RevRainbow

...and dig them "red eyes!" PS: It was kinda sensual to have to scroll down...

Again, thank you for the the kind words. I've been writing since grade school (thank the Lord those early manuscripts had long disappeared) but really didn't start putting it all together until after I retired in 2000 and had some time to devote .

I am thrilled with the responses received from my friends here on the forum; so far, my poetry has not caused heated debate! If you don't mind, and because of your encouragement, I would like to post more of my poems here. It is one of my passions, to present feeling and emotion common to all, that can be shared, through he written word. May you be blessed and encouraged by these offerings of mine. Thank you so very much. My Erato A sigh encased within a teardrop, One of many shed upon her leaving; Memories, each one, rapidly shown On the silver screen of my mind, A documentary devoid of words Of times fleeting spent together. Even knowing beforehand The duration of her short visit To my world of joy and sorrow, Did not make the parting less painful; When she returned home to the stars, All I could do was look heavenward, Standing in the center of night; Perhaps a glimpse of twinkling eyes.

I should not have read this just before lunch! The imagery... Good work.

Oh gawrsh, thanks again.

A very touching poem, and thanks for sharing the rest.

You made me recall the weight of a flak jacket! Good poem, carry on.

Night Shadow You appear only in the night, your shadow in the darkness of my room, barely seen, a form without substance I cannot touch nor feel, nor hold – just there, standing – an outline of yourself formed with shades of days past filled in now with absence of light in darkness displayed as shadow upon shadow, layer upon layer of same color paint distinguished only by the different brushstrokes discernible only to this artist who has created the night canvas, black on black, devoid of vibrant hues which once were reflected in sunlight. An angel in the darkness, a night shadow, wings opening as to soar through my open window fearful of what the light may expose.

LMAO. How true!

Contemplative. I liked it.

...one's own...

... into the red shoes ,clicking his heels three times saying, "There's no place like...."

Thank you all for the kind comments. I had to look up "permutation" LOL. I dont get over here in the bard section all too often. Perhaps, from what Ive seen and enjoyed, Ill return more often. Peace.

"Unidentified flying ass," he reported, noting a loud gaseous trail. Request..."

Just remember when you are ready that you have more support than a 1950's Maidenform bra!

thank you, Gene, for teaching me that all living things are sacred no need to seek out new life forms respect for those known comes first even the stones speak to me now I who as a child encircled ants in a ring of fire to watch them scurry and burn tore limbs from trees leaves from bushes flowers from roots with my fingers popped snapdragons even the stones now speak to me pummeled spiders with rocks imprisoned fireflies in a jar where they subsequently died stepped on grasshoppers squished crickets now even the stones speak to me remorse for my past barbaric indifferences nature's spilled blood cries out from the soil a repentant murderer who discovered in himself the lower life form the stones speak to me even now

Not too late to live - to enjoy the rest of life - whatever time left.

Who carried his cat in a bucket...

Sifuphil, It was more my mess up than yours, you just pointed it out. We should both benefit from the encounter. Thanks. Tigger, a wise man (well, at least a democrat) once said "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' which was the point I was making. People can plant fear but our courage, determination, faith in God and/or ones self, love and hope for the future combined with our involvement all are effective tools in overcoming fear.

Sifuphil, Your argument has been persuasive. I realized after reading your last post that the environment where this was presented was geared to a specific group who needed no clarification of context. I should have expanded the thought or at least defined the post rather than just reprinting. I will be more discerning next time. You made your point.

Not a commencement speech my friend but a farewell to a special group of people which I have shared here. Is that a sin? Also, I believe I defined the type of irrational violence of which I spoke. I believe I also defined the type of doing good of which I spoke. Finally, I am a combat veteran so I know full well when someone is shooting at you you had better shoot back...and more accurately!

Yes, and even religions use fear, don't they? Are you going to Hell? Tune in at 11!

The world is a bubbling cauldron of hate, violence and evil; yet flowers still bloom and birds still sing. However, if you stop to smell the flowers, you may get shot in a drive-by. The day is also coming where the movie house, restaurant or train you are in could explode into rubble because of a terrorist attack. Sadly, the Millennium did not usher in an era of peace and understanding; rather an era of intimidation and fear. My confidence in my generation’s ability to redeem itself, including our own current government’s ability to effectively (and with honesty) lead its people, has dwindled immensely in these past few years. The four essential human freedoms that Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of 70 years ago have been reduced to two-and-a-half and, they’re not doing too well. In our own society, Freedom from Want is not guaranteed for the poor and destitute even though the resources are at our fingertips. Freedom to Worship has been confused with Religious zeal; Freedom of Speech (and expression) is relegated to specified zones, and Freedom from Fear has disappeared. Fear is where I want to focus; not the healthy, legitimate concerns that we all have, but the crippling fear of facing an enemy that saps the joy of life from our being through violent intimidation. Fear will destroy you faster than any outside enemy. Fear paralyzes a people. Street gangs use fear to control neighborhoods. Tyrants use fear to oppress a country. Terrorists use fear to neutralize nations. They instill fear through violent menace and retaliation. And they know, as all warriors know, that if we are crippled by fear, we have already lost the battle. They rattle their swords and we cower. We lack courage. As children we are afraid of the dark. As adults, we fear failure. In all these fears, we wind up running away, remain silent, do nothing, or sit alone worrying unless we face them head on and deal with them. We must do something to free ourselves from the paralysis that keep us in bondage and ineffective as individuals, and as a nation. We must identify, acknowledge and respond to our fears, real and imagined. You say, “Okay, old man, so what should I do about it?” Two words: Do Good. Hear me out. The world needs good people to do good things. In doing good, you honor yourself and others. Honesty and integrity are not archaic values of the past; they will work as well today in bringing forth positive results. You must be willing to see that what you do (as well as what you don’t do) affects others around you as well as yourself and that you can make a dramatic difference in a world bent on violence and self destruction. Idealistically we all want to make our mark in the world; unfortunately, many leave a scar instead. As you head out into society to establish career, home and family, always carry with you strength of character and determination to succeed in what you do without hurting others. Do not allow fear of failure, the unknown or bullies’ threats keep you from building and achieving your hopes and dreams. Do not be afraid to oppose violence, speak out against injustice, expose lies and deception, defend the weak, help those in need, and stand up for what is right. I believe you, all of us, can make a difference for good. Be strong but don’t be a bully. Be at peace, as much as is possible, with all those you come in contact with. If the world community is to prosper there is, then, no room for barbaric, irresponsible violent behavior. We must first eradicate this pervasive fear that menaces our society by eliminating terrorism in all its forms. Free Society is breaking down and the only way I see to reverse the trend is by confronting the threat of violence (and those who perpetrate it) which keeps us in a state of fear, both at home and abroad. Change must begin with you, gentle reader. Claim the victory! Have the courage to do Good.

This has been very helpful to me in deciding what to wear for those that desire me to wear something clerical. I now have use for my stored away graduation gown! Thank you all.