I was asked the other dayOver a pint, don’t ya knowWhat one word describes your childhoodI thought, smiled, and contemplatedFrowned, grimaced, and mutteredStarted to answer, then thought againThere was love and happiness and joyIn our small home.I never went without, my belly always fullMy parents never divorcedThey never had physical fightsThey were always home at… Read More One Word
Yeah, my brother, my big brother,He was 22 years my senior. Someone cut from a whole other generation, if you will. Born of my father’s second marriage. He spent his first few years after birth on a failing cotton farm,In the back country of Missouri.He wasn’t slow, or dumb, or an idiot.He did become a… Read More Cecil
When I look to the past, the one thing I miss the most,Is the simplicity of childhood.The wonder of learning new thingsNo large responsibilitiesBeing provided forLoved unconditionally2026
THE N DOWN E A ROYAL A K EVOLVES L O WHILE L V Y E R YAWNS O N E2026
Ponder this old sayingLife is a bowl of cherriesDoes it not instill thoughts of pristine, gleaming fruitBut the top sparkling layerThese hide the rotting, spoiling bottomTruth of the bowlLife is A Bowl of Cherries(Rotted and Full of Worms)2026
As a small child, I was told that when I grew up, I would be a preacher. One of those who stands in the pulpitAnd screams for twenty minutes, A true man of God.My Dad would introduce me by saying, “This is my son Roy, tell them what you’re gonna be when you grow up.”I… Read More When I Grow Up
Kitty corner from my childhood home Stood, with faded and peeling paint A gloomy red building Jo Lums Chinese RestaurantWe never, EVER ate there Not that we ate Chinese at all Even with its close proximity We still never ventured thereThe spicy smell of its kitchen The rotting stink of its dumpster Would waft our… Read More Jo Lums
Terror and fearForm in my mindAs I recall my earliest memoryChristmas at Grandmother EdmondsA yule time of cussing and fightingCould be had by all.Dad, after a few beersHas glazed eyes with a grimaceHe has checked out.Mother holding back tears.Wringing her handsMuttering words of hope.Grandmother fussing,Lecturing all on proper etiquetteCalling God’s wrath down on allGrandfather, ready… Read More First Memory
I’m so TIREDSixty-plus years of adulting has me just TUCKERED ME OUTWhy do I have to make decisions?Be the responsible one?I’m so EXHAUSTEDOf always doing the right thingWhy can’t life just gently kiss my assAnd bother somebody else?I am WORN TO A FRAZZLELooking out for othersWhat about me?Hey over here! I EXIST!ZonkedFinishedDepleted2026
KendallIt started with a hectic, mad dash southTo a frustrating city with no vacanciesBut oh, the outcome was so sweetA bright-eyed, beautiful baby girlThe last bundle of joyTo grace our familyYou made us complete,Like placing that last piece in the puzzle.Life, like it is known to do,Handed you your own peculiar playlistWhich you have mastered… Read More Kendall
Ramblings of an Old Coot 