story

Within Reach

This story begins where most would end.
It’s not fiction, I won’t pretend.
The moon was high, my energy low.
The night came fast, my thinking slow.
~
I heard a noise come from my shed.
A scream so loud it could wake the dead.
I stepped outside not knowing why.
Should I return or would I die?
~
Each step closer my life’s less long.
My goal uncertain but temptation’s strong.
To turn and run or hide and wait,
the choice is now, if not too late.
~
Between my door and destiny,
lay the light and dark of uncertainty.
Betwixt the abstracts of would, could and should,
in a purgatory I there stood.
~
Clinging to the past and a peace of mind,
scenarios flood to times I’d find.
Reaching out to unlock my fate,
sights envisioned now bears the weight.
~
In the dimming light of one’s existence,
the future seen in our past’s distance.
Fear now a memory, the dragons slain,
tomorrows welcomed with forever’s again.
~
The truth often stretched resilience we test.
For problems to solve persistence is best.
And the shed’s but a metaphor for time unknown.
While the night the place where stars are grown.

~*~
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Lazy Man

When Steve was but a small boy the signs were becoming clear.
Movement was not forthcoming from that precious little dear.
He stayed there in his tiny crib until he grew too tall.
He laid there day and night just staring at the wall.
~
His parents were much concerned as the young boy slowly grew.
The only activity he seemed to like was when he had to chew.
His cousins would come to visit and they all went out to play.
But not little Stevie, in his bed he chose to stay.
~
Eventually the school days came and Steve was dragged to class.
Fortunately his memory was good and easily he did pass.
The next twelve years were much the same, for him fair’s good enough.
His parents wished him college bound, but Steve didn’t like that sort of stuff.
~
A few more years Steve stayed at home, until he got kicked out.
Poor Steve was confused and hurt his future so much in doubt.
While shuffling slowly to his grandma’s house he saw a big lit-up sign.
Steve read it very carefully and then he felt just fine.
~
Waiters wanted is what it said so Steve sauntered in to see what’s what.
It wasn’t what he was thinking though and got kicked out on his butt.
Steve was deflated as he felt his world come crashing down.
Sitting alone on a park bench he watched darkness fill his town.
~
The sun then newly risen, Steve slumbered peacefully.
Until poked by a cop named Phil, who wouldn’t let Steve be.
Steve then told Phil of his plight and how his life’s a mess.
Phil flung Steve in the backseat as he could care no less.
~
A furious Phil then told Steve he was just a lazy man.
And that he wouldn’t do anything if someone else can.
Arriving at the station Steve was ordered to quietly sit.
Phil came back the next day and said “I found a place you’ll fit.
~
Steve was brought to a room where screens filled every wall.
Phil told Steve what to look for and when to make the call.
Steve loved his new position, his super power he had found.
Soon a suspect spotted and promptly tackled to the ground.
~
If you’re looking for a moral, a lazy story you shouldn’t seek.
Perhaps the lesson’s there so I’m glad you took a peek.
Though the story may be fiction the condition does often show.
And when a cure for lazy is found I’ll be sure to let you know.

~*~
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Snakes in the Grass

My story began on the fifth of May.
The day was chilly with a sky of gray.
In my tent, cozy, I woke to a scream.
Was it a person or was it a dream?
~
Morning dew thick, I stood there alone.
The sun newly risen, I reached for my phone.
No urgent messages or a soul in sight.
No reason at all to cause such a fright.
~
The bikes were still leaning on a nearby tree.
They’re the only way home for my pal and me.
I then ran to the tent of my snoring friend,
who’s along for the ride this spring weekend.
~
But the roar from within made it quite clear,
my old friend’s just fine, no need to fear.
I then glanced down the path to a campsite nearby.
Something felt wrong but I didn’t know why.
~
I tiptoed closer when another scream was heard.
It was the voice of a child, but that seemed absurd.
I then ran to the shrieking and what did I find?
Kids with a snake and they weren’t being kind.
~
I said hey kids “what’s with the noise?
And why do you think that snakes are toys?”
One little girl about seven or eight,
said she wanted a pet and snakes are great.
~
Her brother the screamer cried at the thought.
He’s afraid of snakes or anything caught.
The other two children stood quiet and surprised,
their naughty ways they now realized.
~
I said all life should be treated as if it’s your own.
A lesson you should have already known.
Soon the kid’s parents arrived on the scene.
Their mother was angry, their father, big and mean.
~
He yelled loudly at his children and then at me.
Saying stay away from my kids or trouble you’ll see.
I knew not to argue or make a big fuss.
But there was something I hoped to discuss.
~
I said “no problem, it’s not what it seems.”
I then told them my story of snakes and screams.
Their mom, disgusted, took the kids back to camp.
The dad growled asking “do you think I’m damp?”
~
Puzzled, I asked “what do you mean,
I’ve only told you what I’ve seen.”
“I saw no snake, just my kids and you.”
The dad replied, “What would you do?”
~
I know what I thought, but I couldn’t say.
I felt it best to live through the day.
I could’ve run, but to where?
I could’ve fought him, but I didn’t dare.
~
He then picked up a very big stick.
Then he charged at me like a lunatic.
I stood frozen awaiting my demise,
when the little snake caught the big man’s eyes.
~
He stopped on a dime and screamed in fear.
His reptilian angst now was clear.
So I slowly bent over and picked up the snake.
The big man then started to tremble and shake.
~
“This is the culprit,” I loudly said.
As I waved it gently near his clammy head.
Sobbing, he begged, “Please take it away.
I now believe everything you say.”
~
I took a step back, surprised and relieved.
The turn of events was hardly believed.
I thanked that snake and said goodbye to the dad.
He just waved, whimpering and sad.
~
I then put the snake down and walked quietly away.
I was relieved we survived this fine spring day.
I went back to my tent then fell back to sleep,
never to tell who a snake made weep.

~*~
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Beach Day

Tomorrow’s to be the best day.

A day of sunshine, swim and play.

Must get to sleep, morning is near.

We’ll wake early, much to prepare.

Eat breakfast, find my pail and rake.

Great big castles of sand we’ll make.

Pack cooler with lunch, bring a hat.

Bags for towels and this and that.

Morning has come, wide open eyes.

Hoping for those clear blue skies.

It must be early, sky’s still gray.

Maybe I woke on the wrong day.

Waited all winter, now’s in reach,

sunny day of fun at the beach.

Went back to bed, nothing to do.

Closed my eyes then the sun shined through.

Jumped out of bed, day’s second chance.

Brush my teeth and put on short pants.

Ran downstairs for breakfast and more,

a surprise friend waits at my door.

We all got packed into the car.

Hoping the drive won’t be too far.

Wheels turn, were almost there.

Windows open, I smell the sea air.

Pull in the lot, our fun begins.

Unpack the car, pull out the bins.

We carry the bags, two for each.

Umbrellas up, blanket on beach.

Cooler wheels stuck in the sand.

Dad asked me to lend him a hand.

We’re all set up, time to explore.

There’s much to do at the seashore.

We hurry down to take our dips.

First toes then knees, up to hips.

The water’s cold, we jumped back out.

To thick towels we run and shout.

My fingers wrinkle, lips turn blue.

The sunshine’s warming me and you.

Sand’s sticking to my wet swimsuit.

Mom gets lunch; sandwich, drink and fruit.

Our feast is done, time to play ball.

Huffing and puffing, shared by all.

We blew it up then threw it high.

Caught by the wind, kept by the sky.

Grab our shovels, pile the sand.

Moats and towers, kings of this land.

Then waves came in with a crash.

Hours to build, gone in a splash.

Now we’ll find some big new sea shells.

Some are flat some shaped like bells.

Some you hear the sea in your ear.

Some will have things living in there.

Sifting for treasure in the sands.

Time slipping through our small wet hands.

We keep the best in a small sack.

To be explored when we get back.

Now let’s try the water again.

First you go then I’ll jump right in.

Dive and swim, watch seaweed float by.

Then the sun sank low in the sky.

We all go home, skin pink, eyes red.

Take a cool bath then off to bed.

Going to sleep dreaming of more,

a day at the beach is best – I’ m sure!

The End

sck081314

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A Mirrors Edge

Oh, these times they are a changin!
But when are they ever not?
Yesterday just slipped away,
too soon to be forget.
~
Pining for our days of yore,
we then post it from our phone.
All the world’s our stage,
yet we feel all alone.
~
Calls to arms get dialed up,
connections a bit unclear.
Leadership’s uniformly lacking.
So be careful what you wear.
~
Shots soon for all;
get yours while you can.
Self-curing is the aim,
safe then from our fellow man.
~
Voids will always fill,
content remains the gamble.
Sequels bound eventually,
till then on we’ll scramble.

~*~
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Short and Sweet

I started the day in the usual way.
But life was soon to change.
The sun rose as everyone knows.
Then set to a feeling that’s strange.
~
Blind to the notion of this surge of emotion,
quickly I rushed to my pad.
My scribbles were new and for now but few.
And soon they’ll be signed as Granddad.

~*~
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Wish No Squish

Another year’s gone by too fast.
But the birthday stress now has past.
I had too much cake and coffee too,
had a party and stepped in poo.
~
Perhaps an omen or maybe not,
or a reminder of things forgot.
Crappy stuff happens every day.
And we often slip along the way.
~
Yesterday being our only prep,
surprises await with every step.
Life can stink as we all know,
but sometime wrapped with a bow.
~
My shoes now scraped, no damage done.
My time ahead I’ll wish for fun.
I won’t let aging make me sad,
the alternative being really bad.

~*~
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A Click Away

The poet’s journal’s an open book,
so come on in and take a look.
There are all the emotions to be found,
there’s also thoughts on sight, smell and sound.
~
Pages are filled with love and heartbreak,
with lots more between for give and take.
There’s sunsets galore and sunrises more,
starlit nights and seasons for sure.
~
Sometimes funny, most times not,
it might not be good but there’s a lot.
Bring your glasses and forget the phone,
with a poet to listen you’re never alone.
~
You might be a muse or giver of clues,
I may write a poem about your new shoes.
We’ll sip some coffee in the shade,
the day will end but a friendship made.
~
Our time will be logged with notes on the side,
with a flourish embellished or at least tried.
But if you can’t make it that’s OK too,
it’s all online to be shared with you.

~*~
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My Friend and Me

When I was small
My friend was tall
Through my window
It watched me grow

Friends always near
Though winters bare
Waiting for spring
Leaves green, birds sing

Sit in its shade
Memories made
Branches growing
Leaves are glowing

Branches so high
Climb to the sky
Or ride the swing
Picnic to bring

Then soon it’s fall
Colors for all
Float to the ground
Pile in a mound

Jump in and play
Brisk autumn day
Another years past
All sprouting fast

Stood together
In all weather
Leaves shake, wind blows
Hot days, cold snows

When I’m all grown
Out on my own
I’ll miss my tree
And it’ll miss me

sck082514

rhymesalot

When I was small, my friend was tall.

Through my window it watched me grow.

Friends always near though winters bare.

Waiting for spring, leaves green, birds sing.

Sit in the shade, memories made.

Arms are growing, leaves are glowing.

Branches so high – climb to the sky.

Or ride the swing, picnic to bring.

Then soon its fall, colors for all.

Float to the ground – pile in a mound.

Jump in and play, brisk autumn day.

Another year past all sprouting fast.

Leaves shake, wind blows, hot days, cold snows.

We’ve stood together in all-weather.

But when I’m all grown, out on my own.

I’ll miss my tree and it’ll miss me.

The End

View original post

Switching On

Sure to be a better day,
changes planned and underway.
Empty space now filled with life.
Fulfillment felt when no strife.
~
Smiling faces greet each dawn.
Kisses next, for to each we’re drawn.
Nothing’s hidden with mutual love,
between the sheets or above.
~
Chapters end and a new begins,
mourning faces again to grin.
With every day there’s a night,
our forever tomorrow’s forever bright.

~*~
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Indecision

I think I have an issue and it’s been a while.
But I’ll be back soon to help you all smile.
I need some time off but I’ll be taking notes.
Maybe I’ll shoot some snaps or study ancient quotes.
~
I might write a tale of a dragon and a knight.
But they’ll be best friends and never ever fight.
Perhaps I’ll pen an essay of all the worlds’ ills.
Better yet, pornography that might pay the bills.
~
The choices are seemingly endless but I can’t decide.
I’ve dove into my brain cells searching far and wide.
It’s a dark and squishy place where the palette dwells.
It’s connected to the heart by strings, whistles and bells.
~
Delving ever deeper ideas come into view.
Words drip from my head, on the page they’re spew.
Their order or direction makes no sense to me.
Then my eyes begin to close and the clarity I see.
~
The outside world’s distracting, as you are aware.
If there is just one thing, that’s the one we share.
I think I’m waking up now; it must be time to go.
But when I write again I’ll probably let you know.

~*~
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Glad Sad

I haven’t written much of late, my brain has been askew.
I search the news constantly seeking something new.
The summer is upon us and the birds sing with glee.
I’m not sure if they’re happy or just teasing you and me.
~
While we were trapped inside the wildlife had its way.
But soon we’ll be back out and ruin their perfect day.
The roads were nearly empty with few planes overhead.
The plants bloomed on schedule and the animals all well fed.
~
Their air was a bit cleaner and the noise was nearly nil.
And while they frolicked peacefully we tested our will.
This poem is nearly over as I watch the cars pass by.
I’m glad we’re almost normal now but for the animals I will cry.

~*~
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Novel Times

Days are getting longer, patience growing thin.
Optimism’s waning and confusion’s setting in.
The world is topsy-turvy, at times looking gray.
The blues are getting deeper, shaded every day.
~
A pandemic is upon us, direction is unsure.
We sit on pins and needles bleeding for a cure.
We’ve masks in the market, sanitizers in the car.
Gas at least is cheap. But I’m afraid to go too far.
~
What will be the normal when odd times are behind?
Will we be more friendly or simply more unkind?
I’d like to be a rebel and make up my own laws.
But we’re all in this together, routines now on pause.
~
With leadership sorely lacking and conspiracies on the news,
our lives are changed forever regardless of our views.
With distance we will live for the future that is seen.
But tomorrows will arise closing gaps between.
~
We humans are survivors, our brains lead the way.
But time will write our story and we’ve little say.
With the pages that we’ve bound created from within.
Our chapter, long or short, will tell us if we win.

~*~
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Freedom or Choice

I woke today and the world was new.
What was normal is now askew.
Trapped in the house for weeks on end,
I’ve borrowed time but none to lend.
~
Rules have changed but habits not.
A little space is now a lot.
Smiles once shared now go missing.
Waves are fine, but please, no kissing.
~
Looking out; cars drive by.
Looking up; I see blue sky.
Looking down; I see two feet.
Looking in; I fear the street.
~
Tensions eased but not its force.
I need escape but not remorse.
Masks mask the pressure we face.
Hopefully patience wins this race.
~
The time will come when now is past.
That day’s coming, I hope I last.
But to be sure I’ll just stay home.
Perhaps tomorrow again I’ll roam.

~*~
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Nothing New

Nothing new to report,
there’s still no reason to cavort.
Each day passing feels the same.
Surviving another is the aim.
~
This time inside is wearing thin,
I need some sunshine on my skin.
But like all things this too will pass,
soon we’ll roll in lush green grass.
~
I miss the birds singing in the trees,
my mind now wonders to the open seas.
But I’m not here to just complain,
we’re both well and mostly sane.
~
Happily we’re bound to the end,
for each a lover and a friend.
We gaze into the starlit night.
And tell each other everything’s alright.

~*~
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Peccadillo

Internet addiction comes in many forms.
Some quite explicit but most fit the norms.
My own peccadillo doesn’t seem so very bad.
It often makes me happy and rarely makes me sad.
~
I fantasize of beauty, this I will admit.
I love shape and form with a dash of wit.
Though some look unnatural with parts all askew,
their faces slapped together are seemingly taboo.
~
Pages scroll before my eyes as I stare in awe.
Wasted time’s a problem but not against the law.
Ads fill my mailbox, an embarrassment to see.
Each has a pitch but nothing’s ever free.
~
Though I’ve spent no money or caught some disease,
my constant oohs and aahs can cause some unease.
I may have my issues but certainly I’m no louse.
I’m just very anal looking for a house.

~*~
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Abode Mode Ode

Decisions are made every day.
Stuff gets done just that way.
Leaving a home’s a difficult call.
Finding another is always a haul.
~
Choices are many but few fit the bill.
But we’ll find the one, I know we will.
Something that’s not too small or too big.
And a nice little place for kids to dig.
~
The woods will be great but at least a few trees,
with a spot for flowers for the birds and bees.
Neighbors OK but none is best.
I’m not anti-social but can be a pest.
~
Now thoughts to be thunk and options weighed,
calculations conjured forging a grade.
Results considered but one thing’s for sure.
In love we’ll venture, anywhere secure.

~*~
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Webs in the Attic

I sit at the kitchen table waiting for thoughts to come.
So far none’s forthcoming; I’m hoping there’ll be some.
Time is quickly passing as I stare off into space.
If wasting time were a sport I know I’d win the race.
~
But words don’t run on tracks and thoughts know no time.
But if patience is a virtue then waiting is no crime.
Procrastination is a different thing, results will find away.
It’s a choice that we make to give away our say.
~
Yesterdays’ may be gone but our actions will remain.
Mistakes made along the way will leave a lasting stain.
We wake each day to change, thinking everything’s the same.
But time moves only forward and tomorrows’ we cannot tame.
~
We’ll take our deepest breath and dive in head first.
We try to make the biggest splash to satisfy our thirst.
The volumes fill up fast, their content is our own.
The good we see in others reflects on how we’ve grown.
~
The time is getting late and I’m fading fast.
Why must the future wait while sleeping off the past?
So I’ll wait another day for something new to write.
The winter blues are passing and mornings looking bright.
~
Optimism’s on the rise though heights often chill.
Pessimism is an easy fall but the bottom is no thrill.
Windows will soon be open and fresh starts will appear.
And those webs in the attic just need the spring to clear.

~*~
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Sanctuary

On the lookout for my last place to dwell,
some were OK, some looked like hell.
Seen a grand old home in a bad part town,
but it was too high and they wouldn’t come down.
~
We saw one so scary, ghosts wouldn’t live there.
I’m picky I know but I think that I’m fair.
My home now is charming; I’ve been here for years.
Saying goodbye I’ll probably shed tears.
~
I’m close to a harbor and a quaint Main street.
My neighbors are close but mostly discrete.
I have no garage and I’d like some land.
I’d prefer something wooded to the beach sand.
~
Though a lakeside retreat would surely be fun,
I’d soon be drowned paying for one.
I’d like something older and properly restored.
I don’t need a hobby cos I’m never bored.
~
I don’t need a compound or a pasture for beasts.
But a barn would be nice to house family feast.
So the search goes on, but I’ve no worries or fright.
It’s like finding true love; you know when it’s right.

~*~
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Dreaming Tomorrows

Another day of quitting to quit,
another day to feel like a twit.
My morning had started pretty well,
but as the day warmed so did my hell.
~
So I jumped in my car to cool my head,
but took a wrong turn and to the store I sped.
I bought some milk and tobacco too.
Then I limped home and smoked till blue.
~
Tomorrow’s gladly another day.
I’ll rise optimistic with demons at bay.
Boiling water the urges will swell.
The heat will be on then back to hell.
~
Will I submit or stand and fight?
The battle lost the end’s in sight.
But now it’s to bed to dream as I do.
Will there be many or be just a few?

~*~
SCK021320

In the Dark

A brother and sister went for a walk.
They laughed out loud and had a talk.
Time flew by as they hiked the trail.
They sat for a break but their lunch was stale.
~
The shadows grew long as the sun sank low.
Which way was home, they didn’t know.
With all seeming lost there’s no place to hide.
If light’s to be seen they’ve only stars to guide.
~
Paths disappear beneath feet unseen.
Hands reach out for some space between.
The sounds of night are now loud and clear.
Eyes open wide seeing nothing but fear.
~
Imagination filled their weary heads.
The siblings now dreamt of their cozy beds.
But attention’s gone when fantasy’s there.
The pair separate and nightmares they share.
~
Shrieks and howls soon filled the wood.
The children screamed as they should.
Hours melted and death was thought.
Then a flashlight seen and home they’re brought.
~
The End

~*~
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Seconds Count

I woke up early and wasted time,
scribbled some words but none that rhyme.
There’s stories told again and again.
And I’ll have another but I know not when.
~
My body rose from a cozy bed.
Thoughts poured from my sleepy head.
But with no order there’s no start.
And with no meaning there is no art.
~
While mindless dribble flows with ease,
like foggy memories of the open seas.
Or of early years spent flat broke,
when thinking time was just a joke.
~
But love was found and a child born.
A father lost and mothers mourn.
Successes found and maturity spurred.
Sickness consumed then depression prospered.
~
The future then seen through the eyes of one.
Oblivion felt and life seemed done.
Years pass by but seconds count.
And to rise again, love’s paramount.

~*~
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