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