My Poetry

 

 

Artistic Creations  
by 
Julia Danielle Utz 

 

Published  

by 
Sue Breeding 
P.O. Box 1785 
Columbus, IN 47202 

812-418-8127 

Author's Preface 

     This volume of poetry is a testament to the encouragement and support that my sisters, daughter, grandchildren and other significant and dear friends have given me. I could not have grown to this point in my life, or lived this long, without their input, love and support, as well as the challenge, nurture and inspiration from countless others, who touched my life for good. Truly no man is an island unto himself and we all need a little help from our friends. The memory of my parents, Aldon and Alma Louise Utz, lives on within me as I gratefully reflect upon how they taught me to love and savor words, to sing my own new songs, to search for meanings and understandings and to express 
myself with dignity, always reaching, with God's help, to do my best in any undertaking.  

     Life's Ebb and Flow: A Poetic Journey is a record of the peaks and valleys of my striving to honor their teaching and yet make sense of and find my own way through the ebb and flow of my life.  My struggles have been many and I have written on my greatest needs: for friendship, for love, for recovery and for the freedom to feel, to reflect, to be creative and connected to the God of my understanding. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that "Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world."  I know that to be so true, because fear dominated my life,  even from an early age. Hindsight, tells me of many things including socializing and dating and practical skills which I lost out on or did not even try, because I feared I was not worthy or would not be successful or could not be perfect in doing them. This manuscript has been typed with two fingers, an ever present 
consequence of that fear. It is my hope that, as you read, you will find something that touches your heart,  that encourages and lifts you up,  that causes you to pause, reflect and savor an .  I hope you will find humor, a smile, a remembrance or reason to be joyful, and perhaps there will be an insight which can help make your life better. I would be grateful to know if I have been able to contribute to your life. This writing, my life's work, spans the last 50 years.  I write poetry to better know myself. I believe what Marcus Aurelius wrote "Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look there."  It took me many years to realize it, but today, I know, that source of strength is there, deep within me. I wrote also to understand my purpose under God, what He would have me be and do and to chronicle, by way of self-therapy, my progress in my 
journey from the dark valleys of delusion, depression and despondency onto higher ground, the slopes and mountain tops of love, hope, joy and  happiness.  I have realized that Emerson was  correct, "Most of the shadows of life are caused by standing in our own sunshine."  I focused on those shadows, never realizing that I was my own worst enemy, and sadly, that I was in the sunshine all along.  I know today that life is not just found exclusively in peaks and valleys, nor in life's ebbs and flows, but that it takes both for us to have balance in our lives.  We could never know the sweet, 
without the bitter, and never find our way to achieve our high calling as homo sapiens, man of wisdom. I want very much to enjoy what Ella Wheeler Wilcox wrote, "There is no satisfaction 
that can compare with looking back across the years and finding you've grown in self-control, judgment, generosity, and unselfishness." 

written 2012 by

 John Aldon Utz 
 

Table of Contents 

ON FRIENDSHIP  

 Anamnesis 2 
 A Friend is There 3 
 Be Kind My Lady, Ease My Mind 4 
 Care Package 5 
 Can You Still Be My Friend? 6 
 Forgetting a Friend 8 
 Friend 9 
 Friendship 10 
 Give God A Chance 11 
 Good Friends 12 
 Help Me Know You 13 
 How are you? 13 
 Just 4 Today 14 
 My Friend 15 
 Needing A Friend 16 
 Seeking Friends 17 
 Strength From A Friend 18 
 Thank You 19 
 That Smile 20 
 
ON LOVE   
 And Happiness Comes 23 
 Angel Heart 24 
 A Romantic Articulation 25 
 A Time For Two Lives 30 
 Beauty by the Sea 31 
 Because Love Has Come 32 
 Becoming, Today! 33 
 Being Faithful Is 34 
 Being One 35 
 Communion 36 
 Dawna 37 
 Humble Desire 38 

 I Am Yours 39 
 Is Love Not Enough? 40 
 Is This Love? 41 
 Mistakes 43 
 My Lady 44 
 I Will 45 
 New Feelings 46 
 On Love 47 
 One Last Love 48 
 One Small Step To Love 50 
 Questions for My Lady 51 
 Scarlett 52 
 Skylark Songs 53 
 Superficiality 54 
 Thankful Heart 55 
 To My Valentine 56 
 The Most Important Time 57 
 The Way Things Are 58 
 Waiting for Love 59 
 Was I Dreaming? 60 

 

ON FIBONACCI AND HAIKU 

 A Golden Thought 62 
 Concert 62 
 Good 63 
 Happiness 63 
 Joyful Images 63 
 Liftoff 64 
 My Recovery 64 
 Offering 64 
 Perfect Failure 65 
 Serenity 65 
 Springs 66 
 Trust 66 
 Yearning 66 

ON MELANCHOLY AND RECOVERY  

 A Desire To Love 68 
 Anxious Moments 69 
 Cracking The Shell 70 
 Depression 71 
 Images From The Regulator 71 
 It Was Magic 72 
 Life Changing Moments 74 
 Life's Mystery 76 
 My Walk 77 
 On Receiving A Straw Man 78 
 On Recognition 79 
 Overcast 80 
 Recovery Friend 81 
 Recovery's Gifts 82 
 Seeking Change 83 
 Solitude Eludes Me 84 
 Where Do I Go? 85 

 

ON REFLECTION 
 A Woman 87 
 A Moment In A Library 88 
 Atlasta 89 
 Drip, Drip, Drip 90 
 Enjoy Nature 91 
 Forest: A Winter's Scene 91 
 Gifts 92 
 Growth 94 
 Hardships 96 
 Hugs 97 
 It's A Wonder 98 
 Life 99 
 Life in Four Lines 99 
 Moving Time 100 
 On Ayer's Critique of Ethics 101 
 On Being 15 101 

 On Leaving A Message 102 
 On Reflection 103 
 On Seeing A Robin 104 
 On Seeing an April Thundershower 104 
 Poet Minstrel Muse 105 
 Someday 106 
 Sub Thoughts 107 
 The Old Wooden Spoon 107 
 The Return 109 
 The Simple Things That Count 110 
 Want 111 
 
ON SINGING NEW SONGS  
 A Psalm for the Latter Days 114 
 Birth of a King 115 
 CDS Gifts 117 
 Choose God As Father 118 
 Come Eat At The Master's table 118 
 Come Now Emmanuel 119 
 Come Now Jesus 120 
 Corn Creek 121 
 God Will Go Before Us 122 
 Holiday Gifts 123 
 Irish Love 125 
 Jesus, Today Is Calling 126 
 Lord Abide With Us Today 127 
 Love and Live 128 
 May This Day Be 129 
 Miracles Are Coming 129 
 My Daughter's Wedding Song 130 
 No *s (No L's) 132 
 Our Answer 133 
 Praise, Praise to Christ 134 
 Rappin' With The Lamb 135 
 Rosin the Beau 136 
 The Ballad of Charlie & Clareen 138 

 The Heart of Zion 139 
 The Promise and The Prayer 140 
 Trust That Spirit 141 
 
ON SPIRITUALITY  
 A Blessing For My Family and Friends 144 
 A Monk's Life 145 
 Creation Fulfilled 146 
 Healing Patience 147 
 Joy 148 
 Little Melodies 151 
 On Rustling Wings 152 
 Our Covenant Prayer 153 
 Our Pastor's Heart 154 
 Reflections at the Statue of Jesus 155 
 Seeking the Lord 156 
 Strip Away The World 157 
 The Abbey Garden 158 
 The Sound of the Trump 159 

 

ON FRIENDSHIP 

"Good friends are treasures worthy to be preserved." 

 

Art by Julia Danielle Utz 
                                         

Anamnesis 

  A remembrance stretched her nimble mind, 
to search fervently, across many a year, 
for one who broke truth's tough rind, 
teaching lessons which became so dear. 

A recollection, yes, but much, much more 
caused a life change whose great impact 
brought rebirth to learning, no longer a chore, 
who knew this was how she would react? 

A desire was kindled, a purpose set ablaze, 
determined, she was, to do all it would require, 
to find her mentor, to acknowledge him with praise, 
Oh, that she could just find him,  
for he had taught her to aspire. 

Her search was in earnest spanning 40 long years. 
"Are you the one who taught me" and hearing 
"No", again and again? 
She so yearned to find him,  
to just say "Thank You" and end her fears, 
when finally, the response came,  
"Yes", such a joy she could not restrain! 
  

A Friend Is There 

In the experience of life as in love 
insights often come from above  
bringing comfort we all yearn 
from persons to which we turn, 
and a friend is there. 
  Sometimes in the most unlikely place 
there are stresses which disrupt our space 
causing us fright and the need to run 
 our heart is torn and we feel undone, 
but a friend is there. 
  We often wonder why life is so cruel 
afflicting minds, bodies and adding fuel 
to acts so depraved that we despair 
and feel so alone and are often unaware, 
that a friend is there. 
The best things in life and love are free 
gifts from hearts drawing from love's potpourri 
sharing simple things with no strings attached 
knowing joy and acceptance unmatched, 
because a friend is there. 
May we embrace the joys of abundant life 
and leave behind all dross and strife 
and seek to live fully to prefer each one 
and finish the work yet left undone, 
and share all because a friend is there. 

 Be Kind My Lady, Ease My Mind 

  I have written you, my pretty lady, 
and have waited for your reply, 
Is it that you think I'm shady, 
or are you feeling just too shy? 

Be Kind My Lady, Ease My Mind. 

I only tried to share with you, 
from heart thoughts always true, 
in hopes that you would view, 
me with some interest, not adieu. 

Be Kind My Lady, Ease My Mind. 

I do not mean to pester, 
or cause you much alarm, 
I only seek a gesture, 
have you no interest but lukewarm? 

Be Kind My Lady, Ease My Mind. 

Care Package 

 Often just receiving the simplest of things 
will lighten our souls, helping us to feel like kings. 
We realize that some one cared to send a special array, 
choosing to reach out to us rather than to draw away. 

We used to get them when we were younger all the time, 
but they stopped coming when we reached our prime. 
Not by our choice, but the way things are, 
as our outward need vaporized like a shooting star. 

There still remains, in greater or lesser degree, 
in each one of us the need to be an honoree, 
to be recognized, remembered and receive, 
tender loving care, just like on Christmas Eve. 

On a most unlikely day, a package comes, 
in our eagerness to unwrap it, we are all thumbs. 
The moment does not ever pass us by, 
without heartfelt emotions, we cannot deny. 

Such feelings include acceptance and gratitude, 
which always boost our mental attitude. 
After all, today, a care package came for me, 
and I felt loved to the Nth degree. 

 

Can You Still Be My Friend? 
  I wonder about myself at times, 
and question why there are so few rhymes, 
and reasons for my thoughts and acts, 
why I seem so intense and unable to relax. 
Can you still be my friend? 
Of all I have written, said and done, 
are there enough reasons, or sadly none, 
to look at me one more time with care, 
to see all I intended to say and share? 
Can you still be my friend? 
I had looked at you with a lifelong desire, 
for finding a friend who would be all I'd require, 
for a helpmeet and companion along life's way, 
sharing heart to heart in a love filled soiree. 
Can you still be my friend? 
Oh, how I wish I could have taken it slowly, 
and not felt I had to share all of myself wholly, 
but been more sensitive and taken it one day at a time, 
and looked forward to your return  
and meeting you, sublime! 
Can you still be my friend? 
 I feel I have done little of merit  
and most everything wrong, 
and have ruined a friendship 
that could have been lifelong. 
My heart aches at the thought of what might have been, 

and I struggle to accept it and take it on the chin. 

Can you still be my friend? 
  Oh, how I would love to start again, 
from my first glimpse of you, amen. 
Surely I'd remember to restrain myself at last, 
and not think you needed to know all my past. 
Can you still be my friend? 
If I were so blessed to actually meet you, 
I would treasure our moments and live life anew, 
preferring you so goodness could easily flow, 
accepting that our lives could be aglow. 
Would you still be my friend? 

Forgetting a Friend 
Alas, my fevered mind falls woefully short  
of memory's recall of thee, fair Damsel Lady; 
it emits silent screams each prodding me to exhort, 
remembrance of such rare elegance and beauty! 
I am undone by my lack 
and flagrant show of disrespect; 
I pray you will choke back 
the hurt from my reason's defect! 
 If you could only look again, without chagrin, 
upon my countenance and describe the place, 
perchance it would bring your face within, 
and my mind could know joy, rather than disgrace!  

Friend 
I am having a wonderful time, 
writing to you is so sublime; 
Your words give joy in each new day 
no matter what may come my way. 
You were so timid when we first met, 
so fearful of my verbose threat; 
But now I feel you've come to see, 
 there is no need to fear from me. 
I see you opening like a flower 
to share yourself and to empower, 
so I can be a more caring friend, 
someone on whom you can depend. 
Distance between us steals so much 
of daily sharing and tender touch, 
but absence helps our hearts grow fonder 
providing time and space to ponder. 
Friendships come and often go, 
but may ours stay and deepen though, 
pray we always give our best 
with love and caring on life's quest. 

 

Friendship 
There are a few times that come in a life 
when our potential is reached in spite of strife; 
bright shining rays bring a glimpse of a happier day 
as two people meet and find a better way. 

Greetings are exchanged, straight from the heart, 
smiles and happiness are there from the start. 
Hope is renewed at this friendship's first light 
and accepting its joy brings peace in the night. 

Friendship's values sometimes misunderstood 
are often appreciated, if we only would 
honestly share our gifts with no strings attached; 
truly, this is why friendship is so unmatched. 

Good friends are treasures worthy to be preserved. 
Now is not the time to withdraw or be reserved, 
to leave important things unspoken  or hide ourselves away, 
but a time to admit our fears and allow God's love full sway. 

Give God A Chance 
I often struggle as I try to see, 
if a lady would be a friend to me; 
not seeing she might enjoy the dance, 
if only I'd give God a chance. 
I always seem to make it so hard, 
I even keep a scorecard! 
My heart yearns for love and romance, 
but that only comes if I give God a chance. 
Relax John, I am told, let go and let God, 
stop trying so hard, tear away the facade. 
What will be will be, no need to look askance, 
only remember to give God a chance! 

Good Friends 

Moments of time spent co-dwelling pass all too suddenly, 
though goals are reached and purposes fulfilled. 

Lives interlace and that so poignantly that the passing of time, 

does not end those affective relationships gained. 

Distance may separate and cause sharing to be infrequent, 

but in reunion, friendship is renewed and reborn. 

Each bears their own responsibility though, hardly ever equally born, 
their giving increases still the communal bond. 

Life is spent in activity and pursuit, none so important,

nor so lasting,  as the nurturing of good friends. 

Help Me Know You 

 Life sometimes brings us persons 
who we would love to meet and know. 
Why must conflicting doctrines 
divide, grieve and separate us so? 

Could we not just heed His Spirit and come, 
reasoning and accepting each other in love? 
How great our life could be, if as a rule of thumb, 
we just freely shared our walk with God above. 

 

How are you? 
It is the simplest of questions 
aimed at eliciting suggestions 
which open the doors to communication 
so that it can begin without apprehension. 
 I am fine, can't you see? 
Foiled, in the air, nervous and excitable as can be. 
I am here over-thinking your kind inquiry 
with enough meanings to fill a diary! 
Why do I fear so, as you just want to talk, 
there is really no reason for me to balk? 
Slow and easy always does it best for me, 
enjoying friendship, after all, is free! 

 

Just 4 Today 
(On going to Goering's Sugarbush) 
Can we not meet amid maple's fruit sweet 
and savor life's moments divine? 
Can we put to one side all thoughts that compete 
with exploring each other's design? 
May we embrace and enjoy each festivity 
as our hearts slowly beat as one again? 
Just for today, may each have the proclivity 
for the maple syrup from Goering's Glen. 
Life is filled with the promise of love and joy, 
yet our fears seek to tear us away. 
Take my hand and we'll allow nothing to annoy, 
but together, carpe diem, and seize the day! 

My Friend 

 You have talents it is true, 
my friend, you've got quite a few. 
God has granted you a gift 
to give your friends a special lift. 

During your lonely painful time 
may you feel this gift sublime, 
that comes to you from courts above, 
revealing always that God is love. 

My friend, I am grateful for your sharing 
with sensitivity, compassion and caring. 
Your soul reaches to touch my need 
in ways I can count on, guaranteed! 

You came so humbly into my life 
and learned of all my conflict and strife, 
yet never thought to cast me aside 
but only to lift me up and confide. 

 

Needing A Friend 
How often do people wend, 
not realizing how incomplete 
they are without a friend, 
that sharing makes life replete. 
Life often finds a way of numbing 
us to the realities of our need, 
with its disease and faulty plumbing, 
friends who'll stand with us are rare indeed. 
Can you go through life alone 
without the comfort of a friend? 
Yes, of course, but you'll often bemoan, 
a life too empty to comprehend. 
Many people come, but often leave, 
without forming a lasting connection. 
We are caused to surmise and believe 
that what they feared was rejection. 
Most people know without being taught, 
that needing a friend is realized by being one. 
Only those who are troubled and distraught, 
refuse friendship's nurture, help and fun.  
Needs are many, but true friends are few, 
and one wonders why men continue to suffer, 
the uncertainties of life and misconstrue, 
not realizing life lived alone is so much tougher. 

 Seeking Friends 
I have finally come to a time in my life, 
when I value peace and serenity more than strife. 
My life's experience filled with good and bad, 
testifies my glass overflows with joy I've had. 

I seek a friend who will share my joy. 

Melancholy, sadness and loneliness were there for sure, 
and despondency almost more than I could endure. 
But God sent angels, in people near at hand, 
to remind me I was loved, so I would not misunderstand. 

I seek a friend who will share my love. 

Life presents us with time for many choices, 
and the opportunity to listen to many voices. 
Our experience can bring faith, hope and charity, 
and great friends as a rule, not a rarity! 

I seek a friend who will be an essential part of my life. 

Friendship presents us with the best life has to offer. 
It gives us persons, who will fill our emotional coffer, 
with intimacies which make life truly abundant, 
through sharing simple things without being redundant. 

I seek a friend who will share intimacies' abundance. 

Strength From A Friend 
Life rushes upon us and often strains 
our soul, causing us to overextend. 
When doubt and query remains, 
take strength from a friend! 
 Which one of us really knows 
on whom we can depend, 
if it is not by taking repose 
and strength from a friend? 
I do not want to invade your space 
but be a man who will always commend, 
our friendship as never common place, 
relying on strength from a friend. 
When you need to lean on one who cares, 
I pray you will remember all I intend, 
that I will cherish you and never put on airs, 
but will give strength from a friend. 
  

Thank You 

I am grateful, is what I meant to say, 
for what I said has little power to express, 
my appreciation, for you add to my life's hooray. 

The time with you was extraordinary, I must confess, 
bringing pure joy and a happy heart all the long day. 

Your acts and words touched me like a gentle caress, 
you lifted me up, as we shared from life's buffet. 

 

That Smile 

 A woman's picture, fixed upon a page, 
commands attention like she was on center stage; 
to her though, it was just a computer file, 
but to me there was potential in that smile. 
Why it affects me so, I cannot say, 
who knows all that comes into play? 

Our past does affect our present 
and whether we see famine or pheasant! 
This, above all else, I truly know, 
that when life happens, the heart will show. 
Will I react with a stare  
or reach out and share? 

It seems such a simple thing, 
but that smile can cause the heart to sing, 
and fills even a troubled soul with joy 
stilling melancholy in every girl and boy. 
That smile unlocks so many doors, 
and forms the basis for lasting floors, 
solid foundations, between two people, 
to reach as one for the tallest steeple. 

Joy is often enhanced by sharing, 
and friendship comes with honest caring. 
When no strings are attached or expectations, 
there is freedom to enjoy all good aspirations.  

That smile elicits my heartfelt response, 
one that is worthy, not nonchalance. 
Though I struggle to smile, I'll return the gift, 
and we'll carpe diem, savoring the view from the clift! 

 

ON LOVE 

"This day is new because love has come 
and life will never be the same Tom Thumb . . ." 

 

Art by Julia Danielle Utz 

And Happiness Comes 
There comes a time in most every man's life 
when he meets a woman and desires no more strife. 
Having found in her contentment and a potential home 
he no longer has any need or desire to roam. 
And Happiness Comes. 
The passing of time often confirms his choice 
bringing happy times which cause him to rejoice. 
Friendship begins and grows within each heart, 
fun times are shared giving both a fresh start. 
And Happiness Comes. 
Who knows when falling in love begins 
and that it brings both tears and grins. 
Ultimately, love comes when both choose it, 
embracing it and striving to never lose it! 
And Happiness Comes. 
It's a commitment of two willing lives 
to give up selfishness so love survives. 
It's an exciting adventure to be embraced 
always showing care so love is not misplaced. 
And Happiness Comes. 
Every day's a holiday, a precious treasure, 
but friction can come bringing displeasure.  
It's each one's job to see that love lives, 
in a committed relationship everyone forgives. 
And Happiness Comes. 

 

Angel Heart 
 You were sent from heaven 
to comfort and encourage me, 
your angel heart the leaven 
which lightens and sets me free. 
Joy floods me when I express 
gratitude from an overflowing heart, 
for the many ways you impress 
and all the love you impart. 
Know this day dear angel heart 
that my life is like a feast, 
and I choose to eat it a la carte 
because you have been the yeast. 
Each day brings us greater joy 
and there will be no bitter end, 
but we'll see goodness employ 
and watch angel heart transcend. 

 

A Romantic Articulation 

Without undue polysyllabic punditry and trusting 
that I will not seem querulous and antipathetic, 
I, Sir John Aldon - knight errant, commence this rarified 
romantic articulation to you, My Lady,  
and multi-faceted beauty, 
the object of this earnest knight's enamouredness. 
I am the best, no doubt about it, no room for debate, 
the greatest romantic hugger and kisser in Indiana, 
probably in the United States and possibly in the world. 
I dream of an audience with My Lady  
where I could entertain thee 
with this humble knight's poesy  
and by singing amoristic verse forms, 
accompanied on my artistically crafted  
Appalachian mountain dulcimer. 
If thou couldst only look upon the soul  
of this amorous idealist, 
thou wouldst see the love, passion, empathy,  
depth and desire I possess 
to share in all things affectional,  
reflective, corporeal and unearthly. 
Thou wouldst know of my knightly distinctives:  
amity, patience, courtliness, 
valor, magnanimity, reverence,  
dauntlessness, munificence, altruism, 
doughtiness, perspicacity, and intelligence. 
I beg thee to heed this word warrior's plea. 
Oh, I know you may have some dubiety, even some reservations 
but just ask someone aptly qualified  
to answer in support of my petition. 

Who would that be you query? 
Well, I have collaborated with my advisor's 'me and myself' 
and they say, of course, it is "I", comely maiden, 
"I" will tell you the Truth; for sure, positively,  
you can take it to the treasury, 
reckon on it, would I prevaricate? 
Perish the cerebration, it'll never happen;  
they don't call me veracious John 
for nothing or was that for good or  
maybe it was just good for nothing! 
By now thy eyes have perused my picture  
and have found 
that I am a bit age challenged  
and have a very snug fit in my armor, 
perhaps not your fondest desire. 
I won't tell thee now which joints skreigh or  
which are too rusty to propel. 
But I will tell thee of this knight's lifelong operose search 
for a maiden with qualities like thine; 
eyes which twinkle with excitement,  
lips which are rosy with anticipation, 
a lithe, supple, svelte body exuding eagerness 
and a heart throbbing with passionate yearning. 
Alas, if I were but beau idéal, a paragon, an apotheosis 
desired by thee....but I divagate. 
Sadly, my wage is but a pittance compared to thine, 
coming from the Potter's Field Social  
Subsistence Disablement Fund 
and is far inferior to that which I wish I could offer thee. 
I am quite active though,  
for this knight's bachelor gentleman 
has just now come from an arduous, 

onerous and protracted crusade, 
battle weary and worn from fighting dragons  
and windmills 
and saving fair damsels from distress. 
My loyal and trusty stead, though antiquated, is strong 
and of the lineage of the royal stable of Saturnian 98, 
so covering the miles between us presents no vexation 
to my cerebellar neural pathways,  
for we are connected interstately 
and truly quite straightforwardly. 
My Crest bears the humble motto  
which instigates mirthfulness: 
"U T Z Me & I T Z You, if you give a chance ". 
My shield enjoins the hermeneutic declaratives: 
"Have Lance, Will Prance, Entrance, Glance & Advance!" 
However, I must confess to My Lady that I do 
deliberate amply before I take action. 
Plier Piffling Positively Prevents Pulchritude Poring. 
For example, I was 29 before I conjoined, 
27 before I had a passionate kinship, 
23 before I courted regularly and 
18 before I ever osculated a fair damsel 
and she had to demonstrate to me how, 
so it wouldn't feel like  
she was smooching a scroll of parchment. 
I was, however, a quick initiate  
and soon achieved the laudable 
and applaudable distinction for the knights of amour 
known among the common servile plebeians as 
SMOOCH: 
"Sensually Motivated Obliging Osculate Closely Holding" 
There was something so lovely about your smile 

that I was smitten for a moment  
and would have fallen off my steed 
had I been on him, . . .  
But I quickly came to my halfwit and thought, 
"If I can make her express mirth,  
would she take a closer perusal of me? 
Could I possibly gain her favour?" 
I quickly put aside my abacus  
in favor of a quill and parchment 
on this automated reckoning and ciphering apparatus  
and am hopeful this missive speeds through the boreas  
buffeted ether to thee fair damoiselle. 
I am informed by my armor bearer  
that if my beauty desires, 
she may see images of this Knight's Templar displayed  
and very miraculously suspended  
in the ether at the astral stellar location of 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cOEpXrpXrjgU6I523
So that thou mayest know that chivalry is not defunct, 
I secret the image of thy beauty in my heart 
and search assiduously  
for ways to be thy humble retainer. 
I remain your factotum with desires only to enchant you, 
and yes, to supplant any other would be suitor. 

Wouldst thou favor this humble knight  
with thy scarf of effulgent colors 
and a gracious missive indicating my sufferance to court, 
that I might enjoy an audience privily with thee? 
I will humbly await the expeditiousness 
of thy most gracious and melliferous response. 
Remaining Forever, Your Most Ardent, Desirous, 
and Humble Suer, 
Sir John Aldon, Knight Errant, 
of the House and Lineage of UTZ. 

 

A Time For Two Lives 
 There was a time when two lives began, 
a boy and a girl became a man and a woman, 
different in substance, yet in spirit the same. 

Both were bonded to seek perfection, 
challenged to become, cautioned to sacrifice, 
self-chastened always for missing the mark. 

It was not an ordinary time, but a time of grace, 
when these two lives touched ever so briefly, 
traveling separate pathways to the dream. 

These lives though broken by this dream, 
mended, were healed and become one. 

Hands reached out, and touch was perfected, 
only by fingertips yet complete and whole. 

Timidity gave way to easy acceptance, 
and change and growth and hope were reborn. 

It was a time blessed by caring, love and peace. 

 

Beauty by the Sea 
  Oh, those long, curly blonde tresses 
and your winsome smile confesses 
the promise from a deep and loving heart, 
a yearning which is a work of art. 
How can so much be captured, 
and this simple man so enraptured, 
by an image which elicits such longing 
for friendship and belonging? 
It is but colors of ink on paper, 
yet it causes me to respond and caper, 
and delightfully run somewhere in time, 
to find this beauty so sublime. 
  By the sea, by the silvery sea, she stands, 
but a frozen slice from her life which commands, 
me cross the crowded beach of life, 
and help her put an end to strife. 
  I wonder about her thoughts that day, 
per adventure of a prince who'd come her way? 
Was it memories of a happier time 
or simply the savoring of key lime? 
  I know, I am helpless to not respond 
but I fear, for I am not beau monde. 
Could it be false evidence appearing real 
or could I in fact be beau ideal?

 

 Because Love Has Come 
  This day is new because Love has come, 
its power o'er shadows memories glum, 
and brings back life's banquet, dim sum! 
  Emotion wells up within our breast 
more tears come than we had guessed, 
bespeaks the yearning we have suppressed. 
How is it our empty life refills? 
Surely not with thrills and pills, but with loving wills, 
their intimate embrace instills and fulfills. 
This day is new because love has come 
and life will never be the same Tom Thumb, 
love flows between us, whatever may come! 

  

 

Becoming, Today! 
 I am caused to reflect on life and love 
and marvel at all the good which comes from above. 
Questions come but are often filed away 
for another day when my mind desires to play. 
Becoming, today, is a quest. 
My higher power has transformed my life 
and put an end to much that was life-long strife 
and yet before me spans the challenge of decay 
as my body fails and the flowers wilt in my bouquet. 
Becoming, today, is a challenge. 
 I have found that some dreams do come true, 
that God meets me at my extremity to renew, 
a right heart and a remembrance of His love, 
so I can accept blessing from here, there and above. 
Becoming, today, is acceptance. 
My life is complete for joy has come, 
a banquet is spread before me dim sum, 
and my joy is full and often will overflow, 
as I reflect on blessings that set my life aglow. 
Becoming, today, is a blessing. 
My joy's a woman who'd welcome me and not shun, 
giving God blessed warmth now, and in the long run; 
she'd leave loneliness behind  
to explore a love filled union, 
giving all, expecting nothing,  
except serenity and communion. 
Becoming, today, is happiness. 

 

Being Faithful Is 
 keeping myself from all others but you, 
showing you all the ways that my love is true; 
helping you to realize your dreams 
by bearing the burden of your extremes; 
communicating my inner thoughts and fears 
being vulnerable to share all your tears; 
uplifting you tenderly in all that I do, 
finding new ways to love you anew; 
realizing our dreams with dedicated desire 
showing once again you are all I require; 
 embracing life and abundant living 
with charity towards all and much thanksgiving; 
  choosing each day's walk in simplicity and caring 
staying open and willing for sharing and daring;  
achieving our goal of a life filled with love 
maintaining our course till we part for heaven's above. 

  

Being One 
  It is rare indeed when two people find 
a love that is pure and fills the mind, 
with desire to be true to the end of life 
committed before God as husband and wife. 
  God gives many blessings but few as replete 
as the union of souls when hearts are complete. 
Love requires forgiveness, giving all we can be, 
with understanding, patience and willingness to agree. 
 Being one, under God, requires real intent 
to cherish and honor, love and present, 
all our gifts freely given to the other 
and joy and happiness come one after another. 

 

Communion  

 Nights drowsy drops of dusk fell heavily  
as we, touching only by fingertips,  
made our solitary way down  
the winding little worn path to the sea.  
Leisurely we strolled along the shore  
toward our secret cove where,  
nestled on a silent sandy shelf,  
we are separated, at arm’s length,  
from each other and the world.  
Touching, yet not touching, eager,  
yet patiently content, with senses fused,  
we watched night plunge all into darkness.  

Then with eyes which touched  
and hearts which melted into oneness,  
we gave mute expression to our innermost desire.  
 With deep mutual awareness 
we poised our very souls 
for the transcending release of ultimate communion.  
We moved through the gap of our separation,   
timidly yet tenderly,  
fearfully yet unafraid, rejoicing  
as the floodgates of our souls,  
reopened, pouring upon our union  
new being and new life.  

Dawna 

I wonder how God can possibly know, 
my needs, as I am tossed by every ebb and flow, 
that I yearn for serenity, would even welcome nirvana, 
and in the midst of my fevered search, 
 He brings me Dawna. 
It is a testament of the miracles in my life, 
that when I have fallen prey to devastating strife, 
He is always there with the next needful thing, 
a measure of hope to make my heart sing. 
I believe He knows me and sees my heartache and pain, 
has seen me stumble, repeatedly,  
yet rise up smarting to gain 
the place I'd prefer, at His feet, within view of His face, 
where I would gladly stay but for finishing life's race. 
He knows how very much I tire of walking alone, 
how I flounder and sacrifice myself and even postpone, 
the abundant life He offers and desires me to live, 
choosing rather to suffer in loneliness, 
 reluctant to forgive. 
Yet God is master and sovereign over all He creates 
and He alters life's flow, changing awareness and fates, 
and has caused me to see through the spirit of Dawna, 
an end of loneliness, a cherished friend,  
without pause or comma. 
We are persons whose bodies reflect the hurt 
from the buffetings of life which require us to stay alert, 
against powers and persons who seek to step  
on our last nerve, 
thanks be to God that our spirits are free

 to love, give and serve. 
Who knows whether God has preserved  
us for each other? 
All we can do is seek the common good,  
one day after another, 
preferring each other, pressing toward the high calling 
of friendship's love that might grow  
without galling or stalling. 

 

Humble Desire 
  Let me sit closely by you, my love, 
so we might rise to courts above, 
showing each other our humble desire, 
to so love, that we are the other's supplier. 

Life happens and we are often caught in its throes, 
and that drama seeks to kibosh all we propose. 
It is then when remembrance comes to each one, 
of the vow that we took to never be undone. 

We weathered, then, another provocation 
to take happiness from our soul's aspiration. 
Our humble desire to love and fulfill 
blessed us again with peace and goodwill. 
 

I Am Yours 
  Life oft times hands us twists and turns 
which cause introspection and heartfelt concerns. 
How could I have known that all the detours 
would end in my saying, "I am yours"? 

There were times in this man's life, 
when the road not taken created such strife, 
that anguish was felt in the closing of doors, 
not realizing the freedom in saying, "I am yours". 

 I am thankful that God brought me to you, 
touching my heart to offer love that's true, 
inspiring my mind while His Spirit implores 
me commit to you dearest, saying, "I am yours". 
  

 

Is Love Not Enough? 
Two lives cross, then meet on life's pathway, 
each coming from differing traditions, 
and desiring to follow the heart's way. 
Is love not enough to moderate their positions? 
She lives life in harmony with the universe, 
while his life is based on religious precepts, 
still they commune and easily converse. 
Is love not enough to offset conflicting concepts? 
Love elicits our best efforts, yet things can go badly, 
as couples seek happiness based on sexual attraction, 
one wonders why some relationships end so sadly. 
Is Love not enough to sustain lifelong interaction? 

 

Is This Love? 

I wonder about the mysterious feeling 
which always precedes a man's kneeling, 
offering alike on every shore, 
his pledge to love and adore. 
It always begins with deep emotion 
putting minds in strained commotion, 
unsettling two lives without restriction, 
marriage is the only prescription. 
The bride's borrowed and blue all show her beauty, 
the groom is ready to do his duty. 
The bride takes father with tearing eye, 
who gives this woman - her mother and I! 
The minister welcomes the couple to the altar 
and admonishes them not to falter, 
but to allow their love to increase, 
so that the Father of Lights' blessings never cease. 
Vows are exchanged written from the heart, 
commitments are made till death do us part. 
Two spirits unite, their souls become one, 
as they receive the blessing in the name of the Son. 
New life begins as they hurry down the aisle, 
their hearts bursting with love, on their faces a smile. 
Greeted and hugged by family and friends, 
pictures are snapped by many a camera lens. 
Refreshments are served when the cake is cut, 
the couple enjoys punch and the cashew nut; 
presents are torn open their wrappings destroyed, 
while toasting our loved ones is really enjoyed. 
It's time to throw the bouquet, 

in a well-mannered way; 
as friends scramble to reach it 
but it falls far away. 
 The best man hurries the couple out, 
the limo awaits, without any doubt, 
to whisk them away on their honeymoon escape, 
as they pour and enjoy a glass of pinot grape. 
The remainder of this story 
is that they ate chicken cacciatore, 
but the host was very mum, 
they must have paid him a tidy sum! 

 

Mistakes 
  Sometimes on the road called life 
things said or done cut like a knife. 
Hurt is taken though never meant to be, 
 a mistake was made which requires a fee. 
 Some mistakes simply cut too deep 
to forgive or forget or go back to sleep. 
Minds anguish over what was done, 
and the first thought is to shun and run. 
Is there no balm to mend a broken heart 
or panacea which will give life a new start? 
Does a mistake have to be the ending 
or can it be the cause of a transcending? 

 

My Lady 
How I have yearned for a woman complete 
who would come to me with life qualities replete, 
and beckon me to stand and walk by her side 
and know life's great joy to share and confide. 
It is in the simplest of things that abundance is found 
in gentle touches, smiles and kisses,  
in conversation profound, 
in reaching into each other’s soul with tender loving care, 
with nurture and comfort to enhance  
and walk without err. 
How could I have known that My Lady could provide 
the insight and inspiration for me to take life in stride 
and truly live one day at a time, all needs supplied, 
knowing peace, like on Walden's pond, whatever betide? 
I could not, but our God did, in His great act of love 
allow our pathways to cross in a manner undreamed of, 
where attraction abounded and acceptance was the rule 
and we were able to see and be seen, as a gift and a jewel! 
My resolve is to give you all I can be and much more, 
to learn your gentle heart and ways,  
to befriend you and adore. 
I will treasure each moment  
God gives us to live and to love  
and embrace you with gratitude 
 for His blessings from above. 

 

I Will:  
(My Resolves to You, My Love) 
I will make each day with you,  
whether we are together or not, 
like the last day we have on earth. 
 I will purge and burn all that is dross  
and impure from my life,  
even if I must endure the refiner's fire to accomplish it.  
I will let love abound! 
 I will be willing to leave my comfort zone  
to better provide for our needs. 
 I will never allow the sun to set on a problem,  
which causes hurt or ill will or sadness,  
but do whatever I must to preserve our love. 
 I will seek to identify in you something new  
which brings me joy and happiness  
and work with you to enhance and use that quality. 
 I will accentuate the positives.  
I will seek always the good and dwell on those things. 
I will bear our burdens, yours and mine,  
giving love, encouragement, comfort, 
 and admonition if needed. 
I will be your best cheerleader. 
 I will make spiritual studies and prayer a habit  
and profit from the insights we gain  
from our search for God. 
I will forgive all things, bear all things  
and believe all things are possible with God's help. 
 

New Feelings 
  Some thoughts, it seems, cannot be hidden 
as they reveal themselves when logic is overridden. 
This man's heart, though emotionally impaired, 
has experienced new feelings which must be shared. 
I beg you to understand the great relief from pain, 
when feelings once denied are again given free reign? 
Feelings sincere, expressed from heartfelt thought, 
should never ever come to naught. 
These deepest emotions spill from hearts  
which show love, 
causing us to soar, as eagles, in blue skies above. 
How can such feelings when shared with such care 
ever hurt or confound any friend so fair? 
To love is but to live, and to live fully we must share, 
from the overflow of our hearts, with tender loving care. 
Who knows whether this key unlocks abundant life 
and blesses us all with hope and a peaceful end to strife? 

 

On Love 
  I see beauty in this golden girl, 
lying serenely here before me. 
My breathing shallow, mind in a whirl, 
judge me not too harshly, I pray thee. 

A passionate heart dwells beneath her breast, 
overwhelmed and humbled, I have confessed 
that her eyes have pierced me through like flames of fire. 
Can I just be near her, my broken heart's desire? 

I turn to flee, lest she awake,  
but failing that I turn so bleak, 
to see her stretch and yawn and rise to stand by me, 
hold my hand and tenderly touch my cheek.  
She hugs me closely, kisses me perfectly,  
with a silent plea:  "I love you". 

She looks now seeing those hot, hot tears, 
which copiously stream from both my eyes, 
rivers flowing into a pierced heart, fraught with fears, 
yet healed, renewed and reborn, as my soul cries:  
"I love you too". 

 

One Last Love 
  A man and a woman have suffered alone 
and wondered if life could be more. 
Life's experience taught them to bemoan 
the past but to be open to explore. 
It was the least likely place, almost surreal, 
in the midst of the cyber world's net, 
that their paths finally crossed to reveal 
a kinship which was too much to forget. 
She asked for his number, talked on the phone, 
feeling attraction and desire to know more. 
They wrote email, for messenger cause her to groan,  
but their souls touched with growing rapport. 
Their experience and background said no 
  and her commitments and his blocked the way, 
and frustrated them from reaching the next plateau 
where deepening feeling and love hold sway. 
She tried her best to say goodbye 
but he told her he would not run away, 
and though their writing often went awry 
he pursued her with a rose bouquet. 
Time passed amid emotion's ebb and flow 
and they met for fun and reached accord, 
to keep things light, enjoy life's glow, 
and wait to realize time's reward. 

Like all plans with mice and men 
this one also went awry. 
His love touched her heart again 
and made it impossible to say goodbye. 
She could not have dreamed 
that he would offer her one last love, 
but out of his heart came qualities esteemed 
which transported her to realms above. 

 

One Small Step To Love 
 It was a most amazing place and time 
in the lives of two people in their prime, 
that caused them to reflect and talk of 
the possibility of one small step to love. 
  This man couldn't have imagined a cyber-wink 
could have stirred his deep resolve to not shrink 
from the 100 mile distance and the fear thereof, 
which had always prevented one small step to love. 
His Lady said she was impossibly intrigued, 
but he wondered if she would not be fatigued, 
by his flurry of words which were all part of 
leading them to take one small step to love. 
 He told her that her interest had fortunately come 
at a point of despair when he felt like Tom Thumb, 
and was preparing to hide, feeling unworthy of, 
any woman's favor let alone one small step to love. 
She wrote, "I am impressed, overwhelmed, flattered,  
inspired and hopeful but my thoughts are scattered. 
Give me time to reflect, be honest and get abreast of 
the thought that this could be one small step to love." 

 

Questions for My Lady 
Who am I that you, my Master, 
should bring a lady like china aster, 
should cause her to look with love 
on me and that I'd be in awe of? 
What, My Lady, did I ever say or do 
to cause you to look at me anew, 
to see within my fragile clay like form 
a man who would never be lukewarm? 
When did you first come to know 
that I was not just another beau, 
that there was depth to my loving heart 
and I would always chose the good part? 
  Where will life lead us, will we ever know? 
Could we follow the Master and set our lives aglow? 
He said to choose Him and love one another, 
bearing and sharing burdens so as to not smother. 
  Why are you so beloved, a woman so very dear, 
who saves my tender battered heart from fear, 
who captures my soul and yet sets it free 
and elicits such a total response of love from me? 

 

Scarlett 
  How can I look upon you, Scarlett my dear, 
and not wish for a more joyful time, 
when my romantics' heart could draw near 
and commune with your beauty sublime. 
The tenderness in your eyes bespeaks love 
and calls me back to joyful days, 
when we shared things undreamed of 
sitting closely under warm sun's rays. 
Simple things are life's best treasure 
for this bachelor boy and girl, 
they bring us more than we can measure, 
of happy times, love's moments to unfurl.

Skylark Songs 
  I do love you so, dear Skylark, 
and I hear your songs of joy 
as they come to me from aery heights, 
as you travel the land of Rob Roy. 

Such joy you felt 'mid heather's green 
your words excite my mind; 
have I told you what your travels mean 
to this melancholy ridden mind? 
  What you do, my angel, is no small thing, 
it buoys me when I feel greatest pain, 
changes my mood to an upswing, 
and inspires me not to wane. 

Sing on and fly the heavenly streams, 
create new songs for me to receive, 
realize your many wondrous dreams, 
so our lives will continue to interweave.

 

Superficiality 

I long to know a woman  
who would look past my skin side, 
to see what beauty lies inside. 

I fear though that my extreme size 
will cause me to be forsook, 
precluding her taking a second look. 

Oh, how I wish  
my beauty was outside, 
my skin side hidden deep inside. 

Perhaps then I could blend in 
and be seen as the norm 
and not have to try so hard to perform! 
Such though seems the way of this world. 
Some women are insensitive and unkind 
and a man like me never enters their mind. 
Shallowness can affect us all, 
and its barbs harm even a callous soul. 
We all yearn for praise and extol. 
  

 

Thankful Heart 
 Oh, that I were 20 years younger 
filled with strength to seek and hunger 
for the beauty found in Thankful Heart 
rejoicing in her choosing that good part. 

A woman seeking after God's own heart 
living fully with joy and love to impart. 

Who knows whether she comes with bliss 
to help me live in such a day as this. 

Surely God will provide the desire of her heart 
and honor her service and set her apart 
with a man of His choosing with her to concur 
and live a Christ guided life they would prefer. 

But alas, my time on earth is near spent 
and the gate of eternity will soon present 
a glimpse of a Paradise I thought I'd lost, 
but mine now for my Master paid the cost! 

 

To My Valentine 

Meeting you has given to me 
a new understanding of what I see. 

I had often thought myself a dinosaur, 
aged and afflicted with things you would abhor. 

But to be viewed by you and comprehended 
as desirable, commended and even befriended, 
overwhelms me but elicits love that's true 
with great desire to never bid adieu! 

On this day, as on every day, you are my Valentine, 
my confidante, my beloved who lifts me to places divine. 
You have healed my soul as with a surgical knife, 
giving me reasons for loving you and for loving life! 

 

The Most Important Time 
Dearest, there will never be a time 
when we will do anything more sublime, 
than what we will do at our meeting 
as our two souls will find completing. 
How could we have ever dreamed 
that our broken hearts could be redeemed, 
and that through the flourish of many words 
our spirits could soar with aery birds? 
God has graced us each with charity 
and it will bind us, as a rule not a rarity, 
we will know joy as few couples can 
and happiness across our life span. 
  Let us seek first the Lord 
and strive to live in accord, 
with His will and His word, 
the abundant life He preferred. 
 All of the needful things will be ours, 
He'll bless our love and heal our scars, 
granting us forgiveness along the way, 
so we can live our lives fully every day. 
So dearest at this time I come to meet you 
with my heart yearning with desire to debut, 
a love, my gift with no strings attached, 
a commitment to you to be matched. 

 

The Way Things Are 
  Love touches night and morn 
then slips silently away to other sandboxes. 

Water splashes in ringed tubs 
as first light blinds shrunken eyes. 

The pursuit of passion 
yields to the passion of pursuit. 

Life is girded up in loins 
listlessly yearning leisure, 
while love lounges lactating, late and lonely. 

Life left love leaning leery and lost, 
slipped stealthily into smothering smog and was gone. 

 

Waiting for Love 
 Oft times love presents us with twists and turns 
so distracting we are left with grave concerns, 
whose questions disturb our ordered minds 
causing us to bite into truth's tough rinds. 
We seek meaning in all of life's choices  
and listen for clues from many diverse voices, 
sorting and processing, seeking consults 
yearning for the days to share our results. 
  How long is this road that we travel 
before the mystery of love will unravel? 
We struggle to bear our separation 
by seeking closeness and conversation. 
Had we known that waiting for love would be so hard, 
would we have sought each other with such regard? 
What did we see in each other’s caring eyes 
that caused us to respond with no lies or goodbyes? 

 

Was I Dreaming? 
I still taste your hot, sweet kisses, 
my body tingles from your caresses, 
the timeless moments I spent with you, 
overcame me like a dream come true; 
 such a dream is of love I've not known yet, 
please let me not awaken nor ever forget, 
your touch and whispered love so clear, 
and my desire to love you and endear. 

 

ON FIBONACCI AND HAIKU  

"Good things follow you, 
oft when you least expect them, 
savor their coming." 

Art by Julia Danielle Utz 

A Golden Thought 

I 
give 
others 
from my heart 
tender loving care 
because it is the 
next best thing 
for me 
to  
do. 

Concert 

Three Dog Night performs, 
as I sit beneath the palms, 
savoring the time. 

Good 

Good things follow you, 
oft when you least expect them, 
savor their coming. 
The blessing is yours, 
and can be augmented by, 
doing good to all. 
 

Happiness 

 I 
have 
chosen 
happiness 
today for my life, 
one moment after another: 
a serene walk, accepting the things I cannot change. 
 

Joyful Images 

Small town memories 
bring me joyful images 
which brighten my soul. 

Liftoff 

An awesome liftoff: 
a moon bound rocket thunders, 
off the launching pad. 

 

My Recovery 

I 
am 
grateful 
to have found 
my recovery, 
In Twelve Steps that brought sanity, 
from life defined by irrational "stinking" thinking. 
 

Offering 

God 
came 
to earth 
offering 
tidings of great joy: 
peace on earth, goodwill to all men! 

Perfect Failure 

My 
life 
derailed 
when I thought 
I could be perfect 
and I began to strive for that. 
Instead of accepting failure, as a chance to grow, 
I took it personally as reasons to abase myself and 
depression soon came. 

Serenity 

Be 
calm, 
dear friend, 
embracing 
peace and happiness 
and know serenity in life. 
 

Springs 

Nature provides springs 
whose clarity and beauty 
demand remembrance. 
 

Trust 

Help 
me 
to trust 
that Spirit 
that leads me beside 
those still waters that calm my soul, 
renew my mind, and restore my heart with joy and love. 

 

Yearning 

 I 
yearn 
for love, 
acceptance, 
and gentle sharing, 
with tender loving care for all. 

 

ON MELANCHOLY AND RECOVERY 

". . .for somewhere, always, the sun shines, 

it's warmth imbues and enlivens and brings joy 
and here also, if I would perceive it." 

 

Art by Julia Danielle Utz 

A Desire To Love 
  I am caused to often reflect 
on my honest desire to love, 
but thoughts of my sad neglect 
convict me I am just unworthy of. 
How can I learn to properly present 
myself without requiring returning chide, 
and suffering from my own torment 
such pain that I can barely abide. 
There are thoughts that seem so right to me 
and I follow them to hasty conclusions, 
but I fail to see their impact's plea 
on the object of my delusions. 
I fail so often that I fear I'll never mature 
or embrace a healthy desire to love; 
what manner of man am I, demure, 
or a waste and a failure, to be sick of? 

 

Anxious Moments 

Oh, how I desire serenity, to embrace the calm, 
within and without and feel the peace,  
the sheer joy of knowing Gilead's balm.  

How do I insulate myself  
when anxious moments hold sway, 
their agonizing torrents tearing a vortex  
which seeks to whirl me away? 

Is there not enough challenge  
without creating chaos in my life, 
allowing frantic fears and penetrating panic  
to startle my senses with imagined strife? 

When will I learn there are things that I cannot change, 
that accepting them will calm these anxious moments,  
and I'll realize that is definitely worth the exchange? 

Cracking The Shell 

Living in a shell, hardened by fear, 
was familiar, but lonely it was clear. 
Years, filled with queries, pass so quickly by, 
an awareness finally came that I was far too shy! 

What did I fear that made me stay 
within my prison made with clay? 
Through tiny holes which brought me light 
I peered upon the world's sad plight. 

Seeing pain, death, and struggles to get gain, 
I began to wonder why I should remain 
trapped immobile inside my tiny cell, 
why not trade it for a larger living hell? 

Tap, chip, take a step back, retreat, 
re-attack, enlarge the tiny crack, complete! 
Venture out, no need for looking back, 
It’s time to live and get off the side track! 

There's sadness and depression to be sure, 
so many negatives we all must endure. 
Without these though we'd never know the joy, 
or live a life filled with peace with love as its bu

Depression 

DOWN 
the avenues of heart and mind 
into the essence of things we go, 
ALONE 
we edge our way over razor sharp, bleeding surfaces 
into the primal darkness of the pit and 
WE 
in dungeonesque decadence and melancholy  
muse on all that could've been and 
DIE 
a death of a thousand inaudible screams, 
the final consummation of all that was! 
 

Images from the Regulator 
(remembrances from the pub) 
 Sounds, mists, smoke filled caverns, 
spinning sounds, laughter, big blue sounds,  
and existence is crested by bubbling foams. 
Crusty tables hold up decadent souls, 
Murmurs, groans, desperate weeping 
as wasteland figures intermix with shadows. 
Groping hands reach out as eyes strain towards light, 
but sight's gone, intangibility, intimate depravity, 
sexless wondering, and wandering to oblivion. 

 

It Was Magic 

Yes, there was magic, a serendipity, 
 a radiant vision through an open tent flap. 
Though it was but a fleeting glimpse, 
it was haunting, enticing and so compelling, 
what befell the eyes of this humble monk. 
His down cast eyes should never have looked upon 
the sweet Bianca lying serenely  
in her tapestry covered repose. 
He had stood there looking,  
transfixed, fearful of her alarm, 
but helpless against his view of her beauty. 
Why, Oh why, had he raised his eyes that one time? 
Surely no one but her saw him break his vow, 
but the condemning guilt pierced him to the hilt,  
how vile, contemptible and lecherous he had been. 
It was an unforgivable sin, he knew, 
for he had violated the Pennsic Princess, 
adding insult by secreting her away in his heart. 
The images of her were burned deeply into his soul: 
of her lithe body covered in plush silks and finery  
befitting her royal standing at court, 
of her exquisite white skin adorned with jewels  
whose sparkling paled against the fire in her eyes,  
and of that sultry smile  
which seared the tent with promise 
as she waited, demurely, anticipating 
 the advent of her Princely suitor. 
Someone he could never be, of course, 
having taken the deepest vow of humility  
requiring him to always view the earth,  

with downcast eyes. 
Now and forever, he would only be known  
as the fool with wayward eyes. 
It was too late for him,  
his vow was broken beyond repair. 
He would now be an outcast in disgrace,  
his simple brown robe would soon be torn into shreds, 
from the relentless lashing cat of nine tails: 
A beating he felt he deserved and somehow welcomed, 
as it might purge and ease his tormented soul, 
or put an end to his miserable life, 
 and either way, he would be free. 

 

Life Changing Moments 

When I consider this pilgrim's progress 
in a life of distress, regress and disease, 
I am caused to reflect upon my success 
in embracing life changing moments with ease. 

It has not been an easy road, I've felt so displaced,  
having perceived myself unworthy  
with feelings of chagrin, 
amid family and friends who loved me without distaste, 
how could I have surmised and held  
this bitter pain within? 

I covered all my loneliness with the theatrics of a clown, 
provoking laughter at my antics caused others 
 to accept me while around. 
I felt in my very soul they didn't,  
that I would never wear a social crown, 
and never know the love I savored in a life  
which had run aground. 

Enduring, is what I learned was life,  
and serving others bought my space, 
sacrificing self first for sisters, students, family  
and others along the way. 
Living a faith based walk without self-love,  
no wonder I felt no grace, 
just incrimination and self-derision,  
no matter how hard I'd pray.

Life is a circle bringing me back home, 
 though I'd lost all that I had, 
but I wanted to live,  
feeling that life could be more than a chore. 
A beloved friend said "call Wayne, from Mental Health, 
you'll be so glad 
for he'll understand, will help you  
and soon your spirit will soar." 

I made the call, just grasping at straws,  
wanting so badly to believe 
that my life could be different,  
that it might even be blessed, 
with right thinking and changes that I could achieve. 
We worked hard 7 long years,  
and in time my life began to crest! 

 

Life's Mystery  

It seems now like time passing,  
which once was feared brings smiles,  
as insights bring me closer to whom I desire to be.  

How can I count the ways, that old tapes playing,  
robbed me of dreams and heartfelt hopes,  
my past laid waste by their habitual drone?  

And yet glimpses remain amidst these ruins,  
of sunlight's sparkle where happiness lingered,  
however fleeting, deep within life's mystery.  

I push onward though with trappings tearing,  
shreds still hanging from the chrysalis of my life,  
always seeking glimpses  
through life's glass, though darkly.  

Life's mystery intoxicates and often maddens,  
always challenges introspection and soon  
awareness comes of this present moment's meaning,   
my purpose and potential to fulfill.

My Walk  

Thinking as I walk comes easier now,  
less agonizing over choices and paths not taken.  
Thought's frantic pace is dampened  
and will and awareness are freed to grow.  
Before me in ordered array  
life's fragments present themselves:  
what was lives only in memories now  
and yes, that is with me still,  
but in what I may yet become lies my reason to continue.  
My walk disciplined, yet serene,  
squeezes from the unforgiving moment  
joy and pleasure whose meat enlivens  
and propels me onward;  
Each step bringing me closer to the dream  
that my walk when viewed from without  
will matter to someone, somewhere,  
and will effect in them a change however minute.

On Receiving A Straw Man 

A day was spent in joyful sharing, 
two souls spent time as forever friends. 
Hearts opened, each one without despairing, 
and knew acceptance without need for amends. 
A parting gift was given with tender loving caring. 

His name is Claude,  
but he is not a scarecrow, 
but a broken heart mender to bring me laud, 
with the reminder to Let Go,  
be happy, and trust, and Let God! 

My forever friend, you are such a hoot,  
your E, S & H is all you ever need to give, 
and you give it so freely, with effervescent to boot. 
Your Experience, Strength & Hope is helping others to live 
and is lifting me up in serenity and repute. 

 

On Recognition 
  One night late, I sat down beside myself  
and found myself.  

Weary from worry, spent and tortured,  
I saw myself.  

Too many days had flittered by with too little done,  
I hated myself.  

Too many hopes lay bleeding beneath merciless sun,  
I pitied myself.  

Get up then, get out, get going, start moving,  
I chided myself,  
and with a pause and a prayer,  
I began again.  

 

Overcast 

 It is tempting to get up 
after yet another fitful night, 
pull the blinds and see the drab 
gray sunless sky and wonder, 
how life came to be as it is? 

Life's quality is pinnacled on defining moments like this: 
do I allow the overcast to steal my joy and happiness?  
It is my choice, after all, and I choose the good, regardless: 
never mind that my body is hurting, weak and weary, 
that my eyes sag and smart from too little sleep, 
and the dark damp surrounds me 
 and penetrates my bones. 

I know this is a joyful happy day, 
it is a day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice, 
for somewhere, always, the sun shines, 
it's warmth imbues and enlivens and brings joy 
and here also, if I would perceive it.  
I will perceive it! 
I will turn my sentient eyes and look within! 

 

Recovery Friend 

 Life happens to us all, seemingly in an ordinary way, 
but with challenges and perplexities 
 causing each one dismay. 
These unpleasant surprises  
brought changes to our daily activity 
as we struggled to hold on to our life and objectivity. 
Each fought long and hard, sometimes a losing battle, 
and we defended ourselves with endless prattle, 
while searching furtively for an end to the pain, 
addictions took over from which we struggled to abstain. 
Joy slipped away first from the happy times of the past 
as our obsession to feel good, caused others to feel aghast. 
Time flew by in a blur, though the pain went on and on, 
and we barely existed as we had become so withdrawn. 
We were in a death spiral, seeing our life force slip away, 
when we heard "stop, and think,  
smell deeply from life's bouquet". 
We could not have dreamed  
that we had recovery sisters and brothers 
who would lend a helping hand, giving TLC like mothers. 
One day at a time, we don't have to face life alone, 
having a recovery friend makes it but a stepping stone. 
Experience, strength and hope are shared along the way, 
bringing joy, peace and serenity  
back into this and every day. 

 

Recovery's Gifts 
(Tune: Simple Gifts) 
 We're Recovering again and we're really in the spirit 
giving thanks for the hot dogs and all that came with it, 
we'll eat, drink and chat at Sam Peden's Local Park 
making this day of recovery, an exclamation mark! 
When life for us is strained 
we let go and let God, we'll not be ashamed; 
Changing only things we can, 'twill be our delight 
while acceptance and serenity go way out of sight. 

'Tis time to take a look at ourselves and rethink 
just how sick we have been because of strong drink. 
Use Recovery's tool-box with its slogans and insight, 
load our lives down with them, what a lovely sight! 
When all of this is done 
We're safe to party, oh won't that be fun; 
together we can make it, but just for today, 
life lived by 12 steps is the only way. 

Recovery offers gifts to find a better life, 
helps us leave behind our chaos and strife. 
Recovery is there with a helping hand from me 
Involvement, always is the key to harmony! 
"Live and Let Live" must hold sway 
and "Love, Learn and Grow" all along life's way; 
One day at a time our lives will be sublime, 
God grant us serenity all the time. 

Seeking Change  

Seeking change from past mistakes,  
I seek order for my cluttered mind.  
By giving up focus on pains and aches,  
life is more easily honed and refined. 
Accepting that choices have only outcomes  
reduces heartbreaks and frees us to speak our truth  
without fear of being unkind. 

I savor the sweetness of that time,  
though its moments flee from reach,  
the joy remains, within me, sublime,  
with lessons that heal the breach, 
 between what was, is and yet can be!  
What new truth will it teach?  

 

Solitude Eludes Me  

 Solitude eludes me now  
as I keep my self-centered vigil  
at the windows of my mind,  
often shattered by onslaughts of grief,  
despondency and heartache.  

Once again I've lost valuable moments  
from a life already strained  
from yielding to inconsequential stressors,  
that have ballooned  
to completely cloud my reason, alas for my sake.  

How much pain must I endure before I understand,  
that thoughts are things of which life's fabric is woven,  
and fear of change incapacitates, yes,  
distorts the life I'd make? 
  Yet my life is a circle  
and brings me glimpses of elusive pictures,  
a tapestry in my mind of my being's progress  
to become whole and participate in life's give and take.  

 

where do i go? 
  inside my mind, a question, yet undefined but real,  
a hole torn deeply empties my consciousness,  
envelops me, tearing me abruptly, losing the present,  
where do i go?  
moments spent in gentle sharing,  
filled overflowing with laughter,  
life's fullness, its abundance embraces me,  
comforts me all about;  
why not tarry and it happens,  
where do i go?  
its madness consumes me, 
 threatens the very fabric of my mind,  
screaming incomprehensible, mirrored on faces dear,  
its razor cuts deeply into my soul, 
where do i go?  
have i fallen into an abyss of my own creation,  
or given sway to another spirit of destruction,  
do i run inward or toward,  
where do i go?  
grief overwhelms me, 
 eyes blinded by hot bitter copious tears,  
incriminations, yes self-derision, bring no peace,  
nor meaning nor reason and the agony goes on and on,  
where do i go?  

 

On Reflection 

" . . . the poet writes what he recalls, 

short snippets from life, to enjoy and rehearse, 
written in rhyme or free flowing verse." 

Art by Julia Danielle Utz (painted at 9 years old) 
 

A Woman 
Time passes so slowly now 
since reality showed its face. 
Helpless feelings caused me to bow 
to slow my heart's fast pace. 
I had never dreamed to find 
a woman with so much truth, 
whose love reached to heal the mind,  
albeit, that of tender youth. 
Gifted, prepared and willing to serve 
to meet the demands of life's needs, 
she gave of herself without reserve, 
or thought of her bodies' cries and pleads. 
Who knows whether she has come 
with succor for a day such as this, 
to strengthen us, lest we succumb, 
with a taste of heavenly bliss. 

 

A Moment In A Library 
I sat alone in a darkened library alcove 
pouring mindlessly over indiscernible symbols, 
which at other times spoke things understandable. 

My head drooped lopsidedly, on the back of a hand, 
supported only by a fragment of consciousness, 
my life's being pinnacled on a single "funny-bone". 

Suddenly, as if recoiling from a dream or sliding into one, 
I woke up with a start, mind racing to catch up 
with queries: why, where, when, what and how? 

Awareness came finally in discernable sights and sounds: 
a kaleidoscope of color and cries amid fumes and flames! 

The records of history were useless, 
as all that was past and the present rose up, 
crying in chorus: help us! 

To full consciousness, To action,  
To response were the calls, in succor I stumbled  
and fumbled and fell, rose up smarting and scratching  
and stretching toward the goal:  to extinguish and alarm! 
 

Atlasta  
Down long, twisting and hard driven roads 
we looked to win the billboard game, 
from our seats in back our excitement explodes, 
when atlasta "Q" we all exclaim! 

Oh, the simple memories of youth 
of days remembered, filled with happy pursuits. 
Our discoveries though, from time to time, uncouth 
and atlasta we'd all be found to be in cahoots. 

Atlasta bright new kite with colored knots in its tail, 
atlasta new twine for my tobacco stick horse, 
atlasta time to enjoy a three ball of string sail, 
and atlasta a place in our stick-horse posse in force. 

Life is filled with moments of realization 
and the knowledge that impatience does not speed, 
a good which comes in its own time and location, 
causing us to proclaim "atlasta" a sunflower seed. 

 

Drip, Drip, Drip 
It amazes me the thoughts that come 
midst life's battles with their aplomb, 
a poise hard earned from many a trip 
in spite of sinuses losing their drip, drip, drip.   
What manner of cosmic event does entwine 
to cause such response from my body supine, 
reminding me of nothing but a trivial slip 
yet it's there, I can't doubt it, that drip, drip, drip. 
 There must be a reason, why it comes along now, 
never later the accompaniment of a fevered brow, 
incessant it is with its Newtonian grip, 
rushing out of me, rivers of drip, drip, drip. 
A tissue, a hanky, my kingdom for a towel 
yet it splatters on my toe causing deep within a growl. 
How much longer am I bound to this slave ship, 
how much longer must I endure this drip, drip, drip? 
 Surely it's allergies, it’s an easy surmise, 
yet what is the stressor, so rich a disguise? 
I struggle to find meds that will surely equip 
the demise of the insidious drip, drip, drip. 
  It quickly comes, yet rarely easily goes, 
and always leaves me languishing in its throes, 
and wondering, fearfully, if it might not be the grippe, 
which has stolen my serenity with its drip, drip, drip. 

 

 Enjoy Nature 
 Enjoyment of life comes in many unusual ways, 
New interactions with nature can enhance our days. 
Just don't look at the world around you, but really see, 
Observing what is and what it was meant to be. 
You'll be better for it, just do it and sightsee! 
Now is not the time to pretend or look away, 
And rationalize, thinking I'll have another day. 
This is the time to act, to interact, and know the joy, 
Understand and savor rather than misuse and destroy. 
Rustic scenes call us away from our life and employ 
Encouraging us to seize a day in nature and enjoy! 
  
Forest: A Winter's Scene 
 Leaves, twigs on nature's breast, 
stones, pebbles, ornamental beadwork on her brow, 
birth, rebirth and decadence united now, 
silver carpets balm ovarian rest. 
Figures in motion, roving motion, 
silence blossoms full of noise, 
shadowy messengers travel robed with poise, 
readiness beckons locomotion. 
Some come, some come, 
but soon turn away, 
saying, It's night and not day: 
Tom Thumb, Tom Thumb! 

Gifts 
One of the hardest things I've learned 
is that friendship is a gift unearned, 
a free gift with no strings attached, 
from a loving heart unmatched.   
Life brings questions to challenge us 
causing introspection which is often a plus, 
when we realize the answers are within, 
and can be found there without chagrin.  
Lessons are presented to every person 
till learned or life will always worsen, 
causing us to ask what happened and wonder, 
why rain comes most always with thunder. 
  The simplest things are often so hard 
made that way by our callous disregard, 
as selfishness isolates and makes us lonely, 
and causes us to yearn for our one and only. 
 We want gifts and a birthday everyday 
and hunger for cake and ice cream along the way, 
often forgetting that we are given only one, 
and it comes once a year with its hearty well done. 
Life is for abundant living, the sharing of all levels of love, 
agape, God's best gift, freely given from the heavens above. 
Choose Me the Father said and love each other, 
bearing all burdens and preferring one another. 

May this day I be more concerned with giving 
all the gifts I've been blessed with for living. 
May I never question who qualifies to receive, 
but be willing to share my all lest I aggrieve.  
Yes it's true, friendship is a gift unearned 
but carries with it the risk it will be spurned. 
Yet, in life and in love, the best gifts are shared 
and life's true meanings are found unimpaired. 
  

 

Growth 
I turn aside from this life's quest 
to look within my soul at rest, 
surveying there a heart's desire 
burning bright with heavenly Fire.   
This life force kindled so long ago 
when two cells met and started to glow, 
from dividing cells within a womb 
as a likeness grew and fought for room.   
Growth properly always produces birth 
but sometimes there is just a dearth, 
of healthy organs to support new life 
and anguish comes because of strife.   
But birth can be a wondrous time 
when a miracle produces joy sublime, 
and life wins out over death's dark grip 
and restores a boy to his mother's hip. 
What memories well up within my breast 
of teeter totters and trikes and all the rest, 
even stick horses and sledding down steep hills 
and bumps and bruises and "owies" from cheap thrills. 
Sometimes, we wonder if we'll ever 
get old enough to pull the lever, 
or drive Dad's car or go into a bar 
or go to a sideshow and see things bizarre. 

 But then a growth spurt impacts us 
and sex and hormones create such a fuss, 
it's a wild ride, we can barely keep up 
as the changes in life become so abrupt. 
  Time passes us by so quickly 
 as our health fails and we become sickly. 
Questions consume us on the purpose of life 
and why we must depend on the surgeon's knife. 
  The cycle of life is nearly complete 
and growth has slowed till we are in full retreat, 
back to happier days when our hearts were lighter 
for childhood memories seemed so much brighter. 
Soon sleep comes, to one and all, 
and we cross eternities' portal having heard its call, 
and we are greeted by our Lord and complete, 
growth with abundant blessings so replete. 

Hardships 
Too often life's hardships burden and annoy 
and tear from us our desire to enjoy 
the simple things, free gifts with no strings attached, 
which make life's experiences so unmatched. 

The opportunity that comes to each one, 
is in realizing that we do not have to be outdone, 
nor give up, give in, or even settle for less 
but we can set a positive image and make progress. 

A healthy attitude knows that hardships will come and go 
that by accepting we can appreciate life's ebb and flow, 
that joy and contentment comes  
from our actions and our doing, 
by fighting that good fight  
we allow that good to be renewing. 

Hugs 
 Life's ebbs and flows are always best 
when marked and shared with a hug. 
Empathy rises from within each breast, 
strength comes like from a sparking plug. 
  That human touch imbues such joy 
that spirits are often empowered, 
to seek only the good and enjoy, 
blessings not known to the coward.  
  Life is always increased when shared 
 and its burdens with all their disarray, 
are made easier, more doable, when aired, 
leaving little inclination or room for dismay! 
  
Have U Greeted Spirit today? 
Joy comes in the sharing, 
appreciation follows along the way, 
by extending your soul and caring. 

It's A Wonder 
  It's a wonder I ever accomplish anything, 
when I reflect upon 
the job I actually had to do 
with the tools I had at my disposal 
and how I reasoned and considered 
all of the many possible ways to do it, 
rejecting some plausible methods along the way 
as much too taxing but finally arriving at 
how I thought I was going to do it 
and then took action and actually did it, 
only to be overwhelmed with the need to measure 
what I actually did and compare that with 
what I thought I did and analyze that in the light of 
what I meant to do and see that fed back to me in 
what you thought I did and mirrored to me again in 
what you thought I thought I did and interpreted by 
what you thought I should have done  
and re-interpreted by 
what others thought about what you said I did. 

When I Examine This Plethora of Considerations  
I Can Only Conclude That, 
ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING  
REQUIRES CONSIDERABLE PERSPIRATION! 

 

Life 

Life hastens ever onward; 
like tides that beat persistently on every shore, 
its days filled with choices which father acts, 
that mirror struggles within the soul. 

Life hastens ever onward; 
seeks to embrace its finality, 
looks to manifest the image of self most desired, 
yet suffers indignities along the embattled ebb and flow. 

Life hastens ever onward; 
its mysteries challenge weary minds already taxed,  
with fevered thoughts which birth plausible conjectures,  
while hoping and yearning for a peek behind the veil. 

 

 

Life in Four Lines 

Ebbs and flows, so life goes. 
 From life you glean, love unseen. 
 New life is born, love tells how!

Moving Time 
How often do we reflect on things 
that accumulate from what life brings? 
Not often, I would have to say, 
until moving time comes our way. 
 It forces our hands upon yesterday's treasure 
causing floods of memories and often displeasure, 
over items long forgotten now causing us to wonder, 
why we kept this or that, oh my, what a blunder. 
 Do I trash it, sell it, give it, store it or move it all, 
it seems to go on forever, is there no end to this thrall? 
Moving time brings one quickly to their extremity 
and thank goodness for that,  
for there is God's opportunity. 
He provides us dearest family and friends who avail 
our failing hearts with TLC, succor, and even email. 
We can rely upon His comfort  
and need never feel dismay, 
making even moving time a part of life's bouquet! 
  

 

On Ayer's Critique of Ethics 

Young Alfred Jules Ayer was in quite a pickle  
to set forth his radical empiricist epistle.  
But with courage and daring,  
armed with metaphysical might,  
he rid the world of its great ethical blight!  

 

On Being 15 
(My Grandson's Birthday) 
  You are 15, on that we can agree, 
you can choose whatever you want to be. 
I hope you'll remember just who you are, 
that God made you special, to shine like a star. 
This will help you decide and show you the way, 
for God goes before us in each and every day. 
I hope you will realize what is most important for you, 
and live fully each moment  
and love your whole life through. 
Never worry or be fearful as that is such a waste, 
prefer people, accept them, for they cannot be replaced. 
Look always to the good that is within you and without, 
focus on it and share it and never give in to self-doubt. 
Know always that you are loved, by God, and all of us, 
and that we'll be here for you and never cause a fuss. 
You are 15, savor it now, this time will soon pass by, 
make happy memories, try new things and don't be shy. 
Live your life joyfully,  
help others, and you will not be bored, 
God blesses the doer, each moment has its own reward. 

 

On Leaving A Message 

 I, Sir John Aldon Knightly,  
can be heard to have formulated,  
enunciated and articulated  
an important message when your  
auditory communication appliance  
is placed in lateral juxtaposition or within audible range 
of your external auditory meatus. 
 You will hear me exclaim,  
"this is an auditory appliance answering device,  
at the sound of the audio anomaly,  
please be kind to leave your musings 
in some rational order.  
I have plenty of irrationalities of my own, thank you.  
When I return from listening to the committee  
either me, myself  
or I will cogitate upon your enumeration,  
and intone our response in a timely, expeditious manner." 

 

On Reflection 

I often sit alone at night 
beside one single candle's light. 
My mind at peace there to reflect 
on thoughts and things which men neglect. 

I often think of life and love 
of soaring eagle, of peaceful dove. 
I often think of wood and stream 
of earth and heaven so supreme. 

I think of little boys and girls 
of babes and toys and blonde soft curls. 
I think of laughing sparkling eyes 
of simple talk devoid of lies. 

I think of God and humble peoples 
of church and shrine and tall, tall steeples. 
I think of this day what was happy and sad 
of brothers and sisters and mother and dad. 

And as my candle's light grows dim 
I go once more to talk with Him, 
then sleep soon comes and overpowers 
and I rest in comfort for hours and hours. 

  

On Seeing A Robin 
The robin once upon a grassy lea,  
in love and peace and beauty did convey:  
his song, his crowning gift upon kings to lay.  
In memory I go back to that day  
when I as child did romp and play  
on rolling hills, in stacks of new mown hay.  
Now I can no longer face  
the robin through my childhood grace, 
yet when the robin sings  
my joy inexpressibly rings.  

 

On Seeing an April Thundershower 
  Lightning flashed and thunder crashed,  
the storm was over all,  
and wind in raging torrents lashed as rain began to fall.  
The storm increased intense and severe,  
then hailstones came bringing such fear,  
that prayers were uttered, "God, please be near"!  
Lightning flashed and thunder crashed,  
bidding a strong adieu,  
and winds and rains soon ceased,  
to them the storm was through.  
Above me was that spectral bow  
in the heavens for all to laud,  
the smell of aery freshness so great that I felt awed, 
so I knelt where I was with gratitude and thanked God.  

 

Poet Minstrel Muse 

Sunrise brings light and at sunset darkness falls 
and the poet writes what he recalls, 
short snippets from life, to enjoy and rehearse, 
written in rhyme or free flowing verse. 

Twenty-four hours are given  
for enjoying the rhythms of life 
and the minstrel hears them, at times shrill as a fife, 
but more often this poet-singer hears harmony, 
penning notes and lyrics into pleasing euphony. 

Life is a cornucopia of vibrations, ideas and things 
and the muse savors and reflects them,  
giving each its wings, 
sending them forth across the universe in search of good, 
to embrace it, enhance it, so that all might be understood. 

 

 

Someday 
Acceptance is the basic rule of life. 
Beauty is obvious and self-evident. 
Conundrums no longer exist. 
Dearth is replaced by abundance. 
Enigmas do not exist either. 
Flying on wings as eagles is the norm. 
Gossamer garments glorify. 
Happiness follows the basic rule. 
I prefer only You or Us. 
Joy follows Happiness. 
Knowledge is savored and shared. 
Luminescence is a birthright. 
Money is redundant. 
Nurture is a gift everyone gets. 
Oil of joy for mourning is not needed. 
Peace follows Joy. 
Quintessence Exists. 
Redundancy is redundant. 
Sex has no power, affect or effect on us. 
Tranquility is not based on the moon but in the heart. 
Users will always be losers. 
Vivacious people live vibrant lives. 
Wanderlust is no more. 
Xerox is archaic due to thought transference. 
Yes, unlocks the heart and all life's abundance. 
Zithers and zeal, music and eagerness, are most prized. 
 

Sub Thoughts 
Debbie's call intrudes my sleep,  
sometimes early but oft times late; 
Can you substitute today? Yes? Well here's your fate: 
It's English today for Angela Gray 
at Palmer Junior High and Oh, by the way, 
be there at 7:30 A.M. for a full day! 

Out of my area once again, has become quite a habit, 
English interests me though, so I'll take a stab-at-it! 
I report to the office for keys, plans and comments, 
find my room, get set up and still have time for laments, 
as my serenity slips as scurrying 
 students make their presence 

Felt. . . . Welcome, I am Mr. Lyle. 
I'm glad to see your friendly smile, 
won't you pass your homework down the aisle. 
Today, your assignment is on the board, 
work hard and waste no time you can't afford, 
complete it quietly and you will not be bored. 

Taking roll, checking seats seeing  
that students all complete  
the teacher's wishes, with her desk left neat! 
Classes come and go, new faces  
and questions cause you to receive, 
more stimulation and interest than you can believe. 

Often too soon the days do end,  
detention for those the rules did bend, 
but finally quiet and solitude, a subs best friend! 

 

The Old Wooden Spoon 
 How can one imagine the emotions 
connected with irreplaceable things? 
They lie amid life's trappings and notions 
tied in place like apron strings. 

Each one performs a necessary function 
making life easier to endure and enjoy. 
Applied incorrectly, it causes compunction, 
in the heart of this old, rueful boy. 

Broken and splintered pieces of wood  
whisper of foods mixed and savored.  
Images of family and friends who understood 
why the old wooden spoon was so favored. 

A part of the memories of the past is lost, 
clouded, never to be seen clearly again. 
My mind churns again and counts the cost, 
breaking an old wooden spoon caused me strain! 

The Return 
Years ago now this mischievous brother's action, 
hurtful and grievous, caused in you a startle reaction 
expressed in the hurling of a brick with deadly aim. 
I hid your baby buggy, for shame, for shame! 
Judgment was swift and your aim was true 
your punishment meted out as a new tattoo. 
A blast to my forehead between my eyebrows 
laid me low but caused our father's ire to rouse. 
Oh my dear sister I truly rue that day 
and the whipping you took with such great dismay. 
I sorrow to have blocked the memory of my action 
and caused you to suffer the pain of Dad's reaction. 
I have some good news  
to accompany my heartfelt amends: 
this Bear saw your baby buggy, happy, 
 in a society of friends! 

Could you receive Bear,  
wearing its garments of love and giving, 
as an ersatz, I know,  
a poor substitute for your buggy's reliving. 
Could Bear spectacled and bearded,  
worn and soiled from austere living, 
be a remembrance of your baby buggy joys  
and your brother's giving?  

Could Bear remind us that bad acts  
do not have to be the end, 
but can be an opening for acceptance  
and doing what we intend?  
 I intend to be a better brother in the future, 
But if I fail, you might try for another frontal suture! 
But please O please use the foam floral blocks enclosed 
as I'd rather my brain was not overexposed! 

 

The Simple Things That Count  

In valley, plain, on mountain stout  
men often sit perplexed and pout  
o'er problems deep within life's fount  
not knowing, it's the simple things that count.  

 The grass which grows beneath our feet, 
 the children's voices in the street. 
 The smiling daffodil which sways, 
 while cattle graze the meadow ways. 

A mother's smile, so soft and sweet,  
calling our souls with hers to meet.  
A young child's eyes sparkling and gay,  
calling us along the happy way.  

 Two lover's hands and heart's so pure, 
 praying that ever their love may be sure. 
 And yes, a prayer raised to God above 
 and the answer revealing that God is Love. 

Yes, the simple things, these are the things that count.  

Want 
Men want what they want, 
but are wanting as to what they really want, 
except they want what they want when they want it 
without willingly wanting to wait or want in wonder 
of whether their wants will be won or wasted.  

Men want satisfaction without needing to want a want! 

 While women don't necessarily want what a man wants 
they wishfully want a man who wants what they want, 
 is willing to give up what he wants  
to give what they want,  
without woefully wailing like a wuss about his wants. 

Women willingly want a man to want what they want 
AND WHEN HE DOES 
 her satisfaction wipes clean his need to want a want 
BUT WHEN HE DOESN'T 
they both go wanting from unmet wants. 

 Want, therefore, is the basic problem  
but greatest opportunity, inherent between the sexes. 
 

 

ON SINGING NEW SONGS 

"Come, Come Now,  Emmanuel; 
Let's make this day blessed like that first Noel." 

 

Art by Julia Danielle Utz 

 

A Psalm for the Latter Days 
  O Lord of Life, that we might be 
reflections of the light we see; 
Give us the strength to spread abroad 
the fullness of Thy hallowed word. 

O Holy Savior, just and sure, 
we pray Thy banner long endure; 
That Thy great church affect Thy will 
and thus its destiny fulfill. 

Our witness, Master, we shall give, 
we pledge our lives to Thee to live; 
In faith we serve with a common mind, 
the cause of Zion for all mankind. 

 

Birth of a King 
(Tune: Star of County Down) 
To Mary and Joseph had been born 
a son of Holy birth. 
Heavenly hosts give all their praise to God, 
Glory, peace, goodwill to earth. 
Shepherds came with haste to see this thing 
which the Lord had made known so well. 
Eastern wise men traced a new star to feast 
and give gifts to Emmanuel. 

Refrain 1: 
 In the city of David called Bethlehem 
wrapped and lying on manger's rude board; 
Angel tidings tell of the birth of a King, 
our Savior, Christ the Lord. 

The baby Jesus grew grace for grace 
guided by loving hands. 
With mind so quick and heart so pure 
followed God's well laid out plans. 
Joseph taught Jesus to work with wood 
so that yokes were easily borne, 
and Mary gave Him her tenderness 
with the strength of love reborn. 

Refrain 2: 
In the city of David called Bethlehem 
wrapped and lying on manger's rude board; 
Angel tidings tell of the birth of a King, 
our Savior, Christ the Lord.  

Tag: 
Pray hear this message of love today 
from Jesus that babe richly blessed, 
as it echoes true o'er the years to you 
Come to me, I will give you rest. 

 

CDS Gifts 
(Tune: Simple Gifts)  
 We're performing once again and we're really in the spirit 
giving thanks for this show and all who've come to it 
we'll play for you and sing and together have a ball 
sharing all our music, even songs you will recall! 
When life for us is strained 
we gather and practice, we'll not be ashamed; 
Making sure our sound is sweet, will be our delight 
our-spoon-player keeps-time so we don't get up-tight. 

'Tis time to-take-a-look at ourselves and rethink 
just how bad we sound when we play out of sync. 
We'll use the metronome with its steady pulse or beat, 
harmonize our play, so that you will get the treat! 
When all of this is done 
We're ready to party, oh won't that be fun; 
We'll sing silly songs, we'll laugh as we jam 
Corydon Dulcimer Society is really part ham. 

CDS offers gifts to enjoy a better life, 
helps us leave behind our stress and strife. 
Corydon Dulcimers are here with a helping hand from me 
Involvement, always the key to harmony! 
Music helps us make our day 
so we "Learn-Love-and-Grow" all along life's way; 
One day at a time our lives will be sublime 
together we will pick that wild mountain thyme. 

Choose God As Father 

Choose God as Father, love one another,  
it is the life that we should choose. 
Down life's long pathways, God calls us onward, 
His Son walks by us, we cannot lose. 

Refrain: 
Remember that the Lord is calling, 
For that response He longs to hear; 
Let this day be, our time of choosing, 
Abundant life without all fear. 
 

Come Eat At The Master's Table 

Come eat at the Master's table, 
just answer the door when He knocks. 
No one is refused who is able 
to remove from his heart all its locks. 

You see, we each have a binding 
which locks us away from His light 
Christ's gospel can be our unwinding 
that frees us from sin's dark blight! 

Come eat at the Master's table 
the banquet is prepared just for you; 
He'll carry you if you are unable, 
just trust Him in all that you do. 

 

Come Now Emmanuel 

(Tune: O Come, O Come Emmanuel) 

A babe was born as prophets had foretold 
in Bethlehem within a stable old. 
There was no room for Him in the Inn, 
who would take on Himself all our sin. 

Refrain: 
Come, Come Now,  
Emmanuel 
Let's make this day blessed  
like that first Noel. 

Jesus, Our Lord, grew up from grace to grace, 
and learned to work within His Father's place. 
He was the only begotten Son 
and knew his Father God's work must be done. 

His ministry on earth soon began 
with prophet's baptism for the Son of Man. 
A Heavenly blessing came as a dove 
Confirming to all men that God is Love. 

He was a God like Shepherd seeking sheep 
and often He would sit o'er them and weep. 
He longed for them to Come unto Him 
to walk and talk and share a psalm or hymn. 

He stands amidst our lives today  
and calls us to walk His narrow way. 
He has made room for us in His Inn 
for when our life eternal will begin. 

Come Now Jesus 

This is a day for introspection, 
Now is the time, let us begin. 
Each one must choose their own direction, 
Let joy and peace our lives transcend. 

Refrain: 
Come Now Jesus, we long for Jesus, 
in Him is ease for life's stress and strain 
We need His face, with us this hour 
His love will free us from sin's dark stain. 

Refrain 2: 
Come now Jesus, we long for Jesus, 
in Him is hope for a world in pain. 
We need His grace, we need His power,  
His kingdom come, with Him to reign. 

Tag: 
Come now Jesus, the world needs Jesus. 

Corn Creek 

Chorus: 
Corn Creek ripples by our village, 
listens as we live each day; 
hears the songs sung, sees the deeds done 
in its waters memories stay! 

Down by Corn Creek where I was born 
  quite early one dark summer's morn, 
  old Doc' Baker told Dad I'd die 
  before the sunrise caught his eye. 

Growing up here in our small town 
  with one street and dogs all around, 
  a sawmill too and general store 
  we had fun 'mid kinfolks galore!  

The town folks were of Irish stock 
  descended from Dublin's sure rock. 
  Those pioneers saw Corn Creek flow 
  and knew this was where they must go! 

In those waters, we fished and swam 
  and baptized in Jesus the Lamb 
  and we peered from the Byrneville bridge 
  to catch a glimpse of lover's ridge. 

 

God Will Go Before Us 

 God will go before us,  
In this and every day. 
Our every need provided,  
If we but walk His way. 
God will go before us,  
His Son walks by our side 
And His Spirit, our Comforter,  
His life is our guide, 
His Spirit is our Comforter,  
His life is our guide, 
A-men and Amen. 

Holiday Gifts 
(Tune: Simple Gifts) 

`Tis the holidays again and we're really in the spirit 
giving thanks for the turkey and all that came with it. 
Then we shopped `till we dropped at the local strip mall, 
Let's Be Happy, it's Christmas,  
love those bargains get them all! 

When true frugality is strained 
we scrape and spend we will not be ashamed; 
We will give and give `twill be our delight 
as our credit card debt goes way out of sight! 

`Tis time to buy a tree, cedar, fir, spruce or pine 
bring it home, chop it off, make it fit `twill be fine. 
Find the decorations box, sort the ornaments and lights, 
load the tree down with them, what a lovely sight! 

When all of this is done 
we're ready to party, oh won't that be fun; 
we'll live it up eating all that's in sight, 
saying in the New Year we will diet, right? 

`Tis time to reflect and consider if we missed 
anyone of importance on our Christmas list. 
We wouldn't want to slight, alas to excite 
any relative or friend, it just wouldn't be right! 

When we have thought it through 
we find lots of other things to do, 
we remember our kid wants that newfangled toy 
so we borrow more money, oh what a joy! 

`Tis a gift to be simple but it don't cost enough 
so you buy that complex plastic sort of stuff 
and then on Christmas morn all the kids  
come down in flocks 
and they throw away the toys and play with the box! 

When we consider Holidays 
and all of the madness that comes our way 
to turn and turn from it would be right 
remember another holiday is in sight! 

"The underlined portion of the last verse was found as an 
anonymous parody listed as Simple Gifts 3 in the Digital 
Tradition Folk Song Database at "The Mudcat Cafe"  
http://mudcat.org/ " 

 

Irish Love  

Chorus: 
Oh, the memories of my Irish love 
sweep so gently over me; 
fills my heart with joy and peace and hope 
and it lets my soul run free! 

I long for time now long since past, 
as we played on heather's green, 
your sparkling eyes and gentle touch 
you were loved my sweet colleen! 

By rolling surf where we first met 
and I gave my heart to you, 
and sunset's beauty drew us close, 
there we shared our lives anew. 

The hilltop where our lives grew free 
there I learned we would be-friend, 
that you could not return my love 
and our nearness would soon end. 

Now forty years have come and gone 
and our lives have touched once more, 
a life of yearning now fulfilled 
how I love you and adore! 

Jesus, Today Is Calling  
(Tune: Early in the Morning) 
Chorus:  
Jesus the Lord today is calling,  
Jesus the Lord today is calling,  
Jesus the Lord today is calling,  
Early in the morning. 
His call is unto all His children,  
His call is unto all His children,  
His call is unto all His children,  
Early in the morning.  

He calls us to love and serve our brother,  
He calls us to love and serve our brother,  
He calls us to love and serve our brother,  
Early in the morning.  

What will our response be to Him,  
What will our response be to Him,  
What will our response be to Him,  
Early in the morning.  

Pray that we may serve Him gladly,  
Pray that we may serve Him gladly,  
Pray that we may serve Him gladly,  
Early in the morning.  

 

Lord Abide With Us Today 
 Lord abide with us today, 
may we feel thy Spirit's sway, 
melt our hearts in every way, 
so we might live with you today. 
Lord this psalm extols your grace, 
that we might soon see your face, 
knowing Lord, you're in this place, 
blessed forgiveness we embrace. 
Sing we praise for God is love,  
feel His Spirit's gentle dove, 
hear His word from courts above,  
and live a life undreamed of. 
Lord abide with us today, 
walk with us the narrow way, 
send your comfort as we pray, 
that your Kingdom comes this day. 

 

Love and Live 
 Love and live, serving gladly  
Live and love, gladly serve;  
For the King of Kings is coming,  
Living love for all the earth.  

Black and white, Live as brothers  
White and black, as brothers live;  
For the King of Kings is coming,  
Loving life for all the earth.  

Peace and love, working daily  
Love and peace, daily work;  
For the King of Kings is coming,  
Working peace for all the earth.  

Love and live, serving daily  
Live and love, daily serve;  
For the King of Kings is coming,  
Living love, Loving life,  
Working peace, for all the earth.  

May This Day Be 

May this day be a time for action. 
May this day be a time for joy. 
One day is but of life a fraction, 
Which we must fill and not destroy. 

Refrain: 
We are called to seek the Master 
And walk with Him life's narrow way; 
Each soul can walk, slowly or faster 
And by their love our Lord portray. 
 
Miracles Are Coming 

 Miracles are coming, Coming through your way.  
Miracles are coming, In this and every day.  
For our God is a God of miracles, Sing Allelu;  
through your faith, His miracles are coming, coming to you.  
Behold the Lord our God, He shows unto the world;  
from alpha through omega, His banners be unfurled.  
Yet He sends Jesus Christ to us, His only Son  
to show us love so life might be,  
abundant, abundantly one.  
Alle Alleluia, Alleluia a;  
Alle Alleluia, Alleluia a;  
Praise the Lord, Praise His Holy name, Praise Him today,  
and obey His great commands and serve Him,  
Yes, serve Him always.  

 

My Daughter JoAnna's Wedding Song 
Lord, we come to you and pray, 
on our children's wedding day, 
and our prayer for them is love, 
grace and peace from courts above. 

Refrain: 
May they always seek your face,  
may they live within your grace, 
may their love and patience grow,  
blessed forgiveness may they know. 

Lord, around your altar now, 
and express their vow, 
to live their covenant lives as one, 
desiring that Thy will be done. 

Refrain: 
May they always seek your face,  
may they live within your grace, 
may their love and patience grow,  
blessed forgiveness may they know. 

Take them, Lord, into your care 
watch, protect them everywhere, 
Holy Spirit come in power, 
bless the purpose of this hour. 

Refrain: 
May they always seek your face,  
may they live within your grace, 
may their love and patience grow,  
blessed forgiveness may they know. 

Tag: 
Give your blessing now we pray,  
to their union on this day, 
seal on them their marriage vow,  
bless their home and children now. Amen. 

No *s (No L's) 

Refrain: 
Now won´t cha p*ay that du*cimer, du*cimer do. 
P*ease won´t cha p*ay that du*cimer, p*ay for me do. 
Oh my, I´** p*ay that du*cimer, p*ay for you too: 
We´** do a doe si du*cimer ´fore we are through, 
We´** do a doe si du*cimer ´fore we are through! 

In the musica* vi**age of *ove*y No *s, 
a *aughing o*d man asked, as I made my farewe**s, 
Is that one of them du*cimers that hi** fo*ks p*ay? 
Wi** ya p*ay a song kind*y, p*ease p*ay one today? 

Mid the town of No *s, near New A*bany´s parts 
there *ived a swe** fami*y so gifted in arts. 
They want to share their ta*ents in ta*k and in song; 
their neighbors wi** join them in a great sing a*ong! 

Now No *s is we** known for its beautifu* brass: 
a** those fifes, horns and bug*es created first c*ass! 
The peop*e do *ove music and that is so c*ear, 
a** musicians are we*come, p*ay treats for the ear! 

*isten up now me mates, as we gather to p*ay, 
begin with four brushes and the bass beat, okay! 
Guitars picking, fidd*es fidd*ing, in the groove, yea, 
music making du*cimers, musica* soiree! 
 

Our Answer 
(Tune: Sally Garden) 
Our God will go before us, in this and every day; 
our every need provided if we but walk His way. 
Our God will go before us, His Son walks by our side; 
His Spirit is our comfort, His Life, it is our guide. 

The sacrifice our Lord made on the cross of Calvary 
and the promise of the empty tomb  
gives hope for you and me. 
He stands amidst our lives and says,  
Come unto me and rest, 
My yoke is light and easy,  
follow Me and you will be blessed. 

What then will be our answer? Will we abide with Him? 
Will we humbly invite His presence,  
in our daily walk mid men? 
Will we strive to be like Him, in everything we do, 
live a life of caring service,  
filled with love, peace and mercy too? 

Tag: 
Our God will go before us, in this and every day! 

 

Praise, Praise to Christ 
(Tune: Greensleeves) 
 We come today with hearts full free, 
presenting our lives in humility. 
We offer our gifts on bended knee, 
and receive His Peace, Serenity. 

Refrain: 
Praise, Praise to Christ our Lord, 
In joy we raise with one accord. 
Sing, Oh Sing let Hosannas ring,  
Hallelujah to Christ our King. 
Press to His altar is our quest, 
to leave behind all our unrest. 
Forth from this Holy place we go, 
so others our Lord may know. 

Refrain: 

He goes before us in this new day, 
pray we respond and always say, 
we thank you Lord for your Spirit, dear, 
with Your grace we can live without fear. 

Refrain: 

Rappin' With The Lamb 

Lord, O my Lord, I come to Thee 
alone to Thee, with my thoughts; 
to share with Thy Son, 
the fullness of a soul's great longing, 
hear me Lord. 

Refrain:  
Let me rap with the Lamb, just as I am, 
let me rap with the Son of God; 
walking down the earthly roads, 
sharing life's heavy loads, 
and rappin' with the Lamb. 
(For rap you can substitute care, 
love, dare or other action words.) 

 

Rosin the Beau 
Come round ye lads 'n' lassies too 
and share in a mug of the brew. 
celebrate the finest man Irish know, 
O yes, it's Rosin the Beau. 
 yes, it's Rosin the Beau. 
 yes, it's Rosin the Beau. 
 celebrate the finest man Irish know, 
 O yes, it's Rosin the Beau. 

He was as stalwart as any knew, 
the strongest among the crew. 
Great trees fell low from a mighty blow 
from the ax of Rosin the Beau. 
 the ax of Rosin the Beau. 
 the ax of Rosin the Beau. 
 Great trees fell low from a mighty blow 
 from the ax of Rosin the Beau. 

'Twas on a day with skies bright blue, 
his bride had said "I will marry you." 
Lift a mug that happiness may be so, 
raise a toast to Rosin the Beau. 
 a toast to Rosin the Beau. 
 a toast to Rosin the Beau. 
 Lift a mug that happiness may be so, 
 raise a toast to Rosin the Beau. 

On a bright sunny day the wedding fell 
'mid the trees he heard the wedding bell 

his bride came in white with borrowed and blue. 
and the bell tolled his free days were through! 
 the bell tolled his free days were through! 
 the bell tolled his free days were through! 
 his bride came in white with borrowed and blue 
 and the bell tolled his free days were through! 

Instrumental A 
 O yes, it's Rosin the Beau. 
 Yes, it's Rosin the Beau. 
 Celebrate the finest man Irish know, 
 O yes, it's Rosin the Beau. 

 

The Ballad of Charlie & Clareen 
(Tune: Southwind) 
Gather round me and list' as I tell you a tale, 
of a love that was haunting but true. 
From the north came Clareen, aye, the sweetest colleen, 
and the south bid Prince Charlie adieu. 

Refrain: 
And the Southwind blows always steady and strong,  
o'er the heather and sea.  
The Southwind knows that all Irish long  
for a land and people free. 

From Clareen's red hair to her sparkling green eyes, 
to the tips of her long dainty toes, 
all attract the young lads for to sue for her hand, 
came Prince Charlie in love's longing throes. 

Ah, she sees him there with his curly brown hair; 
his smile pierced her heart to the core. 
Upon one knee, will you marry me; 
Charlie pledged to love and adore. 

Clareen said yes, I will marry thee, 
though the way be long and hard. 
For our families, dear, are estranged from fear, 
due to hatred's blight we're scarred. 

Clareen and Charlie were lost one day, 
and nary a soul knows whether, 
they lived alone in the land they loved, 
or died midst the purple heather. 

The Heart of Zion  

The heart of Zion, forgiving others,  
believing God, His will to do;  
being one with Christ, sisters and brothers,  
the heart of Zion is up to you.  

Refrain: 
Lord might I be the heart of Zion,  
sharing Thy love with all I see; 
a selfless servant, a holy vessel,  
the heart of Zion might I be.  

Alle Alle lu ia, Al le lu ia,  
Al le lu ia, Al le lu ia.  
A selfless servant, a holy vessel,  
the heart of Zion might I be.  
 

The Promise and The Prayer 

The Promise:  
Jesus Christ our Lord is coming  
To His temple on that morning,  
Jesus Christ our Lord is coming  
Zion dawns upon that day.  

The Prayer (Chorus):  
Pray we hear His voice today,  
walk with Him the narrow way;  
holding fast the gospel truths,  
sure foundations in that day;  
pray we hear His call today, may we hear it and obey . . .  
[repeat the promise]  
To His temple we are going;  
to His temple we are going, 
in His name we all are going,  
God will guide us in our way.  
Full of faith we go believing,  
full of faith we go believing, 
that from Christ we'll be receiving,  
light for living in this day.  
May our hearts be tuned to hear Him,  
and our lives prepared to receive Him;  
what great joy there'll be in seeing,  
Christ in Zion on that day!  
Grant us Lord that we'll be showing,  
all your love and Spirit glowing;  
that we, your people, will be growing,  
as You guide us on our way. 

Trust That Spirit 
Behold, I am Jesus,  
the Light and Life of the world;  
I will give you power  
to be doing My Father's Will. 
Refrain:  
Trust that Spirit that leadeth to do good,  
trust My promises, go forth and do men good;  
for this is My Spirit, these are My Promises,  
trust that Spirit that leadeth to do good.  

With power I'll give you God's Gifts,  
if in faith you'll ask the Lord;  
with Gifts belongs the giving,  
and in giving is found the joy.  
 

On Spirituality 

"My soul soars upward on rustling wings, embraces 

the sweetness of the calm, gives voice, and sings." 

 

Art by Julia Danielle Utz 

A Blessing For My Family and Friends 

Our Heavenly Father, 
in the sweet and sacred name of Jesus Christ 
I pray humbly on behalf of My Family and Friends, 
and ask for them this special blessing and comfort  
as well as the healing touch of the Father's Hand. 
May it bring the gifts, powers and blessings 
of the Holy Ghost to rest upon them, abide with them, 
and to comfort them by ministering to each of their  
intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual needs,  
bringing the wholeness which is their heart's desire. 
Father, may they feel the vast extent  
of Your Love for them  
and know that You are mindful of them always, 
aware of their anxieties, afflictions,  
challenges and struggles,  
as well as their desires to walk honorably before You. 
Lord, I ask You to confirm the Biblical Blessing 
 upon them especially,  
with beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, 
and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. 
Surround them Lord with the pure light of Jesus Christ, 
which casts out fear and fill their minds and hearts 
with that peace that passes all understanding. 
Lead them, Heavenly Father, into those pathways 
which contain the resources and helps they desire. 
Inspire their minds as You have in the past 
to make those choices which will allow them  
to be true to themselves,  
while serving others and exalting You. 

Heavenly Father, I ask for a spiritual anointing 
upon each of My Family and Friends  
and all those they love 
with the sweet and pure olive oil, 
be it from Your Hand, Your Son's Hand 
or from Ministering Angels You will send, it is the same. 
I confirm and seal upon them these blessings I pray for  
and ask that You encircle them  
within Your Everlasting Arms 
granting them ease from physical distress,  
help with life's burdens 
and Your Spirit, Peace and Love as an abiding Comforter. 
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, 
Amen. 

A Monk's Life 
A long gentle Jesus 
is pictured on the banner hanging from above, 
His Spirit reaches out and entreats us, 
Come, remember God is Love! 

 Worship is always simple, the Psalms are the theme, 
and praying each one makes a fortnight complete. 
A day spent in prayer, work and study is supreme, 
but giving due diligence makes a monk's life replete. 

 

Creation Fulfilled 
God the Father, Christ His Son 
both stand and face the rising sun, 
A new day begins. 
The new order rescinds 
the chaos of the former earth, 
which stands glorious by its new birth. 

Yet God was not finished, His work was not done, 
all was not ready for man was not one; 
In innocence man dwelt, unable to fulfill, 
his life in response to God's will.

God then gave man his own freewill, 
with power to choose Him or to go downhill; 
We have that same choice today, 
and creation is fulfilled if we obey. 

Healing Patience 
Sometimes life's experiences tax the soul, 
causing our patience to be strained. 
The surgeon's cut, while beyond our control, 
oftentimes enables health to be regained. 
 Patience always enhances healing 
and brings peace to our troubled heart, 
if we could accept that absolute ceiling 
and allow our spirit to go there and not depart. 
  Healing patience requires our choosing, 
to unleash its power to change our life for good. 
Why must we kick against it and welcome losing, 
rather than embrace it and live as angel's would? 

 

Joy 
Men are, that they might have joy, 
so why is having joy so hard? 

Because, 
I FORGET. 

I forget that joy is a gift from God, 
my birthright, as a child of the King. 
I forget that joy is a connecting rod, 
to God, the power to which I cling. 

I forget that joy is an effect, 
of my accepting what I cannot change. 
 I forget that God knows and will interject 
all that I need and never shortchange. 

JOY COMES 
 in mornings and evenings, in beginnings and endings, 
in sunrises and sunsets, in love and in sadness  
and always finds a home deep within my heart, 
and is there for me, whether or not I perceive it. 

LET ME PERCEIVE IT! 

But if I don't or I forget 
I CAN REMEMBER, 
what a joy! 

Lord, Help Me To Remember 

I woke up in my fresh clean bed 
and enjoyed a long hot shower, 
never thinking of those who bled 
and made do without any power. 

Lord, Help Me To Remember 
to thank a Vet today! 

I got into my choice of late model cars 
for the easy commute to my job, 
driving a smooth highway free of perilous scars 
never once fearing attack from a terrorist mob. 

Lord, Help Me To Remember 
to thank a Vet today! 

I pulled into my parking garage 
and casually received my ticket at the gate, 
and took no thought of an artillery barrage 
or that a pipe bomb might seal my fate. 

Lord, Help Me To Remember 
to thank a Vet today! 

I made my way into my work place, 
passing friends and colleagues along the way, 
never having to submit papers or feel disgrace 
or be interrogated or suffer from radioactive decay. 

Lord, Help Me To Remember 
to thank a Vet today! 

I worked all day long in civilized conditions 
with coffee breaks and time off for hot food, 
never giving sweat and blood to a dictator's ambitions 
or donning battle dress in searing heat to end a feud. 

Lord, Help Me To Remember 
to thank a Vet today! 

I am greeted with the loving, "Daddy's home" 
and my little ones run into my arms for love, 
yet they could be torn from me without shalom 
in stealth with no sound but the mourning dove. 

Lord, Help Me To Remember 
to thank a Vet today!  

 

 Little Melodies 
 Little melodies float across the still 
from master's fingers flying 
along fretted paths, Oh, what a thrill, 
yet it seems they're hardly trying. 
  Their music swells inside my breast 
and turns my weary eyes within 
to dwell, if only for a moments rest, 
on the embraces and warmth therein. 
  Little melodies fill my mind 
and make their home with me 
when life's distresses crack my tough rind, 
then I'm comforted by music's plea. 

 

On Rustling Wings  

My trembling hand reaches into the sky,  
as if to touch  
a tiny butterfly.  

My heart leaps at the thought,  
of new paths before me,  
yet I go with gifts I've brought. 

Knowing that this path, though new,  
is like ones I have trod before,  
serenity returns and fears are few.  

I reflect on life and love,  
on all of it that I can think of,  
and soon I see my Lord, in vision, as a pure white dove. 
My soul soars upward on rustling wings,  
embraces the sweetness of the calm,  
gives voice, and sings.  

Our Covenant Prayer 
 On this day we twain are one flesh 
and know no separate purpose or desire. 
We covenant with each other and refresh 
to enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost and Fire! 
We come in harmony with God's will 
to love and care for, honor and adore, 
keeping ourselves from all others until 
death parts us and we reach Paradise's shore. 
   My dream came true when I saw love so pure, 
in a woman after God's own heart. 
Because of you,   
my love is certain and will endure, 
I will cherish and nurture you, till death do us part. 
I have searched for you, , all of my life 
a God fearing man with a most loving part. 
I will walk by your side, as your companion and wife, 
and love you forever with all of my heart.  

Lord, hear this covenant prayer we give 
to love each other and forgive, 
and serve Thy Son wherever He may lead 
to minister to all His children in need. 
We ask your blessings on us now 
that we perfect our love and fulfill our vow, 
to live abundant lives as one, 
by honoring each other and Thy Son! 
Amen and Amen 

 

Our Pastor's Heart 
 How can one imagine the heavenly delight 
in seeing this response from a pastor's heart? 
By exercising his faith and speaking forthright, 
he leads us to enjoy the good part. 
A hunger lives deep within his soul 
to share the Lord's invitation to come, 
and he gives it humbly without a drum roll 
so we can follow and not falter or succumb. 
We pray that God will sustain our pastor's heart, 
and grant him and his loved ones peace in the night; 
that his home, life and service be a rampart 
against evil and a dwelling for the Spirit of Light. 

Reflections at the Statue of Jesus 
 The babbling of brooks and gently flowing streams, 
calls of distant geese and the warbling of nearby birds, 
harmoniously resonate as insects sing 
their simple melodies and grasses bow to the unseen wind. 
The silence beneath the firs 
is broken only by my labored query. 

 Why can't I speak their language? 

 Every living thing, from single blades of grass 
to the gnarled roots of cedars, 
and even individual moss plants 
contribute praise, in community, 
for Alpha and Omega at the feet of 
He who was, who is and is to come. 

 I join them, will add my praise and be understood! 

 

Seeking the Lord 
The scripture says, Seek the Lord, 
if you are willing to find Him, 
being willing to give what you can afford 
so the community's witness will not dim. 
The Kingdom is within, the Lord has said, 
there is no need for us to look without; 
Can we not this day make Him our head, 
rather than languish in fear and doubt? 
  "Be still and know that I am God" 
is the key to unlocking Christ's door, 
pray we greet Him with praise and laud 
and receive the blessings He has in store. 
Prayer, work, and study all help to set us free, 
to choose to love and live a life of praise; 
Giving heart and soul to others helps us see, 
our Lord Jesus Christ in all our ways. 
 

Strip Away The World 
Setting the time three months out 
to do a monastic retreat with God Alone, 
causes some anxiety, can I be stout, 
to strip away the world and atone? 
The trappings of life cling to me still 
and I wonder if I can keep God's will as my onus, 
conforming and being open to drink my fill. 
Can I strip away the world making Christ my focus? 
I am thankful for this reflective time 
to dwell on the meanings of my life. 
It will be gratitude that brings joy sublime, 
when I strip away the world ending strife. 
The joys and peace of a monk's solitary walk 
will show me more clearly the errors in my way: 
how I have filled my soul with cluttered talk, 
how desperately I need to strip away the world, today! 

The Abbey Garden 
O Lord, my God, amid this splendor 
I take joy in the Son's warm love, 
and let my spirit roam free to render 
my account of thoughts and things above. 
How easy it is to forget the silence 
save sounds from birds and gentle wind, 
and lose touch with God and needed reliance 
on His whispers to be still and not chagrined. 
How I crave to escape the noise 
and leave behind all fears and greed, 
to know once more a life of poise 
blessed by only the simplest human need. 
Yet the world is just beyond the wall 
with its hustle and bustle and intense dismay. 
God give me strength to not be tempted to fall 
or give in to self-will and lust's grand array. 
 Let me always remember these mid-April days: 
my walks in the garden seeking God Alone, 
the insights which came, the understanding which stays, 
and the realization that communing  
with Spirit never requires a phone. 
 

The Sound of the Trump 

 Hear the sound of the trump, it calls to you! 
 For years have my children wandered,  
around the Mount Horebs of this day;  
focused on self first and then another,  
transgressing laws along the way.  
My Zion waits upon a people  
who will respond to the trumpet's call;  
sacrificing self for the sake of others  
living a life of charity for all.  
My children, I have gone before you  
in all past and present days;  
Your needs I would have provided  
if you had only walked my way.  
Get ye up then and take your station  
My Son longs to see you come!  
Make sanctification your vocation  
and My Kingdom first, your only psalm.  
Lift up your voices with the angel choir,  
proclaim my gospel in all the world.  
Go forth in faith now, I'll be your supplier,  
so all people can see My Banner unfurled. 
 Heed the sound of the trump, it calls for you!