Back in Time

Walking along the ancient canal towpath fills my mind with thoughts of years ago . . .

Early morning walk, going back in time

Autumn’s breath creates thoughts, filling with rhyme

 

Trekking along canal’s ancient pathway

Thoughts caress past moments, plenty to say

 

Gentle breeze, sending leaves twirling on down

Mind arrives at different time and town

 

Dreaming . . .

 

More simple times, without high tech living

Days invite, delightful and forgiving

 

Riding bareback along this old canal

Looking for trees to climb with school-age pals

 

Fishing one final time, nearby pond waits

When icy winter comes, change to ice skates

 

Creepy, storm-filled nights, reading classic prose

Edgar Allen Poe’s words, scary shadows

 

Looking for literature’s lighter themes

Whitman, Hawthorne, Melville adding to dreams

 

Quiet evenings filled with family time

Gathered around for radio’s primetime

 

Crisp, fall afternoon, gridiron titans clash

College football rivals looking to smash

 

Romance blossoms, courtship takes center stage

Life filling with sweetness, each turning page

 

Back to reality . . .

 

Journey runs into closed gate at Rager Road

Turning around, grateful for time borrowed

 

Looking forward to walking here real soon

Fondest memories, let them sing a tune

 

A quiet place for fishing, conversation, and winter ice skating.

Incessant

This poem takes a different route from much of my usual poetry.  It begins with the word “incessant” and carries this meaning throughout the poem with various synonyms.  Using free verse, the number of syllables remains consistent with seven in the odd-numbered lines and ten in the even-numbered ones.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

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Early in the morning’s peace

Welcoming the incessant quietness

 

Predawn light creates shadows

Enjoying their unending playfulness

 

Cool, crisp air signals autumn

Witnessing the season’s ceaseless nature

 

Solitary doe walks nearby

Looking for tender grass, endless craving

 

Neighbor walking her collie

Moving with an uninterrupted pace

 

Front porch provides morning roost

Dreaming now of countless, unbroken thoughts

 

Past memories parade on by

Watching an ongoing video show

 

Former students fill the room

Flourishing with unflagging attention

 

Grandchildren always gather

Hearing constant laughter, bringing a smile

 

North wind gusts with icy chill

Feeling winter biting with nonstop bliss

 

Frigid cold invades the porch

Warming now, by persistent fireplace flames

 

Life has been kind, a blessing

Spending everlasting time with our Lord

 

From the front porch, one can sit and watch the entire day unfold.

America’s Movie Night

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Marveling at an American treasure

Outdoor movie screens offer nighttime pleasure

 

Drive-ins share their unique personality

Double features, hometown hospitality

 

Big screen stars on America’s movie night

Under the night sky, Hollywood’s best shine bright

 

Notable scenes from drive-ins come to the screen

Danny and Sandy from “Grease” making the scene

 

Winning combination fuels drive-ins’ success

Love of movies plus cars, who would ever guess?

 

Practicing social distancing, cars spread out

Another summer night, film-inspired blowout

 

Family piles into the station wagon

Good thing we traded that tiny Volkswagen

 

Mom and Dad, reservations in the front seat

Wearing pajamas, kids view from the back seat

 

Transporting all of us to a place of fun

Kids become quiet . . . fall asleep, one by one

 

Comfy family night under twilight’s stars

Slice of Americana, with movie stars

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Practicing social distance before anyone knew what it meant, America’s drive-ins have been a fixture since arriving in New Jersey in 1933.  Following World War II, the American landscape exploded with new drive-ins.  By 1952, outdoor movie attendance exceeded indoor theaters for the first time.  During the 1950s, the number of drive-ins peaked at 5,000 or so.  

From Her Window

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Peering out from her window

Times changing much, much too fast

Being alone many years

Husband and friends having passed

 

Small home meets her meager needs

But, the neighborhood has changed

Folks come and go, few she knows

Life blurs by, as if arranged

 

Sheltered from the outside world

Homebound most days by herself

Family in distant states

Ignored like books on a shelf

 

Watching some television

Staying away from the news

Remembering old classics

Dreaming of Julie Andrews

 

Reading occupies her time

Local newspaper connects

Crossword puzzle smiling back

Novels thrill with their suspects

 

Peering out from her window

Another sunset draws near

Unfamiliar car drives up

Grandchildren bring happy tears

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Twenty-Five Cents

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Running a quick errand for mother

Feeling twenty-five cents in my hand

Heading to the nearby little store

Milk, bread—let’s see what candy looks grand

 

Years ago, two bits meant feeling rich

A few coins equal twenty-five cents

Today, this sweet tooth will be in luck

Let this candy shopping now commence

 

Below the front counter, treasures wait

Friendly woman cashier stands and smiles

A few pennies for Sweet Tarts and more

Licorice, Smarties add to the pile

 

Looking to spend one final nickel

Picking through endless, tempting choices

Spying at last, a sweet Hershey bar

Overcome by sugar-filled voices

 

Arriving back home without delay

Pockets filled with sweetest treasure

Mother asks about the milk and bread

Two bucks unspent, plus her displeasure

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Growing up in my childhood neighborhood, there was a little store just a few blocks away.  My brothers and I made many a journey to the store for milk, bread, and other quick-to-find essentials for our mother.  I cannot recall forgetting the milk and bread, but having a few coins in my pocket was treasure waiting to be spent on the candy found there.  

The poem lists a few of the types of candy found back in the 1960s.  Do you have a favorite candy from your childhood?

Quintet of Brothers

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College basketball star and high school majorette

Growing up under Montana’s brilliant Big Sky

Destined to raise this band of brothers as their sons

Rearing five boys, better than any Fourth of July

 

Household of boys born over a span of twelve years

Perhaps their father dreams of a basketball team

While their mother nurtures with love and care

Quintet of brothers’ thoughts filling with biggest dreams

 

Brothers grow up, facing life’s many challenges

Inspired by a father with amazing courage

Battling back from near-fatal car crash in his youth

His steadfast work ethic always encourages

 

These driven brothers discover their niche at school

Excelling with their academics in the classroom

Competition fuels a welcome outlet through sports

Lives mature too quickly, future destinies zoom

 

This family story would never be complete

The boys’ mother remembers God’s lovely bouquet

These five brothers always cherish their one sister

Believe it or not, she’s born on Valentine’s Day

Photo by Molly Champion on Pexels.com

This poem gives you a quick glimpse into my childhood family.  Growing up under Montana’s Big Sky was a blessing for my brothers and sister.  The memories will last a lifetime.

Big Sky Memories

I must admit that I have been feeling a bit homesick in thinking of my native state of Montana, where much of my family still lives.  This poem and photographs share some past memories of experiencing these awesome wonders of the Big Sky state, and I look forward to visiting when Covid-19 finally takes a backseat.

Looking downstream, the scenic Madison River as seen along U.S. Highway 287 between Hebgen Lake and the delightful community of Ennis.

Dreaming often of Montana’s Big Sky

Feeling more like an eagle, flying high

 

Revisiting wide open eastern plains

Watching combines harvesting ripened grains

 

Driving switchbacks on the Beartooth Highway

Topping amazing heights, wishing to stay

 

Floating the Yellowstone, like yesterday

Spending time with old friends, lasting all day

 

Scaling Baldy Mountain, there’s just one goal

Reaching the “M” without taking a roll

 

Fishing the scenic Madison once more

Joining Herb and his grandson, trout in store

 

Exploring limestone caverns underground

Enjoying mysteries, yet to be found

 

Walking the Bear Paw Mountains near Chinook

Learning Nez Perce history, without books

 

Motoring down the “Going to the Sun”

Chasing this highway to the setting sun

 

Flying over this amazing “Last Best Place”

Returning soon for another sweet taste

From the summer of 2018, climbing the trail to the largest block “M” in the country. The “M” stands for Montana State University, where I graduated from 40 years earlier.

Father’s Identity

man in black leather jacket wearing black framed eyeglasses

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Beautiful melodies

Cellos and violins

Stirring memories

New lives, set to begin

 

Father with daughters

Growing up with each one

Precious treasures to bless

Through Father, Holy Son

 

Music playing, forevermore

Images of each step

Laughter filling their rooms

Love knocks at our doorstep

 

Afternoon tea parties

Playing games, singing songs

Favorite storybooks

Life perfect, never wrong

 

Seeing their eager eyes

Savoring school’s first day

Playing in autumn’s leaves

Days never seem too gray

 

Watching each girl mature

Life’s incredible ride

Graduation moments

Wedding days at their side

 

Playing in the background

Peaceful serenity

Past, special moments

Father’s identity

My life has been blessed with a splendid and loving trio of daughters who have made fatherhood a true blessing.  I was listening to a rendition of Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” as I wrote this poem.  I especially enjoy strings or piano (all three of my daughters are accomplished piano players).  Here is a sample of the music.  Enjoy!

 

Life Looks Back

man in green jacket

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Dusty top of the kitchen fridge

No worries about cleaning

Unless . . .

Taller guests come to play bridge

 

Windshield wipers, broken and worn

Needing to be replaced

But never . . .

Attempt when rain becomes airborne

 

Congested and overmatched table

Keeping life healthy and in order

Looking like . . .

Walgreens, filled with pill labels

 

Remembering school days past

Time to take another test

Pausing . . .

Hoping the “ditto” smell will last

 

Self-driving cars, soon to be the craze

Sitting in one, with perplexed look

Pondering . . .

Will the back seat driver be unfazed?

 

Raiding the freezer for a midnight snack

Hunger disrupts blissful sleep

What’s this . . .

Cookie Dough ice cream has been hijacked

 

Installing a terrific app on her “hip” phone

Grandson helps his Grandma out

Meanwhile . . .

With his flip phone, Grandpa feels quite alone

 

Finding a parking spot is tonight’s mission

Free valet parking

Guaranteed . . .

When you drive a manual transmission

 

So many toilet paper choices and sizes

What ever happened to having just one?

Confusing . . .

Mega and Super Mega waiting in disguise

 

Enjoying a late night film on television

Fearful of falling asleep

Always prepared . . .

Setting an alarm, allows for night vision

 

Reading and proofreading, reading once more

Retired English teacher

Never satisfied . . .

Writing a “perfect” text with words to adore

 

If you have enjoyed this bit of fun

Wait for the next round

When . . .

Doughnuts and coffee for everyone

doughnut on white ceramic plate beside ceramic mug on brown wooden table

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Monday Memories: Thanksgiving Memories

Today’s memory goes back to November, 2019.  Remembering past Thanksgiving gatherings with family long ago, creates images to last a lifetime in this updated poem.

photo of pumpkins

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Remembering annual family gatherings from years past

Enjoying special, blessed times which will last and last

 

Filling Grandma’s packed house with people from near and far

Seeing aunts, uncles, and cousins—as numerous as the stars

 

Feeling the crisp, autumn air—possibly snow on the ground

Arriving with abundant food and family love to pass around

 

Pitching in, many helping hands prepare the meal

Eating together on Thanksgiving is a very big deal

 

Catching up on life from several corners of the state

Thanking the Lord that all arrived safely on this date

 

Listening to exciting conversation that fills the tiny house

Disappearing from a kitchen corner, a frightened mouse!

 

Preparing so many favorite and delicious treats

Tasting each will make today an awesome feast

 

Setting up Grandma’s sizable dining room table with care

Deciding where each family member will sit, here or there

 

Providing for extra places to eat in the living room

Anticipating that all of us will be eating very soon

 

Smelling the huge turkey roasting in the oven until finally done

Carving this bird and splitting the wishbone, most delicious fun

 

Pleasing everyone’s taste buds, with a gathering of yummy dishes

Adding stuffing, mashed potatoes, and yams to everyone’s wishes

 

Saving room for a sweet symphony of delicious pies

Savoring a slice of pumpkin or many others—Oh my!

 

Exchanging stories, playing cards, and watching football

Realizing too soon that the time says, “Goodnight to all”

 

Departing for home, before everyone’s bedtime arrives

Blessing our family time, this thanksgiving feels so alive

 

Smiling from her large window, Grandma feels so much love

Looking forward to experiencing peace, from the Lord above