“Celestial Navigation”

There’s one rule for survival
in this jungle in which we live
where it’s give and take
and it’s take and give,
and you try with all your might:
Fight to the very last ditch, my friend...
then you get in the ditch and fight!
I’ve thought of this so often for life does have its ways
with its twists and turns and its ups and downs,
its dark nights and its darker days.
But then comes a blaze of glory
as the storm clouds are swept aside
and the rainbow appears in the heavens,
its beauty seen far and wide.
Then I set my feet and I take my stand
for I find myself in the Promised Land --
there by a gentle but Mighty Hand
that takes all things in its stride.
A message of strength and courage
to all who seek the light ...
You fight to the very last ditch, My Friend,
then you get in the ditch and fight!


"Deep River"

I've known some hard times and some bad times,
been broke and gone without --
I know what hungry is...
for bread and other things;
No doubt
you do too.
Many times I didn't know which way to go
or where to turn to find relief --
There were dark days and darker nights
full of fear and loneliness and grief.
Once I tried to end it all, but failed
and silently cried out
for someone, anyone! to help me...
for I couldn't go on alone;
it was then that I discovered
the Deep River of My Soul.

I know a lot about burdens
almost too heavy to bear --
my own, and other peoples' --
and about pain and regret
and heartache and guilt
that creeps around the edges of the mind
and peeks out when it thinks no-one is looking...
and other things that hurt a lot;
It was then I found a haven
that offered peace --
a place of comfort and relief --
most of all, a source of strength.
I call it
the Deep River of My Soul.


“521 North Veitch”

The old frame house stood back off the street,
empty, lost and alone --
it’s yard grown up in weeds window-high,
and sand the color of bone
drifted about the splintered front steps
where a family of chipmunks made their home.
The front door swung on one rusted hinge
as it idly creaked in the wind --
and rain came down through its leaky tin roof
making rust-colored stains on the floorboards within.
The crumbling old chimney, long since cold,
pointed raggedly toward the sky
like gnarled stone fingers, startling and bold,
silhouetted starkly -- then bye and bye
one dark night a glimmering flame --
the sound of a rushing roar!
And in far less time than it takes to tell
the old frame house was no more.
Early next morning, people gathered ‘round
then slowly drifted back home --
abandoning again the old frame house
to finish dying all alone.



“Homeward Toward the Stars”

I know I’m here only for a little while
Knocking around from pillar to post...
Trying to recall an elusive something --
A will-o’-the-wisp memory that almost
Sets me dreaming of Jupiter, Orion, Venus and Mars
And indigo skies studded with diamond-bright stars.
My soul stretches out its gossamer wings...
And if it’s true that thoughts are things
Then I want to go home! Wherever home may be --
Homeward toward the stars!
So I’ll keep right on searching
Tho it’s getting quite late in the day...
For that old familar footpath
Through moonbeams and the Milky Way.
It’s eventide now, dear ones -- my task is almost done,
And I am impatiently awaiting
The setting of a red, red sun.
A silent voice is calling...
Joyously calling me from afar --
Yes, something keeps calling me homeward...
Homeward toward the stars!