Law Abiding Patriot

Thought I would re-share some of my past poetry.

Won first place in a Safety related poetry contest at my past job location. 

ON THE ROCKS

Here's a tale, without fail will surely catch your eye.
It's 'bout a man, named Disco Dan who lived on scotch and rye.
Now, Dan it seemed, had quite big dreams to celebrate for fun.
He'd take a drink or three, I think on the rocks with rum.
Saturday night, and feelin' right Dan got in his car. 
'though impaired, He did not care and proceeded to the bar. 
With the music loud, he sang so proud, but little did he know, that fallen rocks, because of shocks had spilled out on the road.  His car struck hard, and he was jarred as stones flew all about.
There was a blast of shattered glass, and Dan gave out a shout.
Two cops stopped by, one said, "Oh my! What has happened here?" The other turned and said he learned that Dan was drinking beer.  The first cop sighed, 'cause Dan had died from a stone's head smashing blow. 
Then he said, "Well, Disco's dead, killed by the rock that rolled."

DEJA VIEW

There was this man from Galilee,
whom we all knew as Jesus C.
He grew up fast and his faith was strong.
He had a bearded face and his hair was long.

One day he walked on into town,
and what he saw had made him frown.
A harlet that was being stone,
'cause she was tired of being alone.

He said, "Forgive, for you're the same.
It's not her fault, you're all too blame."
He traveled onward, with staff in hand,
and twelve and a thousand surrounded the land.

At the crest of a hill, the truth was revealed;
the hungry were fed, and the dying were healed.
With his apostles, he ate the last time,
having some bread and a little wine.

He prayed to God, then looked up and said,
"Peter will deny ever seeing my head.
Another will betray me with a kiss on the cheek,
thinking I will show Rome that I am no freak."

The mob started yelling for a different name.
"Give us Barabbas", whose cause was the same.
With a crown of thorns placed upon his head,
he was nailed to a cross, and his life had gone dead.

In three short days, he did return,
just to see what we had learned.
That seems enough to make us believe,
that have some faith and he will conceive.

Those were the days beginning A.D.,
and already it's come to 1973.
Still people die and still people sin,
and each of us feels the needles and pins.

But think of what one man has done for you.
He suffered much more than what we're going through.
So the next time your faith has gone astray,
just remember, there's a new babe born everyday.
 

Riders on the Storm (This Man I Met)

When I was younger, so much more so than today,
'twas then I saw her, so white and pure, come prancin' 'cross my way.
I admit, I was so scared, I never rode before;
but wasn't long that she and I were riding on the shore.

She quickly 'came part of my life and gently filled my soul.
I found I missed her when she was gone, my life, it was not whole.
Lovely mare, who fills my dreams, I'll take you in my arms.
So secure, I could not fail, no one could do me harm.

As I would sleep, her casting shadow watched me through the night.
I listened to her godly words that this was oh so right.
When troubles grew, she stood by me, the only one who stayed;
I held her near when I was hurt, alone or just afraid.

I'd often try to leave her, but she'd be there in my dreams.
She'd show up in my deepest thoughts, she'd be part of my schemes.
Her love, it grew quite selfish, the most important thing.
'twas then that I had realized that this was not just a one night fling.

I tried to hide and runaway, but she'd always track me down.
She'd be there on the corner of every city, every town.
I couldn't live without her, my body called her name;
without her here in my arms, my life was not the same.

Suddenly our love had turned, she soured in my blood.
Rainy days became my life, the shores turned into mud.
The more I tried to jump off, the faster she would run.
Her spirit killing coldness blotted out the warming sun.

I figured I would one day find a way to change her course,
but my dreams became my nightmares while I rode upon this horse.
One day, I finally fell off, I hurt from head to toe.
A man, he did approach me, he said, "Son, just let go."

I met a room of riders, who rode this hellbent steed.
They gave me hope to believe again, they helped to plant the seed.
A twelve step stairway was before me, I stared at those ahead.
This man I met was with me, I shook as I was led.

He smiled and said, "It's over, you needn't hide nor run."
I knew now that I had enough, I stood upon step one.
I took the little hope I had, sincerely watched it grow.
The other riders on the storm had much to tell and show.

I began to believe in those I met, although, at first, a few.
I came to believe that they could help, I now stood on step two.
This man I met, he asked me, "What is it you decide?
Do you want to gamble some or do you let it ride?"

I told this man, whom I believed, was greater than myself,
that I had felt I had trusted him, I gave him all that's left.
"I know I'm beat and I believe that you know better than me".
It was then I stood my first time upon the next step three.

I asked this man just who he was, he said the same as I.
He said, "Go ahead and take a look, but above all else, don't lie."
And when I saw what I'd become from about age nine or ten,
I took a sheet of paper and used an old Bic pen.

I wrote down all that bothered me, give or take a little more.
This man looked at me approvingly as I moved up to step four.
He told me I should share this, with someone I could trust.
I asked him, "Do I have to?", he said "Oh yes, you must."

The fear, it overwhelmed me, I stopped dead in my tracks;
I turned around and shuddered, "Oh no, I can't go back."
This man, he said he'd listen if I told him all my fears.
Somehow I felt God listened as I read holding back my tears.

The bag of doubts I carried that was filled with guilt and shame
did not feel quite as heavy when I learned I was not too blame.
I felt relieved to admit to him, I was glad to be alive;
and if God were there, I think He'd say, "You've made it to step five."

I learned to pray that I could see just what this meant to me.
I realized as time went by, I'm where I'm supposed to be.
And 'though I felt awareness of just who I really am,
I felt so damned inadequate, a defective little man.

These flaws here in my character, the ones that paved the way
for the life that I have lived so long, right on into the day
have revealed a startling truth to me, burned into my brain.
I look back with much reflection, my life had been insane.

That's when it really hit me, I must change all that I could.
I needed to start living a life of only what is good.
The man I met said, "Don't ask me, this is not my cue."
He said, "I hope this does not sound too cruel, but the rest is up to you."

That's when I knew there was only one chance left for me.
I needed to learn how to pray, so my spirit would be free.
I was tired of feeling angry, my pride I could not fix.
That's when I became ready to move up to step six.

I looked up to the heavens, I said, "Hey God, it's me!
self-centered with an ego and selfish as can be.
I know now that you see this, I am no longer blind
It's all that I am made of, of my soul and of my mind."

"Humbly, I beseech Thee, My God, who art in heaven,
I'll do my best to start to change", I looked upon step seven.
The man I met said, "Remember those that you had brought on harm."
I thought of mom, I thought of dad, I saw scars on my arm.

The lies I lived were many, they severed valued trust.
If I've a chance to go on, amends they are a must.
So I wrote down names of those I owed, the ones I hurt so bad,
although I could not repay those with the little that I had.

The man I met said, "That's okay, as long as you are willing."
I knew I was and this day I'd start, what a brand new feeling!
Some I knew I'd just let go, more harm would come than good,
'twas then that I had realized it was on step eight I stood.

I sought out those I knew I hurt just to say I cared.
I told them what my motives were, and now the truth was bared.
I became responsible and paid back those I owed,
'though forgiveness was not important, at least that's what I was told.

With debts repaid and right was done, I gazed at this step nine;
one thing I could not give back at all, and that one thing is time.
As each day now passes by I sit back and I reflect
what I took for granted and all that I neglect.

Another day will be brand new, I learned how to atone.
I give an honest day at work, I handle things at home.
I think about my motives as to what, where, how and when.
I do this everyday now, I stepped upon step ten.

The man I met, he had a look I could not quite define.
He seemed so calm and so serene, a real peace of mind.
I somehow knew what I must do now if ever I'm to grow;
and so that night I laid there and prayed that I could know

Just what it is I'm doing and that it is God's will.
These things I have been doing up to then until.
I used to play craps in the hall, but never rolled a seven,
but here I am now, calmly swaying on step eleven.

The man I met, he stood before me, one step ahead of me.
I asked him "Was there room there, so I could get to see?"
I didn't know how he got there, the answer was not clear.
The man, he smiled and looked at me with tender loving care.

I asked him, "Sir, what must I do to get to where you are?
You seem so close and yet somehow the answer seems so far."
He told me that "it's easy, this is all you need to do,
go down to help another up just as I did for you."

I turned around and looked back, there stood that awesome steed.
A man who had just fallen off looked as if he was in need.
It was then that it had hit me, what I must do, now I know.
I rushed back down to greet him, and said "Son, just let go."

Let’s Not Forget

Was walking by and saw a door
that said Let's Not Forget,
I heard a lot of grumblin'
and things like "Wanna bet?"

I didn't think I would be heard
if I rang the bell out front
So I scurried to the other side
Where the window was not shut

Looking in more closely now
I could see why they wouldn't hear
For all were talking at one time
Not too many seemed give an ear

Some were playing dominos
and games that never end
But in the other rooms I saw
A most unusual trend

Blame was being cast about
who must have spilled the milk
The teacher seemed out of sight
While some were cursing words cliche ilk

There was one it seemed most insecure
I think the others knew
But no one wanted to say it so
Even though they knew what's true

I think when someone has to prove in words
More times than books on shelf
That he thinks he is a man above the rest
He can't seem to believe himself

Some looking for approval
and putting others down
So they could feel prideful
With ego of being big man in town

But some like that, with job in hand
With need for such control
And those who seek accomplices
So others take their role

Not sure where some hands have been
I guess they like to play
With need to feel special
From morn till end of day

Suddenly a voice rang out
'Okay now let's behave'
Someone asked 'why pick on me
It was him you allow to rave'

The insecure one with Bud in hand
Took a hearty sip,
Joe Frazier in a bottle
Gave courage to give a flip

Some were just sitting there
with mouths that fell agape
But no utterance would come from them
They felt there no escape

There were some who would say
some hidden words to one
No one wanted to get involved
cause then it be not fun

The insecure one in a rant
His emotions run amok
But denial seemed to set in
as he'd make it sound like just a shuck.

Then suddenly one yelled out
Stop whining, very rude
Not realizing her own words
Was whining very crude.

When some were not looking
One, he would attempt
to get some others to surround
Some who he felt was unkempt

I wondered to myself
just what all this madness was
And as I looked I heard a noise
Sounded like a buzz.

Suddenly the one in white
put her hand on my arm and said
Do you know where you are young man?
I said to her "I'm sorry, it was here that I was led."

She said "My name's Nurse Cratchett
and you can come on in."
Looking at the hidden part of the sign
that said 'sanitarium'.

I said, "that's okay,
I'll just mosey down round the bend.
I've seen the movie once enough
and I know how it will end."

And suddenly I heard a noise
and there was this big white sink
And one of them came out the hole it made
With still some sanity to think.

Having real courage
to realize what is true
Virtual integrity and false pride
Will only cause one rue.

The fella ran home to those
to help and be a part
Where he could change what could be changed
Not fables of the heart.
 
 

A Nation, Not One

A nation, not one, as it may have been
A soldier at ready, writes to his kin
A mother apart, a family no more
A child is left as an open sore

Time is at hand, the second hand turns
Anticipation ignored, fear continually burns
Solution evading, no adherence to rules
Monumental decisions left up to fools

When those on their knees shall once again rise
The evil of one will increase in size
The soldier is sitting and thinking of home
He ponders the thought of being alone

The allies of lust, their bargaining mute
It is too late now to offer refute
The blame of so many now pointed astray
It sits and it lingers and won't go away

The roulette is turning but not for too long
For he who waits patiently offers a song
The soldier he sits now, his wife so afar
He offers his soul to an incoming star

The sands of consumption blow into the wind
The essence of karma will never rescind
Ancestors follies have been too ingrained
The seizure of hope has all but been drained

Flares of discord beckon the night
Views of the rising sun taken from sight
Time and its lessons slip into the morn
Brothers, only then, realize their scorn

And still with one choice, he still can be taught
The soldier he sits, his heir, but a thought
The One, looks upon in result of the start
A nation, not one, so close to the heart

No Acceptions

This poem, it has no start. This ode will never end.
And all the more you read it, the more your mind will bend.
So here we are with no beginning, let's just continue on.
Look around my foolish friend, to where you're cast upon.

You search in vain for true peace, but it's never to be found.
'Cause peace is a beginning, you'll head right where you're bound.
Jesus was a true man, who tried to teach what's good,
but James Cagney had gained more fame, acting as a hood.

And yet you seek more answers, the words you'd like to hear.
But let's not deny what's true, though it may be hard to bear.
Only changes can undo wrongs to what you consider right.
But change the truth, and only truth, not your blinded lights.

You see, when you are overcome by fears that seem too strong,
you tend to be disillusioned by thoughts that are all wrong.
Man does not give in so easy to admit he has his fears.
It's only in the night time that you can see his tears.

The fight goes on within yourself, the wont to stay alive.
But try to understand it, this struggle to survive.
How do you know that one and one is really two?
What if they had changed facts and said that red was blue?

Your mind cannot accept this, because of what you believe.
The fear of change is what's so hard to really be conceived.
Is your belief in God a true thing, 'bout a man who was once dead?
And why do you believe this, and talk to Him in bed?

It's not really your belief itself, but fear it may be true.
You're afraid you'll die a sinner, if you don't share in the ado.
Economy is your real god, but you're too blind to see.
Those are your blinding lights that will not set you free.

As long as you deny this, there's nothing to be changed.
So keep on boxing shadows, then there's nothing rearranged.
You'll find yourself in circles, with no answers to be found.
'Cause peace is an ending, you'll head right where you're bound

Perpetual Ending

Keep pushin' man, you're doin' fine.
Higher and higher the buildings must climb.
Hammer and saw 'til your back is too sore.
Dig and bury what you need no more.

Multiply faster, you're fallin' behind.
Keep makin' new drugs to mess up our minds.
Plant and toil, then feed whom you can.
Woman, keep on rapin' your men.

More, more, we need more cures.
Doctors, don't stop, we need you for sure.
Animals, fall, we need you to eat.
In our machines, we pack you for meat.

Race on, the sun is going to fall.
Hurry up, we need to build another wall.
Get up on time and don't be late;
for it you are tardy, you'll suffer a fate.

Faster, faster, keep blowin' my mind.
Onward, keep marchin' all of mankind.
Writers, keep writin', fill up your pens.
Paper, more paper, to put down your friends.

Lights, lights, I need to see more.
Scientist, tell me, what is this for?
Baker, sweet baker, keep cookin' your bread.
Junkies, junkies, keep feedin' your heads.

Wall Street stocks, climb on to the top.
Farmers and workers, keep sowin' your crops.
Spin, world, spin, let the madness in.
Come on, woman, I hear you can sin.

Bullets, keep loadin', fires keep burnin'.
Rapers and killers, do some more learnin'.
Bombs, more bombs, it's the people next door.
Don't let them in, or we may go poor.

Faster, yet faster, reach for the sky.
Climb, Senator, climb, won't you send me to die?
It is goin' too fast, so please slow it down.
Panic, people, panic, turn your smiles to frowns.

I have all the answers here in my head.
It's all the answers to bring back the dead.
You see, it's just this simple, so listen to me.
Here is the answer, God is.......(Boooooom)

Bird of Prey

You made me feel so happy, indeed I felt so proud.
I want to say I love you, but just can't say it loud.
I should tell you of my feelings, and how you made me shine.
But now I feel so helpless, for these feelings aren't mine.

I'm as real as the others, I'm here to touch and see.
But that's not what they think here, being government property.
I don't know what to say now; I'm at a loss for words.
My thoughts flow on all scattered, just like a flock of birds.

I am here, you are there, but my feelings they can see,
that time will wait for no man who is in misery.
Life has its way of showing us just what it's all about;
but when tomorrow comes a new day, the devil will come out.

Dream on, my friend, keep striving, maybe you will see,
that you can, too, like others, make dreams reality.
This life it is confusing, it gets harder every day.
All you want that's in this world, you know you'll have to pay.

Soon someday, my time will come, and I will fly above
the clouds that had me down once, just like a big white dove.
That is when our two lives shall again blend on into one;
and there shall be no power to bind this seventh son.

So count the days along with me, and look up at the stars.
For someday soon we will be free, and there will be no bars.
But for now, you live your life, let come what comes your way.
I'll be in my cage just waiting, just like a bird of prey.

Wond'ring, Wond'ring

I feel I miss you when you're not around,
and then when you're near, I hear that same sound
of my heart jumping and skipping a beat,
from gazing at you, your face is so sweet.

Sighing, sighing, I'm ever so blue.
Just how am I ever going to leave you?
Kentucky woman, please hold me tight.
Don't let go, all through the night.

My tears will fall along with the rain,
and I also know I'm in for some pain.
But blessed be the days we once both had.
Those were the days, I was ever so glad.

Crying, crying, 'cause I want to know,
what will I do alone at a show?
You've been so wonderful, I'll never forget,
your beautiful green eyes, the way that I felt.

Where will we be in a year from now?
Will I see you again, oh maybe, somehow?
Changing, changing, ever so fast.
I have finally left my past.

The sun is shining, I feel a glow.
One that I have longed to know.
Beauty of life is suddenly mine,
with a heartful of soul, sweeter than wine.

Aging, aging, as the days go by,
but now I smile instead of cry.
Your voice I hear is of an angel's tone.
With you beside me, I'm never alone.

Your smile I'll cherish all of my life,
with endless visions of you being my wife.
Thinking, thinking, only of you.
Close my eyes, there's your vision in view.

Oh, what a feeling, when your lips are on mine.
Further the rush, when our tongues are entwined.
Walking with you, and holding your hand,
I feel so much secure, so much a man.

Wishing, wishing, that my dream will come true,
that these days last forever, of being with you.
Dying, dying, guess I'll never know.
My world is dying, 'cause I've got to go.

It was 1967. I was 16. This is the first poem I ever wrote. It was based on inspirations of my views of those who used marijuana. I had never smoked it before I wrote this poem.

Freedom

Flowers, flowers everywhere.
See the boys with their long hair
flying far as you can see;
it's worth a try for you and me.

Just puff the cloud and float away
We'll travel far this very day.
Up beyond in nowhere land,
we run about in crystal sand.

Music, music from ear to ear.
Hang on my darling, we're almost there.
Transparent mirrors you will find;
looking in, you'll see your mind.

Just skip right on from sky to sky.
Watch your step, we're very high.
Travel on where freedom lies,
peace of mind and all your sighs.

Hopes and dreams may fade away,
but we'll return some other day.