" 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