempered by truth
In hopes we can stand to hear it

We all seek the purpose of life
through our friends we each spread our wings
With each letter, we get better
from that comes the joy writing brings

Friends will die and leave us alone
with those things of life we can’t see
Though I know well, he’s not in hell
I think I’ll let the mystery be

Tate

In spring lovebirds hover fancy
till morning lit by the dew
Takes back winter's heartache
restoring the love in you

The desperate cries of anguish
from a heart that knows no joy
Feeds long upon its own regret
tossing the soul as if a toy

Give to me your heartaches
lie down in the meadow green
Let go the sorrow of past loves
have rain wash the soul clean

Always to blossom in springtime
love feeds us of our dreams
Washing away the winter sorrows
from each one or so it seems

Take all of what you've been given
set aside pieces in you there-of
No broken promise of joy's embrace
can outshine a true heart in love


Tate
Original poem with music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/447324/

We received the news late one night
there was to be a special show
A broadcast from the Moon to the Earth
of what we had no way to know

I was a boy then nine years old
the Moon seemed exciting and cool
As each of the rockets took off
we would get to watch them in school

This time something was different
it was on Christmas eve that year
The pictures sent back from the moon
made it seem as if it were near

The commander then addressed us
showing pictures he called Earthrise
He began reading from Genesis
my mother wiped tears from her eyes

The viewers numbered in billions
for the first time we were all free
To hope and dream of a future
and the wonders of what may be

The whole of the Earth held their breath
for that moment in history
When we learned how it felt to say
every soul on Earth was like me

That was man's greatest achievement
not the landing upon the Moon
Planting the seeds of brotherhood
in fertile soil where they might bloom

That night the heavens echoed out
a cry that felt more like a plea
That shook the core of modern man
all the way to Antiquity


Tate

I had a great, great, grandmother
still alive when I was a child
She was my grandpas, grandmother
even then she was a bit wild
Born in eighteen seventy eight
on a buckboard in Missouri
She had come a long way by then
she was fit and full of fury

We played cards everyday with her
beating her nearly made her weep
"Poopie, kacky, nanny" she'd say
"looks like it's time for you to sleep"
She'd wake me nearly every night
she returned from playing bingo
I'd play with her, games of euchre
sports of chance and foreign lingo

She would walk wherever she went
eat apples, including the core
Cuss and drink, then give me a wink
as she pulled the cards from her drawer
At times she would regress somewhat
"grandpa quit me in thirty four
Thought me uptight, he wasn't right
wouldn't run *** with me no more"

Her first picture was a tin type
"I was a looker in my day
I turned heads in the finest spreads
back then, I always got my way"
She witnessed many inventions
electric, lights to cars and trains
the first to own, a telephone
where she'd talk through the morning rains

At ninety she and I would watch
as three men circled round the moon
"We'll be on Mars, and then the stars
if I don't kick off pretty soon"
She lived to see her kids away
making sure they were buried right
"Yep" she'd say "I put them away
tucked em in for the winters night"

Once when we were playing football
and the game was getting quite tense
She'd sauntered by, looking quite spry
  I knocked her down, along the fence
She got up and kicked me senseless
too many bananas and beer
"Now you know, how to take a blow
don't ever show them any fear"

Granny was an institution
a relic of our bygone days
Laughter and tears, poured from her years
her sometimes odd and senile ways
She had outlived all her children
and a couple of grand-kids too
War nor drought, could put her light out
the toughest broad I ever knew

Tate

Give me a place where the sun shines
everyday I'm alive
Where the darkness never finds me
and I can always thrive

Give me a world that loves me
recognizing my gifts
A rocky road that's rewarding
where I can scale the cliffs

Give me a friend that shares with me
the things I am made of
An innocent mind a child’s heart
unconditional love

Give to me the tools I will need
to make it in this land
Then build foundations under me
upon which I can stand

Give me a place where I belong
one I can come back to
Whenever I have strayed too far
away from me and you

Give me a friend who'll guide my steps
so I won't wish to roam
As I'll then share my love with you
in this house we call home


Tate

I watch my son embark on life
and I wish him all the best
His way will be no easier
than it's been for all the rest

The first child's life is the hardest
as they blaze their new found trails
Upon their shoulders rides the weight
of siblings, hopes and travails

An old woman once asked of me
as she touched upon my fears
"What do you want your son to be
when he reaches adult years"

I thought a while then with a smile
said that"happy" was my goal
"There might be hope for mankind yet
and for your immortal soul"

We might just ask too much of each
newly born generation
Expecting them to build upon
the previous foundation

It's pride that tweaks our vanity
in ****** pride our soul believes
Why is it only through this pain
that by love, our soul relieves

  I'll have that old woman to thank
when I swim the great expanse
There I'll make for the distant bank
where fate may grant me that chance

Tate

I was born of the ceaseless plains
with the endless sky above
It was there I learned to wander
it was there I learned to love

Despite where life had taken me
from green, grass to black, sea foam
I’d cried to each wind filled valley
"will I ever find a home"

Days of life would pass into years
distant plains rang out a plea
Over the rivers and valleys
where my home had drank of me

The Midwest had been calling me
as it echoed out in song
"I am the land of your fathers
and here is where you belong"

Tate
The original with pictures and music

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/1383965/

A Poem by Tate Morgan


God once thought to give me a choice
by offering the chance to choose
I stood bold stance, and took that chance
to ever walk within his shoes

He then offered me five choices
Fame, Love, Riches, Pleasure, and Death
I will have won, when it's all done
so I thought as I caught my breath

Then so it was I chose Pleasure
with the thought to enjoy my youth
To run with the boys, through life's joys
happiness was my only truth

Pleasures that youth delights upon
were disappointing, then grew cold
Sun setting play, that every day
trickled my fingers through, like gold

So once again he came to me
"surely wisdom has found you now"
"Choose your fate, before it's too late
as I said, this I will allow"

"Fame" I said as he smirked at me
"I wish to be a man renowned"
"To play life's game, that touts my name
as one deserving of the crown"

But Fame was a fickled master
that led to Envy, Greed and Lust
A shinning star and giant car
that in the end had turned to rust

Once more God offered me a choice
of the few things that still remain
"Besides birth, only one has worth
try using your heart, not your brain"

"Riches then" I did say to him
"surely they can cure all my pain"
"To do what I can as a man
by amassing what I may gain"

Wealth was not the answer I sought
left me with nothing of what I won
When in the end, I had no friend
to rejoice in what I had done

So one last time he gave me choice
"Love" I said is what I would like
"A woman's breast, where I may rest
perhaps even a little tyke"

The time it passed so quickly by
as I then sat beside her grave
A-wash in tears, for all those years
spent chasing dreams, that none could save

"My life has run it's course" I said
"your final choice is the worst yet"
"My love I lost, at such a cost
all that's left of me is regret"

He said "since you have not asked me
for advice on what you should do"
"I gave Death in a dying breath
to one more deserving than you!"

" Why won't you grant me rest" I said
"what more is there for me to learn"
" That a life of greed serves no need
live with old age, till it's your turn"


Tate




© 2012 Tate Morgan
Written April 21, 2012
All rights reserved

Out on the track that fateful day
I had just turned to train a mile
When old man Finn, asked where I'd been
could he tag along for awhile
"Of course" I said, he turned his mare
we set out for the quarter pole
The leisured mile, we made in style
a two forty clip was the goal


Reaching the quarter then the half
we were on track to make the grade
Three quarters down, I turned around
to see Finn looked a bit afraid
His mare was at a full gallop
bitten by a horse fly I thought
Over the rail, with Finn in trail
their fates tied to the lessons taught


He'd been thrown over the withers
came down ******* the limestone track
Finn was old , but cut from the mold
of men who go forward not back
I pulled my horse up, turned around
hoping to help him if I could
He'd had a stroke, his hip was broke
he lie gasping against the wood


We then took up a collection
to help the old man convalesce
Each man knew, Finn's chances were few
as this made of his life a mess
Kind and charmed I knew him to be
five handsome young sons to his name
Sadly then, those who knew him when
said life would never be the same


I had saved a thousand dollars
a sizable sum for a lad
As I was young, my life unsung
I had given them all I had
My father threw a fit that night
"I can't believe you sometimes son
Hard as it is, in the horse biz
how can I look past what you've done"


Each of us knew the hardships then
we shared part and parcel the same
But as a boy, I took no joy
in most truths of that deadly game
I ran my horse four days later
The Finn's drove in every race
my mare in back, of the pack
that night circled the field in place


Each of them smiled as I rode by
hell they might just as well have waved
While each was as drunk, as a skunk
yet they were all so well behaved
From that night on they cared for me
I laughed as I knew I'd been played
Life was no chore, it gave back more
I was proud of the friends I’d made


Tate

I am my life's sole keeper
in the garden of my dreams
Within it dwell the great hopes
along with all my schemes

Why for me only the hard way
has taught my mind since youth
Does it seem could be no other
than a fact and cold hard truth

I chose the road that I tread
from my bold disdaining action
I would never listen to another
except to my own satisfaction

Lucky that he knows me not
for my sadness hides regret
As they who think to know me
know less the nearer they get

My son how I do love him
touching most his dreams within
But all I want for his heart
is to not go where I've been

Tate

Original musical version with our pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/474060/

Now that the summer’s light is gone
dark shadows of winter appear
The morning lit by cool white dawn
stays away for another year

An autumn robbed by winters chill
makes way for the loveless cold
The winter flakes upon my sill
tell this young man he's is old

Each year passes onto the next
quicker now than the one before
So we place it here in text
loving hearts always wanting more

I mourn no more my wasted years
they leave me no sound as they go
I remember no lonesome fears
as I look on the home fires glow

The winter cold can do no harm
to the warm hearth built of our life
Created of strength , love and charm
the waiting arms of the good wife

Tate

He falters now where once trod firm
I helped him whenever I could
Here was he, whose favor I'd sought
frail body where the man once stood

My spirit soared and loves him still
he had heard my heart’s lonesome cries
When I was the child of few years
while he a man grown old and wise

His was the soul I based mine on
the kind spirit who loved me most
Strength of purpose flowed from his mind
now stands this vision like a ghost

I bear witness as time runs out
where once I advanced in his sight
Both by favor and through merit
his eyes beheld my future bright

In time may we all find our place
helping others achieve their dream
While I could only hope to be
held by someone in such esteem

He's lost none of his true spirit
that still holds to my heart so dear
I will follow where this heart leads
every day of every year


Tate

The original with music and video of Georges wedding from 1957 in  8mm is here
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/644192

For just over two thousand years
we've held to the thoughts of the past
Followed teaching,  and the preaching
that professed faith to all whom asked

Dare we ever question that faith
we find ourselves mired in pain
Be-seeched by those, one might suppose
to be blessed or somehow ordained

Legislating morality
has never worked and never will
you can't force folk, under a yolk
of privileged who sit top a hill

Eating from the tree of knowledge
perhaps we found our sanity
We need be fair, man's self aware
one can't deny humanity

The religious right will survive
behind glass in a museum
An oddity, commodity
for all those who want to see them

We were traveling roads out west
'cross the plains of the great divide
We'd been up into Canada
a country that’s both tall and wide
We drove across the Queens Highway
over the mountains one by one
To the North West Territories
in the land of the midnight sun

Where we came upon a mountain
that was cleaved in half at the top
At the bottom lay the result
for there the road came to a stop.
Where once had been a little town
now lay the boulders far and wide
An earthquake had torn it in half
and ripped off an entire side

At the base of the mountain lay
a plaque inscribed with all the names
Of those who had perished there
all the families who'd lost their claims
Each of them were drawn by riches
to the gold fields of the North West
There strong of heart, sought a new start
and were willing to brave the test

An old woman in the diner
where we stopped to marvel the scene
Set there telling us the story
as she managed to cook and clean
"Only one soul had made it out
and lived through that horrible day"
"You know" she said, “they went to bed
that same night that they passed away"

"The night before had seen a storm
that blew a gale across the bridge
They'd built with pride, to the far side
that led to the top of the ridge
There they had drilled and dug and fought
to reach the gold and silver vein
like the miners, Forty Niners
and their kin of the Spanish Maine"

"A child’s cry was the only sound
that could be heard that fateful morn"
But after that I'm sure she wished
that perhaps she'd never been born
The old woman’s face lined with pain
told how she'd lived through cold and fright
Recanted as if yesterday
for the folks she had lost that night


Tate

© 2013 Tate Morgan
Written
September 30, 2013

In the twenty first century
freedom looks to finally find
The cradle of humanity
come to test the ties that bind

How is it that the continent
from which we all must have come
Is only now finding freedom
out from under a despots thumb

We have surely come full circle
circumnavigating the world
Bringing us back where we began
while enlightenment is unfurled

The masses cry out for relief
they ache for the chance to breathe free
They want self determination
all deserve it as much as me

We lend our hearts to Africa
let them hear voices cry aloud
That they may know we weep for them
in suffering they may stand proud

Tate

I've come to bury the last of love
beneath this willow tree
In the deep forest I went
where no one else could see

________

Held within this bottle of rain
are the tears I cried for her
The many nights I couldn't sleep
as I dreamed of how we were

_______

I'll place on it no pictures
spin thrice to forget the way
Save in me the pain she flowered
leave the dark for light of day

________

I'll never visit her again
forever play all day in the sun
But night when no one else is there
Ill cry of her as the one

Tate

Original version
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/442104/

Near the road a cemetery bloomed
in the ancient noon day light
An old man stood to his task
of tending graves each night

He had spent his youth working
too afraid to spend emotion
Took all he could from everyone
but gave no love to the devotion

Romance was not his forte
he practiced disdain for mankind
Hardly giving love to another
closed away his heart and mind

Thinking life to be a race
he had pushed his way along
Took from the world no pleasure
he whistled but heard no song

Now retired and long lived
he thought himself to be paid
To have outlived all the others
was reward for plans he'd made

As he looked to stones he tended
for all those he'd known in life
An old dream ached in his chest
for words written to his wife

She had once been his true love
the only one he had known
Lost to another in his youth
he was aged, but never grown

Now his tears water her grave
stones of family, oh so few
The dreams of lost love fading
wonders of life he never knew

Called to rest some time ago
he lies cold among his peers
A shadow on winter's night
walks the graveyard of his tears


Tate
Original poem with accompanying music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/447411/

What frail creatures we men are
made from sinew, muscle and pride
Thinking we can conquer the world
for the woman who sits by our side

All is brash, gall and bravado
with such a carefree debonair
Taunting those who test our mettle
intimidating all who dare

A young man thinks himself gifted
to hold sway and folly so near
Injure his pride and you will find
that he becomes someone to fear

A man is nothing without pride
it is the food that feeds his soul
Desired respect of fellows
becomes his sole life’s aim and goal

The handsome woman of his dreams
is she that realizes this flaw
Playing to his strength and weakness
by pretending she never saw

To that woman he grants comfort
strong arms forever hold her tight
Their truth of heart is not broken
whenever she is out of sight

The reason men are unfaithful
they behave only by your side
Has little to do with temper
and everything to do with pride

If you wish for a happy home
a man who's strait forward and true
Just play host to his foolish pride
and he will be loyal to you

Tate

Original with pictures and music is here
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/482949/

Waves rolled across the horizon
through afternoon darkened black sky
The world we came to know shut down
as storm winds counted time gone by

__________


I walked outside just for awhile
to see what the damage had done
Only to find neighbors talking
it was so nice to meet each one

_________


We lead cold insulated lives
tucked safe and away from others
Too many electronic toys
to visit with our own brothers

_________


I noticed we don't build sidewalks
no one walks around anymore
Too afraid of the evening news
to dare visit our neighbors door

_________


My friends keep their children hidden
schedule play-dates with one and all
To visit with their playstation
just to await their friends next call

_________


All you see in the news is fear
"be afraid foolish, there's no hope
Don't build friendships with your neighbors
they might just give your children dope"

_________


We watch as our children grow fat
pretending we don't fear the truth
Yet we remember riding bikes
through the creek that ran in our youth

_________


When was it that we stopped running
then gave up hide and seek till dark
Too afraid of our own shadow
to let children play in the park

_________


I don't know what we were thinking
sitting with friends all day at work
Where we hire our private trainer's
to make us look like we don't shirk

__________


But that one day the power died
I knew the depth of our mistake
We should turn off the fear mongers
for salvation of our souls sake


Tate

Original with music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/458032/

I dreamed three words within my mind
that longed to touch her heart
Each a third of the love
I had felt for her from the start
________
I'd hid these words I'd treasured so
praying they would only heed
But needing love they wanted out
to touch the soul they'd freed
_________
So now at last I let them fly
as all would freely do
That she might know the first be I
the others Love and You

Tate

Original version with picture of Lucy Hamilton Princess of Ireland to whom it was written
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/441949/

We come into life as innocents
no prejudice upon our soul
Washed clean by a new beginning
not a single debt, nor a toll

We have two choices most of us
codes of fathers we just swallow
Or blaze a path in loneliness
others wonder but don't follow

It is that rare one we may find
who chooses to go his own way
These are the ones we all admire
not for them but us we should pray

Fearless souls unafraid to di
they the ones bucking convention
Who teach us all our life's follies
by adding a new dimension

As life progresses onward
to it's predestined conclusion
We learn then teach the least of us
to see truth not the delusion

Don't fear the ones with their own ways
for they may know what we do not
He who turns toward forgiveness
has discovered what most forgot


Tate

A mind at peace with all below
she is beauty such so ever bright
Smile to win the hearts that glow
a wonder to the sight

________

I live in that world you dream of
so happily filling indeed
To know ones heart and desires
is all anyone could need

________

I find in children my happiness
their innocent ways of play
Catching snowflakes on their tongue
they happily pass their day

________

It's only later that we're told
that our dreams don't grow on trees
That we give up our heartfelt dreams
for days that brings us to our knees

________

I for one refuse to grow up
if it means sacrificing my dreams
For I could be anything I want
where all is not what it seems


Tate
Original poem with music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/453179/

Tony and I got up that day
As we looked for something to do
then with Kerny, took a journey
to the edge of the world we knew
I had brought a pack of cigarettes
we pilfered from the night before
From a red shirt, covered in dirt
his brother had left on the floor

As with all young boys of the time
we thought smoking would make us cool
And so we choked, as each one smoked
and acted then played the fool
Kerny brought along some fireworks
which were great for blowing up cans
Oh each could see, we were the three
who always had great master plans

On the lane that led to the house
were double rows of cherry trees
each infested, there they nested
with tent worms and a few with bees
It didn’t take much of a thought
to imagine routing them out
We made a torch, up on the porch
we would take care of them no doubt

We soaked the torch in gasoline
lit that baby and let it burn
“Oh yeah” we said, “they'll soon be dead”
as we each torched the trees in turn
When we had finished with that chore
flaming lollipops came to mind
As all the worms, then met our terms
there were none left for us to find

We were right proud of what we'd done
headed off for the house to gloat
So we the worst, quenched our thirst
there by the pond we called the moat
The day was only half over
after lunch we had plans to roam
So off we went, without repent
down the hill away from his home

We took the riding lawnmower
down the hill that led to the creek
Each full of fire, we'd never tire
there was no mercy for the weak
We used the mower to pull out
the bushes that blew in the breeze
then threw them off, the winding trough
where the creek had played through the trees

The only problem with this plan
came when we noticed all we'd done
For if we could, ******* if we should
though it was in the name of fun
luckily it was getting dark
the mosquitoes had taken flight
We'd done our best, gave it a rest
went back home and called it a night

There were always things to do then
around the hundred acre wood
With luck we'd keep, forgoing sleep  
and would live as we thought boys should
For there we tasted happiness
without television or phone
tested our strength, to such great length
that our muscles ached to the bone

So now we look back in dismay
as America's kids grow fat
We don't know why, our kids won't try
or why one might act like a brat
  They lack what we took for granted
the reward work and toil both yields
The right to play, every day
under blue skies on green fields


Tate

Here was the friend that heard the cries
from the monster under the bed
Who stood watch over her at night
just to scare away fear and dread

Through all the pain and the laughter
he's shared the pleasures and the tears
Watched over her every day
as the months have now turned to years

He is privy to her secrets
none of which he will ever share
The lifelong friend, who in the end
is her very own Teddy Bear

He takes the blame for toys left out
while passing her a knowing wink
The mess was his upon the floor
and the dishes not in the sink


His the last face she sees each night
a smile, greets her every morn
Their's is a friendship born of love
the bond that will never be torn

Tate

Farley was twisting a new tale
his feet on the *** belly stove
There in our barn, he'd spin a yarn
piling on like a treasure trove
"You know I don't think I told you
how I won the second World War"
"Ole Ike, needed help with the *****
and he looked to me and the corps"


"Again my country called on me
Ike wanted us to break the line"
"Well I told Dwight, schedule a flight
just drop me this side of the Rhine"
"So my men and I took the field
we lay waste such a German swath"
"Led all the men, yep there and then
survived only on bread and broth"


"Well we sought no recognition
we let Ike spin his fairy tale"
"We were fine, drinking ******’s wine
just happy to blaze the trail"
Later that night Farley took watch
he had come by to check the feed
Out from the night, came a bright light
Farley happily fed their need


He claimed that he had been kidnapped
aliens from space sought him out
They had been sold, on stories told
and assumed him a man with clout
Of course he didn't go freely
he took out a dozen or two
Scared them so bad, they were all glad
to head off into the wild blue


Farley claimed many a patent
he invented all the great things
Held universities, degrees
knew all the heads of state and kings
He’d served in World War One and Two
circumnavigated the globe
Hung out on the Nile, for awhile
invented Nasa's first space probe


"You know boys" he would always say
"there are a couple things I'm not"
"Attention grabbing, back stabbing"
"though I've won every fight I've fought"
When the iced wind blew through the trees
and the cold air kept us all down
We warmed each face, at Farley’s place
where he entertained half the town


Tate

Let us look to our fellow man
live not in hopes that have been
Are we so different each of us
that we cannot feel for fellow kin

Let not your best friends live with want
fill lives with endless flavor
Always take much less than you give
as then you will know Gods favor

Let no vain hope deceive your mind
our short lives hastened streams be
Doomed in end to fall apart
like spent waves return to the sea

As with all the humble rivers roll
death will level property and pride
Awaiting providence and time
rich and poor sleep side by side

Tate
Original with music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/454876/

I have a daughter Jessica
just as sweet as she can be
And every time I look at her
she is smiling back at me

She gave me all my grandchildren
with the joys that each would bring
Her face is bright as morning dew
like the first breath of the spring

A pixie of a girl for sure
who weighs but a hundred true
Yet has a heart larger than mine
or any I ever knew

Each time we stop by to visit
she suspends rules of the house
Lets me do whatever I want
the same as her loving spouse

Of my children she is the one
I have not done justice to
The truth be told it's all my fault
oh Jessie I do love you

Tate

On mornings hence I'll forget
to forgive this callous blow
That left me broken on the field
where angels hearts don't go
________

As to the scar left there upon
I'll hide it best I can
For fear they might see my pain
and think me not a man
_______

When in future I'll be asked
to say this was my fault
Why open this tender heart within
to the unending pain of assault
_______

As future bears witness of
my life and deeds inscribe
Descendants will think me as kind
for the life I try to describe
_______

In life I took much less than gave
I walked the good heart line
Carried the hopes of the small
held theirs as they held mine
_______

But to God, I say through it all
I was true to his design
Gave my heart in earnest love
for a life, sweet, gentle and divine

Tate
Original poem with music and self portrait
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/446689/

Gentle the breeze that floats the air
across the years it moves my soul
Words so sweet, so gentle, and clear
melodies of love took their toll


A face from my past gazed at me
I had met these eyes once before
I recognized this sweet beauty
from far off to the distant door


Dropping by when I am weakest
lighting mysteries upon my breast
Playing melodies of love's heart
feeding the memories of my chest


I remember those laughing eyes
that had once stared back at me
No less the beauty decades since
in her face that child I could see


Aloof and careless with herself
walking high upon nature’s wine
She poured her beauty on my soul
no woman was ever so fine.


But oh the times of yesteryear
how they tasted divine like bliss
My mind a-wash in thoughts of her
longed for that first touch and kiss


Time seemed to have passed but moments
yet many years had seen much joy
At the time I felt most a man
I wished that I were still a boy


Tate
Original version with pics and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/496422/

What makes a man's character
are built of actions on life's field
Not from the size of his body
nor of the power it may wield

What makes these men so precious
are the gifts they share each day
Carrying our dreams with them
then teaching us along the way

Who can say they do not cherish
the idol of their childhood dreams
When building for him an altar
from where their tiny heart then beams

The traits that we adore in them
that we all wish that we could be
Sown from seeds of imperfection
and that handsome humility

Rising again, time after time
drawing on the strength all but gone
But oh what lofty heights indeed
for us to place our laurels on


Tate
The original poem with my grandfathers picture and accompanying music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/445371/

Our days lit by constant sunshine
strength in numbers was our design
In hand me downs we ran through town
with baseball bat and ball of twine

By golden skies and rustled tree
for reasons yet unknown to me
My eyes were keen to beauty seen
this soul my own as I was free

Then we aged the world took over
legs ran no more through the clover
As older eyes forgot young ties
no longer gods constant rover

When Ides of Winter come to be
oh times when lives were all carefree
Follow my track all the way back
to friends who meant so much to me

Tate
Original version with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/566894/

We are architects of our fate
working within constraints of time
Some mens lives do seem so blessed
while others seem riddled with crime

For each of us stack stones of life
from our yesterdays we borrow
The blocks from which we build our days
are foundations for tomorrow

Build your dreams with greatest care
don't think on life's great sorrowed past
Create a world so wondrous
that through ice and fire it will last

Your child’s future held in your hands
go from failures cold darkened din
Show your son where you are going
not the tale of where you have been

Tate
Original poem with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/538310/

Oh so fragrant the air was tasted
when first our souls did meet
Wafting on to the fading night
spoke of smells so ever sweet


Emotions so bare and open
fearing no more of the night
Say come back again and again
stay with me till morning light


Thirst overpowers my senses
with promises of love each day
Saying to drink of your fountain
swearing you'll show me the way


So short the time we have to be
oh what shall I do with mine
Give of my heart to another
or simply drink of the wine


I'll trust in you my happiness
life seldom gives but just one turn
while knowing so well the danger
I still wish to live, love and learn

Tate

Original version with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/649433/

I hear the rhythm of the rain
wind- whipped drops falling 'round
Tapping on the kitchen window pane
I love the music in that lonesome sound

Walking through to morning's shower
daisies covered by mist in the dew
Calm and warm tame with power
life springs forth all fresh anew

Watching the world's sins melt away
anointing life with a chance to be
Feeling the sun light up the day
washing the blues away from me

So like the man built solely from tin
with a chest full of broken dreams
Rain falls softly on my skin
nothing quite the way it seems

As I watch the drops of rain
falling on the glass by and by
They run down from the window pane
there before the grace of you go I

Tate
Original version with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/555096/

I would give to you my smile
that sauntered look and walk
A long mellow daydreamed breeze
that cute look each time we talk

I would give to you the sunshine
a kind windy sun flowered field
Hopes to fill your hearts desire
with any dream your mind could wield

I would give to you the warm rain
sweet songs the whippoorwills sing
The eternal stars of the night
for you I would give everything

Tate

Neither birth, nor death, escape pain
it starts with the babe's cry
Men wax and wane, throughout their reign
in the end just to die

Through heat and cold we push onward
like Lemmings to the sea
Ever shore-ward, ever nor-ward
and on to victory

The weeks pass by without delay
and with them countless tears
As most I'd say, lament the day
that their months turned to years

What makes man something to behold
is not the after-life
It's in the gold, of stories told
and arms of the good wife

We need no promise from above
to tell us we'll be paid
By joys hereof, through souls we love
is man then measured weighed

Tate

Wheat fields wave across the meadow
bright yellow 'neath a sky of blue
Beautiful swaths of sun bleached straw
cut down long before their due


So like the children of our city
colored yellow, red, brown and gold
Living out their lives in dog years
struck down long before they're old


This sickness flows through our land
leaving the helpless and despaired
Where all are made to be thrown out
none are saved or even repaired


When the silent spring finally comes
and all the birds are in a museum
We'll sell our birthright for a song
so children can pay to see them


Then all the beauty will be gone
as our grandchildren run out to play
Not under blue or across the green
but in the trash from yesterday

Tate

Two friends upon a battlefield
one left on the ground as he dies
In a foxhole, the other sits
listening to his mate's poor, cries

The first man wanted to save his mate
but the Sergeant said, not to go
"You'll only **** yourself instead"
"I can't leave him that's all I know"

The Sergeant went to turn away
as the first man dove from the hole
"I have to save my friend," he said
"if it costs my immortal, soul"

Minutes later he slid back in
clutching his dead friend, in his arms
Mortally wounded, he was now
blood was pouring, from both forearms

Laid to rest within his friends arms
"a waste" said the Sergeant, to some
"When I found him, he was alive
his last breath said" "I knew you'd come"

Those who live forever bonded
round a fire and hearth, tell the tales
Are stories told, worth the cost
of a poor mother's, cries and wails

Ask a man to die for country
he will die for his friend instead
But no matter why it happens
the poor man is still surely dead

Could we strive to be something more
than a tombstone, upon the ground
Is death the true test of friendship
when Taps plays, the ultimate sound

If we don't learn to love, brothers
extinction will be how Man ends
It's hard to live a life of pride
at the cost of so many friends



Tate