Wednesday, April 26, 2023

The Girl In The Window (for Lainey)

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The Girl In The Window (for Lainey)



Gazing out, from this landing, serene and secure;

Hallowed ground is as a hologram, of days ahead.

A vessel compliant, strong of will, a heart pure,

Curious as to what awaits, along this grand tour;

Throwing caution to the wind, no sense of dread.


Take at face value, all that is seen, heard, said;

Growing up is never easy, you will have to endure;

Too young to see patterns, for needle and thread.

Life is for the living, let the dead bury the dead.

Only you can distinguish shade and shadow allure.



Over time, you will be spoken of by many a name;

Who addresses you, will define which is preferred.

Some will reflect a calling, others call to claim;

Regardless of how, who you are, will be the same,

By all so fortunate to have seen, read of, or heard.


Life is a series of challenges; press on undeterred;

Goals are worthy for those who play fair, the game.

Free falling may have consequences, but no blame;

Coming down from a mountain lends to vison blurred,

But a true visionary will take to canvas and frame.



You will take to the grandest stage one can afford;

Assume your role, as written, add flair of your spin;

Coats of colors, as real as rainbows to the children.

You to them, and they to you, will be mutually adored,

As you sing and dance them to a place of where and when.


Your current path to learning, the best place to begin;

When practical logic, acquired knowledge strike a chord,

You will find, over time, cognition is its own reward.

In turn, you will teach what you have heard and seen,

Freely sharing the wealth of wisdom you will have stored.



The terrain is vast, teeming or dormant, to be explored,

with roll calls, waiting for you to burst onto their scene.

In time, you will settle in Pallisers Triangle green;

From there, who knows what time will tell and record?

All I can say is, great things await, between now and then.



Written to Lainey, at Ten.



Michael Todd  (2014)



For those following the timeline, this poem is a prequel to

"The Greatest Story" from 2013, which can be found here...


http://myketodd.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-greatest-story-for-lainey.html

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Peeps (The Musical)

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Peeps (The Musical)



Chica Boom is all excited. She's just got her feathers dyed. 

Asked Jaye Duck how he liked them; said he did, but he lied. 

Chica was the consummate spring chicken, as crazy as a loon, 

a perfect match for her partner Boone, who'd be along soon. 


Boone was a rabbit, in this musical trio, with chick and duck. 

Easter was approaching, auditions announced, just their luck, 

a handful showed interest; for those who would come around, 

a bandstand was vacant, in a barn on the outskirts of town. 


First to audition was a trio of sheep, to blow mariachi horns;

Chica gave a sour smile, mocking like she was chewing thorns.

As the sheep three moved along, from the rafters came a bat, 

overshot runway (piano keys), Chica screamed! That was that. 


Next to approach, in full grunt, with an antique auto harp, 

a pig with pleasant disposition. Too bad his notes were sharp! 

What followed was not common, and quite difficult to explain.

Donkey arrived, misplaced his harmonica, much to his disdain. 


At this point, I suppose we should say, every vote was a no. 

Boone, Jaye, Chica saw to it this was no dog and pony show.

"Open to All" auditions were a CYA process, merely a ruse. 

When the process was put on proper, our band left no clues. 


Today was different, as just before proceedings adjourned, 

two more wannabes were coming down the road, we learned. 

Vincent Vann Goat, with an upright bass, gave Chica the eye.

His partner unpacked drums, politely asked, "May we try?" 


Bass and drum, jazz to blues, a frenzy ensued in the crowd.

This was more grass roots excitement than ought be allowed. 

The trio was about to expand, adding two to become a quintet. 

To turn either down now, would cause a commotion, no doubt. 


A meet and greet followed, where the goat gave revelation, 

that he was along for the ride. The drummer was the sensation. 

Vincent acknowledged, there were times, but they would pass, 

when he found his true calling, wallowing in the new grass. 


When a goat gets high, there is no keeping him in time or key. 

The straight and narrow was not a place Vincent cared to be. 

But his partner, the drummer, the quiet one of the pair, 

said he would really like to be included, if they didn't care. 


When asked, he said he was clean, no bad habits, nothing like 

Vincent. The goat butted him in jest, said, "Come on, Spike!" 

Spike reared up on his back legs, and spouted a hideous hiss! 

Vincent shook his head, and walked away, feigning a near miss. 


Now if any of the barnyard four-legs or fowl could attest, 

to seeing a hedge hog first hand, would surely have professed. 

But truth be told, seeing Spike's reaction, putting on a show, 

gave them appal, to the degree, no one dared respond, "No." 


The quartet had a week to pick and choose and learn a new set.

With so much practice, this garage band is as good as it will get. 

Chica Boom and Boone brought the vocals, from back to front. 

She pecked keys. Boone played all the bass line one could want.


Jaye, a guitar wizard from the Panhandle, who handled demand; 

when time to take a break, Jaye was there to "lend a hand." 

(That was an inside joke Jaye brought on his very first date.) 

As to how Spike would fit in, it would not require a long wait. 


The longer the practice session, the better Spike kept time. 

By Good Friday, the band had a perfect click, they were prime. 

No practice or work on Good Friday, a day set aside to reflect. 

Saturday, a brief unplugged run though, checking every aspect. 


The Easter Festival was due to start at three, don't be late, 

but this year, a hitch in the plans, weather did not cooperate.

High winds blew in from the West according to the weather vane. 

All agreed to flee to the storm cellar. Don't break the chain. 


Spike wandered, looking high and low for that ornery caprine. 

He found him on a hillside near a cave, welcome site and scene. 

Once inside, the high winds would pass soon with no ill effect. 

Spike's concern now toward his band, whom he'd shown neglect. 


The trio was with all the other festival goers, safe and sound. 

Almost all the inhabitants were accounted for, to be found, 

except for a secret set that lived in the big house on the hill,

where conditions were setting circumstances in line for a kill.


A high wind blew apart a weakened pane and out came the glass. 

A bird cage atop a china cabinet, lost shroud at breeze's pass. 

As the cover was lifted, two prize parakeets came into sight, 

of house cat, who leaped, climbed and clawed with all his might. 


The cat, to his ever lasting credit, made it to his destination, 

toppling the rickety cage, which rolled, creating a new situation, 

causing its door to open, allowing the birds to fly, though rusty. 

As they flew out the window, one said, "My, this wind is gusty." 


Having been caged for a while, and what with the humans hiding, 

these parakeets were famished, and the sight of a feast abiding,

below, was a draw above all others, "Look at those seed a'ground!" 

Down they flew to the fruit and grain and water they had found. 


At this stage, we can only surmise; there was no one to witness. 

How that single parakeet feather dislodged is anyone's guess. 

Word came down from Jackson, days later, the birds found shelter. 

High winds propelled them there, hurried, from the helter-skelter. 


Back to the "here and now" in the "there and then" Spike is spied. 

A crow flew over and false-claimed Spike ate a bird. The crow lied. 

With the cellar door open, this was heard, even as Spike picnicked. 

A closer examination found a feather in a bowl, and they panicked! 


With any investigation, as to what a hedgehog eats, it is not fowl. 

They eat worms, bugs, crawlers. There was no reason for the howl. 

Within minutes, all the locals wearing scowls, were hurling scorn. 

Chica looked Spike dead in the eyes, wishing he'd never been born. 


Easter Festival cancelled; there would be no feast or show to play.

Spike gathered his belongings, went to the cave, then on his way. 

He and Vincent did not stop until they passed three towns, or four.

Spike never realized what happened, or feel need to even the score. 


Back on the homestead, Chica Boom and Boone settled down forever. 

Duck Jaye heard about this thing called migration; sounded clever. 

He took to the skies, Mexico bound, soon replaced by a grey goose. 

That house cat is stuck on life number seven, never getting loose. 


It was a shame about the music show and how it never came about. 

It might have been the stuff of legend, how Spike came to help out.

Chick and Rabbit and Duck were quiet Easter Saturday and Sunday; 

just a raccoon sounding a stolen harmonica; my, how he could play!


Michael Todd (2021)



(Thanks to Caitlan, Lottie, Apryl & Alba Leigh for guidance and inspiration.)


Monday, May 25, 2020

Kelli's Tree House (Suite)

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Kelli's Tree House (Suite)



I. Prologue / Burn Permit (Sonnet)


At the start of the day, the coast was clear.
First impressions, all you want when you please.
Closing credits have an anthem, to share,
called, "Can I See the Forest for the Trees?"

Covered bridge needs murky water to flank.
Hayloft needs block and tackle to pull through.
Morning fog needs a sun to drain the tank.
A slow boat needs an inland to float to.

This park bench compels you to come and sit;
unintended consequence, a sprawl.
King County requires written burn permit.
Allow me to usher a curtain call.

Comfort zones allow for fall and forget,
but even Rumpelstiltskin had a net.



II. Climb


Second Centennial, walk in the park, Seattle in Seventy-Six
Kelli gazes at the big kids, fulfilling tree climbing fix.
For a second grader to have and hold aspirations so high,
she might as well settle a scale and seize a path to fly.
Deduction: not all is measured by hand rulers and yardsticks.

Kelli wanders over, observes limbs and leaves, unsupervised, 
until finally, between shade and shadow, perfect angle sized.
Points of light fixed, then it clicks; these things take time.
Sounds of this playground lend to the symmetry of the climb,
her climb of the centuries, imagined, some day to be realized.



III. Merge (Acrostic)


Knowledge is the key to power. The key to a kite is string and tail.
Electricity to a kite is less of a foregone conclusion, more a rumor.
Lyrics do not compensate for harmony, when moments call for a dirge.

Left to our own devices, more often than not, we can carry the mail.
In case of a sudden panic (pressure), display a way to dispel rumor;
rail on reckless surmise, keep the surprise; as for the rest, purge.

Unless we are under cloudless skies, we cannot appreciate contrail.
So often, we overlook the obvious currents, in haste to reach shore,
Setting sail in search of certainty, failing to pave for the surge.

Equal parts give and take, in that order, will most often prevail.
Love and honor land sentience, guaranteed leap of faith in store,
landing on your feet, on the precipice, on time, in time, emerge.

After all of the on-the-run is said and done, look behind the veil.
Garner a horde, get into the game; leave a mark, stone-set in lore,
or stand on the sidelines, biding your time, until time to merge.

Did you know, there are those who find safe haven beyond The Pale?
Often, we confine our options to a definitive method: either/or,
not rationalizing, there is middle ground, where chances converge.



IV. Tree House


"Congratulations! You're the twenty-third caller in our contest."
She was put on hold, while the radio Dee Jay got another finalist.
When the jock came back to Kelli, also on the line, was Stan,
a steam fitter from Vashon Island, who Kelli was now playing.

"Between Sun Tzu and Niccolo Machiavelli who held the most might?
In other words, all things being equal, who'd win a fair fight?"
Stan was out of sorts, clearing his throat, asking for a clue;
Dee Jay, mistakenly said, "Articles of War. Kelli how about you?"

Kelli knew from literary training, Machiavellian was reprobate.
She offered an enthusiastic "Sun Tzu" then waited on her fate.
"That is correct, Kelli, and you are our grand prize victor.
Stan, if you will hold, I will reward your secondary score."

Not long after, Kelli was given three options which to choose;
a tree shed, cookware, or a trip to the Anaheim House of Blues.
Kelli jumped for joy at the thought of a tree house, or shed,
which is that the radio guy offered. That is what the man said.

Weeks later, crates arrived, from the architect hardware store,
and to boot, the deliverers assembled, "Because A&H Does More!"
Kelli came home later to find the biggest back yard surprise...
She saw a storage building, grounded and settled, with no highs.

She called the local radio station to offer a sincere protest.
They referred her to the A&H mercantile, to get her to arrest.
Those people assured her, the mistake did not fall in their lap.
When everything was said and done, it was the Dee Jay's mishap.

To Kelli's ever lasting credit, she embraced the new station,
turning it into an office, but she could not ignore frustration.
Kelli was the proud owner of a tree house without a tree where
sun in the window was all glare, without limbs and leaves there.

There were no steps to climb, there wasn't a pennon to hoist;
there was no dizzying height, and that is what she missed most.
The "Tree House Diaries" project blog would have to be scrapped.
Quietly letting that deal slide, a new directive would be mapped.

All things considered, innocent little office was just a shell,
and the desire of a tree house, was just an errantly cast spell.
While across town, Vashon holds suspense, fire truck on the scene.
Stan's pressure cooker lid, through the roof! It got away clean.



V. Articles


Kelli is a master of many trades. Editor, author, and avid poet;
eyes forward, always on the future, building an impressive resume.
But, truth be told, there remains one crash and burn to acquit,
which led to her writing a new book, one called "Articles Aweigh!"

You see, after reading Sun Tsu's "Art of War" to see what it was,
she got all caught up in strategy, and how to counter a next move.
Soon she was active in gaming, then book sales was her next cause.
She was constantly in search of culprits and theories to disprove.

Her math improved to where she was involved in the baseball scene.
She created a brand new level of saber metrics, for contact skills.
One night, while singing the anthem before the game, unforeseen,
she had an epiphany, at "free and brave" proclaiming "Speed Kills."

She left the Seattle stadium during their seventh inning stretch,
muttering about articles, and how they cost her a house in a tree.
Finally, with her epiphany, the equation made sense, just one catch;
the literary world would be better without them, "a, an and the."

Colleagues, casual acquaintances, tried to head her off at the pass.
Critics and antagonists, went to great lengths to prove her wrong.
Three printings in, and Kelli was now in demand to teach the class.
Gone were dissenters who urged her to go along just to get along.

Her next volume "What Morse Means to Me" invoking Morse Code style,
went to the top of the coastal best seller lists, a hit parade.
Her poems now read by mathematicians, her stats on the prose dial,
her greatest literary triumph encompassed all, titled "Like I Said."

One cannot submit too many entries. That includes books and manuals.
With a stroke of luck, and equal amount of effort, Kelli went bank.
When the votes were cast and tallied, she cashed the crown jewels,
winning the Wallace Stevens Award. Question now, who would she thank?

(A) gracious winner, will always recall where she came from and how.
(An) independent thinker, will acknowledge, others paved the way.
(The) manner in which one gives and takes, affects the here and now.
(Articles) have their place, in the Bi-Centennial, back in the day!



VI. Walk in the Park


A ribbon cutting ceremony in Seward Park is cause for celebration.
To some, this will be a time to display dismay and bring contention.
Kelli paid what was due, for permits and fees, and seized the park.
Well, not all, but a choice area was hers from daylight 'til dark.
By end of day, not a person would doubt her novel noble intentions.

Three prime, choice trees were now housed, strategically encased.
Not a single nail was driven or barked scraped, as brackets placed
with pulleys and braces, block and tackle, made from iron and steel,
scrap from a failed bridge, which Kelli paid to move. Her plan ideal,
waterways were freed, and much needed tree houses planted in haste.

These tree houses were all code approved, with attendants on site
to help those whose balance might be impaired, or others who might
have other issues, or who might just need a little special attending,
because sometimes it gets lonely at home, when alone, nothing pending.
Everyone was happy, except for the protesters, who gave up the fight.

Just before our host could step aboard personally designed Tree One,
she heard a car horn, and saw the Green Miata. "Oh my, time to run!"
She was met by her chauffeur, Tyler Myrth, who said, "We're late."
Spying Jay Sole running, car stopped. Waving, he said, "We'll wait."
Jay was running in a 2K Run sponsored by Kelli, just for added fun.

Next stop, a personal appearance at the local Washington State Fair;
they wanted Kelli as a judge. Everyone who was anyone would be there.
Dave Schrader was in from Minnesota, to capture moments on film disc.
The pickle judging was a drag, but the turkey roping event was brisk.
Kelli chose winners, with no rebuke, then asked Tyler, "Now to where?"

She had gotten so caught up in the whirlwind, she forgot Glastonbury
of the West Coast, Capitol Hill Block Party Spoken Word where she
was set to duet with Melissa, her accomplice from Texas, Southwest,
where everything is bigger, and sometimes even better than the rest.
Kelli took the stage, and saw the crowd... such a sight to see...



VII. Epilogue / For Good Measure (Sonnet)


Waking from a noon nap, eased in her chair,
she draws a blank, not knowing where she is.
This new office needing conditioned air;
that is for a future analyses.

It appears she may be overdoing.
Best case, she is far too dedicated.
She always goes all out when pursuing,
though sometimes endeavors are ill fated.

Her focus now, strictly on quarantine.
Her day dreams drift away and betray her.
She cannot recall how long it has been.
Uncounted days, weeks pass by in a blur.

Some day she will count, bounty of treasure.
'Til then, she'll dream on, just for good measure.



Entire Set written for Kelli Russell Agodon


Michael Todd (2020)


Including Cameo Appearances by...

Tyler Myrth, Jay Sole, Dave Schrader & Melissa Studdard

Sunday, October 29, 2017

The Wicker Will Weave

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The Wicker Will Weave
 
 
If you ask how I'm doing... not very well;
just getting by, as far as I can or will tell;
Going down for the count, on a count of one,
on account of, you're done; I had barely begun.
 
I am merely a glass of water, you an artesian well;
Choice was mine, circle the drain, or break your spell.
Gaze at a different mountain, climb a different cloud,
Hang up a different veil, lift a different shroud.
 
Don't bother with details, burden of proof is on me;
Dispelling rumors, debunking myths; I hold that key.
I never listened when she implied I give up my boyish ways,
Now swept away; recalling what she decreed our end of days...
 
 
when she said...
 
“I wonder what lengths you might go, to keep me close,
when I begin to drift away, as I will inevitably will do.
Dropping my guard along the way, you got closer than most.
Did it ever occur to you, I was just passing through?
 
Somewhere in the process, you relaxed, dropped defenses.
Does this implied epiphany really catch you off guard?
Either way, don't beat yourself up for taking chances.
When silence settles, does it matter who had the last word?”
 
 
I readily admit, when that hammer fell, I was ill equipped;
It was a hard pill to swallow when I saw how far I'd slipped;
Time wasted like excess sap on the side of a maple tree,
Waters that were tried and true and tread, swept from me.
 
Find me now, sitting on a park bench, in search of clues;
Past the stage of mourning, no ready breath left to accuse.
Outsourcing emotion is a bad habit, one hard to kick;
Surely it is possible to teach an old dog one new trick.
 
Why get back up on that pony, with no finish line in sight?
Because I did not give up or give in without a fair fight?
She sure seemed happy, for one caught in throws of divorce,
When she laid down her law to me, in her matter of course...
 
 
as she said...
 
“Relationships tiered, on multiple levels, assembled in stages;
When the clock says closing time, one degree of separation;
Hold on to a renegade mood with all your might, read gauges;
My eyes reflect no measure of shared guilt or explanation.
 
Take at face value, merely my way of offering fair warning;
Reference material, should you go back and look for clues.
It is your choice, should you choose a lifetime of mourning.
It is my choice to break the ties that bind, as I now choose.
 
 
So here I dwell, in search of some alternative solution.
And, I really do believe in the healing power of absolution.
And, I know she spoke the truth, saying I have a choice.
When all is said and heard, the answers come from my voice.
 
When the lights go down and truth comes out, as I perceive;
My toe dipping in the water, too close to the edge to leave;
As postcards from a vacation conjure solace, grant reprieve,
The only voice I hear now is mine, and I am geared to receive.
 
For all said and done, I'd still meet her halfway, I believe,
I will always keep her in my heart and wear it on my sleeve.
But until such amend, I will no longer be found to bereave;
The curtain will come to call, and the wicker will weave.
 
 
Michael Todd (2014)

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Are You Dying?

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Are You Dying?


Call it a thoughtful moment, one perhaps long overdue;
I saw her out and about, and spoke in turn, as if on cue,
"If you don't mind me saying, you are looking nice tonight."
She stopped dead in her tracks, asked if she'd heard me right?

I suppose a compliment coming from me seemed out of place,
and this was not the first time I'd noticed her pretty face.
Granted, for an instant I felt empowered; I cast a smile,
I was expecting one in return. She said, "Not your style."

Normally, I would back up. I just asked what she was implying.
She ruined the entire mood, asking me, "Hey, are you dying?
Seriously, if something is wrong, tell me. I need to hear.
As much as you annoy me, I don't want to see you disappear."


I shook my head from side to side, and quietly walked away.
For all intents and purposes, it should have ended that day,
but I could not get those words she said, out of my head;
I was in the best health of my life, no thoughts of being dead.

For years, I had prided myself on being cynical, as intended;
while it is considered part of my charm, some get offended,
but really, all they need do is chill, and consider the source.
I was comfortable in my sarcastic skin, for better or worse.

It took her little time to share her viewpoint, so slanted;
soon, our small circle of friends feared I would be planted.
Phone calls and text, social media remarks, coming my way,
mostly beating around the bush, wondering how I felt today?


"What's the matter," "Have you seen a doctor?" "How do you feel?"
Honest to goodness, this couldn't be happening, but it was real.
No matter at the efforts I expended, I was not able to deflect.
I treated each one with kid gloves, showing nothing but respect.

My smart ass persona fell by the wayside, as if put in reverse.
Wouldn't you know, that only served to make the situation terse.
Now each was witnessing my "transformation" in person, firsthand,
at how conciliatory I had become, though this was not planned.

Eventually, the sad tidings brought about a negative effect.
I began to ponder the eventual outcome of my real health neglect.
It was a good thing I had insurance, and a decent pharmacy deal;
two visits to a doctor, a sniffle and a physical; spin the wheel.


I stopped taking calls and messages, setting my sites to "away,"
putting my social life on hold, going straight home at end of day,
opting to sit in the dark and dwell, or cast a mirror a glance;
became a bonafide germaphobe, not about to take a chance.

With no one available, I turned to the mirror to plead my case.
"On the verge of pushing up daisies, can you see it on my face?
Am I about to check out in the near future? Look into my eyes!
Tell me what I need to know, and be straight; tell me no lies."

We worked it out, that glass and me. I'd fallen prey to a ruse,
and it was up to me to turn it all around; I just had to choose.
Determined to get my feet on, not under, solid ground, but how,
was yet to be determined. I needed a believable way to disavow.


I put my master plan together, one that was cunning and bold.
She stepped forward with a revelation that put my move on hold.
She said, "If anyone should sense sarcasm, it was you the most.
That line about you dying was a joke, about giving up the ghost."

This startling revelation she brought, left me dead in my stance.
Was she conciliatory, ridding herself of guilt perhaps by chance,
or was she cleverly spinning my dial, to yet another station,
to leave me further bewildered, toward a deeper resignation?

We eventually worked it out, that girl, the mirror and me.
I found an acceptable attitudinal ground, for all to see.
I still see the girl on weekends, when our schedules allow,
so all things considered, at least I'm not dead to her now.


Michael Todd (2017)

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Swimming With the Sharks (for Lainey)

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Swimming With the Sharks (for Lainey)


Swimming with the sharks, what an adventure,
when time comes to finally run a race;
a brief respite for those without a cure;
apples not oranges, footing not sure,
a time to redefine goal of first place.

A lesson in charades, for those static,
gladly given up. They know from the start,
all are not measured by the same yardstick;
will make sure today is less traumatic;
swimming with the sharks, worthy counterpart.

A moment to compete, not hide away,
on top of the world, season to define;
to enter in the game, come out and play;
daring to move, keeping the wolves at bay,
ground beneath, showing way to finish line.

When swimming with the sharks, choose to swim deep,
disregarding conventional rule sets.
There are arenas which welcome black sheep,
where the losers rejoice and victors weep.
Provided, this is a good as it gets.

Michael Todd (2017)

Disclaimer: The prompt for this poem was given to me by Lainey. I asked her for an idea. She responded with "swimming with the sharks." Not long after, I saw a video of several instances where people who were physically or mentally challenged, were taking part in athletic endeavors.

There was one where a basketball player got a rebound, and went the length of the court, and on the third try, hit a shot. Players from both teams gave him time and space. When that shot went in, players from both teams celebrated, along with the crowd. It was a magical moment in time.

There were several other defining moments in the video, but the one that got to me was when a player scored a goal in a soccer game, and immediately ran across the field, removed his team jersey, and gave it to a fan, confined to a wheel chair. I had great respect for that player. I have great respect for all of the individuals I saw in the video. I have tremendous respect for those who are impeded and cannot compete on an apples to apples level, but still give it their best.

And as for those who encourage them, I have no proper words to describe, other than to say, to me, they are the finest people, and worthy of acclaim, but odds are good, they don't want or need that.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Friend of My Father (for David McLansky)

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Friend of My Father (for David McLansky)


A friend of my Father, is a friend of mine.
Stealth in the shadows, until time to shine,
They would put me in the spotlight, all to see,
Allowing me to join in their camaraderie;
Now past and gone, let this be their shrine.


A friend of my Mother, someone I hold dear;
When I see them now, it is as if she is here.
Envision patchwork quilt, each holds a square,
Catalogued, documented, recall time to share,
Some memories faded, while others shine clear.


A friend of my children will always be welcome.
Even with offspring scattered, not under thumb,
Speaking freely from my side shown, of agnation,
They are free to find solace about this station;
Let them always consider this as a second home.


A friend of my friend, such is David McLansky.
I am grateful, Lainey introduced him to me,
Providing me with a show of strength mentor;
Tried and true, with a wicked sense of humor.
I share this, gratitude from a humble devotee.


Michael Todd (2016)


To read the works of David McLansky, visit his poetry page...


http://www.poemhunter.com/david-mclansky/