Big Sky Buckeye

A writer's journey continues

What If . . .

Posted on June 17, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Chokniti Khongchum on Pexels.com

Life’s bucket fills with special moments

Sometimes, we want to repeat it again

But life doesn’t always repeat and begin

What if . . .

Life’s journey brings one to old friends

Haven’t seen some for so very long

Sort of like writing a joy-filled song

What if . . .

Discord, unrest, strife and endless wars

Lost forever, never to surface and return

Solving problems becomes our concern

What if . . .

Becoming an outstanding and skilled alpine skier

Takes one to a majestic, snow-covered summit

Witnessing a Big Montana Sky, as thee plummets

What if . . .

Medical science discovers more cures

Eliminating major diseases and cancer

Let’s continue looking for these answers

What if . . .

Traveling bravely into the realms of space

Dreaming of one of life’s extraordinary goals

Makes one more excited than a newborn foal

What if . . .

One longs to visit family far away

At any particular day and time

Filling an empty heart of mine

What if . . .

Seeing former pupils from past teaching days

Sometimes wonder how their lives turned out

Bringing much happiness, without ever a doubt

What if . . .

All political strife would just disappear and leave

Citizens’ patience wears especially thin at times

Let’s put our “real” needs at the front of the line

What if . . .

Traveling back in time with an unspoiled reality

Experiencing history as it expresses to our minds

Beholding and learning from each moment in time

Life only allows so many years in one’s life

Rendering it necessary to experience more

Before our final breath closes these doors

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Seeking God’s Wisdom

Posted on June 15, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com

The text used for this poem is based upon Proverbs Chapter 10, with the 10th verse taking center stage: “The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin.”

Seeks God’s wisdom

His words bring wealth

A benevolent father

Welcomes a wise child

Virtue always delivers

Never going hungry

The judicious of heart

Follows the Commandments

Always walks in integrity

Makes for a secure life

Boldly calls out trouble

Brings peace to life

Use righteous words

Builds a fountain of life

Hate stirs up trouble

Love heals our offenses

Craves absorbing wisdom

Ignores a blathering fool

Leads an honorable life

Shuns sinful behaviors

Be prudent when speaking

Uses a blameless tongue

Seeks the Lord’s blessings

Comes in reverent prayer

Follows our heavenly Father

His stronghold protects us

Mom’s Summer Woes

Posted on June 11, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

photo of little girl s hands covered with paint

Photo by Di Lewis on Pexels.com

Summer finally arrives

Breaking from school routines

Children eager, excited, hyper-filled, energized

When does Mom ever get to take a break?

Chauffeuring children everywhere

Swimming lessons, sports camps

Gas tank never seems full

When does Mom get to run to a special place?

Thunderstorms pop up

Bringing their usual culprits

Rain, wind, hail, lightning, thunder

How did Mom’s new umbrella end up in the yard?

Enjoyable family gatherings

Long picnics, games aplenty

Lots of tasty food prepared

But Mom—why are we picking up a bucket at KFC?

Travel plans made

Laundry, packing, laundry, repacking

Mom still must be “Mom”

When does Mom get to enjoy “her” vacation?

School arrives again

Summer finally over—finally!

Bus leaves with the kiddos

Why does Mom hit the snooze again?

person touching black two bell alarm clock

Photo by Stas Knop on Pexels.com

Solitary Man

Posted on June 6, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Traveling across the vast land, never on the run

Asking for a ride with his hand’s seasoned thumb

Hitchhiking along the seldom traveled highways

Hoping to catch a few rides over several days

Walking alone at times, never needing a hand

Being solitary in nature, just because he can

Sleeping nearby the road most nights

Rolling out a bed, brings him no fright

Yes, he travels the road as a solitary man

Stopping at many little towns on the map

Moving on, there ain’t even time for a nap

Raining on a mid-morning, soaking him to the skin

Drying out beneath a tree, God smiles back at him

Checking his road map, nearby a highway junction

Determining at a glance, how the day will function

Catching a delicious meal at the next town

Tasting the meatloaf, known by all around

Yes, he travels the road as a solitary man

Having no family to ever call upon and see

Feeling alone at times, how his life will be

Spending a quiet night in an uncomfortable hotel bed

Waking up early, doesn’t feel quite right in his head

Experiencing nature in a perfect setting

Seeing more than most, never fretting

Baking under a blistering, burning sun this afternoon

Looking forward to a cool evening under a full moon

Yes, he travels the road as a solitary man

Photo by SplitShire on Pexels.com

Thanks for walking a few moments with the Solitary Man. Perhaps his mind still fills with sad memories of lost loves as singer and songwriter Neil Diamond wrote in his song version of “Solitary Man.”

If you are eager to read more, take a look back at two different types of poems that relate to “Solitary Man” in a couple of different ways. You will find a similar Christian theme in Everlasting Road while more humor is found in Still a Desperate Man.

Class of ’74

Posted on June 5, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The excitement of high school stands quietly now

All alumni remember, having taken their final bow

Somewhere in the background, singing from above

British vocalist Lulu sings again, “To Sir With Love”

As youth, daydreaming of playing for the Golden Bears

To proudly wear the gold and white with spirit and flair

Gridiron warriors bare their souls and accomplish more

A championship berth misses by a single game’s score

Determined grapplers take down each and every contender

These wrestlers secure gold, no longer seen as pretenders

Teamwork and tenacity deliver wins on the hardwood

Basketball championship arrives, because they could

Daily routines pack every academic day

Lunchtime jukebox in the cafeteria plays

The staff educates with authority and motivation

Always with immense pride and lasting dedication

Like a human compass, Mr. Fox draws a perfect shape

Dressed as a cowboy, Mr. Ensign imparts history’s fate

As dependable as a clock, Mrs. Brush teaches math each day

With surprising humor, Mr. Welchlin makes geology fun to play

Days filled with books, manual typewriters, and slide rules

Never imagining computers that today’s students find cool

Ah, the memories still live for so many after these years

Careers, families, and challenges drive us without fear

The years advance as more gray hair arrives

However, keen minds remain strong and alive

Never forgetting, these high school years stand tall

Filling hearts and minds, memories continue for all

These memories give you a glimpse into my final high school year at Billings West High School. Yes, it was way back in 1974, now 45 years ago this month. God has blessed me to remember these events and happenings from long ago.

A year ago at this time, I was leaving the classroom again. After 40 years as a classroom teacher, activities director, and coach, I was passing on the torch to other colleagues to continue on. Enjoy a previously published poem that many of you probably missed in Teacher’s Final Day.

Hidden Treasure

Posted on June 3, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Autumn expectantly arrives across the land

Bringing to the thick woods, a merry band

Threesome of hikers search for the lost cabin

Hiding in the forest, ready to make life happen

This time of year is special and waiting for a reason

Journeying together and meeting every fall season

Years have not been kind to this old place

Providing shelter, not much else to taste

Cozy and pleasant, with one gigantic room

Building a fire to bring warmth to us soon

No electricity, no indoor plumbing—that’s right

Waiting is a weathered outhouse—out of sight

Photo by Lum3n.com on Pexels.com

Kitchen wood stove awaits its initial directions

Starting up its fire, offers dinner’s selections

Water and supplies need to be packed in

Realizing this old cabin, ain’t a Holiday Inn

Aroma of burning pine logs, fills the indoor air

Relaxing in this hidden cabin, without any cares

Darkness comes early to this quiet place

Reading by candlelight, at a leisurely pace

Early morning arrives with light frost outside

Smelling brewed coffee and pancakes inside

This rustic cabin remains a cherished treasure

Escaping the 21^st Century, for simple pleasures

Photo by Matej on Pexels.com

A few months back, I wrote about family treasures in Little Treasures and the experiences of walking with nature in Hilltop Hiker. You are invited to read these poems in case you missed them. Thanks for spending some time with Big Sky Buckeye.

Sometimes . . .

Posted on May 27, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery on Pexels.com

Sometimes . . .

A heart and soul experience nothing but emptiness

Searching for a life overflowing with more happiness

Family and friends stop over, sharing bushels of love

Extending God’s righteousness, working from above

Sometimes . . .

A body no longer feels as young as it once was

Declining, outdated, and ancient, just because

Changes in a lifestyle produce renewal of life

Experiencing energy again, without the strife

Sometimes . . .

The day fills with shadows of darkness, without light

Questioning why this life no longer continues to fight

Next day’s sunrise brings a sustaining change

Illuminating the way, because God is His name

Sometimes . . .

This job generates nothing, only constant distress

Feeling passed over by others who perform less

Then one day, opportunity knocks at the door

Receiving that promotion, evens up the score

Sometimes . . .

Life feels like walking the treadmill all day

Ending out of breath, with nothing to say

Faithfulness enters a heart with a new intention

Accepting God’s grace, a total transformation

When life brings us challenges, our faith is sometimes challenged. We just need to remember that our God is a righteous and faithful one filled with immense love and thanksgiving.

Here are some previously published poems that explore a variety of life’s challenges. May we always remain faithful towards our Lord.

Standing Alone

Posted on May 22, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Montana 2016 B&W.jpg

Disheveled in appearance, this mansion has long stood

Waiting silently in a long forgotten town’s neighborhood

The spreading sagebrush peeks out and feels alone

Lacking any proper care, the yard appears overgrown

Years ago, sophistication resides here with its appeal

Bringing people to dinner parties, glamorous and real

The walls still remember, offering all guests a seat

Listening to stories of wonder that continue to speak

The family appreciates their glittering life of pleasure

Living with opulence from a wealth of gifted treasure

Then the Great Depression delivers hard, uncertain times

Drying up bank accounts, from thousands to a few dimes

A life of splendor and privilege, now forever gone

Sending lives into financial ruin, no longer strong

A great town collapses into isolation and despair

Causing the grand home to fade without repairs

The once-proud family packs up and departs

Moving on to an uncertain future, falling apart

Now the mansion of grandeur stands alone and tattered

Allowing Father Time to leave her final years battered

The town remains deserted, quiet, and dark

Surviving as a ghost town without any spark

Sometimes the wind blows, bringing past voices to hear

Remembering better times without any shattered tears

The photograph is of an abandoned mansion found in Nevada City, Montana. This townsite is located a short drive outside of Virginia City in Madison County of the Big Sky state. Both of these communities are worth a visit when you travel to southwestern Montana. In 1863, Montana’s second major gold strike centered along Alder Gulch, which runs through the area. For additional information about this gold strike, visit Alder Gulch.

What’s in a Name?

Posted on May 2, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“What’s in a name” people frequently ask

Let’s explore some just for fun, as our task

Their names represent fame and success

Bringing inspiration to people, nothing less

The Belle of Amherst crafts amazing prose

Emily Dickinson pens magnificent poems

With beauty as exquisite as a painted rose

The Little Corporal conquers many, from his view

Napoleon leads armies across the continent

Only to sustain decisive humiliation at Waterloo

The Yankee Clipper glides across center field

Joe DiMaggio calmly leads the baseball Yankees

Winning nine World Series, never one to yield

The Little Tramp generates many laughs

Charlie Chaplin affixes his comic genius

To a motherlode of silent films that last

The Wizard of Menlo Park perfects light

Thomas Edison invents much to enhance life

With amazing innovations, forever bright

The King of Rock ‘n Roll carries us into a new age

Elvis Presley flips the music world upside down

With singing and dancing from a jailhouse cage

The Lady with the Lamp takes up her cause

Florence Nightingale demonstrates her resolve

To improve nursing and health without pause

The Chairman of the Board conquers Hollywood

Frank Sinatra sings, dances, and acts his way to fame

Entertaining as few other performers ever could

The Wizard of Westwood toils at his craft for many years

John Wooden finishes his coaching career with a flourish

Winning ten basketball championships, incredible to hear

The Maid of Orleans becomes a French heroine

Joan of Arc, during a time of extreme conflict

Restores hope and boosts morale for all within

Nicknames bring admiration to people of fame

But even ordinary folks enjoy their nicknames

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Do you know other famous people (past or present) with nicknames? Feel free to write a comment.

Here are some links to previously published writings that relate in some way to this poem. All of these are non-poetry posts.

Visit the Medora Musical (Travel)
Visit “Field of Dreams” film location (Travel)
Wooden: A Coach’s Life (Book Review)

Across the Street

Posted on April 26, 2019 by bigskybuckeye

Photo by Milly Eaton on Pexels.com

My retirement years usually produce a smile

But some days sink my spirits deep, by miles

My childhood sweetheart and lovely bride

Now rests with God, absent from my side

I stay occupied with my yard each morn

Discovering pleasure from nature’s form

There is a fine lady across the street

She emerges looking nice and sweet

She stays active around her place

Her yard definitely fits her tastes

The grass is mowed and trimmed

I wonder how she stays so thin

There seems, between us

A subliminal connection

Inviting her for coffee

Is my dreamy confession

Her petunias appear superior to mine

Perhaps I’ll ask for her secret, in time

She smiles when my puppy is outside to play

I wonder what her plans will be for this day

I imagine what she might think about me

Watching me hang a bird feeder in a tree

There seems, between us

A subliminal connection

Inviting her for coffee

Is my dreamy confession

We both come from the same generation

Her beauty creates a wonderful sensation

I’m thinking of walking across the street

Meeting this fine lady would be a treat

She steps back inside from the dry, summer heat

Perhaps tomorrow morning, we can finally meet

My Grandfather lost his childhood sweetheart and bride, but believe it or not, he found love again . . . across the street!

This real-life experience, along with Jen Goldie’s story about “The Man Across the Street”, inspired the writing of this poem. Visit Jen’s very creative story with the link shown below.

The Man Across The Street — Jen Goldie – A little this, a little that, some real and some imaginings.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: