AS THE FOG LIFTS -a Haiku

as the fog lifts up
revealing what was hidden
tall peaks in white cap

by Michael Perry

TO MY SON, WHO TURNED 30

you are most like me, really, sometimes
it's like looking in the mirror, we have  
the same kind of self-effacing smile, our
ability to think of everyone but ourselves
our hearts in the right place, we show it
often, others might take offense, thinking
it to be overbearing, we mean well, it's our
way, which i hope will not be your burden
if anything, to be helpful to you, so on this day
it got me thinking, of the things i wish i could
have changed about me to be better for you, like
me not being there,  when you  needed me most
school events, your ball games, i wish i could
turn back the clock, on your disappointment in me
and my nonchalance about other things being more
important than you,  i should have made the time
also i wish i told you how much i love you, as i cherish
you  now, as the person you are, and the man you
have become; yes, we say it to each other now on
the phone, because we live so far apart,  but i believe
we truly mean it when we say it , so i am writing this
so that one day, when i am gone, and you look ahead
with your own children, you will  see what it all means
everything becomes so crystal clear, your eyes open  
wide and you accept the new reality that you have
a family,  i did that at first, but lost track of space and time
thinking, there was always next time, and next, so as
you read  my words, don't take anything for granted
because you will miss out on so much- be less like me
and more like you don't hold back, cherish the moments
budget your time, ask questions, follow through, learn
from your mistakes for there is nothing wrong with
having what you want, you are honest to a fault
you wear your heart on your sleeve it's your
badge of honor, cherish it, claim it, live life
fully, follow your dreams, be happy, go where
life takes you, cherish even the tiniest of
insignificant things before they are gone
so don't be like me-old and wishing what if, be
like you, forever looking forward with never a regret

by Michael Perry

THE STRANGER IN US ALL

i am,  have been, will always be,  the unfamiliar
if maybe, just like you, we are one and the same
though not without my shame, which outweighs, by far

for me, i walk mostly the nights, cause of the stares
regardless the weather to me and my surroundings
think what if, test me, itching for a fight; dare me

i am sure, each day as you walk right passed
taking no measure of me, for i am just  another someone
left aside, you don't want to know me , first last, that's that

your pre-conceived opinions aside, check them at the door
as you venture to the store or a favorite restaurant, look there  
in front of you, in the alleys, under passes, dumpster; what's more

been a stranger to many, ready or not unable to see beyond
so you walk to the other side of the street, staring at my *****  
façade, open your eyes, see me, what was lost is found

by Michael Perry

MIRAGE

In the distance of
images blurred-hard to tell, coming into focus
a  full view
there it is, then not

glistening pools of
coolness, with sand and palms, pleasures overflow
to slaking ones thirst, or rest ones head
there it is, then not

to live in the dream of trying to forget
belief suspension, made so real, ready
to touch, to see, clear as day
there it is, then not

as the mind plays tricks, downplaying, it's own reality check

By Michael Perry

SNOW WALK

the couple went for a walk just before dusk
the snow starting lightly to fall, first snow of
the season, it was cold not overly so, they walked
hand and hand for awhile, not saying anything
both just enjoying the tranquility, through
the silence they kept up a good pace
as the street lights, cast out their shadows
they kept going, to anywhere, hand in hand
they both sensed the same direction
without missing a single step, they went, now it was
completely dark, turning around from the previous
direction they walked earlier, their steps were
filled in by the snow, erasing the way home still
landmarks did appear dusted in the new fallen
snow to make everything appear suddenly most alien
inevitably though, they found their way back, with the
lights on in the house inviting them to get out of the cold

by Michael Perry

SLACKER

i am angry all the time, i can't carry a tune
since i don't work i always sleep till noon
you have no choice i won't change anytime soon

my best trait is always telling the truth
even if it hurts like a decayed tooth
can't help myself for whatever that's worth

i am a slacker through and through a nightmare made to shock
as if adverse weather follows me, you'll never see me be ad hoc
because my only reason for living is to wreak it, cause you havoc

by Michael Perry

HAIKU one of two

morning comes sunrise
take a deep breath feel alive
life begins again

night comes moon up high
exhale slow take it all in
body mind renewed

by Michael Perry

TO STAND HERE

to stand here looking down-from this height
one feels invicible with a feeling that comes over
of god- like;  to realize what it took to create life
from the seas, to the sky, the bird, the fish, the tree, each
blade of grass to the flower, the bee, the moth- snow and rain
the sun and the moon; all of life-laid out before me until
I realize I am but a mere mortal- made human; being unable
to comprehend; all the majesty of that;  which is impossible
made real, the possiblity-of a little faith-to answer the unanswerable

by Michael Perry

CHILLED BONES

from my window vantage
crusts of ice build up
to crease the window pane
a wafting draft sneakily escapes
through cracks  beyond the recess of glass and wood
am I prepared to venture out
into the cutting cold
that waits for me outside
i debate, a moments wait
but i decide i must, for no matter what
you cannot convince me otherwise
today will surely be a lucky day, at best  
for all the signs point to it, I can feel it
right down deep- into my chilled bones

by Michael Perry

I AM
I am, because of you
seen through your eyes
love is my reward

made out of flesh and bone
you let me see;  blessed, truly
while the sun rose and fell

from your smile
having two fates we are sealed
forever justified, together sanctified

from this love where
no boundary divides, in its capacity  
I am; because of you, in this, our love will live on

By Michael Perry

SHOCK OF WINTER

the ashen grey sky leads
as the forerunner of whats to come
whilst the taste of snow flakes
incite the buds on the tongue, it is as if
when warm turns to cold, we are lead to believe
that this grip of ice bearing down, may feel
like forever, and for you already growing old
thereby freezing your impression of what to believe
that somehow this is not living, hence
given your preferred inclination for a few degree's  more
you might wish though, to be somewhere else
for at least a few months time until
the cold shock of winter barrels and blows over, in its due time

by Michael Perry

A WALK IN THE RAIN- a Haiku

a walk in the rain
ones happy life exercise
clear thoughts free the mind

By Michael Perry

WHAT OF MY MOTHER?

my father was a young man when
my mother died suddenly, both
families encouraged him time
and again saying, he was young
he needed a wife, his boys needed
a mother, after  awhile, he took their
advice and my father did remarry, for
better or worse he was ready to move on-
what of my mother, would  she have been
given the same advice? if the circumstances
had been reversed-  probably not, they would
have said, tend to your children, and tend to
your husbands grave, be a dutiful wife
you do not need to be married again, so she
would have poured herself into her duties, raising us
as best she could, and she would have continued
being the grieving wife, for as long as it took
until it was her turn to die, doing everything she
could to make his lasting repose;  her life's work
like a good wife if the situation had been reversed, she
would have accepted her circumstances; not changing a thing

*****- a Haiku

***** once had its hold
i was the fun drunk, that changed
when i almost died

by Michael Perry

ORANGE CAT

king of his domain the orange cat lazily
ponders, catches the rays of the sun, stretching
gives a yawn, bored, readies to moves on
why not, so he searches for birds, beyond
the closed sun porch screen, weary of this
he jumps down off the settee with a muted thud
he looks around, what else to do? still looking
for more, he settles on all the sundry things
provided by the empty house, like chasing dust *****
that blow across the hardwood floor, tired of that
he is now ready to doze off, dreamily searching for
that elusive mouse- so ready to settle their score


By Michael Perry

FIRST FROST

the first frost of the season
breathlessly cold, lawns
covered in a blanket of hoarfrost
no footsteps to speak of
i, here alone, huddled to myself
to stave off the cold
regard the moment of, here and now

By Michael Perry

VERSION OF A TONGUE TWISTER

so as the summer sizzle stalls into simmering on
and the fire flies flit catching light-deep into the night
so it goes- with each new day unable to carry
it's own weight from the heaviness the heat has wrought
rightly or wrongly, each day and night becomes
more brought about surrendering , slowly, sluggishly, straining into a
miasma of monotonous memory, where one needs a break from-
for nothing else will break this impasse excepting a cold front fast

by Michael Perry

IT IS THIS TIME OF YEAR

in the bowl
on the table contains
the last of this seasons fruit
laying this way and that
puckered and pruny, they go
uneaten, they wilt in silence
unable to provoke an appetite
in anyone in the house
who happens to walk by, so they
remain unattended, staying put daily
as they bear witness to a souless sun
as it listlessly tries peeking
through the window hoping
to shed some light on a situation
beyond it's control
still it is unable  to withstand
the whole day, it is this
time of year when
the sun fades quickly
seeming in retreat always, as
the stars once again
remind who is in charge

By Michael Perry

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE

we pulled into the parking spot
a piece of grass under a halogen light
hanging over head
we were early or just in time to
pop open several cans of beer
to get ready for the times ahead
putting us in the mood, mellow but
not overly so, we made our way
up the stairs to the amphitheater
it was a nice night, soft breezes
sweet sour smells of *** patchouli
and perspiration wafting through the air, as we
made our way to the seats- looking forward
and all around you could feel
the anticipation build as the crowd got
ready to party the night away
the lights went down, the crowd hushed
a spot light pinned, center stage
the performer walked in, the crowd
went wild, building intensity
the performer raised his finger to his mouth
and went, SHHHHHHH- then, it went quiet, hushed
the performer went on, you
looking at all the adoring fans
yes you, are the problem, he howled, raising his
whiskey tinged voice to the rafters
I have had enough, he growled, he continued
I am not going to
give you what you want- he turned
his back to the audience
the beam of light went out, the place was left
in pitch darkness, the crowd went wild
thinking this was part of the performance, because
the performer was known for his antics
the crowd clapped and yelled thinking
there would be  more,  several minutes went by
nothing happened, we sat there, eating
our cheese steaks and drinking more beer, we
were in our own little world- soon out of
nowhere from within the darkness, someone
started singing, one and then more of the performers
songs, not as good as the performer
but still he gave it his best shot, singing a cappella
he sang song after song without stopping
to the enthusiasm of the crowd who
enjoyed the alternative show, without any
theater lights on everyone turned
their cell  phones on making thousands of pinpoints of light
reach and focus- to make everything better,  
enhanced, and in some ways it did, we never
missed the  real thing, we enjoyed the show ad hoc as it were
and gave the anonymous man in the crowd a standing
ovation after he was done, we walked away
satisfied, feeling we got our monies worth.

By Michael Perry

THE MOON HAS A STORY TO TELL

to watch the moon, is a study in time management
i have the patience- and for me all time is fleeting
which is something i am finding out for myself first hand, nevertheless while on this one particular night, the moon shows large close to Earth, bigger than most other nights, in it's seasonal turn as i look close, studying the surface, the pocks, the craters
every side, angle and depth, of it's everchanging face
wondering what secrets does it hold close, as it sits suspended
in the dark twilight night after night, i don't know why
still, it's just something i have always pondered ever
since i was a small child, looking at it, ready to bring to mind
all the childish rhymes of youth, that have the moon as it's subject
made me wonder, kept me fascinated, about the mystique of
what is real and make believe,  giving my childish mind, flight
now in my declining age, coming fast to it's forgone conclusion
its important for me to settle opinions, unmask, reveal the moon
to discover what lies beyond it's solemn face, to tell me the truth  
of what else its been hiding from me these many years soon gone

by Michael Perry

I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING

from the simple normalcy of the darkness of these
many years, you and I in the same bed-we have
shared for all this time - keeping  our distance
between the sheets;  in the do not disturb position
out of which;  familiarity breeds

to the years that have come and gone-letting the
subtle changes of  our youth quickly transition
into faces- we hardly recognize anymore, we have
accepted the inevitable; and as I lay awake now
listening to you breathe, in your soft unobtrusive way
I am comforted by the fact that we will share another
ordinary day- and for that alone, I wouldn't change a thing

by Michael Perry

WISH UPON A STAR

the sky is beginning to darken
just enough for the stars to
make their appearance, putting
on a show they are twinking
on and off in a ritual, old as life itself
we two are standing close watching
holding hands, we continue looking up
at the dark and the light, illuminate
all around, filling the night
with millions of heavenly bodies
craving an audience, then from right to left
a falling star begins its decent,  i tell her
hurry, make a wish, she closes her eyes
and does just that  i tell her i hope
your wish comes true, she whispers
back breathlessly, it already has

By Michael Perry

STORM BREWING

from the window
the sky turns-from blue to
black- could be a storm brewing
you can feel it, thick and moist
while the winds pick-up-ready
to blow air-as if
being ****** through a straw
then, bolts of light
ignite the night, taking center stage
soon the rains cut through
like a buzz saw, pelting for hours
on end- until you feel like
your going to go mad-as
the eye of this monster crosses overhead
your feeling blessed, cut a break, all is quiet
deathly so- your afraid to move
wanting to take a long held breath, it's over
until the rains come ; harder and
the commotion begins again-even stronger
showing mother nature's -nastier side

by Michael Perry

LIKE A FLOWER SOMETHING MORE

as with anything
that is beautiful; a flower
speaks to us of truth

we accept this
and acknowledge
our shortcomings by it

hidden from view, we like
the flower, have deep within
our roots but to tell a story

reminding us, daily who we are
through our vanity and
deep seeded faults

we unwilling, will grow unattended
while having no care or such
in the value to live and thrive

from these frailties
we as humans have, but do not admit
to a root sytem in chaoes

still, like the flower, there are
choices to be made, continue on a path
that shows growth, or wither and die

so with every season  there will come
a sense of renewal, do we down play our infalibility
hoping to get by or will we strive for something more

by Michael Perry

AS I LISTEN TO THE RAIN

as i listen to the rain
this afternoon, right after
a busy day  feeling the heavy load
of long hours taking it's toll, carried over, bringing
pain between my eyes so i sit back
in my chair by the open window
i let it call to me, for it only takes
a couple minutes of just listening
to the gentle rain fall-becoming
transformative, like some medicine, with no pills
with it's subtle sounds so relaxing it begins to release me
to soothe all the pain, bring me back from a hectic day
little by little, with measured steps, to act as a balm
my curative to wash away the stress , bits at a time
it will happen,  begin to uplift, and renew, to
reassure me, in it's simplicity,  that no matter
how bad today was, tomorrow will be just fine


by Michael Perry

SPEAK OF LOVE- a Haiku

speak of love no words
let your body say it all
creating Heaven Earth

by Michael Perry

PEBBLE

to drop a pebble
into a watered abyss
leaves a note unread

by Michael Perry

GHOSTS

this house, with so many rooms how did we ever
think that we ever needed so many rooms
but still you convinced me, this house would change
everything, we have already been here a couple
months and still we favor only one room, such a
comfortable room, dark walnut walls , cozy inviting
a large fireplace  always with a fire in it, glowing warm
- we left all the other rooms vacant for now, every day
when the day was done, me writing and you painting
we would meet, right at five, i made us drinks, we sat
side by side going over each others work, discussing what
we had accomplished when we weren't together, you told me
how you had gotten so much done, the works were
flowing out of you, you smiled, i smiled back; happy for you
then you waited for me to say something, all i could do
is stand up and fix another drink, i mixed
her another one too, she said and you? and all i could
say was not too much today, maybe tomorrow, she patted
my hand, taking a sip of her drink, she said remember
why we moved here in the first place, the ghosts?,  we left
the ghosts back in the city, they did not follow us here, you
should be able to write unencumbered she said don't let the ghosts get to you, ok? i said ok, taking a deeper drink, finishing what
was in my glass, she said  there is always tomorrow, i  acknowledged her, she then said , be a dear and add
another log would you, i am feeling a bit chilled?

by Michael Perry

WE ARE LOVERS

we are lovers
through all of our years
collected, neglected
off and on living familiar
once or twice a shared spite
coming  close to adversarial, we have
come to this place , accepting, with our eyes wide
through our shared sacrifice and many trials
for no matter how long we have left
love was a constant  companion, given or take
making something stirred; never to be shaken
from those first years, to these last, we are
like a fine wine we have aged well enough
as we look forward not back

by Michael Perry

MOURNING TIME

you stand there so still
feet dug into the wet sand
your back facing toward
the open dune with your arms raised
as if pleading; wanting to be taken
you cannot live without her, so you
pray to be with her now, as breezes coo
and caress, too gentle, almost kind
as if trying to soothe your broken heart
so the waves only puddle there at your feet
not the waves you were hoping for; ones
to push you out into deeper water, to
take you to her, it does not happen; you are
left standing there; alone, dejectedly still
as the sea whispers back, it is not your time

by Michael Perry

HERE IT ALL COMES BACK

the sea reminds me
every time, i come here
of what it means; beginnings and endings
i go there to stand  and watch
as the waves come in and out, almost like
breathing, water is life, like me, we communicate
with each other, somehow we relate
memories in the form of grains of sand
wash ashore, laid at my feet to peruse over
once more, each a piece of memory, establishing itself
something old, lost, long forgotten
but i remember, here it all comes back
over and over like ripples on a wave
flooding me with images, reminding me
i am human, filled deep with all emotions
that push and pull, like an ebb and flowing tide
to make me, who i am, make me feel to
bring me back, if only right here and now
to people and places, i thought were lost
i took them for granted, here they live and breathe
in the only way they can, here they communicate
to me, with the sea as my bridge between of what
is real and what is a dream i want to forget, either way i am
buoyant able to carry on, water as salvation, saves me

by Michael Perry

STAY ANONYMOUS

will I ever be remembered
for any of the words, I have put forth, will I
ever shed literary light on
the misconception of prose-who knows
or maybe-just maybe-use my
poetic prowess-to conjugate a verb or two- the
ones no ones ever heard of before, but will
that be enough-to succeed or fail- what happens next?

will that be as far as I go- could I be just another
literary has-been, in search of fame- or possibly
a footnote in some obscure magazine, might I be
a one line reference on the world wide web- could
that be it- or am I able to take this literary tour as
far as it will take me-to success, if not,  like my words on
a page-  if no one reads them, they stay anonymous

By Michael Perry

ESSENCE- a Haiku

you are my essence
the reasons to live and breathe
without you i die

by Michael Perry

HAIKU in Three Takes

happening the snow
falling as white innocence
we have come to know

still there was no sun
if just one time, a little
is better than none  

rain begins to fall
we will not worry ourselves
till one cries then what    

by Michael Perry

SUMMER COTTAGE

you gave me your heart, i gave you mine, we took it when
we were both young greedily, wonton, expectant, being carefree
life was ours and now as the years have tolled on, we know nothing lasts forever, in fact it seems to speed up, we see it as
the age gathers around us, in our faces , on our wrinkled hands
mine shakes from time to time, now, through the open window
coming in gold shafts of light, to high-light the bedroom, chests
of draws, pale curtains, a large canopy bed, fill up the space
nothing fancy, our style,  as the air filters through the open window
salty and  pungent as it is want to do around here, i can hear the ocean calling in the distance as we are just a mile from where the bay meets the ocean, we make this trek year after year, to our summer cottage our special place to get away from it all, still as you lay asleep, peaceful i let you slumber on, couldn't bare to wake you this early, although i know you will be disappointed, not to see the sun rise, still, as i watch you sleep your skin reflects translucent against the  white pillow case, offset by your long silver hair, that i   remember was auburn shade you had  for many years, the color of  chestnuts like we used to pick in the fall as they came down covering the yard..still the memories flood, today will be a good day though, i am sure of it, i have an intuition about such things, then, i hear you stirring, and you open your eyes, and we both smile i am done daydreaming for now about what if's, as we get ready to make breakfast  and take our daily walk down to the beach, we are settled on what we have, staying expectant, knowing still, there will be a time that for both of us, will come, knowing there are some things that never will change, if only we could turn back time

by Michael Perry

MISS CAPE COD (a rewrite)

i still dream of you, even now, as memories become
part of life, we grow apart we come back
its been awhile both of us ready for this, you are
as i remember you, do i look the same? yes i know
i have changed, grown older, still, we are who we are
that has not changed, the world, the environment
that is what has changed us both, i remember
all the good times and some of the bad still we got through
you and i,  i am ready to see you again, ready to
let bygones be bygones, ready to breathe in the air of remorse
-i missed you, let us both not forget though that
we are both complicit;  all is forgiven-for now, you and i
-reconciling our differences for the moment

by Michael Perry

BODY LANGUAGE

we speak,  or we don't speak
we say things with our eyes
we don't mean to hurt but we do every time

will we find us some middle ground for
to settle and just be;  or will we shovel
digging  a hole deep, falling into and down

we shatter to pieces as fragile as glass
we drink from the same cup, thirsty at last
what once was before has yet come to pass

by Michael Perry

FALL IS FALL

fall is fall
more changes to come
with chameleon leaves
out of tree trunk sleeves
turning red, orange, gold
soon a crisp shock of air
goes from warm to cold
a years cycle  three quarters complete
as life marches on and times fall back we
lose the chance on an extra hours sleep

by Michael Perry

POETRY GIVES (haiku)

poetry gives life
to the like minded lovers
who breathe the same air

by Michael Perry

FLOATING ON WATER

i have headaches
i deal with them
been to the doctors
each one, checking my head for clues
no one seems to know
the root cause, whatever it is?
on this particular day
it was going to be hot
no air to speak of
the oppressive sticky kind of day
that turns sweat sour
ready to cling to everything it touches
it is the first day of summer
just right to go into the pool
i lowered myself in
the water was biting cold
i was able to tolerate it
until the water moderated
as i slipped all the way in
felt the water gently caress me
comforting and inviting, i stretched out my full length
floating on my back, eyes closed, buoyant, comforted
for the first time in my life the headaches were gone
within minutes i had total relief
i couldn't believe it, i began to cry
still floating, afraid to move, i stayed in
until the sun was going down
as i celebrated my freedom
from the grips of a pain,  that i never thought
i would escape from- here i was, in the pool
pain free- for how long would be anyone's guess
i never want to leave, but at some point i had to face
the fact that this was temporary
there would be other days, the fight far from over

by Michael Perry

HIGHWAY 41

cover to cover lies a skein colored sky full of clouds made from rayon thread
so let us take a drive  and head in any direction  down                  highway 41
paved in        a  blending of   fabrics piece by piece                   stitch by stitch
                                       held fast                together
by a serious barbed wire fence                                                so think  quick
will we go fast or slow                possibly                          head for the border
because that which defines  us                                                   will determine  
make us realize  none too soon     who we are as a people         to interpret laws
use our unintiated  eye     over wishful thinking                           so wait for it                 
when the lights go on be ready  to see    reach whats beyond      to search for to find  
that  somewhere place  safe   there     lost in a patchwork        of layered horizons- we call it home

by Michael Perry

TWO OF A KIND

the man is silently sleeping on the overstuffed couch
made out of tough batting, wires and patched fabric
holding the whole thing  together with tape and ingenuity
he loves it , always falling asleep right after dinner
and before the news,  a small glowing fire in the brazier
keeps the small room light and warm, he moves slightly
a little snort escapes from his mouth and nose, as he
shifts in position, his little dog Moose holding court
on a small braided rug in front of the couch, he has
one eye open and one closed from a previous accident
with a mishap with a fallen tree branch, the
man was so upset, as he took Moose to the Vet
they tried but couldn't save the eye, from that
day they were inseparable as the man needs the
dog and the dog needs him to help avoid further
mishaps, right now it's quiet as the man is sleeping
off a couple beers he had earlier, Moose scratches
an itch behind his ear, it's now later in the night
both are fast asleep and dreaming; the man dreams
he wishes he was closer to his family as he misses his
sons and the grandchildren he has never seen, while Moose
dreams of his missing eye and the half views he will never
see again unless he turns his whole head in that direction

by Michael Perry

A CAUTIONARY CHRISTMAS TALE
              
once there was a naughty little  boy
who knew no better, his right from wrong
always naughty instead of nice, not trying
he was unaware that his world would be
turned upside down, thinking last year a fluke
he paid no care ignoring his elders, he laughed
at the old baker man and his wife- who wagged
their finger each time he entered their store
they reiterated-be good or else-and as before
the naughty little boy promptly disregarded them
like every one else-always turning his back
slamming the door paying no heed, ready to ignore
as the clock ticked down- ready for Christmas Eve
the town went to sleep, all quiet, covered in new snow
the naughty little boy slept peacefully without care
having no visions of sugar plums, never to dance in his head
while his mother and father were downstairs
preparing the holiday feast- once done, they retired
to bed too,  then as the light of dawn came up
it was Christmas morning-from house to house
went the jolly old elf , he, himself and his reindeer of eight
arrived on the naughty little boys roof,  The elf paused
ready to check his list, just to be sure thinking to himself
maybe this time, but  there at the top of the list again
was the naughty little boy's name like the year before so
as the jolly elf stood silent shaking his head, ready to
cry- he silently removed a burlap bag from the back of his sleigh
it was filled to the brim with 365 lumps of coal; the sack was for
only the naughtiest of little boys- it was covered with soot- which
he placed under the tree, pinning it with a note, that the man in
the red suit wrote, he left it for the boy, personally; as the sun
rose on this special day, the naughty little boy woke up on
this Christmas morning, he went downstairs- where he  blinked
once, twice, while reading the note Santa left for him, the boy
looked up from the letter no reaction could have been more
timely -with one single tear making it's way down his cheek- he
realized that Santa meant what he said- in part, he wrote
"I know deep down and truly believe in my heart your a good boy
I hate bringing you lumps of coal, so maybe just try a
little harder and next year I will be back with presents, instead
of a sack of coal, so think twice be nice instead of naughty "

Santa Claus

By Michael Perry

LATE SUMMERS APPLE- a Haiku

late summers apple
fallen, over ripe exposed    
to the core, a worm

by Michael Perry

LUNCH TIME- a Haiku

couple finds a bench
eat sandwiches- birds swoop in
spilled crumbs-lunch is served

By Michael Perry

I AM A MAN IN LOVE

I am a man in love
with my  woman, a dream, to confess
to look at her face, worship
take her all in, use my eyes
my tongue, for to kiss
to speak of this, I am
a man happy, and content
my heart swells, overwhelming
for in you,  I see it all so clear
I am a man ready for love, my chance
our two bodies connect; we make  electric
feeling the heat, us; here and now as we, lie side by side
I am a man grateful believing
there isn't a day goes by
as I live  and breathe- I am a man
committing the rest of my life
to keep you on a pedestal, adored  

by Michael Perry

PAIN

i have come to be through mine  
eyes open wide unable to see this
while my legs are held together with
needles and pins, as a feeling of lead
comes over me, the blood rushes in-to
and out of me, ready to cleanse my spirit
while seducing my soul for tonight is no
different nor even the day compared, just
all the same always another reason to blame
someone  anyone else but me, forcing a memory lost
or found ready to be pushed away, without a sound
my whole body aches to be well, yet its not
this pain is special, like a sedative it dwells deep
but reacting so not like; differently it's will keeps
my hell firmly intact- so now comes the moment
when the crowd yells shame, shame, ready or
not i will confess all the same, release of my sins
into the here and now, i am laid bare, revealing all
for i am unable to be the man from the past, the
way i used to be no longer myself, now just a
shell been created through my bodies attempt
or it's inability to relate then some, so i do not ask
for your pity, for shame has its way of speaking
through me demanding harassing me to have the last say

By Michael Perry

THE ROUTINE

from the kitchen window
before the sun is barely up
showing streaks of purple and orange
that cover the sky light like a bruise
we sit across from each other
i see the morning rise, and
she sees into the living room
where we have a fire going
to break up the early morning chill
we are content in our little ways
our morning ritual where nothing changes
not in all our years, the sameness
is what keeps us intact, without it
we would shatter and break- none
of that for us, as she gets up from
her chair and fixes another cup of
coffee, no more than two for her
then i get up to move the logs
around in the fire place, the embers
pop and glow as i move the logs
around, then back to my seat for a little
while longer, i look at her, she looks
up at me, we see how age has taken
hold, the lines under her eyes, the
all whiteness of my hair and beard
still we see through it all and marvel
at the outside changes in us, around us in
our unchanging life, i take her hand and give
it a little squeeze, she squeezes mine; our
silent acknowledgement to each, of our status quo
all is good between us and will continue to be so
as long as we do not change one iota of our life

by Michael Perry

SITTING ON THE PORCH

we are sitting side by side, in our chairs on the porch
enjoying the late afternoon, sipping sweet tea, cool
and refreshing- it was another hot day, the mosquitos
quit buzzing  once the fans began pushing the air
around it was then, i reached over for her hand, thinking
it the right compliment to end the day, she quickly
slapped my hand away, a sudden rebuff of my gesture
i tried again, and she did the same, i was taken aback
she looked at me as if i were a stranger- then went inside
i suddenly remembered something the doctor had said at one
of her last doctor visits- at some point she will not remember
even who you are, with that the triggers in my brain reacted
anew, as the night of the day took hold and swallowed me up

by Michael Perry

REIMAGINING DON QUIXOTE

                                               1
Ah youth, been down roads in my life unable to keep track
I can't count them all, roads with names some without
a few with famous names, still others half as much, I
have travelled them all, and in time on a course predicted
whether or not I cared to go, I watched the pavement turn
into simple dirt paths, from driving a four lane highway
at times being so **** reckless, and still, I  have walked  
other paths too that have taken me in, sometimes not leading me
out so as I search for a clarity I need to take a step back  
                                                2
there were times in my life I was very rich, with a woman
who adored me, I had the best of what life had to offer
as I worked my *** off to keep what was mine, until the
day the bottom of this world fell away, I lost everything
and I found myself homeless, living off the street, knowing
fear and anxiety, not having a place to sleep or where
my next meal would come from, I came to understand pain
                                                  3
so here I am once more, what is left, with a perspective of
age and time, I am now a soldier this time around not ready to give
in or give up to seek what's next, to look for any adventures
bigger than my life, embark on next steps as I turn inward
to everything I have known, to become a simple wanderer
a man having a name ageless, one who follows the stars, and
sleeps on the ground ready to peek around corners, to be happy
in my own skin, settling on serendipity while changing the course
of the rest of my life, as I shake off the dust, call me Don Quixote

by Michael Perry