Up Close

My yearbook inscription would be the same if I could choose it: Be happy, healthy, and successful, and always listening to music. I went with my mom and younger sister to Pop concerts, then I switched to Rock. I’d leave the shows still feeling giddy, thrilled, charged, and once in shock. My first time seeing U2 in Boston, sitting so far away, I never dreamed I’d later be so close when Bono started Sunday Bloody Sunday! A few rows back, with seats behind the stage in Pittsburgh – May 2001, I’m not sure if I cried or froze I was so overcome. I still get emotional when telling about that night! I’ve seen them in three more cities, but that’s still my highlight


Submitted and published on givethegiftofmusic.info under Share Your Memories

House Concert

We're sittin' in the round
Producing a sweet sound
Not a nicer group found
Maybe not renowned
But talent to astound
Songs fun and profound
As the evening unwound
And more cider was downed


Inspired by friend Karen's house concert last night

Dennis Taylor

Dennis Taylor was a great man
Not a long enough life span
He was a fellow Red Sox fan
I'll honor him best I can
Find ways to comfort his wife
Who's grieving the loss of his life

Written 10/19/10 after learning of the death of my friend's husband

My Green Scene

Napkin, Toilet, Towel, Computer
I buy recycled paper goods

Cardboard, Plastics, Glassware, Newspaper
I sort recycling as I should

Clothing, Cookware, Linens, Furniture
I donate excess from the home

Engine, Lighting, Gadgets, Thermostat
I power down when left alone

Dairy, Cereals, Berries, Vegetables
I try to develop my organic taste

Light bulbs, Water, Mailings, Packaging
I look for ways to reduce waste


Written for a contest with company, posting for Global Work Party

Chris

My high school friend died of AIDS.
Nasty disease attacks, invades!
Years too early his young life fades.
How long til this monster is slaid?

Remembering Chris on his birthday

Denied

How long can I hide?
When do I get off the ride?
How do I get others to abide?
It's about time I cried.
My spirit already died.
Too hard to swallow my pride.
Too much negativity inside,
Since I've been denied.

MS

For some it denies at the eyes,
Instead in bed another lies.
Some adapt to a set of wheels,
When the leg no longer feels.
Later in life it moves in fast,
The active ways now in the past.

Some try experimental drugs,
Or meet in support groups for hugs.
How to combat they're not sure,
Fundraisers help toward a cure.
Too many with the diagnosis,
Having Multiple Sclerosis

For my brother and friends who live with it

Looking Good

I don't do well giving compliments
They come to mind but won't come out
It's easier in my head left unsaid
But what if I'm leaving you in doubt

You're looking good as usual
In fine shape and dressed well
It's what I'd tell you if I could
You sure are looking good

I'll practice by sending back to you
The praise you give so easily
I'll figure out the words you prefer
Then I'll start to try it teasingly

You're looking good as usual
In fine shape and dressed well
It's what I'd tell you if I could
You sure are looking good


Written in January 1995

Music Fest

Music pounding, driving
Bodies dancing, writhing
Bottles flowing, throwing
Tattoos showing, growing


Masses filing, piling
Teen girls dialing, styling
Drunkards joking, provoking
Addicts smoking, toking


Portos reeking, creaking
Weirdos speaking, freaking
Garbage filling, spilling
Vibe is chilling, thrilling


Written after Crawfish Festival a few years ago - thought it fitting with other festivals coming up!

Hold On Tight

Hold on tight, a roller coaster ride
Feel the fright as feelings stir inside

Hold on tight and let everyone know
Love burns bright so there's no letting go

Hold on tight, spending less time apart
It feels right to listen to the heart

Hold on tight, more thrilling than a friend
Spend the night, can't let the feeling end

Hold on tight, don't let problems arise
Dim the light to put off the goodbyes

Hold on tight, this isn't working out
It's a fight, can't ignore the doubt

Hold on tight, can't get out of this bind
Out of sight but still clinging in mind

Hold on tight, the words beckoning still
Won't hold tight, till there comes a new thrill

Pulling out one written back in 1987

More on the Flood

May 5:
Their belongings are out on the lawn,
Everything ruined and gone.
Heavy flooding has now gone down,
Green grass is now muddy brown.
Drinking water we must preserve,
No carwash or laundry to conserve.

May 7:
Flooding is starting to be seen.
News coverage had been lean
Where have you been CNN?
Now our telethons begin,
Helping with so much loss
The volunteer spirit is boss!

May 8:
Do what I can to lend a helping hand,
Donate my money and time,
Since I haven't lost all that's mine.
Help my neighbor who has a demand.

During this Flood, don't need to be of blood,
To reach out and give of one self.
Donate clothes and food from the shelf,
Do clean-up in the muck and the crud.

May 10:
You know it's not good when they ask
That you go inside wearing a mask.
With gloves and sturdy shoes,
For when the water starts to ooze.
Everything has a moldy smell,
The residents weren't feeling well.
Just a visitor at this disaster site,
Can't imagine their hurt and fright.

Nashville Flood

Watching the rivers overflow.
Oh No! How far will they go?
Do they really Know?
What a painful blow!
As troubles grow,
The images they show -
Filled with people's woe!


Grateful to not have damage, but living near so many who do.

Birthday Girl

One day a year I wouldn't have to make my bed.
Downstairs to the presents I hastily sped.
I'd tear open the paper with a shriek of joy,
As it revealed that long-wanted toy!
My favorite breakfast would be on the plate.
So much thought and effort to help me celebrate!

One day a year I'd pick my favorite restaurant,
Choosing from the menu whatever I'd want.
I'd be certain to save froom for the birtday cake,
That she'd found time to frost and to bake.
She'd gather up the others and they'd sing off-key.
I'd blow out the candles and they'd applaud for me!

One day a year she spoils me though I'm now an adult,
Keeping the tradition brought a new result.
Although we may find that we're living more apart,
Here message is clear - I'm close to her heart!
I've noticed while this has continued each year,
It's not just my birthday I'm shown her love is there!

She says I am the Birthday Girl
I'm still princess for the day
She makes me feel special
In her wonderful way
She helps me feel special
On every day

Written for my mom and posting on my birthday with hers to come shortly.
Illustration done by sister Elaine with me reflected in glass frame.

River Bed

Standing in the river bed

Where the waters once flowed.

To what is this owed?

How will nature be fed?

Will the balance corrode?

More carefully I tread

Wondering what lies ahead

And what more can erode.


Written at Soul Spring Retreat Sept 2007

Late Again

I'm cursing the other drivers,
When I know I'm the one to blame.
Always late to the office,
And playing that catch-up game.

I'm racing to the airplane,
Which they've parked at the furthest gate.
I'd like to rest for a minute,
But figure they're not gonna wait.

'Cause I'm late again -
It's nothing new, what will I do?
I'm late again!

I thought I sent the right signals,
But I worried what should be said.
I went to ask you to dinner,
You'd left with another instead.

'Cause I'm late again -
It's nothing new, what will I do?
I'm late again!

What's it gonna take to stop making this mistake?

Shutterbug

Capture the moment and freeze that smile.
You can re-live it after a while.

A lens for close-ups, flash for inside.
Take time to focus, produces more pride.

You must move faster than your scene will.
Nature and people just won't stand still!

Catch them by surprise for more appeal.
If they pose for you it looks less real.

Tucked in an album, shown in a frame,
Which candid photo might bring you fame?

Once was a hobby, but now you're caught.
Camera always ready for a good shot!


Written in 1987 but fitting tonight as I dragged around 3 cameras.

Plane Pain

How loud is the music in my ear,
Until I'm finally unable to hear
Your endless chatter that doesn't matter!
I'm in pain on the plane wanting to complain.
Can't get the music loud enough to stop hearing your stuff!
Why do you have to talk so loud, like you're playing to a crowd?
What did I do to deserve this treat, stuck in this unlucky seat?


Written last month - reminded me of a similar subject written in 1987:

Loud Monsters

Here comes another one roaring overhead.
Don't try to talk to me, I won't hear what's said.
The roar grows much louder, drowns out the TV.
If I shut the windows I'm still not set free!
I have fear one will crash, they're flying so low.
I keep my eyes on them till I see them go!

Here comes another one - I'm sick of that sound!
I wish I could tell them - Stop coming around!
Why are there so many taking up the sky?
There won't be any room for the birds to fly!
All these large gray monsters hold people within.
They serve a good purpose but make such a din!

Self Doubt

Am I wasting my time with this blog?
Do I know what it's needing to be?
Do I ever make it through the fog?
Will I know how much to give of me?

Is anyone reading what I post?
How often? How many have been seen?
Thirty three poems, not much to boast
If nobody else gets what I mean.

How do I know when it's time to stop?
Has this all been a waste of my time?
What can I do to finish on top?
Openly share what is deeply mine.



Planned to keep at it for at least a year, but sometimes I waver.

Oscar Night

It's Oscar Night! Will there be delight?
Will I cheer when I hear who wins?
On pins and needles when they appear,
And tear open the envelope.
With hope it's one I've picked, or else I'm ticked,
Yelling at the screen..."What do you mean?"
Until they get it right on Oscar Night!


Precious was a powerful film - I'll be cheering for the movie & it's stars tonight.

Inspire

What does it mean to inspire?
Cause others to perspire
Set under them a fire
So they don't quit, retire
Continue if it seems dire
Lift up from the quagmire
Set rolling like a tire
Walk along a high-wire
Show effort and desire
Where passion is for hire


Written after seeing Invictus Dec 2009. Not nominated as Best Picture, but I'll be cheering on Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon with their nominations.

Labyrinth

Walking round and round
Unsure what will be found
Taking in each sound
Feeling the ground
Slowly get unwound

Circling round and round
Not sure where I’m bound
What might astound
Take in color, profound
Deep breath, heart pound
Going round and round

Trip in the dip, then skip
Loosening my grip
Relax and unzip, let it drip
Stop for a sip
Swivel the hip
Troubles a blip
Leave a tip - or a ribbon
To be found for the next trip
Walking round and round


Written at Soul Spring Retreat 10/18/2008

Hilton Park

The sun beats down
From a bright blue sky
Water laps gently
Beside it I lie

Body stretched out
Pressed against a rock
Tune out the noises
Don't want to hear talk

A breeze passes over
An ant crawls by
The boats make waves
And birds soar high

Dip the feet in water
Splash some on the face
Wallowing in nature
At this quiet place

Then voices start to shout
And the trucks roar past
Not secluded enough
For the peace to last


From June 1987 while in southern New Hampshire

Love Gone Wrong

Why do his wives end up dead?
How so unhappily wed?
Why not divorce them instead?
Is the next one filled with dread?


A brief reflection on the upcoming Illinois trial, and remembering tragic cases in Nashville, California, and this one from Boston in the late 1980's:


A tragic tale of blues for a young couple
Heading home one Boston night
A pregnant wife with gunshots to her head
The husband called for rescue as he bled
Their baby born, but shortly he was dead
They were victims of a crime
It was not a pretty sight.

There was no time to lose to find the killer
Pushed police to set things right
A media hype then followed on their track
The murdering theif was pointed out as black
Those neighborhoods were under an attack
Still more victims of the crime
It was not a pretty sight

A twist to the plot left everyone stunned in shock

The husband was accused by his own brother
Found a bridge and jumped the height
A loving wife was murdered by her spouse
While we believed them happy in that house
Not guessing him to be a greedy louse
We've been victims of this crime
It was not a pretty sight

Ready to Take the Plunge

Ready to take the plunge
A fearless forward lunge
A bungee jump, over the hump
To move beyond the grunge
Of sickness to expunge
Not a lump, a willing sponge
Ready to take the plunge!


Written this morning for a friend...and myself?

Learning How to Share

Your younger sibling always wanted your toys
You held tight and screeched "Not Fair"
'Til an angry parent took care of the noise
Then, you're learning how to share

Your faithful roommate paid all the rent
You worked so hard, had none to spare
'Til they saw the charge card and learned what you spent
Next, you're learning how to share

Your marriage counselor couldn't get you to talk
To open up made you feel bare
But your fed-up partner is ready to walk
Now, you're learning how to share

The learning never ends when the teachers are family and friends!

Trunk of a Fallen Tree

I look back on the days of a childhood in the country
We were roaming freely in the forest by the creek
Stretched behind that log, playing games of hide and seek
There's more I see than the trunk of a fallen tree

I recall when we stared at the skyline of the city
From a distant hilltop where we rested from the climb
Sitting on a log, breathing in the scent of pine
There's more I see than the trunk of a fallen tree

So many memories in that trunk of a fallen tree

I remember the warmth of your body sitting near me
All the hours of driving from the weekend left us tired
Listening to that log, crackling in the roaring fire
There's more I see than the trunk of a fallen tree

Feel The Spirit

Can't Bear It?
Don't Fear It
Feel The Spirit

Can't Hear It?
You're Near It
Feel the Spirit

Can't Steer It?
Just Cheer It
Feel the Spirit

Like the Rebirth of Mother Earth,
Feel the Mirth, Know your Worth


Written Feb 2009, Read at Soul Spring Women's Retreat 1/23/10.

Help Haiti

How much can I give
To help the Haitians live?
Nothing seems enough
Conditions are so rough!
I'll do what I can
To help my fellow man
Who survived the quake
With horror in its wake!

She's Married to her Cat

He sleeps close but wakes early
And makes a lot of noise
He wants his food right on demand
Then plays with all his toys

He takes off and roams around
She knows that he'll return
He brings her gifts she doesn't want
She knows he'll never learn

She's married to her cat
Sounds like a silly notion
But he's got her devotion
She's married to her cat

He's on guard when company
Includes another male
He stakes his claim right on her lap
The effort never fails

She's married to her cat
Sounds like a silly notion
But he's got her devotion
She's married to her cat


Inspired by my first cat Lefty, and Lyle Lovett's quirky songs.

Resolutions?

I resolve to get more sleep
For the benefits I'll reap.
I have plans to lose some weight
To ensure that I'll feel great.
Also needing to swim more
Till it doesn't feel a chore.
I resolve I won't be late
So I don't make others wait.
I'm intending not to swear
Choosing my words with care.
I decide to clear out stuff
Better judging what's enough.
I resolve to stop this list
Fearing some already missed.