Rock On, Turn Loose, Let the Rhythm Entrance

If my house was on fire I would save my guitar,

How else will I ever be a star?

I grew up with music dancing in my blood,

Music flowed over me, through me, a raging flood,

My dad was a popular DJ on the radio,

His voice drew raves for being sweet and low,

He played the tunes and talked gnarley,

His playlists included records by Clapton and Marley,

Due to station requests he played American pop,

Although his listeners suggested he slow to a stop,

And play the music that was raging in New Orleans,

Amos Milburn, Fats Domino, and other artists of means,

So when he got home we would experiment,

Checking out the sounds we could invent,

Since he played instruments of all makes,

We often tried several different takes,

Mixing the sounds, adjusting the levels,

Discovering how strings sound on different bevels,

Putting in layers, laying the bass components of a melody,

Sometimes stripping the accents to let the sound go free,

But emphasizing the drums, that’s what I learned first,

I thought I had to play the drums or I would burst,

The drums and the bass made the most sense,

The other instruments were added as accents,

For dad, his life was here or there in his dreams,

But I wanted riches and fame that gleamed,

Dad was content and never strayed from home,

While I counted days until I could roam,

Friends would come over and we would play in the alley,

 Play for hours if they wanted, especially for Sally,

One evening just about seven it was her and me,

She’d hung around and I knew what she wanted it to be,

While I was putting complex layers of music on,

She was slipping complex layers off until they were gone,

Now I was younger and easily impressed,

With her slim tender body completely undressed,

She taught me a lesson to help me understand,

There was more than riches to make life grand,

Sally was there often after hearing me play,

But she kissed me goodbye and left one day,

My music became hypnotic arrangements,

Other Sallys dropped by, they came and went,

Electronic music evolved that tugged at the heart,

It spoke to me and became my favorite kind of art,

Dub music, ska, reggae, punk, I played them all,

Sallys everywhere let my throbbing music enthrall,

Opening their hearts to music of all kinds,

Learning from it, freeing their minds,

They showed respect for me while I played,

And stayed around after long, long days,

Their warm bodies were always on fire,

And sooner or later quenched my desire,

Peace and calm reigned when no one was in sight,

My music would sing softly throughout the night,

Now my living room has become my music space,

But if you’re restless like Sally, I’ll find you a place,

We’ll turn the lights low, let the beat enhance,

Rock on, turn loose, let the rhythm entrance,

Let the soft layered melodies stir you to dance,

Rock on, rock on, and feel the romance,

My music absorbs me, it’ll touch you too,

We’ll listen, we’ll talk, about all things true,

We’ll dance to rhythms beneath moonlit sky,

Then surrender together to love’s tender cry.

Your Words are Treasures!

It’s time to clear your mind of clutter,

Of harmful words that you might utter,

Clear the slate of words that sting,

Think of terms that love might bring,

When the air is filled with words of praise,

They warm the nights and soften the days,

Those words build relationships deep,

Forging bonds that your heart will keep,

A base composed of appreciation and trust,

With treasures that won’t break or rust,

Positive words will increase self-worth,

There is a shortage of those on earth,

Those sweet words that build self-esteem,

Are given to you when angels dream,

Your body language and tone of voice,

Can strike fear or give cause to rejoice,

Show mercy to others as given to you,

What goes around, comes around, you know that too,

Let terms of endearment sweeten your tongue,

Let your kindness be legendary, your praises sung,

If respect is given to both young and old,

Your hair might turn silver, but your heart will stay gold,

Encourage others to search for a star,

Give them a boost if they can’t reach that far,

And let them know your heart, tell them you care,

You’ll love them forever, and always be there.

Dying to Live or Learning to Die

(Sorry, I couldn’t make up my mind)

I might be around for quite a few years,

So don’t shed any tears,

Oh, for goodness sake,

Give me an Irish wake,

Or bake a large cake,

I’ve been dying since the moment I was born,

A finite length somewhere in eternity,

Not that anyone said that to me,

But I knew life was limited like a blade of grass,

When my time was up I expected to pass,

I didn’t want to close my mind,

Facing death is but a challenge to find,

The other side, without the fear,

Of leaving here,

I was taken from my mother’s womb,

Uncomfortable there with little room,

To grow, and do you know,

I’m being crowded again,

With my limitations and eager to emerge,

Into a new world, I’m on the verge

 I’m ready to face, or even embrace,

Death when it comes for me,

Like going to sleep and awakening in another place,

But for now I want to live every minute of every day,

Not worrying about the ifs and whens,

Ready to confront death with a grin,

Not fearful at all, knowing it will happen,

 Sooner or later, maybe not today,

And it might not be my way

I might want to take a snooze or die on a cruise,

Take medicines to keep me sane,

Or just sit back and let my life wane,

You can help me by showing love and support,

Take out the trash,  give me a glass of port,

I don’t need to see you cry, or to know why,

You think you’re going to miss me,

My passing will set you free,

 I don’t want to take care of you,

I’ve got enough to do,

Keeping death from snuffing my wick,

Hey! Remember I’m the one who is sick!

I have faith that there is life after death,

I have my hope, and that helps me cope,

I’d like to see you there too,

Not just another molecule,

Returning back to dust,

But if you must, you must,

How much time do I have really?

I enjoy life, but how time flew,

I was ready to give life up long ago for you,

But I didn’t have to,

I’ve lived a full life, faced a little strife,

And discovered much about me,

But don’t you see, that’s vanity,

I want to have a normal day, the best,

Go home and get some rest,

Get my life in order, no unfinished business,

No unsettled mess,

I don’t intend to leave you all alone,

I’ll be watching, helping you atone,

All the times you thought I wasn’t a great friend,

I want you to know I was the best I’ve been,

And whatever you say or do, remember I loved you,

Play some music on my last days,

Or read me a book about how to mend my ways,

Tell lies about telling the truth,

Laugh and share things with Ruth,

Wait a minute! I don’t know any Ruth, that’s the truth,

Tell me funny stories or remind me of stories I still need to write,

But I’m afraid that would keep me up throughout the night,

I can see me now, waiting with my laptop in bed,

Wanting you to remember the last words I said,

It’s hard to type with these clumsy fingers of mine,

“They’re coming for me, it’s about time,

I’m waiting in line,

Oops! I’m out of time.  Don’t forget to write!

Call me sometime!

Okay! I’m going already.

Uh, could I tell one more story or write a poem?”

Written in response to my own thoughts about death and dying, knowing that I don’t know what tomorrow might bring, should tomorrow even come. I’ve tasted hell a few times here on earth, and decided I don’t want the full menu. I tell people that every day above ground is a good day and I say, “Thank God, I’m alive!”  I’m reminded daily of all the good things here and better things yet to come.  When you get to the pearly gates, I want to be there to greet you with a smile and say, “I’m glad you made it. There’s a place reserved for you.  Take off your shoes and stay awhile.  Don’t worry about the weather.  It won’t get too hot or too cold and Hell storms never make it up the hill.”

Going Camping (Part Three)

(Conclusion)

Melissa had gone on a rampage and destroyed the room,

The lamps, the mirror, she left me to face my doom,

I didn’t bother going to bed, I wouldn’t be able to sleep,

Every passing car could be the Sheriff, Nathan, or some creep,

Destroying evidence would be claimed if I started to clean,

But if I didn’t, what would be surmised if I fled the scene?

It was all so confusing, I wasn’t sure next what should ensue,

I slipped a note under the office door explaining what I would do,

I’d pay for the damage even though it wasn’t mine,

I wanted to leave a positive note but there just wasn’t time,

I gathered what I could and hiked towards the station,

Staying in the deepest shadows, a desperate man in a situation,

In an alley across the street I caught my breath, it looked safe to go,

A sudden premonition said something was wrong, just stay low,

My pickup looked ready, but the station was too quiet, too perfect,

I waited a few minutes for some sounds I could detect,

A car door opened, I heard a voice, “For Pete’s sake, can’t you wait?”

“I have to pee.  He’s not here anyway, it’s probably too late,”

“If you scare that bastard off you’ll wreck the Sheriff’s plan,

If the Sheriff sees you standing there, you’ll be a dead man,”

“Check your gun and be ready, but let me get the first shot,

I’m the better marksman, in case you up and forgot,”

The two deputies I met at the café seemed to have plenty to say,

I dropped to the pavement, I wanted to live another day,

Another car drove past, Nathan and the Sheriff, side by side,

The Sheriff was driving, Nathan had a rifle pointing outside,

They went two blocks, came back and parked their car,

“Don’t worry, Nathan,” the Sheriff consoled, “He can’t get far,”

“You seen him yet? I’ve got the other boys ready at the ends of town,

I’m hoping he’ll come here, it won’t be long before he’s found,

Anybody who’s dumb enough to rape the mayor’s wife,

Doesn’t deserve to live.  We’ll string him up and take his life,”

“We should have done that with the other strangers last time,

Rather than dumping their bodies in the old gold mine,

Now, Nathan, you’ve got to be calm and just wait,

We’ll hang him as an example, this time justice won’t be late.”

In the alley I inched away, then sprinted to the main highway,

There was no time to lose, there was no place to stay,

At a fast food restaurant two trucks were parked, my last hope,

One truck was loaded with carnival rides, I could bless the Pope!

One of the rides was a big fish!  Wouldn’t I have quite the tale,

Wouldn’t it be something if I escaped in the belly of a whale?

But positive energy was flowing towards the cattle truck,

Call me crazy, but I pushed and shoved my way in, trusting to luck,

The cattle were restless so I sang softly to quiet them down,  

When the driver returned they watched him but made no sound,

He followed the carnival driver heading south through the woods,

After a few miles they came to a halt, “We need to check your goods”

Deputies swarmed all over the carnival truck, checking out the rides,

The cattle truck was smelly and two deputies said, “We’re not climbing inside,”

The truck was waved on after the deputies said their goodbyes,

I stood again as soon as we were on the road, crooning lullabies,

A few towns later the trucks pulled over and the drivers popped out,

They came to the back and the cattle truck driver began to shout,

“You can come out now and quit your hiding, it’s time you were found,”

I made my way forward and stepped quickly to the ground,

“The cattle wouldn’t be behavin’ unless there’s a cowboy, was my hunch,

But I’ll be danged if I was going to turn you over to that wild logger bunch,

We’d be witnesses to your treatment, they’d shoot us on sight,

Telling anybody who’d listen that we helped you take flight,”

“Where’re you headin’? I’d take you up front but you don’t smell good,”

“To turn myself in,” I answered, “It’s the right thing, I know I should,”

At the police station they ignored me, then things happened quick,

 I convinced them I was telling them the truth, it wasn’t a trick,

I told them about the old mine and the FBI was called in,

Tourists had disappeared there, and speculation was grim,

Melissa hung tough but after inconsistencies began to show,

She blubbered about the sheriff and Nathan, her tears did flow,

The Sheriff and two of the deputies were arrested and booked,

Nathan had shot one of Melissa’s lovers so his goose was cooked,

Me? I was lucky to get out of there, my pickup fixed free,

The rude man and his friends? Now that’s still a mystery,

I don’t think about what they tried to do, that’s negativity,

All I know is positive forces seem to agree with me.

I think being positive beats negativity every time, although I still haven’t gotten to go camping.  I can picture it now, camping in the forest, close to the ocean, watching the elk herd meander along, waiting for the fog to lift, enjoying the excitement of nature, wide eyed and ready for new adventures.

  

Let Your Dreams Soar!

If you’ve been looking back at people you’ve known,

Wishing you’d been kinder, with more respect shown,

They led you up roads where challenges were steep,

Through pages of history where knowledge was deep,

Through languages, art, calculations and more,

They taught you learning is lifelong, and easy to store,

What? You think education was nothing but a one way track?

Then you’ve set limits on yourself, what’s holding you back?

You’ve been wasting your time seeing only with your eyes,

For knowledge is from experiences gained whatever you try,

Seeing well and listening well are taught right from the start,

 But true learning occurs with visions straight from the heart,

You may have broken dreams that you still need to mend,

Let all your cherished hatreds go, and love others to the end,

Try doing the impossible tasks you once set out to explore,

Don’t let anything hold you down, let your dreams soar,

Don’t look for Easy Street to help you go the distance,

The Path of Most Resistance will give you your best chance,

For sacrifices and challenges stir up the will to fight,

With each barrier you take away, dreams are released to flight,

Don’t look behind at each precipice you have crossed,

Keep focused on the goal ahead, don’t let your vision get lost,

And those leaders and teachers, prophets, parents and more,

Paved the way with their sweat and tears and opened the door,

So salute those who have expanded your worlds to explore,

Don’t let anything hold you back, let your dreams soar,

For the world is waiting for you to set a new trend,

You’re unique, talented, and educated, it’s time to begin.

Going Camping, Thinking Positive

My first impression of the north woods town
,

Was not one in which beauty was found,

Smoke rose from the pulp mills and rising dust,

Logging trucks bulging with logs, ready to bust,   

Surely that is what all tourists chance to see,

Or were my negative thoughts playing tricks on me,

It was early evening so I decided to stop for fuel,

Don’t get stranded without gas is my first rule,

And in the woods where fewer people were found,

Gas stations were rare, and at night were shut down,

While my pickup was filling I strolled inside,

Bought a coffee and some chips to ease the ride,

On my way out I glanced at a car pulling slowly in,

The driver was scowling, anger showing, no grin,

“Whatcha lookin’ at?” he snarled as he passed me by,

“You got some kind of problem? Should I black your eye?”

I hurried on past without stopping to converse,

I was on vacation, no reason to argue or worse,

Sipping a hot coffee and munching my chips,

Singing loudly to no one and enjoying my trip,

When the pickup sputtered, coughed and died,

I coasted to the edge of the steep mountainside,

I mused over my predicament, it was not to my liking,

I could stay all night there, or I could begin hiking,

Two logging trucks roared by, shaking my truck,

“If I stay here on the edge, I could just be out of luck,”

A car approached in the darkness and came to a stop,

The driver got out, it was the rude man from the shop,

He glared, “Hah,” he said, and on the ground spat,

“Serves you right for staring at people, and that is that,”

I started to protest but he was already on his way,

“I’m not going to let you ruin what’s left of this day,”

I hiked north along the road, hoping to find a town,

But several hours passed slowly with no one around,

A commotion in front of me, something in the road,

A deer, still alive, stunned and scared, towards it I strode,

I talked to it calmly, quietly, urging it to relax,

Amazingly the deer ceased kicking, and listened to facts,

With my heart in my throat, I checked out the deer,

“You’re going to be fine,” I said, “when you’re over your fear,”

I lifted and pulled as the deer struggled to its feet,

It looked at me for a moment, its recovery complete,

It stumbled and then bounded away into the night,

I was alone once more and feeling all right,

Dawn broke silently and quickly, the sun touching the trees,

I thought of the emptiness of my life, in varying degrees,

I caught myself, “I can’t let negative thoughts slip in,

Negative brings negative, lets the erosion begin,

I must think positive, for positive forces I need,

What can I do right now, that would be a good deed?”

I began picking up cans and paper lining the way,

“I’ll do this while I’m thinking of places to stay,”

Several times I heard footsteps in the forest nearby,

Yet when I stopped, only birds and wind caught my eye,

A car slowed, stopped, and seemed waiting for me,

It was the rude man with two others, now there were three,

They were carrying baseball bats and I felt a sudden chill,

I was the target they wanted, they were after a thrill,

“Whatcha lookin’ at?” he growled and for once had a grin,

“There’s no way to escape this group of men,”

Now this is where my story sounds confusing and surreal,

Out of the bushes shapes came hurtling, it didn’t seem real,

The three men were knocked down and thrown aside,

I started running, but there was no place to hide,

I ran, I jogged, I walked, exhausted but continuing on,

Trying to separate fact from fiction, all reason gone,

A pickup pulled alongside me, two men in hard hats,

Offered me a ride into town, and that was that,

A short conversation of which they could make no sense,

About positives being better whenever I’m tense,

I arranged for a tow truck to take me back,

We collected my pickup and I was again on track,

I saw the rude man’s car still waiting where he parked,

I wondered a moment where they had embarked,

There was too much I didn’t understand about this night,

Later on I would wonder how I came out all right.

(to be continued)

Part 2, Going Camping

Going Camping, Trouble in Town

At six in the morning I strolled down Main Street,

Admiring the small shops, enjoying the sun’s heat,

I went into Roger’s, a café with customers waiting in line,

I was told by a waitress, “It’s always like this, rain or shine,”

Inside on a wall there was a sign bright and bold,

WEAR SHOES AND A SHIRT AND DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD,

A sudden thought whizzed around in my head,

“It doesn’t sound positive, it sounds negative instead,”

Another sign, “If you ain’t hungry, you’re wasting a place,

We only serve those who’re feeding their face!”

I was tempted to order the Sasquatch Special Plate,

But I was sure the special was meant to feed at least eight,

I ordered the smallest dish, called the Redwood Tree,

Aware that several people were casually watching me,

The waitress sashayed by, several times or more,

Then she stopped and said, “Before you go out that door,

There are three men in the corner with words to say,

And they look serious, they don’t have time to play,”

I was still feeling positive so I strolled over to see,

“Good morning, Sheriff, officers, you wanted to see me?”

“We’ve been searching all morning for three of our friends,

We thought you might know just where we should begin,”

“I’m sorry, sir, I really don’t know where they went,

They came to greet me but little time was spent,”

They looked at me dubiously, “We’re watching you double,

You can’t come into this town and start causing trouble,”

“I’m on my way to the Prairie Creek campground,

As soon as my pickup is finished, I’m leaving town,”

“If our buddies don’t show up, we’ll be looking for you,

There’s a connection, even if you’re just passing through,”

I didn’t know what to say so I turned and walked out,

But before I got through the door I heard the sheriff shout,

“Remember, don’t go far, we’ll be watching you, Stranger,”

Something inside of me kept saying, “Danger, danger, danger,”

If I could get my pickup I would hurry and get on the road,

I didn’t want the sheriff and his deputies to add to my load,

The mechanic was still working, meticulous but slow,

“It won’t be done today, sometime in the morning though,”

What point was there to argue if the results would be the same?

A man entered the garage, “I don’t think I gave you my name,”

“I’m Nathan,” he said, “I drove you here late last night,”

Even without his hard hat he was a welcome sight,

“My wife and I would like to take you out to dine,

Then show you around our town, we won’t let you decline,”

He got into his pickup, waved, “I’ll be back at six,”

I found a motel, checked in, “I hope this isn’t a trick,”

When Nathan and his wife, Melissa, arrived, I was at my best,

“The food is delicious, the people great at The Logger’s Nest,

You’ll like the long benches that fit at each table,

We all crowd together and talk while we’re able,”

The conversation was lively, between Nathan and some guy,

While Melissa and I talked quietly, squeezed thigh to thigh,

She plied me with questions about my city life,

She wanted to know everything, why I didn’t have a wife,

Later they showed me what they liked about their town,

Stopping at bars to visit friends and throw a few drinks down,

 I became the designated driver as the night took its toll,

Water and sodas had been my fare, so I was left in control,

Finally I drove them home, determined to walk to the motel,

“No, no, no,” Melissa said. “I’m almost sober, as you can tell,

Nathan can put himself to bed, there’ll be no debate,”

I didn’t want to argue, I was tired, and it was late,

On the way Melissa slid to the middle of the seat,

Then closer, thigh against thigh, I could feel the heat,

She leaned her head against my shoulder and sighed,

“I can’t drive with you close like this,” I lied,

“Nathan neglects me and leaves me all alone,

Why don’t you stay a few days and your camping trip postpone?”

I got out quickly at the motel but I heard the other door slam,

“I’ve got to use the girl’s room,” she said, and I was in a jam,

“I’ll just be a minute or two, and then I’ll be on my way,”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting at the truck, so please don’t delay,”

Time passed slowly and Melissa never came out,

Maybe something happened, although I had some doubt,

She was in bed, the covers tucked up under her chin,

“I’m cold,” she whispered, “so hurry up and get in,”

I shook my head, “Melissa, I can’t betray Nathan’s trust,

You and Nathan are my friends, I won’t give in to lust,”

She looked at me as if I had arrived from deepest space,

“He’s drunk and asleep, you can have me and leave no trace,

I’ve been waiting all evening for you, don’t you want me too?”

She was beautiful, I was needy, both of those were true,

“I’m sorry, Melissa, I’ll wait in the pickup until you get dressed,”

That was not what she expected for she looked quite distressed,

I shut the door behind me but not before I heard breaking glass,

Finally silence, I was sure positives won’t let negativity surpass,

She stormed out, her hair disheveled, her blouse torn,

“You could have made this easy and fun, now you they’ll scorn,

When I made plans to be with you, I must have been dreaming,

Now get out of my truck before I start screaming,

I’ll tell Nathan you laughed when my blouse was torn,

I’ll make you wish you’d never been born,”

One day of vacation used on this camping trip,

Negativity is winning, I’m in its grip.

(Part 2)