Focus Down Range
Dwelling on the past seems not to help,
Second-guessing choices, no better you felt.
Fixating on things you cannot change,
No chance to fix or to rearrange.
Ability to think about anything else, debilitating,
It’s a rut you fall into, of your own instigating.
Focusing on things you can’t control,
Grasping at things you can’t let go.
Incessant questioning yet taking no action,
Never to result in meaningful satisfaction.
Imagining a worst-case scenario,
No meaningful endpoint for you to go.
Your present moment is being robbed,
Of joy and excitement when to the past you nod.
Don’t ruminate on missed opportunities,
For it’ll suck the life out of what you can be.
Effects of this curse are many to be seen,
Whether depression, panic, or OCD.
Your health is robbed of many things,
Social and relationship anxiety, or PTSD.
Is there an answer? I think there is.
Turn it on its head, the season it is.
Thousands of decisions a day are made,
Most inconsequential and soon will fade.
Replace obsessing over negative possibilities,
With focused thoughts on future probabilities.
Ask yourself the odds of a worst-case scenario,
Quickly conclude it’s the least likely place to go.
Your mind thinks catastrophe, which isn’t likely,
Turn thought on its head and dream of what might be.
Challenge whether your thoughts are facts,
You’ll find many don’t resemble any of that.
None of this is easy, it’s a journey, you see.
Challenging worst-case thoughts can set you free.
The past is done, not a thing to change,
But your future will be bright when you focus down range.
~2023
Young Boy Seeking
A young boy, born into a home
In a peculiar situation
A mother of four; now five
A father, fresh, from incarceration
The first few years, memories few
Anecdotal evidence, the boy a pistol
Roaming the streets
Lack of direction yet still wistful
Boy’s memories, of a rowdy father
Mother always working, hard to bother
The boy was lucky to have them both
As those with one suffered the most
A father of streaks that were many
To days gone on drinking binges
Permanent rummage sales aplenty
A sudden dedication to religion
Memories of father fighting in bars
Destroying our home, police cars
Sleeping in the lawn with only a pillow
Burned memories, the broken windows
A plate of food thrown at the wall
A reason for which he can’t recall
A weeping mother cleans the debris
The boy growing ever more angry
Direction still nowhere to be found
Yearning for a foundation to be bound
Eventually sought others for direction
Rocky road ahead is his reflection
Mother still working, hard as ever
A restaurant worker keeps all together
Shared what she could from tips before
$5-$10, but rarely more
The boy seeking what fulfills him
Trying anything on a whim
Alcohol eventually enters the picture
Middle school, quite the adventure
The boy wandering, seeking guidance
Often in thunderous stridence
But luck lurking around the corner
Friends adhered to, balancing the score
Father now past his mean streaks
Drinking subsided, present each week
Mother still working, never resting
The boy still seeking, experimenting
Brushes with police, juvenile detention
Taking risks with best intentions
Boy still bitter with angry streaks
Reckless outbursts every week
Imperfections forever assigned
Eventually the boy turned out fine
Finds a partner, providing balance
Still partially hidden behind a valance
The boy has streaks like his father
Self destructive behavior does not bother
Same friends present, just like brothers
Seeking help from one another
Journey, hindsight, could have been worse
The boy dodged many a curse
People adhered to, the ultimate savior
The Lord gifted the boy that favor
~2023
Henry
Henry is prepped and in his house
His sacrifice we’re thankful for
Injected with a spicy, buttery substance
Ready to please us all by four
The life he lived was likely not great
Most of his life spent in a crate
Even free range isn’t much better
Growing your own is really the answer
1621 is when Thanksgiving started
Celebration of harvest, from fields departed
Natives & pilgrims, a feast of three days
Proud of their accomplishment in every way
In 1863, it became an official holiday
A proclamation from Abe to memorialize the day
He declared it to be the last day of November
To be celebrated for ever and ever
On this day we all give thanks
For the bountiful feast before us
Thankful to our God almighty
And those who came before us
~Thanksgiving 2023
I Imagine
Nearly seven decades ago tonight my Dad was just a few days shy of his 10th birthday. I imagine him standing outside, in awe, of the brightness and fullness of the super moon. After all, the moon was much more of a mystery then as we were 21 years from landing there. Landing on the moon...could he have imagined?
Nearly seven decades later we are experiencing another super moon, and it so happens to be the same night my Dad slipped away to be with God. My hope is that, on his way to heaven, he once again was in awe of seeing that big, bright moon in the sky.
This time, however, perhaps he realized his earlier imagination and landed on the moon himself on his way to heaven.
At least, as I look at that moon tonight, these are the things I imagine.
November 13, 2016
The Night My Father Died
I’m the Mighty Manatee
Look at me a manatee
Most docile creature in the sea
No none can look at me
And think I am the their enemy
I’m the mighty manatee
Two front limbs flippers they say
Used for steering this or that way
They also forage along the floor
Allow me to play with many more
I’m the mighty manatee
I’m ten feet long and half a ton
With my friends I’m a lot of fun
600 whiskers called vibrissae
Guide me through my many days
I’m the mighty manatee
A creature on land I used to be
Elephant is my cousin you see
Once four limbs to walk a trail
I even still have fingernails
I’m the might manatee
I’m the mighty manatee
50 million years I’ve thrived
It’s in the sea that I survived
I’m very particular you must see
Won’t survive below 68 degrees
I’m the mighty manatee
My human friends like the sea
Moving ever close to me
Resulting in loss of habitat
Losing friends a result of that
I’m the mighty manatee
When on a boat please look for me
For I’m the mighty manatee
My survival not guaranteed
If my humans don’t look out for me
I’m the mighty manatee
To remain the mighty manatee
For future generations to see
I need your help to look out for me
To remain the darling of the sea
Solemn Reflection
Once a seedling in position
Brights futures were in front of me
Years went by grew big and strong
Endless beauty for all to see
A calm day gives me away
In the pool of solemn reflection
Creaks and cracks branches plenty
Each one with a story to tell
Many seasons I’ve experienced
Every year the brown leaves fell
A calm day gives me away
In the pool of solemn reflection
Bones are tired many miles
Rings aplenty to count the years
A home to many I’ve provided
Ability waning I often fear
A calm day gives me away
In the pool of solemn reflection
How many seasons to endure
Life escaping setting free
Crumbling to the ground below
Leaves behind a destiny
A calm day gives me away
In the pool of solemn reflection
~2023
Photo Credit: Theresa Chamberlain
Crossroads
At a crossroads so confused
Sign maker is amused
While the options seem many
Direction choices are aplenty
Paralyzed by indecision
Stifling of a bigger vision
Many times in life occurs
Major decisions while unsure
Action taken make it a rule
Otherwise a spinning spool
Paralyzed by indecision
Stifling of a bigger vision
Comes a point to take a turn
If it’s wrong you can return
Choice taken never wrong
A lesson learned makes you strong
Paralyzed by indecision
Stifling of a bigger vision
Let not the signs intimidate
Don’t take long to litigate
Move along and promulgate
Progress never to abate
Keeping vision front and center
Road blocks easier to deter
~2023
Photo Credit: Becky Dickerson
Finding Abe
Finding Pennie’s not enough
Work it takes to earn the luck
Laurels resting a bad position
Losing motive and ambition
Find a penny doesn’t mean much
Without a vision no such luck
Find a way to steer the passion
Luck follows in some fashion
It’s never meant to come easy
Some days calm and others breezy
Find a penny doesn’t mean much
Without a vision no such luck
All around you luck abides
If only you can train your eyes
Looking down no luck is found
Head held high sees luck abound
Find a penny doesn’t mean much
Without a vision no such luck
Be the luckiest one you know
Believe it create it and it shall show
Finding Abe is fleeting fun
But lack the drive and luck is none
Find a penny doesn’t mean much
Without a vision no such luck
~2023
Photo Credit: Shane Madison
Heron Lookout
As I sit and contemplate
On this bench thoughts infiltrate
A life of memories flash before me
Hoping all were treated fairly
On this island teeming with life
A lighthouse beaming every night
If I had to do it again
A worthless thought in the end
For a life I cannot repeat
Hoping there were enough good deeds
On this island teeming with life
A lighthouse beaming every night
Regret unpleasant and consuming
Forever in your head its looming
Not worth it; show some kindness
To yourself bad thoughts behind us
On this island teeming with life
A lighthouse beaming every night
Sun is setting to the west
Herons returning to their nests
Daylight fades draws to a close
On the isle of the mighty oak
~2023
Photo Credit: Vanessa Silva
Weather The Storm
Standing still works for awhile
Anticipation of a smile
With no breeze there’s no resistance
Standing here without assistance
How long to sustain position
Before succumbing to attrition?
Comfortable is this state of being
Longer here a safer feeling
A storm passes but far away
Not thinking there will be a day
How long to sustain position
Before succumbing to attrition?
Still standing feeling more secure
Storms afar still immature
Getting sleepy while in this state
Plenty of time to meditate
How long to sustain position
Before succumbing to attrition?
A crack of lightning not expected
Too comfortable to be respected
Ground shaken from the thunder
Finally awakened from the slumber
How long to sustain position
Before succumbing to attrition?
Trouble now upon the doorstep
Looking back perhaps a misstep
Fear now seeps into the room
Feelings of impending doom
How long to sustain position
Before succumbing to attrition?
Weakened muscles can’t sustain
Storms now raging heavy rain
Winds now raging unprepared
Shock sets in a dark blank stare
How long to sustain position
Before succumbing to attrition?
Standing still is not an option
Sets you up to be the fallen
Keep moving to be prepared
Avoid the plight to be impaired
~2023
21 Seasons
21 summers to cruise the seas
The pretty blue waters underneath
21 times to celebrate the birth
Of the greatest country on the earth
55 down with 21 left
21 times to give it my best
21 falls to watch the games
Wins and losses all the same
21 carvings of a jack-o’-lantern
Preparing for the coming winter
55 down with 21 left
21 times to give it my best
21 winters of holidays
A feast on the fourth Thursday
21 visits from ol’ St. Nicholas
Celebrating the birth of Jesus
55 down with 21 left
21 times to give it my best
21 springs to witness new life
Weather splendid with delight
21 seasons of thunderstorms
For the landscape to transform
55 down with 21 left
21 times to give it my best
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
Anticipation
As it rises from the East
Anticipation of the heat
Pedals dormant for many hours
Needing light and April showers
As the light traverses the land
Gleaming trees & sparkling sands
Patiently waiting in anticipation
Of being drenched in bright sensation
Over the hill the brightness gathers
Won’t be long the glow will slather
Finally, the moment comes at last
As light kisses it opens fast
Alas the time to spread its wings
Excited for what the day will bring
Perhaps a visitor who will admire
Maybe a honeybee will inquire
As the afternoon clouds appear
Raindrops from afar draw near
More color now larger than life
Standing tall amidst the strife
As it peers back to the East
Darkness draping reducing heat
Flower pulls in and hunkers down
Breaking loose falls to the ground
Then we wait a day or two
A predecessor will begin anew
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
Time Traveling
In the beginning all is new and bright
Not a single worry is in your sights
A few years pass and it’s still unclear
Where on this journey you will appear
Things get murky into the teens
Great friends made while others mean
Begging and pleading to simply get older
Not realizing time is about to take over
Adulthood arrives with anticipation
Souls unite and you have creation
Days dash by with greater speed
The treadmill faster to succeed
The next thing you know it gets quiet
Years in the whirlwind now a bit private
A few more years and others appear
Youth returning to a lower gear
The treadmill faster for a while
With time passing faster with every mile
Time now racing and memories fading
Looking back nothing worth trading
The curtains slowly drawing to a close
Quiet compared to yesteryear juxtaposed
Fading to black as the sun sets down
With family and friends gathered around
You only hope you left a mark
For future generations to embark
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
Memory Lane
The past pulls and the past is stubborn
It’s left and right with an occasional u-turn
It’s where our memories always come from
When dwelled upon you follow the breadcrumbs
A path too far down memory lane
Can drive a man nearly insane
It’s okay to remember a lesson learned
And apply the teaching to not get burned
It’s healthy to hearken back on the fun
While remembering we’re no longer young
A path too far down memory lane
Can drive a man nearly insane
Reminiscing on what could have been
Detrimental to mental health in the end
So shift that energy to a brighter tomorrow
For the memory dwelling will lead to sorrow
A path too far down memory lane
A dead end waiting; a path of pain
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
Kindness
The quality of being kind is generosity
Comes in many forms like reciprocity
Lacking kindness is seen as paucity
It has the potential to breed animosity
Relationships flourish and gain velocity
Kindness given expands luminosity
Put forth kindness with sumptuocity
To do anything less would be an atrocity
~2023
Pixie Dust
Thoughts are few or thoughts are plenty
Thoughts can escape where you haven’t any
But when they appear you take advantage
For the next distraction causes thoughts mismanaged
Some thoughts positive and some thoughts not
It’s the negative thoughts that require a lot
A lot of work to abrogate
A lot of work to isolate
The positive thoughts are just as many
But without acting are any?
Take action on those positive vibes
Spread pixie dust to improve other's lives
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
Leaning
The structure shifts upon the sand
Without a base for which to
stand
While it tries with all it’s might
In a constant state of fight or flight
Winds and storms tear at its core
The structure can take little more
Times of calm are always welcome
For a short moment it saves itself from
Breaks from storms keep it tranquil
Keeping the structure from falling downhill
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
Power of Thought
Thoughts are as powerful as the blinding sun
They shape and mold a mind into one
A cup half empty is always a choice
But the cup half full offers a chance to rejoice
Focusing on the moment and what’s in front of you
Robs your ability to find your big break through
The message you beam into the universe
Bounce back to you whether positive or perverse
So focus on the good that’s all around you
And suppress the negatives that summons the blue
For doing so attracts an uplifting harmony
And inspires you to be the best you can be
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
Plow
Born to those who didn’t know how
From those who preceded him pushing a plow
A childhood tainted with violence and fear
While also providing love to hold dear
The values held - a conglomeration of many
From the affluent and those who hadn’t a penny
Early on blessed by a meeting of a stranger
Who brought balance and love and calmed the anger
As time went on new life was introduced
Who were cherished and loved, not one but two
As time marched on a gleaming portrait appeared
On the outside perfect but the flaws were near
The strangers who met so long ago
Were doing their best as time would show
But sometimes the best intentions fall short
Not from the two, but one, who didn’t comport
While he tried he failed along the way
Her support of the failures never to sway
The new lives flourished and carried on
While the creator had failed to seal the bond
For he showed he also didn’t know how
To keep the line straight of a family plow
~2023
Photo Credit: Internet
6th Story Window
The day she entered my life, I laughed
And the day she died I lost all hope
I cry out asking why life is unfair
But I never get a message in return
Every day my thoughts awaiting
For the day she’ll walk through the door
To brighten up a once happy room
But as I look out my 6th story window
Raindrops trickling down
Even though the sun is shining bright
I’m blinded by hazy thoughts
One day I see the light and jumped to grab it
As soon as I jumped it was hazy again
The breeze just swept through my 6th story window.
~1988
Photo Credit: Internet
