The Early Bird

The first bird catches the worm,

but the second mouse gets the cheese.

What Is Love

Love is trusting in you
when you assure me
that my questioning was wrong.

Love is patience when
your girl friend puts you down.

Love is caring enough to stay
by your side when you were hurt
by someone who was once your friend.

Love is gladly giving
of ones self in time of need.

Love is sharing half my communion
bread with you when you
feel shamed after not partaking.

Love is a deep devotion
or affection for another person.

Love is unselfishness.


(Written in high school in the early 60's.)

Trusting

I was about eight years old at the time,
When I found twenty-five dollars on the street.
I thought I was rich if I had a dime,
But now I was at no mans discrete.

The first thing I thought of was a model car,
with a big blown engine and everything.
But at that rate my money would go far,
so I decided to throw a real fling.

I peddled hastily to the closest drug store,
and ate as much ice cream as I could hold.
People asked what the celebration was for,
I told them I'd just struck gold.

Then I went a couple streets over to see Fred,
the man who sells paint and stuff like that.
I couldn't decide between candy green or candy red,
But I ended up with red, "because that's where it's at."

When mom found out how much money I had,
she didn't believe I'd found that much.
I assured her I hadn't been bad,
and explained to her how I'd run across it and such.

That was one of the best weeks of my life,
now that I look back when...
There was a very little amount of strife.
I wish I knew you then.


(Written in high school in the early 60's)

Weird Math

When there were only two candy bars left
I always hated to share one with Roy.
But whenever I did
I would feel ten times the joy.

When my brother Roy was ill
he lived on granola and soy.
I ate twice as many candy bars then
but felt only half the joy.


(Written in high school in the mid 60's.)

I've Always Wanted To Be An Architect

I think I'll start building
water towers on my spare days.
I'd start with the top
and forget the regular ways.

All I need is the top to sit on
so why build the rest?
I can't see it anyway
it's always recessed.

I'd best put a big red light on it
'cause it's going to be so high.
Can't take chances these days
with so many planes in the sky.

Build a litter for a way up
is what I'll do.
You're right, I'm not an architect.
What gave you the first clue?

So if you see the top of a tower
floating in the sky, look for me,
'cause I'll be there,
still writing poetry.


(Written in college in the late 60's.)

Take #3

God lives in even

the smallest flower,

and you can always

find Him home.


(Written in college in the late 60's.)

Never Will I Die

There was once a girl
who every time she passed
this one rose, would pull
off a pedal and throw it on the ground.

Having pulled off all pedals
but one, she went out of her way
for the last time to pull off the last pedal.

The rose, seeing her coming, dropped
it's last pedal to the ground willingly.

But to the girls suprise, the rose
grew new pedals instead of dying.


(Written in the late 60's when I was in college.)

Make Believe Sunday

Only a half hour ago
it was about six o'clock
and I'm still groovin' along
walking around the block.

I can see you everywhere.
There you are in the frost on the ground
with the twinkle in your eyes
when you speak to me without making a sound.

And look up there.
Just a second ago I saw your face
vaguly outlined in the clouds
drifting by at a lazy pace.

If I look at the brown mountainside
and squint my eyes real hard,
I can see the long flowing strains
of your hair as it would be unbarred.

Up there are two birds,
flying between me and the morning star
like they haven't a care in the world.
They have a lot on me by far.


(Written in college in the late 60's.)

Classified: Personal

All his life
an unfamous poet, guitarist
has been looking for
a girl who
has been looking for
an unfamous poet, guitarist
all her life.

Dave 772-7892



Note: (I wrote this in college in 1968)

Introduction

"Hi. What's your name?"

"Dave. What's yours?"

"Myra. Is that your guitar?"

"Yes"

"Can you play a song for me?"

"I'll try."

"Oh Dave, that's so lovely.

Is that your paint and brush?"

"Yes."

"Can you paint a picture for me?"

"I'll try."

"Oh Dave, that's so beautiful.

Is that your pen and paper?"

"Yes."

"Can you write a poem for me?"

"I'll try."

"Oh Dave, that's so inspiring.

Is that your blanket?"

"Yes."

"Can you make love to me?"

"I'll try."

"Oh Dave."

Note: (I wrote this in college in 1968.)

I Love My State (Shape Poem)

A Seniors Visit To The Allergy Doctor

Doctor,
"You're not allergic to tomato sauce,
but you have short term memory loss."

Patient,
"I know that,
but am I allergic to tomato sauce?"

How To Light a Campfire

1. Split twigs into thin pieces.
2. Wrap finger as bleeding increases.
3. Arrange the pieces into a little pile.
4. Pulling splinters all the while.
5. Strike a match.
6. Strike a match.
7. Blow to make a big flame.
8. Burned face make insurance claim.
9. Run to gather more fire wood.
10. Fell down. Knee doesn't look good.
11. Big thunderstorm just got done.
12. See number one.

Eagles Wing (Shape Poem)

"Come Unto Me"

"Come unto Me"
Is what I see.

"And I will give you rest" 
Already I feel blessed.

Matthew 11:28

Why's It Nut'in' Rhymes?

Environment ain't important to me
Don't matter none where I is to be

All I needs is inspiration
Plus a lit'l bit of that there motivation

Then I gots myself a poem
Shoot, why's it nuthin' rhymes wit' poem

Ppppppppppoooooooooooeeeeeeeeeeemmmmmmmmmm

I like a poem that is really long,

But then perhaps I am wrong.

Without Some Light

"I hate walking barefoot on the plains at night. 

Can't spot warm buffalo chips without some light."

How Sweet The Sound

Amazing Grace
Has always been my ace
Never forgot that sweet sound
Nor the lyrics so profound

Medal Of Honor

Single handedly credited for killing 22.
Multiple wounds as the enemy withdrew.
Unbelievable courage that resulted in victory.
Second most decorated in American history.

(The Medal of Honor is the highest level of recognition available in war.  Joe Hooper won the medal during the Vietnam War along with 254 other warriors. Joe Hooper was the most decorated for his actions in the Vietnam War for his courage, valor and gallantry in keeping with the highest traditions of the US Army.  Joe Hooper is one of my earthly heros.)

Thank You For What You Do

When we arrived, the scene was unreal.
It looked like two towers of burning steel.
What a first day as a fireman on the job.
I can now feel my heart start to throb.

Where do you start on a fire like this?
Everything around me seems to be amiss.
Captain said, "Grab your gear and run upstairs!"
By this time I'm starting to say my prayers. 

Couldn't go up for all the people running down.
Helped them out of the building and sent them downtown.
Wanted them to get away as quickly as they could.
They were not very safe where they stood.

By now, I realized this wasn't going to end very well.
Going back up those stairs was like running into hell.
Everywhere I stepped was debris and glass.
Gave encouragement to people as we pass.

Heard people jumping from the top.
Could hear their screams as they drop.
Must be pretty bad up there,
If the best option is jumping into the air.

Took out a picture of my wife and son.
Wanted one last look while on the run.
Surely this building won't fall flat.
Oh my God! What the hell is that...

Scared Half To Death

I'm afraid of clowns.
I was scared half-to-death one time.
What happens if I get scared half-to-death again?

10001101000100101

One donut a day could alter your DNA.

A President That Grew Up Fast

From kindergarden guest,
to terrorist quest.

Honey, I Asked You Please

Honey, I asked you to please not put 
Tabasco hot sauce in the cat food anymore.

His mouth is on fire again and
If he burns the house down we're all done for.

His voice doesn't sound like a cats meow
It sounds more like a lions roar.

I have no choice now
But to give him to those people next door.

Should have moved him with my fishing net
My burned hands are going to be sore.

"Omaha" Explained

Peyton told me why "Omaha" is part of his count.
Here is what I found out:

It all has to do with wind direction,
And the volume of his voice inflection.

Depends of the end zone he's faced,
And the manner in which his shoes are laced.

The jersey he's wearing may force him to deviate,
And the play clock may cause him to abbreviate.

"Omaha" is a run play, but it could be a play action pass,
Dependent on if he's playing on turf or real grass.

Throw in the fact that "Omaha" changes every play,
And I get the idea that Peyton really doesn't want to say.

Howdy Y'All

Howdy y'all.
I enjoy writing poetry,
I have a little collection.

Trouble is.
Up in the mountains,
I don't have a connection.

About To Crash

When I was young, 
I had lots of energy,
But I had no cash.

Now that I'm a senior,
I have lots of money,
But I'm about to crash.

Remembering The Twin Towers

My PTSD

I do not sit and think about my PTSD,

my PTSD thinks about me and I sit.

Inch

Some who are given one,
Have only just begun.

They will not have won, 
Until you have none.

Just An Ole Lady Bug

A cat in hiding ready to spring.
He's small but thinks he's a king.

Is it a mouse he is after,
Or a bird up in the rafter?

Pupils are dilated and focused.
Maybe he's after a locust.

Perhaps it's just a slow moving slug. 
No. Never mind. It's just that ole lady bug.

Better For Me

The law from Your mouth
Is better for me,
Than the treasures of this earth
Could ever be.

Psalm 119:72

Bristlecone Pine

Living high on specialized ground
Older then any other trees around

It's a good lesson for global warming
Because of all the new trees reforming

Survives when others can't 
This is one serious plant

I could talk a lot about this tree
And how it relates to me

We do have a kindred heart
It's like enjoying rare fine art

I've walked through the groves alone
One of the most peaceful experiences known

I love these trees for their strength and beauty
Protecting them is a real sense of duty

Note: (This is the largest Bristlecone Pine in the world.)

Optimist or Pessimist (Shape Poem)

Above It All

Sometimes I need to be above it all.
Looking down, troubles seem so small.

Up here I'm in control.
Peace is my goal.

No one can touch me here.
No need to run in fear.

Think I'll fly over that hill.
Finding something fun would be a thrill.

2

Thank you for all those hours of TV watching you
You have been an inspiration too

Many new records you have set
One of the best players I would bet

They should retire your number 2
There will never be another you

Tonight is your last home game on TV
I know exactly where I will be

Tonight I'm ordering pizza in
Anxious for the game to begin

I hope you enjoy your after life
Maybe you can find yourself a wife

You never entered the Personal Hall of Shame
See you again at the Baseball Hall of Fame

What's It Feel Like?

What's it feel like to have 48,000 fans chanting your name?
What's it feel like after 22 years then play your last game?

What's it feel like to walk through New York City when everybody wants to shake your hand?
What's it feel like to pay $15,375 for a dugout seat and most of the game you stand?

What's it feel like to know you are a walk-in to the Baseball Hall of Fame?
What's it feel like when everybody wants you to sign your name?

What's it feel like when all of your opponents give you a salute?
What's it feel like when you and your coach never had a dispute?

What's it feel like to have Bob Shepherd announce your at-bat?
What's it feel like to leave the field and tip your hat?

What's it feel like when your opponents are glad you are retiring?
What's it feel like when your teammates refer to you as "inspiring"?

What's it feel like when even the commercials are about you?
What's it feel like when even Mother Nature comes through?

What's it feel like to have a ring on every finger?
What's it feel like to leave the stadium, pause, look back and linger?

What's it feel like to be Derek Jeter? 
The model of greatness. 
Thanks Derek.

"Please Don't Hit The Ball To Me"!

With 48,000 chanting his name,
It's not really about the game.

Emotions running high,
Trying not to cry.

Not sure how the drama would end,
Then he got up to bat again.

One man on, ready for a lap,
He hit the ball, into the gap.

Hit a walk off RBI,
To break the tie.

What a way to go out.
Now it's time to shout.

His last inning plea...
"Please don't hit the ball to me!"

Changing Autumn Leaves (Shape Poem)

A Hot Gooey Mess

A warning to all spaghetti still in a box, 
There is a monster in the kitchen you need to out fox. 

If you don't want supper made from you, 
Listen up and I'll tell you what to do. 

She'll come and take you in her hand, 
This is where you make your stand. 

Between her hands and the pot, 
You'll have only one shot. 

Your only chance is to jump for the floor, 
Then try to roll under the oven drawer. 

You short pieces can sometimes make it, 
Everybody else will end up in a boiling pit. 

This plan must be a success, 
Otherwise you'll all end up a hot gooey mess. 

Cheap-o Cheap-o Airlines

Top 10 ways to know you are on a cheap airlines when:

Your boarding pass is hand written on a 3x5 card. 
The baggage wagon is pulled to the plane by a 1950 Packard.

The refueling tanker truck says Walmart on the door.
They serve Logan's peanuts and let you throw the shells on the floor.

The plane looks like a Boeing 80 Series jet but when it starts it sounds like a DC-3. 
The pilot comes on the PA and says, "Buenos dias. YO soy el Capitan Jose' Gee."

To save fuel we took off on the taxiway. 
To save Db's, easy listening is the only music they play.

The flight attendant asks you to police your area before you walk out the door.
Oh no. I just threw all of my peanut shells on the floor.

A Serious Blow

Storms come'n storms go

Last night was a serious blow

Just happy it wasn't snow

(Written for a contest. 15 words exactly, about the subject "The thunderstorm last night")

No Question About It

Social media has changed the world,
No question about it.
A new communication has been unfurled.

But it's use can be an affliction.
No question about it.
Could even become an addiction.

Social media is competing for your time in all of this.
No question about it.
Be careful it doesn't pull you into the great abyss.

You think Facebook is a time consuming life style?
No question about it.
Just wait until you have been on AllPoetry for awhile.

(This poem was written for a contest utilizing the image as a prompt.)

My Salvation

My life is about to end
I'm not afraid to die
I know I will ascend 
To my home up in the sky

This poem was written for a contest utilizing a given first line in the poem. "My life is about to end".

My Hiking Buddy

In the Sierra Nevada mountains I hike a trail
I see her coming not knowing what would entail
I slowed my pace to avoid our meeting
Wasn't even thinking of retreating

She came down to the trail on which I was walking
Looked right at me and didn't think about balking
She turned right and walked the direction I was going
I love this, I was just glowing

Once in while she would stop and nibble a flower
We hiked together for about half an hour
I was happy we had that time to share
Oh yeah, did I mention my hiking buddy was a bear

This poem was written for a contest called "Most Memorable First Encounter"

Honey, I Told You...

"Honey, I told you to call that septic tank repair guy!"

(I entered this poem into a contest utilizing this image as a prompt. My job was to create a caption for the image. I won a gold ribbon.)