Padded sell

padded cell
oops
padded cell
whats yours
your world
fill the void
more for less
padded walls
holding you
empty alone
lost
padded cell
sidewalks
walk away
buy and sell

Lorene Dekko Salsbery

I did not know Lorene well.
I learned about her
during a phone conversation
with her mother, a long time friend.
She told me Lorene supported
and encourage those about her
when showing their concern
as her condition progressed.
She made light of serious things
to ease their minds.
She ventured into all methods
that might finally cure
this relentless disease.
She comforted her sister Erika
as she encouraged her to
continue to fight
even though they knew
the end might be near.
She was compassionate
and understanding,
thoughts that will remain
with all those
who knew her

" He Loves You "

His name is Jesus Christ
He is what He says He is
You are what you are
you need Him
find Him
love Him
He loves you

" Peace '

peaceful hearts
where it starts
nourished in silence
found by searchers
devoid of earthly gain
willing to ask
willing to be
set free
savior son
greatest gift
peace

" Perfect 10 "

the ten commandments
words in stone
for all generations
for all religions
for everyone
for peace
on earth
everywhere
forever

Wishes

we could celebrate our differences

love one another unconditionally

be content kind forgiving

end wars crime hunger diseases

revere the old

cherish our friends

keep family first

honor commitments

respect character

know one animal well

give all we can

be happy

make wishes come true

"Unbroken Trust"

alone and quietly
find the peaceful place
in your heart
as God wants
He will enter
and give you peaceful sleep
and a peaceful spirit
Satan wants your heart troubled
afraid stressed sleepless
Jesus said,
"My peace I give unto you."
take time
prime time
no bypass
a peaceful heart
finds its path
its answers
unbroken trust
forever

" We Wish You a Merry Christmas "

Christmas is here
best time
of the year
a celebration
to beat all
Gods path for you
full of footsteps
first small
leading your way
to the final day
not lost
on the cross
but found
footsteps
of our Lord
and Savior
just for you
will you ever
see how much
you are loved
Jesus walked
Gods path
just for you
can you see
the the words
of the wish

" Be of Good Cheer "

holiday time
be of good cheer
look for the best
in everyone
and everything
hear the sounds
of happy people
anticipating
bustling about
gifts
appreciating
finding
the forgotten
feeling good
giving
holiday time
be of good cheer

Riding the Rays

we are like abandon buildings
with bars over the windows
and doors locked tightly
for no reason
where dark corners
and running rats
hide only what
the world no longer wants
empty of happiness
full of need
fortified against a world
so desolate and broken
only time prevails
losing its grip
on the lonely
we are empty
like the buildings
looking for shadows
in the webbed dirt
that don't exist
like us
shadows in the mist
disappearing once again
when the sun rises
riding the rays

" All Is Well "

shot heard 'round the world
gun shots in the distance
it occured to me that
I would not hear the shot
or feel the lead
as it pierced my flesh
I wouldn't know
where it came from
it caught me entering
on the left side of my neck
in a split second I dropped
to the ground
and stood up safe and sound
in the next time and place
they were right
the shot heard 'round the world
would end your life quietly
all is well

" One More Time "

I want to go back to ohio
where I was born and grew up
seventy one years ago
I want to see if the small town
that I thought was so big
is still like it was
to see if it has changed
or if I have changed
I want to go and visit
my mom and dad
where they are buried
in the town cemetery
I want to drive by the house
I remember in my old neighborhood
where it was safe for us
to go anywhere
I want to drive around
and see if it is all
still the same
I just want to feel
one more time how
it was to be a child
living out my childhood
in this wonderful place
growing up left alone
to explore and learn
on my own
I just want to see
one more time

Loving to Be

there is
beauty in getting old
long life is a gift
needing to be nutured
as time goes by
more and more
like a new house
needs maintenance
as it ages
a good thing is
as you get older
you finally see
what you always knew
that the hearts key
is
being to love
loving to be

Winter

seasons cycling
like life
changing
borders

winter sky
cuts
cold
patterns

rain
ice
snow
show

wool
jackets
fireplaces
holidays

cold
wind
change
coming

chambers
listing
furrows
forming

you
better
watch
out

Wrinkles

time lines
etched
forming
character

years
in the making
priceless
perfection

can't be bought
can't be sold
treasure
story told

" Hadley Jace the Wild Child "

the wild child is coming to stay
we are preparing for the day
a whirlwind of smiles
in all kinds of styles
her holsters are loaded
with two new teeth
which so far
have given her no grief
she has no fear
a fact that is very clear
as she pulls herself to stand
starting her fall down again plan
at nine months she is opening
the front door
and crawling out onto the porch
to look for more
the wild child
hanging by the chandelier
with one hand
and reaching out
for what is next with the other
she totally bypassed baby food
not in the mood
we conclude
she will be here soon
with smiles and good cheer
grandma and gypsy
will stay near
although what we will do
is still not very clear

" Dans Concusion "

Dan was excited because
he was starting school
at Hidden Forest Elementary
it was close to our house
and my mom lived
just across the street
preparations were made
and off he went
not long after that
I got a call from
the school
Dan had fallen
hit his head
and was seeing double
I left immediately
and went to get him
I was worried because
as soon as I saw him
I knew he was having trouble
we went directly to see the doctor
he had a concusion
he would have to be watched
awakened every so often
throughout the night
and kept quiet
Dan recovered in short order
and once again returned
to school

" Little Brother Dan "

Dan is Nicks little brother
he got use to hearing me say
get in the car and don't
ask any questions
like when Nick broke his arm
riding his motorcycle
in the meadow near the house
where he had made his own
motorcross track
Daniel had to go along
for the ride to the hospital
Nick was in the backseat
of the car and Dan
was up in the front with me
the road was bumpy
and Nick complained
because of the pain
Dan called him a big baby
tempers flared
after x-rays our doctor
was going to put a cast
on Nicks arm
he started to cut the sleeve
on Nicks motorcross shirt
Nick stopped him
I told Nick I would cut the shirt
on the seam and sew it like new
the cast went on

" Nicks Days "

three days in the life
of a four year old Nick
Dick was the fellow
who boarded his horses
at the stable
behind the house
he also had Ethel
a goat and fancy chickens
one day one of the chickens
attacked Nick flying
towards his face
we cleaned up Nicks face
and made chicken soup
next day Nick was riding
on the wheelhorse mower
with his father
it went over and landed
upside down on top of Nick
some how his father moved it
when he walked into the house
I was on the phone
but knew immediately
when I saw him
something was wrong
when I reached up and brushed
the hair off his forehead
it was turning blue
as luck would have it
I was on the phone
with our doctors wife
he was on his way home
from the hospital
she told him to turn around
Nick had a concusion
shortly thereafter
I was in the kitchen
just having made
our morning coffee
I had put a cup and saucer
of hot coffee on the kitchen table
Nick came running into the kitchen
and grabbed the edge of the table
and flipped the hot coffee
onto his face
I ran for ice and a towel
which I put over his face
my heart sank when he said,
"Mom I can't see."
I said,"Why?"
he said,"Because you have
a towel over my face."
his face healed nicely

"The Little Dog "

Nicholas Sarah and Daniel
our three children
attended a small rural
Indiana Elementary School
in a town called Rome City
they started right out
in the first grade
after an hour long bus ride
from time to time
I went to pick them up
like when Sarah
got her hand caught
in between the double pole
supports at the bottom
of the big school flagpole
Larry the principal called me
I went immediately
as I pulled into the parking lot
next to the playground
a small fox terrier styled dog
alone approached the steps
of the high metal slide
walked up the steps
and slid down the slide
what was he thinking
Sarahs was alittle frightened
until her hand was freed
then there was the time
I shut her hand
in the car door
but that is another story
I saw the little dog often
and laughed everytime

" Photographers Maze "

don't get too wrapped up in stuff
there is still alot of chance
involved in what happens
best if you keep your head clear
and move ahead in the simplest manner
some say
he didn't see the forest for the trees
maybe we are all alittle like that
don't scrunch your brain
with gear fear
see how easily your shadow
finds you
and yes don't forget
you can't fool film
your camera may filter out the light
but not you
the right film, camera, subject
light, time and place
learn wise chance
stay close to your shadow
follow your light

" Revolution "

revolution
is a good thing to happen
every now and then
don't you think

" Extra Extra Read All About It "

newspapers
eagerly awaited
the heartbeat
of the country
porch delivered
sold at
the newstand
quietly slid
under hotel doors
disappearing
faint journalism
insipid pabulum
ragman rhetoric
drooling droning
deserted readers
empty porches
extra extra
READ
all about it

" Hope "

The rain had come
the night before
and washed it all away
I hope it comes again

" Mayday "

do you remember mayday
a radio-telephone distress call

we are losing altitude
our engines are on fire
we are coming in
on a wing and a prayer
mayday mayday

our ship is sinking
abandon ship
pacific ocean
sharks are waiting
mayday mayday

we are up in the hills
with rifles and handguns
we see the enemy in tanks
headed our direction
mayday mayday

a parachute didn't open
a parachute opened
caught hanging in a tree
the enemy is coming
mayday mayday

we need airsupport
we are trapped
incoming fire
on the beach
mayday mayday

language of war
language of life
a shot heard
around the world
mayday mayday

" Take Time "

there is no measure
no test no tricks
are you happy
is life good
have you looked to
fortune tellers
astronomy psychics
psychologists
psychiatrists
well meaning friends
self help books
religion that seems
to leave you behind
does not connect
there is someone waiting
for you just you
just like you are
He has loved you
from your beginning
He still loves you
open His book
open your heart
leave your unhappy path
follow His path for you
He will never change
He will never leave you
walk with Him in a quiet time
breath Him into your soul
find Him He is waiting
He will walk with you
and talk with you
faith in the right place
your place
take time
for Jesus

" What Shakes Your Faith "

what shakes your faith
movies books or coins
that question Gods
existence
do you really think
taking In God We Trust
off a coin
threatens God
He remains unchanged
we are tested by
these wordly threats
afraid of what it means
God remains unchanged
He knows you know
He is more powerful
than a book movie or coin
look He is coming
with the clouds
for all to see

Just Me

just me
I thought
I was never enough
the world told me
what I should be
I couldn't do it
I was what I was
and still am
I envied others
who knew more
were prettier
and smarter
had lots of friends
and boyfriends
were homecoming queens
rode on parade floats
won awards for athletics
and stuff they made
and entered at the fair
I wanted to be
popular and get
chosen first
it took a life time
to see
how fortunate I was
just to be me

"Seams"

in 1936 seams
ran up the back
of womens silk
stockings

women had
voluptuous
interesting
bodies

movie stars
tapped danced
their way
to fame

they didn't
have
to look
perfect

there was
something
on the
inside

2009
things have
changed
for women

more die
from
heart attacks
heartache?

womens
movement
liberation
want it all

they have
forgotten
how
to

keep their
seams straight

" Family "

Halloween 2009
my dads birthday
something happened
it just happened
maybe we had been thinking
about it probably wondering
and watching
I am not sure
we were at Greune
a small texas town
Nick my oldest son
was in a bicycle race
it was warm sunny day
mom Sheri and baby Hadley
and grandma and grandson Kody
were spectators
we were hanging out
until Nick started at 3:29pm
Sheri came to me laughing
with delight
she had just discovered
Hadleys first tooth
Kody and I laughed
and felt inside Hadleys mouth
and sure enough there it was
a tooth had just punched
through her bottom gum
another first
so many in the beginning
time marks our days
as it moves us along
braiding us together
by something called family

" Northern Ohio Winter "

the cabin is quiet
nestled in the first light
the cooler weather
has not penetrated the cabin logs
it is still warm and cozy inside
classical music is playing softly
old dog gypsy is asleep on her sofa
yes she has her red leather chair as well
the feral cats are quiet after eating
their first meal of the day
I am sitting with gypsy
drinking my vashon island espresso
northern ohio winters are very cold
snow piles up around everything
mom is putting sweaters and winter clothing
on my older sisters Nedy and Janny
lots of stuff for playing in the snow like
snowsuits boots gloves scarfs and mittens
the mittens have a cord attaching them together
that goes from one sleeve to the other
under our jackets so we won't lose them
when they get crusted with snow and ice
turning our hands pink with cold
finally she bundles me up so stuffed in clothing
I couldn't get up if I fell down
we are excited about playing in the snow
three little Hall kittens
Janny is wearing the loepard print snowsuit
with the leopard print hat to match
where in the world did mom find it
I thought it was the most beautiful thing
I had ever seen and couldn't wait until
it was my turn to wear it
I was little and had alot to learn
the beginning was when mom said
after she put me in a warm sweater
take hold of the cuff of your sweater
with your left hand and pull it into
the palm of your right hand
then hold it tightly with the four fingers
of your right hand so your sleeve
won't slide up when I pull your jacket on
now the other side
my eyes were big with wonder
perhaps the first thing I ever learned
I could do for myself
guided by the loving patients of a mother
I remember well
yes I still remember the day I got to wear
the leopard snowsuit and hat and I held my
cuffs with four fingers
and I still remember how much dad
liked to see out pink cheeked faces
cold from our time outside
in a cold northern ohio winter

" Important Question?"

Gypsy is my 12 year old English Pointer Hunting Dog.
We have been together all but the first two of those years.
Here is my question?
She gets me out of my writing chair multiple times a day
with urgency wanting to go outdoors as she is doing right now.
She wakes me during the night with the same urgency
once again telling me she must go outside.
She spends time outdoors just before we retire at dark.
Today there is a cool rain falling.
It is late afternoon.
She has been out once today at 5:30 am.
Why is it that today she can put her trips outdoors
on hold for most of the day?
Is she being obstinate?
Does falling rain shut down her plumbing?
Seems like it should do the opposite.
If you have to go you have to go rain or shine.
As I dry her wet hair and wipe the mud from her feet
I wonder.
If you have an answer for me
email it and happy I will be.

"Desmonds Flu "

poor Desmond Dew
it is true
in 2009
got the swine flu
knew not what to do
had no clue
turned very blue
not a good hue
poor Desmond Dew
found in a pew
some say
got his due

" Fame "

fame
a dangerous game
so many so high
fall so far
wealth and power
corrupt
are intoxicating
clouding reality
the devil waits
and watches
your decline
his temptations
fall into place
answering his call
unable to tell
the exclusive
fashionable
way to hell

" Keep Your Faith "

even on gray cloudy days
the morning glories
know which way to look
towards the sunrise
they have faith that
the sun is still shining
behind the storm clouds
their path is determined
by the faith programmed into
their seeds
make it easy on yourself
relax take a deep breath
step into the faith
that is already programmed
into you
do not be afraid when
the dark clouds obscure
your view
keep your faith
as your faith keeps you

" Simply Jesus "

Christianity
has nothing to do
with filling churches
Jesus was not in business
He did not have bands
cushioned pews
microphones air conditioning
or a curtain that went up
what we need
is lost in the rush
of competition
to have the biggest cross
best parking and entertainment
we follow the famous who attach
to the routine of worship
we think suits our needs
but our path seems slippery
and are days are edged
with the consequences of doubt
showboating will always
impress a material world
but with all this Jesus
and His simple ways
are lost as our souls orbit
circling never landing
trying to hold on to His words
losing Him in the worlds words
unable to break its hold
wondering knowing
something is missing
simply Jesus

" Skylar "

someone special has gone away
to start his new life
in his own special way
he is out on a beach
running each way
looking for puppys
who want to play
he knew our routine well
and if he didn't get to go
would run under the bed
so we would know
hobnobbed with high society
but always with propriety
a special friend
a loyal companion
there is no way to measure
the joy of a treasure

" Poems Who Want to Be "

in my mind right now today
there is a poem on its way
arriving in words of rhyming long lines
black and white and all different kinds
moving to me from the far green hill
early this morning when it was still still
coming and going like the blue sky breeze
slippery and shifty it began to tease
losing its grip on my mind with ease
doing nothing whatever to seize and please
evading me surely and quite purely
just plain squirmy brown squirrely
should I throw in the towel
in frustration howl
join the dead poets society
with no victory to see
my secret is still longevity
for poems who want to be

"Dad"

my dad was a hammer
a link in a big metal chain
like the kind you use to tow a car
when he was ten years old
he was putting metal roofs
on buildings in small ohio towns
he didn't finish high school
but was smart and successful anyway
because he knew how to work
was honest and had common sense
a priceless legacy
he was a chrysler car dealer
in a small ohio farming community
for 40 years when you could still
make a car deal and seal it with a handshake
he never complained about anything
he snored in church and it was my job
sitting next to him to punch him
he never mentioned retiring
he worked his last day
went home and laid down in his hammock
in his big backyard surrounded by cornfields
and died
mom found him

Lifeboat

we need to approach everyday
like we are in a lifeboat
with no land in sight
we are paddling in a direction
we think will get us to a shore
we know nothing about
we aren't sure where we are
some of the waves bounce us around
and change the way we are going
we try to stay on course
some crash against the side
of our boat and get us wet
then there is the big wave
that nearly sinks us
we bail to keep afloat
a whirlpool may keep
us stalled too long in one direction
we need to find the speed
of our current and allow
each day to evolve
at its own pace as we learn
dissolving into our short comings
overcoming the odds
if we push too hard or try too hard
we go against the current
we waste our time and energy
focus on your hopes and dreams
don't let the waves
slow you down or stop you
let them guide your lifeboat
to your shore

" Bats in our Belfry "

its no surprise
we have bats in our belfry
since the drought has given way
to monsoon like rains
that are now shaping our days
as flooding has begun
and cars are disappearing
on water covered roads
its raining our usual meal
of feast after famine
moving unsuspecting critters
to alter their routines so
for the first time ever
gypsys porch was swarming with bats
before the first morning light
had caught hold of the day
she watched them as they
flash by her again and again
when I went to join her
something swooshed by my head
at aleast 500 miles an hour
now there were bats everywhere
circling just under the porch roof
probably eating the mosquitoes
we had complained about
as they eliminated our complaint
later as we watched the gray clouds
and listened to the thunder roll
we did not hear or see
one tiny black mosquito

Come About

there are things
I know of but not about
things that I have
never had to deal with
things I might write about
like being hungry
not knowing where the next
meal is coming from
being diagnosed with aids cancer
or another terrible disease
having a heart attack
losing a child sister or brother
being a soldier or prisoner of war
losing everything in a hurricane
tornado or fire
being a slave
being poor
being addicted
being unable to read and write
being homeless living in a car
living without freedom
there are other formless things
like being free
and thinking free
dreaming and hoping
maybe just positive thinking
that don't come automatically
with freedom
formless things like love faith
forgiveness and compassion are
things we all know of but
to often not about
come about

"Poor Desmond Dew"

Desmond Dew
a man it's true
couldn't do
had no clue
found nothing new
wanting his due
out of the blue
married a shrew
found lifeless true
when he was slew
remembered by few
who sat in a pew
truely rue
buried under dew
got his due
nothing to do
for Desmond Dew

Enjoy

americans have more to enjoy life with
than others around the world
but enjoy it less
we are workholics
that think we need
very expensive lifestyles
always wanting more bigger better
it becomes larger than we are
because there is always something
that needs to be fixed or done
that we don't like to do
so we hire someone to do it
and because we can't cope with them
leave it all behind
and go on exotic vacations
to get away from what we work ourselves
to death for every week
because we want it all
it takes a lifetime of distress
to figure out work worry and stress
are not really what we want
we need to do everything slower
drink more wine be happy and laugh
be content with what nature gave us
and don't take ourselves so seriously
we need to forgive and forget
we need to love ourselves
before the society we are creating
becomes more and more impossible
and finally there is no place
to go to enjoy

" Study a Mirror "

my theory is this
if you don't go
see it for yourself
you have someone elses
opinion of it
we tend to read
accept and enjoy
the printed word
when it is agreeable
with our beliefs
we tend to think
if it is in print
it must be true
we are easy
if it doesn't effect
our lifestyle
we are for it
when we hunted
so many thought it terrible
and said so as they cut
another bite of steak
what would you eat
is you were starving
your intellectual
critical judgements
self serving superiority
in with the new
most popular trends
society dictating your path
young skinny cool
recreating yourself
like movie stars
who never play themselves
only reel life
see it for yourself
seal yourself
study a mirror

"Kite Strings"

rule breaker
cruel taker
oh look out
you may
think beyond
the end
of your
own nose
as it grows
selfish sniveler
simple snipe
terrified twit
wondering why
you don't fit
skimpy braker
lonely faker
heartbreaker
kite strings

"Tile"

down the aisle
single file
mile wide smile
in style
not in denial
not a trial
not vile
smiles pile
single file
down the aisle
tile

"Steering Wheel"

how can it be
I just can't see how
a little steering wheel
in my car
can take me so far

on the dashboard it waits
holding its horn to honk
at trouble near or far
for the twisting and turning
big heavy car

big job for a small wheel
no one will dispute
there is none other like it
it deserves a salute

we all remember well
are very first car
and the little steering wheel
that took us
so far

"Camera"

camera camera
shutter to think
where you have gone
can't be positive
only negative about
where you are going
you have developed
into the fast food
of photography
instant pictures
settling for french fries
instead of a baked potato
with everything on it
rolls no longer
moving slowly
through a dark body
click after click
grabbing instant light
creating wonder
what will I get
what did we see
my camera
and me

Stoplight

the small texas town was quiet
no cars had come by
it was a dark rainy night
the only sign of life was a stoplight
flashing its red yellow and green
the only evidence of what
once might have been
we wondered why it was there
where had the need for it gone
the light from the stoplight formed
red yellow and green raindrops
that disappeared like the town
on the dark wet streets
deserted by time
no place to stop
no place to wander
no place to go

"Remembering"

I am losing her
I heard it in her voice
when she called me tuesday
from half way across the country
I heard her struggle to put
thoughts and words together
trying to put a place or a time
on bits and pieces
she knew should fit
but didn't
her past threatened by the present
thoughts from here and there
and now and then swirling
unable to find order
unable to make sense
unable to remember
where they had gone
in time there will be only today
for her to deal with
how can you live without memories
why does this happen
the worst thing is
she knows she knows
and is doing what she can
we have shared our lives
sisters who bond with a common past
our parents long gone
now slowly quietly
her memories disappear
I don't want to lose her
what can I do
but sit and wait
as the tears come
remembering

"Believers"

Jesus
come and walk with me
as you have done so often
bring believers with you
a comfort for us misfits
we need to visit a sickness
of one who does not know you
they have searched so hard
for answers and found none
somehow they need to meet you
come walk with me into their hearts
heal them and set them free
they are waiting as are so many
so many who will never know you
one at a time we will call
one at a time you will answer
how can we let them go
how can we let them fall
believers

"Cool"

how hard would it be
to live like Jesus did
would it be possible
would the world reject you
considering you weird
He had few things
we consider necessary
would we consider
Him successful
by todays standards
the very reason
we need all these things
is because we have
separated ourselves
farther and farther
from His word
and shaped it to
self indulgent lifestyles
telling ourselves
its ok
the new today religion
bigger better
famous faster
cool

"Lost and Found"

I lost the world
and found myself
what in the world
do we worship
fame power money
what traps us
pride greed envy
Jesus has a book
His plan for you
is on the first page
what page are you on
the devils plan
stress illness frustration
always reaching always late
apologizing periods
filling your story
running fast lost
now old fingers
still losing their grip
why must it be this way
Jesus promises a new day
it starts with the heart
take His hand forgive forget
trust Him love Him
open His Book

"Hoi Polloi"

indulge all dreamers
know yourself well
rake the flickering embers
ride the tail of a comet
find keys to locked doors
know what feelings mean
don't be everyone else
be what you were meant to be
time stitches minutes like film
creating spinning connecting
city searchers country cameos
tinkering with their motives
dwellers dwelling fearfully
filling their dream space carelessly
tightening their frames like a corset
easily losing their grip
crippled from ordinary banal lives
tenderfoots on a twisted frontier
forever snared by the world
where are you
who are you
what do you want
daydreamer

"Being"

being in this moment
this was a morning to be
sitting on the cabin porch
the rain clouds were stacked
on the horizon like stairsteps
misty drops found your arm
the leaping frog woods was still
so quiet you could hear a pin drop
gypsy was on the porch next to me
mesmerized by our big calico cat
who was quietly sitting
on the end of a porch log
it was a stand off
the cat finally walked by gypsy
turned around and left
making her statement perfectly
the only sound we heard
was a dove landing in the feeding area
the stillness and quiet
worked its magic spell
until the north wind found a breeze
and brushed against our faces
and reminded us how lucky we were
to be here for this morning moment

"The Search fo Hadleys Antigue Highchair"

searching for Hadleys antique highchair
gave rise to interesting twists of fate
it took me to the local thrift shop
near bulverde on 281
no highchair but they told me of a thrift shop
in Blanco just down the road that might have one
went there and drove around and couldn't find it
and ended up lost at the coffee shop and ordered espresso and lemon
met an interesting young man who was also having coffee there
he improved a shoulder problem kayaking on the blanco river
sounded like a good idea to me
I thought it might be fun to get back on the water
and if it helped my shoulder all the better
I didn't remember much about the klepper kayak
we had years ago and would need to get informtion about them
I could get one my grandson Kody and I could use for fishing
went back to the cabin with no highchair for Hadley
my daughter Sarah called and I told her about it
later she called back and said her boss Jerromy
told her to tell me to try Craigs List on the computer
I did and the first thing under baby was my highchair
I called Ron the guy with the chair
and we set up a time for me to look it over
on my way I decided to stop at Target
and get some of my favorite raisin cinnamon bagels
when I pulled into their parking lot
right in front of me was a truck with a trailor
full of kayaks and people around
I drove over to them and motioned to a lady to come over
she owned Texas Paddle Sports and gave me her card
hummmmmmmmm? coincidence
then I went and picked up the antigue highchair
Ron and his wife had used it for their three boys
they told me sadly were all grown now
it needed to be reglued so the next day
I took it to the furniture refinishing shop
it will be ready in three weeks
so the search for Hadleys antique highchair was over
and I was looking at kayaks
like piano keys following the notes
playing the unknown tunes of chance
my life took an unexpected turn in the road
looking for Hadleys antique highchair

"Hadley and Gypsy"

gypsy is my old hunting dog
she has been with me for years
Hadley is my six month old granddaughter
who comes for a visit now and then
a strange thing occured
gypsy spent the first two years of her life
in a kennel and on a hunting dog string
in Colorado to escape the texas heat
a string is a chain hunting dogs are hooked on
while they wait their turn to be trained
they already know how to hunt
they just need a few adjustments
she never had puppies
we found her when she was two years old
she is now eleven and spends her days
inside the cabin on her highway 281 red leather chair
sleeping off a squirrel or cat chase
Hadley came to the cabin for the first overnight stay
gypsy knew she was coming as I prepared the cabin
for this fast moving little girl
she is a good baby with a smile for everyone
here is what happened
gypsy was asleep on her chair
Hadley was crawling around on the floor
everytime I walk away from her left her alone
gypsy would get up and go over to her
sniff her and sit down next to her
she was watching over Hadley
when Sheri Hadleys mom came we checked this out
we walked away from Hadley and sure enough
gypsy got up and went to sit with Hadley
as soon as we returned
gypsy went back to sleep on her chair
somewhere in this old hunting dogs mind
motherhood found its place

"Rain at last"

rain at last
red radar
came fast
near and far

changing days
airtight
wet plays
what a sight

for today
more drops
on the way
weather tops

burn ban out
100 heat
losing clout
finally beat

two year drought
stomped by storms
down and out
wet reforms

"What Time Is It?"

is it time
to make another rhyme
look at the clock
is it time
is that what tells you
what to do
I have been reading
what I wrote
a long time ago
I like to think about it
and what at the time I wrote it
told me it was time
I think I am smarter
than what I write
I am not sure
time will tell

Jimena

another hurricane
where will it go
to put on its show
radar is tracking its twirls
in the baja curls
like a baton twirls
some last and some fizzle
but all bring wind rain and drizzle
and if they come your way
don't make your day
each on its own track
does not look back
landing with force
staying on course
the eye watching and wanting
chewing with force
the helpless land holding its prey
floods and folly it reaps
promises it keeps and then it sleeps
declared a remnant by the weather guy
Jimena closed its eye
and said goodby

Crooked Day

it was the start of a crooked day
things were going to get in the way
a hummingbird came with a headache
from fighting over a feeder
a dove flew into a window
breaking its neck
a chilling killing wreck
a cat was up a tree
not a good place to be
a toad came out to drink
to close to a cat we think
feral kittens arrived hidden
their location to us forbidden
chickadees have no bath
because of bees in their path
blue jays showed their brass
throwing food into the grass
the deer ate our flowers
neighbor dogs barked all night
as we stopped a cat fight
the early morning was hot
but its what we got
I drank my espresso
with my arm around
my old hunting dog
as we sat and watched
a white feather headed
male cardinal came to eat
a new view its true
looking for blue
we have no clue
it was a crooked day
stuff got in the way
that's all we can say

"Tandem"

written sounds on white paper
black ink forming falling telling
wet cheeked teardrops gathering
words appear then disappear
tearfully diluted in careful reason
smashed and smeared into oblivion
level silent eyes know hope circles
sorrow waiting in the wings
showing its face when due
tearful in the black nighttime
standing alone inside the darkness
finding no reason with meaning
faded white words are silent
as they find the edge
of the black page

"Heaven Can Wait"

Heaven needs me badly
my name is on the gate
God tells me everyday
you still have to wait

life here on earth
has been good and true
given to me at birth
to pay God His due

mistakes at a glance
caused me to fall
mercy gives me balance
as I hear His call

don't wonder for a plan
only if you must
you are in Gods hands
in Him you can trust

patiently wait your call
it will not be late
His loving hands to all
who meet Him at the Gate

"Sign of the Times"

sign of the times
revered words archived
unwritten history glossed
generations changing arranging
trying the current trendy trends
tomorrows voluptuous headlines
printed on plain white paper
all words have been used and are old
but, all stories have not been told
makepiece masterpiece play today
waiting in the wings for homage
dancing fast figures on a stage
bowing to circumstance
their candles in the dark
showing their flickering words
where history mixes
with the sign of the times
and wrinkled fingers
hold the hands of the clock

"Your Heavenly Father"

Jesus Jesus
tell me about you
and your Heavenly Father
we have forgotten
when we look at our churches
we hear the ministers
we see their autobiographies
the books they have written
their credentials and fame
their wealth acquired
we go to see and hear
these famous speakers
the bigger the better
tell me where you fit in Jesus
why they miss so many
of the thirsty souled
tell me how to be
more like you and rid myself
of the worldly things
that pull me to fatigue
Jesus alone gathered His flock
in sandals and a burlap robe
under the open sky
there were no bands no tricks
to get followers to come
only their need to believe
and their believing
we have moved so far away
from being like You
help us find our way
back to You
and Your Heavenly Father

"Wishes"

my memories of mom
I wish there were more
I wish the ones I have were better
I never thought about being like her
I never wondered if I was like her
I never wished for that
she was always there in real life
hanging the blankets over
the livingroom windows to make it dark
when we were recovering
from measles, mumps and whooping cough
mind you I said recovering from
she never said much to us about her life
she showed us about her life
unselfish and maybe happy
her wealth was her family
I want to be like her
I hope in many ways I am like her
how do I measure up to her
I don't know
I can only say as I grow old
I wish I was like her

"Mind Mold"

past times
memories
revealing creations
fates chances
devine guidance
our mind mold
priceless ballast
unique completion
slipping thoughts
memories forgotten
bows and arrows
dimming shadows
stumbling lost
knowing fear
empty wandering
past vanished
present no more
future webbed

"Revise"

readers must surmise
a change of heart
when you revise
right at the start

we do not question
mind change is ok
words are destined
to say what you say

so revise away poet
each is a surprise
just so you know it
readers must surmise

"The Village Rhyme Time"

the village was badly hit
now no time for rhyme
dead lights no longer lit

some windows ajar a bit
most framed against time
weary bodies need to sit

slowly searching for fit
their sad eyes so sublime
sad fishhook wet wit

first found survival kit
reaching too high to climb
suffering the pendulum pit

tired victims living the skit
their feet dance on a dime
hollow boneless hands knit

renewal is a slow drift submit
again rhyme time will be fine
dreamers must always teeth a bit
so they determine never to quit

Clunker

now an old clunker
thats just keeping on
not a surprise lunker
that time is all gone

not wanting to know
about tricky time
old parts are slow
like the old mime

life may not show
when we need to stop
but we need to know
while still on top

it comes down to fun
what we settle for
if we aren't done
no need to keep score

clunkers all wish
to have one final story
and always finish
in a blaze of glory

Mirage

there was no mirage
the desert was empty
it would not give up
thoughts imagine rain
water everywhere
just ahead
layered heat pictures
revealing desperation
sun so hot so hot
it makes a mind mirage
there was nothing
left to imagine
the grains of sand
find the hourglass
the desert drinks the sun
darkness releases a way
in the distance it
thunders and lightnings
the rain is coming
just ahead

The Last Car Ride

the candy still tastes
sweet in my mouth
the first time was best
it is all in the way
you remember it
like it really was
or
like you remember it
it doesn't matter
what matters is
you remember the sweetness
that will go with you
on
the last car ride

Tramps and Gypsies

tramps rode the trains
the new york central railroad
had tracks and a crossing for cars
not far from our house
we could hear the crossing bells
signaling the arrival of a train
I was the youngest of three daughters
growing up in a small ohio farming community
my dad was a car mechanic and walked to work
to save gas during the war
our house on east elm street
was small and painted white
with a big front porch
and just a small roof to cover one person
over the back door
two bedrooms and one bathroom
for our family of five
my dad had a big garden
and my mom hung the wet laundry
on the clothesline in the back yard
she had some sort of wooden pole
she used to prop up the lines
of the clothesline
which I never figured out
she had a cloth bag that hung
on the clothesline
full of wooden clothespins
my two older sisters and I were young
and very impressionable
tramps followed the railroad tracks
and marked houses along the way
that would give them food
we didn't have much
but they always got something
my sisters and I had heard dad tell mom
do not feed the tramps it could be dangerous
and they mark the houses
so they all know who will feed them
the screen door on the back door of our house
was wood framed with a small latch lock
which would be easy to break
in those days it was enough
when the tramps came and they always did
because mom always gave them food
mom made us stand behind the kitchen door
so they could not see us
but we could sneek a peek at them
we were always alittle scared
but we worried more about the fact
that if it happened to be gypsys
at the door and sometimes it was
and they saw us
they would come back steal us
we had been told this and often
saw them in their wagons going aound town
the tramps and gypsies were lucky
to get moms good food
so were we

White night

november 18 1978
james warren jones
a serpent or savior
the peoples temple
still questions unanswered
what happened in Guyanna
what happened
what happened
so many fell dead
murder suicide massacre
men women and children
politics try
the innocent cry
why did we die
gun shots and flavor aid
an agriclutural experiment
gone terribly wrong
unknown remains
as the jungle reclaims
the quiet calls
why

Heartbeat

a heart can only break
so many times
it must ache
to get into these rhymes

wait until tomorrow
to fill empty space
tea leaves steeping sorrow
shining tears on our face

where did love go
did it leave me
didn't it show
did others see

is life so unfair
or is it just me
heartbeats do care
but they are not free

heartache does teach
wake up and learn
within your reach
afraid of a spurn

we choose with fate
heartbeats direction
before its too late
missing perfection

Black and Tan

oh what I would give
for a good black and tan
not foaming too much
or very cold on the hand

just gleaming glistening
waiting for that hand
to reach for each glass
of black and tan

how do they know
when to pour and stop
when its just right
I enjoy every drop

mama said to her child
don't drink any beer
black and tans smiled
sweet sweet mama dear

B.V.I.

a sailor at birth
found in one try
heaven on earth
in the B.V.I

a 37 foot cutter
a joy to sail
there is no other
as the winds prevail

time on your hands
wind for your pace
sun on the sand
tan every place

coming about here
coming about there
sailing far and near
not finding a care

friends for fun
galley good eats
a place in the sun
lifelong sweet treats

Snitch

a snitch is sneeky
trust not one ever
they will be cheeky
handsome and clever

they live in shadows
afraid of bright light
never clear to see
because of the fright

don't trust a snitch
they tattle on all
wanting to be rich
they always fall

look for friends who
are truthful and care
they know what to do
and will be fair

don't dote on due
its just a game
no snitch in you
names aren't to blame

Shrew

Maybe its true
and it might be
you are a shrew
just like me

its been told
causing fright
you like to scold
all through the night

hex the black curse
you ugly old shrew
you could get worse
and come back new

shrews always fail
never succeeding
its a sad tail
love they are needing

Stuffed Shirt

hello stuffed shirt
do you know
what you are
who you are
where you work
where you live
what you do
maybe you are
just alittle overweight
so fat stuffs your shirt
maybe you are a scarecrow
so straw stuffs your shirt
maybe a plastic mannequin
maybe not
maybe you need
to see yourself
everyday in the mirror
poor pathetic stuffed shirt
smug conceited pompus person
inflexible as if you
are already dead
maybe you need
to change your head

"Homecoming girl"

homecoming girl
years on a hunting string
wanting our call to ring
fate delaying your homecoming
finding our love at first sight
time waiting made late right
today old english pointer gypsy
keeps her space around me
full of sweetness so dandy
layering it like cotton candy
rolling it around and alone
on a long narrow white paper life cone
inside the big angel food everyday cake dish
forming a large plume of a sweet candy wish
a carefully folded notion
shining pink strands of her sweet devotion
weaving through my life so neatly
with her easy ways completely
the drum majorette her baton she does twirl
my sweet little sweet homecoming girl

"Saved

we heard the dreaded crash-thump
the two biggest windows in the cabin
line up perfectly across the main room
if you are a bird it looks like
there is nothing to slow down your flight
so you can stand on one porch
and look through the window
and see out the window on the opposite porch
gypsys head went up out of a deep sleep
I jumped out of my chair
it was the worst
a bird was down on the cat porch
and it was feeding time for the 10 cats
who know this and were meandering there to eat
my feet hit the porch in 3 seconds
sure enough a bird was down a female painted bunting
protecting this little bird was going to be tough
so many hungry cats just waiting
I secured my positionn between the cats and the dazed bird
I waited and waited and waited the bird was struggling
I finally decided to put a small box over the bird
and grab some cat food and divert the cats attention
I then removed the box from the bird
and tried to scoop in up with the catfood can
it grabed hold of the edge of the can and we walked away
amazing to see this little lime green bunting
sitting on the edge of a peach can
while I moved it to a safer place
it was trying to recover and I knew it would be safer
out in gypsys area where the cats don't go
I put it down near some cover and kept gypsy in the cabin
I waited awhile and went out to check on it
it was still there and looking much better
I waited and when I moved closer it hopped away
and then flew away saved for another day

"Lost in the Line"

lost in the line
subject to verse
stanzas to find
poets curse

ebb tide moves
holding falling
can't hide
your calling

slanting verbs
lumpy adjectives
woven curbs
a poet gives

dance the dance
quintessential dandy
the keyless chance
inside coated candy

poets keen tell
always lip rhyming
posting so well
clever drift lining

holding on clever
will not succeed
stalwart endeavor
all you need

"Point"

early july morning at the cabin
it is already hot 105 later today
some say a dangerous temperature
we have filled the watering stations
around the cabin in the woods
the biggest one is near gypsys fence
a cottontail has its front feet
over the edge of the tub
and is getting a drink
gypsy sees it and hits a point
for the next few minutes
it was explained to gypsy
why you don't chase a rabbit
that is drinking water
in the midst of one of the longest
hottest droughts in texas history
gypsy tried to understand but
a rabbit is a rabbit
it was too close to her fence
it was showing off
it was asking for it
it winked at her
as soon as it was finished
gypsy broke her point
get the point
of a point

"First Blessing"

first blessing first breath
Gods hands Gods grace
full of goodness
miracle of life
seeing no evil
knowing only love
life given life lived
with Jesus holy spin
win over sin
blessings abound
measured lives
culminating
death whispers
footsteps stop
answered call
last breath
Gods hands
first blessing

"A Good Story"

the morning glories are late this year
our rains have been few and far between
watering doesn't serve them as well
they are now blooming profusely
just outside my writing window
in the beautiful morning sunlight
on Gypsys five foot cedar post fence
the hummingbirds come
one in particular
I wonder if it is the same one
that was here last year
and always stopped and looked in at me
and said hello thanks for the glory
I will think it is
it makes a good story

"Lollipop"

lollipop lollipop
oh lolly lolly lollipop
lollygaging with a lollipop
lollies everywhere
telling the flavors
by the colors
sweetness of life
in hard candy
on a stick
dissolving slowly
in my mouth
creating thoughts
in my head
I want to remember
past times fun times
lollipop times

"The Canterbury Tales"

If you have not read Chaucers
The Canterbury Tales
in middle english
in the last few years
give it a try
the first time I did
was at Michigan State
sometime in the middle 1950s
it was a challenge then
and still is
it was the year I missed
the question "Who was Madame La Giocondo?"
on a final exam
never forgot it
I was just a young girl
from a small Ohio town
who liked poetry
and memorized all that she could
at seventy it still runs through
my head as easily as it did then
never getting old or tired
poets gifts to me
lasting a lifetime

"Spiders" Volume III from " Attack"

aliens may be the only ones
that can stop
the attack of the spiders

"What's Next?"

"Jumping Alien Frog" Volume I by Cara Milnor From "What's Next?"

"SO HOT"

frog shadows dance in the woods
as the sun follows itself
promising another record hot day
texas in the summer is not for
the young or old or anyone else
your feet are in hot hot sand
standing in the afternoon sunshine
sweating as your feet touch the earth
alligning your body to its meridians
about fifteen minutes will do it
you just happen to be standing
in the middle of the allien landing area
maybe that why its SO HOT!

"Broken Fences"

lament
what is meant
a time spent
so many years
frozen tears
layered grief
no relief
lives brief
terminal thief
shaking earth
giving birth
false mirth
wires and posts
false boasts
smoke of life
full of strife
evil hands
arm bands
salutes
heavy boots
hidden fears
lost years
no one can mend
in the end
broken fences

"Silver Threads Golden Needles"

silver threads golden needles
heart strings
Gods words finding eyes
fulfilling your needs
taking the unhappiness
taking the sickness
taking the fear
picking you up
from your fall
when nothing else
can free your heart
and show you the way
all you have to do is ask
His love will fill the cracks

"Music Lesson"

the dancer
dancing to the music he hears
no harmony
octaves of mixed up crescendoes
no rests
following the established rhythm
his notes
a lost routine
last notes
taps
music lesson

"Our Place in the Day"

our place in the day
centering the peaceful instant
detached searching to connect
sunlight shines through
a cottontails pink popsicle ears
looking like wet roses
on a foggy morning
a mother hummingbird
teaching her baby about
red hibiscus
texas yellow bells
hummingbird feeders
and feral cats
intense beauty clear message
fulfilling wanting eyes
quiet still presence
invading impalpable paradise
braiding us still tighter
usurping our undertow
two souls in the breeze
dangling in its clear motion
showing us the way
touching nothing but the day

"Sinking Down"

sinking down
into the soft gray
glove covered hands
that are polishing
the solid sterling
silver tray
tap dancing on the
mossed granite graves
that echo the names
so carefully etched
clapping hands reaching
for us helping us
keep time
Five Foot Two
Eyes of Blue and
Ain't She Sweet
See Her Coming
Down the Street
mom at the piano
playing the music
we danced to
on her etched name

"Rearview Mirror" Volume II from "Windswept"

rearview mirror
rumble seat ride
those left behind
creating their myth
voyagers black tar roads
huddling winter strangers
sinking from dangling chances
and lost unkept promises
waiting in mapped patterns
for dreamless dreamers
finding twisted highways
fearing to go
fearing not to go
hope behind the darkness
of velvet curtain stillness
rustling in the silky breeze
their maze in the mirror
tuned radio voices calling
hearts cargo in the trunk
where kept secrets are packed
in old deeply folded detours
hiding in the rumble seat
windswept in the rearview mirror

"Livin in the Fever"

livin in the fever
summer in texas
jalapeno days
margarita shade
ice in coolers
windows closed
conditioners humming
california nights
porch swings
cool mornings
lake afternoons
suntan sunburn
believing the breeze
mercury rising
looking for the cool
in the fever

" Flight of the Word"

flight of the word
at a desperate pace
wanting to be heard
entering the race

getting to hot
running at will
finding no spot
not being still

looking for line
wanting a verse
a poem of any kind
nothing is worst

just a lost word
who needs so badly
space to be heard
taking it gladly

never lose heart
words are needed
for lines to start
in a garden seeded

words put in soil
to patiently grow
their place to toil
is all they know

"Morning Moonlight with Hadley"

early morning
before daylight
four month old
granddaughter Hadley
with grandma
on the queen bed
in the quiet loft
of the log cabin
the moonlight formed
a soft white blanket
in the darkness
on the bed where
I laid her down
we just smiled
at each other
in the dim shadowy light
and listened to the wind
whistle around the windows
Hadley was liking this
ahing and cooing and
playing with her feet
perfectly content
words were not spoken
the peacefulness
surrounded us
after awhile
I put her in her bed
she fell happily asleep
in the morning moonlight

"Lost and Found"

paths need direction
they show the way
like nowhere maps
going nowhere
ambling needlessly
stomping the ground
making the ants run
breaking the flowers
looking for stuff
broken eggs in a nest
no chance at life
walking alone
making the most
of the finish
timepiece wound
wings on the wind
no horizon
lost and found

"Endure"

foggy days rainy nights
alone in silence lost questions
pushing the knob on the top
of the top up and down
tilting spinning holding on
knowing this for sure
if we can't adapt we must endure
change is sticky routine boring
hard decisions easy ones
tapping fingers typing
good times bad times
holding tight to the page
oreo years of layered days
remembering you again and again
as I wanted you to be
finding your way into the misty night
holding me in the truth
telling me to endure

"Another Day"

today I will write only what words can say
anything else I will save for another day

"Weather Today"

I looked at the weather today
and decided to run away

"Lazy"

can't seem to stop it
it just won't slow
don't like it one bit
don't want to know

curved thoughts driving
down an old minds road
each barely surviving
under such a truck load

where are the stop signs
who built this expressway
mixed words of all kinds
each paving my guess way

desperation sets in
searching for brakes
held tightly in the wind
word cars of all makes

how long will it last
heaven only knows
with such a long past
a word only grows

freed from this task
my mind grows hazy
all that I ask
don't think me lazy

"Happy Trails"

chance friends
today sends
those you meet
on the street
in the end
become a friend
some stray
others stay
like a piece of hard candy
that lasts and is dandy
or candy thats slick
and is gone very quick
what makes it this way
friends can't really say
sweetness seems best
a memories good test
friends are like sails
that make happy trails

"Java Trench"

inside the human wall
deep in the earth
plates are shifting
wanting movement
lining the scale
holding destruction
moving power
birthing waves
reaching beaching
faithfuls fate
from the depth
fingers grasp
the hourglass
turning in it over
and over and over
wanting the hour
it holds
as the plates shift
in the Java Trench

" "

why not write
about something
about which
nothing is known
like

"Ticking Clock"

constant strolling
thoughts roaming
flaming goals
endless glomming

leeching souls
hovering past
opening goals
longing cast

hummimgbirds know
blue morning glories
grabbing brain glow
captured stories

curving roads
groovy lanes
lock load
line claim

festering greed
grinds down
poetry seeds
by the pound

no more verse
always can
still terse
good plan

no key today
lock stock
futile clay
ticking clock

"Twenty Years from Now"

if I don't write about this
you won't know that last wednesday
there were two very large armadillos
eating undisturbed at the feeding area
just on the outside edge of gypsys fence
she pointed them until
they wandered away into the woods
today there was a very large opossum
sleeping undisturbed on the branch of a tree
just next to gypsys fence
she held her point
through the fence a long time
when I got back to the cabin
yesterday afternoon it had
snowed dove feathers on the cat porch
a good time was had by all
as I write I see the hummingbirds
finding the spring sweetness
of the blooming yuccas
the crows called to us this morning
as they flew by the cabin
important things we want you to know
twenty years from now

"Plain White Paper"

ink pen in hand
i wrote my name on
plain white paper
i looked at it
and did not know
who it was
ink pen in hand
i printed my name on
plain white paper
i looked at it
and did not know
who it was
i wrote a poem
on plain white paper
and signed my name
i knew who it was
some of me was
left behind on
the plain white paper

"The First Milnor Blend" By Cara and Nick

just hadley and me
and gypsy makes three
we are happy
in our log cabin

a nice warm bottle
a snoozy little nap
always time to cuddle
on grandmas soft lap

the days slipping away
no time for crying
just for more play
can't help trying

gypsys always near
little baby girl
there is no fear
soft dark curls

sheri and mom
in the kitchen together
cooking up a storm
that's my kinda weather

memorial day weekend
a time to remember
those that gave all
no thought of surrender

memories of the past
what a great view
our lives right now
happiness on cue

"Take a Chance"

just sit down
don't be afraid
don't be safe
don't be carefull
don't follow
don't copy
learn from failure
languish in success
what you think
is not what
others think
that is ok
think of yourself
as a tree
with many branches
write about all of them
and things you know
nothing about
places you have never been
take a chance
write

"A Day of Twos and Roses"

early morning
two thunderstorms
first light
gypsy and me
porch perching
two blue herons
in formation
two indigo buntings
feeding
two squirrelly squirrels
two cardinals
drinking
two baby rabbits
playfully jumping
two spring kittens
with mama
two red roses
two hummingbirds
the two of us
two friends
together

"Feelings"

if you have no feelings
your feelings can't get hurt
your lonely spirit
raked through hot coals
finds the flame and burns
the room gets cold
when the fire goes out

"We Still Don't"

there are some things
writers don't live long enough
or like to write about
all kinds of things
why birds don't have arms
why raccoons can't leave
well enough alone
why only the fittest survive
why cats always get
what they want
why we are in such a hurry
asking bright questions
finding dim answers
life is like a movie
holding the final frame
my digestion is slow to flow
when mulling over certain things
a mulching mind works slowly
protecting nurturing saving
some things hit close to home
like twigs and leaves
tapping on the roof
turned loose by the wind
as a storm approaches
years ago we didn't know
when a storm was coming
we still don't

"As the Crow Flies"

6:30am-7:00am
cabin porch
ponderers
the crow flies east
the crow flies west
can't tell which
the crow flies best

"Old Hunting Dog Has Her Day"

gypsy is my english pointer hunting dog
she has lived her 12 years to do one thing
to hunt birds and upon occasion other critters
she picks up their scent tracts them points them
and waits or breaks her point and chases and catches
we are older now and don't walk the fields anymore
but we carry on the the hunting tradition every morning
after she goes outdoors first thing I break and hide
small pieces of dog biscuits around the inside of the cabin
when she comes in extremely excited about this
I go out on her porch and hide some more biscuits
when she comes out and finishes her porch hunt
she sits down next to me as I drink my espresso and bats at my arm
she then shakes hands speaks and sits up for more biscuits
now this is fun for her but not the same as a real live bird
well yesterday good fortune brought us a real live bird
a white winged dove flew into the cabin window on her porch
she was asleep on her sofa as apposed to her highway 281 red leather chair
I ran out to see if the impact had killed the dove
I observed the dove and decided it was struggling
it was going through the final death twitches signifying the end
my decision was to get gypsy and let her have her way with it
I went into the cabin and pryed her off the sofa
I told her bird out here and opened the door to her porch
as her feet softly touched the porch floor she hit a point on the dove
it was still shaking a bit but sitting still
I nudged her telling her it was ok to get it
suddenly there she was bird in mouth one happy dog
she headed out into her fenced area with her prize
when she dropped the dove to clean all the feathers out of her mouth
it tried to fly or run and hit the fence where she retrieved it again
she spent alot of time with this most prized possession
by the end of the day it was gone what a treat raw meat
I will admit but would not want anyone to know
I eyed that dove and the thought crossed my mind
that it would taste pretty good to me for dinner that night
but today it would be gypsy who enjoyed this magnificent bird
by the end of the day there were a couple feathers and alittle raw meat
on the cabin porch floor which she finished before heading back to her sofa
and a night of sweet sweet dreams about dove hunting ending her perfect day
I noticed a big smile on her face as I checked this happy old hunting dog
a loyal superb companion to me for so many years

"Hopping Good morning"

morning delight
hopping into my sight
there is a young rabbit
that comes at first light
who has the birdseed habit
falling seeds to the ground
not making a sound
I see him from the cabin window
above my kitchen sink as I make my way
with my first espresso of my day
his eyes are on the sides of his head
he must be able to see from bed
his ears are so big
he must be able to hear a cracking twig
his nose is always twitching
he must be smelling or itching
he is as quiet as a louse
and not easily frightened
like a mouse in the house
rabbits have found their way
into many stories today
but to have the easter bunny name
must be the their greatest
claim to fame
its said peter rabbits name is best
and they may be right
but what about the rest
their stories are a delight
barely out of our sight
it is a good question
why are they so renowned
when all they do
is just hop around

"My Sisters Sorrow"

I am a son
lost in addiction
my mind betrays me
telling me things
I don't want to hear
things I know aren't true
panic and fear
I plan so the ones
near me won't know
but they do
no place to hide
they hear my slurred words
looking forward
to my secret time
at last a drink a drug
then remorse and guilt
making everything worse
destroying me a cell at a time
sinking down depressed
my family floats away
my friends as well
I will lose everything
struggling in my haze
why can't I say
I need help I have a problem
there are so many who love me
many to help me many I need
so much good in my life
I am a valuable human being
so much to lose
my pain their pain
I will get free of this
they need me


july 23 1993
a son murdered
in cold blood
a wonderful life
taken by fate
a family shaken
to its roots
somehow you go on
left behind
years of tears
to wash
away the pain
unanswered questions
why why why
finally you begin
to remember his life
and why you miss
him so much
things you learned about
in the days after his death
revealing to you
why so many will miss
him so much

"Cedar Posts"

birds sit on the top
of the cedar fence posts
that house gypsys area
and my angel patch

they come to the post
near the cabin window
early in the morning
where I write

a big bluejay
has started coming
each day
looking in at me

he sits near
the jasmine
and morning glories
blooming on the fence

I wave at him
as he stares at me
both wondering
both watching

a sunny morning song
from the woods
serving up its story
on a cedar post

"Secrets"

a river moving slowly
crystal clear water
seeing faces of friends
their images floating
over my watching eyes
their place in ivory memories
reminding me of their importance
standing the secret tests of time
chance meetings meeting chance
common strings connecting
forming each face in the river
caught in times numbered nets
lasting through the past
faces in the quiet river
floating with you
as the river looks back
and returns the secrets
caught in time

"Busy Buzzing Bee"

spiderwort blooming
next to the railing
on the stone steps
on gypsys porch

every morning
we meet there
to ponder
woods activity

the heat has hit
summer is here
wildflowers are blooming
we are watching

a busy buzzing bee
joins us
on the spiderwort
blooming nearby

he dances over
the purple petals
of each flower
content

our ears hear
his busy buzzing
our eyes find him
content

"Sign of The Times"

a sign of the times
new times from old times
old is safe and familiar
buy burma shave stop at stuckies
crease torn map in hand reading glasses
old airstream you and he had together
new places filled with old memories
check for the next campground
get some gas unhook the car
dreaming the same highways again
broken lines and double yellows
two lane roads showing you
when to stop and when to go
trying to revisit the past
so long gone now so sweet
you let today get in your way
so the jasmine and morning glories
would not bloom alone in the warm air
next to the airstream at the campground
lonely hearts searching for ballast
for a new way to balance out the old
hanging on too tightly to the past
when miles filled desires
home is where the heart is
strung on beads from yesterday
you were a sign of the times

"Little White Flower"

little white flower in the snow
white snow piled high
leopard trimmed snowsuit
a wild child in the ohio snow
year after year blooming into
the little white flower
wilting alone in the night
her past destroying the present
yesterday ruining today
running from the night
mistakes holding her in the darkness
that won't let her go
the little white flower
in the bottom corner
waits patiently surrounded
in the square of pictured darkness
the frame around the black square
glowing like a bright white light
the little white flower is
waiting for the next frame
that will be reflected through
the crystal ball lense
film moving missing nothing
watching a flower grow
years flashing on the screen like
an old black and white movie
showing at the princess theatre
on the corner of main street
and vine for a dime
say about 1938
in the darkness
when the little white flower
was just a bud

"Rhymers Reason"

it seems to me
rhyming no rhyme
could only be
poets wasting time

a poet needs rhyme
to finish and start
to write his line
to do his part

a poets rhyme
for all season
is so sublime
rhymers reason

"You Can Be"

you can be away or home
young or old small or big
thin or fat poor or rich
ignorant or smart uneducated or educated
follower or leader liar or truthful
abnormal or normal stagnant or changing
child or adultfather or mother
son or daughter grandfather or grandmother
sick or well hot or cold
crying or laughing sad or happy
foe or friend hater or lover
alone or company walking or running
sitting or standing eating or starving
asleep or awake working or playing
daydreaming or pondering discouraged or hopeful
stingy or generous simple or complicated
watching or acting downstream or upstream
animal or human pursuing or pursued
sour or sweet saint or sinner
carnivore or vegetarian devil or redeemer
reader or writer
dead or alive
be

"Poets Light"

we long for the days
of romance and rhyme
gone in all ways
of another time

lost in years
part of the past
bringing us tears
made not to last

forge on ahead
move into today
its all been read
goodbye naivete

rhymesters only
doing their best
come up lonely
losing times test

can hold your own
if you do it write
standing alone
in a poets light

"Tomato"

don't want to know
how or why tomatoes grow
only when its warm
and need a trellis or a stake
in a garden or a greenhouse
why they are green then red
little then big
why they are happy
on the windowsill for days
and unhappy in the refrigerator
why there are so many different
varieties and uses
why they are so popular
we think they will go far
satisfying every palate
doing all a tomato can do
to end up in your stew

"Last Act"

the lights dim
the curtain goes up
you are in the way
of another day
a favorite theme scene
temporarily out of stock
on an empty shelf
the ferris wheel is
going around and around
moving day in each seat
not physically moving
play moving mentally moving
needing to see more clearly
that which is and that which
cannot be like how it really is
not how you wish in hope
taking care of business
the best you can
trying to stay in place
as you go around and around
with your way lost
trying to imagine what
you will be like in the last act
when the curtain goes down

"Now and Then"

today for some reason
I stopped and washed
my eyeglasses at the sink
like my father use to do
each time he was getting
ready to leave the house
he held his eyeglasses under
the fast flowing water
at the kitchen sink
just touching them with alittle
dish washing soap
then dried them with the towel
that hung on a hook
just below on the cupboard
the top part of his glasses
were dark brown plastic
as were the sides
that went back to his ears
around the bottom
they were a silver metal
they had those
funny little nose guards
I remember how his eyes
looked after he put on
his clean glasses
my father had beautiful eyes
I see them as clearly now
as I did then

"Shadows Fall"

the sunlight fell through
the lace bathroom curtains
onto the soft golden tones
of the logs that make up
the walls of the cabin
making its own shadow pictures
there just touching the corner
of the picture tom took
of the blue cream persian cat
we gave mother so many years ago
giving our eyes just minutes
to see and us minutes to
remember them before
it takes us back
and moves us into today
as it surely will
finding us in its warm light
brushing us with the past
promising us the present
when the shadows of the past
will be ours

"Tomorrow"

today I did not do
what I planned I would
do tomorrow yesterday
things change
time erases good ideas
and bad ideas
that sometimes
give birth back to
the good ideas
the clouds can't
make up their minds either
it was suppose to rain today
the sun is shining
so be it as the spurs
urge the horse hang on
your ride slide
don't miss a stride
tomorrow high tide

"Count to Three"

hearts can only break
so many times
recovering in the music
of slow sad notes
as hurt finds
its strings
eaten away
by decay
no more to say
beware of the fragile
gingerbread all fancy
looking real
if you can
find an end
on the seesaw
be careful
watch out
choose
who gets
the other end
can't you see
out of sight
in the darkness
it will not be
count to three

"box of crayons"

a box of crayons
all our colors
follow a rainbow
find your way
listen like a rabbit
see like an hawk
talk like a mole
mother like a feral cat
practice dogs loyalty
sing like a bird
soar like an eagle
be sly like a fox
love like don juan
give all you can
compassion reigns
you are your thoughts
color your rainbow well

"Just Another Day"

texas hill country what a unique and beautiful place
its where our cabin in the woods is located
we searched and searched not finding it easily
the pin drop quiet ended when gypsy made her noise to go out at 6am
espresso at dawn with her on the cabin porch
another wonderful day on its way we love it
checking on progression of the swine flu on tv
checking things on my computer and ordering my espresso coffee from Vashon island
reading "Addiction" poem from david my writing friend in plano
checking daniels "Smogranch" youngest sons blog to see what he is up to
sometimes puts some of my writing on this blog yea
put bedspread 3 month old granddaughter Hadley
had an accident on back on my bed after washing
listened to "the times they are a-changin" by bob dylan
saved a cat that mistakenly got in gypsys fenced area
broke up a cat fight on their porch between to mother cats
deciding who was going to maintain access to the feeding dish
lucky brought her 4 kittens to to eat another mother boss bobtail objected
waiting to get big mowing weed eater out to see if it rains
will feed birds squirrels cats dog deer fox 2 neighbor dogs rabbits turkeys
and anything else that shows up here in the woods
but what makes this a really great day is seeing an indigo bunting and a blue bird
on the feeder just outside my kitchen window hallelujah
if nothing more happens around here this spring seeing these birds will do it
the hills are alive and well and so are we
we are glad we do not have to go in the car today
time to put a burger on the grill

" Swine Flu"

the bogeyman
is here
scaring us
in our fear

who to believe
what is true
to relieve
what to do

we will talk
too much
let it kill
not closing the gate

we never learn
afraid to do
will get burned
by this swine flu

"En masse"

don't fool yourself
the sick won't tell
swine flu on the loose
coming for you and me
oh say can you see
it won't let us be
no shots will do it
no vacine yet
a wild child
starting south
of the border
and it is coming
en masse in fear
to escape
bringing it with them
not knowing they
are infecting
their escape and ours
close the borders
or close your eyes

"Spring Fever"

rain awakening
the cabin
still dark
espresso
favorite day
since jan of 38
springtime
after so many
trickling drops
falling softly
finding life
honeysuckle blooms
red roses
hummingbirds
rock pile kittens
spring fever
spring flowers
spring peeper
wet birds
bugs under rocks
sunrise
mornings
old dog gypsy
on our porch
still together
writing thoughts
born in solitude
a rain claim
abundance of pleasure
our secret treasure

"Vortex"

the river meanders
moving you slowly
the way you are
not changing a thing
you walked away
to determine a path
to unhook the world
that held you
in its pattern so long
cutting equal squares
of monotony
arranged in rows
of bored sameness
you walked away
and its ok
some come to see
how it would be
alone in the vortex
in the river

"Still On Top"

do you glower
from your ivory tower
at each flower
flashing power

do you stoop
stay in the loop
out of the coop
so you don't droop

do you flail
over the mail
losing the trail
slow as a snail

are you a shaker
no kin to a quaker
son of a baker
fan of a laker

who are you
what do you do
give me a clue
something new

are you simple
have a pimple
wear a wimple
have a dimple

are you lazy
this is all hazy
much too mazy
driving me crazy

better stop
before I drop
or pop
still on top

"Hadley Jace"

joy to behold already bold
three month old girl
knowing what she wants
as happy as the sun
on a cloudless day
eyes knowing when they
identify mom and dad
knowing their voices
a tiny beautiful girl
crying for food
and absorbing the love
of those lucky enough
to get to hold her
returning it easily
with a smile
spoiled don't think so
too small for that
it comes later
grandmas job
a loving brother
bursting with pride
along side all who know her
Hadley Jace has entered the race
winning each and every heart
with perfect special grace

"Not If I Can Help It"

an old friend asked me
now that you are old
are you happy with your life so far
I said I wasn't sure
they asked if I was happy now
I said I think so
they asked what do you
still want to do
I said I didn't know for sure
they asked if I had
any regrets
I said I didn't think so
they asked if I had figured out
the real meaning of life
I said no
they asked me if grandchildren
were easier than your own kids
I said yes
they asked why I didn't
color my gray hair
I said why would I do that
they asked if I had had
any surgery
to make me look younger
I said no because
it would take too much
they said don't you know
gray hair and wrinkles
will make you look old
I said I am old
I asked them if they were afraid
to get old and if they thought
their lives would not be good
anymore if they had
gray hair and wrinkles
I asked them what they would lose
if they just let
nature take its course
I asked them why they can't
just be what they are
isn't it more important
to look after what you
look like on the inside
they asked if that is what
I had learned from life
I said I guess so
they asked if I wanted
to live to be one hundred
I said not if I
can help it

"Sassafras and Papaws with Dad"

sassafras and papaws
good memories you see
sweet as can be
from the wild
enchantment to the
mind of a child
dad and I
in grandpas woods
eating papaws
drinking sassafras
tea spawned from
an ohio springtime
along the river
just us just us
with the mosquitoes
and bees all visitors
on a warm afternoon
walking together
gathering tidbits of time
so special to
a nine year old daughter
she remembers them at her
writing desk as an old women
counting her blessings
because she has such
memories

"Too"

it is quiet
so quiet
under water
bubbles going up
out of your nose and mouth
bursting on the surface
what do they tell
who will hear
in no particular order

let the sun go
leave action alone
contemplate
draw deeply
skitter
work your line
post no bail
a scorpion sleeps
under a rock
in the dark
he has found
his place to park
be still and see
how the sun follows
itself so you can see

"Easter Grace"

we must determine
whether or not
we will walk
in the Lords footsteps
no one can force us
seek and ye shall find
only you can separate
yourself from Gods love
He has loved you
from your first breath
and sent His son
to save you
so the way is clear
open your heart and let his
light shine on the path
that leads to His love
Easter Grace shines its
heavenly light over all
if you do not yet
believe in Him
rest assured
He believes in you
Happy Easter

"Pattern in Lace"

I sit alone outside in the dark quiet night
the moon is rising behind the trees
in the woods outlining them
making them look like a pattern in lace
lace that would be found
decorating the neckline and cuffs of a dress
maybe a lace tablecloth
like the ones my grandmother had
I wonder if she sat alone
and watched the moon rise on a dark quiet night
I wish I had known her even a little
and watched a moon rise with her
then maybe I would understand
why she wore the lace on her dress
and dried her tears with that
same lace handkerchief
maybe then I would understand
about lace

"Showtime"

showtime sunday morning
countdown to the first
of three chuch services
the first for the old folks
quiet, not too much music
the second for their children
and a few of their older grandchildren
keep it under control
the third is for the teenagers
lots of rock and roll hymns
what it takes to get them there
the babies are in the nursery
so they don't disturb
the service well rehearsed
who is sick who died
who are they we don't know
a few well placed hymns
sung by all communion offering
hymnals replaced by movie screens
directing the production
like the theatre a play
but what is missing
we are so busy with the business
should not the family
go to church together
babies and all
separated the minute
they enter the sanctuary
like life separates them
religion has become big business
too much for one pastor
now many pastors
catering to the congregation
how can we get them to come
how about the joy of Jesus
a new building make it entertaining
keep it moving faster and faster
pull up the church website
a schedule to equal any
and a life history of the pastor
scratching his ego
what qualifies him to preach
where does God fit into all this
the hustle and bustle follows
the families through the church doors
looking for answers to quiet
their bruised souls and stressed out spirits
going through the motion
can we fill this church service
with families together
will the crying of a baby
really cause the curtain to come down
make a joyful noise unto the Lord

"Give me that Old Time Religion"

churches have merged
nicely into the new world
who has the most members
most popular minister
best part of town
and has been able
to adapt the bible
to the comfortable congregations
present day language
and lifestyle
tv has many churches as well
housing preachers who proclaim
their worth earned
by those who have
been swept up by their words
and believe them
and give money to them
make a pledge plant a seed
in return for their new book
pamphlets and promises
that tell them they will reap
rewards if they give
you can see by these showtime
ministers sitting in their
golden chairs expensive clothing
showing that they
have been given the promise
success measured still
by how many come who is most popular
living well on their donations
so much time spent on big business
strangers look at each other
sunday morning wondering who
they might meet as they plan
meetings of small groups
so they will not be looking at
stranges next sunday morning
the searchers searching
hoping God will forgive them
fearing their darkness
because they can't find their light
wondering but not asking
what is wrong
give me that old time religion
give me that old time religion
give me that old time religion
it's good enough for me

"Preacher Preacher"

preacher preacher
standing before me
quoting scriptures
with certainty
someones words
held in fallen
centuries of change
this tells me you know
the scriptures
tell me the rest
of the story
how to live
inside the fence
of the ten commandments
how to forgive
dastardly deeds
that tore at your soul
like cold hands
ringing out
a hot wet sponge
how to find your way
in a world
so far off track
it shakes from its depth
and devours its surface
show me how to
move the stone
and get back to the one
whose words you
so easily speak
denying the time
on the dim road of truth
tell me preacher
if you can

"Dogs Deserve better"

don't make me shoot your dogs
keep them home
keep them quiet
keep them
the noise late
goes beyond your gate
on others property
seals their fate
owners in fear
because they know
they don't know
how to live
in harmony
with their neighbors
so their dogs do their
suffering endlessly crying
barking at fearful shadows
with no one to comfort
lost animals in fear
left to make their own way
the people must not get caught
not knowing or admit to
the truth in the cries
of their trouble dogs
they no longer hear the barking
or see what is coming
change is coming
and it won't be stopped
dogs deserve better

"She Asked"

she asked
have you written anything today
no I said
I have not written anything today
actually I am thinking about taking
a break from writing a vacation
now I begin to feel guilty
because I haven't written
anything yet today
she ask how can you write
so much so fast
does it just come to you
from somewhere
I said yes
she said she likes the fact
that there is no punctuation
she said she can read it
so many different ways
and it can mean so many
different things
I told her punctuation
gets in my way when I write
that's what my sister Janice
said when I called her
to wish her a happy birthday
as she finds her way
through her seventies

"Downtown"

downtown
for the wealthy
just bought a loft
in an old warehouse
for 450 thousand
with a swimming pool
on the roof and
a view of the city
am able to walk anywhere
in this renewed area
of shops and restaurants
safe and sound
you can still buy
comfort and convenience
in downtown
your success the walls
that surround you
isolating you
from the reality
of what you will find
if you go just
across the tracts

"Lonely Cities Lonely People"

our cities are crying
where did they come from
why are they failing
where are they going
trapping the old and poor
their lives in anguish
losing themselves
in once nice neighborhoods
running around the loops
that just go around
and around and around
the smog crime noise clutter
no place to run
no way to run
when they can no longer
remember the dreams
that got them there
lost waiting waiting waiting
the lonely people
looking for purpose
in the shadows
of the walls of skyscrapers
because they did not know
the price they would pay
to live this way

"See ya Race Day"

enchanted rock or bust
3-29-09 a freezing 29 degrees
5:30 am leaving the cabin
gypsy outside in her sheepskin bed
on the road in the dark
headed for the
enchanted rock duathlon
father nick mother sheri
grandmother milnor
and seven week old
Hadley Jace Milnor
during the road trip
we tried to avoid stopping
at red stoplights
because Hadley securely strapped
in her car seat has
the red stoplight syndrome
if you stop she cries
nick will run cycle
and run again to the top
on enchanted rock
nick had gone to get ready
the rest of us were
preparing to go watch him
as the sun came up sheri was
was cleaning a massive
squash colored mess
Hadley had made in her diaper
that somehow reached her shoulders
not an easy job in the back seat
of the truck followed by
wrapping Hadley in blankets
and her winnie the pooh hat
and hooking her into a carrier
that held her to sheris body
she slipped her jacket over her
and her 7 week old baby
with the sun just saying hi
the three of us headed down
the trail to watch nick
we almost missed the start
back to the truck again to get warm
we caught nick later in the race
in the now warm sunny texas day
Hadley took her first trip
up enchanted rock
still strapped tightly to sheri
this place had to feel much like
the waterworld where she
had just spent 9 months
we hung around for nick to
get his piece of the rock for
placing in his age group
Hadley Jace
slept all the way home
too tired to catch
the red lights
flashing in her dreams