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260 · Dec 2017
Merry Christmas
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
The English word “Merry”
Did not originally convey
“Jolly,mirthful”
It was more along the lines of
“Blessed,peaceful”
A deep down inner joy
Rather then revelry
One gets a sense of its original meaning
In the well known carol
“God rest ye merry, gentlemen “
As can be seen from the comma
The word is not used to describe
“Jolly”gentleman
But rather was a
Blessing from God
Invoked upon them
God rest ye peaceful gentlemen
Thus
Merry Christmas
Is a Blessing
Words in the eighteen hundreds had different meanings then do now
A word meaning can make all the difference in a new understanding
CJ Sutherland Nov 2023
I
Bless us Oh Lord,
for these thy gifts
Which we are about to receive
from thy bounty through
Christ, our Lord Amen

II
Thou whose hand
hath brought us
onto this joyful day,
Accept our glad
Thanksgiving
and listen to us pray

III
Thank you Lord,
for all that grows
Thank you Lord
For the rainbows
Thank you Lord
For the sky and
stars that shine
Thank you Lord for
the moon and the sun.
Thank you Lord for
all you have done.

I will never forget the Thanksgiving prayer. My father offered when I was a child. He took the letters of “Thanksgiving”
And he gave them value

IV
Thanksgiving
T is for thankfulness
H is for everyone Here
A is for amen
N is for Never giving up on God
K is for kindness we show each other
S is for the Sunshine and Stars

G is for God our Lord Jesus Christ
I is for the Individuals at our table
V is for Variety of bounty the Lord gave
I is for Initiating forgiveness and love
N is for Noticing the gifts God gave us
G is for Grace and Gratitudes

It wasn’t until years later, we found out that father had cut that prayer out of the paper and he put it in the palm of his hand, and he read the poem so seamlessly we all thought he was making it up off the top of his head.

Feel free to make your personalized version
For your Thanksgiving Blessings prayer
and fill it with everything that would
be of your family’s gifts and blessings

Happy Thanksgiving
May God bless you and your family

I encourage you to write your Thanksgiving prayer
traditions in the comments
May your house be full of love and the word of God as you gather together for everything you were thankful for God bless us all
255 · Nov 2020
Irritants
CJ Sutherland Nov 2020
Even

A                     Tiny

Flea

Can                                 Drive

A          Big.       Dog

CRAZY
The Brain will naturally put the words in the correct order.
the power of the brain.
(I’m not sure why I cannot take the period after the word big it’s the system not my intention)
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
I used to pray
" let mother be alive"
father told us
She was dead

sisters whispers
that's not true
He took us away
So now I knew

Years of searching
to find her and care
many empty faces
it's awful out there

The streets of LA
a bitter cold place
survival changes
God's good Grace

My prayer
has been answered
she was alive
dying each passing day

God gave her to me
then he took her away

No more
do I
pray
My Mother was a bag lady on the streets of Los Angeles.  I could not find her until I was 18 years old grandmother was sick and hired an investigator
But lived out of state I searched for weeks in down town  Lost Angeles soup kitchens ally's looking for my mother when I found her she had throat cancer and didn't even live for three months  I wrote a lot during that time
254 · Sep 2017
His Mistress
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
For better or worse
Ignorant trusting
It's the kind of thing
that happens to
other people
Not Us
Our bond                         was strong
a lasting love
He tried to hide
His Mistress
betrayed
how brazen
right under.             my nose
Why did he                          give her
His soul
Sneaking out
to get a taste of her
laughing in delight
she gave her all
The smell of her
lingered
on his lips
fooling no one
except himself
      Lying Eyes                                 Standard denial
finally
I found them
together
as he was just
finishing her
Caught in the act
I had to see
who stole my man
Face to face
Stunned                                     dis-belief
I could never                                   measure up
now I knew her name
***** Smirnoff
If you notice this is supposed to be two people on top of each other
An alcoholic hiding his alcohol Fools no one  especially one who does not drink
253 · Nov 2023
Waiting Still Waiting
CJ Sutherland Nov 2023
Contemplating
Anticipating
Determination

Tools of the trade;

Rhyming,
Timing
meter, flow
Not as easy
To get the
poem to Glow

Every word
Can be
A Segway
With a hook
Either
A mystery
Love story
Or an
Open book

Inspiration
Dangling                   participles
A poem’s journey
Can be
A long way
To go
Without
Structure
And flow

A single word
Phrase
Puzzle
Maze
Writer style
Must
Beguile

Haiku, limerick
Free verse, Ballard
Word Salad

Will
Present
Itself

To
Light.       The
Flame
   To
  Fuel
  The
Imagination
Emancipation

Organic
The mechanic
Segway
             Where
                    Words
                          Flow
       ­         FREE
Celebration
Exhilaration
Finalization

Waiting
Waiting
  Still
Waiting
Writers block I actually fell asleep waiting lol
253 · May 13
Dichotomy
CJ Sutherland May 13
If
              You
                           Do
                                 Not
                                 Believe
                                In
                      God
          Ergo
Jesus
Than
WHY
Do
You
Participate
Celebrate
Religious
Holidays
Christmas
And
Easter?
Ulterior
Motives?


To Get
Gifts.      Free
Stuff

My poem resembles
The Question Mark ?
I called this Word Art
While some people have indicated it can be distracting. I like the challenge of completing the picture.

Inspired song

1) Tell Me Why
The Backstreet Boys 1999
4-15-25
252 · Sep 2017
Grandchildren
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Thank heaven
for grandchildren
when they look at me
with their trusting eyes
Asking a million questions
what, when, where, and whys  
My unconditional love
that nothing denies
I pray they will be
healthy, wealthy
and wise
My daughter and her husband have 5 children
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
We all have secrets we carefully hide
Things that happen
That should never be silent inside
Elderly abuse
It’s silly
I don’t think of me as old
But over the age of 55 I’m told
When your child
Hits you with hatred
Yelling  obsenities
The  derogatory comments
***** looks
Bullying
These things
Don’t just happen to children
It’s happened for many years
Worsening through the the fears
Angered by my tears
I’m trying to understand why
This happened to me
I am a strong woman
With love in my heart
My grand children
Are caught in the middle
consequence is little
you can't unring the BELL
after the shame
who would I tell
250 · Oct 2023
College Kool-Aid
CJ Sutherland Oct 2023
Higher education a privilege not a right
Financially universities are out of sight
Choose A college, not cloaked in hypocrisy.
The one you can afford is mediocrity
Most try hard to resist Temptation’s sin
However eventually they just want to fit in
A feeble experiment, try something new
College students surrender without a clue
Not quite full grown , a woman or man
They do what they want because they can
Transitioning into, anything, something
They are on a quest to stand out, to shine
Their Grand Adventure to seek, to find
Escaping the rat race, a struggle , The grind
Considering all possibilities what is best
Experiencing the excitement of life’s zest
Contemplating who and what to become
A leader or A follower, success for some

They are Young , gullible, ignorant trusting
Naïve, Unsophisticated , easily deceived
It doesn’t matter if what they are told
Ridiculously implausible Is NOT true.
It’s something For them to believe in
It’s something they need to hang onto,
They drank the College Kool-Aid
Step One

Newbies, full of dreams, leave for college,
Young adults ,barely retaining knowledge
When They come home for thanksgiving.
In a crazed haze, moral confusion, Ensue
Erasing their history, they once  knew.
volatile temper, They jump to conclusion.
Their past reduced to just an allusion,
Monumentally,This is the very first time
They are allowed to have , Boisterous  
opinions of Worth and make it plausible.
Their thoughts, glimpses of intelligence.
A New Affirmation of personal dominion
Acknowledge Pronouns, how they Identify
Parents must; be content, conform, comply
Specifically, Never question, or ask why
College Kool-Aid
Step Two

Ready to argue , On every point
they sneak off to smoke a joint
College Kool-Aid
Step Three

Repeatedly They are taught ,Every parent
has filled their head with a million lies,
and their generation is much more wise
College Kool-Aid
Step Four

Indoctrination overtime Many discussions
Unfold Laced with Drugs, beer and wine.
They were taught to believe what they knew, as they grew,  twice told tales lies,
Which made disillusioned Parents sigh.
Absent minded they started to drink.
Consciously they never stop to think
College Kool-Aid
Step Five

Their tribe no longer Included; family,
Sister and brother, father and mother
Yes even Nana and Papa were deluded
Generations, traditions all up rooted
Drink longer and Stronger
College kool-Aid
Step Six

Taught to Destroy the entire world
Once held high ,our flag unfurled
The American flag now burning
Patriotism, A relic from the past, turning
Historical statues dismantled, pulled down
Americans look around, our foundation
The Rubble, pieces, broken on the ground
What made America special , not found
A College Marxist generation now enlisted.
The young and old, morality, sold twisted
Uncontrolled they no longer can be told.
The fruits of College Kool-Aid
Step Seven

Deception , humanization , foundation laid
Bourgeoisie hidden lurking in the shade
Powers that be ,One World Order parade
College staff, every teachers too, mixed
their evil brew, served, what they made
College Kool-Aid
Step Eight

mind bending manipulators Deployed
All means possible ,Our country destroyed
the Long term effects, fruits of Kool-Aid
America reimagined, A coo  from within
Attack on every front, Revolution begins
They don’t care what, they don’t care why
Contrived motives by the great divides
Parent and child on opposite sides
Our children are now walking away
from their family they once knew.
Those That nurtured and gave love too.
Master control takes hold, kitchen Bare
Congratulations!, Graduated, unaware
Receiving their diploma with a blank stare.
College kool-Aid
Step Nine

Brimming with anger, hatred, deep inside
Gross distain ,They don’t try to hide.
USE their Parents for a Financial ride
for their College Education with pride
Bewildered Parents don’t want to believe
Their youth would practice to deceive
Deception, achieved, Illusion never fade
College Kool-Aid
Step Ten

No more nonsense and No more pretend
Our Traditional education Now at an end
leads to communist Marxist, emancipation,
Marching, Molotov cocktails in the street
Mostly peaceful protest, burning the elite
Generations, bewitched , never knowing
Depravity showing , Take over growing
Illegal immigrants, parents cannot defeat
Inevitably America flounders, at the Brink
Eventually everyone will drink, once made
College Kool-Aid

Morally gone, zombies, walking dead
Education formed what is in their head
Decision time, Take the Red pill or the Blue
Really that’s all they’re taught to do

Easier to Control when empathy is gone. Honestly, How do We Combat this war?
How do We reason with our children
with 1 foot out the door. The erosion of
Families , Morality ***, Marriage, racism,
Transgender ,M/F , giving/killing Birth
Everything is controversy on this Earth.

Relax borders open we’re going for a ride
United States Civil War, treason, spies
Hear the battle cry, How many will die?
Defending America’s right to be free
We are At the precipice, On bended knee
By design ,by those who hide in the shade

GOVERNMENT
well played
After all,
they MADE
the Kool-Aid
This is an example of an epic poem .
As a  college Educator and a college student I see things from both perspectives.! Watching the young adults I know navigate I experienced this firsthand. To hell in a handbasket
American, Or land .10/23
250 · Sep 2017
Sweet Dreams
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
I have a dream of my very own
it's been my imaginary friend
My comfort when I am alone

I no longer condone
listening to lies on the phone
no more arguing, I keep an even tone

My dream is big enough to share
with that special someone out there
I thank God for making it just for me

I have kissed the past good bye
This resolve only I can make
No more wedding cake

It's all part of making me new again
No more fake smiles or pretend
I am learning to be,My own best friend
Marriage has ups and downs. I wrote this poem 12 years ago.  Still together now32 years married 36 together
250 · Mar 2024
Memorial Haiku
CJ Sutherland Mar 2024
Roadside DEATH, Flowers
Motorcycle accident
Loved one remembered
Driving I saw some flowers and a cross on the side of the road and it made me think of this
3-2-23
This is a Haibun Haiku
250 · Dec 2023
At What Point
CJ Sutherland Dec 2023
Do we Ask The Silence Questions?

What is an acceptable quality of life?
Birth Defects;
Conjoined twins
Cerebral palsy
Down syndrome
Blind, Deft
Cleft palate
Childhood Cancer

At what point do we ask?
Are we Humans playing god?
Test tube baby acceptable
Just because we can
does it mean we should?

We are looking for the answers!

We need to see our way clear
Corrective lenses, Glasses
Cataract surgery
Retinal detachment,
Blind

Listening for hard truth, what will we find?

Hearing aids
Ringing in your ears
Deft

People speaking without hearing a sound


At what point do we ask?
What constitutes Contributing to life?

When is a person a Burden to society?

When limited Movement is painful;We Stop
Arthritis
Tingling, Numbness
Neuropathy
Degenerative disc disease
Fused vertebrae surgery
Paralyzed from the neck down
Bedridden

We Elect Surgery to regain mobility

Our desire for a better quality of life

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Total Knee Replacements
Hip Replacements
Physical Therapy
Walkers, wheelchairs, braces,

Losing Control, Fighting for your life!

Alzheimer’s
Schizophrenic
Bipolar
INSANE
At what point do we ask?

Who determines when a person is
Unable to comprehend life?

CANCER The “C Word “

At what point do we ask?
When the pain is unbearable?
Hang on, orLet Go!
Chemo therapy
Body rejecting medication
Breast Cancer, cervical cancer
Reconstructive augmentation

Allergies, coughing, asthma, COPD
Oxygen therapy  
Ventilator assisted breathing

At what point do we ask?
When Health Situations Demands Actions !

Taking stock Emotionally
Get your Affairs in order

Heart Attack
Pace maker, regulator, stent
Dialysis
Kidney failure
Kidney transplant
***** transplant
Metal plate in your head
Artificial limbs

At what point do we ask?
When do you pull the plug?
Coma
Brain dead
life support
Resuscitate
DNR do not resuscitate

At what point Do we ask
Are we NO LONGER  HUMAN
Are we creating A new species?

Where in your body does your Soul reside?

At what point do we ask?
When is this action acceptable?
Assisted suicide, Dr. Kevorkian
Hospice care is not life Care
Giving Up, Choosing to Die

At what point do we ask?
Is this acceptable?
  Even if we were healthy our entire life, the world is stacked against us!
Breathing, eating ingesting poison!

GMO, Genetically modified food
What are they doing to our body?
Chlorine 200+ chemicals in our water
Poisonous gases chemicals (chem) trails
at what point do we ask?
WHY?
Dr’s treat the symptoms But
Rarely look for The medical condition
Etiology unknown
Pill's that ****, ineffective treatment
The side affects are worse than the cure
Untested not approved Shots
Fake plan-demic Human  ginny pigs

At what point do we ask?
Will we ever know the long term effects.
The damage done To our bodies
Human experiments Without our Consent full understanding ,knowledge
Are Eugenic at play.?

We engage in conversations considering
the best possible solutions
However
There are Definitely more
Questions then answers!

At What Point Do we ask?
Where do we go from here?
249 · Dec 2017
St Nicholas fact or fiction
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
Since he fifth century, the feast of St Nicholas was celebrated December 25th
little is known of his life except that in the fourth century he was
Bishop of Myra( in modern day Turkey )
Legend has it that his wishing to aid people in need and do so anonymously, he would throw small bags of gold in their windows
The bags would land in the stocking hung by the fireplace to dry

    Other stories from Germany of a
Man and his wife who had a toy shop
The poor children would look in the window of the storefront
at all the beautiful hand made toys their parents could not afford
so on Christmas Eve the couple would
Put a toy on the porch of every child’s house

    Legends of generosity encouraged others
to give gifts at this time of year

But in the 16th century some reformers felt Nicholas was too closely identified with the Catholic Church and replaced him with other figures in  Germany and England’s Father Christmas

  The name of St Nicholas survived however,
through adapted to various languages Sinterlaus in Dutch,
became Santa Claus in English
It was Clement Moore in the famous poem
“The Night Before Christmas”
who equipped Santa Claus with
a sleigh, reindeers,a pipe,a bag
and an entry through the chimney

The true reason for the season is the Birth of Jesus
It’s a Birthday party
We need to give Jesus gifts
as well as others
My Gifts to name a few
The Gift of love, faith, belief
Well you get the idea
What do you have for Jesus this year!
The stories were taken from books and life
CJ Sutherland Jan 2018
We are the voice of our generation
From all walks of life
Sharing our joy and pain

We are representatives of a society that struggles
We feel the passion to voice our views
We are stirred to write  out of necessary
A yearning to voice our thoughts

Well after we are gone our words are forever in print
For future generations to study and learn
Who we were and what we were thinking And WHY
Our struggles, our points of view matter more the we will ever know

Our voice matters
While we need to respect other points of views
We must also stand strong  for what be truly believe
Defending our hope, pride, and the American way

In other countries people right to freely say what they think
Is not permitted
Stifled by a leadership serpressing their freedom and voice
Their opinions

As long as we are free and proud our voice must be heard
In retrospect this is a tremendous honor and burden
To be the voice of reason for our Generation
The state of the union has be thnking honorably
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
Saharan
                  Dust
                                         Slowly.         
                                      Heading  
                for
   Florida.  
                        Then
      The
   Rest              
Of  
         the
                       World
  The
Air        
           is
                                      Thick.          
         ­          Don’t
Breathe
?


Inspired song
1)Dust in the wind by Kansas

2) they call the wind Maria
from the movie, paint your wagon red
A little harder to find 1960s)
7-30-24 weatherman actually said, don’t breathe. Nobody corrected him..🤔
247 · Sep 2024
Sister, Sue, and Mary Lou
CJ Sutherland Sep 2024
Close as two sisters can be
Sister Sue and Mary Lou you’ll see
They grew together then went their way
Bound by emotion. A hug is all they say.

Sister, Sue, and Mary Lou
Twins, lives in twined they grew
They held each other, love and Tears
Streamed through their eyes mixed fears

Every day they spoke on the telephone
Keeping in touch, never felt alone
They mostly got along hardly fought
To find husbands is what they thought

Sister, Sue, and Mary Lou
Were each other’s glue
Boyfriends came and went
Their emotions slowly spent

Even though they lived apart
Relationships shaped The same heart
Couplings unsustainable they’ll broke
Praying perfect companion heaven spoke

A tragic way for sister Sue, and Mary Lou
Destined to be just them too
The closest Bond of love, they knew
They wanted more then sad depressed blue

Time marched by sister, Sue, and Mary Lou
Realized love was not meant to be
If one in love, not the other, Three off-kilter
Through rose colored glasses Jaded filter

It was to be for all to see An emptiness
Brewing in them a deep sadness
This insuperable story of twins,
Who achieved A great deal,

Because they never gave up
They never gave in, they Believed

An epic poem

Inspired songs
1) The wind beneath my wings
By Bette Midler

2) One is the loneliest number
By Three Dog Night

This poem was intended for the webster’s word of the day Challenge in July. The criteria is to complete a poem within that day. Clearly that was not the case . Still, I left the word and definition as an afterthought.
The idea of Websters word of the day challenge for me is to learn new words. after all the knowledge is for my edification.
I encourage everybody to try it. It’s not as easy as it looks. Message me for more information or BLT
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
Insuperable 7-3-24
Something described as insuperable is impossible to gain control of, solve, or overcoming

Poem written 5-13-24 in draft mode until now
6-3-24 we worked until published
9-16-24
246 · Mar 30
Hate
CJ Sutherland Mar 30
The hate
You Give
Is the hate
You shall
Receive
70 times
Seven

For
Give
This is what I call Word Art
it’s supposed to be an
Exclamation Point
246 · Dec 2017
The House Church
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
An interesting phenomenon
Takes place in houses at Christmas
There is no other time of the year
When it is so natural
To have a Religious presence
In our house
The Christmas tree itself
Is a religious symbol
It’s origins are rooted in
The tree of life
In the Garden of Eden
Often we place a star
Or an angel at the top
At Christmas
we have a manger scene
With the child Jesus
Mary and Joseph
the shepherds, the magi
And angels
Candles
Closely associated with
Religious ritual
are very popular  Christmas decorations
In our homes
We listen to religious music in our homes
Christmas carols with religious themes
A prayer is usually said before the Christmas meal,
Even in homes where this is seldom done
During the year
This might set us thinking about the value
Of year round religious symbols
In the home
Perhaps we need to focus on
The renovation of our house church
We have a tradition of religious symbols
In our house
The cross, a family Bible,Ext...
But it’s faded a bit,
The Christmas season is a good time
To take a second look at having year round
Religious symbols in
Our House Church
Just a thought how many religious ornaments are on your tree?
245 · Sep 2017
Love the double edge sword
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
IT                        TAKES
A         STRONG           MAN
TO                                        LOVE
A             ­                      WOMAN
YET                                          IN
HIS        ­               WEAKNESS
HE                                 IS
EVEN         STRONGER
IN               HER
LOVE
I have been playing with word art for a while now
245 · Feb 10
Repeated Enough
CJ Sutherland Feb 10
Lies become the truth

Believe in Relativism

It helps “them” feel free



Modern Haiku
3 lines defined by
Syllable pattern 5-7–5



Inspired song;

I believe
By Tom Jones (1970)




Footnote
Relativism is the belief that there’s no absolute truth. Only the truth that a particular individual or culture happened to believe..
CJ Sutherland May 2024
Must learn from the past
Else we call past the future
Cross roads destiny
****** killed 6 million Jews when a nation ostracize and exterminated all Jewish people. That’s happening again now. Don’t think it’ll stop with just the Jews .they’ll call for the Christians death next , as foretold in the Bible.. One can argue. This is the beginning of the end.
CJ Sutherland May 2024
On the Center Island embankment
Mother Mallard sits on her eggs 24-29 days
One hour twice a day in the sunshine,rays
She must leaves her eggs unprotected
Starvation never realizes the unexpected

Mrs. Fiddle and Mr. Faddle
Had eight eggs under their care
Predation, Herons claimed seven there
A perfect duckling name Little Paddle
The only Duckling to survive

Fluffy, healthy, strong Full of energy alive
Fiddle and Faddle guarded Little Paddle
From dillydallying around
For a wild Little Paddle
Mischief can easily be found

All mallard ducks pair off The same way
Pecking order, preservation at play
Mother Mallards sit distant from the flock
Mrs.Fiddle Mr. Faddle and Little Paddle
Animal instincts stay distant from the dock

One fine day A mishap dismay
Wiggle and waddle they progressed
Refreshed, Digressed and obsessed
They search for their missing Little Paddle

Under a Elderly Mother Mallard’s wing
A small Beak seen it’s the cutest little thing
Out pops Little Paddle
squeaking and squawking “ here I am”

Fiddle and Faddle tired of worry walking
Mrs. Fiddle pitched a fit, spit and Spatial
A plangent tangent, of loss, of pain
But for a Little Paddle it was just a game

Harmoniously Honking all is right as rain
Mrs. Fiddle and Mr. Faddle
Have a heck of a time gripping the rattle
The parenting reins in the saddle

Growing quickly with giggles and gaggles
The adventures of Little Paddle
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day
Plangent
Such a sound that describes a loud, deep expressive of sadness or suffering
242 · Jul 2023
Helter Skelter
CJ Sutherland Jul 2023
Charles (Charlie) Manson 1969
was in the Local News mostly The Times
when he committed the crimes.
The young girls were so blind
lace on drugs; hallucinogens and wine.
The trial lingered through A 70s time line.

I was 15 when we found Stoner’s Den.
Chatsworth Park North, where and when.
Behind the Railroad Tracks, & Tunnel;Then
Up in the mountains and hills we found
An opening to a cave in the ground

I wondered just how deep the leap
I dropped a rock in the hole
to see how far , The cave did go
but I never heard it hit the ground
Not even the slightest of sound

The boys had been there before
The opening in the ground was the door
A thick rope knotted Nice and Neet
Dangled down approximately 20 feet.

Ominous dark Messed with your head
Your feet had to find the ledge or your dead
No going back this way, they said.
Navigating rocks in a narrow jagged path
smaller and tighter the deeper you went
The time to worry was half past spent.
.
If you were claustrophobic
this was the wrong place to be
luckily that was not me. However
I was not prepared for what I would see

In the Dark ,The skinny girls cried  
soon I know why, A Solid ROCK SLIDE
Lay flat on your back with just
enough room to bend your knees
and don’t sneeze please
Crawl Slide on your back,
stay close keep track
skinny girls had no fat.
They had to be pushed until their
body glide down the rock slide.

I had the opposite issue.I was fat
My girth was momentum on the rock Earth
I slide fast and hard with all my worth.
No control, A dip, A drop, unable to stop
I hit a friend, welcome to the Stoner’s Den.
Dimly lit, hard to see, Satan’s ****** words
Were Warnings, on all the walls ,
Invoking spirits, evil calls
Many half Burnt candles on the ground
piles of Dusty spare matches
And flashlights we found.
Whoever owned them was not around .
Once lit The flickering light filled the room.  
An uneasy feeling I was in a tomb

A boulder so large we found.you
couldn’t Put your arms completely around.
It could not be removed from the ground.
A pipe was drilled in rock from top down

If Your First time  you must drink red wine and smoke the rock with *** you brought.
I was Afraid of what drug residue were left behind. Would my **** contain dope?

I didn’t want any part of that scene
overwhelming fear, the need to flee
Panicking, I was turning green.

Over and over they played their game
Three other girls lower their head in shame
The more peer pressured I grew cold
I said, NO ,I just want to go.,
Nothing more to say, I got my way.

There were three EXITS out
Easy, Medium or Extreme no doubt .
So  You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to Know which way the girls wanted to go  Nice and slow, Easy, Peezy no problem
Why couldn’t we have gone In that way
If the girls had a say! The experience might’ve gone a different way. Hard to say

Years later, we learned, The trappings of
Where we had been. As legend had it, Stoner’s Den was right below Spawn Ranch
were  Charlie’s Family lived and danced.
It was know they had been to Stoner’s Den

Charles Manson, and His girls planted their Seeds they Cultivated evil deeds for Charlie Faithfully Under his spell they proceed

The  reckless way we teens behave
We could Have gone to our grave.
We took a walk on the wild side.
in the dark where evil reside
Thank God we made it out alive.

That was the dumbest and coolest thing
I have ever done., BUTI would not
recommend it to anyone
Helter skelter in the summer swelter. Would happened became part of our pop culture in a Don McLean song bye-bye American pie. Before the music died.
CJ Sutherland Jun 2024
Round and round ,The carousel turns
Faster and faster with moxie we learn
Life shows us ups and downs
Cherished love Sweet laughter sounds

Younger hunger, more invincible you are
Chances to prove your a bright shining star
Rushing through life not a moment to spare
Soaring high in the crisp clean air

Around and around the carousel turns
Resilience in the face of adversity we ride
The oceans we cross, Turbulent tides
The chances we take Mountains we climb
Lessons, sublime In the passage of time

Around and around,The carousel turns
problems in life, that each day would bring
Changes pass by to catch the brass ring.

Around and around, the carousel turn
Disparity and pain my ride will slow down
God’s gentle hand will push me around,

He picked me up, carried me, when I fell
He stands beside me on my carousel,
BLT, Webster’s Word of the Day
Moxie 6-6-24
Refers to courage and determination, energy, or know how
242 · Jan 2018
False start
CJ Sutherland Jan 2018
My last poem
“ start at the beginning and shine “
Suggests with read first post
I proceeded to go to the first poems
of some of my favorite poets
However they had so many poems
I was unable to get to the beginning
Hense False Start

So now my friends
I need to know
the names of the poem(s)
You want me to read

I can look them up by name
if I tap on the poem list
it has an A through Z
And most popular options

so let’s try it again
Please leave me the name of the poem
You wish me to read
Let’s start by letting to know
Each other
My first poems is
“His Mistress “
Enjoy
241 · Oct 2017
Revalation tribulation
CJ Sutherland Oct 2017
Do we think we know more then God
Many no longer believe there is a God

So Why are we afraid
And we are all afraid of something

We have no reason to be frighten
the comfort is in the Lord

IF you truly believe
there's nothing to be frightened of

"How is it you have no faith" Jesus asks
(Holy Bible)

Humanity is falling apart
Many have hardened their heart
They no longer believe

How can we justify the ****** of more then  
58 million unborn babies since 1973
That is more deaths
Then all the wars put together

We must stop now

We ask for mercy killing of the elderly
Dr. Kavorian the killer of the old

We must stop now

When German parents have been imprisoned and fined for withholding their children from *** education class that teaches 9 year olds how to have *** (including homosexual ***)

We must stop now

When medical staff in Sweden and Portland have been fired for refusing to perform abortions because of their faith

We must stop now

Around the world pastors and clergy
are feeling the heat by refusing  to perform same-*** marriages

We must stop now

Look around the world human trafficking ,: terrorists senseless killings
the war is in our shopping malls, at concerts

We must stop now

Lack of belief leads our society down a round where morals are no longer present

The line between right and wrong
is no longer blurred it's completely gone

We must stop now

Wide is the path of many
that leads to distraction
narrow is the path of few
that lead to righteousness

We must stop now

The Christians who walking the path of righteousness are ridiculed as prejudice, close minded,  attacked for their beliefs
Christians are to be tolorent to the sinners

What is happening in the world when right is wrong and wrong is right

We must stop now
These facts come from a the book of Revelation decoded and the holy Bible
241 · Apr 2018
Lent 40 days until Easter
CJ Sutherland Apr 2018
The last forty days of Jesus’ life
Judas’ betrayal, a mother’s strife
Jesus told all around him
The sequence of events would be grim

“God so loved the world
He gave his only son
Who so ever believe in him
Will not parish
But have ever lasting life “(KJ Bible)

Undecribable pain racks my mind
Jesus’ death All to save every soul of man kind
Ultimately all but one apostles was murdered killed
John in exile still wrote, God’s grace many books he filled


Still we sin some don’t even believe
We live in a world practicing to deceive
No man will know the exact moment Jesus will return
However we have everything we need the Bible to learn

“When wrong is considered right
And right is considered wrong “
We are a standing at a  precipice
The next tragity shan’t be long

Faith and love The Bible teaches all we need
In paralleless times, strong faith with God’s will you’ll succeed
It time to learn who you are how deep are your morels vested
To understand why evil doers ****, our values will be tested

Today Jesus died a violent death
At the hands of man who hadn’t a clue
His last words to God
“Forgive them Lord
They know not what they do”

Can we even imagine that amount of love
It takes for such compassion
To carry out such a plan from above

Happy Easter
God Bless you all
Revelation is a book to start after all it’s about what comes next all quotes from the Bible
241 · Jun 2023
A visit at the nursing home
CJ Sutherland Jun 2023
I  can smell the musty, generations passed
An odd lingering scent that last
A Mixture of cedar wood and moth *****
Bring forth a flood of memories.
I great their calls
Happiness Fills my head and nose
A flower for Grandma,
A hand picked garden Rose.
It’s much more than just their clothes
The scent transport me to Yesterdays
A maze of peace, only A heart knows

In the visiting room they’re walkers and wheelchair all clutter
The set up, make it hard, to get to them
Under their breath, they mutter
We show our love with hugs and kisses
Whispering in there ears secret wishes

A quiet sadness fills the air
looking into their blank stares.
Was this going to be,
another awkward silence?
Only in time we shall see
Perhaps A frustrating outburst of violence
Are they in there?
We miss them, and we care
Or have they gone?
We wonder for how long,
off to some place in their mind.
Where did they go?
what will they find?
Hopefully fading back
Sometimes Music and stories,
help them find what they lack.

Children, young and old
gather for; a yarn, a tail, a story told.
Loving memories My grandma knew,
from a time of long ago.

Her soft voice was gentle and kind
a warm comfortable chair,
One can always find.
Settling down till the story fills my head and the visions spins like cobwebs
I fall asleep in my makeshift bed.

The story always starts the same.
Somebody asks her
“what is it like being so old,?(100)
Knowing most of your life is behind you” ?

With A Wink and A Smile, and
A twinkle in her eyes she begin.
As we listen to the adventures
of a lifetime gone by.
when we laughed , and cried
Babies born and
loved ones Died

“I have always been the same age
my entire life” She says

As A Girl, A Women,A Mother , A Wife
and now A Grandma.A Great Grandma
My fathers darling little girl
With unruly wild hair that curled
Through all my adventures
the Child (age 10)  inside of me,
provided joy and optimism
I could see.
I took pleasures in
the simple things
Of what my life would bring

There was a time;
I got caught up in the worldly ways.
Collecting silly Stuff. I took No guff!
Whoever has the most toys wins.!
I lived in the world of many sins.
Time passed with age, just another phrase
I realize; I lived in a bubble, I was blind.
Family the bonds that bind
Truth acquired along the way.
Kindness towards a stranger
Finding the right thing to say.
Looking for the best
in the worst situation each day..
Realizing every person is in your life weather; a moment, a brief time, or season  Only God knows, there is a reason.

That young girl is why;
I giggle for no reason at all,
I may smile at a private thought
and you look at me as if I’m crazy.
Perhaps I’m thinking of
A beautiful yellow daisy
and my favorite dress age 10
when in our mind children pretend.
where  I didn’t have a care in the world.
I could spin, give it a whirl, and a twirl dream adventures; stories or a song
While doing  chores all day long..
My father told me I could be
anything, I only had to believe
If my pictures is true,
I will not be deceive

I have tried on many hats
Somethings I’ve done I’m not proud of.
But other adventures have filled my heart with a richness that brings me gratitude.
With this comes a winning attitude.

I gained a peace I’ve never know.
So, when you come to visit me
don’t feel sad, don’t groan,
that I’m in a place such as this.

Know You we’re truly missed.
I’m waiting to see YOU,
To give you a hug and kiss
to fill your heart  with
a life once lived in a richness
that you will never know.
My spirit is a glow

I’m sorry we did not
leave you a better place.
But I can tell you of that
Place you’ll  miss
full of God’s loving grace
Do I gotta get it baby there is a child in each of us. Many people forget about that. Whatever you’re doing there’s the Adulting you and the child in you. It’s hard to see parents, declining and age. We want to remember them when they were strong and beautiful. But they still have worse.
CJ Sutherland Jan 2021
Imagine
there is
No
God
Its easy if you try (John Lennon)

People of faith
will find this
Deplorable
atheist/agnostic
smirk
adorable

Imagine
No
Heaven
No
Hell
No one
to confess
tell

Imagine
there is
No
God
No
Morals
No
Ethics
only
apologetics
No
God's law
No
Bible
to teach
No
words
to preach

Imagine
Wondering
Purpose
Questioning 
Existence

Imagine
there is
No
God
in Today's
World

You can
Decide to
Burn the flag
OR
Proudly
fly it
UNFURL

Does that make you
your own God???

Good or Bad
Right or Wrong

Feeling
so empty
living in fear
what is life
WHO is whispering
in my ear

Are we
lost,
Oblivious,
Do we
even
know

Imagine
Why
do I
CRY
Loved ones do not believe in God I have to figure a way to educate them. I worry for their
Eternal soul 1-12-2021
239 · Aug 2024
Shenanigans
CJ Sutherland Aug 2024
No, tomfoolery
 We live in serious times
Light hearted laugh smile
      Levity lightens the soul
Find a joyful purposed life


Inspired songs
1) don’t worry, be happy
by Bobby McFerrin

2) The 59th St. Bridge song
By Simon and Garfunkel

3) Girls just wanna have fun
by Cyndi Lauper

Tanku 5-7-5-7-7 31 syllables
This was not completed in time
Posted  8-12-24
BLT Webster word of the day challenge
Tomfoolery 7-17-24
Silly play
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
Déjà vu moments
Recall A shadow of self
Eroding the mind
Marred by figment quandaries
Blurred dreams without respite
BLT Webster’s Word of the Day challenge
7-9-24 respite
Short period of time when someone is able to start doing some thing that is difficult or unpleasant to start
Tanka Haiku 5-7-5-7-7 syllables
239 · Feb 2023
Awhile With Me
CJ Sutherland Feb 2023
Will you walk
a while with me

a loving heart,
who has eyes to see
when stars shine
over the darken sea

the quiet rest
at the end of the day
while all else sleep
I cry and pray

will you walk
a while with me

a friend who knows
and cares to say
stay strong, my dear
I am always near

sweet words that cheer
my questioning heart,
no matter how distant
we are never apart

will you walk
a while with me

in spirit, the Lord
takes my hand
with tearful eyes
I search for answers
in the kindness
of His soul

until the pain
will let me go.

Will you
walk a while
with me?
I wrote this long ago and it didn’t get any traction. I think only one reader, so I reformatted it to see if that makes a difference the original
will you walk a while for me
239 · Mar 2024
What’s Your Writing Style
CJ Sutherland Mar 2024
I’d like to get to know, A fellow poet’s writing style
Especially After reading their poetry
for a while.
I am sure it would be interesting to know
How a fellow poet establishes
their; meter, form, and flow.

I realize all poems are unique
and use a different method, formula, tact
Finding that sweet spot is writing
for full impact
Since poetry can send us on a wild ride
It can be interesting to see the process from inside
At least it’s an interesting concept to ponder
As we let our minds wander

There are some poems this happens organically
While others are built mechanically.
I start my poem in draft mode
I capture the original essence and let
The poem gradually unfold

I leave it sit for a day
Then revisit the word play
Checking for spelling errors and flaws
Looking for that hook, vivid imagery,
Our personal flair that create affects in the land of Oz

When I think I’m almost there
I check the title to make sure it matches the Content with flare
The title is what brings the readers in
too want more?
Effectively it opens the door.
I look to see, I’f it’s aesthetically pleasing
Perhaps word art?, Tempting, teasing
I look at alignment: left  center, or right
Then I’m ready to put the poem to bed for the night.

When I feel It’s completed and ready to
share
I’m amazed ,I pulled it out of thin air.
A smile explodes with a resounding Holy Cow
Then I’m left with a yearning.
What do I do now?
I click on Draft Poems, and I begin
A silent smile and a big grin

All the steps of MĔGILLĀH are often preceded by the objective whole
While some might find this rigor can take its toll
It’s the steps that keep words under control

Byline;
Currently I have over 30 poems in draft mode. It stays there until I feel they’re ready to move and grow into what they’re meant to be. I’m great at concepts, but building a poem takes longer,
It can only go as fast as inspiration.
I’d rather have quality than quantity.
I have to write down my poem ideas
for future development.
Have you ever thought oh, that would be a great poem… but you don’t write it down, and the thoughts gone forever
Lost in obscurity
That’s my process for developing creativity
What is your writing process??
BET word of ;the day challenge 3-24-24
Websters word
Megillah
Means basically, the whole ball of wax
238 · Dec 2023
The Christmas List
CJ Sutherland Dec 2023
The day Before Thanksgiving, the Special Edition Newspapers Came.
We mulled over Every Sale Item;
placing tabs, creating a master list on a yellow notepad. Meticulously planing in what order do we swoop in and grab
The coveted Black Friday door buster item,
They were the best deals of the year..

We feverishly found a place in line at 2 AM while many slept in tents up to 2 days prior braving what weather coming

One year I was trampled to the ground by the inertia of the mob, pushing their way inside. Fortunately my many layers of sweaters and coats protective me not only from the cold, but also from the peoples feet. Still, I’ll never forget that feeling.
For that reason, alone, children should not go to these Sales. It’s just not safe.

We all play the commercial Game.
Our group split up to achieve maximum success.Constantly confirming with one
Anther So no two people were getting the same item.
A cart was a hindrance to moving quickly around the store. Since our group had four people we shared one cart.  Many sell items were “ limit one”
At first glance, it might appear we are breaking The one item limit
Feverish People tried to grab items out of other peoples carts.
Insisting it was their right.
physical violence, Over a Toy

While waiting in long lines to purchase the fantastic deals we were calculating in our mind and Final Gift decisions were made.

All while the children slept in their bed visions of new toys danced in their head.

Children grow ,traditions, change
Children’s children
A new generation rearrange
Grandchildren created the “Toy parade”.

When They were little as can Be
They needed grandma to see
The Toys on “The Christmas List”
Criteria NONE If they could have anything,
While dreaming in“ The Christmas Mist.”

The Day finally came,
The Trip to Toys R Us
That car ride was never a fuss.
A Child’s imagination in full display
They still remember vividly to this Day!.

An entire store of TOYS!
For good little Girls and Boys
It’s more like a Christmas wish.
Happiness, love, fulfilled
The ultimate Bliss

They would pick up a toy,
This is what I  really, really want!!!,
smiles of ” Christmas Joy”
Then Picked up the next toy
This is what I really really want!!!
Smile of “Christmas Joy!!!”
And then  process continue
Throughout the entire store
Imagination galore.

I would take a picture Write down the price
This is the time for them to think twice

Bedtime became A time to
“Toy Prioritize”
Or grandma’s phrase
“Growing wise”
Question to ask,
Knowledge to seek
What do you really like about that toy?
Ascertaining IS the value worth the joy?

We researched what the Toy Really did.
Many commercial claims were a fib
Learning Various things the Toy didn’t do  
Now educated Kids were getting a clue.

By Age 10 the I see, I want “ phase ,
Kids took pictures of the entire row.
Their excitement and enthusiasm in tow

Honey, Now you need to prioritize
That’s when they realized(Adulthood)
The Christmas list must be more realistic
They now need to learn to be simplistic.

The value of a dollar,
The phrase of the day
Has a different meaning
with inflation, and
Bidenomics taxation at play

Interesting how each child’s Mind rationalize in a different way
Although they’re now adults, they still dream under the Christmas tree
of how it used to Be

Forevermore the
Days of Grandeur  
still begin with  the
“Christmas list”
Believing  in “ What IF”
Now only resides in,
“The Christmas mist”
The last grandchild is 16 years old. All the others have made the bridge to adulthood and learning that toilet paper and lightbulbs cost money takes away some of the magic of Christmas. Bills have to be paid
238 · Dec 2017
Sign of our times
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
On the radio today
I heard something I could not believe
To my dismay

Church goers want the to bring guns to church
Congregation in decay
I understand the fears
predicated from a billion tears

However I laughed at the obserity of it all
the mass shooting of people left in the lurch
But Guns in church
That is not how we should answer the call

it’s open season  on christians who believe
Yet church is a place of hope, love, faith, not to deceive
What an oxymoron to be told
Christians !
its going to get worse a test, we’re out in the cold
Instead of reaching for a gun
Drop to your knees pray to God’s Son

Be observant watch those diligently 
who are near
Give it to God
there is nothing to fear

Satin is winning
He laughs in delight grinning
We don’t even believe he is real
To those Luke warm  Christians it’s no big deal

This is a sign of our times
When right from wrong people don’t even know
Not believing is a crime
We need to learn pray and grow
Our society today is so lost
237 · Oct 2021
Perception
CJ Sutherland Oct 2021
An Optimus
Believes
their.                           glass
       half.                         full.
A pessimist
Believes  
their                              glass
half.                     empty.
Together
their glasses
Perfectly
Full
How do you…………… perceive the world.
The poem is in the shape of a teardrop. Or a drop of water. It’s all in the manner of How you perceive the world.
237 · Sep 2017
What If
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
If
I get to close
If
I get to near
If
I give you love
Your heart will fear
If
I make you cry
If you shed a tear
If
I surrender
My dear
Will you disappear
A classic poet  e.e. Cummings wrote
If poems
this is mine
237 · Dec 2017
Music makes pictures
CJ Sutherland Dec 2017
Music makes pictures and often tell stores
All of its magic and all of its true
All the pictures and all of the stories
All of the magic the music is you

These profound words are from
John Denver
rest in peace my friend
CJ Sutherland Feb 15
Valentine’s Day has it’s roots
in an ancient pagan festival

The Lupercalia Festival
Ancient Romans celebrated Lupercalia Day  
A fertility festival on February 15

St. Valentine, the Catholic Church established
February 14 asValentine’s Day

To separate the church from pagan rituals
Dedicated to the Roman, god of agriculture  
For The founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus,
it was celebrated with animal sacrifices,

The ritual; Men gently slapping women
With crop fields and raw dead goat, hide strips
dipped in blood, which is thought to help fertility

(Hence the Blood Red color was a major contributing factor to the ritual)

Medieval beliefs
lovers recited verse of prose to each other
on Valentine’s Day,  

some believed birds chose their mate on that day

  The poet Geoffrey Chaucer linked Saint Valentine with romantic love in the Middle Ages
with his poem The parliament of the fouls


Saint Valentine was a Catholic priest
in Rome in the third century.

He was known for performing secret marriages
for young couples, which was against
the emperor’s orders.

He was executed for defying the emperor’s
band on marriage and for trying to convince
the emperor to accept Christianity

Medieval celebrations
Valentine’s Day is celebrated by
exchanging cards, flowers, and gifts.
It’s a day to recognize the ties
that link people whether couples
friends or family member.

Valentine’s Day
Has its roots in an ancient pagan festival
In the 1300s it officially became a holiday associated with love

Cupid has roots in Greek mythology
You may be struck by Cupid‘s arrow
according to the ubiquitous cherub.
Origins can be traced back to 700 B.C.
An ancient Greek hero.

The Greek god of love was depleted as a handsome young man and had power
to make people fall in love overtime.

He was adopted by the Roman’s
and became known as a cherub, his image changing to the little boy with the bow and arrow because of his love inspired powers

He became linked to Valentine’s Day
by the turn of the century.

Big Business Commercialized the holiday.
A profitable venture evolved over time.
They preyed on the human heart

The tradition of giving Valentine’s Day
Flowers dates back to the 17th century

Not until the 1840s
Did we get the First mass produced
Valentine’s Day cards

Nearly 250,000,000 roses are grown
In preparation for Valentine’s Day each year. Millions of flowers are grown around the world and shipped to the US specifically for February 14.

They come from Ecuador Kenya in Columbia.
While RED is the traditional symbol of love
Other colors ; deep pink, purple and white, symbolize, happiness, royalty, and sympathy

Americans spend a lot on LOVE
America spend nearly 26 billion on Valentine’s gifts  In 2023 people spend on the average
Of $193 for Valentine’s Day

Americans send 145 million on
Valentine’s Day cards each year
Booklets were created to
Help people write Valentines

People spend millions of dollars
on gifts for their pets

in fact around 27.6 million American households gave Valentine’s Day presents to their pets in 2020
more than 17.1 million spent for gifts were for cats

American household spend estimated $751.million
on gifts for their pets on Valentine’s Day
That number grows every year..

Candy is the most popular gift to give
The first heart shaped box of chocolates was introduced in 1861

Conversation hearts
got their start as medical lozenges
( sweet tarts with little sayings on them)

But it wasn’t until 1866 that we first got
Sweet messages on conversation hearts

More than 8 billion conversation hearts are given with 45 different sayings included; true love,
hug me, and you Roc. personalized orders began to escalate, sales sword no one could get their hands on convention hearts until 2019  new words of encouragement were added to sweethearts in 2022
Way to go ,crush it , high five

It’s one of the most popular days for proposals
It’s celebrated differently all around the world
Valentine’s Day horror movies
are a growing phenomenal

XO did not always mean hugs and kisses. The Washington Post reported that symbolize the Christian cross in the letters, ended
every love letter with the sign of the cross
XO  meant sealed with a kiss.💋

Love birds are actual birds
Birds are a very significant part of Valentine’s Day

There is an official Valentine’s Day
alternative for singles

International QUIRKY-ALONE  DAY
it is a holiday for single people on the same day
.
The holiday isn’t an anti-Valentine’s Day event, but rather a moment to celebrate
self love and platonic relationships

Quirky Alone Day
has been celebrated globally since 2003.

William Shakespeare inspired the tradition by writing a Billet-doux a letter to Juliet

Inspired by tradition
four states have a city
named valentine

Although this holiday is a hodgepodge
loosely put together with no real tradition
other than rituals it has flowered into
an significant part of society culture

Inspired songs
1)Were have all the flowers gone
By Johnny Rivers
2) Valentine written by Jim Brickman
Song by Martina McBride
BLT  Webster’s Word of the day challenge
2-14-25 Billet-doux is a love letter
CJ Sutherland May 2024
Social Darwinist
Biological android
Elites rule the world

First control the mind
Compliant cogs in the wheel
Good workers obey

1984
Androids dream electric sheep
Man is a machine
I Watched the movie on Mind  Control its disturbing. During the 19th and 20th century they perfected techniques on conditioning man to be dumb down in school. Complacent, complicit, obeying what they were told.Experiments such as Pavlov conditioning, (first with dogs,) teaching them when they ring the bell it’s time to eat. The bell made the dogs salivate in anticipation. Such a way with humans. television is a tool to keep humans asleep. There are two types of people those who are sheep and blindly follow and those who will not conform. If you’ve ever seen a show with a hypnotist who  will get audience participation. He can put them under hypnosis. Yet some cannot be hypnotized. Those people are ostracized. The elite must get rid of them.They are problems. This is been going on since the beginning of America . The elite have perfected their techniques. Nonetheless, some have woken up! These realities are disturbing, but true.!
234 · Jun 2023
Pretty Bird
CJ Sutherland Jun 2023
Pretty Bird
up high in
the old oak tree
Pretty Bird
you sit
all alone
like me

Did your
Handsome
Bird
leave the
nest again?
That is
very bad
makes me
FEEL
so sad.
You can
fly away
in the
sky away.
You’re more
LUCKY
than me.

I also
had a
Handsome
Bird
he’s not
with me
today
they all said
he was a
Handsome
Bird
first they
make
their nest
then they
fly away

Pretty Bird
up high in
the old oak tree
Pretty Bird
you sit
all alone
like me

Did your
Handsome
Bird
leave the
nest again?
that is
very sad
makes me
FEEL
so bad
you can
fly away
in the
sky away
You’re more
LUCKY
than me.
234 · Sep 2017
Death the Devil's game
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
Walking down the pale blue corridor
Framed doors line the sides, knowing what lies behind
Each door has two buttons, one light, enter or exit

Old victorian furniture, flickering candle light
seems to light the walls, the last door on the left
open waiting my arrival

A lump forms in my throat, my eyes water uncontrollably,
trembling as I gasp for a normal breath
Family look and talk to me ,here nor do I see them

At first, I only dare to see the flowers on the gray casket
my heart races
The bangs on top of her forhead every hair in place
Catholic cross, collar lace, her body out of context
to her personality and soul for those living in the world of their make-believe

They made her into what they needed her to be
to absolve them from any wrongdoing,
her family never understood her
They paid their final respects with hidden emotions of
guilt and shame

I reminisced  of a childhood adventure
implicated
concluded with a smile
Strange what I chose to remember
In the mist of my sorrow

Overwhelming  bewilderment
places left unseen ,words left unsaid  
Funerals are for the living not the dead
through moments like these
one finds inner strength
Tribute to MOM
This was the first person in my life who died I was young and angry  and it was very hard to deal with given the circumstances around her death
234 · Sep 2017
Hiding in plain sight
CJ Sutherland Sep 2017
The faces you see
Are not who
I want to be

My smile is as big
For all to see

Looking Closely
the eyes
Never tells lies

Yet I have scars
You can not know

I have pain
Which would
drive most insane

Is it you
Is it me
Push Away
Would you not feeling well if people ask how are you today don't want it now they just want you to say fine
CJ Sutherland Mar 11
Tabula Rosa

Soldiers without emotion

Imperturbable

Armed forces demands extreme

Patriots The Proud The Few




Inspired Songs
1). 19 ( the final story) 1985
By Paul Hardcastle

2) Fortunate Son 1969
By Creedence Clearwater Revival



Footnotes

Tanka Haiku
5 lines
31 numbered syllables


BLT Webster’s Word of the day challenge
3-10-25
IMPERTURBABLE
Describes someone or something marked by extreme calm; such a person or thing is very hard to disturb or upset

Tabula Rosa
an absence of perceived ideas or predetermined goals, a clean slate
Their Mottos Serve Them Well
Army; “this we will defend”
Coast Guards;” Semper Paratus” or Semper P
Marines; Semper Fidelis or Semper Fi
232 · Jul 2024
Wind Haiku
CJ Sutherland Jul 2024
Mother nature knows
which way the wind swirls blows flows
waves of heat are seen



Song inspired
She’s like the wind Patrick Swayze
6-19-24
Have you ever noticed when the wind blows everything is topsy-turvy things fall out of your hand your hat blows off your off kilter look at winds as adversity, stay focused, say Centered And nothing will take you off kilter
CJ Sutherland Mar 2024
Promoting well-being
Salubrious Health habits
Food heals, body, soul





Bonus word
Cura te ipsum means
Physician heal thy self
BLT   Webster’s Word of the Day
Salubrious
formal word, meaning favorable to or promoting health and well-being
Modern, contemporary, freeform haiku, capturing every day, experience, love, loss, social issues, observations of human nature
FYI, there are seven types of Haiku
229 · Mar 3
Larger Than Life
Journey to our self
Collectively united
Salvation of man


Modern Haiku
3 lines
Determined by syllables
5-7-5

    This is my response to
a wonderful fellow
poet and friend

Dr.Peter Lim

Check out his poem
Title
We are Larger than life
This is my first tribute
3-2-25
I used to think age was a state of mind
Working my whole life nose to the grind
Turbulent years have not been kind

Was there a specific moment life rearranged
When I began to notice change
Overtime life dreams became estranged

Began to move a little slower love not as bright
Cancer demands choices joy is out of sight

Illness take its toll
Pain can change the soul
Bulging disc back spasms knees give out
Numb feet neuropathy pain throughout

Forgetful, lost thoughts
The haves, and the have Nots
Memory once Sharp as a tack
Scatterbrain recollection now I lack

I understand why they call
Alzheimer
The long goodbye
Why, did I come into this room?
Frustrated can’t remember gloom looms

  Legs give out falter unexpected falls
Yelling, screaming, crying, deaf ear calls.
On the floor flat on my back
processing where I am at

Not completely aware
How I came to be there
Mental assessment first things first
Instant flood of pain burst

Anything broken bleeding bruised
Knot on the head, lose tooth, blood oozed
I rub emollients to soften and sooth
Aspercreme BenGay, which one to choose

Triage situation urgent versus emergency
Elderly fall risk develop a contingency
Scrapes cuts occasionally a broken wrist
Off kilter slipped twist landed on the fist
Unable to get up nobody around
Floundering helplessly on the ground,

Surgeries total replacement both knees
Unable to put pressure on both of these
Not as simple as it sounds,
To pick yourself up off the ground
I can roll over
Than what?

Scoot crawl wiggle on my backside
Down the hall iPhone the goal my guide
Traverse down a few stairs a slide cried
Instant pain runs down the spine
Pray every moment for strength I’ll be fine

Solution: need a chair to pull up on
Everybody gone for how long?
Quickly learn to fend for myself
Shoot, the iPhone up high on the 3rd shelf

A horrific thought resides
Creeping seeping an emotional tide
After a fall my friend died  
He hit his head on the kitchen granite table
Wounded bleeding Unconscious unstable

He could have lived the police surmise
Elderly incapacitated facts surprise
Investigation what happened evidence resides
Estimated  time on kitchen floor for three days
In and out of consciousness, craze haze

He bleed to death.
On the kitchen floor
His daughters will confess
Never able to talk to him ever more

Nobody came to visit. Not a single call
Loved ones should not die from a fall


A prominent man of well to do means
Living situation wasn’t what it seems
A celebrated man of stature
Tasked in war enemy capture
A battleship under his command
Near his end, he can hardly stand

father of two his children the man they never knew his adoptive family battleship cast and crew
Perhaps each were too busy with their own  
His death they will atone
So many elderly alone

All the lonely people were do they all belong

Inspired song

Eleanor Rigby
(All the lonely people) 1966
By the Beatles bulging disc

BLT Webster’s word of the day challenge
3-7-25 EMOLLIENT
AN EMOLLIENT IS SOMETHING SUCH AS A LOTION THAT SOFTENS AND SOOTHES
I am 64 and my husband is 77. We’re in a new phase of life and it’s not always pretty . My husband is falling all the time, he rolls over and falls out of bed. I had to put up a bed rail. He’s got all his faculties about him, but his numb feet makes him unsteady neuropathy. This is just a brief little picture of some of the elements we’re dealing with, but surely this is  a typical picture of the elderly today. We are now in the phase when our friends are dying I pray. today is a precious gift. sometimes I worry what tomorrow
Will bring. Is today our last normal day??. what will I need to do to survive when he ‘s gone?. Tomorrow is promised to no one live today to the fullest. It could be your last day.. the worry of the unknown I don’t let it take hold, but sometimes it gets the best of me.. death will come for us. All all we can do is smile when he comes to call..
228 · Mar 2024
Randomness
CJ Sutherland Mar 2024
Randomness.                        is   in    effect,
And.                    
We  
       Are
                         Going
                               For
                        A
                 Ride.  

People.    
                      Have
                                            Free.  
                                                         ­ Will
It’s   Inevitable,

We                             
   will  
                             collide.
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