Night Terrors Mum and dad think I am mad,Raving lunatic, certifiably crazy.I just wish they would just come and see,What visits my window each night. They laugh at my fears,Tell me it is only nightmares.And yes, dear parents, it is a nightmare,This nocturnal visitor that requests entrance. After I doze, not quite fast asleep,Fingernails on… Read More Night Terrors

SlippingI sit in terror each night, Watching you slip away.The brightness in your eyes, your energy, Is slowly ebbing away.You wear a brave face, fight a gallant battle, But I fear you hide the truth.Is there more to your pain or fear? Your body seems to tell a different story.Over time the proof that we… Read More Slipping

ALAYNAYou didn’t exactly burst on the scene Never less your entrance was grandSmiling, tiny, cute and loveable You stole our hearts As time went by You grew into the amazing youStubborn, determined, full of voice and life You became one who’s stance could not be broken You excel at all you try Spinning on your… Read More ALAYNA

ProductionProduction is 350 parts an hourThe sharp metal travels up the conveyor.Grab it with leather mitts, toss it into the press,Hit the buttons, the press cycles shaking the floorAn iron hand pulls it out the back.Repeat, repeat, repeat.350 times an hour.Little better than 5 a minuteOver 2,750 times a night7 nights a weekRepeat, repeat, repeat.The… Read More Production

Don’t Ever Find Yourself…“Don’t ever find yourself alone in a room with him.” An instruction from my Dad about a certain Uncle.“Why? He is funny, he makes me laugh.” “Just listen to what I’m telling you.”So I began to live in fear of this man. The more I tried to stay under the radar,The more,… Read More Don’t Ever Find Yourself…

I didn’t know who it was!In 65 there wasn’t much happening, Saturday morning cartoons were the highlight of my week.To a nerdish, shy, backwards six year old boy, A cold bowl of cereal and the TV were the life! Saturday mornings were my parent’s day to “sleep in”, For 2-3 hours I was the King… Read More I didn’t know who it was!

GRACE WHERE THE HELL ARE MY GLASSESNever got to “KNOW” this man, Mother’s father.One time coal miner, blaster, Turned auto assembly line worker. Union militant, enforcer, Quick to violence,Beer swelling, whiskey consuming, Hunter, angler. He left the coal mines in Pennsylvania, An explosive expert,A mine accident left him unable to work, So he brought his… Read More GRACE WHERE THE HELL ARE MY GLASSES

Call or Text orWe strive to provide better,For the offshoots of our loins.Better education,Better life experiences,And adventures untold.My life has been blessed,With five of the female persuasion,.And one fine son inlaw.All living their dreams.Expanding their lives.But sadly in the dust,I oft feel left behind.Scrambling to get an update,Yearning for a tale or two.Oh, don’t forget… Read More Call or Text or

AcceptanceDefine this term, acceptance.Explain its necessity.The lack of it maims my existence.I try to smile.I struggle to fit in.The Wall Flower in me,Battles against my efforts.Exhibit to the world,My kind heart and caring disposition.It all leads to nothing.There is no giving back.The days are long.The nights are longer.For I find no acceptance.No friendship.No love.No outreach.Nothing.Roy… Read More Acceptance

Family In the greater scope of things, is your clan weird?Mine won’t win any prizes, they’ve proven their true worth.My dad was a “dirty old man”.My mom a “gold digging hussy”.Or so the respective “Families” said. I have always felt disowned by my blood,We were rarely included, given a thoughtIn celebrations and fun.They all could… Read More Family