Poem 366: Leap Year Spare

For now the book has come to close;

the end has been brought near;

the time to finish has arrived;

it suddenly's appeared.

And now in reading the last words

upon this extra page,

may you be blessed with, if not more

the next few lines I've made.

For friends you've read my words in time,

to rhythm and meaning.

In doing so, you've helped me find

and meet a deeper me.

So thank you for your time and eyes,

comments and grammar checks.

Know this as truth, that through reading,

this writer you have met. 

Poem 365: Years

27 years ago I breathed in German air.

26 years ago I flew to my home here.

25 years ago I blew two candles out.

24 years ago I remember lightening, bricks and shouts.

23 years ago I welcomed a little bro.

22 years ago I learned to play alone.

21 years ago I laughed, and broke the rules.

20 years ago I lied 'bout broken things.

19 years ago I moved to a small town.

18 years ago we began to build our house.

17 years ago I played on mounds of mud.

16 years ago I climbed 'round wood-framed walls.

15 years ago I thought 20 was old.

14 years ago I goaled and won my prize.

13 years ago I first went to high school.

12 years ago I sought to attempt all.

11 years ago I finally became brave.

10 years ago I graduated school.

9 years ago I skipped over country lines.

8 years ago I learned and strove and cried.

7 years ago I found peace and friend-ship's joy. 

6 years ago I found hate, trust and success.

5 years ago I worked abroad and taught.

4 years ago I tied Korean friendship knots.

3 years ago I traversed the Eastern World.

2 years ago I taught some cute third-graders.

1 year ago I aimed to finish strong.

Today I've met my aim and feel like I have won.

Now there're 3 hundred 65 of these

for each day of each year

and maybe one more bonus one

named aptly: Leap Year Spare

Poem 363: Dog Song

A howling sound is echoing

A long loud silent scream

A crying note, a saddened tone

A wolf’s attempt to sing

Poem 362: Water Slide

“I’m ready,” I thought as I climbed into

this four-man inner tube

“It will be great,” we had exclaimed

and then were pushed away

Down through a tunnel with flashing lights

and music blaring loud

A sudden drop

A throat-filled scream

Water splashed on frightened me

Another scream came from beside

Mine swallowed in nervous thought

And then the end came bringing light

We sighed as if we’d won

Even after this heart-quick'ning ride

With adrenaline rushing wild

We didn't think to end, but turned

And got right back in line

Poem 361: Almost there

I'm almost at the place I goaled to reach;

the height I aimed to touch;

the end I planned to write.

I'm walking now along these final days,

basking in their flames,

encouraged, keeping pace.

I've sought so long after this valued prize.

So bent I've been to win.

My heart's been set on it.

Now much time's passed; I'm almost there.

The finale is at hand.

The end has almost come.

Poem 364: Morning Light

Light is filling up the floor;

Spreading ‘cross the rug.

Splashing on the sofa now;

And running towards the door.

Its hard to catch the sunlight,

Or keep it entertained.

I tried last night to tame its light,

But attempts were all in vain.

For once the clock struck six twenty

the sunlight disappeared.

I'm glad its finally coming back

and drawing ever near.

Soon your beams will fill my eyes

and I’ll rise from my rest.

But for now, I will watch you grow

and make the shadows dance.

Poem 359: Make-up

Coating thickly, packed and firm

make-up covers me

it paints on lines after in turn 

it takes them off of me.

You seem to work against yourself

first making same, then bright

First powder dims my colored face

then blush brings back the light.

Oh laughing make-up you are sleek

when on another's face

but when you're painted onto me

I feel like I am fake.

Poem 360: I can't explain with answers

Though asked, I can't explain with answers

the feelings that remain here stranded

with no running water for refreshment

and no chance alone to find my way.

So leaning gently on the hand of God

I look down and hide my eyes in pain

there's no love that I could want more

than what's revealed here in these stains.

Safe in your nail scared hands I lie

with burdens held in bloody hands

for I have felt your pain through love

and now find rest although I stand.

Poem 357: The Ballet Dance

Swaying movements

Graceful stances

Opened hands

Softened glances

Quickened motions

Gentle bendings

Flowing fabrics

Silent landings

(Picture by Brittany Pace)

Poem 356: Dog Hair

It's floating everywhere

this dog hair.

In the air around me laughing

and rolling on the floor.

It's in the food and on the table

stacked up in large balls

and now its sticking to me

covering me 

and coating me in hair.

There's dog hair everywhere.

When I open up my mouth to breathe

it settles in.

I want to sneeze, but can't:

the dog hair is too thick.

I swallow 

and now it's in my stomach.

(A gift of extra fiber.)

I'm covered out and in

in dog hair.

Poem 355: Forgiveness is

Forgiveness is a stream of crisp cool water on a hot day

which replenishes the spirit with its gentle touch

and refreshes the soul with rejuvenating hope.

It is the start of a new beginning;

a release of past wrongs.

Forgiveness is a new chance to live;

a moment of constant grace.

It's moving on with thoughts of love

and forgetting the wrongs from selfish ways.

Forgiveness is not asking, but giving;

it is not wanting but longing to trust again

Forgiveness is a gift of love

to those who give and get.

Poem 354: Out of Order

Not working
In inoperable condition
Broken
Functioning not as intended
Misfired processing
Ill-arranged
Confused
Mixed-up or twisted
Out-of-Order

Poem 358: Breathing on glass

For an instant the world is clear

the road before is straight

the distance seems not far, but near

and then breathe is exhaled.

The glass becomes not quite so clear

the fog has blocked my sight

the future becomes blurred and I

have lost the road's edge line.

I hold my breath and wait and hide

the world becomes quite black and faint

then opening up my eyes I find

time's past and all has changed.

The glass I see through's clear again

the air is crisp just like back then

but time has changed the view while I 

was scared of walking blind

No longer is the road all paved

no longer do lights guide my way

instead I wake to find my life

in the belly of a whale.

Perhaps when glass fogs up next time

I shouldn't run or hide my eyes

instead I'll trust on Jesus Christ

praying His will, not mine.

Poem 353: Torn Cloth

I'm wearing now the proof of war;

clothing stained with battle's score.

I won, I thought, but now I see:

the battle was 'bout saving me.

So, reveling in my glory 'lone

I bask in light of what I hold

and find that truth is sometimes 

much better left unknown.

But now with words settling in 

upon my open ears

the meaning that they hold is truth

though rough it is to hear.

Perhaps if I had waited out

this battle and not fought

the burden I would hold right now

would be what I had ought.

Now heavy heart, with stolen load

bought through determined shouts

I can't ignore the words then heard

when I was there 'called out.'

Poem 352: Heart Vs. Mind

There were so many things I thought I knew

Answers that I could have given with sure, persistent claim

but now that I have seen the tides on every side

I'm no longer confident of what my mind has made.

I sit here and imagine future, current, past

and I'm bewildered by the unknown thoughts that have been saved

The black and white design of strictly defined paint

is now exploding colors with hues of new debates.

Patterns that I once defined as straight

have twisted into inconsistent escapades of shapes

unknown, unimagined, unforgettable things

I'm an interlaced confusion with heart and mind not being the same.

Poem 351: Dark Spaces

I've always been afraid of dark places

unseen faces, things I've never done.

I jump in fright because of thoughts I worry about

not because of what goes on.

Walking through this dark tunnel 

I don't think about the likely things that could scare me, 

but the things I know, deep down inside, that probably won't.

Then I'm caught off guard by those likely things

that weren't scary with lights on.

Poem 350: Sinking Sand

I'm sinking in the gentle waves

Them rushing

me standing still

My toes are covered up with sand

It building

me standing still

The wind is fighting with the waves

both tossing

me standing still

The tide is pulling at my legs

It streaming

me standing still

I'm sinking in the gentle waves

sinking, but standing still.

Poem 349: Standing in the Wind

Firm as I am standing here

I feel the wind bending me

causing me to sway into the air that lays before.

My hair is lifted by the breeze

my shirt is flowing with the force

my scarf and skirt are making waves and dancing all the more.

I close my eyes and lean into 

the hand of wind that blows so sure

then beckoned by its finger tips I trust and flight is born.

Drifting with the blowing wind

embraced within its arms of love

 I close my eyes, at peace am still, enraptured by its power. 

Poem 348: Adding Up

Adding 1 to 2 gives three

2 to 3 is five

adding 3 to 4 gives seven

4 to 5 is nine

adding 5 to 6 eleven

7 to 8 fifteen

adding 8 to 9 makes seventeen

9 to 10 nineteen

Adding 10 to 11 makes twenty-one

11 to 12 twenty-three

adding 12 to 13 makes twenty-five

13 to 14 twenty and seven

adding 14 to 15 makes twenty-nine

15 to 16 twenty and eleven

and if you follow the pattern it continues to be 

adding up rather oddly.

Poem 347: Midterms

I've taken many tests in my days

math, English, Spanish, history, physics, psychology.

I've studied, reviewed papers, done loads of research

read books, journal articles, novels, primary historical documents.

But today, I didn't take the test; I gave it.

It's so much better to give than to receive.

Poem 346: Nyquil

Some people drink coffee to stay up and alert

others drink tea with caffeine cream and sugar

and then when it's time to rest they can't snooze

so they drink some Nyquil or down bottles of booze. 

But me, I drink Nyquil only when sick

and today I took 2 tablespoons full of it.

Now, although I have swallowed I do not feel tired

I'm reading the label and have found that a child

is at risk of being excited and energized

and perhaps today I am more like a child

for my heart fast is beating and I no more feel mild

Instead I feel like laughing and running and screaming

but oh if not for this stuffed-up clogged nose 

I'd be dreaming about the things life has in store

Instead I am sitting here, writing and reading

and wondering when sleep will come here and get me.

Until then I'm wide-eyed, awake and quite certain

that the Nyquil in this bottle is broken.

But maybe like Caffeine, which puts me to sleep

the Nyquil acts backwards when acting on me?

To add insult to injury, things are getting quite funny

the ceiling is lowering, the light now is dimming 

and something is growing in front of my eyes, 

...its blocking my view...  

...Only slits now...

...I...

...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Poem 345: When I'm old

When I'm old 

I'll wear purple dresses and red hats

socks with sandals, heels and flats

When I'm old 

I'll squish little kids' cheeks

smile at them as they laugh at me

When I'm old

I'll pat random men's hair

and wave at anyone who cares

When I'm old 

I'll never brush my teeth

Instead I'll let my dentures soak and self clean

When I'm old

I'll flirt with strangers, wear silk and cotton

and curl my hair in my sleep

When I'm old

I'll start up new styles

travel the world, but first retire

When I'm old

I'll dream of the days

when I was a young girl dreaming of

When I'm old

Poem 344: Is it already today?

What happened to my yesterdays?

they seem to have but blown away.

Last time I checked the clock said 

today was still Monday

but somehow in the midst of mess

sickness, stress and randomness

I have lost my week and now I find

I've lost all track of time!

Poem 343: SICK

drip

drop

drip

drop

drip

drop

drip

drop

Chinese 

tortured

sinuses

Poem 342: Orange Juice

There is no other thing

that I would rather drink

than orange juice mixed with tangerines

full of vitamin c!

Poem 341: Sinus Infection

Sinuses;

Gooey, messy, sticky

dripping chunky snot.

Wet and slippery

sometimes bloody

gross and icky 

sinus glops.

Poem 340: Stomach Ache

My stomach's trying to talk to me

it's speaking rather loud

I didn't understood its voice

until it shouted out

"feed me!" it said, and then it cried 

"give me something to drink!"

But even once this chore was done

the talking didn't cease

Yelling and shouting, turning flips

it moved and wouldn't stop

it twisted turned and talked again

but this time just said "ouch"

I fed you little tummy

I watered you up well

but still you are not feeling good

I think I'll just lay down

Upon my side I rested you

I slept to let you heal

but you chose to keep talking loud

growling you didn't still

what do you need, what can I do 

to make you feel alright

maybe a bowl of sweet ice cream

will help conclude this fight!

Poem 339: Greek Dining

Yum...

Greek food full of garlic and cucumbers

citrus and oregano

chicken and a pinch of salt

Tomatoes with olive oil, vinegar and onions

all thrown together into a beautiful Greek salad

beside lemon grilled meat dipped in Tzatziki sauce!

Poem 338: Late Nights

Its been a series now of late nights, unmade glances, and seemingly stopped time.

I shouldn't ignore the hand on the clock that has paused again, while life has not.

But somehow, staring into thin air, it's easier to ignore and lose these hours of living.

Night after night I am caught up in this situation with bed calling my name to rest and replenish, 

but mind fighting for relief from the expected comfort of this thing called sleep, 

and I remain thinking, staring and dreaming: awake.

Poem 337: Hello Again

It was your smile that first caught my attention as I glided by

I saw my reflection in your eye where your thought sang with pure childhood joy

and then the sideways turn of mouth energized my heart

making me once more look again to see that confident expression.

Standing taller after this unexpected meeting through glass

I remembered your face once more and delighted in its depth

It wasn't beauty of surface that encouraged me to dance through my day

but the clarity of soul that surfaced in your face.

Reminding me that mirrors only sometimes tell lies

and other times reveal truths, who've long been trapped inside.

Poem 336: Without a Lead

Tonight I danced for many steps

as ONE without a lead

I danced alone I went my way 

but not because I wanted to.

Tonight I lifted my own hand

to turn me 'round and spin

I bent and swayed

and dipped and waved

and played the part of guide and friend.

Tonight I was without a lead

all by myself I danced

It's nice to be strong on my own

but I'd rather have a hand to hold

to follow and not lead.

Poem 335: Ugh...

Walking through the rain we went

my sister and myself

we ordered take-out with chopsticks

and returned back to the house

With fork and shovel in our hands

we lit up the TV

and did what the unhealthy choose

sit and watch and eat

It turns out when your sitting still

with containers full of food

even though there's much to eat

and too much to go through

with eyes focused upon the screen

and mindless hands working

that plate, when set down first, was full,

soon becomes empty.

But not until we stood to go

did we realize our pain

our heavy stomach weighed us down

and we felt our mistake

next time when we eat Chinese food

in front of the TV

our portions will be smaller 

and we'll eat while on our feet!

  

Poem 334: Peace ALONE

There's nothing better than the silence

which is present when alone

the echoing walls tell a tale

that loud sounds cannot know

the wind and breeze carry whispers

that settle in the air

but with such business around

you'd never know they're there

so I revel in the stillness now

while standing here alone

for time will soon come when again

the world will surround.

Poem 333: Triplets

Triplets standing in a row

each three, itself unique

For one is first, another last

the third is in between

Perhaps the first is glad to lead

the last to then conclude

But the middle one's the happiest

being hemmed in by the two

Poem 332: Windy Room

The window's open cross the room 

there's a fan that sucking air right through

and I am standing in between

wind blown and free-eezing!

Poem 331: 9-11 *In Memory of September 11th*

The day began like yesterday, I woke up by alarm

I ate some food, put on my shoes, and headed down the road to school

And when I reached the school house, I went to class and took my seat

and then the world began to change, oh so suddenly.

The TV on, was telling us the news about the day

and flashing signs of blue and red told us there's something strange

Then live feed from downtown New York appeared upon the screen

and chaos filled the air with sounds, of jet engines, cracks and screams.

Then just as fast as things went loud, the silence fell and lay

the classroom 'round me, mouths gaped wide, some praying, others crying

but nothing for the first few moments, what felt like maybe days

while people asked themselves 'bout truth, before they gave hearts way.

And then as hearts and mind embraced and gathered in the news

pain and anger flew from mouths and eyes and grew up huge

amid the quiet noise I heard a gentle whispered prayer

Please, Father God, embrace the souls of those now paining there.

Then peace with yoke lighter than air, settled in my eyes

and I saw comfort between estranged souls bonded by sad tides

In that embrace a love was shared between two enemies

it righted wrongs among past friends and brought families back together again

It's true, that day, named 911, was tragic, with high costs

but from it greater beauty grew  

Which means: the terrorists have lost!

Poem 330: 9/10/11

I remember 14 years ago

braces with a smile

laughter that could scare a bear

or resemble gentle fire

I remember when we first were friends

and how since then we've grown

but most of all I'll nev' forget the way 

you've remained close

For years have passed and time has taken

me across the world

its carried you down career paths

with men and work and school

but even though the years go by

and life molds us to change

a dearest friend, you'll always be

True Friend, a loving name

Poem 329: Another new day

This morning I woke up and realized 

today's a one-and-only day

it will not happen once again in ten years

or in 1 million ten. 

I brushed my teeth and ate some grub 

and looked down at my clock

and noticed it was almost noon, which meant

the day would soon be up

So I jumped into my 4x4 

and went out for a spin

I bought a dozen donuts, 

climbed a mountain, juggled pins

I danced and sang into the night

exhausting all my time

I didn't want to waste this day

I had made up my mind

No matter what it took, I wouldn't

let the day be lost

so I ran my errands, met with friends

and when the clock sang: "done"

I climbed into my bed to dream

thinking that I had won

but something strange began to form 

deep inside my head

For when I woke the next morning

I realized once again

today's a one-and-only day

and so the day began

Poem 328: Canceled

I looked forward to this moment

and looked forward to this day

I counted out the hours, minutes

seconds 'till this great "hurray!"

And now that the time's come at last

I thought that I'd be glad

instead I'm sitting all alone

"canceled" on and feeling sad. 

Poem 327: Rivers

Oh dancing river

sing to me

a song about belief

How do you know that you will reach

the ocean that you seek?

And what dear river 

do you know

of worry or complaint?

You throw all cares aside and travel

as you find a way.

Now simple current 

streaming close

I'll lean upon your strength

I'll gather up the words you say 

to hold them in my brain

For wisest river 

you are aged

far beyond your years

and listening to your song I'm sure

I'm stronger when you're near

So flowing friend

I'll rest by you

and listen to your song

Learning from your active faith 

Driven, I'll carry-on

Poem 326: Math-inundated

Last night for hours more than fingers

I put nose in book

penciled paper with math words

and symbols 'till I shook

This morning once again I woke

and solved equations long

I worked out problems evens, odd

and even sang math songs.

And when I wake tomorrow morn'

I'm bound to do the same

for math is all I have right now

it's work, but also play!

Poem 325: Fermented Grapes and Currents

I drank them all, aged as they were

100 grapes or more

I swallowed them and breathed their sent

as if they were brand new.

Then after I had drank my fill

or perhaps more than full

I jumped right off a large high rock

into a deep wet blue.

And there I floated with eyes up

towards the cloudless sky

my body careless swam with ease

my mind so light it flew.

And then when I had woken up

from this old-aged-grape state

I shook my head and climbed back towards

the roots from which I grew

I threw out empty jars of wine

and drained full bottles dry

I poured them into rushing streams

and was what I once knew

Poem 324: No one but Ebby

The questions were given

the answers received 

leaving me alone with me

and so with my most well known friend

I traversed the trails.

No other followed behind

as I hiked the path

and not one walked before

I journeyed down the rocky road

just my dog and me alone

When we'd arrived 

down at the sight

where the river grew to deep

We doused our souls in refreshing cool

and soaked our weary feet 

Poem 323: Sunken mattresses

In the middle it begins to dip

drawing me into its center

no matter how I lay or stretch

I sink in even closer

If I start out lying on the edge

then as the night draws on

I find myself right back again

sunk into the center.

So tonight my mind has been made up

my plan for sleep is this

I'll will not use this old mattress

I'll take the floor instead.

Poem 322: Packing Boxes

Stuff is all around me

piled high in leaning towers

reaching beyond the horizon of view

bending

stretching high above the pinnacle of reach

asking me to give up

give away

recycle

and throw back to my past.

My past in forms of paper mache,

hand prints, 

noodle picture frame crafts 

and many other Things.

Stuff is piled around me

defining me 

begging me to remove my labels 

and delve into the unknown land of emptiness

nothingness

I am surrounded by a me of past

a me I long to gather up and hold on to

a me that future rejects as ancient

old

unwanted

spent

a worthless pile of crap

I am surrounded by this and love it

I loathe its mass, and despise its volume

but relish its memories and emotions

But, now it's time to say good-bye

to grow older once more

and move away from the past

keeping it only in mind

without memento 

and with the pain of moving forward 

with nothing

Good-bye childhood

college

my first love

Hello hollowed life waiting to be filled

I am surrounded by...

Poem 321: Foot Fungus

Foot fungus is really quite stinky

its yellow and gross to embrace

If I tickle your toes I'll be sorry

that fungus might intoxicate

Do not dance with those shoes unbuckled

or will me to move my band aid

I'm not tempted to touch you, I'm sorry

Perhaps this far distance is safe.

Poem 320: Poured Into

This life I live I've poured into

each thought that I've been given

Every feeling that I've touched

has bent my heart to listen

I've thrown in all that I could hold

to feed this life to grow

I gave up all of my desires 

and everything I've known

And now that days have gathered up

and time's been measured out

this life I've given up to you

has paved a purer route

So take my soul into your care

life's yours to take or give

Then bring me to your feet to rest

'till then, for you I live

Poem 319: The Life of One

A lonely number is a 1

it's sharp and flat and thin

it's straight and narrow as a stick

it's skinny like a pin

But lonely ones match up quite well

with any other few 

for a few more added on gives One

a group to belong to

Poem 318: There is no place, but home

I asked at the nearest road

for another place to go

which direction would take me to 

the farthest from my home

Were there places I could be

that felt still like my own

or are there no more places

where the real me could be known

I've searched now both the far and wide

I've looked to time for change

I never let myself to thrive

or just remain the same

But now the search has brought me back

to the place where I began

I took a chance and found my home

beside my dearest friend 

Poem 317: Tomorrow

Tomorrow it all takes flight

the finish of all I knew

The newest plans I didn't make

the start of something great

Poem 316: Fabric and Lace

Draped in fabric of silk and satin

yellows and blues and white

Lace and ruffles, flowing movements

black heels in the night

Wind curved branches bend above us

hair and wood in flight

Flowing freely, cloth and spirit

bask in the moonlight.

Then winds empower searching hearts

who gently float from sight

Darkness deepens, peace is lost

stars no more are bright

   

Poem 315: Mom

In 19 hundred 55

a beautiful girl was born

with fine straight hair and feathered frame

and a heart made out of gold

To her mother, Melba

and to Edwin, her dad

she was their firstborn daughter

the first of two they had.

And then the daughter grew up

and turned into a mom

and had three kids to call her own

(one who's very tall).

The husband who she calls "my man"

is bright and strong and kind

His farmer's tan the best they have

and his love for her is bold

So now at age of 56

her blonde hair's turning grey

her skin is wrinkling just a bit

but her heart's still bright as day!

Poem 314: Being Slowly Forgotten

I don't mean to be rude dear sir,  

It really isn't up to me.

You'd be easy to remember 

if time halted memory

But as it stands, dear stranger

there's no records of your name

perhaps I met you once before

but if it's all the same

please tell me who you are once more

and please don't make me wait

There's much to do before time comes

and steals the past away.

Poem 313: The Middle Kid

One sandwiched in between of three

One struggling to be known

One lost within the knowing 'we'

One hopes to be alone

But when this child is taken out

of his or her mid-home

suddenly the thought of being 

just one is hard to hold

One builds back 'round itself a cage

One feels in chains more free
One pushes back to center stage

One to unite the Three

Poem 312: Unforgotten Dreams

These broken moments of my day

captured in collage

have surmounted in my brain

as dreams while I've sawn logs

They've shown intensity of depth

from feelings I've withheld

and spoken shortness into breath

where my heart in secret delved.

These mostly unknown parts of me

paint messes in my sleep;

they're causing me to lose my mind

and bringing me to weep.

Oh pictures of my deepest soul

I beg you take a break

and leave me to a thoughtless sleep

so I'll not pain to wake.

Poem 311: Sarcastically Football

My feet are covered up in mud

my legs are shaking with the weight they're holding

tired from the constant sprinting

chasing men so tall

My hands are waving in the air

drawing on the eyes of others searching

for someone to release a certain

burden towards my wall.

But as the throw is set in action

and my eyes find this attraction

my arms do not react in time

and the football slips and falls

Now my feet and face are dirty

and my legs and arms are hurting

and my pride is surely broken

like an injured china doll

But a gentle word is spoken

with such very soft emotion

and my soul becomes replenished

so I once again stand tall

Then another chance is granted

with strengthened heart I reach to grab it

and my finger tips just touch it

and twirl it to my palm

The winning point I've cradled

but it's you who've made me able

with the gentle words of hope you spoke

"Next time, just catch the ball!!!"

Poem 310: Sunday Blues

The sky is bright with royal light

but I see just Sunday blues

The choir's words are crisp and bright

but I'm sing'n Sunday blues

The faces passing smile wide

I smirk my Sunday blues

The sunbeams beg me to confide

but I keep my bluish hues

The sky is light, the songs are bright

warm smiles fill the air

sunbeams soften hardened hearts

but Sunday Blues don't care.

Poem 309: Behind

I've fallen behind again

this seems to happen most often

when I forget to remember

that yesterday has come to end

for three days, and sometimes ten.

I've fallen behind you see

it's not how I planned it to be

but somehow I lost track of life

in the many hours in between

what was and is to be.

I've fallen behind and now

it's my job to catch up somehow

but as soon as I make up the time

I'll be tired and I'll rest my eyes

and wake to find (oh my!) that I 

have fallen once more behind.

Poem 308: Snooze

Snooze in the sun

in the shade 

in the meadow

Snooze in the car

on the deck 

in a shadow

Snooze wrapped in arms

of a bear

named Othello

Snooze and then snooze 

again

like this fellow

Poem 307: Patience

Today I played a waiting game

I set my goal to win

I waited all morning long 

and then waited some again

Today I played a waiting game

and wait is all I did

I didn't push the time to quicken

or plan as day grew dim

Today I played a waiting game

I set my goal to win

I won today, through battle long

tomorrow I'll start again

For right now life's a waiting game

but, I'm confident in this

with future hope strong on my side

waiting will let me live

Poem 306: Confusion

I am confused about direction

where to go and what to do

who to love and what to prove

and if I need to run or simply

remain in my current ways

of complete and utter confusion.

Poem 305: Oh no!

I think I may have bitten off

more than I can chew

This load is turning up too large

I'm afraid that when it's through

I won't be strong enough to stand

or laugh the whole night through

instead I'll fall into the trap

of what I thought I knew.

Poem 304: Throwing Wood

At first it's fun

throwing wood for future winter warmth

first it's a game

of bend and toss quicker than the brother does

First it's exciting 

trying to win by throwing more in fast

and then the back begins to hurt 

and spasms start and knees get weak

then feet get sore 

and noses clog-up filled with wooden dust

at first it's fun and games 

and then 

suddenly it's not

Poem 303: Bride-To-Be

I am a bride with purple toes 

and blue shoes on my feet

I have a veil on my face 

and act so very sweet

My dress costs 3K to wear once

my earrings are both 12 carrots

my hair holds hairspray from 5 cans

and bobby pins, 310.

There's gold-set jewels in my ears

there's a diamond on my ring finger

there's a corset holding back my breath

and soon my eyes will show my stress

but hopefully before all this

my fiance will pass this test

and love my heart more than this art

which decorates the aisle.

Poem 302: Yesterday

Yesterday has simply gone

it's blown into the wind

somehow the time has disappeared

without a start or end

and now today has come to be

and almost is complete

how did the clock turn all those times

without me getting sleep?

Yesterday has simply gone

there's no record to trace

the minutes drowned beneath the day

the seconds washed away

and now today is almost through

there's nothing left to keep

I wonder if my life lived well

with oh so little sleep? 

Poem 301: Girls Night

Tonight guys better hide

for the girls are on the town.

Tonight guys better run

the girls are all around.

For tonight's the night

when the girls are right 

and the guys will sing the blues.

Tonight guys, run and hide

the woman are all loose!

Poem 300: A Dream In Life

Close your eyes and surface
into the deep unknown
upon the wings of untamed faces
unseen thought and tree bound places
leap upon the branches wild
full of luminescent fires
Fly among the floating islands
dance with spirits pure and silent
talk through heart with whole connected
live a life more fully granted
dream about the night, when woken
that you'll sleep again.

Poem 299: Hiking Cold

In the beginning energy soared

steps were taken without thoughts more

left after right, right after left

up the mountain we carefully poured

Then slowly as the day wore on

the moon against the sun had won

and evening grew to greet the day

making left and right to run

Down the mountain with quickened pace

through the forest towards the gate

into the car to finish the race

as the stars upon us shone

Poem 298: RSVP: undefine

RSVP doesn't mean: think, but don't respond

RSVP doesn't mean: consider very long

RSVP doesn't mean: close all communication gates

but somehow with 'RSVP's

such thoughts seem to proliferate

Poem 297: CALGEBRA

we've CALCulated that U Love US

said the math symbols out loud

they danced in silhouettes on pages where pencils were not allowed

ALl aGE BRAckets noted

there is no one better loved

then the math that's used to decorate the earth and skies above

Poem 296: Beyond Age

When I was three, sitting happy on my father's knee

I didn't think in detailed hope about what is to be

At six I worried 'bout storms of dread 

and being alone with parents dead

with fitful sleep I fought to keep

those thoughts far from my head

When I was ten, running, teasing, laughing playing tag

I dreamed I'd be an astronaut or doctor or maker of art

at 16 I was fast approaching 

a life that was slowly encroaching

then when I embraced past fear

I grew with God a life more dear

At 21 my days were numbered by no one but me

I turned in applications to support a future still unseen

at 24 my dreams were crushed

my time on earth had become rushed

then 27 came and went 

and left me to remember this

There is no age in the beyond except that to which heart belongs

in me that age remains the same

the ripe old age of 3

Poem 295: An Angel in Skin

White flowing hair, when caught up in the wind

graceful movements, quiet prayers against sin

patiently dwelling she freely embraced

every person, and words she'd humbly take.

A quiet, strong soldier, with gardens as swords

and flowers to decorate and to adorn.

Wise spoken words of both sweetness and love

were always placed firmly atop of her tongue.

So as she gives now to the dust of the Earth

her spirit will dance at her Savior's grand foot

and surely He'll lift her up onto his knee

saying:  "Kathy, my daughter
you've greatly blessed me!"

Poem 294: Shopping List

When I tried to milk the cows this morn'

they tried to talk to me

one said, "O-live U"

while another simply, "let us please go free!"

and then, I bet you won't believe

they started to both sing

perhaps it was country, pop or rock - salt makes these cows crazy -

It was chili out

with a deep frosting

the pineapple trees had died

but OJ didn't kill them

and he would never lie

so I left the cows to do their thing

to sing their songs and dance

and I mourned with the potato plants

with napkins colored leaves

Who were tired of singing lullabies 

and hungry for some cheese.

Poem 293: Two's a Band

You play the banjo

I'll work the rhyme

you play rhythm

I'll drum the time

you hit the keys

I'll sing melody

together we're banded

us two, you and me.

Poem 292: Sandwiched 'NO's

No, you tell me, No

I do not understand your style

No, you say again and, No

I do not care how soft

No, there isn't any chance and No

I do not like those pants

No, I don't agree. No

I know they're not for me

No, you shouldn't buy them. No

they don't look good on you

No, do you not hear the 'NO'?

NO, NO, NO, NO, OH, I see...

alright, this pair's on me.

Poem 291: Frantic

It all comes down to now

every moment gone and past

every goal I've reached to get

every step I've sought to leap

It all comes down to now

will I pass or be passed by

will tears of joy or pain be cried

will I stammer or feel peace inside

It all comes down to now

as I wait I pray for strength

as moments pass my thoughts find gain

as clock hands turn my nerves recede

for now I see 

beyond the point

of what this 'now' may bring.

Poem 290: Black and White

There are times when things are black and white
and nothing is unsure
There are moments when I'm sure as life
and no doubt's given breath
There are days when all is confidence
and the world's to be owned
but sometimes I'm caught in between
with no sure answer known.

Poem 289: Raspberry Picking

Each raspberry, full of pulp

slides across my tongue

each capsule's sweetness then explodes

as if savory rhythms are being sung

And just when I think nothing could 

make a sweater mouth of cheer

a joyful sour slithers in 

sending shivers to my ears

Poem 288: Seeing Double

No matter which direction I look

I see double-double.

When I'm given choices, and look closer

every double doubles.

I am left, then, in these instants 

to think double, double hard.

But once I had, I wish I hadn't

for it makes the doubles double.

Poem 287: Oops.

Oops
it happened
once again;
your arms entwined with mine.
And I in comfort
melt and fade
closed my eyes
and choose to stay.

Poem 286: Broken Will

So often as she stood to run

her knees would both give out

her ankles roll, her heart would hurt

her head would thump, her eyes feel sore.

Still other times, she'd goal to move

and her path would be blocked tight

all doors would close, all sight go black

but determination never lacked.

She'd always stand to try again

and run up to the door

she'd knock, she'd plead

she'd push, she'd pull

she'd try as hard as all I know

and sometimes, with a little prayer

the path would become clear

but for some time, all had stood still

no matter how she willed

And then one day she looked around 

and saw for years she hadn't changed

that's when her mind began to soften 

and her will was brought to shame

That day she was defeated

by the obstacles before

that had blocked her in and kept her locked

and not freed her to roam.

So trapped inside her cage she lay

a tiger in despair

her mind now predicted failure

and her heart embraced her fears

But rest assured, those who stand up 

and fight for those so meek

she'll be refreshed and stand again

like a child on God's feet.

Poem 285: Butt Dial

I'm calling you to simply say: 

please ignore the message I left.

It seems that my butt must have dialed my phone.

Such a talented butt I do own!

Poem 284: Six Years Between

There's six years in between them two

one is ten, the other four

there's wisdom found in years traversed

but love has opened doors

it's entered into hearts once closed

and as they've both been told

the six years in between them two

will seem small, when they're old

There's six years in between them two

and maybe one month more

they cannot love so young in age

but each other they adore

so as their age grows higher up

eighteen and twenty-four

the difference is no longer great

and hesitation stands no more

There's six years in between them two

"that's not too bad" some say

but suddenly one's life is many 

distances away.

Those six years in between them are

a rock wall to be climbed

the time and aged maturity

no longer remains fine.

There's six years in between them two

lovers they'll never be

but friendship stands when all else fades

making strong hearts from the weak.

Poem 283: Minecraft

You build your house out of lava and stone

I build mine in the mud

You plant a garden a thousand blocks wide

mine's 12 stones plus 1

You have the makings for gold, ore and dye

I'm excited to find that I haven't yet died

but dear brother of mine, being behind is just fine

as long as all zombies are gone!

Poem 282: Snowflakes in July

I  s
   l
    i
     p
      p
        e
          d

and fell d
            o
            w
            n
a GIANT waterfall of summertime
into a H     E  
            OL
of sandy beaches, river trips, BBQs and
s                    es
 mi            ac
      ling  f
reminding me
of yesterdays gone by, snowflakes                             
and the sta
                rry  nights of  winter's  C
                                               hrist
                                             mastim
                                                  e.

Poem 281: Down to the River

Down to the river

buckets of sand

castles to build

bodies to tan

Down to the river

arm fulls of wood

music to play

hot dogs to cook

Down to the river

baskets of clothes

socks to be cleaned

stains to be soaked

Down to the river

hearts full of prayers

Bibles to read

songs to be heard

Down to the river

bags stuffed with treats

blankets to spread

picnics to eat

Down to the river

now full of folks

enjoying the quiet

amongst all the noise

Poem 280: Chess

You:  strong and planted

firm in thought

Me: ready for defeat

You: aimed and thinking

forming plots

Me: arranging my retreat

And then with one move 

our roles switch

for you just lost your queen

 I lift my chin

you hang your head

Check Mate dear king

you're dead!