Dusk Approaches

Cool grays own the sky now, replacing the brilliance and deep blue of the day,
Dusk approaches, drifting on the light breeze whispering through the leaves,
The delicate aroma of rain floats in the open windows as a stillness grasps the neighborhood,
Out on the front porch the cool gentle caresses of air drive away the day’s sticky grit,
Spent stems of last week’s bright colors bend to the delicate gusts as a tranquil volley of rain drops begin,
Not the harsh rush of other storms, unannounced by tirades of thunder and jagged light
A simple, placid, serene descent envelopes the front yard,
Slowly working its way to the earth only to disappear - leaving not a trace,
As the perfume of damp earth and concrete begin to permeate the air it comes to a close,
Now just the cool breeze and the darkening skies hint at this day’s end,
Subtle grays give way to light oranges and reds and pastel pinks thrown from the western horizon across the sky,
Let me revel in this moment, let me carry it with me for just a short while, let it become my memory of this day,
Ending in solace and contentment, far from its stress and distress, a smile, relief as the sun dips slowly behind the mountains..

Raucous noise

Rolling thunder out the front window right now,

unusual fall thunderstorm building in strength

rattling the windows and filling the darkened sky with raucous noise and sparks of light

as the ground fills with the first significant rainfall in weeks.

Unmistakable aroma of wet earth and rain fill the breeze

working its way through the open window while the thunder deepens...

a lullaby for tonight's dreams...

Always the best

Memories of her err him are always the best, they're always close to perfect, they always fit the lyrics... right or wrong, real or imagined, they are the stuff we hang on to, the dreams we hold so close, the people we cherish the most, the old loves are always the best loves - right or wrong, the what ifs? They all disappear... Remember the way she looked? her smile? her laugh? her soft voice? Yeah... old loves, that prom night, or parked in her driveway in the dark, or out behind the bowling alley, sneaking into her room... hmmm I should probably stop here...

Merry Christmas

If you search "the meaning of Christmas" on the internet you'll get well over 2 million results... far more than you could view. Each of us has their own special moments and memories that we covet, from childhood on into adulthood. And each year may bring new ones that mean as much or more than Christmases past. There are those people that have their traditions rooted in their faith, celebrating the birth of Christ along with long held family traditions. While others seek out new adventures of giving and receiving, join with friends - new and old or spend the time in reflection. I hope that the day will bring you all special moments that will become memories that you will covet. That your celebrations whether rooted in your faith, family traditions or new activities will fill your day with joy and happiness. May you have a truly Merry Christmas!

Parts of Me

Take from my words the meaning that you will
Steal the colors from my palette and the shapes from my canvas
Learn the words and chords to my song
Caress the cloth and textures of my creation
Inhale the incense and the taste from my garden
All of these you are free to do
Yet you will never know the passion, the pain, the presence
The conflict that brought about what is mine
The parts of me that you covet so much...

My Dream

Are you sleeping naked this night? 
Do you feel me thinking of you? Caressing you? Holding you? Can you hear my whispers?
Sweet beautiful lady you are my dream tonight and every night… 
soft, smooth, warm, caring, loving, sweet aroma, salty flavor, writhing, moaning, growling, pushing, rhythmic dancing, groaning, squealing, tight, wet, hot, sweating, slick, slipping, sliding, slamming, slapping, smacking, exploding, erupting, licking, grabbing, sucking, laughing, wrapping, holding, entwining … 
my dream is always you - blue, creamy, pink, ivory, shadowed, golden, blurred, dark … 
my dream is you sweet lady, is you…

Memorial Day Thoughts

Many times I have stood at Ft Logan National Cemetery on Memorial Day in the warm spring sunshine amongst 10's of thousands of white washed tablets, each marked with a name and a flag, a very emotional experience to say the least. Each time I survey the acres of stones so evenly placed, standing in formation as did each of the veterans whose resting place they mark, I marvel at the courage and honor and bravery and sacrifice they made. Certainly not all died in battle, but they pledged that same oath that I and millions of others have pledged - "I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." And beyond that was the unspoken pledge to those they served alongside of. 

               Many stood in harm’s way and performed acts of heroism that are not recorded anywhere nor rewarded with ribbons or medals, instead most have simply been kept close to the hearts and minds of others involved. Most were satisfied with the reward of a pat on the back or helmet and a sincere "thank you" from their buddies. How many stepped up when others hesitated, how many endured the bitter cold or oppressive heat, the lack of rations or ammunition, how many took their aircraft or artillery or armored vehicles or ships to their limits and beyond - all in the name of freedom and liberty and honor and friendship and love? How many? Thousands of stories lay buried there and I know of all too few. 

               Holiday is a poor choice to describe the day - holiday brings thoughts of fun and excitement and joy to my mind - the day is not that kind of celebration, and anyone who would suggest having a “Happy” Memorial Day has absolutely no idea what the day is about! In addition I will accept the misguided thank you’s that come my way… it is NOT my day. It belongs to those who have given up their lives while serving during the numerous conflicts and wars involving the United States of America.

In the next few days I will add a few pictures and quotes to my Face book page and Tumblr blog in an effort to raise the awareness of as many friends and followers as possible. Some already share in my feelings - most are my fellow vets, my buddies, my brothers and sisters. They know. I only hope that by sharing what I have that a few others will gain some small amount of caring, of recognition, of respect for Memorial Day.                

To this day and hopefully forever - whenever the Star Bangled Banner is played I will be able to stand straight and true and salute my country and those that have kept it free. That tears will well up in my eyes at the sound of Taps, the pipes playing Amazing Grace or the images of another brother or sister being laid to rest.

               "In the heat of battle it ceases to be an idea for which we fight... or a flag. Rather... we fight for the man on our left and we fight for the man on our right... and when armies have scattered and when the empires fall away... all that remains is the memory of those precious moments... we spent side by side." Paul Bennett

               "Leave no man be behind - Neither in the heaviest of firefights nor the wasteland of their own mind, fighting demons that lurk in dark corners and follow, relentless, biting at heels and unguarded flanks, fraying the edges of sanity to ribbons with needle sharp teeth and vicious whispers. A feast for doubt and despair that weakens even the strongest, for one cannot stand vigilant forever when war is left behind, but the battlefield remains in the heart and mind, forever indelible."   Rhi Etzweiler

Memorial Day

What do you have planned for the Memorial Day weekend? It will be nice to have the time away from work… to fire up the BBQ, or break out the camping gear and spend a few relaxing hours among the purple mountains’ majesty, to catch up on the yard work, a day of rock music or simply enjoy the day off.
How many of you have plans to observe Monday as it was intended – to actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country?
How many of you will fly our country’s flag at half staff from dawn until noon or even display it?
How many will stop their activities at 3 PM for our “National Moment of Remembrance” and take a few minutes to reflect on the true meaning of the day?
How many will join with their family to place flowers or flags at the graves of our fallen heroes?
How many will visit local memorials built in honor of those who have paid the ultimate price as service men and women?
How many will call family members of those who have fallen and express their feelings?
How many will wear the traditional artificial red poppy – “We cherish too, the Poppy red, that grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies, that blood of heroes never dies.”?
How many will stand amongst hundreds of rows of white tablets or crosses?

Ft Logan National Cemetery, Denver Colorado 

How many have taught their children the true meaning of the holiday?

I challenge you to take a few minutes, a few hours away from the shopping mall, away from the yard work, away from that Monday afternoon nap and honor all of those who deserve and earned our undivided attention for their sacrifice. The original decree from 1868 read in part; “Let us… gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.” Find that one family member’s or friend’s or classmate’s resting place and share a few minutes with them. It is a small sacrifice that you would make in honor of those who scarified it all for God and country.
I’m sure there are those who disagree with me… it is their right, they’re free to have their own opinion, free because…
Some of us know what it takes; some of us have been there and returned… please help turn the day back into the day it was intended to be… “Let no… neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

tg

Daylight is Waning

The daylight is waning; the perception of warmth is dying with it

Stalactites seem to hang precariously from the edge of the roof

Their incessant dripping halted for the next few hours of darkness

While the craters in the snow beneath them form crystallized cups

Eager to hold the next day’s catch, liquefied by the sun’s radiance

Snow still covers the ground, now in a dusky yellow-grey color

Mimicking the diluted palate that veils the western edge of the sky

The dark scraggy branches of the trees dissolve into the murkiness above

Soon points of light begin to appear scattered loosely across the heavens

Then filling the void between them countless smaller specks come alive

The night sky glimmers and glitters like snowflakes in the moonlight 

Turning from the front window the flickering candle flames replace the stars

Filling the room with fragrances of pine and cinnamon while whips of smoke dance into the air

Warming the darkening room for a short time…

Nature's Voice

Constant is her tone today, filling the background with rushing breath

Playing the branches, wires, eves and vents, creating voices that fill the air

Finding the cracks n crevices n holes, stealing her way inside where she can

Raising plumes of dusty specks in shafts of the powerless winter sunlight

Humming a constant tune, droning on throughout the day, never ending

Rising to an untimed crescendo now and then, trading purrs for growls or roars

Articulating her strength, her power, her omnificence over her kingdom

Scattering the remnants of summer’s death alongside the flotsam of mankind

Only to return to the invariable monotonous near silent eolian hum

Eventually dissipating along with the daylight,

Relieving the anxiety and strain caused by her song,

Turning invisible and silent once again. 

Would you come dance?

Would you come dance with me? Let me take your hand and lead you onto the floor, cradle your body in my arm and pull you close. Let the music take you over as we sway and step to its rhythm.

Would you come dance with me? Feel my body close to yours, hear my whispers of how beautiful you are, and fill my lungs with your sweet perfume, lay your head upon my shoulder as we glide ever so slowly to the music.

Would you come dance with me? Our bodies melted together as one, our hearts beating the same rhythm, your dress flowing in the wake of a spin, your dimples framing your smile as I dip you so delicately and bring you back to me.

Would you come dance with me? My lips gently touching your bare shoulder as the music begins to fade, one last pass around the floor, my arm holding you as I lead your body’s movements, my hand squeezing yours ever so tight.

Would you come dance with me? As the music finally dies, a soft kiss on your lips, a hesitant separation and a glance of blue sparkle from your eyes, as I drop your hand from mine. Would you?

Would you come dance with me?

Do you know?

You are my day and my night, 

You are my bread and my wine,

You are my anthem and my silence,

You are my dreams and my reality,

You are my magnificence and my poverty,

How? How can you be all these things to me?

Your slightest touch raises my flesh,

Your smile overwhelms my soul with joy,

Your whispers ring from a thousand towers,

Your glance sends my heart racing

How? How can you do all these things to me?

Your absence is my prison,

Your memory is my magic carpet,

Your words are my chronicle,

Your movements are my dance

How? How can you?

Do you know you are my love?

It's late...

It’s late on a Friday night, had a few shots of Jack – more than I should have, but enough to let the words flow more freely. Not sure what I want to say, where the words should lead… Ramble on… feelin old – not ready to die “old”, maybe just tired – but a tired that sleep can’t fix. Wanna close my eyes for a night er a day er longer, wanna have my body wake with no aches, no pains… wanna have my mind be clear, no questions, no maybes, no what ifs… wanna have my heart in tune with the now, not the yesterdays of months and years gone by – pains n questions n lost loves – yet they are what made me what I am, I am nothing without them. Yet who am I? Where am I going?