Spring
Life blossoms shedding care
Day’s grow longer, nights dear
Not too hot, not too cold
Perfect time, young or old
Summer
Always warm, always fun
Life outside in the sun
Day’s long, grass grows tall
Night’s breeze welcome by all
Autumn
Full of color, golden bed
On the ground, leaves shed
Getting shorter, day’s fair
Night’s crisp, chill in the air
Winter
World of white, weather bold
Day’s short, nights long and cold
Holidays, many friends
Bittersweet when it ends
The forest is gone where once a home.
A people lost, now destined to roam.
Legends of old speak of their race,
though only of blurs, never a face.
~
Smaller than dwarves, bigger than fairies,
their language mistaken for frantic canaries,
they’re easily missed being so small.
A full grown adult’s barely twelve inches tall.
~
Their numbers blossomed to one hundred per tree.
Nature, their home, they could be no more free.
They chose to stay hidden, out of harm’s way.
The choice wasn’t theirs, they learned the hard way.
~
The giants invaded with axes in hand.
They chopped and cut for towns they had planned.
Centuries have passed and the invasion persists.
The Liluns survived but only few still exist.
~
They still choose to hide and that’s probably good.
As the giants don’t always do as they should.
Their wishes fulfilled at whatever the cost.
This story’s the proof of the many who’ve lost.
~*~
SCK050622
Vacation’s soon and I can’t wait.
On the calendar mark the date.
Planning and dreaming all long year
Soon our vacation will be here.
*
I started to pack weeks before.
A few clothes and toys galore.
I need a lot for our long stay.
But mom repacks it anyway.
*
Alarm didn’t work, taxi was late.
With seconds left we made the gate.
Sat in the plane with no fresh air.
Waiting for bad weather to clear.
*
Hours wasted then off we fly.
Wings wobble, we bounce in gray sky.
Black night rain, runway wet and slick.
Vacation starts, we all get sick.
*
We landed late our luggage not there.
Just full of clothes, I didn’t care.
Late night taxi cost us double,
Big tip needed for his trouble.
*
Get to our rooms, sun starts to rise.
Daylight’s wasted with closed eyes.
Day one of vacation’s now done,
Hope the next six will be more fun.
*
But first a shower then some rest.
Than out for breakfast that’ll be best,
Eggs and juice, toast with warm butter.
Opened the door our hearts flutter.
*
Toilets broke, no shower at all.
A sign on door said tub down hall.
Beds were unmade, hot water cool.
Mom’s mad, dad joked about the pool.
*
We went to the lobby to protest.
Stood in the line with all the rest.
The man at the desk did all he could.
Some of the guests didn’t treat him good.
*
Threw down his pen, could take no more.
Grunting and shouting ran for the door.
“Hotel closed” he said running out.
Leaving us stranded, all in doubt.
*
Where would we go, where would we stay?
Yet another bad vacation day.
We found a place, it wasn’t cheap.
But we needed a place to sleep.
*
Cramped and dark but at least clean.
The tiniest bathroom I’d ever seen.
Just two beds, no TV at all.
One small window looked at a wall.
*
Settling in to rest our eyes.
Then off to lunch in clear blue skies.
But halfway there it starts to rain.
My jackets gone, left on the plane.
*
We ran fast to a place nearby.
Sitting soaked on stools too high.
Fish only menu, not for me.
Hours passed drinking pop, refills free.
*
Bellies bloated, day spent.
The sun came out and down it went.
Saw a movie we saw before.
Back to our rooms, locked the door.
*
Much the same the rest of the week.
Sun came out once, we caught a peek.
Went to the beach, waters to cold.
A bad vacation getting old.
*
Good news came later that week.
Luggage found but in Chesapeake.
Put back on plane, soon to leave there.
They’ll be back late, we won’t be here.
*
Trip soon over saw a new place.
Lots of ant bites, rash on my face.
Dad lost his watch, mom caught a bug.
Stuffed plastic bags with things to lug.
*
Our ride to the airport, not much fun.
Stuck in traffic in the noon day sun.
Bad vacation was had this year.
Being home soon is all I care.
*
One good part of a trip gone bad.
Is getting home and being glad.
Vacations done, better next year.
You go and have fun, I’ll stay here.
*
The End
sck082314
At the end of my street, quite near,
Sits the source of all that I fear.
Now a horror, once a jewel,
I run fast on my way to school.
`
Looms alone behind a high wall,
Watching me pass, the house sees all.
Hidden by trees most of the year.
But when fall comes so does my fear.
`
Autumn leaves drop, crunch under feet.
Out pops the house that haunts our street.
Halloween comes, chill in the air.
But trick-or-treaters won’t go there.
`
Lights never on, no cars in drive.
Shades always down, nothing alive.
I’ve heard stories, sounds in the night.
Of the house that causes our fright.
`
The shutters bang and hinges creak.
But no one dare to take a peek.
Many a ball lost over the gate.
Remember the score, game can wait!
`
Spooky shadows in the moonlight.
Ghostly shapes in the dark of night.
The vines on the porch creep and crawl.
Been scaring kids since mom was small.
`
Bats in attic, mice in the shed,
Phantoms inside or so it’s said.
Some say it’s empty, some say not.
Either way I’m worried a lot.
`
Off to bed one dreary fall night.
A bad time to turn off the light.
Mom tucks me in, we chat awhile.
She kissed my cheek, left with a smile.
`
My sleepy smile soon fades to fear.
When spooky house dreams soon appear.
I close my eyes and try to sleep,
Ran out of numbers counting sheep.
`
Outside shadows all a quiver.
Howling winds making me shiver.
I peeked from under my blanket,
The darkness said no sunrise yet.
`
I turned on the light to just wait.
For morning to come, that’ll be great.
Awoke to good news, called my friend.
Our sleepless nights where soon to end.
`
Someone bought the spooky old place.
Hopes to restore its former grace.
House got painted, bushes cut down.
What a great home, what a great town.
`
Windows fixed fresh grass on the ground,
Sunshine and flowers all around.
New families in, kids galore.
And I’m not afraid anymore.
`
We play in the yard, ride the swing.
We make up rhymes for us to sing.
Now my favorite place to be.
But once I thought the house spooky.
`
The End
Sck091914
Rebirth
Leaves turn – time to go
Slowly green morphs to yellow
A new tomorrow
Learning
Seasons come and go
Thanks for the wonderful show
Something new to know
The End
I hear the truck roar
Destruction’s outside my door
But trash is no more
Sck082914
Day
Red ball rising bright
Children play, escape the night
Natures’ toy of light
Flight
Birds high in the sky
Love to see them soaring by
I wish I could fly
Sneeze
Words infect us all
Shared unintended in breath
Haiku – gesundheit
SKittell c.080714
*
We’re off to the swap meet today.
Dad says its work, I say its play.
Mom thinks it’s all a bunch of junk.
Who needs an old cast iron skunk?
~
Every year since I was two.
Seen the toes of many a shoe.
In my wagon with squeaky wheel,
once pulled string from an old fly reel.
~
Saw a ship of wood, bone and hair.
Dad got nervous, said don’t go there!
Great memories of dad and me.
I wish that mom would come and see.
~
Up before dawn, first at the gate.
If you’re not first, well than you’re late.
I think that second’s also OK.
Don’t follow, go the other way.
~
A laugh a push a yawn and sneeze.
New spring pollen made someone wheeze.
We’re squashed on the fence right up front.
Soon we’ll start a new treasure hunt.
~
The gate opens, I think we won.
I don’t care; I’m here to have fun.
We see faces we’ve seen before.
But the new ones are a lot more.
~
Soon the sun will rise in the sky.
Down the rows with treasures stacked high.
A day of fun, ready to learn,
Something new at every turn.
~
We pass the women in her shawl.
Sits alone, sells nothing at all.
Walking past, I’d wave and say hi.
But never did I catch her eye.
~
But now I’m ten, no chaperon.
Maybe she smiled because I’m grown.
She waved me over to come right in.
Glad to see her never seen grin.
~
I gazed into lots of old stuff,
even the best looked kind of rough.
She told me stories of each thing,
corner chair and ancient nose ring.
~
“I never sell my things of old.
They can’t be enjoyed when they’re sold,
loan things to friends once in a while,
like you” she said with a big smile.
~
“I’ve watched you pass since you were small.
On your dads’ shoulders, eight feet tall.
I’ve seen you smile and watched you grow.
Each time passing you’d say hello.
~
Walking past, eyes open wide.
You never dared to come inside.
Talking to strangers is unwise.
If I scare you, I apologize.”
~
She gave me a book that’s quite small,
not too many pages at all.
The book kept dreams lost in your head,
while you were sleeping in your bed.
~
She opened the book to page three.
Then whispered some secrets to me.
“Dreams are wishes stuck in your head.
They only come out when in bed.
~
Sleeping soundly, eyes shut tight,
mind wondering all through the night.
When you wake to start a new day,
write down those dreams before you play.
~
Follow your heart wherever it goes.
Record your trip in lovely prose.
Don’t stop writing until you’re done.
It’s never work when it’s all fun.
~
First open the book carefully.
Than close your eyes and wait to see,
all your dreams will come back to you.
But it might take a week or two.
~
Just be patient, don’t ever fret.
All things good you never forget.
I need not tell you anymore,
complete instructions on page four.”
~
She found a box, it fit just right.
I couldn’t wait to sleep that night.
Tied it up with ribbon and bow.
She gave me hug, told me to go.
~
It’s been a long winter since then.
Yes I’ve used up many a pen.
I wake each morning at sunrise.
Wipe the night’s sleepys from my eyes
~
Mom saw me writing early one day.
She asked to see, what could I say?
Together we both read out loud.
We laughed and hugged, she said she’s proud.
~
Now up after dawn, we’re not late.
Family’s first, treasure can wait.
Another year, there’s much to see,
at the swap meet; mom dad and me.
~
I hope to see my new old friend,
I’ll share my news with happy end.
I tried hard and my wish came true.
Now mom comes to the swap meet too!
*
The End
~
Available at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/470879
I am Ben and I’m off to sea,
ships ahoy and aye, aye matey.
I’ll sail all the oceans blue,
or maybe just a chosen few.
*
Pack my coat and hat for my head.
Bring a blanket for my new bed.
Teddy must stay with all my toys.
Sailors don’t need them, just small boys.
*
I’ll have no school or boring chores.
Just climbing rigging, manning oars.
I’ll tie knots and tell sea tales –
of pirates treasure, storms and whales.
*
I’ll sleep at sunset, rise at dawn.
Then swab the decks not mow the lawn.
I’ll eat ships biscuit and dried peas.
But hold the weevils if you please.
*
I’ll make new friends, captain and crew.
I’ll polish the brass just like new.
I’ll travel to faraway lands.
See new faces, shake lots of hands.
*
I’ll grow muscles and learn to swim,
never a splash over the rim.
I’ll grow a beard and get a tan.
Mom won’t know her new little man.
*
I’ll write her name on my sea chest.
Then she’ll know I love her best.
I’ll miss my cat, sister and dad.
I hope leaving won’t make them sad.
*
But I’ll return with gifts for all.
Dads will be big and sister’s small.
Jewels for mom, fish for my cat.
Gramps will get a new sailors hat.
*
Now mom’s calling, bedtime is near.
My journey starts, nothing to fear.
My tub is full, ships wait for me.
Always too short, my trips to the sea.
*
I rub and scrub and have some fun.
Until mom says my bath is done.
Voyage over, out goes the light.
Snug in my bunk I’ll say goodnight.
*
The End
~
Sck090214
Dew glistens in the crisp of dawn,
peering out on an endless lawn.
Fresh air and sunshine I am drawn.
Soon I’ll be mowing for I am a pawn.
~
The king lives atop a manicured hill,
now slumbering peacefully while all is still.
Soon he’ll rise and our time he’ll kill.
His whims fulfilled against our will.
~
The queen too is soon to awake,
maids will arrive with orders to take.
Breakfast then served with chefs to make.
A picnic will follow down by the lake.
~
Their castle has towers like rooks on a board.
Treasures are many, much like a hoard.
Guards abound with shield and sword.
Musicians are hired to strike every chord.
~
Knights roam freely down endless halls.
They await more battles but more likely balls.
Their horses pampered in big, tidy stalls,
their messes cleaned by old women in shawls.
~
The bishops’ eschewed anymore plans for fun.
Soon it may be their rein is done,
king’s out-numbered at least eight to one.
Tables will turn then a new game’s begun.
~*~
SCK061622
The day starts in silence.
My mind for now’s at ease.
Dreams are now forgotten.
The future I’m off to seize.
~
Yesterday’s now a memory.
Tomorrow’s too far to know.
Today my destiny beckons.
Tonight success will glow.
~
Disappointments will be many.
Missteps will abound.
My feet will guide me forward.
Destinations will be found.
~
I know not where I’m going.
Arriving is not the goal.
The journey is the purpose.
There I can rest my soul.
~*~
SCK051822
In this space of many parts,
all have brains, all have hearts.
Some are big, some are small,
some will soar, others fall.
~
Survivor’s all until we’re done,
then another, never one.
Some will give, some will take,
choices are what we make.
~
Some choose poorly and pay the price.
Some squeak by but that’s never nice.
Some choose wisely and forge ahead,
thankful for another day fed.
~
Some learn lessons, others don’t.
Some will multiply, others won’t.
All in all we’re parts of the whole.
The sum of which equals our goal.
~*~
SCK051722
April showers may bring May flowers.
But it ruined my new suede shoes.
I was going out for a first date,
but now I got the blues.
~
Car wouldn’t start and my bike had a flat.
My cell phone bill was long unpaid.
I walked for nearly an hour,
my nerves tattered and frayed.
~
I got to the movie, it was too late,
my date was nowhere in sight.
I turned around and headed back home.
I was hoping for an end to this night.
~
The rain was getting heavier;
the wind started to blow.
I huddled in an alleyway.
I waited for the storm to go.
~
A policeman stopped, just to check,
making sure I was O K.
I told him the whole story,
every detail of that day.
~
He gave me a lift to my house.
But my keys I had locked inside.
My wallet too was forgotten,
I then went for another ride.
~
I made a call at the station;
my mom must have gone out.
I then retold my story;
the cops looked on with doubt.
~
They stuck me in a crowded cell,
I was tired, wet and cold.
They others asked what I was in for.
My story again was told.
~
Some thought it was funny;
some thought I was a fool.
One said I was cute,
he thought my shoes were cool.
~
I didn’t sleep at all that night,
afraid of what might come.
I shivered there for hours,
my feet were getting numb.
~
My mother finally showed up,
she strolled in at around noon.
She yelled that I should grow up.
I said I may and May can’t come too soon.
~*~
SCK041922
I think I’ll write a love song,
then you’ll know how I feel.
When you hear your love song,
you’ll know our love is real.
~
It’ll start off nice and slow,
my guitar will set the tone.
Next is a little drum,
then no one feels alone.
~
I’m going to hit some high notes,
so you know how far I’ll go.
Followed by some low notes,
a feeling we’ll never know.
~
Somewhere near the middle,
I’ll pick up the pace.
All the while I’m thinking;
of you and your lovely face.
~
I’ll end with a flourish;
you’ll rise from your seat.
I’ll finish with I love you;
you make my heart skip a beat.
~*~
SCK030722
My tale begins with a cautious note;
you should never try to jump a mote.
Pay the admission and take the boat.
You’ll spend ten bucks but save your coat.
~
The rest of the day wasn’t much better,
it started to rain and we all got wetter.
My friend ruined her new wool sweater.
Then we all got chased by a big Irish setter.
~
We called a cab but didn’t all fit,
in the trunk I had to sit.
Getting out my pants then split.
It was a horrible time I’d like to forget.
~
We woke up the next day and the sun was bright.
But the temperature plunged overnight.
The roads were icy and a terrible sight.
My coat had shrunk and now it’s too tight.
~
Stuck in our rooms the rest of the trip,
the best of our tour we’d have to skip.
Our bill came and I bit my lip,
the service was good but could afford no tip.
~
The day finally came to leave this place;
we all got up late and had to race.
The bus came late and almost out of space.
When we got off I forgot my suitcase.
~
At the airport our flight was delayed.
A blizzard was coming and everyone’s afraid.
A pet skunk got loose and I got sprayed.
Now gladly home, where I should’ve stayed.
~*~
SCK030522
While riding today on my swing,
I heard a song and started to sing.
It’s an outside song, inside not heard,
beetles clicking with a chirping bird.
*
In the wood wind blows through the trees.
Back-up came from the buzzing bees.
Keeping the beat atop a log,
bass was played by a croaking frog.
*
My little dog barked but not too loud.
My kitty cat danced and meowed.
It’s nature’s band and I will sing,
soaring high on my backyard swing.
~*~
SCK092114
Should have ended yesterday, do is today.
Tomorrow’s yet to come and we have the say.
Most tasks can be trivial but they must be done.
First things must be first, before we have our fun.
~
Could have’s not a reason, would have is worse.
That woulda, coulda, shoulda, the habitual curse.
The only thing that matters is who we truly are.
Do the things you need to do, surely you’ll go far.
~*~
SCK010822
My pencil in hand – mind set free
Erasing the chains binding me
Safe in my world of poetry
A better friend there cannot be
No rhyme or reason there’s to flee
No shackles of society
No meter of conformity
No question of sincerity
No judge, jury or guilty plea
No door can stop my slender key
I’ll wander through infinity
Another side of life’s journey
Draw lines that know no boundary
Return with words for all to see
Arrange them well – create beauty
Then thank my little piece of tree
The End sck081514
My word for the day is unforthcoming.
The results of which have got me bumming.
Its meaning is clear and so apropos.
I need to write but I’ve lost the flow.
~
People I ask are too unforthcoming.
The guesses they make are all unbecoming.
Or they just shrug and say “I don’t know”.
My patience then reaches another plateau.
~
The future’s events remain unforthcoming.
Yet my wordy obsession is clearly mind numbing.
I’ve planted this seed that now I must sow.
I’ve felt the drought and now I must grow.
~
Though this poem’s end is still unforthcoming,
my mood’s improving, soon I’ll be humming.
But to not get too stressed I’ll take it real slow,
so if not today then surely tomorrow.
~*~
SCK080721
I feel a tale coming on,
from this place I sit upon.
Here or there or hither and yon,
perhaps a tail I shall don.
~
If it be long I’ll wear shorts.
If it be helpful I’ll play sports.
If it’s painful I’ll be in reports.
If made famous I’ll live in resorts.
~
Characters all, we stand in line.
It’s worth a shot, I got mine.
The wait begins for a sign.
And other than fear I feel fine.
~
The story starts when a bug consumes.
The world locked safely in their rooms.
Sharing we will whatever looms.
An end is near, enjoy the blooms.
~*~
SCK032221
Since the beginning of time a field did feed.
Animals galore found all they could need.
Millennia’s past and all stayed the same.
Then one day a farm family came.
~
Centuries past and the farm family grew.
The field divided and then there were two.
One side raised sheep and the other was tilled.
Crops soon prospered and bellies were filled.
~
Decades followed as more homes were built.
The farms disappeared without any guilt.
The moral being that time does divide.
And when time runs out there’s nowhere to hide.
~*~
SCK071621
Wow! It seems like only yesterday, time was mine but slipped away.
Where it’s gone I can not say.
Perhaps tomorrow, again I’ll play.
But then again I can nay say.
~
What if tomorrow’s we could choose?
Life lessons learned without dues.
Every game played never to lose.
A world of friendship, all a muse.
But then again we sometimes lose.
~
Imagine a life of only bliss, to relive again our first kiss.
With each day better we’ve none to miss.
What could be better than a life like this?
But then again there’s times I’d miss.
~*~
SCK053021
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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