Shell Shock

The war is far from over. Each day
awakens another demon. To say
that life is a breeze must be a lie.
It is hard to stay positive when
you know, you too, will someday
die. All we can do is try to stay
sane. There is a war inside all
of our brains. There is some sun,
but mostly rain. Life can be fun
if we decide to run before father
time tucks us in. What we lose
in things is gained in wisdom.
When the dust settles, we will
see that past souls have risen.
The war is far from over, yet
the score is far from set. Bet
on yourself and don’t give up.
When feeling shell shocked, be
the rock that does not stop
staying on top. Win the battle
today. Strap on your saddle.
Ride closer to the finish line.
When the war is finally over,
our mission will be complete.
That’s when we will be okay.
That’s when we will feel peace.

Flip-Flop

My feelings flip-flop. They don’t stop.
My feelings hop right out of socks.
My feelings don’t care. They come
and go with very little to show.
Good, bad, happy, sad, mad, or glad,
my feelings flip-flop and flop-flip.
My feelings take me on more trips
than Ken Griffey Jr. had hits.
My feelings take form and assure
me that I am still a life-form.
My feelings are real; they can heal
and can hurt in the same storm.
Will my feelings flip or flop?
Will I slip and lose my grip?
Will I be able to carry and lift
this gift of life to the finish line?
My feelings will flip and flop,
and I will keep feeling them
until the light in my eyes dim.

Born to Ride

I fell like I was born to ride –
to never hide. I have this feeling
that removes all ceilings.
The sky is the limit and this ride
is not finished. I was born to ride-
to travel with pride – to be outside.
Although bumpy at times,
the rocky road will decompose.
This ride can’t be loathed.
I explore and try to see
more. I plea to be free.
I can’t complain about this;
I endure pain others dismiss.
I was born to ride on any bad day;
I was born to praise the road’s groove.
This worn-down road isn’t for play,
so I ride into the night with nothing
to prove and nothing to lose.