Follow Me

Crunching leaves beneath my feet...
chase each other to the house
and into my warm retreat.

Me... too... one.

I understand how, some what.
Sometimes not now... a lot.
By trying to remain what I'm not,
I give way to all that I forgot.

Run Carlo Run!!!

One time my boys and I went to the Haunted House at Rye Playland... it would close right after Labor Day with just a special Halloween area open for the Haunted House. There were actors there...yup, they didn't speak they'd just be there...staring at you.
Dee and I lost Carlo in the haunted house. We went out just like everyone else did and at the end, in the grave yard, we heard a kid laughing and screaming in the woods.
We turned to see where it was coming from. Deep in the darkness there was Carlo running from this beautiful vampire-ess who appeared to be floating through the woods chasing the kid. We stood there almost peeing our pants as Carlo sped by us with the beautiful veiled Vampira zooming after him... in hot floating pursuit!!!
Dee and I laugh all the time about how she literally floated past us. A great slow motion vision to have with her head turning... that turreting smile, at us as she closed in on Carlo.
So beautiful... with that slow turn, her sinister smile and us hearing Carlo dodging around grave stones... losing his direction... drifting back the wrong way ... off into the woods again.
We were sitting on the grass rolling ... watching her and the kid .... breezing through the trees. Twice he past us yelling for mercy!!!! All we could say was... RUN CARLO RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can still see that little kid running... taking quick looks to see her... gaining on him.
She always kept just far enough behind him. How she was loving it... and of course enjoying the site of Dee and I watching it all take place, enfolding right before our eyes.
Carlo had such a cute way of running with big slow steps. He was laughing and crying at the same time... those little sneakers and plaid jacket in the night. Dee was especially enjoying it because Carlo was always bragging how nothing could ever frighten him. Not tonight.
I just remember the persistence of that girl... the tenacity of her chase and how she dragged it out for us. She certainly was into her job this night. You know when you laugh so much it actually begins to hurt and loving it... those are the best laughs! You enter a state of almost convulsive form when your jaws feel like they just might lock. That's what it was like to see Carlo running for his life, running past us and turning to see her licking at his heels with that look of disappointment on his face, as if saying, "...not helping me?"
Carlo was fast,really fast! He could run like the wind but she was so amazingly swift. She was right on him and so much so that she ran without appearing like she was taking any steps.... THAT'S what really made it hilarious! He'd come speeding past us like she was tethered to him like a kite... gaining on his left and sailing back to his right so he had absolutely no idea which way to turn. It was ridiculously funny
like she was actually causing him to run just where she could open up on him again... luring him, herding him, coaxing him back into the woods to remind him that he was JUST THERE... only moments ago! It was like, "Poppi... Dion", that blood chilling sound in the distance and... us.
It only went on for a couple of minutes but it was like an eternity.
Just imagine the kid looking behind and not seeing her after just a moment before she was right in view... and the to turn the other way and she was right there... to see her floating along side of him.
There's been times when Carlo would get Dee and I laughing ... but that was one of the all time killer scenes. The blend of sheer horror on his face mixed with that look of ... "How can you two just stand there and let this happen to me???????!"
The true look of impending DOOM!!!!
And we were laughing!!!! We still do.

Riding Into The Sun

I could see you ahead of me... poised in silhouette.
You must have been fifty feet ahead of me...
Your shadow was almost at arms length.
I thought if I could touch it with my front wheel and
hit the front brake...
I could put it in neutral and catch a ride.

I was filled with the day

Quietly Vulnerable

‎Just because I don't say anything doesn't mean I'm asking for it.

Admit it!

It's not about being able to admit you're wrong it's about being able to admit you're not right.

It's like This

I stand and watch words gather like images in a picture.
As they become clear they seem to find their own way...
and just where they like to be together.

Looking up

There isn't a cloud in the sky today....the blue above is rich and deep in color. It's a morning heat that has a hint of coolness that runs from tree to tree carrying the scent of shade and calm lazy thoughts.

You're Thick

No blood is thicker than love!
Love is thicker than blood!
You gave the order...
love turned to water.

Nothing Was For Free

It's early... in the morning
I'm feeling about you again...
feeling sorry for me again.
I don't want that.

My eyes and bones
have just about had it.
I'm not as young
as I need to be.

I've really tried
but my hole
is getting deeper.
Like so many things,
I made it myself.

I was scared so many times ...
so much that I left it up to you.
I know the truth and how it was
It was never about me being true.

I did everything I could do.
I don't think you ever cared.
I don't think about it now...
how you wanted me somehow.

It wasn't about sharing
or how much it cost.
What about caring?
You didn't and I lost.

This morning I'm feeling
just like I did when I was with you.
I'm a man who gave it all and
you treated me like nothing.

I'm feeling real sorry for me.
What I did to you?
No, sorry for you...
how you needed to see.

Never wrong. That's how you see.
Whatever, I could never do enough.
Still nothing to you forever I'll be.
So simple cause nothing was for free.

Story Time

They listen and laugh out loud... stare at me when I'm serious and if I'm sad. I can jump out of a story and into their faces... startle them and grab them back in. They applaud after each story when I say, "That's it!" What do I feel? I'm not spinning my wheels while I'm spinning my tale. We're all together and on the same page.

Vitamin Words

Life is forgiving... Love is for giving.
In your heart each day...
A little goes a long way.

School Days

"May I carry your books?" ,he said.
"It's just cause my looks." ,she said.
He didn't know what to say.
So he just let her walk away.

To himself he said, "I dig her,
but how long would it last?"
Well that's all in the past.
She got married at last...
and he's still alone... go figure.

For Manny

It's a Summer's day, share with me.
Not gone tomorrow... here for free.
Leaves be still... barely a breezing
Delicious now, soon back to snow,
in a few months we'll be a freezing.

Sunday Afternoon Storm

The wind bent thirsty trees.
I heard them calling out to the blackened Sun.
They creaked and cracked...
laughing and waving their leaves to catch every drop that fell.

They're still whispering to each other quenched in the drizzle.
It's raining in huge lazy drops...
marching down my mirroring street in a parade.
Spectating streams flow and follow along.

Here it comes again... Oak and Maple standing tall.
Dried up rose petals take a fall.
Buds ready to burst...
the rain has quenched their thirst.

The Storm

The evening is all better now.
It came over my house...
that big black cloud and
the thunder so loud!

Even though it's still raining
tomorrow will be here again.
I'll be outside and happy
enjoying what I'm allowed.

G+G=A #3

Selfish people will go out of their way to make more shit up to prove they didn't need you after they've gone out of their way to make good use of you.

Take It Easy

It's sunny and 82.
I'm here thinking of you.
I can hear my laundry churning
and there's still that yearning.

Tomorrow will be 93.
That's OK with me.
No it's not.
I almost forgot.

It's not so bad being alone...
just have to turn off the phone.
I'll lend and ear and
wish you were here.

Father's Day could be easy
as long as it's a little breezy.
It's not about what I or you did...
I just hope it's not hot and humid.

D Day

Hi Dad.
It's not yet your Birthday, June 16th... it's not your's and Mom's Anniversary, not yet, June 17th and it's not Fathers Day, June 20th... no not yet.

It's June 6th... and 66 years ago I know you were dealing with some really serious things. Thank you for making it home to Mom and being a part of giving me life.

In Need, Indeed

Too many days without a friend...
missing what we used to spend.
It's no big deal being alone.
I could call you on the phone.

I think I just live my life
and you do the same...
between us there's no claim.
It's just how we survive.

If we lived on the same block
you'd be working over there
and I'd be working over here
doing stuff, watching the clock.

The summer nights spent
hanging out with the group...
from driving in our cars
or just sitting on the stoop.

It's a really cool thing
to have you as my friend...
kind of missing you now,
moments we could spend.

I'll Let You Know

In the morning I'd see you go...
watched you have a cup and
do your face... sitting there...
"Hot in here", doing your hair.

So many times I'd just want
to stretch you across the table.
"...have your way with me."
Tell me how much you want me.
Take it, take me as much as I'm able

Send you off to work .
Take me off too!
All of me!
Take me off!!... and
off to work with you.

I didn't want to say goodbye then.
Why do I have to say it now?
You still go where you go.
I've lost track of where you've been.

You look at me bad... you're mad.
I'm the worst you've ever had.
I make you so sad... so you say.
I'm the worst... you've ever had.
You've had enough...
I've been had enough.

Now it's done! Go have some fun.
Peace, love and all that.
Everything with you is always very good.

Hey stuck up! I'm still stuck on you.
And in case you haven't heard...
It's not over till I'm over you.

Lady on the table... stuck on you
Take it, take me as much as I'm able
Take part of me, take it from me...
off to work with you again.
Take me off... and off to work with you!
I can dream all I want... because
It ain't over till I'm over you.

I live here too.
It ain't over
Till I say so...
till I'm over
Once again,
Over and over
And when I'm good and ready
I'll take off and take you off my list
I'm not done yet... I'll let you know!
I know it sucks. It's sucks for me too.
It's not over til I'm diddly done over you.

Turn Off The Lights

I've been thinking about sleeping...
earlier days... times of tucking in
all the begging and convincing...
for just some water for drinking.

Those nights before my birthday
or before the last day of school.
The nights before Christmas
and school rhymes with yule.

I'm looking for an answer
for why I still must remember.
Covers and fresh air
just my nose could gather.

Over my head I still pull them tight
I'm not scared, just out of sight.
I pray to God if I die this night
It'll be just like they say
walk straight, right into the light.

There's no place like home and
here again I'm about to sleep.
Now I'm tucking myself in
and talking to no one.
I'm missing her... thirsting,
convincing and begging.

The Iron In My Blood

My body may be getting old...
my spirit continues to be told.
If it weren't for all that I've seen,
I wouldn't be here or so far between.
Still me, eyes open to a world of trust...
my blood refuses to go from red to rust.

The Ocean Of My Soul

What about tears?
What a way to say I'm real?
What a way to show I can feel?
I can hold them back and think...
just an attack, go have a drink.

If it was a hammer on my thumb...
crying would seem sort of dumb.
Even when I beat myself up because
I often think I'm still a bum.

The tears that roll and drip...
Oh, I'll make them stop!
Fold my arms real tight...
gotta get a grip,
keep them out of sight!

My Father is gone and so is my Mom.
Friends gone away... so many too.
I'll be strong, I can take it.
Even when I'm thinking of you.

Tears are good, not so bad.
They're about all I've done,
what I didn't save, almost had.
So good when I'm having fun.

They still roll and drip
tasting like the sea...
the ocean of my soul.
There when I need them
so I can be free.

You're Not Getting Any Younger

When you care about people,
you care that they're different.
You can be you and still be cool.
Everyone is special.
They do what they do.

You don't stand a chance
when you think it's all about you.
In your head you have no room.
You're the only one that counts.
All you have is yours... yours alone.
What others have they shouldn't own.

When you care, you give...
when you don't, you take.
You don't care about people...
no difference, no matter.
your choice, never wrong,
about that, make no mistake.

Treat everyone with care.
When you care about people,
you care that they're different.
You can be you and still be cool.
If not... you'll get old...
you'll be alone and still be a fool.

Take My Hand

When at the crossroad...
a decision made.
If it's not for love,
it's still for fate...
that you trade.

Wholy

Feeling whole... "Wholy"
I like the feeling of being free to be happy with the truth.

Thinking Again

I don't cry at night any more.
I no longer ask God to take me in my sleep.
No matter what I own/owned/owed and owe
I have one thing that I belong to.
I belong to me.

Everyone is allowed to have a taste of who I am,
like it or not.
With a smile and a hidden tear,
from now on... a year to a year,
I'm going to make the best of my mistakes and...
like me a lot.

Lady Winter

One week she weeps with rain...
then turns her back on you.
She offers you a blanket, so cold.
Get out your shovel... getting old?

Where's the salt? Here's the pain.

Sharing

I think we're all entitled to have a good cry and clean up after ourselves after we've had a hand at spilling the milk. Unfortunately the problem that we sometimes run into is that the people who obviously contributed to the mess think that they're entitled to have us lap it up too.

The Great Blizzard of 1947

Why I remember back in... 47... yes sir 47, when I was two years old. We had here a bunch of snow that totaled up 25 inches or so and me be'in an inch shy of two feet caused so much ruckus every time my folks took me out for a walk. I got used to it... took some time though. Eventually... it all melted.
Sixty two years later, I look out my winda this mornin'... there it is again. Shit's back... but my folks ain't here. I guess it was a good thing... ta grow up.

Starting In With Life

It's not about what you start for others.
It's about what you start for yourself.
Keep striving forward... thriving on your own.
Smile, "... hold the wheel and drive."

Cara Mia

Once again, where I sleep...
I can call it... my bed.
My face rests where yours was,
... your fragrance, still there
... your image in my head.

Stepping Aside

I need to let you know
it's time to let them go.

The world has been theirs by design.
For decades true we followed through
crossing streets holding their hands.
From the very start we walked the line.
Like birds from a nest... pass the test.

Our end is more like a new beginning.
It's a time for us to let them go.
We did our best show after show.
Now it's up to them to do the rest.

To them, we're no longer number one.
This is not so bad... so don't be sad.
Gave them all we had... wasn't it fun.
For them, their lives have just begun.
They'll be crossing streets holding hands,
walking on beaches, playing in the sand.

It's a time for us to let them go.
We did our best show after show.
Now it's up to them to do the rest.
Birds from a nest... passed the test.

It's just that time to step aside.
They'll have their own and on their own.
So we're never really waving goodbye.
For you and I... we still own the sky.

Flowers And Their Bees

One day closer to flowers and their bees... closer to warm afternoons, green leaves and their trees.
The days of trees without their leaves... like maybe they hide underground and what we see during Winter are their Summer warmed roots giving the branches a sleeping cozy, traded places break... during the frigid months above the ground. Could it be that the Autumn fall was merely an illusion to distract us from what really happens... and the spirit of the tree hides and waits for Spring like flowers and their bees.

Out Like A Light

It's 10:45.
I'm still alive.
I'm glad I can sleep at night...
so I'm going to bed.

Dreams are coming back.
I woke up last night
and looked at the clock.
For a moment I got mad
just like I always had.

It was Friday night!
"Where the hell is she?"
I let out with a shout...
"She's still out?"

Wait a minute!
What am I saying?
"I feel cozy, but...
she hates flannel sheets."
Dreams are coming back...
she's not.

I'm still alive tonight.
I'm going bed.
I'm glad I can sleep at night.
She's out, like a light.

I Think Too Much

Try to remember when you're in doubt...
you're just as far in as you'll ever be out.

Try to remember when you're about to blunder...
you're just as far over as you'll ever be under.

Try to remember when you want to be mean...
you're just as much next to as you are between.

Always remember from the very start.
When you're in love...
you're always a part even though you're apart.