What went so wrong in your life
to justify taking what is not yours?
If you sincerely needed help and took the time to ask,
help would come. But you insist on strife.
It is you that I truly abhor.
You insist upon waging war
and I can assure that I am eager for battle.
But I promise you, and it is such an easy task,
return my property, my wings, my joy and
your life may be restored. A full pardon.
You are depraved, odious, and vile
are you ready to fight?

Feeling its eyes follow you as you walk alone at night,
descend down into the dark dank corners of the basement,
and leap into bed as the shadows slowly swallow it.
You are not sure which is more chilling
It or the unknown.

But what difference does that make?
It waits to catch you off guard before it pounces
leaving you just as puzzled as before, although now you know it is there.

-AM

On a muggy August afternoon with the Sun piercing down,
burning skin, roasting the dry calloused ground, and withering the thirsty thistles, a line of fruit trees fight the day.

Apple and pear, mulberry and cherry
Their blossoms long faded but delivering cool contrast to the summer.
Together a family walks along looking up, shaking branches, and laughing. The
children scurry along chasing each other with stained fingers and lips
as they enjoy what has fallen.
Trailing them are the parents and grandparent carrying pales,
filling them with the sweet sticky fruit, occasionally sneaking some for themselves.

Together, circling two buckets, everyone joins in and pits the cherries.
A long and tedious job but time gets lost among stories and memories.

Puckered lips and squeals of satisfaction fill the sweltering kitchen
as the family bites into the fresh pie filled with a long days play, work, and love.

-AM

Morning.
The unrelenting chill of Minnesota,
slowly getting warmer
as the sun rises.
I see my mother’s uncomfortable smile
as my father breaks the peace and quiet
in an effort to capture the moment.

She prepares breakfast
to give them strength for the journey ahead,
both looking forward
to the day’s travels.

By car by canoe,
It does not matter.
What matters is the present;
sausage, eggs
and each other’s eager smile.

The freedom of camping,
the isolation from society
what a relaxing effect.
Having no reason to hurry
they savor the moment.

They have shown me the same moment,
taught me to enjoy the crisp cold,
taught me to drive and to paddle
and have taught me to love;
to love my family and to love my world.

-AM

Life is like an old car tire,
leaving a piece of it behind
wherever it goes.
When it encounters a speed bump,
it slows.
As it hits a *** hole,
it breaks down.
Conditions may get rough
and the tire may pop,
but it can be inflated.
Be inflated and travel further,
touch more people and leave more behind.
As the journey progresses,
the tread thins
preparing itself to be replaced;
by another tire

-AM