Veterans Day

We honor those who on this day

who came back safely from the war.

Who can know the things that weigh

upon them now and what they bore?

They gave no less that those who died

because they risked their lives as well.

yet they may find they still abide

On hostile ground when those who claim

They did not serve a noble cause,

though they were brave and gave it all,

And then to taste a bitter gall,

with battle scars, and no applause.

Let us remember those who cared

enough to enter in harm’s way.

And by his grace their lives were spared.

that we might honor them this day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

75 Years Young

Seventy-five

and so alive

so many years

of joy and tears

as I recall

the thrill and all

I am so blessed

to win the best

both brains and beauty

and never snooty

like you know who.

I started out on rocky ground,

for we were bound for Gloucester town,

all afloat on my Dad’s boat

I said to wear your tennis shoes

and thus impaired our maiden cruise.

That second date

one more mistake.

But then the swim at New Point Light

gave hope that things may be alright.

Mabry’s Mill a Blue Ridge day.

and other sites along the way.

The Navy Homecoming football game.

my dread and fear I overcame.

I asked it she would marry me

before I went off on the sea.

You know she is so wonderfully wise,

God surely must have closed her eyes

if only for a little while,

so she could answer with a smile.

She answered with a simple yes.

Her lasting love and faithfulness

so strong and steady and so true,

Because of this I surely knew,

in the unfolding days ahead,

the beautiful girl that I thee wed

would steady me along the way.

And with each new and passing day

she’d open my eyes on how to live,

and how to love and how to give.

Our two day honeymoon

simply ended far to soon!

It’s true the Navy did us wrong.

We met again in Old San Juan.

Any time with my brand new wife

has been so precious all my life.

While serving over in Vietnam

This lovely girl became a mom.

Back in the states

a girl awaits

to meet her dad

and I was had

by Lynny-poo

so fresh and new.

And as we grew

I finally knew

life was so sweet

all was complete.

Except a shock

and they did rock

those cute twin girls

our brand new worlds.

Grandma’s did quake

the news did shake,

but quickly they

did celebrate.

Life moved on through sun and storm

but Mom was always wise and warm.

The many places we have been:

The famous Robert Morris Inn

The Chalfonte Inn in old Cape May,

 That Southern cook just made our day.

The Ilikai was quite a place.

in time of war, a time of grace.

Playing on the sandy beach,

we carved a little time of peace.

And Oh those Rio days and nights,

and all those gastronomic heights.

She crab soup in Charleston Town

the Marketplace of great renown.

Chateaubriand was served for two,

Mills Hyatt House the place to do.

The Rive Gauche where French food soared

that special dinner we just adored.

At Hamberger Hamlet I got my fix.

zucchini zircles and lobster bisque,

but my sweet bride was oh so ardent

for that big and juicy state department.

Time could be tough, but time moved on

and suddenly a brand new dawn.

brought forth to us both shock and joy

that long awaited baby boy.

The girls surrounded him with love

as is their way by help above.

Those daughters grand grow up so fast,

but they are not the least bit last.

Bright beauties of charm and craft,

we love to watch you smile and laugh.

Today we gather in this place

to thank our God for time and space.

to know the one who blessed our life,

that beautiful Mom, my loving wife.

We celebrate her strength and love

and as we do thank our God above,

who gave us so much life to live,

it’s now our time to thank and give

the one who made our lives so dear

we raise our glasses with a cheer

to mom and grandma let us say

you are the best, hip hip hurray

To my young bride.

God’s grace abide.

Seventy-five years, so fresh and young

those great new days have just begun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 20th Birthday

Twenty is a magic age

when dreams begin to bloom

as life begins a brand new page

with many gifts to groom.

But goals help move one down the road

to seize the days ahead

for one whose healthy seeds were sowed

there’s little to be dread.

So follow on a righteous path

where God will lead the way

and pause go take a soothing bath

in his great love each day.

Our prayers are with our super girl

with talent and great charm.

As you explore a brand new world

there’s no need for alarm.

You’ll climb the soaring mountain height

and soar on eagle’s wings

always doing what is right

For hope eternal springs,

despite the momentary pain,

a joy that settles in to stay

Even with with some tears of rain

you’re on the King’ highway.

So all the best of life to you

may God most surely bless

you’re on the way to something new.

a life and much success.

 

 

 

 

That Blooming Hibiscus

It’s trying to trick us

that blooming Hibiscus.

it puts forth a bloom

then starts to deplume.

It blooms in a day

then all fades away,

and when it is gone

two more come along.

So I’m not all that mad

and will not be had.

So do not be sad.

In fact just be glad.

That blooming Hibiscus

is just up to mischief.

.

 

 

The Webber

Well did you ever

do cooking on a Webber?

I have this little whimsy

of firing up the chimney.

That’s how I like to stoke.

The charcoal’s blowing smoke

Getting the grate so hot

to burn off every spot.

of leftover grease and soot.

It all just goes caput.

See that temperature climb,

getting ready for the prime.

No, not this time?

Well that is just a crime.

We’re having oysters instead?

I’ll fire the coals brick red

That’ll make those shells just dread

they stopped inside my grill.

It’s just so much a thrill

to see them open wide.

with no place to hide.

I really hate to shuck.

Those ones that just seem stuck.

I’m simply out of luck

when every thing’s amuck.

But my Webber is on the scene,

That lean mean green machine.

No prisoners does it take.

And that is no mistake

this is not a drill.

It gives me such a thrill

when cooking on a grill.

but not the run of mill.

No, the one that’s better

the one and only Webber!

The Scallop

 

What’s more beautiful than a gallop

of a thoroughbred horse in a race?

Unless, of course, it’s a scallop

cooking on a Webber with grace,

which gives me so great of a wallop

and puts such a smile on my face.

It only takes a small dollop

of garlic and butter for taste,

when the level of heat is all up

and cooking is done by your ace.

Forsaken for a Moment

“Why have you forsaken me?

asked the One on Calvary

while hanging on a fearsome tree

hung high for all the world to see.

“If you’re the One then come on down,”

said a ruler with a frown,

as the dogs all circled around

and soldiers gambled for his gown.

The day grew darker by the hour,

as darkness sought to overpower,

they offered him a cup so sour,

staring on with ghastly glower.

How could the One be so maligned

by willful men so proud and blind,

who held a worldly state of mind

against the One for all mankind?

A place far from the public square,

he bore our sins and sickness there

and all our sorrow and despair,

while many still are unaware.

Who could turn such wrong to right?

Perhaps the One they chose to smite,

the One with eyes and heart so bright,

that changed the darkness into light.

In a fleeting time and space,

that law which never could erase

the sin, the shame, and great disgrace,

was transformed now to glorious grace.

When it seemed all hope was gone

and darkness swallowed up the dawn,

Unto us a child was borne

the punishment for our sins withdrawn.

The child grew up to soar and fly,

was lifted up and raised on high,

to rule the earth and sea and sky

that he our lives might dignify

For a time he was forsaken

that heaven and earth could both be shaken,

 our hearts and minds to fully waken.

to know that all our sins were taken.

Give him the praise and glory due.

He came to save both me and you.

His faithful word entirely true.

His blood hath made all things brand new.

Eugene

I heard the bells toll up on high

and from their song I knew thereby,

a saint of God came home to stay,

and all that I could do was pray

and give my thanks to God above

for one who lived a life of love.

He served his church and family well,

whose faith and conduct did compel

our souls to rise and follow suit

that we might share his joyful fruit.

He was the youngest of them all,

but in the faith he stood so tall.

His smile could stir our hearts to sing

and turn the winter into Spring.

And on his gentle smiling face

reflected glory shown by grace,

a shining light so soft and bright

it pierced the darkness and the night.

He loved so much his lovely girls,

who are their mother’s string of pearls.

They smile his smile with shining eyes

whose beauty reaches to the skies.

Blessed with courage and with strength

and like their mom can go the length;

Our prayers are with these saints of God

and for their strength we do applaud.

The days ahead will bring new light.

They’ll come on holy wings despite

the pain and sorrow now we feel

but by God’s grace our hearts will heal.

And though there still be pain to bear,

our Lord Jesus has been there.

He will lead to pastures green,

that we may see great things unseen.

And we will know this sacred time

as a moment so sublime,

when we reflected on the man

the stoutly leader of the clan.

He is so held in high esteem

we miss you so beloved Eugene.

 

Thuggery

In the course of political skulduggery,

a Party resorts to treacherous thuggery,

with blatant acts of rebellious effrontery,

and accusations of political trumpery,

with little room for an expectant recovery,

please let me attempt a most salient summary,

that Party may make an unexpected discovery,

that their cause has lead to an unruly reality.

Why then did they put us through all of this drudgery?

Sweet Fifteen

Soaring on a swing so high

filled with energy and grace

she’s just so talented and spry

flowing at a fearsome pace.

Our Lily seems to do with ease

that for most would make us pause

She makes it all seem like a breeze

bringing on our loud applause.

So secure and so serene,

just to think she’s now fifteen.

And when she’s planted on the ground

her mind still soars to lofty heights.

for she just turns my head around

with smart ideas and deep insights.

Let us take a moment now

and give our praise to God above.

 That sly smile and raised eyebrow.

 Let’s us know she’s fire and love.

Halfway Home

 

I want you to know that a man with a beard

is certainly not always the man who is weird.

Our man of the hour, through thrills and some tears,

let us just say, has put on a few years.

But he ‘s not wasted his time in the least

is looking at life as one big love feast.

His life is family and friends and outreach,

with a few days off to go to the beach.

We like computers but not their connection

but this man was there at the Apple inception.

He capably connects most any peripheral,

a technical knowledge so magically visceral.

The man likes to bike but once had a wreck

he dusted himself off – right back on the trek.

A connoisseur of the stout mountain bike,

at a very early age he gave one to Mike.

One day on the trail Mike had a slight slip,

but big brother Josh was so wise and so hip.

He made the whole day an exciting adventure.

The slip was not in the least bit a quencher.

But maybe I’m getting ahead of myself.

He moved to Richmond for fortune and wealth,

though he probably came to chase a pooh bear.

And all I can say is that they make quite a pair.

They go out to search for new barbecue sites,

the Christmas season’s most tackiest lights,

the roaring festivals and rocking concerts,

before heading for home those good pie desserts.

Josh fathers those two most beautiful girls,

while staying alive in their fast artist worlds.

He keeps his heart young in the classic rock scene,

but he has other ways, if you know what I mean.

He’s getting some help from the Father above

and growing each day in his grace and his love.

So now he’s just a young quinquagenarian,

 well on his way to the ancient centenarian.

Bedford

I sing a song of Bedford town

a little place of great renown.

For on one awful, dreadful day

our hopes and dreams were held in sway.

The brave young men who gave their lives

so sacred liberty survives,

are now enshrined for all to see

their lasting generosity.

Nestled down among the hills

in a place that gives one chills

The men returned to Bedford town.

with all its beautiful surround.

Having given all their best

they found a sacred place to rest

from blasting shells and flashing light

for they would not give up the fight

til evil had its gasping breath

with eyes upon its looming death.

These men did die that they might give

a chance for peace to those who live.

And do not think that they regret

lest we forget, lest we forget.

D – Day

Twas not a time to hem and haw,

we hit the beach at Omaha.

Though most of us were so afraid,

before our God we all had prayed

into your hands our souls do place

we do this for the human race.

Against the surging evil tide

we plunged ahead but many died.

No greater love could we expend

to give it all for one dear friend.

You are that one to whom we gave

our life and blood that we might save

one single life of liberty.

My prayer was now “deliver me.”

Forging ahead we did not stop

climbing up the mountain top

I reached the top by his good grace

and poked the enemy in his face.

Yes, it’s good that we look back

upon our fierce D Day attack

But we should also look ahead

so truth and justice not be shred.

there is no peace without our price

undying love and sacrifice.

Lily’s Fourteenth Birthday

Master of the silks and rings

and all those other mobile things,

a girl with such a lovely smile

sets her above the rank and file.

And even on a cloudy day

her shine does find a passageway.

The art and crafts and jewelry making

are so sublime and so breathtaking

Who is this girl with such esteem,

who on this day has turned fourteen?

Her mind exceeds her age by far?

She is our bright and shining star.

 Her name means purity and love.

Our Lil is gentle as a dove,

with just a touch of whimsy wild.

An oh so bright, precocious child,

 her gifts and talent have set the pace,

to move ahead with style and grace.

Lola

You know what it feels like to be someone’s pet?

It all depends on the one you have met.

Unless you’ve selected the best of the best,

a master that’s better than just all of the rest,

and followed her home to a safe dwelling place,

then you can bark at your happy home base.

You circle around in your roomy backyard,

though not forgetting you’re still standing guard

keeping it safe for your wonderful friend.

Well I saw this new guy rounding the bend.

But I could tell by his wonderful smell

that my new home was gonna be swell.

No need to worry, I’m not on the fence,

for I could tell He’d brought on the Prince.

Well they were quickly beginning to mesh,

something bout bonding and becoming one flesh.

There’s so much I liked – the park and the pool,

I thought that first step was really so cool.

And really I loved most all of my toys,

especially when they could make the right noise.

Now I have saved the best for the end

Twas something so special about my dear friend.

You look for ways to share all of the love

before you are called to your home up above.

I’m just waiting for a glorious reunion

with unlimited days of love and communion.