danLrene Poetry

danLrene’s POETRY PAGE

Song of Life

to dream, to imagine

to breathe, to live

lose the ability

nothing left to give

trampled and crushed

by others around

the music of life

loses it’s sound

what’s given freely

is often tossed aside

leaving defeat and loss

with no place to hide

the heart is given

palm out, a gift of love

used and rejected

like an old, used glove

dreams destroyed

with lack of care

destroying dreams

without even a care

where are the dreams

that keep us strong?

lost in a journey

that stole the song

danLrene 2013

I Dream

I dream of a world

where there is no pain

I dream of a world

where love flows like rain

I dream of a world

where honesty is the norm

I dream of a world

where authenticity is the life form

I dream of a world

where you can live in peace

I dream of a world

where all wars can cease

I dream of a world

where you love only one

I dream of a world

where all hatred is done

I dream of a world

where all people are well

I dream of a world

where there is no fear to tell

I dream of a world

where all people care

I dream of a world

where we linger right there.

danLrene 2013

Behind The Scenes

Liquid pools of pain flowing

behind different colored eyes

With muted sounds so that

no one hears the painful cries

Smiles and calm assurances

that everything is alright

Faint flickers of eyes hiding what

hearts are working hard to fight

Traces of smiles that can hide

a thousand different tears

Smiles that can build walls

to hide all the hidden fears

No one sees the pain

behind all the many smiles

Nor even tries to see

All the difficult trials

Perception I have heard

is the rule of the day

For then pain and sorrow

do not get in anyone’s way

Oh yes, perception is right

we see what we want to see

Like snow on the ground

all the ugliness looks full of glee

And so liquid pools of pain

continue to flow behind eyes

So that people can ignore

all the hurts and pitiful cries.

danlrene 2011

The Tide

I feel the tide
drain my life blood
sucking all energy
away from me
slowly edging away

Too many things
pull at my heart
and fill my mind
and suddenly
I am deflated

My breath leaves
a hollowness
my breath trails
behind in
foggy branches

Soon nothing remains
an empty beach
frozen in time
remnants of
earlier times

And just as slowly
as it drains
away from me
the tide returns
filling me up

danLrene 2013

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The Siren Calls To Me

Follow Your Dreams, The Siren Called Out To Me

As I closed my eyes and fell deep into lovely sleep.
The dream siren called me with a promise to keep

I closed my eyes and looked deep in my soul
I could feel the wind blowing…it was so very cold

My dreams I had carried through year after year
They will never come true was my biggest fear

Wandering up one lane and down another
Remembering my dream since I became a mother

Land, open land and a place to be free
A small house to live in with a big evergreen tree

We mounted the buckboard with all we owned inside
And started over the mountain on this crazy dream ride

We felt like pioneers racing to the finish line for land
And the whole time we knew -The Lord had our hand

So don’t be afraid to dream your dreams and try
Life is too short…open your wings up and fly

Dream I say and work the dream hard as you can
For it will be the best race that you ever ran.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I Can Not

I can not lead you

to your destiny

but I will walk beside

you to set you free

I can not answer

your question of life

Any more than I can answer

your questions of strife

I can but be here to

listen and comfort you

I can see the pain in

you all the way through

I know the pain as I have

swam the rivers of tears

I have walked and struggled

through all of life’s fears

You may struggle, you

may cry, you may fall down

all of life is a circle, did you

know the world is round?

The journeys are not new,

they just repeat like the sun

Rising each day, warming

the earth and bidding us run

What did your write in

your diary this wonderful day?

Was it all woes and troubles

or did you take time to play?

Did you see the scarlet

dripping from the setting sun?

Did you see the smiles

you got one by one?

Do not let troubles steal

your life hour by hour

Show the world that

you are filled with power.

danLrene 2012

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Shadow Of The Valley

What do you do

when the valley is deep

and the mountains so high?

sometime you just

lay in the shade

fueling up to go again

sometimes you push on

on legs weak

rubber bands shaking

sometimes you crawl

and wonder

will you

make it at all

and sometimes sadly

people die in the desert

because alone is

a hard way to fight

move, move, move

the wind shouts

voices are dim

memories to you

inch my inch

you move along

looking for that arm

to lift you

or for that shade

to hide from

the beating rays

sizzling your body

burning your skin

looking around you see

emptiness and less

and inch by inch

you make it once more

through the valley

of death

only to see people

standing there

all dressed to the nines

cheering you

why were they not

in the valley

of the shadow

of death with you?

people talk a good talk

but seldom walk

the walk with you

and so you continue

to walk the walk

alone

but you make it

you have to

you can not

give up

until it is your

turn

to become the sand

danLrene 2013

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Little Mocs

Somewhere in the distance, I hear the drums begin to play

Her feet are clad in moccasins, they seem to know the way

Her name is Little Mocs the Chief whispered in my ear

She has a healing gift for those that are far and near

As she dances round the fire singing the songs of old

I listened searching for the wisdom the old ones told

The smell of sage is in the air, carried in the wind

Sending out healing like the messages Little Moc’s send

The eagle hovers near her to bringer her keener sight

The red bird brings her messages in the morning light

Between two worlds Little Mocs walks, carrying the tales

And speaks with great emotion of heart breaking trails

Another great warrior guides her from the other side

This warrior raised her with wisdom, sent her out to ride

This warrior already knew the job Little Mocs would do

One of hard trails, tears, the wisdom her Granny knew

The fire is burning brightly as her mocs follow the beat

Dancing round the fire telling a story with her feet.

danLrene 2013

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What The Old Ones Know

Patinas, silvers and faded browns
dimming lights and diminishing sounds

creaking hinges and crooked doors
gnarly feet on wooden floors

robbers enter to steal our health
a possession far greater than any wealth

strength wanes likes the ocean tides
making life turn into bumpy rides

minds can defeat us on crimson rose
stopping the rise on warrior toes

defeat looks like hedge roses so bright
lovely to smell and looks so right

A warrior knows what lurks deep inside
all the thorns the lovely roses can hide

the thorns of weakness, self-pity and blame
being a warrior is not playing a game

being a warrior means choosing to fight
and choosing to see the happiness light

the elders know the pain and sorrow of life
they know it can slice like the blade of a knife

Must you become patina, silver and faded browns
before you know where happiness can be found?

danLrene 2013

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Caught in Time

Suspended in time, a foggy place

Caught between two worlds I hang

Uncertain which way leads to home

I listen to the songs the old world sang

The path back has closed it’s doors

Thought I consistently try

Never understanding the reasons

My heart continues to cry

Like a child being pushed ahead

I bow my back in stubborn pride

The path ahead leads to my home

Yet I continue to hide

Stumbling across roots the old world leaves

The bruises striking deep

I go through the motions of living

Occasionally stopping to sleep

Wishing away things the old world leaves

Traces continue to remain

A stronger soap than this it takes

To remove that blaring stain.

1997

Published in:

The Poetry Center

The National Library of Poetry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Living On The Outer Edge

There is a pane of glass I see

It stands somewhere between you and me

It’s living on the outer edge

Spending your life on a narrow ledge

Although our lives are intertwined

The of glass leaves a vivid line

Like children pressing their faces to glass

It leaves an impression that does not last

On the other side of this glad lies

Someone who makes my heart cry

Standing on the outside, looking in I see

A life I wish included only me

Choosing to walk on the narrow ledge

Choosing to love on the outer edge

Is a very lonely life to live

Sometimes more than one’s heart can give

Published in New York Poetry Anthology

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THE CALLING CARD

Twilight lingering thru the trees

The wind stirring a gentle breeze

The moon laying its silver blanket on the ground

Nighttime animals scurrying around

Autumn displaying its calling card

One of God’s beauty’s that can’t be marred.

Published in Poetry Guild 1986

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RUNAWAY

The sensation swells, beginning to grow

The tapping in my feet, let me know

The runaway has come to stay

Bidding me to come away

Long corridors of paths unknown

Soaring along to places unflown

Luggage packed, departure at hand

Running away to some new land

Feeling a touch on my shoulder top

Something telling me I have got to stop

Running away is for someone alone

Others will come, hadn’t I known?

Feelings of responsibilities cloud my heart

Leaving me uncertain of whether to start

Running away used to be a simple thing

Soaring mountain tops on eagle’s wings

Now visions of those dear erupt in my mind

Making running hard, escape a bind

Oh for wisdom, a strong inner guide

Someone to hold my hand so I won’t to hide

Published in Poetry Press 1997

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Broken Wings and Shattered Glass

Broken wings and shattered glass
Broken dreams of a southern lass
yes means no and no means yes
Yellow apron over crinoline dress

Faces painted with smiles and hidden tears
Learned to perfection in long southern years
Sideways glances, reflections of truth
Coffee with friends at the drug store booth

Boys will be boys all the girls are told
Half lies giving witness to acts so bold
Rituals happen and patterns are set so deep
Southern women in rapture with lonely sleep

Right is wrong and wrong seems right
Gentle lasses appearing to lose their fight
Beautiful lasses so fragile they feel
Hold inside their hearts magnolia steel

Broken wings and shattered glass
Broken dreams of a southern lass
The night flew in on eagle’s wings
And a southern home is what it brings

Expectations and dreams of cherished love
Flies out the window on the wings of a dove
A southern woman is brought up to know her place
But she knows how to win with a smile on her face

Broken wings just mean you fly low to the ground
And broken glass becomes stained glass all around
The code of yes and no she has learned so well
And lace and crinoline help her weave her spell

Never under-estimate the soft southern drawl
she has learned it from the moment she could crawl
Always dressed so pretty and smells so sweet
Just remember a southern woman will not be beat.

©danLrene 2013

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On The Wings Of An Eagle

Standing ready, she closes her eyes listening for the sound

She raises arms to the heavens as she edges forward til her toes curl round

The moon beats down upon her face and the glow warms her from within

She lets her eyes follow the mountains as they curve around the bend

She is barefoot in splendid wonder, her cotton gown clinging to her knees

The whiteness of the cotton gown slowly rippling like fog amongst the trees

Her hair flows like dark rivers over her shoulders in layers of earthy brown

There is no fear within her as she again raises her face listening for the sound

The moon,a glowing beacon, risen from the treeline like a goddess in the sky

She heard her softly say “come darling, follow me, it is once again time to fly

She found herself walking on legs long withered and broken as she rose to obey

she felt no pain , the moons glow wound round her legs in soothing play

She grew excited with anticipation for she had heard the call many times before

Silently moving through the house until she finally reached the exit door

Her breathing was shallow, a smile upon her lips as she quietly eased outside

She stood looking to the moon nodding she was coming,the door left open wide

Now, she stood with toes curled upon the ledge and her arms raised ready to fly

Not one drop of fear around, she waited only for that sound of the familiar cry

She hears them in the distance, the echo of eagle’s cries float into her ears

She raises up on tiptoes, with arms open wide and steps off the cliff with no fear

Falling downward she smiles knowing the softness of the landing will be sweet

When her body sinks into the familiar softness, she feels the heart begin to beat

She nuzzles her face in closer and lays there in silent wonder cheek to cheek

The power of the beating wings fills her heart leaving her breathless and weak

Looking down she sees the meadow illuminated with the glow of the moon

The animals are scurrying around as if making a magical nature tune

She watches with delight perched high up in the sky as the world flies by

And in breathless wonder, her heart skips a beat as a tear falls from her eye

She closes her eyes for a moment, sighs in deep content,a smile upon her lips

Feeling the power of this body as they make turns and dips and flips

she realizes the gift she is given as she stands on the edge waiting for the sound

As she stands looking with arms raised to the sky, just waiting to be found

He gently sets her back upon the earth as his wing touches her face tenderly

And she sees the gentleness in his eyes that is only there for her heart to see

She feels him say looking at her that he will return again, to wait for the moon

The moon will let her know the time and she will return to the cliff very soon

Few can see with the eye of the eagle or soar across mountains touched by snow

She used to ask him why she was picked, he told her it was not for her to know

All she needed to know was to come when the moon told her it it was time to fly

She hears the echo of hooves, feel the warriors near as he lifts her to the sky

And as she lay on the softness of feathers and caressed his beautiful head in love

Some could only feel his beauty through the thickness of a leather glove

She knew it was a gift of spirit to ride in splendid wonder in the sky so high

And feel the presence of heaven so close that the beauty made her heart cry

©danLrene 2013

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I Say Goodbye To You My Friend

I say goodbye to you my friend

I just did not want things to end

Today was the day I finally cried

My tears I could no longer hide

Crystal droplets cascading down my face

Beautiful memories my mind can trace

You carried your dreams to the very end

Smiling and laughing with your old friend

It has been over a year but I could not let you go

There were so many things I wanted you to know

We walked hand in hand through the valley of hell

life stories so parallel that we both had to tell

Your faith and your strength were so divinely blessed

And you knew there was Heaven when it came time to rest

The last week you started to doubt and fear

You really believed you would get to stay here

And what you had been shown seemed to fade in your mind

All that faith you had you seemed unable to find

I wanted to tell you that it was all true not to fear

And even though you were leaving, you would still be near

But you were gone before I could get to you dear friend

I wanted to hold your hand and walk with you to the very end

And I just could not let go and I held on to you tight

oh my heart knew that holding you back was not right

All year I held you in my heart and my mind

I knew the day would come when my tears I would find

And today I say goodbye to you my dear sweet friend

I did not get to tell you my last words at the end

But I know someone there told you as you turned that bend

I wanted to tell you that what you believed was real at the end

That He had not deserted you but just took you home my friend

Now the tears are falling in rivers on my cheeks you can trace

Beautiful gems raining down to your beautiful face.

Farewell my friend and while I am letting you go

I know you are still near…this I know.

Peace to you Pistol…Missing you dearly

June, 2010

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Just One More Climb

I am a fighter and defender of those near and dear

For those who are weak and for those who fear

I wear the shield of what is right and what is wrong

I save the weak from the angry throng

But, I hear the song now playing time after time

It’s not over….just one more climb

Who is it I ask, looking around to see

Who needs me? Who needs set free?

The adrenalin flows and I take it all in

Ready to fight …another battle to win

“Who needs me?” I cry out to no one I see

Who needs defending? Who needs to be free?

The crowd rushes forward to get ahead

I step back saying “you go instead”

They are all important. What do I do?

And the voice from above said “this time it’s you”.

“Me?” I cry with voice trembling and small

“Yes” He said. “This time it is not your call”

It is time you learned you are worth the fight

Fighting for your self is only right

Just one more climb to the top of the hill

Just one more time so you can feel the thrill

Of knowing that you too are worth fighting for

Everyone is worth the battle: rich or poor

So fight with all that you can stand

And do not worry, I have your hand.

danLrene

2013

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In A Perfect World

In a perfect world there would be no dangers

All would be friends and no scary strangers

Love would be the order of the day

No reason to keep anyone at bay

In a perfect world, we would not need laws

Our own conscience would cause us to pause

There would be no judging, scorning or shame

Everyone would be treated exactly the same

In a perfect world, there would be no fear

No longer would we have to keep our children near

Anger would not be the order of the day

And we are all honest by the things we say

In a perfect world happiness is in each heart

And jealousy, hatred, anger and envy have no part

Greed and malice would be shoved out the door

And people would no longer desire more and more

I dream of that perfect world filled with peace

A place where all wars, hatred, anger and envy cease.

But I know this world will never be perfect or free

And so I work on my corner of the world I see.

danLrene

2013

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Bend Like The Willow

The storms rage in destruction and despair

The winds of life batter without a care

Things break in two and shatter in places

And you see the pain in so many faces

And yet some still stand beaten but strong

♫’Bend like the willow’♫ is their song

The willow bends over from the blasting wind

Smiling inside saying ” I only will bend”

And when the storm lessens, the willow is still there

The storm was bad but the willow does not care

Life will always send storms our way

Life is full of storms, day after day

When the storms hit and you feel so much pain

Raise your arms and face to the falling rain

Do not run and hide and cover your head

Instead of hiding, bend like the willow instead

When the willow is bent over and the storm passes by

“you did not break me” is the willow’s cry

I am still here standing tall and strong

If you think you can beat me, you are very wrong

So, when things are bad and you want to cry

Bend like the willow…just give it a try.

danLrene 2013

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The Last Dance

With wisps of hair across her beautiful face

Tears on her cheeks your finger could trace

She stood there with head bowed in humble prayer

Feeling as if she were the only one that cared

She closed her eyes and listened once more

To the music that always drew her to the door

The music rose in tempo and sound

She knew her time was coming around

Was her dream to dance just one last dance

And she knew tonight was her only chance

Rising on toes, she danced across the stage

Her body tensing up for the very next page

As she jumped to twirl up in the air

She suddenly felt his hands right there

He lifted her higher than she had ever flown

And twirled and danced better than she had ever known

He molded himself to her as if one

And remained there lifting her until the dance was done

The applause thundered and echoed around the room

And she felt as if life had just started to bloom

As the sounds died down, she smiled with tears

Not being able to dance was one of her fears

Then she opened her eyes and looked around

Oxygen hoses and hospital beds are what she found

As she glanced down she saw her toes pointed down

And she knew only her attitude kept her bed bound

No matter what happened she could dance so free

She just had to close her eyes and the stage she would see

danLrene 2013

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CRIMSON TIDES AND AUTUMN LEAVES

The seasons change and minutes tick by

Living life until the day we die

Crimson tides and autumn leaves

Minutes falling like droplets through a sieve

Grasping as hard as the hand will grip

Wanting to stop them as through the fingers they slip

The day comes when we hear each click

That sound of the closing hours leaving tick by tick

So many dreams of things we want to do

The list is long and the hours are few

Every bite is savored as if it is the last

Every scent devoured and every shadow cast

The crimson tides and the autumn leaves have a clock

And like us humans, all will hear the last tick tock

danLrene 2012

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YOU DO NOT KNOW ME

you can hurt me, condemn me to hell

if you think you broke me, you do not know me well

my heart may break and I may cry in pain

I may feel like I am walking in the rain

I may feel hurt and disappointed through

I may wonder what happened to the person I knew

But never will I let anyone break me down

For I am strong enough to smile instead of frown

Honesty is one thing I always give

It is not just words, it is how I live

I am the same person I have always been

From the very beginning to the very end

I love, defend, support from the heart

Am there in honesty from the very start

danlrene 2012

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Invisible Ink

words of love written in disappearing ink
passions declared that took us to the brink

lives intertwined in loving embrace
secretly merged into one tiny space

rings of skin that were glaringly real
but the eyes are blind to what the hearts feel

secret encounters with hearts full of love
bodies embraced til they fit like a glove

her heart she believed above anyone’s word
she would never listen to what anyone heard

one day she turned a corner into shocking pain
and her world was filled with rain after rain

there he stood in stark reality
a woman, a baby and he made three

pressing her body back against the wall in shame
this was the day that the truth finally came

©danLrene 2012

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The Block

He was just a child when she lost him

suddenly one day he was gone

she struggled to find answers

wondering what went wrong

she wanted to believe he was still here

like everyone kept saying was true

that the touch on her arm when she shed a tear

was really him saying please don’t be blue

how was she to know for she could not see

was it just her eyes playing tricks today?

do little boys grow up out there?

somewhere in the galaxy far away?

Can he feel her heart full of care?

Is that him she hears when she is alone?

Does he know she wants to touch his face

Or just once call him on the phone?

she finds his colored pictures on the counter just so

She hears his favorite music from his bedroom door

just something that shows her how close he is

yet, she strains, she yearns for just a little more

one day she thought she saw him playing on the floor

with his blocks and cars scattered out

she thought it was a dream until she found the block

and her heart began to shout

He is here….he is here…I know it is true

for I saw him playing just so

sometimes it takes more than uttered words

for our hearts to really know

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE CALLING CARD

Twilight lingering thru the trees

The wind stirring a gentle breeze

The moon laying its silver blanket on the ground

Nighttime animals scurrying around

Autumn displaying its calling card

One of God’s beauty’s that can’t be marred.

Published in Poetry Guild 1986

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A SEASON TO DIE

Silently, slowly, it slithers to the ground

Pausing occasionally to twirl round and round

With arms laid out like branches on a tree

A signal of death to someone like me

The hue of life already ebbing away

Only to reappear at some later day

Silent, fading bodies layered on the ground

Bodies that died without making a sound

Soon to be piled in heap upon heap

A death for which no one does weep

Destroyed by the blaze of one tiny match

Flames devouring every body it can catch

What a senseless death some may cry

But, fall is the time for all leaves to die.

Published Amherst Society 1994

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RUNAWAY

The sensation swells, beginning to grow

The tapping in my feet, let me know

The runaway has come to stay

Bidding me to come away

Long corridors of paths unknown

Soaring along to places unflown

Luggage packed, departure at hand

Running away to some new land

Feeling a touch on my shoulder top

Something telling me I have got to stop

Running away is for someone alone

Others will come, hadn’t I known?

Feelings of responsibilities cloud my heart

Leaving me uncertain of whether to start

Running away used to be a simple thing

Soaring mountain tops on eagle’s wings

Now visions of those dear erupt in my mind

Making running hard, escape a bind

Oh for wisdom, a strong inner guide

Someone to hold my hand so I won’t to hide

Published in Poetry Press 1997

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Living On The Outer Edge

There is a pane of glass I see

It stands somewhere between you and me

It’s living on the outer edge

Spending your life on a narrow ledge

Although our lives are intertwined

The of glass leaves a vivid line

Like children pressing their faces to glass

It leaves an impression that does not last

On the other side of this glad lies

Someone who makes my heart cry

Standing on the outside, looking in I see

I life I wish included only me

Chosing to walk on the narrow ledge

Choosing to love on the outer edge

Is a very lone life to live

Sometimes more than one’s heart can give

Published in New York Poetry Anthology

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RAINBOWS

If God always kept

A rainbow in the sky

If all sorrow were gone

And no reason to cry

Then the beauty, the joy

The wonder of it all

Would begin to fade

If no rain were to fall

For God knows the pain

That a storm can send

So he saves the joyful rainbow

Until the very end

Only God can take the bad

That a storm can bring

And turn it into good

That makes our hearts sing

So, friends, while the storms

Seem to batter your heart

Keep one eye open

Looking for the rainbow to start

For rainbows begin

When the storm starts to end

And rainbows dear friends

Are something only God can send

Published Sparrowgrass Forum

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Indifference

The old man reached into the depths of his soul

Only to discover that it was black as coal

Hate and anger had taken up residence there

Turning a heart black that was once so fair

The old man cried out in hurt and pain

As he looked around for someone to blame

When no one appeared, he threw his shoulders back

Deciding it no longer mattered that his soul was black

Sparrowgrass “Treasured Poems of America”

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Winter’s Sentimental Song

Winter, is that you knocking at my door?

Blowing your cold breath across the more

The coldness reaches out in long icy fingers

The type of weather where no one lingers

You cover the ground with a blanket of snow

And the icy wind, it doth continually blow

People used to gather around the warmth of a stove

As they listen to the tales the old ones wove

Now, this idea of human closeness is gone

It remains as a memory, like an old sentimental song

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TEARS

Limpid pools threatening to overflow

Reflections of sorrow we all know

Stormy clouds shedding angry rain

Feelings of rage, feelings of pain

Rivers racing away like a thief

An overflow of heartfelt grief

Glistening diamonds that never part

Tears of joy coming from the heart

Cascading tears that form a waterfall

Contagious laughter in a crowded hall

Tiny droplets, dew for tomorrow

Days of joy~Days of sorrow

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Caught in Time

Suspended in time, a foggy place

Caught between two worlds I hang

Uncertain which way leads to home

I listen to the songs the old world sang

The path back has closed it’s doors

Thought I consistently try

Never understanding the reasons

My heart continues to cry

Like a child being pushed ahead

I bow my back in stubborn pride

The path ahead leads to my home

Yet I continue to hide

Stumbling across roots the old world leaves

The bruises striking deep

I go through the motions of living

Occasionally stopping to sleep

Wishing away things the old world leaves

Traces Continue to remain

A stronger soap than this it takes

To remove that blaring stain.

1997

Published in:

The Poetry Center

The National Library of Poetry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Delicate Lace

My hands, my hands~I do not see

But rather my mother’s~looking back at me

The years in time~I count them not

Preferring to remove them~in one swift blot

Rivers of wrinkles~move across my face

Marks of many journeys~my mind can trace

babe to mother~mother to mother

The death of one~the birth of another

Looking at my child~little hands I see

knowing one day~the hands will be me

The cycle continues~regardless of time

Putting niches in lives~mine-hers, yours-mine

No one can stop~ the delicate flow

A downward glance~lets us know

The transformation~is taking place

Colorful Booties have turned ~to delicate lace

1989

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The Gilded Cage

Little bird with broken wing~captive in a world of haze
Frantically searching to escape~lost in the corridors of a maze
Held by bonds invisible to the eye`the little bird flutters in vain
Though only hurt by a broken wing~the heart was becoming maimed

Caged in glass the world is elusive~like strangers in the night
The little bird cries from fruitless attempts~and her spirit has lost its fight
Her home is adorned for all to see~her cage is gilded in gold
“I give you everything you need~You should be happy” she is told

But all the glitter and all the shine~Can never fill the need
of this little bird’s pitiful cry~”I only want to be freed”
Her cries are silent, her tears are dry~her wings bruised from beating in vain
No one understands at all~her deep and yearning pain

Sitting motionless on her little perch~staring aimlessly through the glass
She is offered precious goodies~but the pleasure does not last
Spring turns to summer~And summer to fall
But time does not lessen the pain~and her unhappiness she tells to all

Weary of hearing her cries~when her cage is adorned in gold
Never understanding her needs~her cries are becoming old
Deserted and alone she begins to molt~her plumage turns to crimson
Her songs loud and wild~A battle she thinks she has won

Where has the broken bird gone~What kind of game is this?
With a strut and haughty laugh~she just blows us each a kiss
Everyone is overjoyed~as they begin coming back
Never realizing it is a ruse~she is putting on an act.

Thinking the worst is over~She has become accustomed to her cage
The truth lies in her diary~As the tears cover page after page
The cage is opened occasionally~But the presence is always nearby
So, escape is still a dream~And she is too sheltered to try

Company is what she needs they say~A tiny little child
But peace this does not bring~For she still hears the call of the wild
One day she flies away~With the child under her arm
But the presence draws her back~With all his sweetness and charm

A taste of freedom lingers on~ Escape is planned again
But, alas company is coming~Will she ever, ever win?
Once again the haze returns~Dispair fills her mind
No matter what the presence offers~No matter how sweet or kind

Pain fills her days~Tears take over her nights
The little bird has once again~Lost the will to fight
She wanders listlessly around by day~Tiny chirps never entering her haze
Her nights filled with tormented dreams~of her beautiful gilded cage

To soar and fly through the air~Over mountains and valleys so low
This little bird is haunted~By the desire to get up and go
The little bird is haunted by day~The dreams take over her bed
Discontent permeates the air~For the life that she has led

She calls on the older bird~and cries out all her woe
The older bird tells her~”Baby, just get up and go
The cage is no longer locked~The door swings to and fro
There is no reason little one~that You can not pack up and go.”

From being caged so long, she is afraid~that she will not know how to fly
So, even when the door is open~the little bird is afraid to try
Hesitating, she cries out in dispair~ I don’t know…I don’t know
Uncertain whether to remain inside~Or to just take off and go

She staggers back into the cage~indecision clouding her heart
Even when given the chance~she does not know how to start
Everything looks brighter outside~the yearning growing strong
Her melody floats through the air~that is where she belongs

Day by day her courage mounts~she is ready to make a break
Dashing through the door, babes in hand~that is all she wants to take
The older bird receives a call~I’m on my way the message said
I finally got away today~please fix the baby’s bed

Through the rain a distant sound~the frantic beating of wings
Soon mother and babies are in sight~I’m free, I’m free she sings
Though escaped from the gilded cage~the little bird trembles in fear
I know he will come after me~I can feel his presence near

The presence never shows his face~he makes a simple call
Is she there he wants to know~I want her happy that is all
willing to let her try the taste~of the freedom of the land
He does not try to get her back~he never raises a hand

The litte bird settles in~her new life ready to start
The excitement growing by bounds~with every beat of her heart
Fluttering here and there~tasting everything in sight
Thrilled with her new life~and loving the evening lights

Never being on her own~the little bird didn’t know
That the world out there~was not one continuous show
The babies were left with the old bird~as she played here and there
Living her life as she pleased~as if she didn’t have a care

The old bird tried to teach her~life is different out here she would say
But the little bird would not listen~she only wanted to play
If she ever had a need~if there was something she could not get
The little bird would beat her wings~and throw a temper fit

Although she wanted to be free~from the presence in her life
It was he that she called~at the first signs of strife
And patient and loving that he was~he filled her every need
But the little bird was too caught up~to appreciate his loving deed

The little bird wanted to taste life~and all the birds there in
She strutted her fine plumage~as another bird she tried to win
But, once the game was over~and he arrived at her door
the little bird was not content~she wanted so much more

The new bird gave her gifts~but the little bird was not content
she badgered the new bird for presents~and was not happy with any he sent
Freedom was not bringing joy~her heart was filled with pain
She sat around for days~crying tearful songs out in the rain

One night the little bird lost control~as she frantically banged into walls
she grabbed the babies and left the house~stopping only to make a call
she left in flight, the old bird knew not where~everyone searched all around
Never knowing she flew straight through~back to her home town

She had called the presence to her aid~she would come home, she had said
Please, I don’t want to talk~just fix us all a bed
Again the little bird sits in her gilded cage~for all the world to see
Her wing is still broken inside~because she doesn’t know the meaning of free

And company is coming once again~to the gilded cage you see
And while she loves them all~she still yearns to just be free
She can not see that her wing has healed~and the gate is open wide
She has built her own gate called fear~and shuts it to stay inside

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A Place Within

With soles worn and body weak

traipsing along well-worn trails

Gnarled knees and a twisted back

And a mind full of human tales

A path framed with rolling grass

Empty of human voice

Desolate to the ordinary man

But tis his only choice

Eyes that see only inner sights

Ears that hear the past