Dude!

My last poem of the year. The song version is called 'Swig of Lisky', swig-a slang term for a person or friend.
DBT chick ready. Sorry M, it had to be.


It had been told the boy was old and wise before his time
his locks they say were peppered gray though he was only nine
he grew to be a prodigy, read every book he could
but played as hard out in the yard this was his childhood.

he made the grade without the aid of study hall Morrone
Lo and behold God broke the mold, he had a funny bone
but rarely let it out, his quiet kind of fun
his friends will vouch he loves the couch, it's where his nappin's done.

CHORUS:
well it's my first cold of the season
and my last poem of the year
and though I sit here sneezin'
there's nothing we should fear
and I know that he will love this
and he may just shed a tear,
so i'll toast, a swig of Lisky
he's a barrelful of cheer!

his skin is fair and freckled, with eyes of grayish green
sometimes they are bespeckled but the clearest ones i've seen
he stared me down the sidewalk and I thought that I would melt
and never told him anything about the thing I felt

i met him then at seventeen h'was just a budding rose
and less the height and weight he is but that's just how it goes
got to know this gentle dude who goes without a sock
the king of conversation he's the baddest on the block

CHORUS:
it's my first cold of the season
and my last poem of the year
and though I sit here sneezin'
there's nothing we should fear
and I know that he will love this
and he may just shed a tear,
so i'll toast, a swig of Lisky
ee's a barrelful of cheer!

Well he's somewhat into music, saw the movie, read the book
periodicals take floorspace while his CDs line the nook,
Lisk ain't into artwork, window treatments, floors or walls,
it's Thanksgiving over Christmas, can't be bothered decking halls

the only one I've ever met who can make me laugh and cry
all in the same moment though I really can't say why
but when I was just seventeen and he turned the big "eight oh"
i wished that I could be around to watch that old man grow.

CHORUS:
it's my first cold of the season
and my last poem of the year
and though I sit here sneezin'
there's nothing we should fear
and I know that he will love this
and he may just shed a tear,
so i'll toast, a swig of Lisky
and God Bless the coming year!

Guy's War Story

He liked to say he had some shrapnel in his head
but I'm afraid that's not the only thing he said...

with his working arm he wheeled his broken body down the hall
pushing buttons of the nurses, you could say the man had gall.

he said, " Hey, you little blond, I don't believe I caught your name,
but I could shoot my AK rifle", then he talked about his aim,

"I'm not kidding, were it fitting, I could take you out right now,
and you'd never see it coming, 'Special Forces'"; I said, "Wow!"

He said " I can tell you stories that would spin your head around,
cause I've seen a lot of action, 'fore the shrapnel took me down".

Then he pointed to the helmet, that sat high upon his head
" I'm an invalid,disordered,yes, but surely not brain dead".

Had I met this man some other way, say walking on the street,
I'd be running for my life, 'cause you know he'd pack some heat.

A better man, though he would say the shell of what he'd been
not to listen to his story, would've truly been a sin.

I believe I caught the glimmer of a hope within his eyes
that I'd ask to hear about it and be shocked beyond surprise.

So I smiled at him and said, "I've got some time to kill here, Guy,
do slay me with your was story and in detail, please, don't lie."

"Army, Special Forces, sent to Nam to guide our men,
I knew the lay of jungleland, believed that we could win.

I taught them what I knew to stay alive and get it done
without a leader they'd be dead before the setting of the sun.

And so I led my troops in battle and I kept them all alive
taught them everything they never learned in boot-camp to survive.

and everything went well until one night it went to hell
when on a mission I was ambushed and this story I will tell:

taken prisoner, beat and blindfolded, then forced to walk for miles
they took their turns at night guard, while they tried to sleep a while.

but all along I waited, for I knew the stupid one
would look away, then turn back looking down the barrel of his gun.

and sure enough it happened, that the Doofus looked away,
and I was there, right on the trigger, and I took their lives that day.

and I broke out of the darkness and ran south for several days
I had learned the landscape well, but then, my head was in a daze.

When suddenly I heard them, distant voices. English speaking,
and I came upon a hedge in which I hid but did some peeking.

And what I saw, believe me, was the best dream of the day
I burst right through and ran to, waiting arms, the USA!

That was not the last time, I came back to Nam again
caught some shrapnel in my head, you know, and here I am, the end".

I do believe this soldier is just one of countless men
who spend their days in nursing homes confined, without a friend.

for years before and years to come, there will be guys like Guy
who need to share their war stories with folks like you and I.

and when we stop to listen, to appreciate the cost
we honor not the killing, but the living and the lost.

we validate the struggle, and the things they've overcome
encouraged in the battle, 'til the final war is won.

He liked to say he had some shrapnel in his head
but I'm afraid that's not the only thing he said...

Man with a Hammer

your hammer's good, it's headed south
it keeps your secret, without a mouth

the ground is hard, the ground is cold
tells many stories, as I am told

where you've walked, how much you weigh
you'll cover your tracks, but still, one day

the smallest fragment, the tiniest hair
well get you life, to this I'll swear

you make your bed, you dig your grave
and to your guilt,you'll be a slave

Think this out while you sit in the slammer
He carried the cross, but you bore the hammer.

He took the nails you pounded in
"Forgive them Father, they know not their sin"

Three days later the ground will attest
The man was seen walking along with the rest.

A carpenter by trade, he knew about hammers
He knows about you. his lost little lamber.

He stands at the door, speaks truth and won't stammer
Be the best friend to the man with the hammer.



"He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening [of the prison] to them that are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Isa.61:1,2)

Jesus once said to the Pharisees (who demanded that Jesus silence His followers), "I tell you if they (His followers) keep quiet, even the stones would cry out!" (Luke 19:40) In a culture that seems to stifle and discourage any type of Christian faith expression, we as living stones cry out, seeking to give Jesus the glory that is due Him! - Rod Minaker

Happy Birthday

when I was a child
heard many a thing
about God in His Heaven
and angels who sing

and streets paved of gold
and the one at the gate
whose keeping a record
of me on a slate

the things that I do
and the things that I say
It scared me to think that
I'd sin anyway

and I wanted to know
how the God of great love
could measure our worth
by the things we think of

not knowing Him then
well I listened to men
who knew less about God
than they did their own end

so I prayed to the One
asking right from my heart
tell me true, are you there
have you been from the start?

can you please help me sort
through the myth and the magic
the lies of religion
the hopeless and tragic?

can you meet me right here
just where i am
in my darkness and failures
are you really I AM?

and what of the others
who labor for nothing
who have not and hunger for
turkey and stuffing?

on the streets, in the cold
stumbling drunk in the alleys
red-handed, white lies, and deep blues
in the valleys?

at our weakest, and numb
from the heartache of losing
the ones that we love,
left behind with a bruising

will we find you in throne rooms
in the back of our mind
some Wizard of Oz
that we're seeking to find?

A whisper, an answer
a thought I just had
was it me...was it you
could it be, that I'm mad?

But wait, there again,
yes, it's something inside
saying " open the door
and I'll come without pride."

"Ask Me, I'll tell you
I'll lead you along
NOT ONE WORD WAS WRITTEN
disproven or wrong"

"And as for the poor
and the weak and your past
Your sins are forgotten
and the first shall be last."

"I've chosen the weak things
to confound the wise
I turn it around
for the greatest surprise"

"The ONE that I loved
the dearest of all
the babe in the manger
with the horse in the stall"

He grew to a man
and we know him as Jesus
fulfilled the great plan
and wow, how he sees us...

He bore all our burdens
and gave us the ring,
we are his bride
and HE is our King

and the more that I trust him
the more I debate
I need to ask questions
regarding our fate

is God all around us
is heaven for real
does He care for our flesh
and the way that we feel?

is one day like a thousand
as thousands are lost
in the floods and the fires
and the wars and the frost?

I'll wait for the answers
and try to be still
like the child in the manger
and the cow on the hill

I will study to find myself
well in your sight
while we sit by the fire
and chat through the night

and when Christmas has finally
dawned on our days
and we celebrate giving
in so many ways

I must keep in mind
how you wiped clean the slate
for once and for all
you reopened that gate

and I must not forget
though I'm often at fault
that you want me to shine
to be light, to be salt

and always remember
that You are the reason
I celebrate Christmas
no matter the season.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

the one thing

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 bloody 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 pot 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.

bad gas

Take it out
on someone else
better, yourself.

I can not see the reason for your blame
though it strikes me odd, you tend to think the same
your reasoning does not much good for me
and it's time I set you free
throw out the key.

Well it does no good to rummage through the past
these things will only give us back our gas
well it's better just to let bygones be gone
and we'll meet back here again
out on the lawn.

I know you liked me best. I loved you most
but it's useless now to chase that lover's ghost
and it's getting late and we are getting tired
distance turns these things around
that's how we're wired.

So take it out on someone else and see
no they won't be puttin' up with misery
and then you'll come back draggin' on your knee
but I will not be around
I'm leaving town.

I do believe I see a lonesome tear
have I touched the nerve which makes my heart to fear
that you'll always be the one I call my friend
ain't it just like you and me
in the end.

cRaZy TrAiN oF tHoUgHt

I hopped the train last night
to where you used hide~
shaded my windows
so they couldn't see inside~
I came alone this time, told no one
of my plan~
knew you'd be waiting there
and hoped you'd understand.

I keep my GPS
I knew they'd switch the signs
the rail was bumpy
but I read between the lines
and medication helps
or so I like to say
pills redirect my thoughts
but I still know the way

tell me what I'm after
fits of laughter
bitter tears~
on this train called 'Schizophrafter'
thoughts keep messin' with my gears
tell me what I'm after
fits of laughter
bitter tears
Perfect love forever after
stills the lonely train of fears.

It's getting late and
wait, you call me on my phone
You left the office and you're
more than halfway home
I think they're watching me
a beep-light on their screen
too much TV, you say,
the sound waves made me mean.

The noise inside my head
is growing to a pitch
awakened now, I guess the doorbell's
got an itch,
that train was scary, guess I'll always hold the torch
rolled out of bed and found you standing on my porch.

Tell me what I'm after
fits of laughter
bitter tears~
clinging to the rafter
on this crazy train of fears
tell me what I'm after
fits of laughter
bitter tears
Perfect love forever after~
still the lonely train of fears.

tribute to Roy Orbison- nothing is better

Five years away from a half century
not that I care but it's gettin' to me
Wanted for nothing, but that's not quite true
hey, not for nothing, but I wanted you

and it's okay
I am okay with nothing
nothing is better than something sometimes
and it's okay that I'm needin' nothing
'cuz nothing is better sometimes~

Five years since forty and not wrinkled yet
so maybe my forehead was feeling regret
listened to Kelly who soon got me down
went in for Botox
and now I can't frown

and it's okay
I am okay with nothing
nothing is better than something sometimes
and it's okay that I'm feelin' nothing
'cuz nothing is better sometimes~

Bridge.......(wah wah wah owie owie wah wah)

Somedays are better though I am alone
I eat at the diner and chat on the phone
nobody knows that nobody's there
nobody's lookin', so what do I care!

and it's okay
I am okay with nothing
nothing is better than something sometimes
and it's okay that I'm wantin' for nothing
for nothing is better sometimes~


Rarely.

pms gallery

you have the look they say could kill
well i'm not dead, though sufferin' still.

i have a mind to tell your mother
the way you smile when you're with the other.

she'd say she warned me at the start
not to burp and hold the fart.

whatever, no matter, i really don't care
im not even bothered, just gimme some air.

let me rip this old rug up
it stinks of old poop de la pup.

i had a gripe to air today
so I let it out and blew you away.

n'er the mare before the cart
show me your money and then your heart.

gimme a kiss, and make it quick
I can't take pleasure, it gets me sick.

a house that smells of fresh cut flowers
can't numb heartache, but sweetens the sours.

drop kick me out to the farthest field
I'll roll back home when all has healed.

rocking chair heaven

Inspired by my treasured rocking chair, which I discovered on a trash pile, this song is dedicated to the very much alive and rockin' Neil Young.

last Christmas Eve
that's when I found her
big ass rocker
lying in the trash~

'neath layers of paint
magnolia flowers
still blooming, carved
in oak or ash~

you're not talkin'
but the story's in you
under layers of
paint and grime

it's been a while
since you've been rockin'
passed along through
the hands of time

we can't pretend~
wer'e looking older
halfway home
to the pearly gate~

a sadder thing
the day they sold her
wired her well
but sealed her fate~


you're not talkin'
but the story's in you
under many layers of
paint and grime

been a while
since you've been rockin'
passed along through
hands of time

can't pretend~
you're looking older
halfway home
to the pearly gate~

a sadder thing
the day they sold you
wired you well
but sealed your fate~

Well no one knows
just why they left you
one mans cast off
is another mans cash

i do declare
before I found you
love left me smoldering
in smoke and ash


once restored
and in your glory
rocking chair
as good as new

your wood will breathe
and meet the floor boards
worn with time,
tuned-up like you

grab a hold
of that big ass rocker
drag her out
to the slanty porch~

say look-ee here
your'e fit for rockin'
and this old flame
still carries the torch~

And so we'll sit
with my guitar and
slowly bend
the rhythm straight.

we'll work it out
i'm still believing
God's in His rocker
at the pearly gate.

hormona lee

fraza lee, fraza lee
she seems that way
she seems~
lona lee, lona lee
and only 43~
ginger lee, ginger lee
she steps around her dream~
norma lee, norma lee
but never this extreme
cazu lee, cazu lee
she'll smile and
wilt inside
lover lee, lover lee
less is best to hide.

split

"Nothing goes your way", you say,
those words are cutting, dear
hard to take day after day
and worse year after year.

silence is not golden
over-rated when you're dead,
so those who walk beside you
should speak truth, in love, instead.

so here is what I've pondered
wrote it out and made it rhyme
hope that you will hear me out
appreciate your time.

nothing for not but you're anxious
i believe you've developed a tick
worry and woe have you tossed to and fro
as you bite down your nails to the quick.

another thing, sweetie, you're greedy
longings have filled you will strife
hoarding away, you wait for the day
that you'll finally be living the life.

blessed with your talents you waste them
your time you have spent on the couch
lazy and tired, or drinking and wired
blame the world, but you're really a slouch.

religion of man is deceiving
you've mastered the art of believing
you're always alone, and all on your own
while all along I stand here grieving.

Being quiet I've done you no service
you're no better off in the end
after all of these years of going your way,
I'll be taking a right here, my friend.

and though I said I'd never leave you
I'm right over here if your choose
but if you decide you can save your own hide,
stay away, by all means, and you'll lose.

write your own poem day

sooner or later

sooner or later
you come to the place where it's
later and still you've got nothing to lose~

consider your life
and decide if there's something
that house on the hill or a wife if you choose~

but if it's much later
and maybe you're feeble,
a geezer, unlikely to dream, nevermind~

just look to the children
help when you're able
encourage the ones who are lagging behind~

cling to the present
and make the days happy
do what you can to bring someone a smile~

sooner or later
you'll come to the place where
it's later so better make sooner worthwhile~

national observer

do she do
or don't she want
to have to feel this bad?

will she will
or won't she want
the one who can't be had?

can't be had
or can be had
one can never know~

and so she'll wait
the while away
while you all
watch the show.

cruel day

Sometimes, baby make me
want to scream and shout
Sometimes, baby, make me want to
pull my grey hairs out~
this one means you're hungry
next one means you're tired
if I carried on
like you
you know
I'd soon be fired~

'cause it's a cruel day
comin'
It's a cruel day
at my door
It's a cruel day
Someday
I'll say
"Baby
I can't take you
anymore".

This one means you're hurtin'~
Coming all undone
I'd kiss your hurts away all day
but Babe, it's half passed one~
This one's 'cause you're lonely
Lying in the dark
You slept all day,
It's time to play
but I can't raise my carcass~

It's a cruel day
comin'
It's a cruel day
at my door
It's a cruel day
Someday
I'll say
"Baby
I can't take you
anymore".

If colic were the reason
that you can't sleep at night
Well I could understand it
but there's just no end in sight~

that one's 'cause you're angry
tryin' to get me back
been fed and changed and walked
and rocked
but Babe, I'm in the sack~

And it's a cruel day
comin'
It's a cruel day
at my door
it's a cruel day
someday
I'll say
"Baby
I can't take you
anymore".

Monday morning's dawning
barely slept a wink
up since Sunday morning, Baby
I can hardly think.

Suddenly it's dawning
The answer to my prayer
I tiptoe in and smile at you
asleep without a care~

and it's a school day
coming
it's a school day
at your door
it's a school day
someday
you'll say
" Momma
let me
sleep
a little more!"

Yeah, and a cruel day
comin'
a cruel day
at my door
will be a cruel day
someday
you'll say
"Momma
I can't take you anymore".

Sunshine girl

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.

It's the Happy Birthday Clown

Farewell to the Dead

we'll see you in heaven

open hearts to the living

you have so much to give.

Come forward, O lonely

your faces are graven.

Show sorrow

Show happiness

For your lives are just beginning

and ending too soon.

off the hook

Words serve no purpose
you've chosen your fate

A woman who seethes
biochemial hate

How could a man marvel at beauty
When she admits her last meal was "Lookin4cutie?"

Why in the world would he choose to commit
to a girl who is spiteful and treats him like shit?

The over-sized ego that boasts of her charms
arouses suspicion and sets off alarms.

Try as you may
there's no way to please her

The war is internal
and nothing will ease her.

You give her some flowers, she says the wrong color
and conversation? You've never been duller

You take her out dancing, buy her some clothes,
she spends all your money and steps on your toes.

Walks on your ego, takes you for granted
Dimisses your dreams, but still you're enchanted.

How is it this angel can kiss you so well
yet one week a month will send you to Hell?

Take it as a warning when a woman picks a fight
flips out at your comments, speeds up at the light.

Anything to get you punching at the wheel
yellow moon is maddness, and PMS is real.

Bloated and sallow,abd feeling so low
without motivation she waits for the flow.

You tell her you love her and will so for years
she tells you she hates you, then suddenly, tears.

Give her a boot, show her the door
tell her to soften that miserable core.

Drop her on the corner
make her walk alone

Stay clear of her email
don’t pick up the phone

Next time read the paper
or find a nice long book

Spare yourself the misery
and let her off the hook.

soon it's all over
and lonely you'll be

sitting there wondering
where could she be?

next time be patient,
you know what they say...

a little understanding
goes a long long way.

through your eyes

through Your eyes
I am magnified
through Your eyes
all the best and all the worst
and in between
and in the quiet places waiting
You could hear me when I cried~
in the darkest times relating
understanding what's inside

through Your eyes
every dark and desperate move
and all the lies
and all the places I've been in
though it's a sin~
but you're a real and present savior
and blesser of my sneeze
and so here I am Lord, once again
asking on my knees

Through your eyes
just see me through this storm
and be my guide,
I can't really see through
to the other side
only you,
You know currents
and the depth of every tide
and you promised to be with me
and i know you've never ever lied

and in the smallest seed of faith
you see the tree it will become
you're making something out of nothing
chose the lowly and the bum
and if my trusting you
is foolish
than rather be that too
than pretend I'm strong and wise
enough to make it without you.

and then when my little faith is tested
when I'm down here in the deep
when it's getting late
and I can't wait
you help me get to sleep.
and when I fall down you are with me
like you fell down with that cross
and you lift the burden
from my back
and help me with the sauce?
and with the words all wrong
you show me
just how to wrap it up
and you meet all my needs
bring us right through the weeds
Dear God that we'll see
through your eyes.

moongirl

She turns on her computer there
and tunes into a chat room where

all alone in the whitened space
she's the queen of this empty place

when a voice on the other side
gives a "welcome" and she can't hide

so she types out her greeting line
'howdy~hope you're all feeling fine'

soon she's back in her spacey mode
tuning out from the mother load...

Take a look at the
moon girl
basking in her sunshine
loon girl
drinking up her moonshine
more or less annoying
senselessly enjoying
simple monologue
every line is hers to hog
thinks the chat room is her blog
mind blown way out in the fog

spoil her readers, spare the blues
all the updates, shares her views

to each event and every date
the voice-box offers no debate

another voice she hears inside
has dented up her tin can pride

blah blah blah blah what's the point?
there's no one else here in the joint

and no one else could really care
but still you're out here, on the air

Someone puts a record on
now it's playing out her song:

Take a look at the
moon girl
powered by a third rail
loon girl
chewing on her thumb nail
more or less annoying
senselessly enjoying
simple monologue
every line is hers to hog
thinks the chat room is her blog
mind blown way out in the fog

chat it out
moongirl
making up a story
soon girl
you'll be in your glory
first you crawl and then you walk
grabbin' up the sidewalk chalk
crooked letters, crooked lines
hopscotch, you scotch all the time
first you'll babble, then you'll whine
sometims whisper, always pine
time will come, you've nothing left to say,
anyway...

that's okay
moon girl
basking in your sunshine
loon girl
drinking up your moonshine
more or less annoying
senselessly enjoying
simple monologue
every line is yours to hog
think the chat room is your blog
mind blown way out in the fog

Soon you'll tire and need a friend,
just be good and until then
share your thoughts, and don't pretend
type them out and this time hit the 'send'.

patience

Not to be the only one who feels
that it's important
to keep your shirt on
to keep your patience
of this I'm certain
with understanding
in quiet waters
are sunken
treasures
found.

Catching wind of something that you said
I'm quite relieved that
you are the type who
can see the end from
a rough beginning
and in forgiving
you make it clear
that there's no
fear in
love.

Reaching out for something that is good
and latching onto
discarded socks you
were thinking 'clearly
they don't deserve you'
but still you serve so
it will continue
and you'll never
be
alone.

Letting go of all that is behind
I might be freed from
my vain devotions
and silly notions
the useless worries
about the future
and of all
temporal
things.

tell me nothing

I walked away
It's never my intention
to be rude or to offend
but they stood around
and spoke of what I
could not comprehend

of all of the evil
in the world
and all the whys~
and then my friend
spoke up and
much to my surprise

said "Tell me nothing!
Tell me nothing sick and horrible
It's gotten out of hand
the misery's so sad, you see
and I think too much should be banned
and maybe all things work together
for the good, I understand
but please just keep it to yourselves
and leave my head here in the sand~
just tell me nothing".


They were appalled
and so they walked away
and left him there
in what he needed most
and so I prayed
in my own quiet way,
to scare away the ghost

of all of the evil
in the world
and all the whys~
then my friend
spoke up and
much to my surprise

said "tell me something
tell me something good and funny,
make me laugh until I cry
you know there's something good in laughter
though I cannot tell you why~
maybe good news is on order from the Lord
and that's a far cry from the sadness
and a cry I can afford
and though I'd like to know
that God can hear our cries
but otherwise~
if someone dies
please tell me nothing."

blossom

Your life is beautiful
Your life is holy
your life means everything
everything to me~

You were created
in secret places
and only God knew
the best was yet to be.

and when I found out
I was quite nervous
but when I heard your sweet heartbeat
I smiled.

'cause I was made for
this very purpose
to be your mom, little one
and you're my child.

I'll always love you
You'll know you're wanted
and in our family you'll know
you belong.

I'll help you grow up
and teach you everything
and baby, someday
you'll write your own song!

sculpture of you

With the last bit of the glue
fixed my sculpture of you
which inspired in me a sweet song
and you know that I cared
and with caution repaired
but it seems that I got
the feet wrong.

If it's true what they say
about people,
how we tend to be set in our ways,
and therefore in time
like the lemon and lime
grow more sour
with the passing of days,

then my sculpture of you
is endearing
left foot to leg on the right
and the right foot stuck well
to the left leg from hell
will inspire a fight not a flight.

just beyond the breakers

Aimlessly , so aimlessly
I ride the sea, our olive sea
I take the waves, approaching me
that slowly mount and crash~

they pull me out, beyond my height
and shove me down, with all their might
and spit me out, the lion's mouth
on glistening shores of glass.

It's not my fault that I can't surf
I bearly swim this dream I'm in
I've had before, for what it's worth,
a life that's lacking truth.

Dreams spur me on, they make me wild
though middle aged, more like a child
when I wake up~ my body sings
hello again to youth~

I take the drive, it's not that far
down to the shore, there must be more
Stop in to check out longboards
at my friend's surfshop galore.

I'm 45 and though I strive
to maintain shaping, there's no escaping
that at the very time of this here taping
I may have weighed some more.

I do not think, I know I'd fail
to squeeze this body's blubbered whale
into any wetsuit made on Earth
by any stretch of a fisherman's tale.

I was, in highschool, a tiny pearl
a strong small waisted little girl
and what a waste, but still in haste
I dream to rip a curl!

I wandered out, stood in the stance
to watch the waves, as in a trance
no one was there, I do declare
to these ends I will be brave!

Before I go, don't go just yet
To meet my Makers, cold and wet
I'll paddle out, without regret
and set awhile beyond the breakers

It's not my fault that I can't surf
I bearly swim this dream I'm in
I have before, and what is more
but now i want the truth~

Dreams spur me on, they make me wild
and though I'm old, more like a child
when I wake up~ my body sings
hello again to youth~

High Tide

High tide is making it's way to my door
and I, on the sand, feel the waves pound the shore
you're pulling me out and I'm wanting you more
and it's high time,'cuz high tide is coming~

I wait on the boardwalk where movies were shown
a hundred years later I silence my own
take a ride down to Edgars and play on my phone
well it's high time you called and I'm humming~

High tide. wait for the high tide
best wait, see what it brings
shells on the sand, and not all are broken
rare beach glass and HEY, my heart strings!

And when I am lonely I go to the sea
I wait for the high tide, it won't wait for me
and I grab onto someone whose grabbing for me
feelin nothing, ice water is numbing~

We swim out there longing and wait for the ride
we speak of excitment and full of our pride
and we take from each other, whatever's inside
and you, on my heart strings, are strumming~

We're out past the breakers, it's easy to be
but one day you find that you need to break free
and I'm out there alone, but not scary for me
riding waves and I know how to milk 'em~

Weary I let that old ride take me in
I float with the current, don't bother to swim
pretty soon I'm washed up on the sand, for the WIN
and like high tide, I wore out my welcome~

Low tide is awesome we all need a break~
we give till it hurts and quite often we take
and it's all for the best, find those treasures and rest
cuz it's low tide.... but high tide is coming!

just saying

just saying, not saying is good
if you keep it all under the hood
when you move to mobile
need not make it global
though trailers are better than wood.

Get thee away!

Took the short bus to freedom
on a dare
played the dumb card,
and no one
seemed to care
and she wished
that they could work it out
but you know what that's
all about
and next time he'd be swift to sign
a pre-nup or beware~
and 'til then he'll keep his shorts on
and they'll call it fair and square.

and he said
"Get thee away from me, oh my~
I can't see the stars
for the clear blue sky, oh I
I can't see the forest
for the blossom tree,
and it's getting late for me, woe's me
it's getting late for me"

and then one bright day,
in some other year
somebody told her
the ending was near
and to buy up the stock
and sell all that was dear
for the price of a better life somewhere.

and she said
"Get thee away from me, oh my
I can't see the stars
for the clear blue sky, oh I
I can't see the forest
for the blossom tree
it's getting late for me
it's getting late for me!

The Quest for Warmth

Captured there in orange
beneath the old street light
a cloud of breath exhaled
hangs heavy in the night.

Waiting on the 409
has never been this bleak
the fierce wind nips your ear lobe
and ice cold stings your cheek.

I watch you turn your collar up
your back against the bite
one hand on that coffee cup
the other out of sight.

Each morning
getting colder
the forecast is for snow
in fleece and wool you face the frost
and how I'll never know

I see you’re green
my blue faced friend
the green before the fall
you've never been about the perks
it's conscience above all.

The last thing on your mind just now
would be to get a Lynx
traffic is lame
road rage insane
And air pollution stinks.

Don't EVEN get you started
on the SUV
spews out nitrous oxide
and guzzles Texas tea.

Public parking,
another rare find
for what you get,
they rob you blind.

and what they miss
the vandal takes
leave you with migranes
the car alarm makes.

better for all
we all take the train
or one car per family
'stead of one car per brain.

Watching you stand there
with ice crystals forming
I despise all your stubborness
you NEED global warming!

I know you're no girly
my Ever-Ready mate
but my Duracel is waiting
and the 409 is late

I get out of my car
and approach you from the rear
my work cut out, without a doubt
the ice lymric is near

poetic license pending
I call for a herione's ending
like a frozen filet, without word or delay
I can lift you without even bending.

Once inside and thawing
you start in about the gas
I turn down the heat,
but turn up the seat
that's warming up your butt.

I'm all for the planet, I tell ya
and doing whatever is best
but for mornings like these
with your jewels in deep freeze
come with and we'll heat up the QUEST.

Sweet Mysteries

A song for Bob Dylan- To the tune of " When the Deal goes Down".

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 song, unheard verses
locked deep in our soul~
and the way to discover
what's locked in this lover
find the key that will fit
the keyhole.

And sometimes we're inspired
other times we're just tired
and it's sad when we don't
realize~
it's because of ourselves
talent sits on the shelves
in the darkness for the rest
of our lives.

It was trouble and strife
anger cuts like a knife
and it tore at the door
of my mind (and my 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 wierd and unkind,
sometimes...
but I say what I feel
'cuz i know what is real
and it sure beats
what I left behind.

Thought the answer was
finding the right key~
the thing that would then
make you whole~
but the Master
unlocking
life's sweet mysteries~
is the love sown
in each other's
soul.

Held

the randomness
the senselessness
you work
to make life count
and then
it comes to this

and in the end
your'e left with pain
and someone
writes a song
and it
just seems inane

there is no way
to justify
find meaning in
your loss, you know
but still
we try

there are no words
you need to hear
you only want
the comfort
and it seems
so clear

it's in our hearts
we want to take
your misery
to share your grief
and ease
the ache

well-meaning words
it's just the thought
and sinking down
too weak to stand
with arms
you're caught

held up and loved
in silence there
is something more
than words can say
to show we care

Just being there.

The War Against Terror

What are the rules in the war against terror~
Did we foil their plans or was it simply their error?

How do we know when we've won the big fight~
Will they run for their lives? Raise a flag that is white?

Does someone announce when the suicide bombers
turn a blind eye to virgins, or whatever they're promised?

Can we sweeten the deal, make them an offer~
live belly dancers...season tickets... gold coffer?

So what will it cost us to buy back a brain
to turn a sick mind back to thinking again?

These 'holy warriors' choose death over reason
to back out on Jihad would sooner be treason

believing it's Allah that leads them to take
their own precious lives and far more is at stake~

The innocent victims we can not defend~
who daily live not knowing how it will end.

How can we justify, how will it look~
when all this is put in the history book?

What have we gained by the loss of their lives?
We kill for our cause, but the maddness survives~

We've stood up for freedom and bravely gone in
not once, but two times and then over again~

The Jihad, and what not, and now look to Zion,
where Jewish extremists hate the Almighty Lion~

Terrorists plot for the end of the West
while we who are faithful are put to the test~

What ought we do then, when challanged with threats
the further we dig, the hotter it gets~

Over thirty four hundred have paid with thier blood~
not counting civilians, who've died in the mud.

On innocent soil, the war will continue~
If you think this will end, then the truth is not in you.

The Brave William Wallace, he raised up his men~
to fight for their freedom, and won in the end.

He built up their pride and the love of their home~
picked a fight with King, and thus ends this poem.



"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

(2 Chronicles 7:14, NRSV).

On Vanderveer

I wanna live on Vanderveer
where everyday's
the same all year
Just start the car
it's not that far
and take us there
I'll show you where~

Verdant hills on Vanderveer
lifts the burden,
stills the fear
Free to all who
hold her dear
Fairfield farms
are also near.

So come with me
my silent love
to old back roads
I'm dreaming of
we'll park the car
and take our time
and find a way
to make it rhyme.

You wave goodbye,
"farewell, my dear,
it sure was nice
to have you here,
but in a year
we'll have a beer
and toast to life
on Vanderveer"~

I spent the night on Vanderveer
and in the morning
it was clear~
the sun broke treetops
glistening
on grassy fields
and everything
and early up
I drank in dew
and not once did I
think of you.

I hid my gear
on Vanderveer
and walked for miles
on trails back there
with Autumn near
the leaves still green
but change will come
and lead to drear
but not before the
colors cheer
the lonely woods
of this frontier
and change is good
a sign of growth
and suddenly
I shed a tear~

My dream of freedom
brought me here
but truth be told
I'm getting old
the moldy ground
is damp and cold
my back is sore
my butt was bitten
on Vanderveer
though I was smitten~

I guess too quickly
after all
and swallowed up
by nature's call
but left alone
my thoughts are clear
I'd hurt you more
by staying here
cause who'd be there
to steer you clear
of Satan's brew
and backwash beer
to bust your chops
and mend your rear
and warm your toes
and bend your ear?

and who to take
my great advice
on vita veeta vega vice
and read my poem
and get the joke
and buy me gingerale
with coke
when I get rough
without enough
you pull me though
the bitter stuff

and put up with my
lack of taste
and bring me to a better place
and wait for me
and pray for me
and sometimes a
charade for me
but better off than
being here
the lonely life
on Vanderveer~

and so before I
lose my fear
and wander back
there with the deer
quick grab some cash
for Mickys, Dear
and pick me up
on Vanderveer.

how it ends

Once a bitter pill
without a hope, half-hearted~
finally found the driving will
to finish what I've started~

so tell me nothing briefly
pretend you have no clue
never drop a hint and I will
do the same for you~

leave me in the mystery
forgive me if I whine
I need to do this slowly
don't go spoilin' the last line~

Not really into dust
Not really into dust
and when we leave we must
but cannot tell them how it ends~

and if I'm right in trusting
on the Word which went before
and spoke of heavens glory
for believers at the door~

then you can all be peaceful
knowing I had hope in Jesus
the Word who wrote the story
of God's love and how he sees us~

If the ending disappoints me
and there's nothing there to gain,
all the time has been wellspent
if just to reconcile my brain.

'Cause nothing owes me nothing
I just want to know the score
I can guesstimate my outcome,
when you leave, please shut the door.

Not really into dust
Not really into dust
and when we leave we must
but cannot not tell them how it ends.

sweetly in the tree

sweetly in the tree she plays her song
of inspiration
with the psaltery
and the wind blows ever gently in her hair.

creaking on the floorboards he steps softly
so to hear the melody and not disturb
the purity, because she's unaware.

leaning up against the wooden railing
he can see her on the largest limb
her feet are dangling down
it appears she's lost a sandal.

and from that place, the sweetest sound
her voice
the same when he's around
but softly singing praises
to another man.

Smiling, it's the one
and only Jesus
who can lift this girl beyond
life's insecurties and troubles to a higher place.

The same one who gives
strength for all that climbing with
and instrument of peace, and be assured that it's for
now and it's forever.

Music stills the soul
and calms the torrents,
but troubled times can wrench the heart
and we may need a place of solitude
to hide away awhile.

Next time he will see
she has a ladder
to the tree
he'll build a platform
and a smile will pass between them
since he understands.

Love is kind and patient
all enduring and accepting
when there comes a time
we can not fill the empty place.

Knowing you are there inspite
of everything that's happened
is a comfort and just like
God who never leaves or turns His face.

Hearing these soft words
he takes a seat upon the porch swing
and will be there till the sun goes down
or nature calls or someone falls
'cause after all...

she has no business climbing trees.

forgive me for saying so but....

I'm keepin' all these things inside
yet saying so, guess I can't hide
but you don't really need to know
so what's to talk about?

Early to bed and early to rise
and what I keep back, well that's no big surprise
just one less thing I'm offering
the world to have to think about~

and better for you that I've saved you the time
and kept 'em as drafts 'cause they're privately mine
I'm not always open though often I find
in my heart that I'm secretly smitten~

but who really cares what I've got on my plate
and who'sit said what about whats-her-name's mate
and before I can write it,it's yesterday's news
and the views, none are wise that I've written~

so I'll pick out a few since I can't take no mo
and read all you've got, like you're some kind of show
a daily soap opera I'd rather not miss
(save the kiss and the bliss) or be dissin~

And though YouTube is boobery still I can choose
what I'd rather be hearing without any dues
if I need a good cry, I can tune into blues
and bawl my eyes out or just listen~

Hang onto your hat, you can meet me for lunch
I'm easy, but don't getyour briefs in a bunch
it's true and I know that I rarely say much
but somehow I make myself clear~

Just give me a call, you can drop me line
I'm better in person when feeling quite fine
my knickers are twisted, at times in a pinch,
I'm a wench but I'll always be near~

I'll wrap up this poem with a quaint little line
it's good to say nothin' with so little time
then maybe the words that I use though they rhyme
will be ones that your wanting to hear~

or not.

gaze into the glory

A reminder of the shorter days
the orange globe sinks into haze
no longer casting warming rays
but shadows into night

the coolness of softest sand
beneath my back and in my hand
from where I lay there
breathing
taking in this awesome sight~

fighting sleep and fascinated
I face the setting sun
and every stroke of the painter's brush
lingers
before it's done.

firey red excites the soul
and set the mood in motion
orange and pink elicit sighs
like a full moon upon the ocean

streaks of purple are always fun
and bring on the bluegreen hues
a symphony for the setting sun
but gimmee the midnight blues

I want to gaze into the glory
tell me another story
oh bring on the colors
don't let me sleep too long~

I want to sing of your greatness
inspite of all my lateness
and whatever else my troubles
you see in me no wrong~

oh Lord, You are amazing
all creation should be praising,
I'll wait for you forever
or 'til the sun sets on my song.

daylight has passed quickly
that sunset was the best
in the darkness now, we hear the waves
which won't disrurb our rest.

I do declare

"Hey Gina Claire,
I'm over here,
behind a door
you've seen before~
we always knew
that you'd step through
and scare the He-bees
from the brew
and freak the shrew
and screw the few
who thought that
you and I were through~
but just the same
I always knew
that you'd return
to play the game
so step right up
it's still the same...
So here we are
and there's the door
and you can run
or wait for more
behind door one
a lot of fun
and then door two
nah, not for you~
but what is more
and what is true
is any where you go,you see,
is where we are
behind door three
and that is where
we'll always be".

I do declare
I have no stake
in Satan's games
he's just a fake
and oh so NO
I will not buy
the candy coated popcorn lie
the stunning smile
and handsome face
but underneath
so void of grace
I can not stand
your pearly
grin
and gazing eyes
which pull me in
and mock the truth
it's no surprise
I've lost my youth
but getting wise
I know your game
I know the hitch
your'e all about
the bait and switch
the leading lines
the smoothest angles
but talk is cheap
like tarnished bangles
your doors are wide
but getting out?
my testimony's lost it's clout~

I've got my God
above them all
who stood behind
another door
which rolled aside
that bright third day
and washed
my sin and shame away
and though you think
I'm just the same
there's been a change
in my old game
I heard a knock there on
the door
within my heart
He asked for more
and so you see
behind door three
No longer room for
you, so flee!

lights my ways

I was thinking 'bout my life and how it's gonna be
Left it up to God, He put it back on me
went lookin' for direction, I'm just an average Jane
don't like all these decisions, the unknown mystifies my brain

I pondered over all the things I've done before
thought I could walk on water, knock on every door
nothing much was scary, nothing much was out of place
Walked by faith, and left the rest to Grace.

I'm thinking that my life here is beyond halfway
I find myself with bills I can't afford to pay
playing hard is easy, but paying back is hard to do
tracing all my steps, seems they somehow led me back to You.

When I said that I would follow, wasn't hard to do~
I stayed away from magic, idols, and taboo
and doing the right thing, the only thing that mattered
You planted the Word, and by the wind those seeds were scattered.

Turned my back on old religion, not the way for me
well you can have your catachism and your rosary
never being sure your gonna get into the promised land,
God showed how much He loved us when He took the nails in his hand.

Your raised me out of darkness way before I'm dead
left the puzzle all undone, and lit the way instead
I'm thinking again, but far much higher this time
It's not my will but yours that I am hoping to find.

I've got some time to spend and time is on my hands
I wanna do your will and follow your commands
I know it's not by might, and not by useless power
But by your spirit I will serve to my last hour.

And as I'm on my way, just doing what I do
I'm gonna try my best and kiss it all to you
Well I make mistakes and I've seen some wicked days
but out of every darkness, your faithful love, it lights my ways.

left undone

a million peices of my heart
in all the things I tend to start, but never finish
and every thing that's left undone
is just a sign I'm on the run, lest I deminish

and if I stop to take a breath
and contemplate my hour of death, I'd have to wonder
what then would be my last request
to sit with winners I detest, or rather one more chance to be a blunder?

Just like that worm
who never made the hook
I slept too late
and never read the book
the early bird
was out cold when I came
he knew the plays
but snoozed before the game.

I dabble in the partial arts
in tasting wines and shopping carts with shaky wheels
and all the prizes never won
for half baked pies, and smiling eyes and flaky deals.

time will tell if this get's done
though time is never on the run, nor one for waiting
no matter what you do or choose
in what you keep or what you lose, that sunset's fading~

Like that worm
who never made the hook
I sleep too late
and never read the book
the early bird
was out cold when I came
he knew the plays
but snoozed before the game.

City of Blame (one more time)

Your memory serves you
but mine is so lame
it bothers you still
so please tell me again

Who stole your lunchbox
who smashed your new toy
who failed to hug you
when you were a boy
who broke your heart and
who yellowed your tooth
who sapped your energy
who took your youth
who who who who

and who didn't choose you for kickball that day
who left you stranded to walk all that way~
who took your Christmas and
who stole your pride
who locked the door and
who left you outside~

(Chorus)
What is was the
the reason you
you must take the shame
tell it to get off your back
just the same
let out the anger
and cut loose the pain
grab onto LOVE, baby
Run from this city of blame!

who wasn't there when you needed him so
who made you clean up and shovel the snow~
Who was a meany and
who was a grinch~
who took a mile when you gave 'em an inch~
who who who who

and who said "I Do"
with their two fingers crossed
who dumped you for someone
way better (but sauced)
who bought you a burger
but wanted much more
who took your hopes
and your dreams to the floor

(Chorus)
What is was the
the reason you
you must take the shame
tell it to get off your back
just the same
let out the anger
and cut loose the pain
grab onto LOVE, baby
Run from this city of blame!

who robbed your innocence
who stole your crown
promised the moon
and took off at sundown
the memories haunt us
though we may forgive
forgetting is hard
'cuz it is what it is
we'll do this together
when they're all around
chalk it all up to the past
and then get outta town!

(Chorus)
What is was the
the reason we
you must take the shame
tell it to get off our backs
just the same
let out the anger
and cut loose the pain
grab onto LOVE
and then run from this city of
blame
hold onto each other and
RUN from the city of blame
leave our bags in city of blame!

Whataya Think?

They pay me well to color with fat crayons
Sometimes I tend to feel like Mother Goose
The men they are preoccupied
with gettin' on my better side
Please pour me up another glass of juice

Hey!~~Hey!~~Hey!

Whadaya whadaya whadaya think I'm sayin'
Whadaya whadaya whadaya gonna do?
Maybe you can't appreciate
how much I need a bloody date
so for now the elderly will have to do

Well I like to challange all of them to checkers
and not a better player you will find
I can take the ragged old man on
and help him stagger to the john
but be sure
he's gonna wipe his own behind

Hey!~~Hey!~~Hey!

Whadaya whadaya whadaya think I'm sayin'
Whadaya whadaya whadaya gonna do?
Maybe you can' appreciate
How much I need a bloody date
but for now the elderly will have to do

Now don't be makin fun of all the old men
cuz the ladies have thier crosses to bear too
you can bet we have no aim
spin the bottle
take the shame
and in the end we're lame and so are you

Hey!~~Hey!~~Hey!

Whadaya whadaya whadaya think I'm sayin'
Whadaya whadaya whadaya gonna do?
Maybe you can't appreciate
I much I need a bloody date
but for now the elderly will have to do

5 Minute Oats

Pacing the floor
in the middle of this
watching the kettle
'til steam starts to hiss
A strange fascination
we have with the bliss
with nothing behind us
but one heated kiss.

Underneath an umbrella
I stand in the rain
and wait on the platform
for the 6 O'clock train
well you never quite hold me
and I rarely complain
and soaked with frustration
I walk home again.

We bid for each other
in some Chinese auction
and you got the booby
one mixed up concoction
we checked out our prizes
at a much closer range
What were we thinking
and can we exchange?

And without any memories
to dry up the tears
we long for the fire
and the comfort of years
but it's just one more lesson,
a good one we learned.
the slow-cooker is better
and we're less often burned.

And then as I ponder
you come in the door
I smile at your tired eyes
and looking for more
I stir up the pot
and you take off your Totes
and you ask me to make
you some 5-Minute Oats.

"I made em already"~
to warm up your cockles
the seat of your heart
and without the debacles
I sensed that the cold rain
would stir the desire
so I whipped up a batch
and rekindled the fire.

And inspite of my rambling
it seems rather clear
that 5-Minute oats
can mean something more dear
it's that person whose waiting
in your kitchen above
stirring 5 Minute oats
into passionate love.

hired hand

Dumped out, the thing was empty
left abandoned
on it's side
and the pile of
grass
from the morning
gave a testament to
those who care~

Knocked out, from exhaustion
find the young man
under a tree
and it's getting late
but he's sleeping
and he's polished off the Snapple Lemonade
and it's comfy in the coolness of the shade
I... think...it's

time
for siesta
that I know
and it's time for
the world to stop the show
and it's time
for the day
to end
I pray that he
stays to mend
the fence
in the field
before he goes

Unkempt and unshaven
he showed up
for another day,
and asked for pay
but I could not find
the words to turn away

Unfed, but undertaking
all the raking in my yard
and it seems so hard
so he ask me just to front him
twenty bucks
and disappears with all
my tools, it's sucks
I...think...it's

time
for siesta
that we know
and it's time for
the world to stop the show
and it's time
for the day
to end
I pray that he
stays to mend
the fence
in the field
before he goes