We didn't speak much before you left
though short on words, the longing in our eyes
More oft' than not in the case of the bereft,
silence speaks a blue streak in our hearts when someone dies.

he might have a word for you
offer up a single clue
something he can say or do
might change the way you're feeling
a snowflake falls from far above
this single thing I'm thinking of
it falls upon your working glove
and sets your heart to healing
pick a tune you want to hear
this will be our song all year
play it while we have a beer
and kiss the snowy ceiling.

I was one of many people
drawn to participate in a learning experience
which was taking place outside in a historical town
in front of a very old Victorian house which was painted a deep forest green. As I sat on the floor, I grabbed for a large long piece of foam, a mat or mattress which I could sit or sleep on if needed, realizing that not everyone had a mat and that if I let it go someone else would probably take it. The man who was teaching said that he had started scraping at some dried mud and as it fell away the porch ceiling was revealed. I looked up from my mat and there, high above my head was the deep forest green bead boarded ceiling he spoke of. As it turned out, this was a class on archeology in which the subject was this old house which had been unearthed....

Behind your back we called you by your given name
after all of our conversations we all drew a fair conclusion
that you are right, we're all the same

Minding our own
making it rhyme,
it's all coming out
and there's dust in the drought
but the rain comes in time.

Nothing held back
I've got nothing to say,
let it roll off my shoulders
puts less your mind
and it's better that way.

All I wanted
      porch
             swing
                 rhythm~
                           back
              and
     forth
            with you, babe
                         All I needed
                          porch
                 swing
        rhythm
back
       and
                  forth
                with you.

And isn't this nice?
you like hot tea on ice
thank you, yes, I can follow directions
so please don't think twice.
And isn't this great?
we can stay out real late
watching millions of sparkling stars
while you're lickin' that plate?

I said nothing at all
it's that horse in the stall
my foot fell asleep but I'm not gonna weep
I can drag it or crawl.

Now the wind's in the trees
and your hand's on my knees
and the warmth of your breath on my neck
puts my tired mind at ease.

All I wanted
      porch...
                    swing...
            rh­­ythm..
    back...
              and...
        forth...
       ­ ­with you babe
                         All I needed
                          porch
                 swing
        rhythm
back
       and
                  forth
                with you.

Minding our own
making it rhyme,
it's all coming out
and there's dust in the drought
but you rain comes in time...

Distracted, it's true
idle chatter won't do
Better nothing to say
put the music on play
and be quiet
with you.

All I wanted
      porch...
                    swing...
            rh­­ythm..
    back...
              and...
        forth...
       ­ ­with you babe
                         All I needed
                          porch
                 swing
        rhythm
back
       and
                  forth
                with you.

if you'd asked
back in the year
that love was still brand new
or simply held out
til the time
when we were past the woo...
instead you waited
out of fear
that I'm not right for you
waited for the sun to set
on all the passion too
ask me now
and I will say
" you're long past overdue"
ask me why
I never warned?
" It's not my business to!"

last night, while basking in the blue light of my computer
feeling warm and cozy in a quiet darkened room,
a sudden strong gale slammed into and swept o'er my house
which sits on a slab, in a quaint neighborhood of similar structures near the Chesapeake Bay
I heard and felt the thrill of this mighty wind surge moaning, whining down the fireplace shute, pounding walls and roof

Drawn to the door in excitement,
I felt compelled to walk out into this abrupt windstorm
and upon entering the outer side
was nearly knocked off my feet
and recovering, heard the mounting approach
of yet another affront to my balance
the night air was chilly
The previously gray sky was now cluttered with
FAST moving eerily orange illuminated clouds of various shapes and sizes, edges defined against the blackish blue clearness of an otherwise moonlit night...clouds blowing out to sea.

Snuggled in Downey, five-hundred thread county, creating,
in brushed cotton flannel she'd sewn his panels, he's waiting
when down in the subway he sits on a nail
and jumping up, empties his cup on the rail
the coppers subdue him, and drag him to jail, parading.

Stripped to the drawers for a search they discovered the flannel
panel
when asked of the man who had frozen his can in the English
channel
he gave them the name of his seamstress and then
discovered that inside the panel was penned,
a note from the woman who goes by Sangwen de Lemanel:

"If you find this it means you have bust loose the seams of your insulation
come back to my shack and I'll cover the cost of my consultation
and then, if by chance, you'd be wanting some scones
while I fix up your pants, you can warm up your bones
and I'll double the thickness and strength for your own consolation".

Though the note in the pants, at a glance, hardly worth the debating
somewhat cryptic in places, suggested the seamstress was dating
could it be that this maiden with needle and thread
was hiding an inmate who'd recently fled
it was suspect, her stitch-work, a cover: abetting and aiding.

Intent upon solving the case of the note in the panel
Sherlock Dannel rode down to the seamstress and brought her some flannel
"I've sewn quilts, without guilt, for the queen, rest her soul,
and the king wore my hats, though his head had a hole
but the rest of my work will attest to my innocence, Dannel".

And Sherlock, so taken with Sangwen, whose voice was sedating
missed the gist of her kiss, but the point of this pistol elating
"See I'm really quite good with a needle and thread
but in cases left traces of blood on the dead
when my needles were shed from drawers of the bores who were waiting."

The man was immersed, but well versed in the curse of the smitten
he saw that this seamstress was shrewd and her verses well written
and hiding her needles and notes could avail
in busting loose criminals down at the jail
and if he had his way, on this day, in the pen she'd be knittin'.

so here you are
standing outside
without shoes on your feet
in the complete darkness
of a cold November night.
This is the least of your concerns
for you are keenly aware that at this moment
your life depends upon remaining
focused, calm and balanced
it is so dark and you can see nothing,
but are aware you are being watched.
remain calm
don't panic
do not look to the left or to the right
just keep going
one foot in front of the other
and try to forget
that you are
over five hundred feet up
blindfolded
walking a 3/4 inch tight-wire over Chicago.

In the morning, Father God, tell me, please
how the moon white in shades of blue above the trees?
What shades this light, tell tonight, brilliant Fellow?
how in Heaven, in the darkness,  is our moon reflecting yellow?

Gusty wind and thunder clap before rain's dance?
Yet it rains all the time without that pomp and circumstance!
And after storms are through and clearing over overhead,
why the rainbow's ends are down and rarely upside-down instead?

Sun brings streaks of pink to orange glow
with all these pastels on your palette, why on Earth the whitest snow?
from icy clouds, it drifts on down through broad daylight
but never rainbow, sunset colors, just this brilliant blinding white!

Now it's evening here, and though it's getting late
forming questions in my mind, I'll put them out there for debate
want to know the WHERE and WHEN and WHAT and WHO
and though sleepiness sets in, my mind is waiting for a clue.

I have googled 'til I'm giddy in the night;
read the research, learned the details from a trusted weather site.
still I need to hear from He who spoke it all,
need to ask about the weather, check the facts before The Fall!

When I'm finally done with asking all this stuff,
and I've quieted my mind and let the spaces fill with fluff,
I am reminded now that I'm a child of His...
and when I ask him WHY He loves me, I hear:  "That's just how it is!"

I don't like much
but what I like
is how you loved me then...
I don't like much
to argue now
but gee i did back then

you pushed my buttons
every day
with everything you said
just couldn't help the way you felt  
much nicer now instead.

And so I think I love you now
though we are only friends
better to be friends in love
than what we had back then.

With a beaming smile that could warm the tile
She came flying down the corridor
the sun was setting, so i asked her heading
and she said, "I'm going to Florider!"

Well she seemed to like to talk
and I really love to listen
so I pressed her for the details
and her eyes began to glisten.

"I been staying in this rest home
since I lost my dear departed"
and I asked her when he died and she said,
"No, I meant my leg".

So we stood there, well I stood there and
she sat in her new wheel chair
I asked her what's her hurry.
and if she's gonna get a peg.

And she said:
"Maybe if I lose this weight~
Gotta get down to 220
but the trouble is I love to eat.
I know it's not that funny."

"I've had my share of heart attacks
and twice I had a stroke
Buried my husband and lost the house
and gee I love to smoke"

"I can't move these three fingers
but I manage in this chair
on nice days take it to the road
for excercise and air".

She went on to share her story
was from somewhere up in Queens
married twice without children
and lived well within her means.

She talked about her childhood home
and how chemicals from the pool
splashed onto the strawberry patch
and the fruit was the size of a stool.

The best of all of her stories
was one about her dad
who had worked for Sunshine Biscuits,
but once fell into a vat.

no sooner had she told me
that I knew I'd have to write
a lymric for this lady
whose smile brings such delight.

The folks at Sunshine found him
pulled him out but hound him
was one lucky catch, 'til he met his batch
when those lady fingers done nearly drowned him.

Stood on the ledge of my sleepy blue sorrow
back from the edge, guess I'll see you tomorrow
can't lie, not the first time I'm thinking of you
but the night bugs are out, life's distractions will do

I looked to the west as the day slowly fadyded
turned up the volume of cricket and katydid
rhythm rubs life in the darkness outside
steer clear of the blue light or get yourself fried

With the zapper you took out the skeeters and flies
while spiders and ants faced the raider's demise
yellow jackets and wasps, you chased from their hives,
but these night bugs are here for the rest of our lives
bittersweet bugs for the rest of our lives

Back in the house now, I roll down the screen
protecting myself from the lurking unseen
from the critters, which drawn by the lure of the light
make feast in their famine on food, flesh and fright

we handle the things that intrude in our spaces
the bugs in the dark and the unwanted faces
we roll down the screens and we listen to voices
those sweet summer sounds, and this night bug rejoices

With the zapper you took out the skeeters and flies
while spiders and ants faced the raider's demise
yellow jackets and wasps, you chased from their hives,
but these night bugs are here for the rest of our lives

too many months have passed without hearing
the music which blends with the night bugs I'm fearing
I nearly lost hope for those sounds in my life
but these night bugs revive good ol' summertime strife
bittersweet bugs, for the rest of my life

Stood on the ledge of my sleepy blue sorrow
back from the edge, guess I'll see you tomorrow

sometimes it's better to wish than to have what you might
       for wishing gives wings to the promise of things
           and brings hope as you move toward the flight
so you do what you must, have to clean out the rust
                feel the thrill which is building inside
            as  you wait for the air which will lift you from there
                   to the place where more wishes reside...

My People perish
what to do
they see the boundaries
run right through
they take the shield
and throw it down
the thorny brush
my painful crown
The garden bed
they trampled on
and now not fed
they linger on
and turn against
their only hope
the One to cleanse
their wounds like soap
The hand which wipes
away their tears
was stained with blood
two thousand years
before  you saw the
light of day
He died for you
and come what may
He calls to heart
which turns again
to filthy place, the darkest sin
Messiah knows
He leaves the rest
to find you in the
another mess
He draws you back
to quietness
restores your soul
to joyfulness
and washes clean
and sets you free
to live again
in harmony.

In a steaming creek bed of warm stone
lay me down in a heap all alone
feeling less occupied with the others who tried
to connect soul to soul with my own.

It was there that I sensed nature's kiss
flowing up from the ground, just pure bliss
steaming waters can seep
and I drew a breath deep
and allowed it to penetrate this:

In still waters I lay with my Lord
all my cares I had cast to the shore
it was there that He spoke
not a cad or a bloke
but my Love, and I shan't say much more.

He spoke of the feelings I had
of old thoughts which would trigger my sad
and he told me to take
all His truth and then spake
to my soul, only truth,  like a dad.

Then His Word, like a heat which can ****
any lie but quite good to me still
in plain English, God's Truth
fired fountain of youth  
and His water coursed over my will

He told me my heart was a beauty
that he made me to shine as his cutie
and that when I sing, it's the Ouray of spring
and I laughed, what a gas, God's a hootie.

So we soaked in our silence, befuddled
from my eyes to His bath, my tears puddled
that God's living water would cleanse his own daughter
so sweet, what a treat, to be cuddled.

You're packed within a mystery
can only guess your story
of how you came to be this way
and who should get the glory
I cannot blame your mother
nor your dad for they were young
although the stars were out that night
your spark had yet to come
they had no clue when they made you
that you would be a man
who likes his dogs with ketchup
and his beans right from the can
while no one knows exactly why
you act within your means
the books suggest a tie between
environment and genes
while smarter guys philosophize
and science can't be wrong, ha!
the life we lead is just the seed
of folks who'll come along
for life, designed in secret
as well it ought to be
dates back before the science books
a sweet old mystery

follow the night through to day
wait in the usual way
wanting to say something wonderful to you
while lying in wait for the words
tears brimming up in my eyes
holding your hand as you sleep
I wanted to say something wonderful
sweetly, just something that offers some peace

something that sums up your life
the things that we all need to hear
the purpose you have and your ways, how you live
how you face everything without fear
Waiting on wonderful words
something nice...means a lot to me now
I've spent all my life simply trying to speak
and I must get the words out somehow

sitting beside you I pray
though my prayers are eclipsed by my need
to tell you right now just how wonderful words
are when spoken, seem outdone by deed

and whatever we meant can't come out
Well I laugh then I cry and I shout
you're
terribly
       painfully
                   beautifully
                          gainfully
                                 miss you already
                                          you're wonderfully made fully
               powerfully
                                   lov­able
                                         covered by kisses      
and nobody misses
you more

well we could enjoy a cold beer
and I know how you love that stuff too
I'm sorry and sad my heart's feeling bad
but you're hugged just as hard till you're blue.
and  I know that you know what I mean
just as sure as you called to the birds
I could borrow a line from a card
make it rhyme
while I'm waiting on wonderful words
.
oh, you're
terribly
       painfully
                   beautifully
                          gainfully
                                 miss you already
                                          you're wonderfully made fully
               powerful
                                   lovable
                                         covered by kisses
and misty salt roses      
and nobody misses
you more

the one thing that I've wanted
eludes me to this day
I drive around just looking
with nothing much to say
the ones that have it, earned it
while the others, we just pray
for the one thing that we wanted
but eludes us to this day~

Aye, the one thing that we wanted, but eludes us to this day!

well you take the road to riches
and ****** well you may
find the path that intersects it
when your greed gets in the way
and blindly turn aside
when all the beggars plead, "Oi Vey'!
you've got the one thing that they've wanted
but eludes them to this day~

Aye,the one thing that they've wanted but eludes them to this day!

while I wait around just hoping
that my wages serve me well
and try to keep the heat down
while the gas bill goes to hell
not the thing I really needed
but the one that keeps me warm
it's my thermal underwear~
and all that's clinging to my form~

Aye, her thermal underwear is all that's clingin' to her form!

I pull myself together
in the early morning light
and layer on and layer up
'cause this has been my plight
the news guy says it's snowing and
Long Island's in a freeze, Geez
the last thing that I needed
and it's right up to my knees~

Aye, the LAST thing that she needed and it's right up to her knees!

So I'll boil a *** of water
and I'll fill me up a tub
and I'll soak my father's daughter
till there's nothin' left to scrub
and when I'm toasty warm and ready
then I'll climb back in the bed
close my eyes and dream of summer
and the one thing in my head~

Close her eyes and dream of summer and the one thing in her head!
It's the one thing that I've wanted, but forever left unsaid.

Tending to things that don't matter that much
wasting my time watching TV and such
spending my money on folly and shame
don't point at me 'cause your doin' the same

Waiting on something that's bigger than this
cleared away cobwebs and cut through the mist
made up my mind that I'm staying alone
I keep to myself for I'm all that I own

but I need someone to tell me
it's gonna be alright
and I want someone to lead me
out through the dark of this night
i do...yeah i do

paying the bills that are up to my chin
Wait for the day when my ship will come in
keep even-keeled in the worst of the gales
but climbing the stairs takes the wind from my sails

We work until five then it's time for a beer
month after month turns to year after year
Thinking that maybe there's some other way
taking a risk could mean falling away

do we all need someone to tell us
it's gonna be alright?
do we all want someone to lead us
out through the dark of this night?
maybe not....but I do

Nothing is really new under the sun
we've taken a look but not turned to the One
why all the bitterness I can not say
pride in our lives chose the ignorant way

and we all need someone to tell us
it's gonna be alright
and we all
need someone to lead us
out through the dark
and the dread of this horrible night
(****, ding, ****)
the dark of this terrible night
We do

My sister sent some money 'cause things had gone to hell
She said, "You don't belong there Honey, a trip home will do you well."
On a three day smelly bus ride away from what had been obscene
turned my nose to New York City where the air was fresh and clean.

Pulled into Central Station, a different kind of highland
was met by my dear sister, a castaway on Gov'nors Isand.
Being broke was half the trouble,and we played it like a game
but the nasty shoe debacle, well it made me take the shame.

I didn't know quite what to do, but I knew I had a job,
a suit of hounds-tooth off 'The Give', and my hair cut in a bob.
The suit was fitting perfectly, for shoes we found some flats
pink with silver circled cut-outs, kind of clownish without spats.

Well I stood there in a laugh-cry, 'cause my job was in the city
I gotta make these babies black or be lookin' 'Hello Kitty'.
So she gets that strange expression, perhaps as from the Lord
In an empty apartment down the hall was some paint for the old baseboard.

We laughed the night we dipped the shoes,laughed until we cried
And early the next morning, it seemed the paint had dried.
You could see that they were shiny and ready for the weather
and from an eyeball's distance they could pass for patent leather.

I was ever careful as I slipped my stockinged toes
into brand new 'hello baseboard' shoes and no-frills tailored clothes.
Mincing along, but gingerly I hopped aboard the ferry
missed the bus to Beekman, in the dark, the walk was scary.

Made it the building not a minute did I lose
I tidied up my hair and then I glanced down at my shoes...
Blasted ****** got 'em muddy, bits of paper grass and sand
I heard my toes scream out, "Hey, buddy, for shoes, tar paint is banned!"

Quickly then I kicked 'em off and tried to wipe 'em clean
but every little thing unstuck took off the tacky sheen.
I did my best to conceal a sob but had to pay my dues
as more than one allergic snob caught sight of battered shoes.

I tried to blacken out the pink, with a big old magic marker
but folks complained about the 'stink', and not a day was darker.
At 5 PM, back on the street, with nowhere else to roam
my misery was made replete, as I tracked some more dirt home

Where is the light in my eyes
has it grown dim
without any source of conviction
was only
a matter of time
and what I have seen, done
led to eviction
of right, wrong
my soul became blinded
and numb
from
what's lurking behind it
hidden away
and nobody's business but mine

but where is the smile in my eyes
too many things
have
stifled the laughter
and nothing I say would
surprise
they're only words
said,
and actions soon after.

the dream
is
only
a memory
I threw it away
thought it meant nothing
they say
hey
let's live for today
cause it's all just a memory
anyway~

and
I know
that evil is oozing and
i know
who stands here accusing
we started perusing
and feeling no shame
taken a bruising
this all seems so lame
but then again
nothing is wrong~

Give me the time
and
tell me the reason
that I cannot feel
and nothing is pleasin'
is there a pulse,
can you feel my heart aching
caught in a web,
it's hurt but not breaking
I hope what You say is
there's still hope today
I've come to the place
and sick of disgrace
can I bathe in the Grace that is Yours?

Here is the light in my eyes
having been dim
i can attest
to the wonders of Him
who
works in mysterious ways
haze
and that which had clouded my days
raised
darkened and dreary
and dead to the Lord
cleaned up and set right
the message I heard
to swim in the spirit
you have to get near it
and nothing to run from
you hardly should fear it
without even trying
i can't keep from crying
the preacher guy said
without God we'd be dying
and that said,
I am truly amazed

SING the lines sweetly
not harsh or deranged
VERSES put neatly
to music arranged
IN four part harmony
music is kissed
HARMONY'S  angels
sing sevenths in mist...

Distant, my father
yet so close to me
singing his part  
to an old melody
someday we'll see him
for Jesus is there
Barbershop harmony
filling the air

sing with me sweetly
not harsh or deranged
verse written neatly
to music arranged....

I don't know how to tell you friend
don't feel like sayin' much at all
these days my words seem make-pretend
perhaps my pride before the fall

It's not unusual for me
to write a song without regard
for all the souls in misery
to play the sap, or happy card

but now I know just how it feels
wet sand is cold like soft concrete
and I can sit and dig my heels
'til burying my loathsome feet

and standing now without a keel
high tide they say, is coming in
I dig to break the salty seal
to free my legs to walk again....

unsocial social butterfly
finds a sunlit place to rest
the lightest breeze will pass her by
and stir again the vacant nest

she's seen a fairly ugly past
hung in, the pillar of her peers
and now the warming rays alas
will dry her bitter butter tears

and staring now, just down below
the spider's web has never freed
but pitched a battle, awesome show
which spoke again to butter's need

The words we tend to weave within
dark thoughts can surely build a wall
to block the sun and thickly spin
our pride, so fierce before the fall...

and caterpiller's stiff cocoon
gave place for wings like silk adorned
with patterns, colored matching moons
in darkened place her future formed

I speak in words, which make it real
the stuff,  it all comes pouring out
a substance formed and packed with zeal
for all the things I talk about

but some not nice have taken flight
and reaching, caught within your net
like thunder in your morning; light
I spoke too soon and now regret

sometimes I tend to overthink
and miss the point, that awesome prize
I sleep, awaken,  eat and drink
yet somehow came to realize

That YOU, my very precious one
sweet salty butterfly of grace
a brand new life has finally come
and gee, I LOVE that butter face!

It's not unusual for me
to write a song without regard
for all the souls in misery
to play the sap, or happy card

but more unusual to write
a poems which ends without a word
the butterfly in silent flight
the sweetest thing I've ever heard.... :)

Come closer won't you, Dear
my loving friend
you're always out there hanging on the
fringe of my heart
it's that white knuckled fear
surely Freedom stands near
and you dare not even tell her you're afraid.

She's your favorite pillow on a double wide recliner
or your front porch Adirondack with your early evening stogie
peace and quiet is the theme of your real life day-dream
the only noise you want to hear is from your 60 inch flat screen
with surround sound and remote, watching oldies you old goat,
Twilight Zone and Walking Dead, you've got Stooges in your head, and all the talkshows and the news  is in between

you're not hangry, you're not mean, Freedom understands your bean
with your crockpot full of chili you've been full since you've left Philly
and don't really need a maid around in fact the thought seems silly
you can cook and you can clean, you can work from home and preen
occupied  with daily orders and you like to clean your quarters
you've got all the latest gadgets you're not wanting for a house guest
since deliveries come daily  thank the UPS guy, Bailey
and by now you're feeling quite blessed
'cause the shipping on your stuff is mostly free.

Come closer won't you, Dear
my loving friend
you're always out there hanging on the
fringe of my heart
it's that white knuckled fear
surely Freedom stands near
and you dare not even tell her you're afraid.

On those days you're feeling needy, there's that lady at the counter
who knows you by your first name and the waitress with her smile
and the few words back and forth let's you know she recognizes you
remembers how you like your coffee since you come for breakfast weekly
and it's so nice to chat with Kathy for a while.

Who could blame you, loving freedom since she doesn't seem to take
but will fill your heart with pleasure never make your head to ache
never needing any comfort, never waiting at the table
after cookingup your favorite, never asking you to come home
from wherever else you're hanging never asking any questions
always free from expectations who could measure up to Freedom's wit and charm?

Come closer won't you, Dear
my loving friend
you're always out there hanging on the
fringe of my heart
it's that white knuckled fear
surely Freedom stands near
and you dare not even tell her you're afraid.

So called friends there on your Facebook clinging to your every word
as if coming from a guru when you're feeling like a nerd.
they applaud your sense of humor, all the items you are SHARING
and they LIKE the way you're looking and the way you that you respond
for your intellect is hooking and you're forming a close bond
over politics and reason, like your thoughts on this election
and the president and treason or the stuff that you've been cookin'
yeah, you've got a wife named freedom and I know, if you can't beat 'em
I'd be wise to choose my freedom over you.

Come closer won't you, Dear
my loving friend
you're always out there hanging on the
fringe of my heart
it's that white knuckled fear
surely Freedom stands near
and you dare not even tell her you're afraid.

Now you've filled up all your neediness without a real lover
hey there now but that's your business between you and Freedom's cover
as for women, you don't need 'em cause you've sworn off love for living
and for sure you love your Freedom and to these ends you watch your giving.
Now you're turning up the music and then you're surfing through your favorites
and flipping through the channels and those periodic moments
gotta catch up on your reading,organize your book collection
get your Ebay up and running you can do without direction
or distraction or attention

do the laundry
mow the lawn
fix what's broken
nothings wrong

Come closer won't you, Dear
my loving friend
you're always out there hanging on the
fringe of my heart
it's that white knuckled fear
surely Freedom stands near
and you dare not even tell her you're afraid.

maybe you go and take a shower and then shave for like an hour
don't forget to flush the toilet, boil an egg and eat some yogurt
top if off with some granola plan your week out, date with Lola
watch the leaves fall and then scatter,
rake 'em up
'cause these things matter,
crack a beer and catch a rerun
never mind the stuff that's undone...

Somewhere deep inside you, you are still the same old lonely
as you were the other year, never mind that second beer
think you realize you miss me, bet sometimes you'd like to kiss me
holding hands while watching TV, maybe someone just to talk to
and to laugh at all your old jokes and to share a little something
that you whipped up in your crockpot, glass of wine, latte or mocha
never mind, let's dance the polka, right that tightness in your shoulder
like John Lennon and his Yoko...

You decide to dial my number  
I usually don't usually like to answer
on the first ring  but by chance, you're
  saying something, wait a second
'cause I gotta turn my sound down
oh you're singing something funny,
and I like your phone voice honey
it's this old familiar tune I wrote for you

"Come closer to me, Dear
my loving friend
you're always out there hangin'
on the fringe of my heart
with your white knuckled fear
for our freedom stands near
and we dare not even tell her we're afraid"

For my dear old friend, a confirmed bachelor, who goes by Poppy, or Bubba.

At the end of the day, it could go either way
much like at the end of this song
Well I write for a while then I sink to a smile
when I think how you draw me along.

Well we came with a story, a beautiful poem,
unheard verses locked deep in our soul
and to way to discover what's locked in a lover
find the key that will fit the keyhole.

Must we all be inspired? Seems like that's how I'm wired
I've got something to share, but it seems
that I still blame myself for what sits on the shelf
unreleased from my closet of dreams.

From rejection in life, anger cut like a knife
and my writing was bound up with pride  
it was then your sweet voice through the keyhole rejoiced
and released the deadbolt from inside.

So now I can tell you just what's on my mind
I am corny and weird and unkind, sometimes
but I say what I feel 'cause i know what is real
and it sure beats what I left behind.

Thought the answer was finding the right key
for the words and the music to roll
but the Master unlocking life's sweet mystery
is the Love sown in each others soul.

well she could sit around all day
and rot her poetry this way
just put it all rot down and say
"I've done my duty"
done let the cat out of the bag
done with the hairball that old nag
all gutsy green this rotten queen
just cut a cutie.

she'll change the word to what it's not
and that ain't wrong, it's all she's got
but just like garbage turns to rot  
the road untrodden
she'll long the rod, like rodeo
these words are ridden, time to go
so get the horse and don't be slow
it's time we're ridin'!

We're ridin' errors then all day
poetic license paves the way
don't know quite where but that's okay
our rot to ramble
and what this rutted road has got
is what the dusty novel's not
the long and short of every rot
poetic bramble.

somewhere far
from city's light
the boat tips gently
in the night
he's in the moment
listening
and moon off ripples
glistening
music plays
a distant tune
an old transistor
calls to loon
and settled into
cozy lull
his feathered blanket
lines the hull
safe and sound
he drifts to sleep
in gentle waters
soul will keep
somewhere deep
in waters dark
appears a lone
and hungry shark
and then a tug upon the line
aroused from slumber
sleepy mind
grabs the pole
fast as he can
reels it in
and forms a plan

if this fish is really big
then I will have to do a jig
and that the case the boat will rock
I will not make it to the dock

and if this fish is really small
I will have worked
for naught at all
and then no story would I tell
for lies once told could lead to hell

but if this fish is average size
with no more lightning in his eyes
and tired of the will to live
the fight is gone
got none to give
then I will let this last one go
I've fished all day and
this I know...

the very last should simply be
the one that got away from me
and with the knife, he cut the line
which freed the shark
and saved the wine
which sat beside the sleeping bag
and calls a man to battered hag

Ahoy to fishermen like this
whose spear is certain more to miss
with one eye closed and one eye ope
close the other? I say NOPE!
Leave the one eye always open
best for night fish which need scopin'
keep a knife there at your side
cut them free, and drop your pride
take a hamburger to eat
just the same as fish is meat.

Halfway home to the pearly gate
struck a bargain up with hate
I'd like to say the deal went well
but hate's a liar bound for Hell.

Not to hate the evil one?
Turn your back, he'll take your gun
shoot you down and take your land
**** your people, hate's demand....

Everything you ever thought
every line you ever bought
every ounce of strength and sweat
all you own, but wait, more yet

Take the shirt right off your back
**** you off and burn your shack
Best to trust the God of Love
the Way the Truth, the Life above.

Halfway home to the pearly gate
struck a bargain up with hate
What I know now, I wish I knew'
Hate came for me, He'll come for you.

Best to Love the Lord your God
Don't be tempted, save your ***
don't be fooled or make a deal
Let Him know just How you feel

God the Father, Christ his Son
made the way, his work was done
on Calvary he bore the cross
and by his stripes I count the cost!

Death to Life, and NOT to Hell
I died to me, and now I'm well
I know the truth, I've heard the wise
and hate can't fool me with his lies!

I love you God with all my heart
I know you knew me from the start
I did not know you then you see
but now I do, and now I'm free.

told it like it was
of love and loss and beauty
knew about deep pain
trusted the bigger picture
and played his voice
like a violin
wrote music to suit
that amazing tenor
a follower of Jesus Christ
brought a sinner to salvation
and singing was your thing
your voice, oh, Roy Orbison
could melt the hardest stone
I miss you in your old age
but you are not old anymore
you are young, healthy, strong
and can see...you have been restored
to your peak of perfection
and I believe that Heaven
is a better place now

http://youtu.be/J4ki93EqjHU

it was just a little story
something that you sent me years ago
you said it was the only thing that you could do for me
just to write your words
if not your feelings which hung heavy
in the deeper darker places
yet unspoken or unheard within your soul...
never mind
it's just a story, you said
I think not...but I know better
since I write poetry which
is always more than just a poem
revealing deeper things
too painful to admit. or feel....
I tried to read between the lines
assuming everything
anything
wanting just to know the truth...
see your thoughts in your own handwriting;

and I kept them all
I kept them all

what can I say that has not yet been said
and where can I go that my heart hasn't led
when faced with the truth, let it go to my head
it hurts, but at least it's an answer
and where is the one that I've wanted to date
yesterday's leftovers still on my plate
coming to grips with the fact that he's late
and he's probably out with that dancer

Oh he may come and he might go
and I can't follow, I'm too slow
but I can sing a song I know, it's called my soul needs patching
you can sing along with me, the humming bird and buzzing bee
for all we know you're just like me, two souls whose hearts needs patching.

And when will I have what that other girl's got
love for a lifetime, guess this is my lot
I've scared off a few with the end to this plot
how those mystery dates made me shiver
and who is this person that I have become
sometimes just lazy, and snapping my gum,
I've tried to play smarter, perhaps I'm just dumb
but I'm all that I've got to deliver

Oh they may come and they may go
but I can't follow, I'm too slow
still I can sing a song I know,  it's called my soul needs patching
and you can sing along with me, the humming bird and buzzing bee
for all we know you're just like me, two souls whose hearts needs patching.

how can I slow what is driving me on
roll down the window, I'm more like a song
Set on the breeze that the wind blows along
with the fragrance of long summer days
So why all the longing when now is enough
precious and sweet are your words off the cuff
i'm happy to have you to read all this stuff
while the worlds smallest violin plays

Oh they may come and they may go
and I can't follow, I'm too slow
but I can sing a song I know it's called my soul needs patching
and you can sing along with me, the humming bird and buzzing bee
for all we know you're just like me, two souls whose hearts needs patching

Joy
Love
Peace
Patience....
Kindness
Goodness  
self control!
Isn't it true that we get what we're after?
God grafted his vine to my branches, my soul.

Joy
Love
Peace
Kindness....
Patience
Goodness
Self Control!
the pride in my labor
had caused me great blindness
he traded my sin, for his LOVE and I'm whole!

DP:  "I
I just
I just don't
I just don't know
I just don't know how to
how to.... to do this...how do I do this?"

DOH: " to do what?".

DP: "How I ought to deal with you".
" What is the kindest way to avoid drama....
To avoid the manipulation of self pity...
To save us both the indignation of an acting out?"

DOH: "There are at many ways to deal with me....
"nicely and neatly to avoid inflicting more pain,
directly and honestly to help you understand,
silently and patiently in hopes that you will find another to distract you,
sternly and without pity to engage your own sense of pride.
or....shall I remind you of the past and how difficult it was for you?
shall I simply give you increments of time to help you adjust?
shall I simply smile and promise to talk soon as I wave goodbye?"

DP: Or perhaps I should simply come to grips with the fact that you are in my life forever and thank God for you?
After all, who else would care for me as much as you? "

DOH: " Probably no one", and thinking a little longer responded, "No one can love you like me".

DP: "BUT YOU DON'T love me!"

DOH: "I don't? Hmm.... I guess I never noticed."

DP: "Perhaps this is true. But is it fair to do that, to take without returning, and how is it that you can continue to do that? Oh, who can answer my questions about fairness in relationships?"

DOP: You can, if you have the courage to face singleness."

dysfunction is the glue
which has me stuck, like you
in patterns from our youfh
disguising simple truth
our DNA maintains
the crazy in our brains
the way our families act
and cope with troubling fact
the stuff we choose to do
in which we have no clue
be sure  this fact is true:
dysfunction is the glue.

Hey come on , it's not that bad
I've heard it all, I know, you're sad
and not that I don't care to know
the reasons why you feel so low

but hey, come on, it's been a while
since anyone has seen you smile
it's not too late to throw the fight
to walk away, to sleep tonight

and give it all to God again
just leave it in His hands my friend
the biggest battle He has won
it's n'er too late to meet His Son

and Jesus Christ the Lord of Life
has made a way to ease your strife
to lift the burden, soothe your pain
He understands the human brain

because Creator of it all
was present there at man's great fall
away from God,  with freedoms choice
we could not hear his still small voice.

and born this way with tendency
to disobey and serve just me
God made a way to bridge the gap
to wake the sleeper from his nap

to make it right between the One
to ALL God's kids, He sent His Son
and through this Man, his sacrifice
this perfect lamb, He paid the price

He broke their law by healing folks
on Sabbath day He took their yokes
he bore their burdens, healed their lame
forgives the sinner, ends the shame.

and in His name I speak to you
whose sadness breaks your heart in two
whose troubles seem to suffocate
the longing for a better plate

the bread of Life, it is the Son
who said He and his Dad are One
and by his word,  and by his Spirit
the Way, the Truth, the Life, you'll hear it.

Turn to God just as you are
with all your hurts and every scar
He trades his life, in joy and love
for everything you're thinking of

the urge to sin, the stuff we do
our past, the hurt and anger too
is powerless, the fear will cease
because He lives, you'll live in peace

Hey Jesus come into my heart
and give me now a fresh new start
and heal my hurts, what' e're you find
and clear the cobwebs from my mind

Forgive the ones whose actions reaped
my soul's affliction deeply steeped
in misery from secret crimes
I've carried through these troubled times

In dungeon I was chained to sin
in darkness kept the secret in
and lies were told which broke my heart
I kept them all, despised my start

He says he knows my deepest pain
he's lived a life and felt the same
rejected from the very start
by those who could not know His heart.

Forgive them Father for they know
not what they do,  nor where they go
the sheep are lost and now are found
He's walked in fields upon this ground.

Inside my heart a field as well
I've sown some seeds which grew like Hell
and drew me out to places wrought
with misery, this was my lot

But now I'm found by shepherd who
has gone the distance, freed me too
by precious death from thorny vine
redeemed my soul and calls me "MINE".

Hey come on , it's not that bad
He's heard it all, He knows you're sad
already knows the reason why
because He lives, you'll never die.

Hey come on, it's really cool
the stuff He does,  He's no one's fool
This triune God,  His name Yah-hooed!
The Way the Truth, the Life, the Dude!

Another Epic God Poem. His love never ends either.

Glide upon the whooshing air
in suit of polyester wear
Ride upon the tourquise skies
those fancy goggles on your eyes
Free fall forward gliding fast
wings are tight
as air screams past
glancing downward now you see
the road is winding out to the sea!


trusting that your landing will be soft

I
am
not
that
smart,
because
possibly
intellect
overriding
commonsense
is not that great an idea:

considering that most
people
believe that they have mastered
the art of balancing
one with the other
and wind up in some
lame predicament
while appearing
to be brighter than
the average Joe,
I would rather
be overflowing
with common sense.
God's consolation prize
for the not so smart.

walk with me through lavender fields
the stuff which essential healing oils are extracted
relax with me in wind swept grasses
warmed with midmorning sunlight
stroll with me to forest canopy
and atop pine scented carpets
of dried Christmas tree needles
which fill my burlap drawer and closet freshener
quietly guide me over
fallen branches upon which mosses have grown
down winding paths of brown earth
brightest green leaf and fern
half a mile along we see the broken edges of blue sky
trail leading out to rocky cliff
overlooking beach strewn with driftwood
unhewn telephone pole
down the steep traversing path
to sandy shore of the tiniest pebbles
where tall orange rocky formations rise from
waters like islands....
walking along the water's edge
leave our footprints
where no one else has stepped today
enjoy every moment
the stuff which up until now we have only
gazed upon trough our windowed world
of yearly calendars.

"I think we try too hard, he said
we need to laugh much more instead"-
"I think we cry too much, she laughed
we're starved for love until we're fed."

"I think we spend too much he reasoned
need to save for rainy days"-
"I think we leave too much unseasoned
spice it up with mayonnaise!"

"I think we eat too much, he stated
we've got all this fat to shed" 
:and I think walking's overrated
lets just ride our bikes instead."

"I think I'm talking to a wall
you cannot hear a word I say"-
"but I've responded to them all
just maybe not in your own way."

I think he thinks too much she pondered
I can't read his mind at all
and every time his eyes have wandered
spikes are sharp before the stall...

"I think I'm needing something more"
and she knows what he's thinking of
"Be my guest, don't let that door
besmirch your tender side, my love."

"I think I'm made for bigger things
than being saddled here with you"-
"but oh be sure those bigger butts
are gonna buck your system too!

She thinks "he has it way too easy,
thinks I want to hear this stuff!"
tells him that she's feeling queasy
"heard it all, enough's enough!"

She thinks it hurts too much to talk
about the things he puts her through
her tendency to shout and balk
has raised the foam up from the brew

and seeing clearer, painful truth
his disregard grew from that day
mistook the *** for love in youth
and clung to that which came her way

Daddy never knew his daughter
never built her up to know
how she was loved above the water
that he drank or his big toe.

It's sad the man that she admired
never knew how she'd be burned.
because the love from Dad required
words and  lessons never learned.

and to the wounding add some salt
the failure of the best to choose her
now she sees it's not her fault
she cannot tell the best from loser.

Mum was quite the same you see
a distance there but never spoken
always mediocrity
discontent, lines blurred and broken.

"I think I'll wait another year
before I set my course to sail"-
"why wait, just throw me off right here
this roller coaster's off it's rail"

to this He says, " You're here beside me
for the long haul as they say"
" I think it's best we keep on riding
tell me later, in the hay."

Lots of pain in barbed sarcasm
each has blocked the other's heart  
words in action killed the passion
boundaries blurred and torn apart.

Respect, protect your precious boundary
that which makes you who we are
love yourself and then each other
shining love and sparkling star.

When the boundary violator
makes you feel less than dirt
tell each other now, not later
how that word or action hurt.

I think we try too hard, he said
we need to laugh much more instead-
I think we cry too much, she laughed
we're starved for love until we're fed.

XO

http://youtu.be/jJmsgFoWSYQhttp://youtu.be/jJmsgFoWSYQ

You know my quirks, and every way
you could have left, but chose to stay
your purest love, your work of art
hey, Son of God you've changed my heart

You came to find your wandering sheep
Your shepherd's love, my heart will keep.
No other love, could stand it here
but here You are, Eternal Dear.

And nailed to cross upon a hill
my darkest deeds, Your Father's will.
 forgive my sin, dismiss my case,
my heart you win, and sin erase.

abiding in your word today
you are the Truth, the Life, the Way
and this is what I'm thinking of
I am your own, forever love

and unwritten.