Before the Union Came to TownBefore the Union Came to Town,You toiled in the heat and the cold,Trying to provide for your family.Keeping your head down, only looking at the ground.You ‘retired’ from the line in one of three ways,The Grim Reaper called out your name,Your age, the stress and back breaking work broke your… Read More Before the Union Came to Town
If my lover were a comet Hung in the air, I would braid my leaping body In her hair.However, she lives in the frigid depths Of the Baikal Sea. (bai·kaal)Her presence forever, To haunt its shores Bound to these waters, By her own demise.A disconsolate maiden, Slipping into the waves. Struggling to stay above, The… Read More The Rusalka (roo·saal·kuh)
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
Ramblings of an Old Coot 