COUNTRY HEAVEN

COUNTRY HEAVEN

As a cell phone rang up in Heaven
"HELLO, DARLIN" Conway said
"Do y'all sell blue suede shoes?"
"Oh my God; Carl Perkins must be dead!"

He ran to tell Patsy Cline
"Hey! Carl's on his way!"
She said "I'LL FALL TO PIECES"
Mama Cass moaned "MONDAY, MONDAY."

Roy Orbinson heard about it
Then passed it on to John
"IMAGINE"; Carl's flying up tonight
And Lennon sang his song.

Roy saw Karen in the clouds
"PRETTY WOMAN", have you heard?
Ms. Carpenter shook her head
But she said not a word.

He repeated "Carl Perkin's is joining us
He'll be here for dinner!"
She just turned up her nose & said
"I wish that I was thinner!!"

Ms. Cass heard the conversation
Said "Can I have what she don't eat?"
Elvis said "THAT'S ALL RIGHT, MAMA"
Find a BIG star and take a seat.

Now Sonny was a newcomer
And always acted vague
As soon as he saw Dottie West
He screamed: "I GOT YOU , BABE!"

Now Dottie had a thing for Conway
He was just her type
But Jim insisted "HE'LL HAVE TO GO"
'Cuz Mr. Reeves had HER in sight.

While they argued over Dottie West
Floyd Cramer played "LAST DATE"
Like Sonny, he too was new
He'd just now met his fate.

"Carl musta gotton lost", God said
"Maybe coming here through Nebraska"
"Nope" sang Johnny Horten
"He's going "NORTH, TO ALASKA."

"DON'T BE CRUEL" Elvis said
Then he began to grin
Listening to John Denver's
"HEY, IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK HOME AGAIN."

Perkins showed up 'round midnight
Was looking for his shoes
God asked "Would you like some wine?"
And Carl lost his blues.

Elvis almost died of laughter
But he was born again
"Thank you very much" he told God
Who said "Son, gluttony's a sin!!"

"I'M JUST SO PROUD TO BE HERE"
They all heard Minnie Pearl say
And David Houston was "ALMOST PERSUADED"
To join her, on knees and pray.

They all searched for Charlie Rich
To help them with their chores
But Mama Cass was not tellin'
He was with her "BEHIND CLOSED DOORS."

Elvis said " I'll have it MY WAY"
As he ate most of Karen's rejections
And Sonny can't wait for Nov. 15th
To find out who won the elections!

The weeks had turned into months
As they watched the Braves play the Marlins
Later, Karen sang with Patsy Cline
"MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLING."

Conway's missing Loretta
Denver's crying over Annie
They hung their tree in Heaven
And filled Karen's stocking with candy!

All alone by himself in a corner
Marty Robbins was missing his life
Night after night he kept singing
"MY WOMAN, MY WOMAN, MY WIFE."

Then God announced "Guess who's coming?"
As they all held their breath
"RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER"
Now there's only eight reindeer left.

Faron Young just could not adjust
And people in Nashville knew
'Cuz an Angel delivered his message
"MY SHOES KEEP WALKING BACK TO YOU."

Faron truly loved Dottie West
But Roger Miller met her first
In a panic, Roger sang "DANG ME!"
When he saw Faron leave the hearse.

Richie Valens spent all his time
Teaching Spanish to Jesus
"LA BAMBA, LA BAMBA, LA BAMBA"
While Mama ate reeses-pieces.

That made Roy Acuff hungry
So he left to ask Grampa Jones:
"Sir, might I ask "WHAT'S FER SUPPER?"
"Cornbread, cheese grits and moon pie scones."

Now goody-two-shoes Ricky Nelson
Just tried to stay out of view
He couldn't stand Buddy Hollie's
"MAYBE, BABY, I'LL HAVE YOU."

"I'M SO LONESOME I COULD DIE"
A big hit for Hank Williams
His words were answered right away
No chance to spend his millions.

So up in Heaven THE BEAT GOES ON
Sonny's still waiting for Cher
They're not allowed to have apples
Plenty of wine but not any beer.

Country stars living in Heaven
Few women, no liquor or sex
Hanging out on clouds of blue
Wondering who'll be next?


They didn't have to wait too long
To add to Heaven's band
Hank Snow joined with Tammy Wynette
Who sang aloud STAND BY YOUR MAN.

They're all waiting for Loretta
Tammy's watching for George
All's well in Country Heaven
Because they're with the Lord.

LOVERS

LOVERS

Pick a lazy summer day
And a blanket by the sea
Add a picnic basket
Lay close beside me;
Rub lotion on my back
Pour a glass of wine
Stroll with me on the sand
Tell me that you're mine.

Choose a day in the Fall
To take me for a ride
We'll watch the falling leaves
Ask me to be your bride;
Love me 'neath a maple tree
Hold me tight and then
Kiss me on my mouth
And offer me a ring.

Pick a certain day in winter
We can ride out in a sleigh
Jack Frost to keep us company
I want to hear you say:
"I need you to keep me warm"
And I'll hold your hand
Kiss each and every finger
Tell you, "you're my man."

Find a special day in Spring
To make our dreams come true
Whisper that you love me
I'll say the same to you;
We will be man and wife
Underneath the covers
Always and forever, babe
We will live as "lovers".

FIRST JOB

FIRST JOB

The lot looked full of nice, new and used vehicles as the lady walked around to admire them. She had only had one car in her life, a Ford. She wasn't sure what to buy but knew she had to get something soon as people in town were tired of her hitch-hiking.

Why, even this morning a nice policeman whom she knew from when he was a lad, stopped to ask her to please keep her thumb to herself as he kindly gave her a ride to the dealership.

Last Sunday, it took three different rides to get her to and from church and she got all wet from the rain. So she MUST get something today!

"Yes, M'am, how may we help you today?"

"Do I look like I need 'help'?" she asked the young gentleman who had walked outside when he saw a prospective customer. He wasn't keen on old ladies but he was tired of playing card games on the office computer.

"Oh. I'm sorry, M'am," he smiled "I meant to say "how may I assist you?"

"Well, that's better. My oh my, don't they teach you anything these days?"

"Are you looking to buy or just looking today?"

"That depends, Mr..........I didn't get your name, young man. Do you have one?"

"Ooops, sorry. I assumed YOU knew. My name's David; David Grimshaw".

"Hello, David; my name is Ethel Gulliver". They shook hands. "And yes, I am looking to buy a car today. What would you suggest for a lady such as myself?"

They walked around the lot together and he offered his idea of what he thought she could afford. He noticed that she had no pocketbook. He figured she probably had a small amount of cash stuffed in her corset somewhere. He grinned to himself. This one shouldn't take long; a piece of cake!

"How about a test drive in this older model car? It has still got a few years left in her and........."

"Her?? Why do you call a car a she?"

"Well, er, I dunno, I guess....."

"You don't know? Well, I hope that you will find out and when you do, please let me know."

"Sure, but I ain't the boss and...."

"Ain't? Ain't? Where did you attend school, David? I thought I had come to the right place to buy my new vehicle but I guess...."

"New? Did you say "new"?

"Of course! Why would you assume otherwise?"

"Well, I'm sorry but I thought you wanted an older car; how about we take this baby for a spin?"

"How much does this "baby" cost?"

"Well, just for today and just for you...."

"Cut the crap, Mister. I wasn't born yesterday! I just want straight answers, ok? I may be 79 but I'm not senile."

They drove a few cars but she wasn't pleased with any of them. The young salesman was getting anxious and realized three hours had passed and other customers were being taken care of and driving away. He was just about ready to tell her to take her business elsewhere; crazy old woman.

He hadn't sold anything except two old, used cars this whole month and he was sure that the General Manager was going to let him go at the end of the month. Now it was his misfortune to waste over three hours walking around with this old broad. She was as crazy as a loon, always correcting him and making him feel like "just a used car salesman."

"I'd like to buy five of those new Cadilacs, please."

"What? Did you say five?? You want to buy five new cars???"

"Are you deaf or something? I want one in black, one in white and three in silver. And I want them delivered with a full tank of gas, tomorrow at noon."

He smiled at her sense of humour and laughed aloud. Suddenly, the old lady whipped out her checkbook and began to write........God, was she serious? He suddenly began to hyperventilate!

He led her into his small cubicle and pulled up the necessary information on his computer. Yes, they were in stock and available! He ran to get his boss but she was nowhere in sight. He felt faint!

"David, I'd like a glass of iced tea, please; while I'm waiting for you to come down out of the clouds."

"Oh; yes, of course; hold on...."

And so it was that David sold five cadilacs on a lazy Saturday afternoon, to the same person. As soon as the check cleared, the cadilacs were driven to her home. The young salesman was overcome with joy and remained so for several weeks.

He loved to tell this story to his sons when they were selling cars to pay for their way through college. There is no job that isn't honourable and successful as long as one applies him/herself and perseveres.

'Course, having a wealthy grandmother who bought all four of her grandsons a new car for Christmas, doesn't hurt either. Just ask David; he was as surprised as the others were on that Saturday when his grandma hitch-hiked to his part-time first real job.

Thanks, Grannie!

ISLAND ANGEL

ISLAND ANGEL

Sometimes when the wind blows
And the foghorn makes its noise
A seagull flies on over
All the girls and boys......
Where an Island Angel
Swimming in the sea
Who used to be a Mermaid
Waits so patiently.

Island Angel was her name
It's said she was a beauty
For when she was alive and well
She made it seem her duty...
To swim and show her body off
For her one and only
When he drowned one dark night
She grew so sad and lonely.

She swam to the outer banks
And it's said she died there
But sometimes when the wind blows
One can see her auburn hair....
Floating by the dockside
Where kids swim in the sea
And I often watch and wonder
Is that Island Angel, me?

PLEASE TAKE BACK THE ROSES

PLEASE TAKE BACK THE ROSES

I recall the shock I felt
When you met me that night
For when I saw the roses
I knew something wasn't right;
We held hands and chatted
And even rubbed our noses
But now I am asking you to
Please take back the roses.

Please take back the roses
That you bought for someone else
Every time I see them now
My heart inside just melts;
I have them in my deep freeze
Like you had my heart
So please take them back, dear
Since we are so far apart.

Give them to your darling
If she means that much to you
I can buy my own now
Do they come in baby blue?
Please take back the roses
Toss them high above
For you were only teasing me
While I was falling in love.

HOLLOW ANCIENT EYES

HOLLOW ANCIENT EYES

The parking lot was empty
On such a lovely day
Daffodils greeted me inside
And I hurried on my way.

As I stepped 'round a wheelchair
Too large for his size
I gazed into the bluest pair
Of hollow, ancient eyes.

He drawled "Good mornin', Hon"
As I smiled down at him
His weathered hand reached out for mine
And asked "What did you bring?"

I told him I had a gift
With a birthday note inside
He said "Oh, that's so sweet
But you really SHOULDN'T have."

As he reached for the box
It hurt me so inside
To say "It's not for you"
To those hollow, ancient eyes.

"Oh" he said and looked at me
And I didn't know what to do
So I just got another chair
Said "Could I sit with you?"

We talked of the weather
He said he liked it there
And just before I rose to leave
He gently touched my hair.

He asked who I was there to see
I said "Polly is her name"
And as I started walking
He said "My name's John Wayne."

We shook hands and smiled
Took off our disguise
I thought I saw a tiny tear
In his hollow, ancient eyes.

He wheeled beside me to her room
And watched me walk inside
The last thing I remember
Were his hollow, ancient eyes.

I shared all this with Polly
Who seldom leaves her room
We left to eat our lunch downstairs
As it was well past noon.

We saw him there all alone
So we sat and shared his space
And before I said goodbye to them
They were face to face.

Perhaps she's made a new friend
They are each others size
And maybe there's a little spark
In their hollow, ancient eyes.

HIS LYING ARMS

HIS LYING ARMS

I used to love his tender touch
And his many, sexy charms
All those sweet nothings
In his lying arms.

He told me that he loved me
That he was a single man
I believed every word he said
Like he was a one-man-band.

But lying in his lying arms
I had to face the truth
He was just another man
Who lacked grace and couth.

There was another woman
He told the same lies to
When she & I compared notes
We knew just what to do.

We both arranged to meet him
At a restaurant in town
Where we ordered up in style
And closed the whole Club down.

The bill came to many hundreds
And the tip was even more
'Cause when it came time to leave
We both went out the door.

Alone and drunk and nearly broke
He had to walk on home
And with-in his own lying arms
He must have felt all alone.

She and I are now best friends
And we are oh-so-proud
That when we see him in our town
We point & laugh out loud.

Lying in his lying arms
We came to see the light
A two-timing cheating man
Never wins the fight!

So if you see him coming 'round
Sound the false alarm
Don't make the same mistake
In his lying arms!

THE PERFECT DAY

THE PERFECT DAY

The waves were crashing on the shore
The birds were overhead
The sky was still, with cirrus clouds
As if they'd gone to bed;
He sat upon an old tree stump
To sit, reflect and rest
'Twas then he sighed aloud
And took his final breath.

They found him later on that day
Still sitting on the wood
Head slumped down on his chest
It looked as if he should
Be able to get up and walk
But they knew he was dead
'Cuz they found a letter in his shirt
And this is what it said:

"To whom it may concern out there
My name is William Bare
There's no-one for you to call
To notify or care;
I have no address either
Or car to give away
Just burn and then dump me
Somewhere in the bay."

"The money in my pocket
Should cover everything
And you will also find there
My golden wedding ring;
It's all I have in this whole world
Guess it don't seem like much
But it meant more to me
Than money and such stuff."

So it was on a clear dawn
His dust just blew away
And joined the lovely cirrus clouds
To form a perfect day.
No-one ever missed him much
No-one, that is but me
I'd seen him walking by himself
Alone and sad beside the sea.

And I'll always wonder:
Did he know it was me?
I waited much too long, I guess
To get down on one knee:
"Hello, do you want to talk?"
Then I'd smile and pray
But I guess God had other plans
For Dad's perfect day.

I WONDER

I WONDER

Does she sit beside you
Or across from you at dinner?
Does she slide over in the car
Tease you you're a winner?
Does she love it very much
When you wink at her?
Does she wake you with a kiss
Dress for you in fur?
I wonder.......

Do you tell her she's lovely
That she means everything
That you are very proud
She wears your wedding ring?
Do you pick wild flowers
To place on her breakfast tray
With her favourite hot cocco
On a rainy, grey Sunday?
I wonder.......

Does she drive you crazy
In the middle of the night
And does she prance around
With not a stitch in sight?
In her birthday suit
Or in her velvet jeans
Does she turn you on
Tell you what she needs and means?
I wonder.......

I wonder if it matters
Whether I know these things
She's the one you wink at
She wears your wedding ring.
I'll try to go to sleep now
As you two do the same
But my pillow's soaking wet
Damn the rain!!
I wonder.......

SALTWATER COWGIRL

SaltWater Cowgirl

Batten down the hatches, boys
Hold tight to your boat
'Cuz saltwater cowgirl
Has removed her coat.
Yes, her yellow sou'wester
Is laying on the floor
'Cuz now that the fog's lifted
She's goin' out the door.

Saltwater cowgirl
Will capture a heart or two
And if you're not careful
Next, it could be you.
Her spurs are made of velvet
Her heart's made of gold
And it doesn't matter
If you're young or old.

The sea holds a mirror
Inside of her brown eyes
So don't try to fool her
With your old, silly lies.
She's been around the block
Once or twice before
So try to be prepared
For the slamming of a door.

A saltwater cowgirl
Sleeps restless in the night
She knows you might be leaving
When she turns out the light.
Her horse is always ready
As she holds onto the reins
To sail into the sunset
Saltwater in her veins.

A MOMENT IN TIME

Take life not one day at a time but one moment at a time; each sixty seconds that you have ever looked into another's eyes or held their embrace, can make a memory to last a lifetime.

A small baby's fingers gripping your big thumb takes mere seconds but tugs at the heartstrings, lasting forever.

A soft, sensuous kiss between two lovers lasts perhaps a moment in time but can live in their heart's for eternity.

Life is not made up of particles so much as it is of tiny seconds of real time. With memories like these, a heart can find great peace and inner joy from deep with-in one's soul.

It's called "love".

NO ONE TOOK THE TIME

NO-ONE TOOK THE TIME

The little chapel was standing-room-only
As the family took their seats
A sad guitar strummed a tune
While some feet tapped to the sound of the beat.

Her Minister stood before the large crowd
And as he welcomed them
He said "I never knew her long
But when I met her, I knew I'd met a gem."

"How she loved to laugh, how she loved to live
Beside the ocean blue
She wrote her little poems
And I bet very few of you, even knew."

"She was just a very shy, small town girl
They grew up poor but proud
And she'd tell her stories
Reading each & every one for you, out loud."

"Sometimes no-one dropped in for many weeks
As she sat near the door
Waiting for footsteps outside
Before she got up & began to pace the floor."

"When she died, no-one knew for many days
Because she lived alone
When found by her neighbor
She had her hand on top of the phone."

The crowd sat very quiet and very deep in thought
Thinking how life spins on a dime
Wishing they'd known her better
But no-one bothered to ever take the time.

They never tasted her wonderful spaggatti
Or home-made chocolate fudge
Didn't know she loved to sing aloud
And how she never believed in holding a grudge.

They didn't know she loved her dear children
More than life itself
Or that she valued friendships
Never wanting to put them up high on a shelf.

The guitar played another tune as the people left
And some were so kind
As to tell her handsome son
"We hardly knew your Mum; for we never took the time."

She never got her promised three score and ten
But you know, she wouldn't mind
As she went to meet her Maker
Who knew her very well, because He took the time.

GOOD-BYE Y'ALL

(this was written as a departing farewell when I was an Insurance Adjuster in Atlanta, Georgia)

'Twas the day before the 28th
August, two thousand three
I sat back and listened
To the noise surrounding me.

Sandra was quiet as a mouse
And Julia was on the line
Mark's complaining "JEEZ LOUISE!"
Give him some cheese to go with his whine!

Kay was telling a Lawyer
She just could not see
How his client's head injury
Could mean replacing the knee!

Sherri Parsons was not at her desk
She'd gone to see Charlene
I overheard Char say aloud
"Sherri, that's NOT what I mean!"

As I visit the restroom
To try and straighten my collar
Faye Presley's telling everyone
"I got this dress for just a dollar!"

Joe's here and making his rounds
As I help straighten his tie
Rob arrives two hours late
"I was sooooo hungover I wanted to die!!!"

The sweet sound of silence
Cannot last for long
Greg's on the phone with Mr. Howard
"Sir, I ain't done nuthin' wrong!"

Bernice sits quietly working
As pretty as she can be
Erline has her nose to the grindstone
While I hurry off to pee.

John is on the Internet
Looking for news of the Jets
Where Mark's headed with the paper
Is everyone's best bet!

Edies's taking her Statements
As she can do so well
And Pam Barron's always settling
'Total losses' from Hell.

Linda's passing out coupons
A newlywed at last
Micky walks past for a visit
Says now she's going to 'fast'.

My desk is all clean and tidy
As I look all around
Suddenly it's too quiet
There is not one sound.

But tomorrow the phones will ring
As Insurance claims live on
Attorneys with their insane 'Demands'
Long after I am gone.

The faces all around me
I'll not ever forget
Some I hold in my heart
Since the day we met.

Y'all are welcome anytime
To come and visit me
'Blue Haven' will embrace you too
Beside the silvery sea.

MY SHINING STAR (song)

MY SHINING STAR

Last night I dreamed I went home again
But you weren't there with me
I rode in the back of the plane alone
Over the deep blue sea.

My home town sent a long black car
To meet me at the plane
And as we rode along the way
It just began to rain.

RAINY DAYS, FOGGY NIGHTS
NO HONKY TONKS, NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS
FAR AWAY FROM WHERE YOU ARE
BUT YOU'RE STILL MY SHINING STAR.

Mother's here with me most every night
Just like you used to be
And it's as good to be home again
As when you stood here with me.

There's a tree for shade above us now
And birds for company
And thank you for that lovely rose
Oh, I wish that I could see.

RAINY DAYS, FOGGY NIGHTS
NO HONKY TONKS, NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS
FAR AWAY FROM WHERE YOU ARE
BUT YOU'RE STILL MY SHINING STAR.
YES, YOU'RE STILL MY SHINING STAR.

FRIEND OR FOE?

FRIEND OR FOE

"Friend or foe?" they asked of him
As he entered from the fog
But he spoke not a word---
He removed his sou'wester
Lit his pipe and puffed away
Still quiet as a bird.

"The fog can be a problem
Or it can be God sent"
He said to all who'd listen---
The old stove burped loudly
As the men gathered 'round it
Their sweating faces, glistened.

He said that fog was God's way
To slow us down awhile
And allow us to reflect---
"When it rolls inland towards mornin'
Boats stay in and men stay home
Better that than chance a wreck."

He told them that his own late wife
Always prayed for fog
So that with her he'd linger---
"And now she's gone, I've all the time
To sit at home and miss her."
Then he turned the ring on his finger.

The men all sighed in silence
As they smoked and hugged the stove
The old man got up to leave---
And one by one the younger ones
Went home to see their wives
Before heading out to sea.

The fog is here forever, folks
And teaches one and all
To accept what can't be changed---
And then one day the sun will shine
And clouds will chase the fog away
Because God has it all pre-arranged.

(song) I WONDER

I WONDER

Oh, I wonder how the old folks are tonight?
And I wonder if Papa is still alright?
And I guess by now they know
As they watch the falling snow
That I won't be coming home tonight.

Today I helped the Warden trim the tree
And I watched while others hugged their family
I cried through out mail call
Saw a child kiss her doll
And thought of home and all it meant to me.

"I didn't mean to hurt him, don't you see?"
That Judge just frowned and took a look at me
With trembling knees I told
How at just 18 years old
The story all the town just couldn't believe!

"The gun went off so fast!" I said to him
"But I'm not sorry now and wasn't then.
He left me all alone
Said "Now you're on your own!"
And yes Sir, I'd do it all again."

Oh, I wonder how the old folks are tonight?
And I wish these jeans did not fit me so tight!
Another month to go
Before I start to show
And they find out just why I never write.

I saw the CHAIR today, Lord, what a sight!
The Chaplain prayed aloud with all his might
But one week from today
When they put me away
I'll wonder how the old folks are tonight.

And I'll worry if Papa is still alright
'Cuz I guess by then they'll know
As they watch the falling snow
That I will be coming home tonight.

Yes, folks, my ashes will be back tonight.

"HAVE A GOOD DAY."

A GOOD DAY IS:

He said "have a good day" before he hung up the phone and I wondered to myself, has anyone ever said "have a BAD day?"

What "IS" a good day? I began to compile a list in my mind and decided that each and every day one actually LIVES, is a good day.

It's the days where one routinely and monotonously lives their given 24 hours, that saddens me. These are the people who shop on certain days of the week, do their laundry the same day of the week, cook a special meal only on Sunday or when expecting company, have their hair done on certain days, never do anything spontaniously.

These same people only light candles when guests are coming or only use their nice perfume when someone else besides themselves can smell it or use the good china and silverware only when company is arriving. They are "saving" them!

A good day to me is when I awake to sunshine outside my window. Or when I see a rainbow after a rainstorm. Weather related occurences can make or break a good day but I have decided even thick fog is lovely. It's almost romantic and envelops one as if still inside the womb.

Thunder and lightening storms are very passionate and endearing, opening one's senses and alerting us to possible danger. It awakens us from a "dead" sleep to an awareness that God is in charge of His Universe and always will be.

A good day is when the plans for your day have been cancelled and you can pack a picnic to take to a private, tranquil spot few know about. And sleep on an old quilt while watching birds fly high above, drifting off to sleep, daydreaming.......

Or climbing back into bed with one's mate to spend the morning together, breakfast in bed.....

A good day is when a stranger (child) needs help tying his shoe and you assist; or an elderly person acts lonely at the park or Mall and you smile and speak to them, watching their old lined face light up; or a stray dog just needs a cool drink of water.......

Our days are so programmed and regimented that some simply sleep, eat, work and watch television before sleeping all over again. But if one changes that routine by eating breakfast at a restaurant now and then, walking in the park at lunch or sitting on a park bench to read a newspaper or book, cooking supper on a grill outside and eating out there as well; turning off the television in favor of a game of scrabble with the kids or spouse........the list is endless.

A good day to me is hanging the laundry on the clothesline, sunbathing with the sound of silence, walking my dog on the Boardwalk, listening to some favourite old songs, calling an old friend on the phone, taking a picture of an old boat far off in the horizon, giving myself a pedicure, meeting someone fun to have lunch with on an open patio, painting an old piece of treasured furniture, making some fresh lemonaide.....waiting for tonight to watch a favourite TV show.......ironing an outfit for an upcoming fun event........

"Have a good day." Yes, these few and very precious days won't last forever. And when we are too old or too ill to enjoy them, we'll look back and wonder why we didn't do more with our 24/7?

If you only had 50 hours left on this earth, how would you spend them?

THE HABIT

THE HABIT

Long ago and far away there was a boy who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. People were constantly telling him that he was just white trash and would amount to nothing. He heard it so often that he began to believe it himself.

His only real friend was a girl who was poorer than he was; she was nick-named "Snot-rag" because she never had a clean hankie. He felt sorry for her with her bucked teeth and uncut hair. He heard they got their school clothes from the Salvation Army!

After awhile, he decided to quit the small Catholic school at aged 16 and bum around his hometown for a year or more until he was old enough to join the Military. Boot camp was Hell but he lost weight, muscled up and began to look like a real man.

But inside, he knew he'd never measure up to be anything special. He read alot, kept to himself and studied for his High School diploma. He re-enlisted for another four years without even going home to visit his family. He was enrolled in University now which the Military paid for and he surprised himself by making the Dean's list. But he had no-one who cared so he kept it to himself.

One morning when he'd just turned 23, he was out with his Regiment and volunteered to go ahead as the first soldier, looking for booby traps and land mines to disengage. Most of the guys were married or had someone special waiting back home; he had no-one who cared if he lived or died. They hadn't gone far when his right foot stepped on a land-mine and he was blown up.

Unconscious, he was air lifted to the nearest Military Hospital where his right leg was amputated. He wasn't expected to live and a Nun held his hand while awaiting the worst. She was used to these brave, young men and women dying but it still broke her heart.

His face was cleaned of debris and the swelling began to subside. He looked so young and yet he also looked familiar. The doctors offered little hope that he'd ever wake up or live for much longer.

Sister Maria sat with him and read the Bible aloud; there was no response or much life left in him. But she couldn't leave; he needed someone and she knew all too well how that felt.

The next morning, as she was bathing him, she saw his name on his dogtags and couldn't believe it. Was this really Zack Marshall? She studied his burnt face and saw a similarity. He slept on in his unconscious state while she held on to his hands for dear life and prayed for his recovery.

She was sitting with him the morning he opened his eyes. After adjusting them to the dim light in the room, he saw a shadow and asked "Who's there? Where am I?"

Sister Maria went to get the Nurse and the RN arrived with a doctor; she heard him cry aloud when told they had to remove a leg in order to save his life. Soon he blacked out again but the doctor said the shock alone could do that and he should begin to recover now.

The next time he awoke, she was asleep. He watched the Nun's head nodding and bobbing as she sat beside his bed in a hard chair, the Bible on her lap. She had a beautiful face in a small petite body which was covered head to toe with her black habit . He thought of her as an Angel and strangely felt ok now. What's a leg anyways? He was alive!

Sister Maria awoke and watched him sleeping. She prepared his bath and when he was alert, she gently cleaned his wounds and applied fresh bandages. Halfway through, she stopped to ask him where he was from. He confirmed all she had suspected; she was overcome with joy! But said nothing......

The day arrived when he was being discharged to be flown home. His family would be waiting at the airport but he had not kept in touch with any of them. He was expecting to get a small apartment once he was capable of looking after himself. The future looked bleak.

Sister Maria arrived to tell Zack goodbye. He couldn't begin to thank her enough! She looked into his deep brown eyes, which were nearly black, and thought how very handsome he was. His Uniform was put on him and she jokingly saluted him. He was misty eyed when he hugged her small frame; she smelled so good! He wondered what her hair looked like? She had the most beautiful brown eyes, soft lips......

He wheeled his wheelchair down to a waiting van and Sister Maria followed. He said "Sister, I..."

"Call me "Snot-rag" she said with a smile. He quickly turned to look at her and was totally surprised. It couldn't be! This woman was beautiful! Her smile and laugh told him it really was her. He said "Maria Pensky??"

"Yes, Zack. Maria Pensky. Small world, eh?"

Suddenly, he was embarressed. She had bathed his naked body for over six weeks! She saw how ugly his stump was and he could not look her in the eye. She sensed what he was thinking and said "Zack, I'm so proud of you and your bravery. You saved nine lives that day in the woods and almost lost your own."

He and her talked and laughed and dined together before his plane left for America. She had been a Nun for five years now and was a virgin. He had been around the block but never found a woman of substance. But he knew there was one standing in front of him!

They kept in touch via computer and telephone and when she returned to their small town to visit her family and Priest, she came to see him. He was walking now with his "new" leg and doing very well with his teaching profession. She was surprised and so happy for him!

After two weeks of dinners and car rides and picnics, he knew that he loved her. She was packing her Habit that night when she suddenly burst into tears. Surely God would forgive her if she couldn't devote her whole self to Him anymore. She fell to her knees in prayer.

When Zack called her to say goodbye, he was crying. And she knew that he felt the same! "I want to be with you" he heard her say. He couldn't believe his own ears! He rushed over to her house and they drove around their small town all night long. When the sun rose, he pulled the car over on top of a cliff to kiss her soft mouth. She kissed him back; the radio serenaded them as he held her in his strong arms.

"Will you marry me?" he asked Maria. She threw her soft arms around his neck and cried "Yes! Yes! I will, Zack!"

So it was that Zack married "Snot-rag" long ago and far away. Five children later and many vacations to Banff, they were so very blessed and happy to share their special lives with one another. They lived and loved for 54 years when she suddenly got sick and died. He held her hand until the very end. She opened her eyes one last time and saw him crying.

"Don't cry, my darling. I'm just going home to God." And he knew she would wait for him there.

ALIA

ALIA

I never knew her very long
They dropped in to stay
One foggy night in July
Didn't have much to say.

From Austria and Germany
A long ways from home
Emails back and forth
Conversation on the phone.

They had a blue-eyed baby
Just eight months old
She saw the world as one
Not far away and cold.

Language was no barrier
To this sweet little girl
She took my heart right away
Into her open world.

I was reminded of my own
Grown up girl and boy
Hoping for some grandkids
To bring me this same joy.

As the baby left this morning
I whispered in her ear:
"Have a wonderful life
Goodbye, Alia dear."

A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME

A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME

The stark white carpeting
Feels like a big, soft cloud
Walking on top of it
Not a sound out loud.
The super-sized television
Blasts into the night
This house is truly awesome
But something isn't right.

There's the rock fireplace
And the round waterbed
A bedroom made for lovin'
Not just to lay one's head.
The artwork by Picasso
A hottub deep and wide
To welcome a happy couple
To come and sit inside.

The cost of this lovely house
Is too much to justify
The cathedral ceilings
That almost reach the sky.
This place feels so empty
Like verse without a poem
And suddenly he realizes
A house is not a home.

He remembers her in curlers
With just an apron on
She was cooking supper
Hotdogs & some corn.
They had little money then
But lived high on the hog
'Cuz they had one another
Plus a baby and a dog.

Now a maid cooks dinner
But he doesn't eat
He sits in wait for her return
Their dog at his bare feet.
He longs for her perfume
He hates to be alone
He'd give it up all for her
'Cuz a house is not a home.

Soon, the chauffer brings her back
And they dine together
Lay back in their hottub
And love on one another.
He brushes her auburn hair
While she recites a poem
"Words are easy, like the wind"...
A house is not a home.

FALLEN ANGEL

FALLEN ANGEL

He used to call me Angel
And give me sweet bouquets
Of roses from his garden
And even some nosegay's;
He once asked me to marry him
Before she came along
Now I'm a fallen Angel
In a sad country song.

Just a fallen Angel
Who slid off her falling star
He traded me in just like
He would, a newer model car.
But Angel's often have wings
And I will soon find mine
To fly away from yesterday
And leave them both behind.

Fallen Angels should not cry
But it's hard to keep it in
When I see them holding hands
And mine's empty again.
On Friday nights I miss him
And every week-end, long
The melody seems to linger
Like an old country song.

I hear she's his Angel now
And keeps his nights lit up
With passion and good lovin'
Like sweet nectar in a cup.
But when it rains, he'll listen
To a favourite melody
Close his eyes, remembering
His fallen Angel; me.

I THOUGHT I HAD JUST ONE HEART

"I Thought I Had Just One Heart"

I used to think that I might die
Before the age of twenty
That love would surely pass me by
That I wouldn't find any.

I used to long for a man
Who looked the same as you
A guy who'd love me as I am
And make me feel brand new.

When I met you all Hell broke loose
What else could I do?
I thought I had just one heart
'Til you broke mine in two.

It didn't take long to happen
Hearts aren't made of stone
Soft & fragile as the air
When one is all alone.

Now that I know I have two hearts
I'll keep one reserved for you
Just in case you should return
To break it right in two.

GONE

GONE

She asked me to go on picnics
But I was too afraid
Of bugs and flying insects
On the blanket where we'd lay;
She said "How 'bout a movie?"
But I'd rather play golf
So she went anyways
And sat all by herself.

"Church tomorrow, honey?"
She said on Saturday night
Just after she & I'd made love
After turning out the light.
"Nah; I'm going fishing
With the guys from work;"
She never said a word
While I slept like a jerk.

She took our little girl to sports
While I worked overtime
And when they were in a Play
I worked to make that extra dime.
At Christmas, she gave me a car
While I gave her a shirt
And when we gave our parties
She was the cook; I was the flirt.

Sometimes I'd lend a helping hand
I cut the lawn one summer
And helped her carry in a load
Of heavy building lumber.
She wanted to go "parking"
One night just after dark
I said that I was sleepy
Too much effort to light a spark.

But never once did she complain
So how was I to know
That she was so unhappy?
Thought she LOVED to shovel snow.
Then one day I came home
But "home" had ceased to be
Because my loving wife and girl
Had both up and left me.

I don't know where they went
I just know that they're gone
And now I work and work
From sunset to early dawn.
I wonder why she went away
It just don't make no sense
I gave her everything I had
Down to my last cent.

Now I am growing old
By myself, it seems
Because she never did return
Someone said that only means:
I should just find another
But I had the very best
When she was my lover
Before she left the nest.

So fellas if you're wondering
What I did so wrong
Perhaps you can tell me
In another sad love song.
'Cuz I sure as Hell don't know
Why my woman's gone
Guess she just got tired
Of loving me so long.

WHEN I WAS LITTLE

WHEN I WAS LITTLE

When I was a wee lassie, I thought that the man in the moon was real, that the brightest sun only shone on Barrington and that when I saw a falling star, it always landed in our pasture.

I also thought that my daddy was seven feet tall, that my mommy could play the piano better than Liberace and that my wonderful, sweet grandparents would live forever and ever.

When I was little, I believed that there really was a Santa Claus, a tooth fairy and a boogey-man hiding underneath my bed!

I thought that the whole wide world spoke only English, that everyone was Presbyterian and that the Liberal party was the only non-communist one.

When I was little, I thought that my older seven siblings would always protect me, defend me, rescue me and agree with me on each and every single thing.

I thought that I could and would be exactly what and whom I wanted to be; that I would be a famous singer, marry Elvis perhaps and that I would live happily ever after, just like Cinderella.

When I was small, I truly thought that 'Heidi' really did exist; that there really was an 'Anne' of Green Gables; that 'Lulu & Tubby' & 'Archie & Veronica' were not just inside the comic books I devoured.

I thought that my father hung the moon, that my mother painted the sky blue and that I was invincible. I thought that God answered EVERY prayer, that to obey His ten commandments would be so easy and that all I had to do to be considered kind was to ' turn the other cheek'.

When I was little, my world consisted of our dog, Sandy; our horses, cows, cats, goat, etc. It also was made up of coloring books, cotton candy, the Exhibition, the old swimming hole, catching gudgins, playing hopscotch, jumping rope, playing marbles in the dirt and a dozen other inside and outside activities.

I never knew that death would one day claim my dear animal friends; take my elderly grandparents; then my beloved and irreplaceable parents. I never knew that life would not grant me many of my childhood wishes, desires and dreams; that I would be entering the autumn of my life, still unfulfilled and unsatisfied with some areas of my life; and of myself.

When I was little, the perfect day was to be out of school in the warmer summer months, laying outside on an old quilt, sipping my sweet vinegar drink while reading my treasured books and comics, Sandy at my side and the sound of the old train in the distance.

When I was a wee lassie, I held on tight to my dreams, never knowing about nightmares and broken promises and broken hearts.

When I was little.............

FINALITY

FINALITY

The years have passed by quickly
My, how time flies by
Why, it seems like only yesterday
I heard my Daddy cry.
You see, we'd just lost Mama
Hearts were empty that cold day
Our home would never be the same
As she walked 'the last mile of the way'.

We watched our father growing old
So swiftly the seasons passed
And all at once, he too was gone
The ending came much too fast.
They're together again, wherever they are
God grant them eternal rest
"Wrap them in your arms with love
And give them all my best."

The old house has weathered the storms
And survived, despite hard times
All of us were raised there
On pennies & nickels & worn out dimes.
The railway tracks have been removed
Strangers drive the snow plough
No eggs to get from our hen house
And no-one needs to milk the cow.

There are no stores to walk to
Or post office to sit & chat
The church sits empty most of the time
There's no Mr Gizzard or Mr. Hatt.
Don't look for the Christmas tree yard
Or a sign that says 'Hibbards Brook School'
But echos of children can still be heard
As they were taught the Golden Rule.

Where's Miss Lucy's ice cream freezer?
And Sandy, our ol' yellow dog?
Is it really 'Carl's' Pit?
And do the Scott's still roll on a log?
Are there still Christmas pageants?
Or street dances on Saturday nights?
Do people cran-berry down at the beach?
Do kids still make their own kites?

I wonder what happened to yesterday
Is Blue Mountain really 'blue'?
Where is Old Mother Hubbard these days?
And who ever started "some good you!"
Whether or not we played outside
Hopscotch, marbles or ball
Jumping a rope or swinging a bat
Early in Spring 'til late in the Fall.

Sliding down Arthur Doane's hill
Or swimming in the ol' swimming hole
Eating dozens of Mum's do-nut holes
Or dipping for kiacks with a pole.
Helping daddy get in the hay
Or skating up on the River
Hurrying home at suppertime
Only to find out, it's LIVER!!

Life seemed simpler, easier then
Thanks to our Mum & our Dad
The old house was cold but warmed
By memories that now make me sad.
Yes, the years have passed by quickly
My, how time flew by
Why, it seems like only yesterday
We counted the stars that fell from the sky!

SEASONS

SEASONS

Soon the leaves will start to turn
From green to golden hues;
As once again the clock falls back
Reminding me and you:
We are all like seasons
Blowing in the wind
We are now entering
'Autumn', my dear friends.

Soon the ghosts and goblins
Will knock upon our door;
Just after Thanksgiving
When we eat food, galore.
Next is Christ's birthday
And Auld Lang Syne we'll sing;
As New Years starts once more
And winter begin's again.

Seasons of our existence
Marked by these events;
Leaves, flowers, berries
It all makes perfect sense.
Our time together's precious
These seasons of our life;
A glance into the future
Can cut one like a knife!

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas
New years most of all;
Traditions that are timeless
One's we all recall.
The best memories are "moments"
We choose to spend together;
Not the wasted years and tears
That just keep some together.

One day our season's over
The leaves will not turn;
The clock will stop ticking
What will we have learned?
Trick or treat? It's Halloween
Turkey for Thanksgiving;
Santa Claus is still alive
New Year's a new beginning.

Let us cherish Autumn
As we look ahead to find:
Winter still awaits us
Though summers far behind.
Seasons of our life
Summer, Spring and Fall;
Winter is the ultimate
Our final curtain call.

THE POTATO SACK

THE POTATO SACK

She said "There is no money this year
For a new Easter dress;
Your father hasn't found much work
Although he's tried his best."

"So you can wear last year's dress
No-one will know but us;
But you may keep those new shoes
Now, please don't make a fuss."

As I blew my nose & left the room
To ponder what she'd said;
I heard my sister say to me
"I have an idea, Hed."

We went to ask our mother
As we knew she had the knack
To try & sew me a new frock
From a used potato sack.

At first, she thought us silly
As to the barn we went;
Bringing back an empty sack
One that had no scent.

She washed it in the kitchen sink
And hung it out to dry;
And when she was pressing it
I wondered why she cried?

She stitched & sewed into the night
As I tried it on for fit;
She gave me a yellow belt
One that she had knit.

Sack dresses were in style
And mine was so perfect;
It was tan & soft & beautiful
From my knees to my neck.

The next day was Easter Sunday
As we walked home from Church together;
I knew at just the age of eight
I had the world's best mother.

a famous quote

by Francois de La Roche fou cauld

There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not.

IF THAT'S NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK?

IF THAT'S NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK?

I'm not asking you to dance with me
I can dance all by myself
I'm not writing you a love song
I've plenty on the shelf;
I don't want to know your history
I could care less 'bout your past
I'm just asking for your future
If that's not too much to ask?

If that's not too much to ask, love
Come sit close by my side
And listen very closely
While I ask you to be my bride;
It doesn't matter where you've been
Or why you're now alone
I'll love you and only you
'Til I'm skin and bones.

To awake with you each morning
To feel you touching me
I'd give up my place in Heaven
Just to feel & taste & see:
Your body curled up next to mine
Forgetting both our pasts
Repeat aloud "I do", darling
If that's not too much to ask?

If that's not too much to ask, love
The future is now all ours
To Hell with the yesterday's
And all the wasted hours;
As sure as the sun that shine's
I promise love that lasts
Your heart will be my reward
If that's not too much to ask?

BLUE HAVEN

BLUE HAVEN

A slice of Heaven awaits me
As I pull into the drive
A feeling of euphoria
Makes me come alive.

The old house welcomes me
"Blue Haven" is my home
Its arms envelope me
So I am never alone.

The sea keeps us company
The fog's around the bend
Mallards quacking loudly
They're glad I'm home again.

This house keeps me grounded
My lifeline 'til the end
The Lord is my Shepherd
But Blue Haven's my best friend.

ALWAYS

ALWAYS

Sometimes I play your music
And listen to you sing
It's then I stop & whisper
"I'll see you once again."

'Cuz today, tomorrow, always
I'll remember you
And your laughter lingers on
Like your eyes of blue.

I hear you playing your guitar
And your harmonica so well
I was very proud of you
"Rodney, couldn't you tell?"

Since you've been gone, there's a void
No one can try to fill
I wish that I could bring you back
But I know I never will.

But today, tomorrow, always
Brother, I'll miss you
I hope you're safe & happy
And that you feel brand new.

Don't worry about anything
You must know that I
Today, tomorrow, always
Will never let you die.

DREAMS

DREAMS

The woods smell like sweet pine
As she sits upon a log
Listening to the sound of silence
And the panting of her dog.

They share the water she has brought
And watch a busy butterfly
And she wonders right out loud:
"Where do dreams go to die?"

The shadows of the giant tree
Casts an eerie silhoutte
A red breast robin sings to her
As if to say "try to forget."

The sound of the train alerts them
That dusk is almost 'nigh
She still hasn't found the answer:
"Where do dreams go to die?"

They walk home in the twilight
Kiss another day goodbye
Only the man in the moon
Knows where dreams, go to die.

OLD HOUSE

OLD HOUSE

Doesn't seem so long ago
That I was just a kid
And in blue jeans and flannel shirt
Bandana on my head
I'd hide behind you until dark
Playing "Hike & seek"
"Giant steps" & "Kick the can"
"Mother, may I?" and "Peek".

You were always there for me
While others left for school
Daddy said they went there
To learn the golden rule.
You stayed behind & watched me play
My wagon filled with dirt
And when I fell, you never laughed
You KNEW that I'd been hurt!

Sometimes I knew that you were cold
With snow your only cover
And when the sun melted the ice
You held the clothesline for my mother.
Old house, with all your lovely windows
Dad said that you could see
And though I was just five years old
I knew he was teasing me.

You watched me as I learned to walk
And when I learned to skate
You cried when I fell off our horse
And when I began to date.
You let me share with you
All of my secret fears
And I confess, I leaned on you
Through-out my teenaged years.

Now we've grown up, you & I
You wear a brand new coat
And though I live so far away
I know without a doubt---
You'll be there for me always
My youth is in your seams
And I'll love you FOREVER
If only in my dreams!

(written year 2000)

THE DAY THE D.J. CRIED

The Day the D.J. Cried

The air was hot and heavy
On that bright August day
I left my job at four o'clock
It still seems like yesterday.

The year was 1978
You didn't even say good-bye
I know he wasn't by himself
The day the D.J. cried.

I saw headlights on my way home
On nearly every car
I thought that strange for afternoon
Then I heard a sad guitar.

While it played, the D.J. spoke
Of how you'd passed away
I could not drive 'cuz I couldn't see
On this most shocking day!

We watched your funeral on TV
I could not go to work
That night we played your records
My favourite "I'm So HURT."

We found it even hard to eat
Our eyes stayed red for days
They showed your casket on the News
While they softly played "MY WAY".

Years go by and still we ask
Why was it you He took?
Our Hero and the King is gone
Not even one last look!

No-one has replaced you, El
Though some have really tried
Seems like time's just stood still
Since Elvis Presley died.

We want you to understand
Though we don't see you 'round
There'll be none other like you
To ever wear your crown.

Yeah, Elvis left the building
But he's still by our side
And we shall never, ever forget
The day the D.J. cried!!