November 2022 (An offering) Amen!

 November

 

How nearly now the end has come

In youth time dragged but now flies fast

Will finally this one year Oh! be the last

As on to trek from whence I’m come

 

In winter time where it did begin

Through all good day and then another

Can’t toll the time which marches farther

And, suddenly, we’re nearly there again

 

To feel so ready, then not at all

Might it really start where it does end

A race to only find round circle send

While spirits soar must mankind fall

 

Most lovely time in this year’s life

Machiavellian ends justified by means

Black soul to white Holy Water cleans

Free yearning spirit now from strife

 

Thanksgiving proper place for humble-praise

Import to hit each note in leaps and bounds

Empty space between is where the music sounds

Exemplar deeds faith’s trail to blaze

 

Thank God for sparing unfathomed trepidation

Charmed life, ’tis true, I know not why

His Grace bestowed on one such as I

Understand not but accept true His Revelation

 

Whisper-wind howls clarion-call to winter-chill

Larder-full! Seasoned-logs await fire-hunger flames

Holy-season at hand promise any evil-try it tames

Snow-sacred desire to holy Christmas-coming thrill

 

Time-through-space dare be no sojourn Love-vacant

Rebel! Rascal! Rogue! Rapscallion! Full-of-life!

Eschew: Evil-Worry! Fear! Deny any and all strife

I lived then---and now…and ’morrow future blatant

 

Come what may I’ll not complain! Just Let-it-snow!

Winter! Spring! Summer! Fall! His seasons flow!

Amen!

Happy Halloween! Boo! "Trick or treat!"

 “Trick or treat!”

 

A pair of scared eyes peer through a window to Halloween’s dark street

Oh! Dear!  Ghosts and ghouls and goblins scurry calling, “Trick or treat!”

 

Poor ole Nanny bravely-greets dead-spooks at our front door

Graveyard wraiths have come alive running amuck, galore

 

“They’ll get you, Nanny! with their innocent “Trick or treat!”

Cemetery full moon ghosts pretending a “We’re alive!” deceit

 

Oh! No! A tiny spirit-wraith is on our porch staring at “me”

It floated right through the wall! Yikes! Surely, I must flee

 

Hiding safe beneath my bed I see the ghost fly into the room

What is that loud noise? My knocking knees? I must assume

 

It’s bending down to peer within my hiding place! What’s that it said?

“Bapa! Don’t be afraid!”---Thee spook reaches out for me…I’m dead!

 

A sweet giggle comes from the sheet as it’s removed! Gabriella Leigh!

Relieved, I am! It’s just lovely little granddaughter’s pretty face, I see

 

She pulls me out and takes me back to Nanny leading by her gentle hand

“It’s just boys and girls disguised for a Halloween ‘Trick or treat!’ fun-plan”

 

“Oh! Child!” I try to laugh. “I always knew it was only sweetness you! My Hon!”

Gabriella hands Bapa a sheet and begs him to just join in the Halloween scary-fun

 

Two ghosts, one big, one small, haunt the alabaster-pale full moon light

“Who? Who?” An ole hoot-owl on a bare branch calls, giving Bapa a fright

 

He hugs Gabriella Leigh quite tight, “Don’t be afraid! Bapa will protect you, Dear!”

With a shaky-voice he stammers, “I’m---here…so, you don’t have anything to fear!”

 

“Rustle! Rustle!” To escape the evil-sound Bapa climbs a nearby pole joining the flag

“Oh! Bapa!” Little-girl laughs. “It’s only the wind chasing dry leaves in a game-of-tag.”

 

“Oh! Sure! I know that! I just wanted to count the stars and make sure they’re 50 right!”

Police showed up! Every spook gathered ’round to view a funny Halloween night-sight!

 

“Ma’am!” The cop spoke to dear Nanny, “Keep him home, he’s scaring the kids!”

Proudly! Bapa displays his bag of candy-treats from his “Trick or treat!” night-bids

 

Really?! I am not afraid of any ghostly-scene!

“Boo!”---Yikes!... Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!---Boo!...Yikes!

 Happy Halloween!

 

“Whoo!” Whispers cold-warning October-winds

Hoot-owl feathers dance rustling leaves it sends

 

Large white oval eyes perched on a skeleton bare branch

Spooky yellow harvest-moon translucent alabaster-blanch

 

Pale ghosts, wild goblins neighborhood streets invaded

“Trick or treat!” Sugar-sweets keep urchin-kids satiated

 

Johnny masquerades an ugly Frankenstein bloody freak-scene

Angelic-child in broad daylight---he is not really all that mean

 

Sweet sassy Sally-Sue so feminine can actually sew and stitch

Black pointed hat, wart on long-nose casts evil, wicked-witch

 

Behind barred barriers cowers populace while praying “Faith!”

Intelligent to fear the living rather than some poor spook wraith

 

“I want to suck your blood!” Fanged Count Dracula openly true-confesses

“We’re used to it!” Counters citizens familiar with politicos’ transgresses

 

Dark graveyard ghostlike sentinels white marble statue monuments

“Better them than me! Dying to get in there!” Determined sentiments

 

Red! Yellow! Gold! ghoul-leaves rustle like a rattler’s warning alarm

Play chase and tag tumbling along caught in a turbulent wind-storm

 

Wee-ones scurry house-to-house with open bags beg charity

A Headless Horseman gallops on Main Street just for hilarity

 

On yon church steeple-high a wicked witch points at all she knew

“At midnight you all will monsters be! Dare drink of my vile brew!”

 

“Tis not the Christmas Eve, most horrid evil woman!” In unison, they plead

With focused intent, “Candy-full by then we will all be snug-tight in bed!”

 

Drifting clouds slowly obscured the illuminating-orb bright full moon

To tempt chilly obfuscated myriad stinging raindrops descending soon

 

Racing safely home with overburdened sweetness-bags shrewd children shout

“Happy Halloween! Young friends!” Dare! Enjoy it all before, alas: Lights out!

 

Happy Halloween!

 

Trick or treat!

 

“Trick or treat! Boo!”

 

 

Gabriella Leigh with Miss Penelope soar the night sky on

Magic-unicorn in front of yonder alabaster-pale full moon

shadowing stark, huge, bare, black, naked branches of the

ancient silver maple tree in Nanny’s front yard in skeletal

silhouettes against the dark-of-dead wraiths and ghosts and

goblins screeching hollow-howls in the chill air as our brave

trio marauds the neighborhood in search of candy treats and

sweets delight for good little girls and kitty cats purr. Meow!

 

A cold Whisper-wind dances a merry cadenced-beat in a hasty

game of colored-leaf “tag” quick-racing hither and yon. Whish!

 

“Come on out! Bapa!” Coaxes Gabriella Leigh trying unsuccessfully

to hide her laughter at the old “scaredy-cat”. “Trick or treat!”

 

As our dear Nanny fills the revelers’ bags with “goodies” our little girl

tries once more to rouse Bapa, “Come on! Miss Penelope and Magic

unicorn will protect you. You’re missing lots of good treats and sweets.”

 

From the dark bedroom the trio hears a quavering voice coming from

beneath the bedspread. “Oh! I ain’t scared! I’ll be out? Sometime?”

 

Magic whinnied his doubt at that “brave” statement.

 

Gabriella Leigh shrugged and laughed.

 

Miss Penelope said “Meow!” and licked a sucker.

 

Poor Nanny just shook her head, sadly.

 

Finally, seeing the “Trick or treat!” Halloween-trio brave enough

to venture out on such a night as this, “brave” Bapa came out.

 

Just as he reached the door a throng of ghastly ghosts and ghouls and

ole goblins came flying up the side walk. “Trick or treat!” They yelled.

 

As Nanny dutifully filled all their bags, Bapa hid under the bed!

 

“It’s okay, Bapa.” Gabriella Leigh said to him. “You’ll be plenty

safe, there. We’ll get candy and share with you!” Kitty-cat meowed.

In the end---Bapa ate most of the sweets…and,…got sick!

 

“Trick or treat!”

"Boo!" Leaves are falling!

 Happy Halloween!

Leaf-color is Fantastic! this year!

They're falling fast; soon to be gone.

Halloween is right around the corner.

Some kid in Wal-Mart was staring at me and pointing.

"Mommy, look at that monster!" He cried.

Humph! Dumb kid! I wasn't wearing a mask! Hmm!

Sure-enough reckon-so I'm always ready for "Trick or treat"!

Gee! Did I just confess: I love "candy"? Amen!

Amen!

Happy Birthday! John!

 Happy Birthday! John!

Atta boy! Coming-of-age! You'll do very well!

Work hard! (smart)----Be successful!...Continue to enjoy life!

What to be?---Surprise!...Hell! At "75" I still don't know!

Been way too busy having a Grand Fun-adventure! Amen!

I believe in Love! Life! Rainbows! Butterflies! & Unicorns!

Faith! Family! & Freedom! A holy-sacred mantra o inspire!

You''ll do just fine---I know!...I just blessed you with Success!

Happy Birthday! Candy & Carl

Amen!

"Trick or Treat!" Coming soon!

 Halloween!

Gabriella Leigh will be a "mouse" on Halloween!

1 week to go---and...counting! Can't wait!

Amen!

Cadenced Future

 Cadenced Future
 
 
Where defiled time escapes like magic dust on a magician’s wand
Revere the been, embrace what is, brave greet new promised dawn
 
Perhaps! Lament challenge-chance wind-swirled mirage of a gone yesterday
Better? Expect! Best? Demand! Important Most? Forget-me-not to oft play
 
For thou shall pass this way by here but once never to return
Cast aside material; respect-love a simple deserved discern
 
Usurp not grandeur-pride elite wrapped in pure mantle humble
Courageous journey life-footfall recover errant falter stumble
 
And, from new light, past high noon sun to dimming dusk time night
Refuse seductive evil worry-fear, eschew obfuscated untrue sighr
 
For I dared dance love through life refuse respect any demon false
Moment-embraced perceived passion-sensual choreographed waltz
 
And, when thy call comes as each shall find to be so soon too quick
Smile remembered-dreams lived-wild, delight sweet savor sugar’s lick
 
A distant drummer calls the beat, yet each life must contemplate
Then, past; now, here; such cadenced future for not one be ever late
 
Amen!

Autumn leaves!

 Wind-purge!

The leaves turned "overnight" and half fell before dawn. Wow!

I predicted "snow" for October; today is 80-degrees! Wrong!

Well! Anyway, the leaves are colorful and pretty. Raking, soon.

Our UK girls are home for a visit. Great!

Life is GRAND! Getting wound-up for Santa Claus! Yeah!

Lot's to do between now and then; might even get it all done?

Sure will enjoy giving her the old "college" try; like always.

Trying to write a "month" of Christmas poems for December.

Amen!

College-girls! Yea!

 Kentucky University!

Our "college-girls" are home for fall-break! Yea!

Had a delightful dinner with them and Miss Mayson.

Very enjoyable food, company and conversation.

Nice to "catch-up" on their exciting lives. Fun!

Thank you! For a delightful-evening!

Amen!

Oldy---but a "goodie"...I just like it! Amen!

 

A “New”-Reality!?---How!?...&-Why!?

(an-awakening!?)

 

I was busy just-opening one of my big safe-deposit boxes in any-bank

Held myriad gold-coins to gain my-horde as I enjoy special high-rank

 

Suddenly like a lightning-flash my-mind gray-fogged in a cosmos-swirl

Quick-standing on a muddy-water river-bank before a fragile native-girl

 

A-tan burlap-sack covered her shivering thin-body hunched against a tree

In bony-arms she cradled a ragged-blanket holding a cold-infant set-free

 

Big brown-eyes stared-lifeless absent any further-want to shed sorrow-tears

Poverty & War & worse-poverty had stolen her-youth of a-hard fifteen-years

 

Any anchor-roots refused to-sprout early-ripped away from nurture-soil

Enough-to-eat for day-to-day survival fending-off troubles, snares & toil

 

I had witnessed lost-Hope! “desperation” when any industry-Captain fell

My adrift-girl seemed but a wraith with a story she could-not possibly-tell

 

This proud-heart lived above any-fray but at the pathetic-sight it fair-melted

Money! & Power! I celebrated-life very-fine! Wine! Women! & Song!-belted!

 

Hollow-lithe skeleton quaked in abject-despair as an angelic-spirit resigned

Death-of-the-baby had severed soul-from-body in an evil-anguish assigned

 

I knew-not what-to-say having-had no experience facing a vacant-lost ghost

Gold-coins in me-hand held-out to her seemed an un-Christian insulting-boast

 

Corse-vile Money! She could neither-understand nor-want nor covet-in-sin

And---I had no worthy gesture-offering…I knew-not where ’ere she’d-been

 

Seemed-I might have been-able to assist in some small treasure-measure way

My-wealth! Business-acumen! Cunning-wit! Failed! Any-aid? Held-at-bay!

 

I wanted to tell the-girl “Life is like the river-water bringing green-abound.”

I wished to hold her close like a father-comfort---but…Courage not-found

 

Didn’t-matter! ---The damsel saw-me-not!...Her senses halted-in-abeyance

An evil-vacant loss claimed her dismissed-spirit/soul in-lost Hope!-defrayance

 

Not-a-single-word did the Young-lady utter nor even acknowledge-me

Her-situation spoke-volumes that even a blind-man ought begin-to-see

 

 

A solid-clunk awoke-me as a heavy gold-coin slapped at the metal-box

Departing yon-“fog” back-to-some-reality time-faded from-spirit-clocks

 

I soon-embarked a-journey continent-bound toward a muddy-water river

Me generous-purpose finding yon Hope-less Miss to be a Salvation-giver

 

Allow-I bear-cumbrance your-burden and your-strife? (1:12)-Deuteronomy

Found first-friend fine-fellowship Faith! Family! Freedom!-Philanthropy

 

Hope! Comfort! Inspiration! Only-just vacant-dreams of resolute-fantasy to-Pray?

A faint glimmer-spark within a faded-eye Redemption!-Salvation! One-soon-day!

 

For blessings thee have---eternal-Thankful! For vacant-desires…Deny!-Eschew!

Selfless!-Think! –Live! -Love! Satiate-thy-spirit appreciating Grace! Thee-knew!

 

Live! Love! Laugh! Focus-contemplate!

Vigilant-be! No-one’s future is ever-late!

 

Faith! Family! Freedom! Might just be all there really---Is!

In one-eternal-instant the only mercy-blessing will be…His!

 

For one-fine-day might “There: Go-I!” save God’s-Love! not just-away too-far

My eternal-Redemption! Love! My-Salvation! Dared-Dreams! Pray-I reach-par!

 

When ’ere haughty-Pride! Shines a bright golden-crown bejeweled luster-glow

My-(simple-humble) desired-spirit revisits a wretched native-soul river-review show

 

My transgression-sin confessed: I might not have been the very-best I-could?

 Any-Redemption chance: Tried keep Commandments-10! Like I knew I-should!

Possible-Salvation!? For such lost-soul? Spread Happy!-Grace! To-all I-would!

 

And---one fine-day…in judgment-eternal may I-stand Proud!-tall relief

I planted 12k-trees---bequeathed-smiles…quelled another’s wicked-grief

 

There!---upon a muddy-water riverbank…a witness vile-conclusion of-despair

Two-souls!---One-dead! One-challenged!...Two-spirits a rejoiced-in-Grace! share

 

For any and all I’ve-been and am and on-the-’morrow-dawn Hope! might try-to-be

In fairness Honor!-Truth! sacred- life and Love! allow me-spirit crystal-clarity to-see

 

In every-challenge encourage Good!---Better!...Striving eternal to-attain the very-Best!

Pray-I! My thoughts and words and deeds deliver Love!-Peace! upon horizon’s-crest

 

Amen! Amen! & Amen!

Clouds!

Cloud-Peace!

 Lovely!---Pure brilliant floating-white!...Beautiful! & Inspiring!

I love clouds; forever have---and...eternal shall! Amen!

Lady Candice says she'll bounce on them first chance she gets!

Great idea!---Think I might...just join her in that endeavor! Amen!

Inspiring! They are! Might cultivate a rhyming song-tune?

Mother Nature!---Seductress-Extraordinaire!Perfect!

Come! Join me in a lovely Fantasy! Oh! Bring a Magic-unicorn!

See you there---Adventure-bound!...Yee! Haa!

Amen!

"Hard"-freeze!

 "Fall"---is...here!

Hard-freeze last night! "28"! Brr!

Ole Halloween looks to be chilly and windy.

Well!---the "sweet" candy...will be "tasty"!

There's "Good" & "Bad" in everything! I reckon!

Amen!

Ah! Christmas spirit! Amen!

 Christmas!? Hmm!?

Yeah! I know! Look at the calendar! Halloween!

But---I never...can wait! Rather be "ready"!

Getting "gift" ideas lined up; ordered a few "goodies"!

Just completed a Christmas "project" for somebody!?

Wait & see! Ole Santa is alive and well! Amen!

Writing Christmas stories for December.

First---Happy Halloween!...Thanksgviing! Too!

Counting the "time"---Tic! Tic! Tic!...One! Two! Three!...

Amen!

Happy Birthday! Alexander!

 Happy Birthday! Alexander!

That "Banker" man drinks from the youth-fount

Silver! Gold! Diamonds! By the ton he counts!

"Atta-boy!" Keep 'em guessing!? What?

When you take over, A job I ain't got!

You done Good! Boy! Perfect-family! Hmm!?

Well! Pretty-close!? 'Cept for one!? Hmm!?

Tomorrow's sweet Monday! The bank---is...Open!

Black suit & tie & shoes! Tally Green! I'm hopin'!

Have a day as Great as your blessed time!

Rainbows! Butterflies! Unicorns! Sunshine!

Amen!

Happy Birthday!

Love, Candy & Carl

Cool nights! Warm days!

 "Good" sleeping wather!

Ah! Autumn! Celebrate!

Amen!

"Trick or treat!"

 Halloween! Boo!

It's coming!---And...I'm ready! Boo!

Christmas can't be far behind! Yea!

Amen!

Happy Anniversary! Z. Tyler & Jennifer!

 Happy 4th Anniversary! Yea!

Congratulations!

Way-to-go! Nice job! Love it!

Beautiful! To the entire family: Jen! Z. Tyler! Gabriella Leigh! Bisc!

Amen!

Love you! Nanny & Bapa

Halloween messages and cards in the mail

 Boo! Greetings!

"Trick or treat!"

Sent some "Boo!" mail, today!

Hope you get one!

Amen!

The "Best" of-times!

 Should-a! Could-a! Would-a!

The bastards sent my friend, Bobbie, home in a box!

They sent my JFK to the rotunda in a different box!

They tried to steal our "Youth" but can't ever kill it!

And---still..."Hear me! Now!"

I could-a never missed it!

I should-a never missed it!

I would-a never missed it!

Blessed!---Exceedingly Blessed!...Eternally so! Amen!

It was---the very "Best" of times...some "trial" of Youth!

And---Blessed I...had a front row unobscured seat! Amen!

I'm sorry my children missed the adventure but they were 

more mature than I might have even ever considered; our 

grandchildren understood even better---and...on purpose!

I found sacred life a precious gift and exercised it to beyond!

Play me yon tune and sing a heart-love song! Again! & More!

Chill-Cool night alabaster pale full moon romance upon Wild-wind!

Every time!

Amen!

Another GREAT day! Amen!

 "Thank you!"

Beautiful Fall day! Picnic lunch! Lake venue! Perfect!

"Lady" Candice sure enough knows "How" to entertain!

Thank you! Darlin' Candy! Love you!

Everyday! Forever!---Perfect! & Better!...With thee!

Carl Edward

Amen!

Back to "normal"!

 Return to "normal"!

"Fall-break" has come and gone! Great-time!

Lexi had a nice visit! Lauren & Annie didn't make it home!

Miss you! Girls! Thanksgiving is in the offing! See you, then.

Halloween! "Boo!" Yikes! Coming soon! Uh! Oh!

Ole Bapa better hide under the bed! Ugh!

But---

I do Love those tasty candy "tricks or treats"! Yum!

Amen!

Some things on my "littlt" mind

 

On my mind…!?

 

Wow! Aren’t “we” just---so…very sophisticated!? Wow!

Well---beyond…sophisticated idiocy! (Super-sophisticated to the point of idiocy!

Perhaps you consider that I judge too harshly? Perhaps!? But, I’m just an observer!

Money is the “root” of all evil. If so, the evil “lie” is the very “seed” of perpetuation.

Worse than an evil “liar” is one who “knowingly” believes the lie as Truth! Amen!

“We, the people…” (Americans) have a despicable reputation across this old world. People in foreign countries find “U.S.” rude, arrogant, pushy, indulged. Truly, such descriptions are not restricted to citizens any one country or another; such admission does not absolve bad manners.

Everything today has to be the very “Best” no matter the cost: Money! Emotional! Passion!

Oh! “Best” is a “Good” goal; everybody ought to strive to do their “Best” all the time! Amen!

“Best” need not necessarily be a competition between individuals; only as a challenge to oneself. Such can be very quiet, even, solemn, not meant for “publicity” and “bragging). The reward is in doing “Good”! Not in some material item to cherish for a short time. Do “Good”!

Seems a breakneck race---to…Where? And---for…What? Hmm! Who’s got more!? Hmm!

Consider a “sign-of-our-times”. Storage sheds! Wow! Really? Kind of like a two car garage the owners can’t get their four cars into because of all the “stuff” they have stored there not to mention all the additional “stuff” they have throughout their house? People “redecorate” just because they get “bored” with all the “stuff” they already have. What? Yeah! Really!

When I was a kid, people fixed things rather than run out and buy a new one. Made sense, Still does. Of course, few moderns know how to “fix” anything: lawn mower, outlet, dinner.

“Latest”-style! Car model! Color! People pay a huge premium for the “right” zip code!?

How about $100+ for some ripped-up jeans with the just cute designer label! Wow!

Hell! I had ripped jeans when I was a kid; they had patches on the patches. Not stylish!

People---are…Bored! Lonely! Afraid! It’s a fascination! An occupation! Dissatisfied! Amen!

A “professional” set of golf clubs today can cost $5k upwards to $100k+. Really!

My 1^st set of “skeleton” clubs including a putter with bag, 3-balls and some tees cost me $52 from Montgomery Ward mail order when I was sixteen paid for with money I earned throwing hay bales. I polished those shafts with Johnson Paste Was; the “streaked” in the summer sun!

I found a chilly dawn this day; Fall! My favorite season though I truly love each. Instead of complaining, I “Thanked” God for another “chance” to do some “Good” today. I’ll sure try!

Autumnal colors are coming on---just beautiful…just like all the years---Gone…and to come!

Comes mid-morn, high noon, after lunch, purple eve, night, midnight Unicorn dreamland.

I live just south of comfort-warm high sun noon; a bit west of yon alabaster-pale full moon!

Thankfully, for my sanity, I reckon so I found a trinity: Faith! Family! & Freedom!

A purposed focus on that “Prize” simplifies all Considerations! Conclusions! Determinations!

I’ll offer a smile! A touch! A kind word! A gentle thought! A hug! A tender kiss! My time!

And---just “what(?)”…do I demand in return!? Nothing! Only the opportunity to “Love”!

Focus-Love!---Blossom-Life!...Celebrate a Peace-bouquet! “For God so loved the world…”

Pet a dog! Hug a Kitty! Watch a magnificent horse! Hear the “thunder” Watch the show!

Live! Cherish each instant which is the divine “gift-of-life”! Don’t miss a flicker of it! Amen!

Halloween is coming! Thanksgiving! Christmas! Easter! Birthdays! Any “day” celebration!

When the “libs” deride “U.S.” about our causing “Global warming” (“they” always criticize but never have “real” solutions), I just admit I planted 12k trees, so far! Hey! I’m working on it!

Uh!---How  many…did you say you planted!? Hmm! That’s even less than I expected. 

Amen!