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.