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

I have wondered on life's purpose
through blinding sun in bad weather
Thought upon gods great mysteries
me, myself and I together

Hope and Love have took turns in life
each led me up every hill
Hope gave me the strength to live
Love kept me warm in winters chill

I am fortunate as a man
to have come to this place so far
To weather life's uncounted storms
and sail through with nary a scar

Sometimes I think we try to fix
what we as men think is broken
Only to find that in the end
the true needs will go unspoken

It matters not to me the end
nor to what ailment I succumb
Just shine a star to guide my life
help those in need to not grow numb

We say that what doesn't **** you
will strengthen both you and your clan
I think I'd rather be naive
than to aspire to a tougher man

Tate
Original version with Music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/668539/

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/

With you I share my greatest joys
a heart that never feels alone
The house, our home, where we belong
grander treasures I've never known

Our grandchild alight with beauty
that shines bright as the soul within
Who's never known disappointment
nor the weight of a single sin

To that I add my own young boy
who likes to spend his time with me
Tossing a baseball back and forth
living treasures from life's own tree

A wild filly of a daughter
that never had her spirit broke
Who never took to the bridle
nor has she bent beneath life's yoke

That look, that smile, your knowing, glance
like a stroll through the summer wheat
I lay my pen in reverence
upon the ground beside your feet


Tate

I chanced upon an evening walk
beneath the stars with you
Transformed was I to hear you talk
so bright and shining too

Emerald eyes from which you gaze
taken from your lands of green
Shone back to me in loving ways
more beauty than I had seen

I listen for each and every thought
to flow from your beautiful mind
Everything you say I am then taught
in greatest measure and kind

Daughter and heir of precious dreams
sweetest of days morning dew
Oh much more ever than she seems
such is the beauty of you

Tate
Written for Lucy the Princess of Ireland
The Original with Lucy Hamiltons Picture and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/448353/

A special world are you and I
wrapping around us with its tune
A bond I feel but cannot see
giving heart to the soul love's tune

The fingers spread like fine-spun gold
a silken thread that holds us fast
Firmly tightened around our lives
showing the future not the past

When you awake in fear of new
know it be truth and not just lies
Hold tight to that which binds your heart
it is the might of love that ties

I'd be no more than a lost soul
if not for the life we two share
For all the times that I have failed
it's still a wonder why you care

You bring warm, sunshine to the rain
happiness, to daily strife
The giddy, chimes of childhood
the unending, light of my life

Tate

© 2014 Tate Morgan
Written
January 24, 2014

I rode the train with my girl today
across the barn swept hollows
Past lush fields of emerald green
with the life and love that follows

The train car tapped out a lullaby beat
which spent our time lost in leisure
The smiles past came by with the peace
life's sweet gifts we couldn't measure

A man had set across the aisle of us
he seemed so different from me
Clothes tattered, torn and weathered
homeless and likely worn hard was he

I couldn't help but to take the notice
his features hewn and deeply lined
Drawing a map of where he'd been
red eyed he looked half blind

Something alone in his vacant stare
said It was me that he resembled
The thought had taken me a-fright
I looked hard, long and trembled

I saw my lover look over him too
noticed the hair might be the same
Except for straggling beard and decay
I had felt a deep sense of shame

Could that be what would happen to me
what fallen angel had led him astray
A nightmare vision of life’s full truth
eyes of pain in the heart they betray

Then my lover looked back upon me
her thoughts she sought hard to repress
How kind the teared eyes that hid the truth
from her lips that would never confess


Tate
Original version
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/441725/

On humble fare though he may dine
soft light of a candles flame
Walks with a sense of purpose and time
upon his soul is there no claim

A man treads light on honest poverty
no coward nor gentleman's slave
Gives of his love to the poor of heart
stands fast in the face of the grave

Bearing for her life's burdens
soothes the children of their tears
Is the rock all others break upon
leaves fond memory of his years

He knows the value of free will
as honesty will rule his heart
Owns pride born of forgiveness
to the fallen grants a new start

Give the fools their silk and wine
the dishonest pretense of gentry
Only welcome of a good mans door
can allow for a monarch's entry

He knows this as his fellows do
from every house, field and station
One need not be a worshiped lord
to be master of God's creation

Tate

I have a friend who says that she
will return here, reborn one day
The essence of morality
bereft of our mortal decay


She claims only those who believe
will be allowed to live here then
This tapestry her god will weave
from all faithful women and men


I have a little misgiving
that I pose to a faithful few
What is it makes life worth living
if not the character we hew


Tolerance be the holy way
humility tempers us true
So why curtail what others say
as if this world were just for you


Our religions seem a bit grim
even somewhat selfish at best
Save ourselves by worshiping him
and to hell with all of the rest


No good man worships another
nor our father wish that from you
He'd rather you helped your brother
as any good father would do


If the word be truth, let it shine
and echo out over the seas
May the dreams be both yours and mine
as the winds that blow through the trees


Tate



http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/722400/

Friends who played with you on birthdays
through all the laughter and the tears
Alongside whom, your gifts would bloom
with secrets shared over the years

The nights you cried yourself to sleep
for the things that I'll never know
I'm sure you knew, as I did too
time would pass and you would grow

You've made it through adolescence
finished college, then got engaged
I'll cry the day, you go away
and lament on just how I've aged

I will be right there beside you
proudly walking you down the aisle
Then let you go, face all a-glow
father charmed by his daughters smile

Tate

I hardly remembered my dad
from the time when I was a boy
When he left we were all bereft
there alone to fend for our joy

So with a pocket full of dreams
I traced the river as it flowed
More like a stray finding his way
I departed the winding road

I went out to try my fortune
and find the father I had lost
How I would grow I didn't know
investing my youth was the cost

He was a man of single mind
who would rule with an iron fist
Much was my fear when he was near
that I would make it to his list

Racing is a beautiful sport
as a horse is a handsome steed
I paid my way every day
to learn the things that I would need

After many years we parted
as I developed my own ways
Never dull my life is grateful
to have had those wonder filled days

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

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/

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

My son was just a little boy
when he started saving treasure
To him it was each man's duty
to rule by bluster and measure
_________

His heart was set on protection
of this hoard he'd kept in his bag
Filled with pride he was elated
a tough pirate who'd earned his swag
_________

I'd watch as he would sail his sloop
off to some distant hallowed land
To wrest the natives of their loot
leaving their blood upon the sand
_________

His first-mate's name had been Jack Tar
from a story that we had read
He neither asked nor gave quarter
to the clansmen who now lay dead
_________

The sloop was built of a tree house
that we had hammered for three days
Not a bad deal for a pirate
with livelihood that always pays
_________

Many a coward met his end
on the deck of the Black Jack Drake
they begged for mercy every time
but were strung up for the men's sake
_________

How wondrous is the child's mind
who dreamed of immortality
He'd leave his mark upon the world
in so doing, he then touched me
__________

Little could he have known back then
the paths of dreams that he had paved
Were stored within his father's heart
where they were written down and saved

Tate

Original poem and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/658027/

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

There is no ship quite like a book
it wanders as it may
Then takes us out amongst the waves
where gods and children play


To places far and wide we trek
chase hell's whale 'long the pole
Crest waves with Ahab na'er the cape
where gods may claim your soul


There your heart becomes a cannon
spit iron on the whale
Follow him through perdition's flame
and live to tell the tale


As the oarsmen all stagger back
cross themselves o’re the job
No hope to see another day
forlorn begin to sob


Imaginations running wild
wicked cruelty sublime
Chase your whale till you catch his tail
or till the end of time


Tate

Original poem and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/669082/

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/

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/

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

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

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/

If our faith can move a mountain
then it should save a soul
To have untapped faith in oneself
is life's great gift and goal

Within all children lay a dream
to be more than their parts
To open gifts within themselves
warming their tiny hearts

Ask a small child this question
"what do you want to be"
Always it's seems there's something grand
through their minds eye they see

So where do all the lost come from
who find their dreams have died
Who see their hopes all washed away
as if cast on the tide

No one can say with assurance
what happened to those souls
How all their dreams in life were lost
or for whom the bell tolls

If asked of me I would just say
truth is hard to admit
The mind is not a vessel filled
but a fire to be lit

Tate
Original poem with pictures of my granddaughter
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/634176/

In dreams of my sweet former life
with the wonders childhood poses
I find those friends I left behind
still so young and fresh like roses

I wonder if to them I'm old
when they think upon occasion
Do they wonder as, I do
of that inner child's persuasion

To me they are the cherished ones
memories of lost summer nights
When we played hide and seek till dark
enriched by all life's smells and sights

In dreams they live on as before
echoes of games we use to play
I start each night as they ended
with the dreams from yesterday


Tate

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/442186/

In dreams of my sweet former life
with the wonders childhood poses
I find those friends I left behind
still so young and fresh like roses

I wonder if to them I'm old
when they think upon occasion
Do they wonder as, I do
of that inner child's persuasion

To me they are the cherished ones
memories of lost summer nights
When we played hide and seek till dark
enriched by all life's smells and sights


In dreams they live on as before
echoes of games we use to play
I start each night as they ended
with the dreams from yesterday


Tate
Original poem with music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/442186/

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 have to wonder now and then
as the dreams I once held divine
Have left me just like other men
to age and wither on the vine

Where once I thought that I would be
so much further along in life
Now the dreams that I once could see
so cut me quick just like a knife

Perhaps the gods that rule my fate
have turned their backs upon me now
Lacking what I once thought so great
leaves me this truth to disavow

Where is the strength that gave men pause
where once I bent life to my will
When I was game for hell and cause
and drank until I'd had my fill

Be careful where your shadow cast
as the dimming light pays a toll
The day will come you breathe your last
when you will have to face your soul

But then I gaze upon my child
with the strength and the fire to fight
I think of when I was so wild
I shunned the day and loved the night

It makes me want to continue
to keep the Hounds of Hell at bay
Push the muscles and the sinew
to wake to face another day

Tate

© 2014 Tate Morgan
Written
March 27, 2014
Original
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/1335062/

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

When I was young and dreams abound
no limit to virility
My hopes and dreams had left a sound
of silent, calm, nobility

Nature had blessed my heart with love
so that light would live in my brain
And in that place that I called home
the flicker of love would remain

My days were pained with great laments
work and bills had beaten me down
I wondered why god let this be
the truth of life in my small town

I asked that question of my god
"send me a sign, that I might see"
As down the hall my child then ran
where "daddy's home" then answered me

Tate

It takes of a man some courage
to admit when he has lost
Then swallow back his hard won pride
which had come at such high cost

All men know of their own weakness
for the temptations of life
They fight themselves to no avail
unhappy without life's strife

For a man is here to suffer
to stand up fast to the gale
To struggle against all life's odds
to either win, lose or fail

Men who feel this innate desire
tempt the will of unkind fates
To write their names upon lifes wall
as one of the worlds true greats

Only when a man has fallen
does he reach his true, found, worth
He knows of nothing until then
for the reason of his birth

A man can always take comfort
in the things he must abide
To gaze in the mirror broken
taking heart from that he tried

Tate
Original poem and music with pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/629199/

Of all the faces man puts forth
to hide his dark inner sorrows
Love is the one that matters most
as from the deep soul it borrows

It lives among us everywhere
memories of the gentle breeze
Speaking only truth to the wind
for all the others we're to please

Pen sonnets to your gentle way
sing songs of the cold raging sea
Amid toil from emotions bliss
these feelings, flow, freely from me

We know Fate in all her fury
fear no rage from her painful screams
For whenever the truth be told
she harms us only in our dreams

No one controls the hearts desire
nor whether it be happy or sad
As in each one of ours does beat
torrid seeds both of good and bad

We pine for that one's acceptance
a glint in the young woman’s eye
The sweet smell of her hair caress
as she wistfully saunters by

Those few small things all so precious
create memories cherished gone
Recalling times of loves sweet bliss
loving moments of youth go on

For all these things we know of us
and then a hundred, thousand more
Life will never answer them all
as we open up each new door

Man will always question his fate
search for that brighter inner light
To illuminate his darkness
and scare away the haunting night


Tate

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/

The days of life are winding down
as I but fear what lies ahead
My son has reached that time in life
that always filled my mind with dread

There's just a year until that day
when I just hope that I may grow
To be the man, I pray I can
as the time comes to let him go

This week we go on vacation
and as we share these times of  joy
Within the bonds of family
he'll spend his last days as a boy

I've done what I set out to do
back so many a year ago
Instilling in him foundations
of all the things he needs to know

Oh please just let me be gracious
and smile when the day draws near
Then wish him well, as time will tell
if I can overcome my fear

For then my son will be a man
with strength to face the new found dawn
In knowledge that he's not alone
as my heart breaks for all that's gone

Tate


© 2013 Tate Morgan
Written
June 24, 2013

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/

Another life I dream of now
thoughts of others nay-ere to wed
Where love has waited on the bow
shown in beauty  of all she said


I watched as she descended stairs
and dreamed the world was none but gay
With her my life had lost the cares
where we would dance the night away


The witted banter of close friends
then came the music swaying crowds
As dreams of love that never ends
on high the heaven’s streaming clouds


From marbled hall and wooded glade
of noble thoughts I was endowed
For love of her my heart had stayed
a life un-wavered and un-bowed


To he whom ever loved so true
I thank the winds of salvation
For blond tresses and eyes so blue
she, this wonder of creation



Tate
Original poem with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/633246/

Both the tears that live in sorrows
along with tears born from pain
Echo through the lost tomorrows
that will never come again

For I had closed my heart away
as to hide behind a door
So the longing I'd kept at bay
would trouble my soul no more

With the storms brought by the spring
came the April winds sublime
The children's happy feet now sing
pitter-patter keeping time

I kept the promise to my heart
burning love has kept me warm
I'll ready for the end in part
with my back turned toward the storm

The sun did set upon my chest
as lost, love cried out in me
“Give me life or give me rest"
was the sound of my hearts plea

Tate

© 2014 Tate Morgan
Written
March 2, 2014
Original
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/1323374/

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/

When once we walked among the trees
equals in every measure
Both felt the blowing of the breeze
that bespoke of life’s true treasure

We were once best friends together
whose futures seemed boundless and bright
Shall that friendship part forever
with the dousing of our loves light

All was unknown, unseen, untasted
emotions we had yet to show
All that's left are feelings wasted
those things that helped to make us grow

Shall they turn into bitterness
to cover failings of our own
Then douse down those whom others bless
from a heart that has turned to stone

Through common things and days events
for each moment there comes an end
With our lives joys and discontents
we choose whether we will ascend

One by one choices pass away
grasping those that we most savor
Oh may we not selfishly sway
to envy those, others favor


Tate

There dwelt an old and simple soul
beside the river near
He worked and sang from morn till night
for nothing he did fear

He thought that no one cared for him
no reason could he see
"I envy nobody, not I
and no one envies me"

But oh so wrong was he said I
so wrong as wrong could be
"If my soul could be light as yours
I'd gladly trade with thee"

I asked him then "what makes you sing
in voice so loud with glee
I be rich, though my heart is poor
the beauty I can't see"

"I owe no man not even one
a simple man I be
My house is small, my clothes unkempt
though I at least be free"

"Good sir" said I and sighed awhile
"now it is I who see
You are the one to be admired
farewell and happy be"

Tate

At the track kitchen that morning
I was playing cards with friends,
There sat Pop Sigh, we called Dead Eye
and Fats Jimmy, who drove the Benz
The fourth man, Wheel Chair Eddie
a boy of eighteen, I'd been told
The wheel chair, was his cross to bear
on each, God had broke the mold

Fast Eddie as I called him
suffered from Cystic Fibrosis,
"Get outta my way" he would say
"don't need no **** diagnosis"
Eddie was cleaning up on us
took me for two hundred three,
He was the best, wiped out the rest
taunting us all, with his spree

The others always let him brag
in pity for his condition
That might be, but they weren't me,
I'm not given to submission!
"Eddie, you're a gimp legged freak,"
I'd said, giving his chest a tap
"Off your ****, or keep your mouth shut,"
"Hey Morgan, I won't take your crap"

He waved the money in my face
"you fish bite the same old hook"
"Man" he'd say, "you're easy prey
you make it sound like I'm a crook"
"If you'd climb outta that wheelchair
I would teach you some respect"
He'd laugh and jeer, show no fear,
"well now...what did you expect"

But Eddie had such little time
whereby, we all knew his plight,
What might I see, if I were he
I'd welcome their taunts to fight
While others made him feel sorry
for the state that he found himself in
I could see, he was just like me
though at times, I would let him win

I think that's why he favored me
he would seek me out, most the time
The reason he, played cards with me
in the hope, I would drop a dime
I never looked on him as sick
to me he was one of the ****
He knew I'd say, "Eddie, let's play,
come on, we need another man"

Tate

When could I say that I believed
I was such a treasured soul
To give up the life you've conceived
for a chance at half not whole

Having tasted the nectar of life
who can say they would pass it on
For years full of trouble and strife
filled with all of what was, now gone

Life wasn’t meant to cost so much
that you pay for your love in years
I couldn't bear it to be such
that I cost you a life of tears

Many a night I looked up in awe
to the sweet sky above my head
Longing to be that star you saw
to hear the wistful things you said

So now I lie in wait for dawn
watching the stars all twinkle out
Dreaming of things that were, now gone
we never thought we’d live without

Tate
Original poem as it was created to be seen with music and pictures
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/538782/

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 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

What will they say when we are gone
to tell of the days we have known
May they never measure our worth
by our  life’s failure, to have grown


Pray they say that kindness was found
in a world surrounded by pain
That we had given more than took
trying our best, to not be vain


I wish my friends to know of me
that I see them as a treasure
The pains of our lives that we share
are the jewels, by which I measure


When winters cold seems to descend
from the North Winds that blow a gale
Take heart that you are not alone
then may love, lift and fill your sail


When the sands of life all run out
should you pass on before I go
This world will know you had a friend
as over you, my tears will flow


Tate

Drink to mans lofty hopes my friend
think of ourselves as something great
Where we pretend starvation’s end
as beauties walk and watch our gait


Fill the glass and drink your repose
we were both good sinners as well
Living our lives as we suppose
one foot in heaven, one in hell


Wine is better for us than bran
it takes the bitter from the scorn
With each drink grows a bigger man
each bottle downed and one is born


We tipped the glass to innocence
as the light reflected each face
Circling embers in suspense
around the campfires of our race


So take the cheer and fill it up
as masters of the universe
And think it not on empty cup
nor to brothers with empty purse


May god forgive our foolishness
we talked of many things that night
But what we lacked was loves caress
and cheer of child within our sight


Thinking we were not life’s keeper
we never worried on their end
For why would we fear the reaper
nor did we help a single friend


Don't wait till your life is all done
to learn the lessons of a fool
Know the rewards of self are none
where love of others is the rule


Tate
Original version with music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/650025/

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/

If insight be what you lack
then son take it all from me
I shall give it to you freely
in hopes that you may see

If love is what you should seek
what tales my heart might tell
It has known heights and depths
of the soul as deep as a well

If I could grant precious wisdom
to enlighten your fair sight
I'd say play with your children
teach each how to fly a kite

But learn these old lessons now
while I am still here with thee
For the day will sometime come
when my light shall cease to be

That eve my heart be silent
its music shall play no score
The mind will  go dusk quiet
to be heard from never-more

But heard next day the singing
will float out above the din
The Caroling Angels call
beckoning me to come back in

On that distant fateful morning
I'll stand before them to say
" I washed my soul with happiness
then taught my son to play"


Tate
Original poem with music and pictures of my son
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/547353/

Man can work sunrise to sunset
and thereby finding none of joy
Look far to the past for comfort
to the days when he was a boy

The pleasures come in kind smiles
confirming both field and station
Building along the path of life
friendships that speak to foundation

A native son of the Midwest
my life and soul are both free
What I wish to share with my child
is that sweet gift once given me

So each man will look back in time
taking stock of the life he led
To find if he is left wanting
and for who and what he has bled

Those times I see in my own child
of any things he missed there’s none
Creating dreams he’ll long cherish
watching him grow in Midwest sun

Tate
Original version with  son Tates pics and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/571994/

The games we played in childhood
made to ready us for our life
The fleet foot breathless soldier
forged to mimic our daily strife

These lessons turn round and round
with the sweet spinning of a child
Taught so that we may never forget
to make a man of the meek and mild

Somewhere between the child and man
we forget sometimes the reason
Why children love to play these games
as varied as each new season

The happy chimes of the baseball field
like notes from far flung rain
Carry us back to our childhood
reliving the laughter and the pain

The giddy chatter across the field
lofted high on the drifting breeze
Echo our life's fear of failure
wishing, if only time could freeze

We find much more when we lose
of just what we are made of
Discovering the test of character
that all good men so love

In life it's not the ones who condemn
nor win most times they play
It's friends who forgave our weakness
whose spirits echo through our day

Tate

Original poem with family pictures and music
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/542810/

Pity the heartless
wish on them well
Follow not their teachings
for them time will tell
_____

Echoes of mercy
not for us, but for them
Is the essence of virtue
from which love will stem
____

While night is asleep
sunshine will be mine
I'll relight the candle
that made my heart shine
____

With that all the demons
once loosed upon me
Be chased back to Hell
and set my soul free
_____

I can't say if
but I can say when
I'll pickup my good heart
to love another again


Tate
Original poem with music and picture
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/aristate/448533/