Past Tense

What is done is done. We wave hello to the sun.

We never forgot about the moon. We need both

the fork and the spoon. The day may be gone,

and time may be flying, but I am still trying.

In the sky, I see birds bobbing and weaving.

I can’t take my eye off what is now leaving.

I loved, cried, and smiled in the past tense.

I live in the present where it just makes sense.

The memories stay as the past fades away.

The future is bright: I’ll be there one day.

The Drop Off

After the drop off

follows the come up.

You may get kicked off

the horse, but get up

before mother nature

takes her course. Hills

and valleys. Cats in

the alley. Shooting dice.

Mix the beans with rice.

Enjoy the climb back

to the top. Ignore the fact

that you dropped off.

Always take your socks

off. When you slip, flip

a switch. Slide down

but never stay down.

It may take a bit for you

to get over it. When you

see a ladder, climb it.

One day, when it’s all

said and done, you’ll be

eye level with the sun.

Momma’s Boy

Losing you has been the hardest

thing I have ever gone through.

Sometimes, I don’t know what to do.

I feel torn, lonely, and empty at times.

No amount of rhymes can do your

existence justice. I must confess,

life has been different and hard

to say the least. I’m pushing forward.

You are gone, but never forgotten.

You gave me life and taught me

lessons that mean the world to me.

You taught me to be free. Now, you

are free of pain and hurt. I’ll do

what I can to carry your legacy.

It’s not the end for you or me.

It’s the beginning of a new life.

I know you’re here with me

right now. Knowing that helps

me heal. Helps me feel alive.

I’ll always be a momma’s boy.

Mom, thank you for everything.

Until we meet again. I’ll see you

soon. I just don’t know when.

those eyes

When I look into those eyes,

what I see is no surprise.

Those eyes can’t tell lies.

They tell me a story of love,

pain, power, sunshine, rain.

Words can’t do justice. Looking

at you gives me a chance to

stop and think about my life.

I see all the places you’ve been:

all the tight spots you’re in.

The things you have seen

reveal themselves in real time.

Those eyes know that the sun

still shines. All of your misery

will eventually become history.

Those eyes are windows into

your soul, and your soul glistens,

as my ears learn to listen. Often,

I see those eyes invite mine

to an unspoken conversation.

They talk in ways the mouth can’t.

They tell me I can overcome

any situation. Without hesitation,

those eyes show me a new world:

a world lonely, lovely, and magical.

I get lost in those eyes. They reassure

that unpredictable things will occur.

When I see those eyes, I stop. I stare.

Deep down, I see someone who cares.

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.