The Poetry Marathon

I read the newspaper today
The stories were filled with grief and despair
Each one made my heart hurt worse
Saddened for the world today
So much death and destruction
Too much heartache and loss
I knew I needed to do something
Something to change the cycle
I walked to the convenience store
I saw a handicapped lady there
So I bought her a beverage
A relief on a hot day
Then, I played with the neighbor’s deaf grandson
As she told me about how people made fun of him
I packed my love’s lunch for work
Then made sure he had everything he needed
Suddenly I realized, it’s the little steps we take
That add up in numbers over time
You don’t have to be Bill Gates to make a difference
Just someone with compassion for others
And this realization only hit me
Because I chose to help others
After I read the newspaper today

The heart is the most important muscle in the body
Without its daily effort, life cannot exist
Its amazement and wonder cannot be spoken of enough
It pumps blood that travels the veins and arteries
Reaching the brain so we can think; reaching our toes so we can dance
When the heart is weak, every ounce of the body suffers
And eventually, if the heart becomes weak enough, life stops
The actions of one person’s heart can change entire families
Entire generations – co-workers, communities, and the world
Heart transplants reset one person’s time at the cost of another’s
But sometimes, families of transplant recipients have met and bonded for life
All body systems are important for life to exist
But, none so great than that of the heart
Your heart truly does beat for a purpose
To grant you the opportunity to live each day to the fullest
And fulfill the hopes and dreams you are destined to live

The aftermath was devastating
Twisted metal, fractured wires
Bricks tossed all around
The house largely a total loss
Once a family home, a two story safe-haven
The force of the hurricane too much for it to bear
When the family first saw it, tears and horror followed
Their lives forever changed
In those brief moments, it was easy to believe they’d lost everything
Even if they were alive to pick up the pieces
This was their home; the place where their memories dwelled
No insurance payment could ever replace it all
“Give me some sign that everything will be fine” she shouted
Then as the family made their way to the backyard, they noticed
The yellow roses – their Grandmother’s yellow roses, to be exact
Still bloomed brightly, rising from fractured fence boards
Twas in that moment, they knew that some way, somehow
Everything would be alright

Two years ago today, I reached out to help your family
I can still see your parents in my mind as they traveled cross country
Every call, every lead, every person that thought they saw you
All were angels in disguise
And like them, I only wanted to help your family to bring you home
While I never met you in person, every day I worked your search
I learned more and more to where you became like family
Over time, you became so special to me
The more I learned about your background, the more your story hit home
And the more I prayed you would be found safe and sound
The day the lead from Texas came, I got excited
Only to have my hopes dashed yet again
A couple weeks later, it was a call in California
Dejected again
I often wished I could ask you why
Why did you jump from that car
What happened to hurt you deeply
But more, I simply wanted you home
I wanted to bring you back to the family that loved you
As time went on, the leads went cold and my job in the search ended
But, I never stopped thinking of you
Then, one day last April, I read that your remains were found
I cried. But though I felt pain for your family, I found peace in their closure
I’ll never understand why, but I know you’re an angel smiling down on us all
And in some form or another, you have found the inner peace you sought
Even in the pain, that is comforting
In some small way, I find peace in knowing I tried to help your family find you
I’ll always respect your decision, even in not understanding
Moreover than helping your family, I wish I could have helped you

The bright moon, shining in all its glory
Hovers over the pristine lake
I sit beneath a canopy of stars
The atmosphere still as can be
Normally, at this hour, I hear the wolves
But this night, all is still
They’re never a threat, always off in the distance
But, I enjoy their howls; they’re free to speak their mind
I lean back my chair and listen to nothing but the waves
The River is higher than usual for this time of year
My ideal summer night – just the moon, iced tea, and quiet
I remember many nights like this as a kid
I was always afraid of the wolves
They causes my toddler eyes much panic
My father told me that they’re God’s creatures
And they were here before us
That was enough for me, so ever since
They have not bothered me one bit
So, here I sit with the bright moon
Shining in all its glory
Thinking back upon my life
Realizing how blessed I am to enjoy these nights
And just then, a bald eagle flew overhead
Yes, this night was perfection
No need for social outlets, telephones, or television
Just nature’s lessons and me
So calm, so peaceful and so healing
For just a moment, all is right in the world

I live in a dark and lonely world
One so hard to understand
I have no family, no home, no friends
Nothing but a cardboard sign to call my own
It hasn’t always been this way
I was once a CEO
But the economy bust did hit me hard
So on this curb I sit

I didn’t plan my life this way
But, then again, who does
As a CEO, I passed here and never gave a cent
So, I guess, why should I ask your help
It’s different with the shoe on my foot
From loafers to beaten, broken tennis shoes
But before you judge, I know it happen to anyone
Remember…. you could be next

I – like the men I passed
Ask you for your help
I’ve learned from mistakes
And promise, I will pay it forward
For through it all, I still believe
Goodwill in men still exists
But, if you pass me by, I’ll understand
I’ll never wish you harm

I’ll keep on standing with my sign
Accepting my current fate
While praying that my life will change
Before it is too late
I sit here in the elements, vulnerable and exposed
As you swiftly pass me by
I’ll pray for you, while I chat with myself
Not knowing my history you’ll never know why

Your heart is gold, your friendship true
I’m glad you’re in my life
You care deeply for those held dear
Even when you’re fraught with strife
You’ve gone through your own highs and lows
You’ve been a rock through mine
Our friendship always remains true
And ages like fine wine

Our bond grows deeper as years fly past
As we support each other through it all
For what we share is meant to last
Forever standing tall
You lean on me and I on you
Whenever struggles come
You’re by my side in all I do
With jokes of wine or rum

You are forever in my heart
And you’ll remain in my there til the very end
Even if we’re miles apart
You make my life much brighter
Than it could ever be
And life’s loads seem lighter
Because you’re there for me

I walk this winding wooden trail
With beauty everywhere
Toward a peaceful destination
Filled with dreams beyond compare
Each and every way I look
God’s wonder clearly shines
Blessing every step I talk
For He has made this life mine

I see the water, so pristine
The trees so lush and green
And find myself well moved to tears
I’m blessed by what I’ve seen
But, sadly so few take the time
To appreciate the wonder
A world so quickly passing by
So often torn asunder

What are the dreams I seek to find
Upon this wooden trail?
I keep these dreams within my mind
For each remains quite frail
I hold them close, so tenderly
Until they reach their home
And when I find their sacred place
They will be free to roam

My hope is by the trailway’s end
These dreams will at last excite
And the power held within each one
Will rapidly ignite
For sometimes serenity is blessed
And we all should stop and smile
Just basking in the natural wonder
If only for awhile

The dragonflies still buzz today
Flying so carefree and peacefully
Their wings dance on the breeze
Without a care in the world

Flying so carefree and peacefully
Reminding me of days in my youth
Without a care in the world
It was a much simpler time

Reminding me of days in my youth
I recall chasing dragonflies and laughing
It was a much simpler time
But everything is alright

I recall chasing dragonflies and laughing
Their wings dance on the breeze
But everything is alright
The dragonflies still buzz today

If finding change is somehow a sign
I welcome every cent
For in my mind, the pennies
Help to prove you’re near
I always seem to find them
At my deepest, darkest moments
When angst and despair come creeping
To make me lose sight of the good

In my mind, when these pennies appear
You are instantly by my side
And for a brief few moments, I am not stressed
In fact, a smile forms, as I recall some memory with you
I hope I always find these pennies
I pray I live each memory they bring forth
As it helps to bridge the between our two worlds

May the pennies always lead me to remember
The precious memories I have with you
And even if for a few moments
May they allow me to chance to hold onto
This wonderful piece of my past
For while they come as a complete surprise
Every time I cross one’s path
The fact they bring your smile to mind
Is worth the steps I take