Always There
Contributed by Robert Lyons
I sit with my head in my hands, another failure to bear,
I notice finally of what I was unaware, between my knees,
I keen what is before me, what had always been there,
Walking the path my trodden treads toiled worn and wear,
When looking down with despair those smaller shoes are always there,
They share my fare, my lot, that neighboring pair, I hope they know I am now aware,
Of the dare and gambling affair tied to hauling all this gear,
Riding my rambling wake,
I respect the lack of shake, their path straight, tendon without tear,
There is power in that little pair, how they follow my trail so bare,
How do they lead from way back there? I would happily give a follow,
But then Id get lost and swallowed bare by a world not hindered with care,
So, I will lift my head and stare ahead, lift my foot, one in front of the other,
Stumble forward while that mother gently prods, and I recover, just in time for another,
Contemplative self-reflective moment, the truth is given and I’m in self atonement,
An apology needed, it seems to be fair,
A thank you at least to that smaller pair.
Many Stars
Contributed by Charles Dean Walker
Many stars have fallen.
They have fallen for many reasons.
Were they've been is all their own path.
When a star comes, it shines a light.
With this light, it can only be bright for moments.
When a star falls, it's not forgotten.
No, for it has left it's own special mark.
This mark will forever go on in peaceful memory. As a part of all history.
R.I.P. The stars that've fallen. May all be remembered. May all live in peace
somewhere beyond.
Reckoning Wall
Contributed by Nan Potts
Gray stones recount the ages,
Ancient and forlorn,
Tell of a once great rampart,
Now weathered and well worn.
Its mortar chinked and crumbling,
Ashlar pitted deep,
Sharp shards lay around its base
As shedded tears did leap.
Vines creep and claw on fingers,
Seeking a good grip,
While mosses carpet capstones,
Clematis blooms do drip.
This wall I stay to ponder,
Patiently abide,
Conjure up forgotten worlds,
Now left by the way-side.
Called by many other names:
Blocks or barriers,
Obstacles, restrains or stops;
An action harrier.
A fortresses, now in ruin,
Built by human hand,
Will erode with passing time
Or dozed, returned to sand.
To climb a wall or scale it,
Hit it and rebuffed -
When one is up against them,
The going could be tough.
This wall, bygone history,
With bewitching charm,
If ‘round a hearth tell of it,
Raise hairs upon your arm.
What comes to mind reckoning,
Framework such as this?
Its decayed state, glory spent
Or days of pleasant bliss?
