This Morning

I found it easy to rest my mind from the history of  the night this morning

No dreams to share, no memories returned to end my happiness - this morning

The roaring of engines, the cricketing of crickets and the howling of beast all disappeared with the night air - this morning

My neighbors shouted no more, the sirens carried away in the night waves and the sun now rest its light upon my window shade - this morning

And now with all that has occurred, my eyes feeling the fire of my restless soul, my body fighting to remain in its place of refuge - I hang my head partly below my shoulders and regretfully smile - this morning.

Ahhhh You Don't Hear Me (Preacher)

Ya Know, I seen the worst and had the best that life can offer a man-

I've watched the stars and followed and every now and then I took a stand-

Ahhhh you don't hear me !

I've crossed the desert sea and watched the war of wars-

Even pasted the city streets to help those who help themselves, you know, the whores-

Ahhh you don't hear me !

And now I sit here old and frail, never crossing the law, being hawled off to jail-

Earned the respect of many far and few, whether I made up lies or told it true. 

Rocking back and forth as the memories come and go, I find it rather funny-

After all those years and the time I spent, helping the whores and taking the risk-

I come to realize the one thing I truly miss. 

It wasn't the dinners and gatherings  of the faithful and true-

Nor the laborious hours creating a sermon just for you -

It was the end of the day when the money was paid -

To pay the woman that got me laid.

Ahhh you don't hear me !!

If I Could Say

When I watch I see all. I miss nothing before me-nothing escapes me -

I see the things they do, watching them, stalking their every move -

I know the people they hurt, the pain they were causing, the shame they bore -

No one Knew, no one seems to care. Over and over it hunts me in my dreams -

The pictures in my mind overshadowing my soul -

When I watched, I saw it all. I missed nothing before me, nothing escaped me -

I saw the things they did, watched them, stalked their every move -

They knew who they were hurting, the pain they caused, the shame they bared -

No one cared, no one wanted to know. Over and over it hunts me in my dreams -

Pictures of them overshadowing my soul.

Whose Son - Whores Son

Whatcha say! Who do you mean who son I am? I don-no who my daddy iz; why I got mo daddy's than you got mamas. Whose sone I'm I , hummph! -

Let me tell you bout my daddy, all of um.... That's right! I know my daddy, he names I'd Jonathan B. Manchester! He owns his own office in that big house over there with all those lights, you kno , the one where the prezidant live. He nos all kinda secret stuff, you kno stuff the prezidant needs -I'll be just lik'em, I will -

And my daddy, my other daddy, he names Big Daddy - don't kno why, he ain't so big - mama bigger than he is. But, he mean as a lion and everybody say he got money and power. I ain't seen no money, but people scared of him - specially roun hur.... Think I like his power, won't it too! -

But my other daddy, he kinda strange - he keep calling mama to that big place, you kno where all the people go sit down listenin... He dress kinda funny too! Don't understand him much he always talking bout going to a better place, but we never go. Mama likes him - said we should listen to him more, even though he do the same thing to her my other daddy's do... He okay dough! -

See, I kno who son I am - who yo daddy?? Hummph!!

Early This Morning

Early this morning my coffee wasn't hot, my eggs weren't over easy and the toast burnt in several spots -

The orange juice was quite bitter as though it was a lemon, the grits were to hard and the bacon needed trimming -

My shirt needed ironing and my pants had static cling, my jacket smelled of moth balls and my shoes had broken strings -

I can't explain these actions; my life is not that boring, I just didn't' feel like doing anything early this morning.

Because of One Man

It's funny how time has passed, allowing the pain to gather it's healing force, drying out the venue once implanted by the snakes of this world -

Knowing from the day of my witnessing the trouble that set before my eyes; watching him slither his way towards my heart - then having the knowledge

of that one man -

But faith holds true to the power of truth! Even as the days grew bitter and the water nolonger sweet, thru it all the light shined upon me, breaking me free

from the clutches of his venomous bite; the bit of the one man -

And now I sit amongst myself thinking of the past, the years gone by full of anger and deceit; the frutstration and the darkness of never wanting to have the 

the power of truth again, all because of one man -

But, still there is one, the one for truth that stood before me and before my ignorance; longing deeply inside to find his love within myself, giving it as he did others, all because of one. He became a man for me and I, what of I; all because of one man.

 To Honor The Truth (But Love a Lie)

I listened through paper thin walls as he tried to explain his actions - 

Her anger was too severe, like a woman having contractions...

"I don't care, I don't care (she said), you lying son of a bitch! " - 

I imagined him ducking and dodging as the wal pounced  the pain, 

the glass and the dish....

"But honey, oh honey I'm telling you the truth!" He cried in despair

hoping for a truce...

"You think that I'm stupid, you think that I'm naive; I know just what you did 

and that you can believe!"  Her anger filled the room and filtered down into

the street. The neighbors gathered closely on the porch, each finding a comfortable

seat- 

"Okay, okay you win" I wondered what he would say next....

"I should have asked for tampons instead of Kotex!" -

I couldn't believe my ears the lie he trod and laid. And to nolonger hear her anger from the lie 

that he just said... I thought of his situation as I watched the neighbors screaming in laughter as 

they moved on by - At first he told the truth, but she choose to believe the lie.

Why Stop?(I just wanna to spend the time)

Why - do you look thru me? You never seem to care, never wanting what I want, never needing what I need -

Stop - don't play with my mind, must I give all there is just for a part of you, one part of you -

I - can't believe the things you do, how awful can it be; just try, try to love me -

Just - one day at a time, let it flow little by little. I'm not so bad to love; you'll see -

Wanna - hold you close to my heart and let my vibes fill your soul. I'm just as human as human can be - 

Spend - the bottle or role the dice, go ahead and put me to the test of love, my love, my love for you - 

The - more you want, I'm determined to give. Just stay, please stay and receive the riches only I have - 

Time - is of the essence, my days grow very short. Please let me love you, love you just this once.

In the Mist of Butterfly's 

The wonder of it all left me breathless as I watched it take form -

Nothing held my attention more than to see life exhale from its hollow shell -

The crisp gentle moment of its chosen design shined from the rising of the sun - 

The simplicity of it all is as beautiful as your loving smile -

So much did it remind me of your gentleness, your sweetness, and most of all 

how much you care -

And then, then it flew away; wings spread so proudly, sweeping across the still sky -

Beautiful, all so beautiful it was to see as it reminded me of you.. 

In the mist of butterfly's 

White Writing on Black Screen

Hello, good day, Bonjour, Como' esta Ud -

What's there meaning, words so easily spoken with little regard -

Signs of respectful gestures to parties unknown -

No matter, I'll take it as it comes-

White writing on a black screen.

And if I'm elected, And with your trust and faith, For the good of the country,

what else can one say -

Promises made, very few fulfilled, political madness in search for power -

I'll take it as it comes, white writing on a black screen.

Help me, save me, can you get my cat out of the tree - 

What answer should one state?  Calls from the wild, pleads of guilt, pleads 

for protection - 

It's over for now and hopefully I'm over it, but until then I'll take it as it comes -

white writing on a black screen.

Sleep Close to My Pillow

I'm not so far away, your heart has no need to ponder -

Think of me sitting next to you in their midst of a spring morning dew -

Sleep close to my pillow.

Hold on to the memory of that night we tenderly touched -

We share a whole world, we have so so much -

Sleep close to my pillow.

This journey is soon to end like so many before -

I'll turn the key hoping to find you waiting as you did before -

Sleep close to my pillow. 

The memories of you dance in my dreams like a blooming flower -

Yet my heart bleeds with tears from missing you each awakening hour -

as I- 

Sleep close to my pillow.

Hear the Singing Wind

I think of you as I stand near the bay- 

How you made me laugh, how we often dances and play -

They way you brushed your hair, so soft and smooth -

And how you gentle sweat voice so easily set the mood- 

Oh how true is my love for you, missing your touch each and everyday -

Casting my soul upon the sea wind in hopes it will fall your way -

And to listen to the love song of angels from heaven as they descend-

I can only picture your beauty as I hear the singing wind.

A Desperate Kinda Thing

Now don't get me me wrong, thinking you got it like that -

Just because I wash your clothes, clean your kitchen, and run your bath water - 

And don't take on the habit of bragging on yourself, just because I cook your meals and pay for your Sunday 

paper, one dollar and a quarter -

Now don't loose sight, thinking this is a desperate kinda thinig -

You came into my life and made it so complete, fulfilling so many dreams and promises, yes it's true -

I just want it understood, realizing you're the one; these things I do to show how much I care and  how much -

I truly love you.

Never Saying Goodbye

I can only imagine the pain you are feeling coming to the knowledge of our dilemma- 

Thoughts of anger and resentment crashing against the walls of our souls.

Yes, I can imagine

But consider the love I have for you and the power of the love we still share -

For nothing in this world could prove to be so true, the way I feel as mush as I do.

Yes, imagine that

Now the time is closing shortly on a future we promised to unfold-

Not blaming one or the other for this short lived dream, but a life filled with memories

of the dreams fulfilled -

Yes, imagine that

 But, to say Italy in a simple phrase, loving you is never saying goodbye.

Just My Kinda Girl

Sweet as honey,skin smooth as silk (hmmm, no that's been said before) - 

Cute as a button and such a gentle smile (hmmm, that's rather corny) -

My hugged bear, my chocolate drop, my sweet, sweet Lillie pop

(okay this is getting out of hand) -

Would it be, could it be, just enough to say you're my kinda girl?!

Loving You in All the Right Places

Shhhh-

Listen to my hearts flickering flames deep down in my soul. It cries out to you with desire, the need to please you forever.

Shhhh- 

Visualize the strength of my love dancing around you gracefully. Shadowing your forever presence, protecting all that you are and will ever be.

Shhhh -

Snif the fragrance of loves spirit across the still blue sky. Sweet is the nature of this moment, gently resting upon your breast.

Shhhh -

Listen to all that I am and I am all that you will hear. For love can only share the truth in one place and that place is with you.

Shhhh...

One Time Lovers

Last night I thought of something new - let's plan the evening with a picnic by the lake, just me and you.

We'll claim a private spot with a view beautiful and clear - admire the gentleness of the water, the ducks, and the geese; 

even gaze into the atmosphere.

We'll exchange passionate words of love and desire- continuously dream of the future we hold close to heart;

the source of our emotional fire.

And at the close of day when the moon is at full rise and the sun has taken cover -

We'll remenince on the things we've done; wondering no more about how we shall survive, you and I, us and we

one time lovers.

One More Chance to Hold You in My Arms

It hurts knowing I hurt you when we argue over the little things. Words spoken from the heart that I never wanted to say

now to late for repentance -

Seeing the tears flow, flowing like an open stream, my heart hardened by anger now softened by a simple glance

of your pain -

This love, love so true can stand a battle thru hell if given a chance too. It will laugh in the face of destruction, 

if allotted the time - 

It will shout across the galaxy of its captured joy in the moment, but most of all  it will last forever and beyond

if, if you will give me one more chance to hold you and make you mine -

I love you, I do!

 Silly Me

Did I slip and bump my head, thinking that you really cared -

How many miles did I walk  thinking our love you also shared.

Silly me!

Like the feathers of a chicken  plucked - 

My heart you broke in two! The shame I faced as I honored your

name, telling them how much I love you.

Silly me!

So tell me, just tell me, what emotional state should I display -

Shall I laugh, shall I cry and try to live another day?

Silly me!

No! Oh no, not this time. I will not be used and abused like bells that chime -

But, this moment in life I will display only my strength, only my might -

Because this time in my life, this one time you will know that I belong to 

someone else tonight!

Silly you !

COME! Spread Thy Wings

Six days did I form the Earth for thy pleasure. I watched you grow within my grace. I listened to your callings, your songs of praise - this pleased me. In return, I gave you hope, I promised you love, I shared your sorrows and answered your prayers. 

In my name sake you bore children. You raised them to understand my loads, your heart you gave in purity; you learned the secret of forgiveness-  just as I choose to forgive all.

A wife, a mother; in truth you served well. Forsaking not my will you stood strong. Step forth my child and stand before me. Let the angels sing sweetly of your home coming.

Let the trumpets sound for the gates of heaven are open to thee. Come, come my child you need not weep anymore. End your days of pain, your cycle of sorrow -

Come, come my child and spread thy wings.

In Gods Presence, Let Jesus Hold Your Hand

Your time has come, life is at its end. The memories of days gone by whisper in the wind -

It's okay, in Gods presence, let Jesus hold your hand.

Life was not always good, some days better than others. You remember the hate, the pain, the failures and the gains. Some things you want to forget, some you will always remember -

Your time has come, life is at its end. The memories of days gone by whisper in the wind -

It's okay, in Gods presence, let Jesus hold your hand.

Your remember the stories about the "pearly gates", how the Angel awaits to greet heavens guest.  Those memories of hate, pain and failure no longer exist, only memories of  love for those who remain.

Your time has come, life is at its end. The memories of days gone by whisper in the wind -

It's okay, in Gods presence, let Jesus hold your hand.

The glory of it all could not be imagined. Oh how the secrets of heaven you want to share. Your emotions are locked in heavens grip. Your soul shivers with excitement and you stand before the throne. 

Your time has come. Life's memory is at an end. The memory of days gone by no longer whisper in the wind -

It's okay, in Gods presence, Jesus holds your hand.

Our Prayers God Answered

From heaven down God watches over us.

Never asking for much, just a prayer or two

From heaven down God watches over us

Never forgetting who we are or what we do

Never asking for much, just a prayer or two

From heaven down God watches over us. 

And when we pray, one prayer or two, God answered our prayers.

Never asking for much, only to watch over you.

I've Got to Write It Down

Sitting here thinking of what I must do-

Trying to have it done before the period is thru.

Hunting myself for words with no meaning -

Punishing my brain like the average human being.

I'll soon get it together before I leave this town -

But, before I do anything, I've got to write it down.

The Man

He would always brag about his warrior instinct as he easily downed a bottle of the finest, 

later to find himself stretched out in an alley.

His pockets empty and a bruise across his lower lip. 

To ask him the reason for this, he would only reply -

Cause I'm a man!

He spoke of his wealth and the women he shared, though his shoes were ten years behind 

and women barely smiled when they looked his way.

To ask him the reason for this, he would only reply -

Cause I'm a man!

And then he shared the pictures, the pictures of  the children he claimed.

None bore anything in common, especially to his liking. 

To ask him the reason for this, he would only reply -

Cause I'm a man!

No Mama

He stood there holding her picture as the thoughts of her entered his mind. Her voice ringing  sweet words of warmth.

Gimme kiss, give me a big hug; he remembered his reply- 

No Mama

He suddenly feels a warmth like the night air of July. Her voice rings agin;

Clean your room,. Be in before dark; again his reply -

No Mama

Now he looks at himself clutching the picture to his chest. The warmth he once felt turned cold as ice.

His heartbeat moving with the rhythm of the rain. His head hung low as the tears flow.

He remembers each moment, each time, each day he said to her "no".

And now, his only reply with a trembling and painful voice -

No Mama.

Very Sentimental

When they look at you as they walk by

I wonder what they say

They stare at you wanting to

Jut then they run and play

I think I'll try to act just as they do

Trying not to be gentle

Now when I look, I think I see way

It's because you're sentimental.

MY FATHER'S ASHES

I never really got to know you, but I have memories of you;

I remember the time when you corrected my wrongs, when you groomed my hair when it grew to long, when you fixed me a meal to keep me strong.

I never really got to know you, but I heard stories about you;

How you served your country during the war, how you held your liquor while on the dance floor, how you shouted out your children's name each time they slammed the door - running  and hiding from you and the belt you wore. 

I never really got to know you, but mother made sure to mention you;

I would listen to her speak about your habit,  I would listen to her talk to you over the phone, I would listen to her scream out your name when her nerves were erratic, I would listen to her curse you when she felt all alone.

Yes its true, I really don't know you and never had the chance to grow with you, but I found you in ways that helped me see the value of you;

I see the value of you when i think about how God breathed life in you, I see the value in you when I think about how God made it so that I have that breath too! 

I see the value in you when I see how difficult life can be, I see the value in you when I accepted God, asking him to live within me.  I see the value in you because you tried to be a father as best you knew how. I see these values in you because it is what God has allowed.

You see, I thank you for being you. For helping me to see life so differently, for helping me to choose the right thing to do. You contributed to my existence to be a good husband, father and grandfather. What you gave me was the opportunity to find God, the reality that there is no life without Him; and for that I thank you. For it is God that showed me you and helped me to understand that getting to know you isn't part of His plan. 

So, I never really got to know you, but I thank you for being a father that helped me to find 

The Father.