Called on memory to review:
where is Truth my youth thought true?

Worn through early years to mold you man
youth-time made wise use of its call
forming memories to last full-life's span
constant gauge used to measure all.

Again asked in that same style:
where is Joy once lit my smile?

Out-worn by heavy moments life casts
still enlivens your life with glee
a point of view, hopeful laughter lasts
still remembered - treasure gifted free.

Memory, tell me if still you know:
where Hope be found I need to grow?

Still brightly burning to guide your onward way
searching future years, dreams held within one's mind
bearing foul weathers when clouds cast darkly gray
thus quickens all - gateful ones may often find.

Again queried of memory's deep past:
where flits my Faith, long years may out-last?

Still nurturing dreams of future's hope
belief first formed from what scriptures drawn
a light grace-given, by which to cope
God's gifted lure - to entice you on.

Then cried - O memory give your clue:
where is my first Love long held true?

First curtsy met, then vowed to trust her mine
three decades bred four sons of ours
early years reaped a love of briefen time
still loved - though found in Heaven's bowers.
June 4, 1999

Those devious departures, delvings deeply done
wove from varied threads that unraveled
til Time and circumstance can not re-knit its run
finally declared - condemned and gaveled.

Looking back out of Future's rear-window
piecing together sharp cause of Death's blow
shattered love and life, til left one a widow
neither one thinking - we just never know.
October 17, 1999

AT  THE  TOP
As far as one could climb yet still hang on
clasp final stem, thereof look far beyond
with few leaves to obstruct, gave clear view
from that tree - saw things forgot or new.

Here at tree's apex, found oneself on life's leading edge
high held though barely, weaving as if un-took the pledge
gained vantaged height, a splendid lookout - and yet
found unstable enough - be a constant threat.

Soon I tired of both the view and pain
took tiresome effort with clutching’s strain
untempted by what world's riches deign.

Perhaps reached too high, beyond need or worth
rethought, although view gave full breadth of Earth
knew could not sustain grip required holding on
although felt tempted there to stay - full life-long.

ON  LOWER  LIMB
Out of sun’s heat, shaded by leaven shadows
not sticking out, hid by what tree-shade bestows
here no clasp needed, easily sit solid limb
leaned full-back against its trunk - if should be my whim.

Unworried nor betossed about, although lost that far view
yet much found quiet-held, more relaxed - free to think and muse.

Finding this mid-way perch far safer and secure
see what's near more clearly, distance does not obscure
a certain naturalness felt, though above the ground
ancient oak tree like a friend - solid-firm and sound.

Much seen from here, stayed longer stretch of time
another thing, not as far up to climb
gave an over-view from what seen lower down
far safer berth than when high atop tree's crown.

BACK  TO  EARTH
Finally shinnied down, til took that final jump
stood ground-held, seating myself on a stump
once again placed at ground level to draw another view
no fear of falling, back where started from - my climbing through.

Those varied vistas seen higher up gave thoughts a wider scope
glad I made that climb, for those higher sights gave far deeper hope
such how life wears and shapes its view, in a single day
time taken to look beyond - viewed a far different lay.

Shadows now lie longer, time growing late I would say
important to find one's place, now content - here to stay.
December 4, 1999

Know before our quizzing starts, may be true or lies
need to understand beyond strength of human mind
yet life’s disparity obvious to our eyes
each creature uniquely found to be - but its kind.

A benediction Creator gave, His penchant for Diversity
yet allows what that old Devil may - its preference for perversity.
January 6, 2000

Deep-loved or dismissed
well-known or unmissed
full or scant, found or lost
wet or dry - dew or frost.

Far out wide, near and close
without pride, meek or gross
healthy strong or frailed so
keenly learned - or one found slow.

Yet when one looks back
reviewing life’s routine
in the end will average out
somewhere in between.
February 25, 2000

Weekly polished, laced up - tightly feel
when taken off, both neatly placed side by side
pulled off by hand rather than toe to heel
fully unlaced-loose, then out-flared very wide.

But before long, new risks required some daring-do
in time their newness lost, soon became an old shoe
yet life with those shoes felt comfortable and pliable
more battered are, trusted like a friend - reliable.

For as well-conformed to one’s feet, more they are worn
til further usage scuffed, scratched, scraped, muddy or torn
becomes part of you, so dependable - til time reached
if should be lost or stolen, half of your life seems breeched.

How dismal life outwears when old shoes die
sorely missed, know new ones won’t wear as spry
dreading that waiting, hating - breaking new shoes in
know that agony - stretching new pair in again.

Such these lines have spoken of, old shoes long used in pairage
such could just as well apply to old wives - fused in marriage.
March 6, 2000

Whether treads steps for sleep or perhaps to brood
either way, always felt like he'd been dethroned
each time re-ran what had said - maybe hormoned!

If not too late of evening, later downed those stairs
put coffee on for them both, sipping as sat their chairs
but if later done, got up quickly - left with sudden leap
certain-knew on going to bed - would found her fast asleep.
March 21, 2000

When young, many hopeful dreams
when old, few of worth it seems
when young, that yearn for fonded love
when old - memories remembered of.

When young, Faith a vapid view
when old, one believes - all true
when young, Death deemed light-years away
when old - know will not long delay.
April 5, 2000

Henry and I sat a-chair, as snuggled him between my neck and shoulder
with bit of rocking, drifted off to dreamland - he two weeks I much older
precious hour both spent together, I to pray and wonder - he to sleep
in all that time never once squirmed nor moved - only I found one to weep.

But two weeks ago Henry born, be the last his mother would bear
in delivery hemorrhaged severely, gifting he - her final prayer
within minutes of delivery, Ester flagged, failed then died giving birth
Henry birthed midst those blessings of Death, Life and Love - varied values of worth.

A fullness of self-giving, lasting gift to family - remembers her by
here rocked holding her Henry, remembered Ester - yet unafraid to cry
held him like a son, recalled our own before my wife early died
thanked Bev and Ester for privilege, held Henry for an hour - sleepy-eyed.

Simple event once graced my day, no amount of money could buy
pondering splendors of both life and death, understood without their why
watched one hour, world all my own, Hank and me - Bev and Ester close by
now seems so long ago, both Life and Death mixed together - grief must ever try.
April 18, 2000

Side tracks early laid, soon became unused side-spur
retraced to regain main-line, thence whence to - unsure
hopeful may finally reach - roundhouse rail-head
thence to lay me down at last - one's last prayers said.
January 24, 2001

A trait that would describe much about the man he was
is oft said, a man remembered best - how his humor does.
February 23, 2001

He'd known such ice before, should quick-freeze between
so ate in silence, after - two cups caffeine
with meal done, children cleared table then left
she washed, he dried - divided with widened cleft.

Two long-wed knew, needed space held with silence
eve drew late, children abed - he made pretense
in her quiet tone, told all phone-call caused
after, he asked her how she felt - then paused.

Knew by morning next, their forgiveness would dissolve
understanding those depths - mutual love could resolve.
February 24, 2001

Its beginning heart-felt, years after ripened otherwise
vicissitudes and visions revalued, passing years revise
ever changing, til that choice matures one not self-same
first hopes, half-century refashioned - into what became.

First visions outlasted waste of years committed to
unmatters not what field chosen nor first hopes drew
time worn with determination, one's allegiance grew
half-century now celebrated - for what has made of you.
March 19, 2001

Ignorant of all that preternatural hopes may tell
ancient wisdoms acclaim as either - heaven or hell.

As struggle midst fears and hopes each one must
from all learned, sensed and done - wrongly or thought just
til in the end, again rely on childlike trust
as slip beyond, certain only - will decay to dust.
March 20, 2001

Where now is my lost youth with all its dreams
crafting those delights, life's future schemes?
Hollowed echoes resonated like grunts:
outgrew worth of Time - freely given once.

Where now is my peacefulness then had known
soothing those harsh vicissitudes others thrown?
Shallow whispers barely heard reached my ears
lost to frets of loneliness, grief and fears.

Where now is my ready laugh and smile
once outlasted worst of trouble's guile?
A mocking tone chuckled from deep dark shadows
lost mid pains and wastes - age bestows.

Where now is my certainty brought of love
giving confidence as one well thought of?
Only silence drifted - cold, sere and dry
since one unloved - no answer gave reply.
April 25, 2001

When love first glimmers hopes in those young
when passions heat hearts til marriage won
when flock scatters, til with others clung
when grandkids regather - again as one
then Life's yield full told - stories grandfolks spun.
May 2, 2001

Buried beneath depths too deeply delved, til unfound furthermore
cede cold Fate its final win, letting go - as to underscore
yet trusting those lost Hopes, as one's final obeisance to God
if such be done instead of vengeful Hate - do not think it odd.
May 15, 2001

The eyes that stared, those lips that lied, handshake weakly thrust
have you yet met of some whose greeting - belied their trust?

The eyes that glared, those lips that snarled, hand hard-shaken in your face
have you yet met of few whose greeting found - to put you in your place?

The eyes that cried, those lips that quivered, handshake would not let go
have you yet met of those bereft, tell what of Death - you should know?

Those eyes that glistened, their lips flushed full, handshake which told as much
have you yet met of none whose greeting wilted you - with their touch?
June 1, 2000

Fully grown, toiled to earn from what had learned
til Happenstance interfered with what now yearned
fret of mind, sweat of brow til hopes wrung dry
only later - began to wonder why.

Now aging fast, sparring Life with fickle Fate
before Choice or Chance brought Death to my gate
then grim Grief slew half of me, now again to dream
until lastly found, of Faith's hope - my only scheme.
June 2, 2001

When Winter days wear November's gray
when winds chill beyond warmth, heart's heat may
when night too soon comes, hours hurried quick by clock's measure
that past remains in memory - fifty years will treasure.

When she who was better half, gathered to her grave
when children and grand-kids fled with all they gave
when seldom comes afoot, neighbored friends once had drawn
such times held in memory - fifty years thinks upon.

When readings upbring news of places once had known
when obits declare former friends to their graves have flown
when rare letter arrives, telling wedding soon be vowed
remains in memory, fifty years now holds - humbly proud.
June 13, 2001

Inequities each suffers, despite valid rules of law
as pillars of democracies become temples of straw
always the exception, especially if money paid
while courts convened to decide - if mere laws obeyed.
July 16, 2001

Wisps of wayward winds thoughtlessly blown
early visions vanquished, never grown
only worth life gained, what first-love sown
now but dust left behind the door - dry as bone.

Frivoled years out spent, til their past forgot
none now remember - as if not begot
whose worth unfound bearing fruits of truth
cast aside - rejected since first youth.

Winnowed out like dry tares grown midst the wheat
but merely for a time, held as one sweet
then Death reaped but the best, yet not of I
left with an arid hope - til down to die.

Swirled by wasting wind's wonton gusts
like soft-iron crafted, rain quickly rusts
not even worth final fling of lust
one left unseen - but forgotten dust.
September 11, 2001

Where flies fabled bird as Raven told
so might tell if all life soon gone cold
as blackened clouds of war foreclosed sun's bright
when Earth found cursed with Hate - by maim and might.

Where cries widowed eyes, grief-sorrows weep
so might ease that anguish, loss must reap
when Death removes love's purpose - fully lost
soon after, grieving memories - night dreams tossed.

Where dies that final day unknown
so might cease miseries we bemoan
when one's hope nor love, no longer found achieved
til dries to dust, old dreams lost - Time left ungrieved.
September 25, 2001

When there stood I by recent graveside mound
where deeply loved who lay beneath cold ground
amid such grief and loss too early found
amidst quiet brief - felt bereft of sight and sound.

When there eagerly eyed an evening sky
where wide-eyed viewed faint tintings, stars shown by
amid that growing dark, each night asks why
midst those shadows, thoughtless Death slays - with reaper's scythe.

When there chanced to meet one unmet before
where both longly talked til eve soon outwore
midst casual walks taken upon wasting moor
midst dry dregs and lees Life left - unfound no more.

When there heard words, love once spoke long ago
where hopes firstly stirred, youth cannot forego
amid late travels, life traced far from there
midst tatters Time unravels - til left torn and bare.

When there dwelt I again on native ground
where felt a peacefulness thought truly sound
amid calm and trust had formerly found
midst that tenderness - her love fully crowned.

When all versed above still remembered well
where so much became, then too quickly fell
amid night's sweet air, soft lips kissed to tell
now smelt rank husks and barren weeds - with musty smell.
October 11, 2001

Was never faith found to fail
strength strongly felt, never frail
despite vicissitudes of pondered doubt
unknowing trials - to test it out?
January 4, 2002

Yet each one bid there travel by
thinking they know - tis but a lie
forever faring as best they might
chased or led - by some inner light.

But of why and how brought by
each passing year questioned why
seeking answers beyond the sky
some found grateful - for challenged try.

No one escapes, lest unconceived
each one wary, lest be deceived
some seem unmindful if achieved
more found trusting - as if believed.

All must wend their way til life gone
Time measuring out, just how long
of those wayward steps, life daily brings
til final dirge, their swan-song - finaly sings.
January 9, 2002

Were long nights we gathered telling lies
each one more true or false, some thought wise
but that was long ago
those who lied with me
most now dwell beyond far skies.

Were times met to learn History's lore
those strange events from days of yore
but that was long ago
those who learned with me
most now dwell where angels soar.

Were times we sang by what fast fiddle gave
far after midnight did our rantings rave
but that was long ago
those who sang with me
most now dwell beyond tomb-stoned grave.

How loud we gathered when week's work done
banter each other with friendly fun
but that was long ago
those friends who shared with me
most now dwell whereof - dying won.

ENVOY
How we longly gathered - but memories now
riant laughter, teased and sang with our howl
such now seems so long ago
of those who laughed with me
all now gone - interred 'neath yew tree's bough.
January 11, 2002

Unfound where teeming flocks freely graze
their color shemes seldom seem to fit
found alone when local opera plays
wherever seated - must lonely sit.

Off life's beaten track as not be trampled by
far from madding rush of those who quickly fly
as if almost hidden, for are stealthy shy
yet 'tis for this, their beauty - must surely sigh.

Neither too late nor early found in bloom
perennials surviving down passing years
ways unseen by most, dwells a simple room
wearing lives others unguess - with lonely tears.

Have gathered few friends til seems but enough
to feed their famished love with scanty need
such beauty can be felt, though softly-tough
a sterile-strain - that will never gift its seed.

Should life's serendipity cede its unexpected chance
perambulate among Nature's woods and blossomed fields
perhaps may spy such hidden blooms with long searching glance
if so, stop to cherish what timidity - shyly yields.
January 18, 2002

Are reasoned needs that must be won
yet tis by Hope that gets things done
are religious creeds ages brew
but selfless kindness proves them true.

When young, must understand to know
when old, just to trust - all need owe
tis such, those passing years provide
daily pray - that one's faith abide.
February 15, 2002

Is of our gladdened days that joy draws
like some other season with different laws
happenstance gifting what happiness knows
counter those saddened times - one's sorrowing loathes.
February 20, 2002

Each one a historied story of but little told
sparred and jarred from wild weather's blow, hot or cold
midst those varied ventures, done when one young or old
each life, each head - held with pride.

Each an entity unto themselves yet alone
gleaned from scant harvests their labored years had grown
midst those loves and hates, self-dreamt or by others thrown
each life, each head - held furled.

Each soul carries their life-time deeds in both heart and head
some remembered well, others lost among those now dead
midst fading hopes or vanquished loves - sufferings bled
each life, each head - a world.
March 1, 2002

Such needs she hast, again walk with proudful stride
regain inward trust, til with others full confide
restrengthen heart once shattered when someone lied
face onward days with certainty - of one's self-pride.

Til pain forgotten, unfettered free - past put behind
refocus on what lies ahead, open to what may find
recapture self-freedom, her shattered past long held confined
old pains reburied, staunchly step beyond - with open mind.

Those joyed eyes, dimpled smile freshly seen unbound
with forward steps, tread unforeknown ways newly found
one I knew enough to con her pain and health refound
all such recalled as stood alone in prayer - by her mound.
March 2, 2002

Of whom do I speak of here, those grown old of course
outwore former years til have no need using force
finally found their better worth, be someone's friend
knowing nearing Death may grace - their final end.

Simple souls self-taught to be such as one might trust
like all others fraught with sins, passing years had thrust
now gently humbled, of their ignorance - held unashamed
struggled years to understand, what life left unexplained
awaiting what Death may gift, earthen days - unproclaimed.
March 9, 2002

Like another life lived beyond bright of day
duties done, time for what memories put in play
re-live past events, re-learn truths from olden dreams
for silence often speaks more clearly - than shouted screams.

Sorting out those scattered leavings one's life has left
reweaving old patterns with newly woven weft
so might better wear future days with fuller zest
face onward years with faith and hope - an endless quest.

When midnight hours gathered in their soft silence
idle olden dreams, lost midst that vast Immense
finding there new-found meanings for one's onward years
for joys must be earned - by suffraged fears and tears.
March 12, 2002

Although God-given right
not gained without a fight.
March 15, 2002

There was a time we faced but forward
never thought of looking back
there was a time futures led onward
fulfilling all one might lack.

There was a time - but now is lost
scattered down those passing years
til came a time, now know their cost
shattered loss of friends - with tears.

There was a time need not have been
or birthed but far otherwise
there was a time we had to win
what true hopes fully realize.

Til finally learn from life's struggled strain
whereas from all foresaid above
perhaps more learned through Suffering's pain
than giving teaches - through Love.
May 2, 2002

Without once family dog giving chase
more wildlife seen about the place
creatures ever pushing for wider space
in wild Nature - nothing goes to waste.

As age gathers one more inside than before
dwell mostly in the mind, more deeply explore
what Death took away, Love soon gave - so gained the more
working those 'edgings' of my hopes - a daily chore.

Sharing what I own with what creatures now have by rights
shifting land's tenure back to what wild Nature likes
such I now freely cede to them, like some friendly autocrat
as ill-kept lawn of late - rechanges their local habitat.

Stewardship rather than ownership, my old age confers
without needless change of land-deed, my laziness transfers
as idle midst life's vestiges, old age now prefers
til I should sudden-cease - when awaited Death occurs.
August 9, 2002

Since old am left behind, World rattles on
time taken to visit by, too many gone
other ears find no time to listen by
of olden ways - nor for their reasons why.

As many friendships made, slowly dwindles thin
til I visit by - only those close of kin.

But oh those precious few who yet have ears
still share your words or theirs of former years
remembered episodes from a past yet told
for memories all that's left - when growing old.

Aware when I lie cold, destined for the grave
those few will find them there, olden friendship gave
for life's memories long kept, death-after - Time soon discards
since knowing what these lines tell - now bid them my regards.
August 10, 2002

Yet enkernelled there, futures hidden out of sight
as if unseen, forbear worst harsh of Winter's blight
til first blush of warm Spring returns its vernal light
thence rebirth themselves anew - an inherent rite.

Beyond innate powers, endless ages seem to prove
each holds some reserve, when Death makes its final move
vague hopes hinting, their resurrection true
midst Nature's vast - found Heaven's hidden clue.
August 15, 2002

How deep have we delved
dusty tomes long shelved
late-burning midnight's oil
til blind from reading's toil?

How far have we thought
what past learnings taught
discerning truths from lies
still to question their whys?

How much have we cared
hands our gifting shared
thankfulness in their eyes
new found hopes - gave rise?

Til at last Faith dealt
what Life learnings felt
stumble yet rise again
now knowing - cost of sin

For each but a prodigal son
wealth of the world must be won
concerned with our growing estates
as our Father - patiently awaits.
August 27, 2002

As homed each day from work, found just passing by
on his way, a friendly gesture thought ought try
how visits first began, now forgotten why
til cold Death intervened - with its reaping scythe.

Still find joy after four til gains five
though tis I who one day each week must drive
grave-side standing, so our friendship might survive
like weekly visits he gave - when still alive.
August 29, 2002

Hemmed in by a closeness, neighbored-housings cause
restrictions requiring enforcement by laws
unknowing freedom found beyond city limits
such rural peacefulness - uncrowding permits.

Rugged comforts Nature gifts are free
both sun-rise and sunsets - fully see
pace of life safer with unwanted crowdings
cleaner air breathed - nor smog with dirty cloudings.

Unafraid to meet your neighbors dwelling near
to stop and ask or met on the way - no fear
here find one trusting many far more than less
living further apart, yet close - without stress.

Yet to each their own, one's living may require
city-bred or country-fled, either can inspire
if fast and fun fulfills your need to get things done
then city-dwelt ought be chosen - for there tis won.

Let those lumbering slow of foot, dwell rural land
pace of life plods a peacefulness they understand
where Nature lends its health and healing balm for free
far from citied lights and crime - free to fully be.
August 29, 2002

How much have you wondered, quizzing what unknew?
How oft have you planted, finding most ungrew?
How near have you approached, so be welcomed in?
How much have you grown by - gleaned from what had been?

How clear have you spoken as one fully heard?
How close have you followed teachings of the Word?
How sure have you presumed to speak but the truth?
How old have you become - outgrown whims of youth?

How bold have you challenged, making right from wrong?
How free have you dared of, helped those weak be strong?
How true have you trusted, giving else-ones hope?
How far have you traveled - learn how others cope?

How tender has been your touch, showing that you cared?
How gentle have you told, so their fears were spared?
How silent have you kept, that others might speak?
How patient have you held - when futures looked bleak?

How keen have ears listened, so heard what unsaid?
How quick have you offered other cheek instead?
How long have you measured, length love will endure?
How valid are these lines - certain or unsure?
August 31, 2002

Besides, mountain's air growing thin
need to rest more often than been
yet these reprieves brought beauty by
gathered deeper reasons to try.

So struggled on, growing steeper yet
tired muscles ached, eyes bleared from sweat
doubting if this excursion wise
choose some mountain - with lesser rise!

Found mountain's air growing colder
hard keeping warm, since one older
yet my slowness gave time to think
til vistas viewed - at mountain's brink.

Then realized had reached its top
with happy tears, eyes could not stop
grateful for what those visions brought.

Learned, tis not the pain but one's aim
for life's struggles are not a game
not give up, taking one's time
thankful not quit that challenged climb.

Going down seemed worth climbing up
as if fully drank from life's cup
for tis by trying, gives Life meaning
from the rich harvest - comes the gleaning!
September 4, 2002

Passing years rebuilding old hopes once thought lost
slowly learning how expensive, love's high cost
until greed replaced by gratuitous giving
Love and Faith but the same - makes life worth living.
September 22, 2002

Within higher councils of State
where decisions late brought to law
between powers, each seeking different ends
hid behind closed doors, bare tooth and bloodied claw
of those there - have found no friends.

Within hallowed Halls of Learning
where wisdom still argued when taught
derived from historied texts - perhaps true
hid within fertile minds, hungered what knowledge brought
of those there - I listened to.

Beside those few pew-held nearby
where hopeful hints are weekly preached
wisdom One spoke, re-heard its ancient Word
open wide to every heart, where love of each is reached
of those there - Truth finally heard.

Amid forsaken hollowed hills
long dwelt since some forgotten day
those left behind still plow clods of ancient clay
hide behind deft ears that hear, so full-learn what you say
among these here - I will stay.
October 23, 2002

When childhood free, dreamy feelings fed
make-believe tales, mother's readings read
lazed on floor's sun-brought warmth, dreamt what could be
evils unthought - life felt completely free.

Dreams of child-days, midday's sunlight brought by
three-score later now recalls, when young and shy
those early years unforgot, schemes from long ago
a secret each one does, olden themes - we self-sow.

Back when love simply presumed, as yet unearned
family comfort protecting pains, life yet unlearned
when grown-up, found suffering a necessary tool
learned from tedious trials taught - in Life's harsh school.

Til age grows one back to childhood days, lost before
like some winter's day, south-sun's warmth cast across the floor
recalling all that after came, Life-long an endless endeavor
youth found too quickly ends, though early felt - would last forever.
March 14, 2003

Of how we so waste our years
until at last aging by
someone's kindness felt with tears
til even eyes - shedless dry.
April 7, 2003

What might future years hold, proud world brags unashamed
ignorant of human values, freedoms first proclaimed
bought and sold for thirty pieces, Trust cannot reclaim
most mis-read what One's death told - only Love overcame.

Yet as always, gathered few here or there, gave their proffered care
despite deprivations, freely gave from what love might share
time Faith freely asks, weekly honored with honest prayer
not idoled Baal nor man-made gods, but words - Cross gave heir.

Yokes of slavery, unblind Justice, burnt-flags trodden on
til Freedoms felt oppressive, strength to suffer for - gone
hollow words, Liberty now speaks with mere pretense of show
til Freedom's precious worth - but lost echoes from long ago.
April 30, 2003

Of trust first given, for love gives of such
too soon found riven when lies told too much
only if love striven - regains its touch.

As long as life still lives, Time's gifting cedes
what one's forgiveness gives, love ever pleads
past sins can be out-lived - by kindly deeds.
May, 5, 2003

Daily battles waged between vast extremes of Love and Hate
harried rush to grasp or gain, yet when gleaned - found held little weight
idle prattles, thoughtless words cast upon unheedful ears
unthinking, unaware how close Life's ending - quickly nears.

Dull days groveled beneath low leadened skies, masked with gray
unread, unthought, uncurious for what Truth might say
nor paused to wonder of what Beauty gifts, fair Nature shows
yet our inborn curse of workful duty - seems never slows.

Unfeeling what our running steps trampled on, hopes others try
forever onward, work to rest, rest til work - clocks timed us by
each minute used, til quenched those inner needs to give and share
each hour spent to quell that ancient worth - to kindly care.

Unknowing long after, even then hurried on, denied what rest should gift
with hollow laughter, soon found Time but a toy we merely tinker with
of such observed, midst those bustling crowds of citied towns with crowded streets
where each face holds its own, without kind words or manners - til no one greets.

A sterile world lost upon itself, has no wish to birth or learn
a feral stray wandering without hope, enslaved by work - but to earn
Time treasured as sternly measured, awaits the night but for day
leaves mangled scraps lost behind - left over from childhood's play.

Restless need to go, driven by wants - merely be pleasured of
a senseless breed we've become, unknowing full depths of mutual love
as across far reach of unending years, perhaps then will come a Time
when change brought by events yet unknown, may come to pass - midst citied grime.
May 16, 2003

Upon wings of Circumstance, some are found
endure their lives to dwell alone
until foul weathers harshly takes them down
finally crumple - that none bemoan.
May 16, 2003

OF SUCH I THOUGHT
Reaping grains sown from long ago, summer fields grew
gave seed for future deeds, a young lad's hopes later drew
for knowledge gathers both grain and straws to winnowing floor
where flails echoed their cadenced beat, life's worth - learning more.

Sorting seed from chaff, so may gather Truth instead of lies
learn right form wrong, distinguish those ignorant from ones grown wise
as warm winds shifted themes, perchance ones a poet plays
such murmurs as these heard within - above dry Scottish braes.

From where sat, beyond this lea - lay rippled blue of Firth of Tay
tall spiers of Saint Andrews seen, for was there had made my stay
a time long past, footing dusty roads alone - slept open sky
trusting all met, of pub's aled laughter - wasted evenings by.

OF SUCH LIFE TAUGHT
Now recalled as sat fire-side brink, as cold Winter nears
episodic ventures Life scattered across lost years
stray thoughts youth-time earned, when inly mused of one's idled whims
soon became old age prayers softly hummed - sung like holied hymns.
May 17, 2003

What miracle might mend such mars
one's honor besmirched thereby
stigmatized eternal scars
when true facts hears - no reply.

What forgiveness could shrive such lies
some calumny quickly spread
found scandalized in other eyes
til one's self-respect - found fled.

What acceptance could full repair
one's timid shyness so
paralyzed, frozen by despair
self-blame - one's pride must owe.
May 23, 2003

Beneath shadowed tree, swinging high
singing songs with every thrust
I saw a child dream his day.

Within class-rooms early teachings taught
soon understanding every word
I saw a child read out loud.

Amid those class-mates at recess time
playing games of two-sided ball
I saw a child mix with crowd.

On college breaks, a summer's job
earning learnings untaught at schools
I saw a youth now growing wise.

Among thousands - graduation day
with diploma proudly clutched in hand
I saw a man with far searching eyes.

In rows upon rows beneath the sun
each full equipped with shouldered gun
I saw a soldier dressed in full-uniform.

Midst war's harsh fray of fear and fright
in command - shout his men to fight
I saw a Sergeant lead men in battlestorm.

In rows by rows beneath cold ground
where only taps gave honored sound
I saw a veteran laid to rest.

Last to leave, widow with four sons
tis each of these now lonely ones
I saw a family's future test.

THEN  REMEMBERED
That dusty lane of August dry
in earthen dirt of ageless dust
still see a child - lastly blest.
May 25, 2003

Seen as dandled with baby's fingers for awhile
her daughter's first birthing, a joy she later felt
despite early tragedies - war unfairly dealt.

BACK  THEN
Ravaged waste wrought of Slavic lusting's haste
crushed til blood told, fetus but mangled paste
within the hour, expelled by Nature's kindness
rejection of their savage thrusts - so mindless.

EVER  AFTER
Though three score past, that sadness still lurks within her eyes
revealing a pain her smiling face can not disguise
although those tragic visions seldom reappear
past evils still fester - beneath life's soft veneer.
June 6, 2003

Using an ancient tool of toil
as lonely nurtures tillaged soil
daily labors with sweated brow.
Where might he be seen - even now?

Still struggles on as so many do
suffered wants, greedful powers withdrew
slaves ground beneath crush of tyrant wheels
what little saved, graft and greed - quickly steals.

Honored worth of so many found profaned
cultured differences blatantly disdained
harsh laws still lie with valid legalese
after the silence of  the centuries.
June 27, 2003

Between birth and death, striven years fashioned from fevered dreams
studied years spent learnings of, Nature's wisdom so freely schemes
by force or love, wars or peace - cold Destiny ever deems.

Deeds unlasting but mere moments, beyond their ventured birth
or endured long centuries through, usage still found of worth
brought either by rape of force - or freely mined from Mother Earth.

Such toiled labors to gain or give, waste or save Life thereby
deeply mulled within the mind, for what their pleas to gods imply
til Death descends, thence may hear - of what those gods reply.
July 22, 2003

Then suddenly, new life smoothly slips into that airy world
unsuspecting, unknowing its endless journey - sails unfurled
without need nor notion to whence nor why, as if blind
deep delved depths or far reach of sky - learned within the mind.

Launched upon blind whims and moods, others choose
self-planned schemes risked with unfearful dares
or thoughtless vagaries, Nature innately shares
cast by sheer circumstance - tie, win or lose.

Such grandeur and enigmatic mystery
found emplaced within annals of history
so finite yet infinite, faith may chose to tell
invisible visions only mothers know - or will.

But cry or stare, as first view what birthing brought
still stressed from delivery of one's afterbirth
sweat-soaked and exhausted, labored trials fraught
suffered joys of motherhood - its valued worth.

Deciding if name pre-chosen fits or not
blindly accepting whether boy or girl brought
their joy unthinking at the time, what lies ahead
struggled anguish now forgotten - painful birthing bred.

Thence all those after years, each must earn of life thereby
sufferings of a world, answers give no reply
find what lost, lose what found - married to groom or bride
til that unknown time, some may weep - dying lastly cried.
June 4, 2003 - October 15, 2003

A challenge cast on those birthed to live
in the end, for what His Love may give
some might equate much like a holy hymn
flung across those stars - left to sink or swim.

Searching what growing hopes may finally find
slowly fashioned within dark depths of mind
til each found vanquished, by stealth of silent Death
anguished til languish - die with ceasing breath.

Thereafter thrown among those stars of endless Time
abide within dimensions of some unknown clime
grateful or resentful for, what their life brought by
perhaps then understanding God's Love - and Its why.
November 9, 2003

Way you give best
is by suffering.
Way you suffer best
is by denial.

Way you deny best
is by death.
Way you die best
is with Faith.
November 14, 2003

Yet Ignorance blunders without shame
like crude structures, hand-built of cane
as starvation leaves behind - no name.

Destiny but a pauper's dream
blameless Fate holds no special scheme
nor Karmas self-induced - vaguely deem.

YET
Deeds done of Choice and Circumstance
or necessity of Happenstance
blind Opportunity - often grants.

World still hears moans of despair
long striven labors, oft unfair
or hopeful dreams - one risked to dare.

Such a tangled web World yet weaves
some to forage among fallen leaves
others plucked ripe fruit - from older trees.

Tis our Ignorance, not Fate we should blame
Life taken serious, tis not a game
learn how smoldering wick, rebirths - life's flame.
November 17, 2003

Each day done, added to those past
an endless seam that never ends
toiled labors, but feet and hands
active for what each moment lends.

A string of facts without their dreams
connecting reasons for what does
with no thought of why, merely done
entire life spent - for what it was.

World of ideas held no interest of
nor arts or science, beauty left unseen
sweet nothings but a wasted joke
preferred schedule - for day's routine.

Faith but a child's hope - after death
each Sunday churched, a bounden duty
harshly kind but never kindly
yet honest-fair - with work and money.

Simple pioneer lived but to stay alive
those wonders of history, left unread
wear of weeks or years, much the same
each day its own - never looked ahead.

Such health, aged four-score ten and counting
seldom ill enough to waste a day
single-minded yet keen enough, very sharp
seemed like one eternal - come what may.
December 3, 2003

No need quarrel over one's name
tis not that word by which it came
some past endeavor gave it aim
foolish fears - soon fanned into flame.
 
Whispered words spread, ruined one's fame
minds pretended, a teenage game
left behind one crippled, limping lame
truth or lies, fact or false - felt the same.
December 6, 2003

Clustered congestions measured into neighborhoods
within such frenzy,  bondings tied to brotherhoods
whole life city dwelt - earning their livelihoods.

A growing conglomerate where business opportunes
all hours of day and night, in between - late afternoons
across far reach world grows - Londons to Saskatoons.

Each metropolis a microcosm of humanity
mixtured of illiterate, those well-learned of urbanity
creating such stress and rush - driving some to insanity.

A moiled madness, as such - surmised by those countrified
especially observed at fiscal season of Christmastide
when a loneliness deeply felt - leads some to suicide.

Over-run, over-crowded, til finds release in urban sprawl
middle-class neighborhoods where each one lives near some mall
yet even there snarled traffic backed up - slowing to a crawl.

Those fragile networks millions rely upon for basic needs
everyone much depends, energies varied utilities feeds
when ill-weathers blow or some pandemic flu too quickly breeds.

Even far foreign hovels secluded beyond hid hills
likewise found ever at that mercy of humanity's ills
wars and famines, droughts and floods, disease and death - yearly kills.

World's population enduring - merely to survive
a plethora of isms and cultures, ages derive
individuals daily struggle - life itself deprive.
December 7, 2003

Some shattered waste of the past, once laid aside
now with abandoned Fate, must now decide
perhaps find some brief comfort, for what might bring
before ill-scattered Hope flung - its final fling.

Again recast, upon those endless wisps of Time
across far uncharted seas, found in every clime
til haunts its bleak strife upon some other poor soul
whose life lately soured, hopes yearned - some ungainful goal.

Trusting another time, finds a far distant place, where
ill-fraught schemes found drifting, on foul stench of stagnant air
abide those tempests through, til conquered, or but dies
one I once observed, with sweated brow - and panicked eyes.
December 16, 2003

Mind still keen, eyes kept closed, keeping out all things bright
dreams drifting midst scattered years, for whatever deems
so might better ponder of what one's dying might
awaiting yet pondering - hope's eternal themes.

Voice but a mumbled whisper, awake yet asleep
as life's pulse slowly shuts down, inner warmth skin-deep
struggling midst strange enigmas, no one fully knows
til in some silent hour, hopes linger - then finally goes.

Their history but what close-kin recall, old letters tell
at wake and funeral, may hear of other facts as well
some remembered of, yet future years quickly forgets
one finally lost, midst those annals - yet leaves no regrets.

As ageless unthinking Time, blindly tarries on
ignoring those seeds of war, now building larger guns
until sun engulfs world's globe - and all is gone
as scattered dust of ancient years - reforms newer suns.
December 17, 2003

Slowly woven from stray strands, of fragile Faith
those wasted strings left behind, by raveled Hopes
til convictions held stoutly clenched - confirmed by Love.
December 24, 2003

Twicely that long aisle
a gauntlet to exit by
stoic-faced, no smile
with firm resolve - not to cry.

Once more downed that long aisle
final funeral to exit by
welcomed with olden smile
her curtsy bids - when I should die.
February 15, 2004
IFFY

If faith were given half a chance
believe those Words told long ago
perhaps then, one would always hope
confident - life could always cope.

If hopes were given half a chance
humbled by what chose to believe
perhaps then, one might will apprehend
meaning of deep faith - til comprehend.

If love were given half a chance
enduring what must suffer by
perhaps then, would tolerate each other
founding friendships, bonding each - a brother.

If humor more often thrown
til tickled one's funny bone
perhaps we might laugh a lot
til anger's rage - found forgot.
April 11, 2004

First ventured dares, my hungers chose
soon starved from lack, of deeper lore
fearful where learning's trail goes
yet dared to go - far further more.

When reached where Maud's log house burnt to ground
below where Charlie's old plow-horse dropped dead
neither rose again, fire and heart brought down
above burnt house, t'was there - my future led.

Til finally gained where next hill gave rise
to earn of what manhood might bestow
with rope and quick hand, captured my prize
grown colt, Charlie's horse bred - years ago.

Whole summer spent, learned how to ride
three months challenged, for one's growing up
mutual care earned its trust, til I rode with pride
such freedom, to call - then saddle-up!

Was long ago, now too old to ride
still remember first fears, riding slow
days of one's childhood, fun but rough
how youth first learned, to be kind - yet tough.
April 17, 2004

Visioned eyes, blind with cataracts
her gaze pierced my searching mind
til knew each knew - both were kind.

Led me by a wish she unspoke
brief walk leading to her door
with such a richness - that left her poor.

Thence thereafter, unmet again
yet in my heart, still greets me by
to talk again - old years might try.

Visits made between, years ago
aging hands, toothless smile
with such engaging wile.

Tis of such old age remembers
her friendship shook with palsied hands
til her glass held - but quiescent sands.

One found growing old, yet alive
forgiving years that grew her strong
left me crying - echoes of her song.
April 20, 2004

Of what been asked, took time to respond
minutes passed before he spoke
choosing each word from far off beyond
some distant past - memory woke.

As warmed to his topic, asked then chosen
young ears heard their very first time
til his eyes inflamed with cheeks red-rosen
eyes shedding sad tears - even mine.

As oft said, was long ago and far away
canadian wilds - Ludlow Bay
Winter's fresh cold, felt of Autumn's cloudy day
forty-years past - when youth felt outre.

Now two-score later, tis I of age
awaiting my thoughts to clear
murky memories, blurred on yellowed page
shifting words in - a slower gear.

Going back in time, but not to change
merely to remember or but review
though Time is staidful, oft oddly strange
of such slow manners - tis what old folks do.

Reviewing olden truths, those lies History tells
respoken into fresh words - Time correctly spells.
April 22, 2004

But when night returns, least is done of most
drink cheap wine, eating moldy bread or crust
not wine of blood nor bread of sacred host
as day turns night - a place of drunken lust.

Across a world, left for man to freely till
some sow wheat, others grow dry waste of tares
abuse their nights with wild pleasures, brought of Hell
as others light bright lamps - friendship shares.
April 24, 2004

I returned where both just spent five hours
recapturing lost years, what each planned to do
in that empty silence too briefly ours
hearing what left unsaid, between I and you
future years could not gift - neither never knew.

Such occurred thirty years ago, our lives chanced to take
between then and now, time gave birth of other ends
presumptions thought, future plans might well make
til old age wonders what became of her - no letter sends.

Each friend, material for new novels, yet be written
upon those drifting sands, circumstance soon blows away
occasions of love and hate, long or briefly smitten
skein Life unravels, til Death snips final thread - one day.
April 25, 2004

When freshly young, careless of one's past
nor what it might cost
when grown old, think not how long will last
but what life had lost.

When freely young, unknowing then
those out-planned dreams
seldom birthed at all.

When lastly gone, name soon forgot
as if never lived
or died last Fall.
April 26, 2004

Men more modest than boys, yet allowed to swear
lads oft did, but in the open - wouldn't dare
boyhood memories old men recall, a growing stage
men merely boys grown up, boys but men - Life will age.
April 28, 2004

Fall or Spring, when ground's moisture just right
neighbor's three-horse hitched to pull his plow
curled rolls of severed soil, falls upon itself
plow shiny sharp, ground velvet black - drying brown.

Ground birds just ahead, fly behind his back
allowing teamed horses to plow on past
feasting on freshly out-turned grubs and worms
from depths below, well-fed theirselves - into birds.

Half-way rest, then later at field's end
horses resting themselves and plower
time taken, cost of his labors felt proud
earned to buy back old fields - newly plowed.

Ancient practice, first learned need to plow
furrows over-tossed upon their neighbor
recurved into coils of field's earthen ground
left fallowed or put to seed - fresh plantings found.

When work done, plow greased to keep its shine
come next season, furrows formed straight line
ritualed practice, twice yearly - take their plow in hand
a livlihood each farm labors - upon their land.
May 8, 2004

Free to live - if do what told
used til life grown old - or sold
obedience their constant rule
work, eat and sleep - but labor's tool.

Rich still stay in power by what slavery earns
hopes crushed, as wheel of profit - proudly turns.

Til mind turns numb like a beast
among unpaid, earned the least
their only hope, but quickly die
bodies thrown in swamps - none asked why.
June 2, 2004

Brief or long-lived matters not
rather, what songs did they sing
celebrate what Life has brought
tunes their happiness - would bring.

Some may yet full remember still
what their living freely gave
before buried upon this hill
etched in stone - to mark one's grave.

Thus doth Death consign, to earthen ground
with but names and dates, deep-cut in stone
for several centuries may still be found
til mere remnants left - of brittle bone.

THEN  AT  LAST
Firstly, Life's happy song, birthings flung
 lastly, Death's sorrowed dirge - sadly sung.
June 15, 2004

For our conversations had finally led to that
til gave rise of her going and coming back
cover-kept, preserved them safe and sound
its black-and-white - still un-brown.

Thereof she spoke with eyes a-gleam
its ancient happiness returned
to smile upon those pictures there
for what had told - back then.

Side by side, he and she wedded by
bride's maid and groom stood on either side
each one there looking, so awkward shy
as if now spoke of what said back then
she once had spoken - when first a bride.

All four pictured there, young and spry
each one yet alive - such she told
now awaiting their passing by
until Death should down them cold.

Of what their years had saved or lost
she now retains, those long past - as best
of what life bought from loving's cost
til all four at last - are laid to rest.
July 21, 2004

Freely elected to decide
what newer path might provide
other than onward way, firstly chose
another path taken - whereof goes.

Such wends Life by our election
freely chose by one's selection
uncertain to whence will lead
lured on - by some innate need.

At that moment, pondered within
to gain or lose what might begin
new path might more easily make
unlike before - first chose to take.

Whereby taken, if brought a difference
unknowing before of its consequence
yet with stout pride, and hopes of confidence
freely taken - trusting in Providence.

To learn that rich worth of Trust
by high cost of learning Love
until one finally knows
a friendship - each one grows.

Bound together by connections
with tight strings of strong convictions
life once unraveled long ago, til new days arrived
give birth of newer vision, old eyes contrived
one's ignorant youth - unsaw back then.

That early pride, proudly denied
inflicted on their pandered days
frittled prattles of idle thoughts
wild words had early thrown
uncontested -  if truth or lies.

Til weathered into such strength
grown of passing episodes
each life reads into itself
fabled like fools, now thought wise
self-grandeured in youthful eyes
til  pride cut one - down to size.

Learn those lies of truth and truth of lies
one's oxymoronic wisdom ties
into knots of laughter, packaged with a smile
as friendly humors, put angry anger to shame
til late night lips absolved all - at least for a while.

Takes away proud Pride its shameful name
until each knows who they really are
a blend of genes, deeds and dreams
like cobwebs stretched across that breach of years
we thought our own - to keep as only ours
spent with such waste of frivoled hours
until became - of who we are.

Thus occurred so far away and long ago
when Life's force thought fully free, and only ours
til came that divergence, one's decision shaken
as stood by two roads, til chose that one - we'd taken.
July 26, 2004

For as a child, time freely given
with whatever brought to mind
unfinished what done day before
yesterday quickly fizzled out
til start another day brought by
back then thought - would always be.

Now full-grown, as another day goes by
with whatever needs must be done
yesterday did not fulfill, what I ought
nor requires today, should still do
for tomorrow - may never come.
July 27, 2004

Yet their voicings spoke as childhood did
passing years perfectly preserved, when young
teens now matured - into their full-voiced tongue.

Their laughter now just as loud, if not prouder
gathered episodes, late life may often bring
when frivolous youth would laugh - of any thing.

Too soon all left, gone back whence they came
of their future years, age will further tame
youthful years now left them - much the same.

Awaiting another year to gather by
once more return, except those found to die
youth's fresh years had unthought of - nor its why.
August 15, 2004

Weathers featured foul or fair
cold seasons or warming air
such limits found - were daily thrown.

What early planted deep-set
well-nurtured by pride well-kept
seeds found sterile - could not be grown.

Fall harvest reaped when hot and dry
meager crop gleaned, hard-toiled by
enough to wear - harsh Winters through.

Labored by blood, sweat and tears
risked alone with fretful fears
aims changing - through passing years.

Doubtful yet grateful, come what may
kindly, not hateful - words should say
struggled on in silence - every day.

Those early dreams so proudly drawn
now but out-worn schemes, quickly gone
til only hopes - what lies beyond.

Beyond those gates, Death will open wide
reap that hundred fold, God may provide
their self-ignorance - had too long denied.
August 26, 2004

Fifty years between, back then and now
each balding snow-white, both beard and brow
as talked of past school-days, shared with us both
and all that came after - by aging's growth.

Views and hopes wore much the same between
same culture bred, labored years routine
a day spent togethered, with old friends
our ceaseless talk spoke - til evening ends.

Nods and smiles, as each bid their farewell
perhaps will never meet again - until
first to go, attends other's church-garth grave
only memories now left - old friendships save.
August 27, 2004

Nor understood those mysteries of dying's strife
or why his mother was his father's wife
childhood, a gift merely given free
unaware, chanced night of love - seeded he.

A saddened day, later years would recall
when his own son would die of war
again stood by fence-row, at late dew-fall
knowing what tolling church bells for.

Still bothered by mysteries, unanswered doubt
years gathered like sheaves, to be winnowed out
enigmas brought from magic of child dreams
flailed into tares and grain - old age gleans.

Til came that day, dead eyes would not see
his casket carried across dry lea
buried where long-lineage, lastly laid to rest
a sleep that but wakens - to another quest.
August 31, 2004

When my need to further on, such duties may
moon's ghostly glimmer, led me homewards way
midst quiet dark, moon and I held each other by
without one's need to know - nor even question why.
September 6, 2004

Celebrate what earned by age
each struggles upon life's stage
to wonder what Life lived for
or fractured love - out wore.

Those few unfound thereof
recalls remembered love
distance or death forbid
time's circumstance - outbid.

Size and shape, health crippled by
change of venue, work must try
hair ageing gray or yellowed white
hinting of each one's - final night.

Gendered brood looks but ahead
paternal hopes, left unsaid
a day of joys shared between
when family reunions convene.

Til day grows into leaveaged hours
midst those kindred and kin of ours
hugs and kisses bid farewell, tears in their eye
family friendships - reunions remember by.
October 11, 2004

A solace allowed of those growing old
matures one's inner peace, world can not bring by
self-sought greed destroys trust, til love lies cold
peace or war, less or more - human hopes forever cry.
October 17, 2004

High cost keeps those still in power
low budgets, reap hidden perks
sweet taste of Liberty turns sour
tis how - Democracy works!

On all levels of politics
paid favors exempts the rule
confusions, statues contradicts
as power pays back - the fool.

Greasing rails never fails
keeps one's life running smoothly
evade one's time held in jails
money calmly pays - soothly.

Mistrusting those who rule
til many uncast their votes
knowing, tis we play the fool
few sheep found - among the goats.

Is this the best humankind can do
only rare saints might act so true
barely moral to know what is right
instead of immoral's selfish wrong?

What seed of faith could germinate
an impulse to see beyond the night
instead of that moral blindness
such as these held - life-long.

THEREOF AFTER
Perhaps not for me to speak such things
what power requires, each one do
despite what ill-usage always brings
pecuniary rewards - but few.

Thank God there is Death
to die each one down to clay
thereafter naught ever heard
of what they now - might say.

Perrhaps we just have to wait
for poverty seems to rule
after death, may finally learn
those who had bought- played the fool.
October 22, 2004

Alive yet alone, to wonder of Now and After
strange trails life had taken, chosen or goaded on
both pains and joys, soon released with laughter
our world fashions of - each morning wakes at dawn.

WHEREOF  OFTEN  FOUND
Distilled from that magic, of voice or pen
spoken dialogues or written words, one gathers in
grows a change, passing hours remake - what once been
as body wears down to death, one's self-hopes - may win.

More questions asked than heard, to be answered of
that grateful enigma - depths of human love
to query of those now gone, Death took away
whereof ponder God - as not be led astray.

In that darkish stillness, late night becalms one by
cares of the day left behind, time to wonder why
alone with private thoughts, words could not well explain
hopeful, Life holds a reason - one's God may ordain.
October 25, 2004

Not one picture captured its crowning glory
only some filmy memory still seen within
nor deft writing enshrined its historied story
a single tree stood alone - without a twin
that might have been.

No more to shade bright sunshine's harsh glare
nor shadowed silhouettes across whitened snow
soft whisperings, dancing leaves once spoken there
telling those natural secrets - I could not know
God's winds may blow.

Yet still it stands much as in my childhood days
inward eyes observe dim shadows, youth left behind
hopeful eyes dreamed beneath, in dry hot August daze
or naked barrenness - cold Winters still remind
aging hopes designed.

No vestige now remains, bulldozed out roots and all
curved brow of hill reshaped, olden lane long filled in
as if banished into nothingness - cast outside the wall
decreed to down and die, for some unforgiven sin
time and age grew thin.

No fragile film portrays proud summers past
where pleasured days of boyhood shadowed by
those caressing leafy limbs fondly cast
to bless my onward days - I then unknowing why
now remembered by.

As late summer leaves freely flung their final worth
both shade and shelter, scattered beneath its limbs
as Mother Nature watched children play on God's earth
chattered laughter, dancing leaves - entoned olden hymns
til each note sadly dims.

Only memories now fastly fading, til none can tell
urbanity denatured, denuding Nature's fame
paved and tarred, leveled low, landmarks gone once knew so well
only dissembled memories recall, old dreams might claim
today - unfound the same.

For Time merely that dimension, by which we measure Change
what once been thence later came to be, now felt oddly strange
games played beneath that tree, til at last downed to die and rot
ever grateful for tree's enduring beauty - with all it taught
a tree - we never named.
October 27, 2004

Frantic days compressed to weeks
hurried haste, gains - each one seeks
world rushing by, long-distant miles
Time never stands still - only smiles.

Chase the dollar, til out-spent even more
unaware new found wealth grows them poor
wasting wanning resources, Nature saved
for all roads to Hell - are gilt-golden paved.

Reliance based not on trust but machines
facts and figures added up - same routines
rapid rush hurried up, so save those weekends by
Sundays but time to rest - lost faith forgotten why.

Hither and yon, travels across wide globe
amassing wealth - once troubled faithful Job
til their death occurs long before they actually die
well-schooled people, still ignorant - unknowing why.
October 28, 2005

What magic gave man courage, til believed
whereby one found lying dead, firstly grieved
some ill-defined second chance, chanced to be
earned by death-chanted prayers - felt given free?

Cave fires glimmered, til night-shadows weirdly flit
dancing dreams performed upon dank cavern's wall
an ancient magic, first words that spoke of it
chalked pictures drew - rough fingers crudely scrawl.

Blank presence birthed into what tomorrows bring
hungered pangs yearned of those days, beyond the now
eons later, enchanted music still sings
life after graved - hoped behind receding brow.

Man birthed into a freedom, animals unknow
creature slowly evolving, unlike all before
passing centuries birthed between those ancient snows
across dry deserts, mountains high - Time would explore.

Lust led each to breed, daily hungers held them one
culture reared from stories, ancestored memories spun
night dreams fostered visions, giving purpose to their why
til Death assured a resurrection - beyond the sky.
October 31, 2004

Natural waste, families ignorant of their growing pain
self-centered dreams and schemes, loneliness acquires
destined to walk steep paths, others will never strain
silent days spent alone - dwell midst tors and quagmires.

For are not insipid fools nor dolts one might ignore
urged to study, some interest holds them sane
their harmful insecurity, left for them to explore
perhaps some may finally earn - rights to fame.

Some off-branch subspecies, science unbothers with
self-anguished down their lonely years, clinging to Life's thin edge
visions insecurely held, with some ill-troubled myth
self-grown plumage never feathered out - as fully fledged.

But if Chance should briefly come your way
give ear to listen how, of what they say
journeys they travel by, have dear need of a friend
til seen with different eyes, answers seek - a brighter end.

Bipolar end each family breeds, its last or only one
crude Nature holds no solution of, why or how come
a quandary human evolution, simply allows
youngest always different, final breeding - oft endows.
November 1, 2004

Time has a way of shifting facts askew
until age alters much of what once knew
former deeds oldsters speak - oft found untrue.

Yet in the end matters not, true or false
few vestiged dregs found among life's dross
old facts rearranged - dementia's high cost.

Of those scattered remnants, years left behind
always some wisdom learned, now brought to mind
treasures hid beneath - some forgotten find.

Time often changes much, late memories recall
twisting facts into strange fictions, one never saw
til old age ill-remembers - or not at all.
November 3, 2004

Til here at morning's natal birth, ravaged waves hurled their might
upon edging sand and rocks, torn into sprays of foamful fear
with green-eyed bubbles seen wild, Neptune's curse of strangled fright
all day they came rolling in, some unknown out there - spread to here.

Bitter cold, wet salty air - raging battle fought to stay
turmoiled clouds of gray, tumbled upon themselves all day long
through night next, battered coastline rocks held their ground, midst spewed spray
whereof when winds were right, could hear constant bell - of buoy's gong.

Birthed of third morning after, heard high-pitched calls of feeding gulls and such kind
each came to dine upon scattered flesh, wasted orts shattered by lunging waves
like camp followers of old, trailed the war - feast on what Death left behind
til Time's oil poured on ragging waters, calmed and blessed those lost in ocean graves.

For we are creatures of the land, snow, rain - heat of desert dust
earn our keep by flesh and floral growth, birthed on planet's crust
but of those wide seas, we are strangers there - without fins to swim
still found held mesmerised, should spend a day - beside shoreside's brim.

Those two fearful days and nights, dreams yet echo their paniced roar
for in days of my lost youth, have borne that waste and want of war
noise beyond the ear, fear and bold bravery mixed with shame
presumeful should outlive, to win sweet calm - of war's ending game.

Trusting peaceful futures lie in wait, when each to home will go
no more to war, live a life of practiced reason, yet gently so
hopes and dreams giving rightful answers, future years may kindly show
now by seashore calmly sat, to remember what - now I know.

Pride and fame, youthful dreams - old age learns but a game
prance upon brief stage of renown, often as but a clown
for time soon burns out proud honor's ephemeral flame
crippled with a fading mind - palsied hands shaken down.

All that rush and haste, out-loud laughter that knows no fear
hither and yon, waste that peace for want of war - even more
scattered across brief brace of years, til one can barely hear
dull dregs afloat upon a fadding memory - of that war.

IN  NUCE
To learn again, greed and hate will always embrace their shame
wars and peace, law and disorder - politics but a game
old age absolved itself, as sat whole day beside that sea
know earthen ways but sterile seeds, Greed plants - Wars grow to be.
November 6, 2004

It was then I finally knew, world completely changed
realtered by natural growth and seasoned weather's rained
my gathered steps lately traveled back, where youth first grown
found out-altered all, by what those passing years had thrown.

Yet those former vistas, I returned to see once more
childhood's home, ancestral farm lost to woods and weed
memories found here and there, some few still lay as before
for all that once occurred there, my fractured dreams - found need.

Til comes that time, will not return as done before
fading memories and frail bones will disallow
for death will soon gift another place to explore
thereafter all have left behind - will disavow.

For what Time and Place had firstly grown to be
a child's early world explored, far and wide
those of later years, when widowhood left one free
memories saved or changed, may prove - Time or I had lied.

Til some far future age, will burn earth to drifting dust
out-scattered across astral miles among those stars
but within my remembered soul, still holds truths of such
old dreams, former life once lived below - will still be ours.
November 6, 2004

Words my ears gathered
reaped what others told
what really mattered
most - to those grown old.

Tis of such I learned
til earned high price of life
others deeply yearned
to escape stress of strife.

Hard toils labors seize
struggles life learns by
a kindness - as would please
before one should die.
November 13, 2004

Whence heard a sound some silence tells
inly felt mutely numb
knowing that magic, music quells
in the end - peace may come.

Whence felt love's caress, lips unspoke
soft touching hands provide
staid Time itself could not revoke
each to each - must decide.
December 4, 2004

Whereof long gathered, across far reach of years
future times will neither miss nor birth wet tears
once formed of what became, earned by toiled tasks
back-years taught, now to learn or care - no one asks.

As natural world hurls on without a thought
mountains yet rise and fall, olden seas come and go
man still dissatisfied, why frequent wars are fought
peace but a brief reprieve, old records - histories show.
December 8, 2004

Awakened by morning's light
took away those 'mares of night
til warmed a friend to wave
happy eyes - freely gave.

Thereafter health returned
with such strength, one could freely laugh
at themselves, til concerned
more with full-seeds - instead of chaff.
December 11, 2004

Yet future years may re-alter such
quickened by some unexpected touch
new adventures recently chosen
when red lips found one's cheek - to rosen.

Tis of such election, earned when freedom
gave strength to reach beyond those distant stars
finally knowing whom have late become
despite sharp painful wounds - of ravaged scars.
December 12, 2004

Whereof those Summer leaves, saw
their silhouettes shadowed by
til leaves frozen down by Fall
unknowing then - soon would die.

Reflections Nature shows
that life must always end
yet just when, no one knows
their shadows - but portend.
December 16, 2004

A lady well-versed in country ways
as could call up times of horse-drawn sleighs
wood stoves that burned hand-cut wood til Spring
kids taught at home - to read, write and sing.

But unlike most women folk, read a lot
bible, catalogues, novels with a plot
hoed, seed, weed and harvest their garden - Spring through Fall
when husband laid-up - shoveled manure to haul.

September on, canned and crocked for Winter's keep
should kids sick-down, carried-on with little sleep
hand-sewn or hourly knits, what clothes need not buy
ever there should friends fall-sick - or if should die.

Like I said, held much within that head of gray
lost years slowly learned of what to speak or nay
so when had asked her of what she thought
surprised when shaken head told - would not.

We buried her two weeks past, in early Spring
garden, children put in, household chores may bring
lady hard as nails, kind as mothers would
but why she had not answered - when knew she could.

A mystery she well-took along to her grave
now but a memory left - I will ever save.
December 17, 2004

Be that as it well may
mutual love put in play
as I, with no voice to nay
of whether girl or man
only gene's - deciding can.

Thereof after, lived on my own
from what life, love and sin made loan
girded with mind, meat, flesh and bone
to laugh and cry my suffered moan
with small reason - to live or die.

Those early years, romped like a pup
whereof after, finally grew up
labored enough to earn my sup
left-over change, thrown in a cup
til gathered reasons - questioned why.

Now years long after, still I be
self-same self, as first birthed of me
conceived as a he - not a she
like all, not yet completely free
til down and die - God firstly planned.
January 4, 2005

Thereof found what that season sold
as winds spoke words clearly heard
natural beauty so freely told
Nature gifting - its silent word.

For am one who has need of such
whereof world so loudly screams
I have soft wish to gently touch
those stray strands - of distant dreams.

Thereby quiet one's soul, til serene
not of ears nor eyes, but those unseen
list'd of what Autumn winds might tell
hidden secrets - one's silence will.

So might learn of what do not know
cooling Autumn winds realigned
corrections made, Fall winds may blow
forgotten themes - now re-defined.

For like all, have keen need to share
a hand to hold, an ear to hear
with gentled touch, kind heart to care
tis such as these - I hold most dear.

For what is Life without meaning
when harsh winds turn bitter cold
til freeze one's heart, paps unweaning
slowly dies - before grown old.

Whereby birthed of mind, heart and bone
challenged to live and yet - must die
brief years quickly wear, Time may loan
of heart and mind - to question why.

So when Autumn's soft winds gently blow
before cold Winter rains turn to snow
I church wherein, Nature freely prays
beneath clear blue - of an Autumn's haze.
January 5, 2005

Of what last came to be
latter years sadly wore
found alone, only me
unlike love - firstly swore.

Of what is yet to be
a secret I unknow
age cannot clearly see
what our love - may bestow.

Of what thereafter holds
when last breath takes me down
cold body slowly molds
our love - will fully crown.
January 5, 2005

A friendly wave from afar
one's neighbor returned devoir
their awareness cast to each
spoke hello - in lieu of speech.

Tis still done by those who care
time taken to notice there
fond feelings have need to bid
assuring needs - of one's id.

Seen in town or fence-held by
briefly wave, need not ask why
their gestured hand signales there
each to each - time took to care.
January 11, 2005

Til one's hopes fondly yearns of warm Summer days
clear skies bright blue, no sign of ill-weathered haze
short nights, long days, early morns, long evening rays
til one's hopes satisfied - sunlight warmly stays.

Is it culture that molds our moods to come and go?
Perhaps such true, but weathers likewise brings of such
sparring midst those dark glooms, melancholies sadly sow
memories of the past, old love themes - lips cannot touch.

Sort of day, dog's eyes open - but does not get up
no one comes, phone dead, mail delivers but junk
coffee heated left forgot, til when sipped - cold cup
half-cooked meals tasteless, vapid appetite - shrunk.

Til long days end at last, nights do not cure
dreams but nightmares, sleep lies but half-awake
hopeful hopes of future days, doubts obscure
should early rise to gain the day - big mistake.

So with pen in hand, odd words inked into rhymes
each line's ending, same as one just chose before
miscount of words, spelt with unmetered time
til what ill-written, no poem at all - I ignore.

As calendar counts off desolate days like those before
eat less, coffee replacing food - til my stomach's sore
of those strange gods now before me, I meekly implore
if like groundhogs, I could hibernate - as deeply snore.

Whereof will end these days of harsh cold and frozen snow
Spring's wanted breath, so as might breathe deep once again
drunk on coffee, I but sit and wait - days come and go
dreaming not of distant past - but what could well have been.
February 3, 2005

Thereafter we laughed at those years gone past
life scurried til scuttled, too quickly fast
back when youth thought one's life - stoutly cast.

Hurry up and wait, eager youth will play
plots well-planned, ledgered beyond the day
past or future, Time measures - either way.

Show up too early or arrive too late
matters little if must sit and wait
old age well-knowing - can't keep things straight.

Whereof before, Purpose gave life its aim
hopes and dreams long before, kept one in the game
now matters not, yet measures out - much the same.
March 12, 2005

Where neigh by Molly's Knob, rolling hills beneath God's skies
spread south across valley, old truths - future turned to lies
a day chanced to bring, view again what lastly seen long ago
unknowing what childhood treasures - my return may bestow.

In disbelief, ageing eyes viewed that playground of one's youth
all so harshly altered of, til I argued with aging Truth
for devil found in its details, changed scenery proved them true
like a glacier came and went, eons later - grew all things new.

Mown fields neatly clean where met grown woods, without their fence
flat lands of youth, passing years have re-grown to ridge and crest
bottom meadows now flooded, pine woods grown up darkly dense
planted long past, full-grown forest now blocking views - looking west.

Barn, sheds, corncrib, out-house fallen-down, orchard gone - disappeared
pristine memories of my youth, former dreams first pioneered
Time slowly re-engineered, altered quite otherwised
memoried dreams from long past - officially authorized.

My hungers, sharp-whetted for heady taste of former days
despite those lies old eyes re-saw, landscape now strangely told
rudely found of my youth's weathered years, old age sharply slays
precious dreams long clutched within - new truths could no longer hold.

Newly resurrected, struggled like a doubtful Thomas
sorting out waste of chaff and tares, years grew overgrown
dreams of recent owner, fresh seeds cast with hopeful promise
yet my eyes saw truth of my dreams - fully overthrown.

Dusty lane led strangely on, curving here then there
unaware those former trails, out-worn by wear
like new found hopes, led me on to far elsewhere by
my past unknew nor thought, years back - first brought to eye.

Remaining molder of planked flailed floor, barn first laid
but wasted grains of rotten dust, brambles daily shade
several rolls of rusted fencing, tangled midst briars and thorn
my old eyes clearly felt passing years - now clipped, sheared and shorn.

Yet with hand to ear, within the mind could inly hear
echoes of flail's pound, old memories heard loud and clear
their cadenced beat still echoes across those intervening years
past labored hands gleaned into bins - without need of steel gears.

Raw smell of horsen sweat, growing straw-stacks blown high
changing venue of farming days, new ways brought by
old lastly cast aside, tools replaced with newer bought
such thoughts sung within my dreams - as there I longly thought.

Fall apples halved then quartered, til filled apron spread - knees held wide
added to boiling copper kettle, til kids belly-ache cried
sugar making early spring, drained maple trees overnight
husking bees Autumn's brought - letters written by candle light
hog butchering, lard rendered, meat salted down, scraps - dogs fight.

Til my ears again could hear stories grandmother told
gathered parents of her past, passed on for future ears
keeping one up long awake, when Winter nights felt cold
brought back layer upon layers - of receding years.

But most sadly seen that day spent, eyes viewed from Molly's Knob
rich memories of one's youth, time and age must slowly rob
for t'was there my early childhood, first learned to share and trust
'mongst cousined kids at play or work - taught one's worth of right and just.

Faith lived out with laughtered fun, or sadly wrung with tears
worth of kindly care or wild mood-swings, by one's fears
to mold and make of what became, late-life freely steers
echoes yet recall - strengthened by wear of passing years.

While there just beyond, brick-house - clay-ground firstly fired
soon built a place to shelter both farm and family by
wry laughtered stories shared, both lies and truth acquired
early days books firstly learned - old age taught proofs of why.

Kitchen-end long fallen in, two-storied half still stands
yet weather's wear and waste daily takes its ageing toll
winds, snow and rain, termites turn bricks and logs back to sand
til some night, caves in - filling up its darkened cellar hole.

For when a barn and house rots back to earthen dust and clay
brings down final end of historied farm, of childhood's day
old age thereafter dreams, but far off - beyond the sky
where eternal life rebuilds one new - old dreams will try.

As ambled back to where first came in, across - wide valley seen
lies another farm of note, likewise ageing to sterile dust
where other schemes of farming ways, my life would later glean
for what childhood grew up to do, not what wished - but must.

Thereof varied Summers labored long, early dawn to dusk
plodding drudge of daily toils, farming ways hard-striven by
machinery taught one to drive, orders given tersely brusque
not for one to understand, but to do - nor ask its why.

Whereof learned other schemes life required, long days
dawn to dark, little time left to sing or loudly laugh
Summer weeks quickly fled, without words of praise
til Autumn browned Summer's green - left but dry chaff.

Yet deep down within, felt another part of me
when sweat and blood fed a child growing up alone
gave cause to think and pray, brief reprieves left me free
another side of life, winds of Fate - had freely blown.

That homestead likewise fading back to dirt and ground
buildings falling in, years left to waste and rust
remnants of an age now gone, fading echoes sound
til few years more, finally dies - but dreams and dust.

Hardy youth full of dreams, seeking Future's quest
yet when growing old, past years now seem the best
re-hearsed within, taken like a history test
as groveled beneath those remnants years left behind
long forgotten residue - life's lees now remind.

There but for several hours, reviewed what once had been
unknowing then what now know, years too quickly fled
short-sighted youth grew into fond dreams, dreamt back then
sights and sounds, themes and schemes - recalling those now dead.

As there below and beyond, high-hill named Molly's knob
old eyes scanned a past, future eyes both laugh and grieve
as life stumbles on, aware what fading age will rob
til late evening sun hid to tell - must shortly leave.

THEREAFTER AS I LEFT
How long brief youth took to age, years faded with quickened haste
whereafter treasured those memories, childhood grew of me
future days late distilled a brew, but I alone can taste
with its heady foam to mustache my lips - frosted free.

To leave and yet to stay, til sun's rise breaks new dawn
yet what eyes viewed of these fields, but a fading haze
dreamy drifts of bygone days, such one thinks upon
blindful views now lost - of childhood's early days.

Whence of some further day, again may well bring me by
once more to quiz much like today, again asking why
how one's brain cells can save the past, a remembered episode
poetic wit crafts into versing words - briefly cameode.

When full-moon first brinked above woods to the east
casting reflections, one's inner fields could now newly till
returned home, memories fresh-leavened with old-aged yeast
left behind but my growing shadow - as downed Knob-Molly's hill.
March 15, 2005

Scavaged need wolfed its last meal down
crunching tattered scraps, Famine denies
hunger's blistered lips prayed, shriveled brown
til death-after - silent Faith replies.

Until starving lips out-gasped their final plea
scrunching raveled remnants, last starvation cedes
thereafter but to die, trusting - sets one free
such wars take down, their dying faith - lastly pleads.
March 15, 2005

Like a diary early written
long ago when youth so young
several hours deeply smitten
til olden tears - sadly wrung.

Days of one's childhood now reviewed
adventured trip felt surreal
a blessing, til my spirit felt renewed
tattered remnants - still reveal.

Like a tour of one's own history
perceived with olden eyes
revealed forgotten mysteries
youth first conceived - with lies.

Reminding what once took place
changes made, seen so clear
re-inspired by a grace
those early times - held dear.

Echoes reheard from long ago
despite ravaged waste of years
memories restirred again to know
happy times - midst kindred peers.

A day worth its full weight in gold
midst those ruins of times before
found richly treasured, when grown old
those youthful times - that come no more.

Like stepped out of Heaven - back in time
rambled in silence, to hear what might tell
when fresh youth first felt so proudly prime
to know what first gave birth - then after fell.

A final view of one's childhood
preternatural, outside of Time
yet sensed in such wise, full-understood
as if delved - midst primeval slime.

Whereof a partial bit if day
found myself upon old familiar ground
aware standing there, felt like Heaven found
one last time returned - to pray.
March 15, 2005

Those warm hands that sweetly caressed
no longer nightly felt
kindly words, lips freely expressed
no longer - daily dealt.

Those meals prepared each day
with no words of complaint
yet when baseball put in play
zeal held - no restraint.

Til came that fatal time
knelling bells heard to chime
Death came to call
her warm hands gripping mine
thus ending all.
March 19, 2005

Doe with double fawns
watched my drifting slowly by
canoe paddled on
visions birthed at dawn
whence I then unknew nor why
but a boyhoods song.

Years long forgotten
lately came to grace my mind
all those once knew
friends met one-on-one
most wore of an honest kind
how first met you.

Few are still around
firstly met so long ago
growing old and gray
most lie under ground
tis so much to them I owe
weekly prayers - still pray.

Tis so many now gone
life-time slowly gathered
passing years friendly grew
still often thought upon
those others far scattered
with names - I never knew.
March 19, 2005

Those deeds of former days left behind
hopes and chanced-happenstance put in play
time and place practiced of, Fate confined
words heard or spoken - lips launched to say.

Taught by life's trials and tribulations
tether-tied to future hopes, one dreams
friendships kindly waved with gratulations
til years freshly gathered - futured schemes.

Plots life firstly dealt in past days long ago
their olden themes now seem extraordinary
old-aged memoried reflections, lately bestow
life now back to those times - daily-ordinary.
March 29, 2005

But was a time, far-past year
honed keen of mind, sharp of ear
memory recalled his distant past
eye's embered amber - softly cast.

As years aged up, age grew down old
what now inly hears, can't be told
he and I aware, time will come
grave-side gathered there - last hymn sung.

Whereof after, whose to say
those left behind - daily pray.
March 30, 2005

Toiled but for the day
nights preplanned for more
keen of mind, heart of clay
same clothes - always wore.

A throw-back from the past
solid pioneer stock
circumstance early cast
hard-stoic - as a rock.

Long years kept his mother by
ninety years earned - but to die.

Til age and pain took him down
to end his days of labor
unfurled his constant frown
all felt - a trusted neighbor.
March 31, 2005

For life been a trial
his long years grew
yet still he could smile
as if t'was true.

When came that day
Death finally cast
blessings would pray
his prayers - long asked.

Buried on Monday
day after Sunday
exactly at noon
tomb stone - never hewn.

Recalling that phrase
he so often used
aye, so there you are
still heard - from afar.
March 31, 2005

Tis such a child might dream
one's self-imagination tries
time felt but an endless stream
ignoring those - adulthood lies.

As future days came and went
idle play toyed every day
young imaginations lent
my growing up - soon put away.

Onward years soon outgrew youth's past
as new knowledge put an end to that
hither and yon, Time scurried fast
until future schemes - felt going flat.

Thereof after, again to dream
recalling memories of one's past
fantasies childhood might scheme
idled days - first adventures cast.

All of such recalled, as sat my porch
to escape heat of sun's bright haze
whence childhood dreams re-lit their torch
steered me back to those lost yesterdays
I had longly forgotten of.
April 2, 2005

River slushing past, a common sewer of waste
fetus and still-borns, carp and cat-fish hungars taste
condoms plug up filters, waters we all must drink
miles downwind, putrid acrid airs - daily stink.

Drugs and guns take down a dozen each night
dark lurid alleys, bodies flung in dumpsters
warning words have gone out, all over town
if not paid by midnight - soon taken down.

Kids having kids to feast their rampant lust
with or without, nightly bed as they must
self-possessed with but themselves, parents untaught
exampled by what their lost childhood - begot.

For who will care for those who uncare themselves
unread, free libraries provide on bookshelves
 of trust and hope, their friends unteach what teachers taught
single parent or none at all - sin and slums have wrought.

Of how to save those poor, who wish but left alone
til maggots of ignorance devour their minds of hope
with glazed eyes and lying lips, drunkingly bemoan
what vast wealth of those rich could buy - their final fix of dope.

Yet those few whose hands reached out to try
some found slowly saved - yet most prefer to die
ignorance and self-lust their parents taught
at last fulfilled - by what their breedings brought.

Admonitions past ages taught - feed those poor
now grown gargantuan, with no solutions for
til to care of one's own family, most one can do
awaiting some catastrophe - leaves behind but few.

Large cites but a cesspool, too full to flush
its reeking stench and rot, tints air yellowed blush
as waste from farm's rural poor, gather in its slums
awaits the centuries down - til Armageddon comes.
April 4, 2005

Dreams or demands, Life asked
a time and place be fulfilled
by seeds growing, daily tilled
across wide world's vast.

Destiny has freely measured out
there became of what become
to choose or deny, yet with doubt
wise Prudence - would deeply plumb.

Stumbling steps, years long gathered
past failures quickly shattered
age now finds but scattered pieces
until life's long quest - finally ceases.
April 3, 2005

Their Spring of life smelt but freshly green
ideas suggesting whence and where might go
youthful eyes prepared some future scheme
beyond those melting wastes - of winter's snow.

As old age listens with its knowing smile
their youth likewise dreamt, with well-planned cares
Life's skein freshly woven with deep-napped pile
Spring first wove, Summer long-wore - Autumn out-wears.

Til Winter's thorns unraveled its weft of torn weave
struggled years lost to needs instead of hopes, Time theives
til Death leaves behind but scattered threads, few will know
final tribute prayers declared - when garth-gathered low.
April 5, 2005

Monied wealth growing by leaps and bound
music dulled by crude discordant sounds
vapid thinkings, ignorance proudly crowned
til buried beneath - their forgotten mounds.

Cast upon life's sea, ever churning
both truth or lies equally spurning
erratic steerage, helm's constant turning
hopeful yet doubtful - never learning.

Cost of Life, Greed and Hate expended
Faith thrown aside, lost Hopes pretended
times of Peace or War must contend
til Death itself - cannot amend.
April 6, 2005

One of those sudden snow-storms, mountains may
hurled its blizzard wind, took my breath  away
til hunkered down - on frozen rocks of gneiss.

Enough jerky to keep one alive
sudden snowstorm brought
a three-day blow, thought I could survive
years past, Nature taught - more than once or twice.

By next morning sun came out, graced all Nature white
with a silence, left no doubt - hunkered down, been right
'twas how I survived that storm.

If now should such hap again, survive snow-storm through
winter's blow harsh as sin, all-night blizzards blew
no doubt - would wake up dead.

Now dwell a southern clime, warm as close-held love
unlike life's former times, snow storm's shift and shove
alive - not death instead.

Yet when clouds gather low, hazy mists drifting in
two-day rain heavens sow, recalled how cold once been
when hunkered down - to die.
April 7, 2006

Their anger tamed his laughter
such as close friends might do
quenched his humor long after
til he was angry too.

Either way, t'was done kindly
such as one's close friends might do
not as if used him blindly
tis by such - their friendship grew.
April 9, 2005

Those out of work still looked for work
no matter how meager its pay
hard-labor or but simple clerk
a job close by - or far way.

Those depressing days, hungers felt
standing in lines two miles long
of harsh winter cold or summer's heat
hiring eyes looked for one - found strong.

Til finally rode those rails west
hobo camps at night, told fresh lies
passing weeks, seemed an endless quest
sharp hunger searched - with anguished eyes.

Til found work with a motley crew
paid but food and keep, three weeks drew
cutting tall timbers every day
better than nothing - without pay.

Sixty years has not forgotten
those hard times of one's growing up
starved on rank food, long gone rotten
water filled up - our empty cup.

Thence came those awful years of war
brutal deeds done, left one ashamed
soul's hunger fed on death and gore
ones self-worth took years - til reclaimed.

Crucial times - thirties and forties
quickly taught one how to survive
youth starved by embattled sorties
days of one's youth - hard times deprive.

Though much remembered, much forgot
at least those past years, grew one bold
grateful what a long-life begot
well worth time's cost - to have grown old.

Depression days, hard-times of one's past
most of my friends have lately died
yet for each, Time's die found strangely cast
tested by fire, old age holds - with pride.
April 26, 2005

Autumn's growing chill cools those dying embers
into a silence, their glow dies down
til left soft ash of white and graying members
firewood cut from trees of Autumn's brown
only long memories - will keep.

Midnight howl of wolfen calls, now seldom heard
ancient sounds rarely howl like long before
only wise hoot of distant owl nightly stirred
like memories from a forgotten war
its price of peace, high-cost - never cheap.

Thereof I snuggled down to rest my night
with dreams, a life-time earned to save
sleep awaiting first wisp of morning's light
those new trails, old feet yet must pave
gathered memories, future years - will weep.
April 27, 2005

Each turn and twist, either up or down
weather foul or fair, it mattered not
for those afoot, quickest way to town
sell or buy what curent market brought
back in days, all bought with - 'alf a crown.

But t'was taken only if one walked
asked of one's neighbors, how family goes
should be met, time spent each other talked
seasons late or early for what grows
wheat, flax or rye - thick or thinly stalked.

Far back then, only valleys kept their roads
muddy in the Spring, Winter's snow shuts
sheep or cattle pushed on by drover's goad
no matter what season, full of ruts
travel's cost saved time - with heavy loads.

Tis such how they ventured, far back when
footed of or wagon held, horse ridden by
farming lands high above Cumnock Glenn
time of simple pleasures, quick laughters buy
beauty of thicket copse - or swampy fen.

Those simple days of one's ignorance now gone
world-wars and haste have changed it all
farm fields re-grown into well-Manored lawns
no longer heard, morning's milking call
yet grateful rich-folks have saved - those quiet dawns.
April 28, 2005

Warmth of one's youthfulness, soon grows cold
as passing years gradually unfold
when at last, gentle down - growing old.
April 29, 2005

Parents tempers bred
children always dread
reason's logic fed
children sent to bed.

YET
Pleasant days when a child
usually meek and mild
were times when acted wild
yet after - mother smiled.
May 1, 2004

Have you met harsh anger hurled in your face
some quick hand dealt or words, put you in your place
as thereby hard-hold you by, long detained
some hatred ill-smitten - cold lips complained?
May 1, 2005

When they were young and I grown old
well understood of what they said
distrusting much for what they told
now well-remembered - when they fled.

Both young and old have much to tell
each learns from what others taught by
youth soon finds out, tis just as well
for old folks know - how soon must die.

Youth and old age have much to share
whereby both may learn how should care
experience and age, each may give
no matter how long - they might live.

Tis each to each, have much to say
no matter how old one may live
with time to learn and time to play
til finally know how - to self-give.
May 7, 2005

With life-gathered gear, I soon settled down
weekly mail and food brought me into town
found little had changed, more of me than they
those of grade school days - then were wont to play.

Found many chums had never left, life-long stayed
face and manners same enough to know whom they were
retelling stories our youth had risked or played
old jokes retold, of grief and tears - laughters may cure.

By now, their ways and mine have gotten used to one another
twisting facts into lies, none believed one way or 'tother
still laugh of our past, now acted out as one should behave
old feuds once fought, their grown-up maturity - now forgave.

Too often, some re-met in silence at their grave
centuried cemetery still accepts, what Death requires
church long in use, Sunday sermons still weekly gave
circuit-rider parson preached hallowed words - that inspires.

Tis such, small towns must tell the world over
youth who left, old age returns - to die
were some who stayed, others became a rover
whereof lifetime after - slept where garth grounds lie.

Each hamlet has a history only they can tell
facts and fiction, truth and lies twisted into one
olden family names well-known, or those none can spell
small towns now slowly dying out - til there be none.
May 8, 2005

Should we gather a-porch late of night
to while away - like long ago
as rising moon lends its feeble light
talk of those now gone - we used to know.

With our loud laughter, we tell far more lies
than Fate itself could ever scheme
deeds those friends squeezed from life, our humor tries
strange episodes, we now - but dream.

Would that Heaven after be much the same
with gathered friends, well-known in our past
to lie as we used to lie - without blame
whiled away - as long as Time will last.

Tis of such old friends dream upon, those gone before
hidden works of nature, childhood must explore
fading episodes, gathered years husked til hands sore
memories saved from our past - those that come no more.
May 9, 2005

Self-pride may think we own it all
to squander as each one sees fit
or conserve, that others may draw
shared with care - each has need of it.

Left to grovel within each soul
therein may find new hopes to foal
whereof to fend those future days
each must toil - for what one pays.

As ageing years so quickly passed
for soon we learned, will never last
til Death returns to gather in
what learned and earned - in spite of sin.

Thereafter Death, we know little of
nor if such be but a hopeless lie
our trust placed upon a faithful love
trust will live again - beyond the sky.
May 13, 2005

T'was such her way, when some sudden anger held her pout
mere foolish trifle, teased by her brother's taunting shout
until mother finally intervened, but did not ask why
'time supper-dishes put a-table - silverware placed by'.

And so she did as one should do, not one word was said
as family gathered 'round those viands, dinner spread
as her two hands and ears, closed lids now put back in use
usual table chatter - she asked for more apple juice.

Such the world over well knows, those times when children pout
some idle anger felt or when hormones too early sprout
twenty years anon, such she will see her own children do
two tiny hands, ears and eyes mutely held - when one felt blue.
May 19, 2005

Tis how people live out their lives
those with husbands, those alone
those with wives or without
all those who live - quite otherwise.

Those with children, or sterile without
for most, tis what's life most about
wherever people found to dwell
tis of such - passing ages tell.

And so let it be, til end of time
in any age, place or clime
creation cast for each one's destiny
life freely accepts - unquestionably.

Tis all we know with hard certainty
yet each one hopes - for all eternity.
May 21, 2005

Back in hard times of both beast and men
especially when railroads came in
survival found many ways to sin.

Just to stay alive, a lot of men tried
trust only one's own, rest usually lied
herds re-branded, trains hijacked, banks robbed, gamblers lost
just to stay alive, a lot of men - paid death's cost.

Many pushed on to those wild frontiers
til land grew scarce, claimed by first pioneers
gold-filled purse, well-paid - by sharp profiteers.

Same today, yet now under care of Law
despite noble image of one walking tall
slow with their hard talk, yet too quick on their draw.

NOW-A-DAYS
Cars, dope and guns, latest craze it seems
no matter their age, youth in their teens
still living out - their wild-west dreams.

Embattled the Peace til ready for War
their unbridled greed yet seeks for more
hell-bent for self-freedom - like days of yore.

Stick-'em up quick or else down you die
saturday films, theaters shown by
those innocent times - no one asked why.

Lone Ranger, Hop-a-Long, Billy the Kid
wild-west movies, got in for half-quid
until now looking back - see what it did.

That old neighbor next door, would often say
some take what they want, rest of us must pay
each must live midst sin - til our dying day.
May 21, 2005

One's childhood pleasured for hours on end
motion itself lent freedom to dream
shadowed by leaves, their coolness might lend
to fritter away long days - might seem.

Til grass-runway worn-out by bare feet's thrust
older children gained by ropes pulled hard
til August dry turned dirt runway to dust
a memento - permanently scarred.

A pleasure only strong arms need use
escaped into a world their own
to fashion however one might choose
by those countless hours - that swing had flown.

Its pendulum flights soared up the sky
traveled wherever youth yearned to be
despite sweat brought on by a hot July
simple rural pleasure - swinging free.

Til oak tree finally died, winds blew down
yet house and out-buildings still upright stand
grass now growing weeds, late Fall turns brown
memories left behind - a child's fairyland.

Of those who swung there so long ago
those carefree days, swinging to and fro
few years more, not one left will recall
their graves interred near garth's - south stonewall.

REMEMBERING
Still see that slant of bright sun, far back then
smell of fresh air, Nature freely gave
freedom found a-swinging, unknowing when
years would down all, that swing - Time could not save.
May 25, 2005

For fame but an honor briefly held
married love, a name newly spelled
those who lately died, church-bells knelled
kind memories recalled - love compelled.

Fame or name, love and kindness - much the same
attributes life's living learns to share
a grave one earned, without dishonored shame
their life and living - had given heir.

Til close friends attend, gathered there
to honor those who have lately died
old friendships gave their final prayer
blessed by tears unheld - each freely cried.
May 25, 2005

What Life learns to give
Death takes down to die
how long one will live
needs not asked - nor why.
May 25, 2005

Those joys and pains felt of today
sad old eyes see but those past
friends we haled to tell what may
as staid world whirls fast.
I think of those - Death took away.

Those joys and pains of future days
I pay no attention to
speaks but what war still daily slays
unlike long past - never knew.
On humble knees - now weeply pray.
May 26, 2005

Catalpa tree once gave its shade, now long dead
high winds finally threw its fall on nearby shed
til both collapsed, entangled by growing vines
mother Nature seeded - tenderly enshrines.

Yet t'was that well, first sold the land to farm
first felled trees, plows broke of virgin ground
early days, when toiled by beast and arm
centuried use sold out - but silent sound.

Land still abides, wearing all back to dust
worth of human values, measures why
change must churn into waste, for what it must
yet to me, old dreams - still treasured by.

My youth slaved upon its hard-earned soil
weathers ill or fair, must daily toil
worth of man's labor was proudly loyal
til farm sold out for high price - of oil.

History of that farm, those birthed and died
formed much of what their lives, later came to be
recalling hot day's sweat, parched tongues dried
saved by that well - beneath that catalpa tree.
June 2, 2005

Lifetime spent, things bought and sold
few needs need when growing old
til one's daily wants are few
but eat and sleep - all need do.

Watching ruined world passing by
few friends left to truly question why
false freedoms no longer free
recent times - have come to be.

Still dwell a country place I own
labored long to save - not a loan
constant wars raging world wide
of ravaged poor - few will provide.

Both friends and faith will see me through
like have said, daily needs are few
trust after death, God will provide
perhaps when there - I will decide.

There but talk or snooze, spit or chew
relearning things, forgot or new
tis such will get me through
much as old friends - would do.
June 3, 2005

They were first celebrated far back then
those recent events, or what might have been
three or four score years evolved to be
equally shared by both - he and she.

Happy babble teasing each other by
eyes have not seen nor ears heard, spoke before
whole chapters briefly told without their why
their natural trust allowing - years outwore.

Candid quips, one's nod and eyes concur
no reason need explain nor defend
for each person there might well infer
upon one's hopes and dreams - must depend.

Human hunger to share of what life brought
those highs and lows, yearly seasons wrought
til worn down to thinning blood and brittle bone
Death honors with mute grave - and chiseled stone.
June 12, 2005

Dawn birthed cloudless skies, cool and freshly clear
announced by symphonic orchestrations, heard
across dimensions, heart and hopes held without fear
measured out with a freedom - futures stirred.

Ephemeral visions cast upon an endless Time
undaunted by those failed schemes, that felt no shame
ever onwards, unwearied - healthy strong in ones prime
seeking some distant dream - that holds no name.

Troubles merely trifles, solved by end of days
each dawn rebaptized with fresh morning's dew
heat of sun quickly burnt off dawn's early haze
for whatever might betide - unknowingness knew.

Til youthful days tallied up worth of one's past
life's accounting found too richly cost to buy
first visions blindly seen, life had freely cast
proud ignorance unthought - to question why.

Whereof reaped a worth, Time rashly spent upon itself
joyed those moments, thought would outlast forever
youthful's zest, age stole by Time's quiet stealth
til began to question worth - of life's endeavor.

Those days of youth, old age now smiles with laughter
freedoms freshly felt, as but one's full-right to freely own
til later years measured up its cost, long after
expense it paid to buy those seeds - youth had early sown.

As fading mind and palsied hands, reached out with a hopeful trust
to strongly grasp for what a growing Faith, well-might
dim memories of early days, soon hardened with a fragile crust
Faith now seeing far beyond - by Life's wanning light.
June 28, 2005

Beauty weds with Beasts, tames the wild Savage
Love lost to lust, Wars and Hate daily ravage
Life ever birthing, Death begets but Grief
Earth slowly turning - Life so quickly brief.
June 30, 2005

Deep within, a silence still retains
those sights and sounds of touch and smell
as blind memory still stumbles upon itself
yet one's hope still held with a sacred trust
faith full-believes beyond, as it must
though sad eyes - must grieve their tears.

Atop a high point of headland that thrust
itself against a harsh sea, where far off
 one could see forever, as if all the world
one firmly held - with full command.

Bolstered with a trustful hope deeply held
to more fully be, only after Death has knelled
without a solid clue as to what thence betides
an ancient faith and one's love - confides.

High-cliff held above that eternal sea, far horizons
without end, seemed as if the world had gone flat
time but an endless nothingness - without a change.

As if heaven-held already, yet here must further range
atoning for my ignorance, old lies yet held as true
now reviewing all my fresh youth - once firstly drew.

What lies behind my back - far beyond the west
but what one's past first feasted on as life's true quest
gathered by a searching mind, but to keep hopes alive
garnered within my hungry soul - merely to survive.

Whereas what now lies before, but an endless sea
beyond its distant horizon, my eyes cannot see
full-certain tis there, full truth will be found
my trusting Faith thereafter - will be crowned.

Each morning's cool feels that warmth of risen sun
rebirths light of day, for all that is yet to be done
here to daily dream, self-hopes yearn to know
as late evening casts easterly - its western glow.

Of all that history tells, much occurred so long ago
that old world across the sea, gave birth to what I know
whereof I now sit, only echoes heard - one's living learned
for age has finally found its only need - but what Faith has earned.

T'was of evening's cool, I awaited sky's amber glow
when that nascent moon's emerging light begins to show
in that quiet silence, hears those voicings from the past
their teaching gives Hope's assurance - I will forever last.

For love is but a trust, one freely gives unseen
risking all one gave, will in turn be shared between
forgiving each other, their false doubts and and sins
an eternal life, one unasked of birth - but begins.

For out of those pristine waters, Life first began
til Time and Chance birthed that first of mortal Man
a story long unfolding, history cares to tell
tis of such I pondered on - as late evening fell.

High above, far beyond - heard sea-winds whisper so
huddled by an ancient craig, I long yearned to know
gathered words my life sowed then gleaned, brought to hand
where of an evening stood - at high endpoint of land.

After sunset fell, ocean's edge faded with the sky
hopes and dreams, deeds of one's past - evening late gathered by
to smell tart salt-air, felt its cool caress upon my face
until stars began to whitely blink - far out in space.

There once stood at World's dark edge, late life knowing - soon must die
behind my back lays a land, whereof made my life's living by
lips proffered unspoken words as prayer, offered up to God
with strength to trust Life beyond, now unthought - as strangely odd.

Those unfathomed depths of understanding, we cannot know
lie far beyond our ignorance, yet will forever grow
but a ruse to test us by, for love is earned by trust
such surmised, a wisdom earned - at earth's sea-edging coast.
November 10, 2005

Time taken, do what have done before
long-held convictions, duty demands
with firm resolve, age confirmed three-score
habitual habits - self-pride commends.

So as survive midst Time's changing face
despite different rules of creed and race
lines redrawn, allegiance changed by war
faith-held hopes believed - obeisance swore.

Truths proved til true, Faith held with trustful Hope
Love enduring sacrifice, marriage cost
Freedoms allowing latitude's wider scope
Life a treasure lived, its Trust - never lost.

Forgiving hands absolving sin's mistake
laughter certifies with a smiling face
timeless rituals, assured by one's handshake
protocols practiced - by our human race.
November 24, 2005

Those suffering pleas, poor still ask
their ignorance cannot understand
should be given an equal task
may earn enough - til upright stand.

Those held without equal rights of law
enslaved by hates, their owners own
each starved and beaten until they fall
in back-wood swamps - Death wastes to bone.

Those oppressed by unequal rules
mere birth decides, man or woman
men are men, women but ignorant fools
caste system bid by law - foredone.

Those looked down upon, soon cast aside
should plead, rejected out of hand
wealth and power, tis they who decide
as graft and greed - rapes their ravaged land.

Til one's honest vote holds no control
democracy but a veiled sham
their human rights tethered on parole
til a country's strength - not worth a damn.
December 1, 2005

Gathered friends cared to tell, their life's learning chose
truth or lies cast their spell, by their fruits - one knows
sin and goodness intertwines, til learns right from wrong
future years will redesign - until grows one strong.

Whereafter we travel by, meet those we must forgive
love and kindness unasks why, Life and Death will outlive
of whom we have become, others taught us so
our grateful thanks proclaim - they in time will know.
December 4, 2005

Tis such anger, taught be held within
well-brought up citizens need to show
for anger's temper can seldom win
in the end - disallows one to grow.

Hold ones tongue, say not one shouted word
allows anger's hot flames, flicker out
heart-felt, like fears of a captured bird
speak but kindly words - til leaves no doubt.
December 7, 2005

When one has grown wise, studied teachings taught
'cross world's waste, starving poor's hunger fraught
unequal disparity, sharp greed wrought
perhaps for many - hate and wars have brought.

When one has grown to feed and feast their own
'cross sterile lands, thrive upon dirt and bone
unequal equality, til angers flare
a residual few, kith and kin - will share.

When one learns, self-giving gives others hope
'cross famine's boundaries, still strive to cope
firm solidarity hardens, til solidifies
despite stern laws and taxes, proud powers - authorize.

When grown wise, oft best to do otherwise
share what wisdom tells, warm-hearts empathize
tis Cross not Crown, brings salvation of one's soul
requires suffered Love - to reach Faith's final goal.
December 14, 2005

Across vast realms of endless Space where other orbits spin
their eternal length of Time's passage seemed so long, slowly dealt
whereafter may idly chance to dream of what might have been
what Life and Death ever breeds, yet must die - I now sadly felt.

Across unmeasured intuitions, deep thoughts felt within
old writings longly saved, savored from days long ago
wherein reveals an ancient Hope, what may come again
firm-held Faith and lasting friendships - found to freely grow.

Across the mind, within one's heart - humanity at its best
out-scattered years longly gathered, fresh seeds planted long ago
now one's life dwells deep within, struggles with a far seeking quest
leaving behind but ill-ravaged remnants - fading words bestow.

Across those futures years, age now declares but few
memories earned of one's past, friends and family freshly bred
whereby brought the best of worst, winds of Fate then blew
now hears but fading echoes, from those - now forever dead.

Across high drifting winds, proud Nature blows one's way
ephemeral memory briefly holds but an hour or day
aeolian winds firstly whispered, slowly fade away
til I and me and all that am - have nothing left to say.

A Cross each Life must carry upon shoulders, weak or strong
loudly cursed as unearned, or others grateful with their song
music flung across low valleys or loft from mountains high
a joyed heart gives praise in gratitude - beyond the sky.

Across littered scraps of wasted days, those sleepless nights shed of tears
whimpered in one's sleep, shapeless dreams festered down lonely nights
tailings life has thrown away, debris scattered midst foregotten years
cluttering Life's long passage - left behind its ugly blight.

Across untraveled trails, future years may gift one's footings by
and all those faith-held hopes, dreamt of an after-life beyond the sky
whereby learned an inner Trust, death-after may chance to tell
a mystery each one holds, cast of endless glory - or Hell.

Across vast unknowns, beyond strength of Faith - of such, whose to say
perhaps life-dregs may be redeemed by Death, Life once threw away
whereafter, of such we may never know, merely die down til are gone
yet within, an ancient echo still sings notes - of its eternal song.
December 17, 2005

Stars to guide one by
hopes that urge one on
dreams remindful why
sunlight wakens dawn.

Life to give Time's length
death that ends it all
Faith may give of strength
self-trust hears its call.

Still that gray remains
tis foul weather's gloom decides
murk and mire complains
yet drab Winter's wet - abides.
January 4, 2006