The One Hundred Ninety Eighth, July 16, 2011

success in defeat
for it matters not
winning the race
but that you ran

in completing it
you have won
for your race
is not with man

The One Hundred Ninety Seventh, July 15, 2011

I miss my memory
can't remember why
can't remember who
no idea when either

too much on my mind
too many threads
unable to weave them
fraying at the seams

stress creating gaps
leaving me floundering
adrift in rough seas
seeking safer waters

perhaps to just relax
or better organized
better preparations
longer term planning

who am I kidding... I am just losing it.

who am I kidding... I'm just losing it

The One Hundred Ninety Sixth, July 14, 2011

I am grateful for my nose
I do not care how large
it matters not how small
I am thankful it works

the pleasures it brings
of scents so wonderful
fresh brewed coffee
cooking bacon and bread

of a gentle spring rain
fresh mown lawns
wood fires in October
newly bathed babies

so many aromas abound
stirring my memories
reminding me of my life
yes, I am grateful for my nose

The One Hundred Ninety Fifth, July 13, 2011

dawn crosses the border
bringing along a new day
sun knocking on eye lids
bidding to come join the fun

many long protracted yawns
slow joint popping stretches
and low muttered groans
complete the daily process

out into the world once more
a day that lasts forever
seemingly no end in sight
how long a summer day

desire to be free from walls
out playing in the sun
distracting the concentration
unable to heed the call

at last the time has come
impatience hurrying feet
eagerness making clumsy
stumbling finally out the door

into a living wall of heat
beating down, up and sideways
wrapping in total humidity
holding on like a lover

gone the dreams of play
no visions of running
only seeking a shady tree
or back into the chilled air

sun slowly lowers west
dipping below the edge
but the heat stays around
wanting to party all night

so much for sleeping
no comfortable spots
tossing and turning
how long can one day last?

The One Hundred Ninety Fourth, July 12, 2011

how great the man
that needs no platform
but speaks his heart
reciting his thoughts

how great the man
that finds no blame
that looks for praises
but only for others

how petty the man
who thinks he rises
by lowering others
for he never gains

let not the petty man
control your heart
dominate your mind
or mold who you are

seek rather to be great
standing on your beliefs
speaking your heart
seeking to be true

The One Hundred Ninety Third, July 11, 2011

there is a hissing sound
not the sizzling of bacon
nor the crackle of static
but one softer than those

the sound of thirst sated
as rain soothes dry earth
easing plants sufferings
while renewing growth

but not soft this time
a hammering of nature
pounding the ground
driving the water deep

lightning flashes bright
flashbulbs freezing time
capturing the moments
like God's own paparazzi

thunder booms applause
long rolling ovations
cheering rain's triumph
the angel's in box seats

no faint little kiss is this
no gentle warm embrace
but hard and furious
battle waged not romance

and still the earth hisses
welcoming the deluge
opening arms to embrace
seeking solace in the flood

The One Hundred Ninety Second, July

what is that you are doing

asked the bright eyed child

looking at me curiously

as I pondered what to say

I am searching for a poem

seeking the words that fit

to express deep thoughts

or show the gentle feelings

the small face scrunches up

the child lost deep in thought 

a gentle shaking of the head

I don't think I understand

I am only playing a game

using words instead of balls

but it isn't very easy today

I think I am out of vowels

with further contemplation

the wisdom has arrived

don't worry so much he said

you can sometimes use a Y