When peace like a river

Whatever my lot in life?
Whatever my pain?
This I know dear Lord
This truth I can explain
When pain washes over me?
When ear I cannot explain
Attempts to conquer me
Attempts to derail
That's when I call out His name
That's when it is always the same
The peace like a river
Begins to flow
Right through my veins
Yes, His peace like a river
Completely drenches the pain
My Lord I love Thee
"My Lord!" I exclaim
It is only when you're with me 
That I can finally gain
This peace; like a river
Coursing through my veins...

8th November 2014

Scent from heaven

Bought a plant today 

Wanted it to really say
"I love you mum"
"I miss you so much Hun"
Wanted it to bring me joy
With its every scent; employ
My every sense; empower
With kindest thoughts; to shower
Down upon me; in my grief
Oh dear Lord; death is a thief
Wish I could have had more time
Wish I could turn back time
In another month it will be a year
Is it possible; ah my mother dear
For time to simply disappear
Ah: it has; I fear...
Miss you my darling mum
Soon it will be that time again
And I will again be overcome...

The state of our land

What a state our lives have become?
When the elderly struggle to live
Everything costs so much for sure
When you can't afford to pay your bills
$120 just for 3 months line rental
$15 worth of telephone calls
It's just not fair to out elderly
They have paid their taxes for years
What happens to our dear ones?
Who cares for our parent's fears?
Water bills; skyrocketing
We're bucketing out the dregs
Using what is left in the bath
To water the garden plants...
Electricity bills; through the roof
Who can afford to cool the house?
They have to go to the shopping centres
If they are able to get out of course
The aged concession was never renewed
10 years ago when dear old mum
Changed electricity carriers
So that is lost for good...
Council rates are going up
For the usual amenities he needs...
Someone to collect the rubbish
The sewerage rates too; understood
Someone needs to clean the streets
But how on earth does he make ends meet?
Once the bills are paid
What is left to buy the food?
He is shrinking now; my dear old dad
At 82 years of age
His eyes grow dimmer as I watch
His happiness is ever my gauge...

Drinking in the serenity

Glorious spring evening

Leading into blessed night
Enjoying the ambience
As I watched the fading light
Swallows swooping gracefully
Taking insects in their flight
Water rippling peacefully
A boat traversed the tide
Glass of champers in his hand
The conversation; polite
Does Margaret mind you drinking
Her wine he asked; this I denied
I am merely drinking in
The serenity of this glorious twilight 

If I should die tomorrow

If I should die tomorrow
If all of my days are gone
I'll have lived and loved through sorrow
This will have been my final song

I have lived through many decades
I have swallowed my pride anon
And through all this I've followed
The beat of my very own drum

I have given my heart to another
I have borne my children as well
Some days were like I was in heaven
While others were like a living hell

I was never one to be bothered
I was much more the quiet one
And though I was led by others
I am glad to have seen the sun

Though shy and retiring and quiet
I could stand up to anyone
Without uttering a single word; my darling 
I changed things; my stubbornness won

I felt battered and bruised and blackened
When I could not back down from fun
At times I did cause a blooming riot
As I acted and played the clown anon

I gave all I had; to be counted
For I was so desperate to please
Kept quiet when I could have shouted
It became and insidious disease

Ah if only I could change colours
I would become red with rage
Fighting the wrongs of this lifetime
But soon now; I'll tremble with age

No longer fearful; cowardly; yellow
I am finding my feet once again
Daring to say what I'm feeling 
Instead of keeping it hidden in pain

Too long have I held my temper
Thought it better to leave words behind
Couldn't face all the aggravation
I only wanted to be thought of as kind

Now; as mortality suddenly hits me
Now; as I see beyond my fears
It is painfully clear as the new day dawning 
I must stand up; count all my tears

How much can one woman bear
As she struggles to make amends
How far must she really travel?
Before her life on this earth ends...

The most wonderful treasure

Though the world keeps turning round
There's a wonderful treasure I have found
The words of my dear Lord; Jesus Christ
Makes my spirit soar unto the heights
My dearest Lord has given me
His words to write and communicate
His many blessings flow through my mind
I am but an empty vessel; transformed
When my Lord sends His mighty power
Through these cables; my blood's on fire
It all just falls into place as His words do race
In my open mind they do encode
Through my fingertips they do explode
Many blessings and heavenly showers
Burst through this weak and earthly body
It's like I am in some far-off place
Where His power is commonplace
His words keep me uplifted and I soar
I am being used to help fight this awful war
Good versus evil has been raging long
Soon the end will come...
Evil knows that his time is short
He goes about this world like a raging lion
Trying to drag down everyone
But our dear Lord will not let him win
His dear angels hold back the evil tide
Waiting for us to decide...
Choose God; choose life
Be in the sight of right 

21 June 2012

Moving Shelley

Helped my darling daughter Shelley to move a heap of stuff
Boy was I out of breath and had to puff
Up those stairs and down again
Had me looking like I was about to drop
Must admit I had to stop
Lots of times I sat and rested
But we couldn't let our bodied be bested
We moved that stuff; toted that box
Lifted and moved; dragged and coaxed
Finally we got it done...
We even had a lot of fun...
Thai for lunch down the road
Tasted so good after our load
Swept the pavers; pulled those weeds
That broken broom filled our need
Good for scraping out those tiny weeds
Stuck in between those bricks so tight 
As we struggled with all our might 
All that time we took to load
That trailer full up to the brim
Unloading took but a few minutes 
Then we were stuffed; ready for dinner!

10 October 2012

Forgive me for feeling lost

Forgive me for feeling lost
Forgive me; I'll pay the cost
I didn't think it was a big thing
I didn't realise the pain I'd cause
I'd just got over mum's funeral
The very day before...
I was tired; pained; exhausted
My every thought; constrained
I was so empty; broken; drained

Who broke your heart Nana

Who broke your heart Nana?
Who has made you cry?
My heart hurts with yours Nana
Oh Nana; please tell me why you cry

She held me close and kissed me
Cuddled me; whispered in my ear
Ah my sweet little grand daughter
Made me melt; her heart so dear...

23rd February 2017

Eagle flight

Came upon the eagles
Taking off on their flight
Mother teaching her fledgling 
How to take to the skies
Slowly flying higher
Acrobatics within sight
Of proud father; soaring skyward
Never far from their sight 

Point Sturt, South Australia

Wandering free

Seeking the power of self-sufficiency
Freedom for my family and me
Wandering from the Murray Mouth
To the farthest reaches of the mighty Murray
Independently!
Advertising Bradford Solar for free...

Wish we could have won that amazing 
Solar setup to live energy cost free...

Dreaming of mum

Back in Kingston-on-Murray
In the home of my teens
Saw my dear old mother
Just as she was then
My old room was waiting
Windows wide to the whispering breeze
Night time was approaching 
We helped each other settle in
Stripped back the two single beds
Side by side as they were
I tested the old mattresses
Springs stiffly protruding from one
Noting had really changed
As I returned to my darling mum 

Kabuki bag

Found this lovely little sunglasses case
Washed up on the river's shore
Near a little jetty on the Lower Murray
Took it home to wash it
Made it clean again; you see
For it brought back memories...
Of a much younger me...
During my high school days
My Japanese pen-pal sent to me
A whole set of picture post cards
Of Kabuki theatre paintings
With many faces just like these
Many others with beautiful scenery
Of the Japanese landscape
So foreign to me...

Seashells in Crockery Bay

Found some unusual seashells
Right here in Crockery Bay
Not just plain cockle shells
Yes; just the other day
A tiny pinkish cowrie
Others I cannot name...
Reminding me of other times
Of other long bygone days
Glorious bright sunshine
Shining down upon my head
When I was so much younger
When I was not afraid to tread
Upon those bright white sands
Cradling my pregnant belly 
Within my much younger hands...

Walking in sunshine Springmount

Walking in sunshine; fresh air
Birdsong; sweet and fair
Sunlight filtering through 
A glimpse of blue sky too
Dappled shadows beneath
Golden flowers; trees in leaf
Branches scattered round
Enjoying every single sound
Out in nature; oh the peace
Far away from busy city streets

Springmount Conservation Park

Australia in my blanket

This is my land; Australia
Red gold sunsets; true blue
Velvet dark night skies
Twinkling stars to view
Bright sunrises; glorious days
Arid landscapes; jungles too
Colourful Rosellas; parakeets
Wombats; big red Kangaroos
Golden wattles; green Eucalypts
Raging rivers; lakes so blue
Dry, dusty lands; sure to score
Red sands leading to Uluru
Golden beaches all around
Crystal blue coastal waters too
This is my amazing Australia
Picturesque skies of royal blue

I sing you to me

I sing you to me
From wherever you may be
This heart song; humming
From deep inside of me

I sing you to me
Sending out my call
This vibration echoes
From deep within my soul

I sing you to me
My heart cries out its song
Through uncharted waters
Your ship; carried long 

I sing you to me
My heart beats free
My longing is now sated
At last; my love is beside me

Make the ordinary come alive

Do not ask your children to strive 
For extraordinary lives
Such things may seem admirable
But it is a way of foolishness
Help them instead to find the wonder
And the marvel of an ordinary life
Show them the joy of tasting
Tomatoes; apples; pears...
Show them how to cry
When pets and people die
Show them the infinite pleasure
In the touch of a hand
And make the ordinary come alive for them
The extraordinary will take care of itself...

From The Parent's Tao Te Ching by William Martin

A child's gift

Always accept a child's gift
Keep it safely by your side
For you never really know
When time will turn the tide
Sour-sobs; growing golden
In the glorious noonday sun
Tiny snail shells; bleached
Gathered with so much fun
A clump of fresh green moss
Collected upon your precious walk
Watch the growing smiles cross
Their features as they laugh; talk
Open up your sandy pockets
Though humble and curious honey
These treasured gifts; like lockets
Are worth so much than money...

Feeling sad 2014

I am feeling sad these days
Too much sadness just 
Gets in the way; tears flow
I just wish they'd go
Sick of feeling like this
Sick of endless days
Can't sleep at night 
It's just not right; you know
How much longer will it be?
Until I can finally see the sun
Until I feel like a bit of fun
Until there is some happiness
In this sad life of mine...

2 October 2014

Judas steers

The old lady drove her Ute
Slowly behind the steers
They had done their work
As escorts; yes; volunteers
The truck had left at last
Taking the younger cattle
These two; like farm dogs
Had saved her half the battle
They knew their way home
Were taking their sweet time
Having done their easy job
Of driving the younger kine
What better way to drive the herd?
Than to lead them to the bend
Following behind their elders
Escorted by their 'loving' friends

Point Sturt, South Australia 
September 2017

The seal

Had seen the seal many times
Basking in the warming sun
Enjoyed the views along the coast
As we exercised; walked; took our fun
Crept up close to photograph him
As he slept; turned around and then
Relaxed again; fell asleep...
Knowing we weren't after him you ken
But this time; quickly; off he went
Escaped; dived into the deep blue sea
Yes; he was afraid; of you; of me
What happened to my little friend?
Why did he run away from me?
I am no animal abuser; no fiend
Yet; someone must have been...

26 September 2017

The scarf

Found abandoned in the park
Attached to a wire fence
Colourful; light and free
I felt it was left for me...

Took it home; washed it clean
Dried it in the refreshing breeze
Sunshine warmed its bright hues
Made it fresh and clean for me...

Never have like scarves; you see
Always felt my neck was squeezed
But as winter's icy fingers grasped
I was appreciative; as you will see...

Worn with joy as I wandered free
Its softness caused me glee
This lovely bright, colourful scarf
Surely it was meant to be...

Dresses for my girls

Made their dresses myself
For my little girls
Many long years ago
With ribbons, lace, twirls
Chopped off the length
Of maxi dresses; you know
Bought from op-shops
Bright floral colours to show
They were so cheap
Nobody was wearing them
So I saved myself a heap
Cut them; sewed them up at the hem
Made many pretty dresses
From pinks, greens; blues
All bright coloured fabrics
Many materials; lovely hues...

22 September 2017

Contact 2012

Enjoying the ability to make contact with people across the seas
No matter our different lives...
The understanding between two people who share 
The same deep connection about life and love and the universe...

22 September 2012

Linking hearts and hands

Linking hearts and hands across this beautiful earth of ours
Having the ability to live and learn and make plans
Seeing joy and pleasure in another human's smile and touch
These are the things that I love about this world so much!

22 September 2012

Life in a bubble

I have lived my life in a bubble
Lost within its crazy pace
Never fully understanding 
This amazing human race
Trapped within my own illusions
Suffering from my lack of grace
Though visible only in my vision
I was; separated; lost in my race
Poor little troubled soul was I
Filled with sorrow; filled with pain
Lost along this steep life path
How could I ever really explain?
What I could never comprehend
Until I'd finally been released
Into seeing; understanding
It all passed before my startled gaze...
But now that bubble has burst
Popping; silently dissipating
Ah my dear sweet Lord
This life I'd been hating...
Has finally improved; changed
No longer am I hated; subjugated
I am truly feeling rejuvenated!

21 September 2017

Happy birthday sweet Elfy

My precious little angel
Is 4 years old today
Oh how I love you Elfy
Though you're so far away
I miss your sweet angel face
I miss your gorgeous hug and  kiss you
I send my love to you all the while
I hear your laughter in my head
I imagine how you've grown
And though I cannot touch you
Right here in my heart is your home
Happy Birthday my precious darling
Hope you have the greatest day
Knowing that I pray for you 
From thousands of miles away...

18 September 2017

Pelican chicken

Many pelicans cruising in the dark
Playing chicken with the Wellington ferry
Like it was a walk in the park
Hungry pelicans; filling their bellies
Enjoying their playful little fling 
Many pelicans swimming in the dark
Before flying up; taking to wing
Playing their games; thinking it a lark

Wellington ferry at night 15 September 2017

Vanilla sugar

Sticks of vanilla sugar
Amongst the caster sugar
Best trick I've ever seen
This recipe by my mother
Little things she would do
To make or life the sweeter
Simple little recipes
Hand written in her cook book
Lovely meals, cakes and things
Yummy recipes I'd like to cook
For my precious family
For my significant other

9 September 2017

Family

Family is wonderful
Spending time together is great
There are so many good things
Yet sometimes there are sad times
Words are exchanged
Hearts are hurt; but love rules!
In the end; feathers are ruffled
But if we humble ourselves
And talk it over; ah discover
That peace is far better...
So: love is the answer...

2 September 2016

I love my kids and I always will

I love my kids and always will. I know they are not perfect! 
I know they have faults! I am not perfect! Never said I was!
I am not a clean freak! I am not good at keeping house!
I used to care about that but I guess it got to the point where
it all became too much for me. Somewhere along the way, 
keeping the peace in my family took it all out of me.
All this anger is coming out of me now; anger at the way 
I was treated by my own husband for many years...
Anger at the unfairness of a society where "men know better".
and treat women like they they are stupid simply because of their 
sex. Anger at all the injustices in this world. Anger at my mum's illness.
Anger at he unfairness of life! Anger at having to sit by and watch 
my daughter stress because no matter how she does it; it is never 
done the way it should have been done! If she does it this way,
it should have been done that way! If she tries to say what is wrong 
it gets brushed over as irrelevant. "oh that's not how it is at all! 
You don't know what you're talking about!"
Well it's time to say my piece! I love my kids but I tell them the truth 
if I feel they are doing the wrong thing. I don't want them end up dead 
because of bad habits. But in all honesty I cannot stand by when I see 
injustice being done! I have to stand up for what is right no matter 
how much shit will hit the fan. I have to tell the truth even if it hurts me!
It is unfair that women are expected to do as they are told; without being
listened to! Without having their say. Then when they have the guts 
to explain how they are feeling; they are abused and told they are talking crap.
Please, just listen for once and try to understand what is being said
without prejudice. Without getting defensive because your macho ego
is being questioned. please, just once try to SEE from another person's 
point of view in a fair way. Is that too much to ask? God, please get through 
to people's brains and give all women a fair go before we all go nuts and start
a fricking revolution! Like planet of the Apes but in this case: planet of the unheard women!

23 September 2014

Baring my soul

I am sharing my inner most pain
Because I have to let it go again
The things I have held inside for years
Are bringing me to tears
But I cannot hold it in any longer
As I let each pain and fear escape
It only makes me stronger
Yes! I was molested as a little girl
Yes! It changed the way I see the world
Yes it hurt so much to hold it in
But now I must let it go; this life of sin...
So as I share these darkest things
Please don't judge me as I begin
This journey must take place
This emptying of pain; this cleansing rain
Though painful to say the very least
I must release this terrible beast
It has eaten at my soul for years
It has followed me from west to east
Now as I finally cast these words upon the seas
I ask for understanding if you please
Just let me empty out this rubbish bin
Just let me loose this pain from within
I cannot hide it any longer
I must get it out to grow stronger
So lend your hearts and ears a while
Help me bare my soul a while
Listen and yes please understand
This was never as I would have planned
Tough my heart was troubled for so long
Now as I give it up to God: He understands
He has already washed me clean
His blood and tears were shed for me
Now as I cry these salty tears for me
For that innocent child I used to be
Though they number million; drops in the sea
The peace I seek will comfort me
And though I was close to drowning underneath
I will rise above the breakers; yes indeed
For my Lord and saviour is right here with me...

26 September 2014

Dance with me my darling

Come dance with me my darling 
Take me in your loving arms 
Hold me close to your heart 
Of your life I would be a part 

Come dance with me my darling 
Let me look into your pale green eyes 
Allow my love to enfold you 
Just like the dark night's velvet skies

Come dance with me my darling 
Hold me close in your embrace
Let my fingers touch your body
Allow my lips to kiss your face

Spring cleaning bug

Oh no! I've got the spring cleaning bug!
Just couldn't stop! Had to clean and clean!
Stuff everywhere! Like a tornado had been!
Piles of books everywhere!
Newspapers under the stairs!
Oops! I haven't got any stairs!
Must have been my mistake 
Felt so dizzy by the end 
Got some yucky dust up my nose 
That's what made me sneeze: I suppose 
So much washing to get done 
At least I count that as "fun"
I enjoy the warm sunshine 
Love to see the clothes flapping on the line 
The sky was so crystal clear
Saw a jet plane soaring overhead 
Not a sound to be heard; that followed
A minute later on!
Saw the new moon so high up above 
Then a bird flew by as well
Lucky me; it was not about to drop
Any presents on my head

21 September 2012
Sedan 

Lost in my Nightmare

Lost in my nightmare 

Way back in our old home 

You were there for a visit 

But to me you would not incline 

Ignored and abandoned 

I lost my temper and my cool

Angrily I abused you 

For making me act the fool

You turned away from me 

From my countenance of love 

I felt despised and regretted 

All I'd given of that love

I ran crying from the building 

Out into the wilderness 

Yelling that you would discover 

Me no longer at your side 

Just as in a childish temper 

Many, many long years ago 

I ran off and thought you'd find me 

Like in fairy tales of yore 

I awoke feeling upset; restless 

Feeling hard done by; yes indeed

Hurt by all of your nasty words 

Hurt by all your selfishness and greed 

Lost in my dreaming

I was lost in my dreaming 
Searching for some light 
Trying; something to discover 
Set some things to right 
You were sitting there beside me 
Looking content with your new life 
You turned to me and started 
Then uncertain; ready for flight 
I asked you to continue 
As you were turning away 
"Honey" I said; smiling 
"Please let us chat today"

Out of the frying pan

Was scrubbing my old electric frying pan 
It was covered in grease and grime 
How come I never saw this before?
How come I was so lost in time?
My tears began a-falling and
I felt so terribly ashamed 
As I peered into my dungeon 
Into the darkness and the haze
What had I become?
How had I behaved? 
Oh Lord: my life flew past before me
The pain; humiliation; the shame 
My eyes; though wide open 
Had been covered in a smoky glaze
Now; no longer blinded 
I could see all of those distant days 
The level to which I'd been reduced
All the dirt in which I'd wallowed; lazed
Now; it was revealed through my crying 
How could I have been so blinded? 
How so demoralised?
Devastated by life's circumstance...
Made to feel less than normal
Less than; dehumanised...
God help me rise up again
Help me see the light 
Release me from this lifelong blight...

Wild winds

Hear the wild winds blowing
Listen to them scream; howl
Don't you know time is showing?
Don't you know it's almost time?
God' angels still hold back danger
Slowly they will loose their hold
Storms descend upon the nations
Allow the world's strife to magnify
Dangers is growing everywhere
Evil rears its great ugly head
How can any flee this danger?
Is there any safety in these climes?

September sunshine

Glorious September sunshine 
Pouring down from above 
No more dark skies; darling 
Let me fill you with my love 
Fresh sea breezes blowing 
Bright new days ahead 
This love of life; mind blowing 
Can't wait my wings to spread 

Love and lovers

Many songs have been written

Many more have been sung 

Of lovers in their seasons 

And of how many have been wrong 

You cannot miss such loving 

As you have never ever had 

Until the day when such love; deserved 

Finally does come along...

Impossible to discover it 

More impossible to describe 

How your heart goes beating 

How you truly feel inside...

Unless you have thus experienced 

You cannot ever hope to see 

Nor understand a heart's fleeting 

Glow; then the mind's brief glee

But what of those few par takers?

Those in that small minority 

Who actually get to experience?

Those who actually do fly free?

Lifted up into the heavens 

Elevated to spectacular heights 

Remaining there for many moments 

Have you ever really experienced; seen?

Hurting Inside

I regularly get so angry
When I think of you two
Selfish, greedy dastards
Through and through
It galls me to remember
All of those times
When you said "I'll pay you back"
And I believed all your lies...
Anger flares within me
At the way you thought to treat; me
Your loving, kind, generous mother
To you I was so sweet
But the time came when I
Could simply no longer believe
That my own precious daughter
Could be so filled with greed
And like a lamb led to slaughter
Oh how you made me bleed...
My love; it was thus sacrificed
I could finally take no more
Then it was I realised
I could only walk out that door...

Sense of smell

She came into our unit
Friendly visit on her mind
We simply didn't realise
She wasn't being unkind...
"Can't you sense that smell dear?
I know where it's coming from?
I had the very same problem
But now at last it is all gone!"
Water had been slowly leaking
Way before we had even realised
Black mould spores were brewing
We'd underestimated their disguise
Hidden behind kitchen cupboards
Those evil spores had multiplied
Spreading their spectacular destruction
We could not smell it, were sensitised
That awful smell; spreading far and wide
The previous tenant had voiced it
Her concerns; though never recognised
Nothing was ever done about it
No cleansing regime improvised...
Now as we were finally leaving
After the work was finally done
We'd left to move our belongings
Came back to check before moving on
The mouldy smell was overpowering
How could we not have known?
It pervaded all our senses
Made us finally realise...
That cough that ever lingered
That rash that never fully healed
Just as we had read all about it
These ailments were now revealed
As part and parcel of that moisture
As caused by that ignorance
For they surely would not listen
As she had tried to seek recourse...
Now at last we say "good riddance"
To that substandard rented home
I only hope the next tenant will
Get to enjoy a cleaner zone

Family life

I love my family
My children are precious 
To me they are my life 
Such a shame then 
That some only cause me strife 
What pleasure can be gained 
When we are in accord 
When we are all loving 
When we speak a civil word 
It is with sadness that I sigh 
Wishing sad days had gone by 
Miss my mum so very much 
Miss my grandchildren too
But my daughter; though I love her 
Can't seem to recover 
From the distance between us two
Anger flames within me 
At the way she has betrayed
With her hard hearted words 
They cut like samurai swords 
I cannot believe it 
But it has happened all the same 
Though I gave everything 
It was never enough 
I was "selfish and greedy"
In her damning eyes 
But though I love her 
Though I wish I could move on 
Her words they fall like boulders 
Crashing in my ears 
And the pain returns more deeply 
At the way she has betrayed 
God I ask for your forgiveness
For the way my life has gone 
Help me to be more forgiving 
Help me to clear the slate 
Help cease from complaining 
Help me deeply contemplate 
With loving thoughts to ponder 
I pray it's not too late...

Life and growing older

It's Father's Day on Sunday
Another year has passed
My dear dad is getting older
He is really slowing down
Everything is "too much"
It is all just "too hard"...
His breathing is getting shallower
His eyes a little more dim
I love my dear old gentleman
I truly do worry about him
Now that mum is gone
Now that he is all alone
I worry about his eating
I worry about his health
Knowing that life is short
His life is his wealth...
He doesn't really eat much
A little here and there
I guess that's what happens hon
He really doesn't seem to care
I listen as he eats his food
Can't chew cos he has no teeth
So he gums it all and swallows
He lives by this belief
A little goes a long, long way
Don't miss what you don't have
He has lost the love of his life
But he's doing really brave
At least he has regular baths
At least he likes to shave...
He'll never be a dirty old man
So he'll never be that cliche
Just like Paul McCartney's grandpa
In "A hard day's night"
"He's a clean old man"
That's what they'll say
Whenever my dear old dad
Comes wandering this way...
I love you dad
Hope you have the most wonderful "Father's Day"

Cranky old man

What do you see nurses?...What do you see?
What are you thinking...When you're looking at me?
A cranky old man...not very wise...
Uncertain of habit...with far away eyes...
Who dribbles his food...and makes no reply...
When you say i a loud voice..."I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice...the things that you do...
And forever is losing...a sock or a shoe...
Who, resisting or not...lets you do as you will...
With bathing and feeding...Lets you do as you will...
With bathing and feeding...the long day to fill...
Is that what you're thinking?...Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes nurse...you're not looking at me...
I'll tell you who I am...As I sit here so still...
As I do your bidding...As I eat at your will...
I'm a small child of 10...With father and mother...
Brothers and sisters...who love one another...
A young boy of 16...with wings on his feet...
Dreaming that soon now...a lover he'll meet...
A groom soon at 20...my heart gives a leap...
Remembering the vows...that I promised to keep...
At 25 now...I have young of my own...
Who need me to guide...and secure a happy home...
A man of 30...my young now grown fast...
Bound to each other...With ties that should last...
At 40, my young sons...have grown and are gone...
But my woman is beside me...to see I don't mourn...
At 50, once more...babies play at my knee...
Again we know children...my loved one and me...
Dark days are upon me...my wife is now dead...
I look at the future...I shudder with dread...
For my young are all rearing...young of their own...
And I think of the years..and the love I have known...
I'm now an old man...and nature is cruel...
It's jest to make old age...look like a fool...
The body it crumbles...grace, vigour, depart...
But inside this old carcass...a young man still dwells...
And now and again...my battered heart swells...
I remember the joys...I remember the pain...
And I'm loving and living...life all over again...
I think of the years, all too few...gone too fast...
And accept the stark fact...that nothing can last...
So open your eyes, people...open and see...
Not a cranky old man...
Look closer...see...ME!!

Originally by Phyllis McCormack
Adapted by Dave Griffith
Shared on FaceBook

Found among the property of an old man 
who had just died in a nursing home...

The best and most beautiful things
Can't be seen or touched...
They must be felt by the heart...