I’ve got birds in my gutters,
bats in my shed,
mice in the basement
and cobwebs in my head.
~
I got up really early,
but I’ve nothing good to do.
I’d like to take a walk,
but I only found one shoe.
~
I’d love a cup of coffee.
But the water I can’t drink.
I turned on the faucet
and sludge filled my sink.
~
But the sun is soon to rise,
I’ll see a brighter day.
Though rain’s in the forecast,
there’s darker shades of gray.
~*~
SCK070223
Where rocky cliff meets stormy sea,
a castle perched, forever be.
Where gray stone surrounds little seen sky.
‘Twas this fortress a young princess cry.
.
The princess post birth, her parents delight,
treasured by day, guarded by night.
Feasting with jesters, ponies, puppets and maids,
a gaggle of servants draw bright velvet shades
.
With sentry of knight to share all her dreams,
her eyes shut tight to hide her screams.
Time wasted limitless, she wished for an end.
The princess was lonely without a true friend.
..
One morning awoken by a kiss from a queen,
sleepy eyes opened to a sight seldom seen.
Golden light sparkles in diamond pane rare,
a sapphire morn burns black coal night air.
.
A tasty breakfast served on tray in bed.
Downy pillows fluffed to rest her head.
The king arrived more jolly than ever,
with riddle to solve, if anyone clever.
.
“What may have wings cannot fly.
Holds a heart yet cannot die.
Shaken pitch laughs off rain.
Having one a princess to gain?”
.
The joyous young girl made many a guess.
The kings’ piddling patience grew less and less.
The queen and knights all had a try.
The king muttered “castle!” with a loud sigh.
.
The room bemused by the riddler’s zeal.
Most unconcerned with how others feel.
A castle repeated in more pleasant a tone,
a home for a princess to call her own.
.
But first a short trip outside the wall,
where grass tickles feet and trees grow tall.
There are lessons to learn from tutors wise.
There are truths to see with growing eyes.
.
Now’s time a princess must prepare,
for the eventual call of a prince to be dear.
A someday king awaits his throne,
whence you shall rest upon your own.
.
The princess knew the day would come,
a bartered prize as was her Mum.
No fairy tale endings for spawn of kings.
“Tis a life shackled with heavy gold rings.
.
Adventure awaits, no time for self-pity,
freedom’s short locked in a stone city.
Knowledge abounds beyond heavy gates.
The princess skips past on worn ancient slates.
.
Beneath a fine bonnet of satin and lace,
excitement glowed on her adolescent face.
Her velvet shoes barely touching the dirt,
a merry cyclone a-swirl in silk skirt.
.
Her mentor soon waves from path by wood.
Magical flora beckons, some bad, some good.
Wonders overwhelm in green forest lush.
An ocean of emeralds painted with brush.
.
With each lash a-flutter bursts a new color.
Light and shades multiply them all more.
With the thirst of a sponge she did explore,
where surprises abound when not looked for.
.
A gentle breeze blew, a little leaf flew,
bright sky filled in the space anew
A ray of sunlight kissed a shiny stone.
Atop a bed of dewy leaf it rests alone.
.
With a tiny tap upon its shimmering side,
the distant fates of two collide.
Surface cracking on this egg thought stone,
a heartbeat wakened with thunderous tone.
.
Out popped a plump lump, beneath wings of scale.
A pat on the rump exposed its long tail.
A final stretch thrust shell shards to leaf.
And there lie a creature beyond belief.
.
Warm smiles shared with a new friend.
A precious little pearl, the girl’s to defend.
The gazes shattered by a howl from the trail,
‘twas the elderly teacher, impatient and frail.
.
The princess knew what had to be done.
The babe hid under her bonnet and bun.
Down the path she ran back to the gate.
Yelled to the guards “The teacher was late”
.
Gates barely open she slipped through the crack,
escaping notice of the tail down her back.
Safe in her chamber they shared the night’s meal,
both sharing puckers with fresh lemon peel.
.
Then swathed in plush robes, kissed on the head,
the fledgling was tucked safely under the bed.
Each night passing, more robes to conceal,
this teething tot with big teeth that’s real.
.
Each day growing from the princess’s scraps,
she grew thinner, now padded with straps.
The servants grew nervous at both the sight,
one lie near weightless, one flew in the night.
.
The princess’s secret though soon was known,
when her expanding friend went out alone.
The knights became dazed by armored flight,
their swords no match for the hunger of night.
.
The king and queen where too nearly maimed.
Pawns, bishops and rooks where all to be blamed.
A wizard was called to tame the toddler beast.
His tenure cut short when almost a feast.
.
The creature now huge, truly loved the girl.
She called her Sunshine, the princess’s Pearl.
Together they frolicked on the castle rooftop.
The king spying danger called for a stop.
.
Shouting “time’s come to put childhood behind,
It’s now time to marry, I’ve someone in mind.
He’s brave, sweet, wise and kind, at least I’m told.
There’ll be time to adjust as you both grow old.”
.
Escorted by king to a royal coach and four,
off to be locked behind another gilded door.
Her fate was sealed by a noble families need,
alliances grown with common regal seed.
.
But with a twist, jerk and a naughty giggle,
the squiggly princess was free now to wiggle.
Breaking free, running fast, past all unaware.
She zigged and zagged toward the rooftop stair.
.
Screaming loudly for her only friend Pearl,
who tried to save the much pursued girl.
A guard with a pike held Pearl on a chain.
Blocking the Sunshine’s escape of the reign.
.
Seeing her friend at the top of the stair,
Pearl snapped her links then into the air.
The petrified guard fled from his post,
grabbing for Sunshine he’d surely be toast.
.
The princess ran to the edge of the roof,
yelling to Pearl, she feared aloof.
The big eared beast sharply turned about,
hearing her Sunshine’s gloomy shout
.
The king with guards, knights and queen,
Stormed to the roof unprepared for what’s seen.
The princess looked back, blew a kiss to her mother,
and a warm thoughtful wave to all the other.
.
Then with a carefree step she disappeared.
Plunging to her sudden death, or so was feared.
The mortified lookers all lunged for the ledge.
Hoping the princess landed safe in a hedge.
.
The king peeked over, not wanting to see,
when up rose his honey like a big bumble bee.
She hung from the neck of her dear friend Pearl,
now bonded for life, this dragon and girl.
.
Higher she climbed with a dragons eye view,
a view to be viewed by a very small few.
Now all surveyed, now all her realm,
Sunshine’s the captain, Pearl the helm.
.
Over forest and mountains, ocean and stream,
free in a world where she need not dream.
Adrift on her Pearl upon the endless sea,
Alone they now be in their realm of fantasy.
.
The king broken-hearted wept in his sleep.
The queen stricken ill with never a peep.
They later agreed to bare a new heir,
whether girl or boy was not a care.
.
The next child’s fate was sure to be better,
born free of mind and trappings that clutter.
With a loving heart nurtured by family and friends,
then given the choices to choose their own ends.
.
The princess returned in time for the birth.
The kingdom was full of merriment and mirth.
The princess enchanted with her friend who flew.
And all ends happily as fairy tales all do.
*
The End
Sck121418
Smith’s Askew View
Pyramids on point
Exposing many, shades few
Capitalist view
~
Lacking
People who know all
Are people who are lacking
Imagination
~
Contrasts
Chilly, soggy, gray
Golden leaf beneath our feet
Foggy autumn day
*
Sck111214
.
There’ll be no time for play today.
Because today’s adventure day.
We’re off to clean grandma’s shed.
Door so low dad bumps his head.
.
Lots of stuff for us to see.
Each thing has its own history.
There’s: rakes, shovels, mowers and pails,
Tires and wheels, old boat sails.
.
A big and rusty nut-less bolt
And a shoe for a shoe-less colt,
Sleds and skis, skates, paddles and oars,
Broken windows and old wood doors.
.
Crates and bins, barrels and jars,
guitar made from box of cigars,
Dad’s reaching for things up high.
Mom thumbs a scrapbook, tear in eye.
.
The treasure’s you find when you look;
cushion for chair and long lost book,
toy box from when dad was a kid
with missing hinge and broken lid.
.
I had to put that one aside.
To fill with treasure that I’ll hide.
And keep it safe for mom and dad
with memories, adventures had.
.
Sheds empty, our jobs half way.
Sifting and sorting all long day.
Next are lunch and maybe a nap.
Then spend some time on grandma’s lap.
.
To the street go things we don’t use;
hand less clock and half pair of shoes.
Forgotten treasures go away.
Some I’ll keep while others will stay.
.
It’s grandma’s play house in the shade.
But in the yard five piles we made.
One to save, two we don’t know,
one’s maybe, the small one can go.
.
So many things for grandma to do,
when our shed adventure is through .
She can paint pictures or pot plants,
maybe yoga – go in a trance.
.
A final sweep and all is clean.
The nicest shed I’ve ever seen.
Now’s time to put back things to keep.
All stacked neat, not too high or deep.
.
The dust is gone that made us sneeze.
But no space left for new hobbies.
Dads hurt his back, moms tummy aches.
From our lunch of burgers and shakes.
.
But grandma’s happy and me too.
We’re all glad the mission is through.
Our adventure had, job well done.
Memories made of having fun.
.
Dad’s old chest safe under my bed.
Memories tucked safe in my head.
And now’s time to say goodnight.
Adventure’s done, out goes the light.
~*~
The End
sck091414
~*~
I always carry
graduated glasses, then
one’s always half full.
~
sck062717
~
Good memories keep,
let the bad fade – then there’s room
for when better’s made.
~*~
sck053016
.
When perspective seen;
the end is always the point.
Horizons never end…
.
sck052317
Instantaneous conception
Darkened suspension
Quintessential isolation
Thrusted illumination
Blissful termination
Trusted dedication
Explored dimension
Forced memorization
Infinite confusion
Rising tension
Tense deliberation
Lofty ambition
Numbing frustration
Occasional jubilation
Generational creation
Much tribulation
Restful justification
Deserved relaxation
Diminishing pension
Perpetual hibernation
But so far mostly fun
Sck120812
Summer’s soon over, vacation’s now past.
The first day of school was coming fast.
The twins: Jen and Ben can’t decide.
Jen wants to go but Ben wants to hide.
~
Jen wants to learn and make new friends.
Ben wishes that the summer never ends.
They both agree they are getting older.
Ben’s a little wiser and Jen a bit bolder.
~
Ben’s gotten bigger, Jen’s starting to read.
They race to the sandbox and Jen’s in the lead.
It’s the last weekend before school starts.
There they’ll learn letters, numbers and art.
~
Ben likes to paint; Jen loves to drum.
She taps on her pail and Ben starts to hum.
Ben uses a stick to draw in the sand.
Jen gets a shovel and gives Ben a hand.
~
Mom brings out lunch for them to share.
She talks about school, but Ben doesn’t care.
Mom says it’s kindergarten, just half a day.
Jen hugs Ben and says there’s time to play.
~
Ben feels better and gets back to eating.
Dad joins in for a Saturday lunch meeting.
They finish their lunch then have dessert.
Jen climbed a tree; Ben played in the dirt.
~
Supper’s soon then bath time and bed.
But first they’ll find dad, he’s in the shed.
The table is set for the twin’s favorite dish.
It’s roasted potatoes, coleslaw and fish.
~
The cat likes fish too and jumps on Ben’s lap.
Jen starts to giggle and gives her a scrap.
Ben gave her another and mom said no more.
Hers comes in a bag we buy at the store.
~
Mom takes a seat and dad serves the slaw.
Jen spills her drink; Ben drops his straw.
The mess cleaned up and the meal enjoyed.
Ben finished first, Jen was annoyed.
~
There’s time for a game then scrub-a-dub.
Jen likes the shower; Ben likes the tub.
He plays with boats and pretends to swim.
Jen’s much quicker, like they are at the gym.
~
Mom reads a book; dad turns out the light.
Kisses all around and then goodnight.
Both quiet and still they stare at the moon.
They drift off thinking of school starting soon.
~*~
SCK012425
Shuffling through the shifting sands.
Time is written in our hands.
Traversing all; sea and lands.
Around and around for second strands.
~
Looking past our treasured finds,
the future’s seen in our minds.
Collages made of all kinds,
bloods the bond that blurs and binds.
~
Legs propel for fear or fun,
the past remains; we cannot run.
Reality’s ours seek or shun,
the face is yours, the time’s begun.
~*~
SCK090525
Mornings begin in silence.
The sun is yet to rise.
Sitting in the darkness,
I’ve no need for my disguise.
~
The black fades to purple.
The time comes into view.
Will the focus be clear,
or another shade of blue?
~
Light fills my eyes,
night escapes my head.
Thoughts invade my senses,
grays turn into dread.
~
How will I be seen today?
The mirror reflects my fright.
The clock dictates my future.
Doubts cloud my sight.
~
Daring’s at the ready,
necessity turned up high.
The door cautiously opened.
To fear I welcome good-bye.
~*~
SCK031822
Penned in my head words leak out.
Even tone’s seen with never a shout.
There’s no laughter, whispers or a scream.
The sun doesn’t shine nor does the moon beam.
~
In two dimensions my thoughts do lie.
Depth filtered through one blind eye.
Torn between paper and time,
my heart beats on rhythm and rhyme.
~
Love’s too easy when inspiration’s free.
Fear’s too real when the enemy’s me.
Fantasy’s seen with a panoramic view.
Consumption’s felt when all the colors blue.
~
Life’s many a hue with every shade of gray.
But black and white’s what we read every day.
Yesterday shapes where our todays begin.
And tomorrows start when life leaks in.
~*~
SCK022019
The albino bearded lizard wizard’s not a lizard at all.
In fact, he’s a boy, albino and bearded and he stands quite tall.
He does have a lizard, albino and bearded, who answers the wizards’ call.
Nightly laughter they both share atop the garden wall.
~
The lizard too is a wizard and a monster he’s often called.
Their youth remained for centuries; maturity was forestalled.
Each knew they were different, both glad to have a friend.
But time was ticking forward, their childhood was soon to end.
~
Graduation day finally came, the students waited on their stool.
The beasts too had graduated and now feasted by the pool.
The awkward albino bearded pair huddled in the shade,
They both laughed together, surprised they made the grade.
~
The worldly wizard queen then gave her graduation speech.
Her awestruck audience listened as a proclamation she did screech.
“All wizards must be prepared for a battle yet to be named.
The dragons were disgusted and wanted the humans tamed.”
~
The dragons were the wizards’ kings and kings of all there be.
Then the wizards sided with mankind and the change we now see.
The dragons then outnumbered but will always get their way.
So, the dragons hid, plotted, and waited for their perfect day.
~
A meeting was soon needed and a message they did send.
The queen, a very tolerant wizard, was ordered to attend.
The dragons asked the queen which side she would now assist.
She called for the albino bearded pair and said that they’ll be missed.
~
A journey the pair would make and a message they would take.
They were to find the dragons’ leer, if not, their wizardry’s fake.
At first the journey was tranquil, until the trees turned into moss.
But the map was clear, the ocean’s near and soon they had to cross.
~
The pair sat together throughout the night; laughter was not shared.
The next day was spent thinking about why they had been dared.
They questioned their strength in wizardry and why they were sent.
They pondered the most important thing; what their failure meant.
~
Shore line bound on a rocky beach the ocean soon flooded their view.
Another step and they must swim, what else was the pair to do.
Warm and dry on the wizards’ shoulder the lizard saw a true friend.
A selfless friend who’s always there, until the cold and bitter end.
~
Their bond now frozen in time the lizard leapt with the joy of a new start.
With a splash, waves of emotion swept over the lizards’ tiny cold heart.
The loyal wizard dove into the icy abyss to save his lifelong mate.
He didn’t give a second thought to what might be his fate.
~
With each clumsy stroke the friends grew larger and stronger.
Their powers finally realized; fears were theirs no longer.
Overcoming adversity was their gift and proven every day.
The pair, now reassured, knew they’d find their way.
~
The swim became enjoyable, greeting whales as they swam.
The pair now too were giants and as happy as a clam.
They traveled day and night before the land came into view.
A land covered in snow and ice; a place seen by just a few.
~
Staring into the future whilst reflecting on their past.
Forward was their path, tomorrow’s coming fast.
There was no time to frolic in this new and mystical place.
The friends had never felt the snow on their chilly face.
~
Onward they tread, each unaware of their enormous new size.
To each, the same old friend, in each other’s eyes.
The snow was getting deeper as the sun began to fade.
A shadow appeared ahead, a choice, then was made.
~
The fearless pair followed the shadow into the dark and unknown.
As the shadow disappeared, a dragon, then magically grown.
With salutations all around their dragon guide led the way.
Tirelessly they all ventured until the break of day.
~
The sun rose and a castle of ice glistened in the distance.
The albino pair stood in awe of this grand palace’s existence.
Large and foreboding gates began to open as the trio came near.
Once safely inside they were all greeted with a loud cheery cheer.
~
A bountiful feast was enjoyed, and conversation ensued.
As the hours grew late eyelids grew heavy and sleep set the mood.
A good night’s rest was enjoyed whence summoned by the king.
The angry King loudly inquired what excuses do they bring.
~
“We bring no excuses”, proclaimed the wizard, newly confident.
“We bring a message from our beloved queen, her love evident.”
“She doesn’t think war’s the answer and will not participate.”
“Humans, too, will soon grow up, so why tempt our children’s fate?”
~
The king, unamused, then asked the lizard why they were sent.
The lizard replied, “Our queen is wise, your concern is misspent.”
The king screamed to his guards “arrest them now, my patience depleted!”
The pair stood with a smile and grew some more, as was needed.
~
The guards ran away while the king, defiantly, stood alone.
“We mean no harm” said the wizard, “sit back on your throne.”
The king was furious, confused and more than a little afraid.
He then sat back on his throne and said, “what deal can be made.”
~
“No deals are needed”, said the lizard,” our job here’s complete.”
“The Queen’s message received, now we’re back to get some heat.”
Provisions were provided and the pair happily headed home.
Both, rightfully relieved to be free of that frozen catacomb.
~
Their journey back was faster as the pair now knew the way.
Their kingdom waited patiently for their return home, some day.
Back home they were greeted with fanfare and thanked by one and all.
Then the albino bearded lizard and wizard returned to their garden wall.
~
The End
~*~
SCK011025
Caution-
Image in mirror
Is milliseconds older
upon reflection
*
A Positive Negative View-
When sunny days dark
Negative ink shades dark light
Starry nights all’s bright
*
Prepoetry-
A poet’s muscle
Sculpted one word at a time
A very long time
~*~
Sck111214
Baby blue and pink,
the colors of our birth.
Beauty shared at sunset,
all around this earth.
~
As these colors fade,
stars soon will shine.
Beauty, too, can change,
when our views align.
~
Though our views may vary,
our vision’s all the same.
Raise our children to be free,
to live their lives peacefully.
~*~
090125SCK
Sunsets in September
colors to remember
vibrant hues
share life’s clues
no time for regret
or too forget
the September sunset
~*~
SCK092518
*
Time conveyed one to another
Volumes built upon each other
Leather bound illuminated stacks
Timely covers, spiny backs
Rag pressed, vellum crisp
Gilt edges awe with flourish
Foxed, toned, molded or torn
Paper sheathed, all’s to cherish
Labeled leaf beckon turns
Fiction fine, truth burns
Chapter’s start, ends remain
Hours lost, worlds to gain
Drafts waft, hearts flutter
Time’s conveyed one to another
~*~
sck040616
*
Tiny fairies flitter, sniffing summer sweets
Never pausing very long to enjoy the tasty treats
Yet on rare occasion I’ve seen them stop and stand
Purveyors perched perusing their never-ending land
*
In capes of emerald flecks a-glisten
Sharing mysteries with those who listen
Magic’s in the moment, then to disappear
Flight near invisible, journeys without fear
*
Their lengthy travels always elusive
Their worldly wisdom justly conclusive
With a welcome whisper, faintest ever heard
My fairy’s come to visit, a little humming-bird
~*~
Sck072015
Early
Too early to rise
Yesterday’s still in my eyes
Please turn off the sky
*
Chill
Morning chill alas
Open windows, smell of grass
Summer’s soon to pass
*
Past
The first school bus ride
Little faces pressed on glass
Good bye to the past
*
Sck090514
Stages of life in our micro-sense
Evaluations of thus foretold in past-tense
Passion, conception and infancy
Childhood, adolescence and maturity
*
Individually formed randomly we conform
Collectively forged to an individual norm
Perceptions of fear dictate those to be free
Neolithic to renaissance and contemporary
*
Stages of our life’s in the macro-sense
Evaluating lucidity of generations hence
Passion’s the start, when universes collide
Conception lets the atoms decide
*
Infancy opens eyes to minds a-spark
Childhood informs our fears of the dark
Siblings diverge consistent with urge
Violence to surge with power to purge
*
The time of adolescence, fire’s conceived
Ash to the wind, a world’s perceived
Sharing thought, love and hate universally
A university of diversity in an ever-changing sea
*
Young adults craft their tools to impress
Civility’s conjured with mid-age regress
Maturity may follow, though yet to see
This micro macro juncture’s where we seem to be
*
Like time itself mankind has many stages
Dark or enlightened vary though ages
With eon sundries since time had begun
Immature conclusions foretell a sundry of one
~*~
Sck070515
Step into my diorama.
Leave the present behind.
Troubles soon will fade away.
Simpler times fill the mind.
~
Rest your weary body.
Sense an ocean breeze.
Feast your eyes to candlelight.
Dream of what you please.
~
Sit beside the fire.
Music fills the air.
Welcome home my old friend.
We’ve time I’d like to share.
~*~
SCK043022
The water’s warmest,
air’s often not, late summers’
precarious spot
~*~
sck082715
rhymesalot 