The Poetry Marathon

Today I trade my shovel for sunshine

I’m leaving the trash from the past behind

I’m moving forward to bigger and better things

I’m excited with anticipation for what this new life will bring

Packing a trailer in 3 hours flat nearly killed me

But determination prevails and dreams of expectancy

I cannot fathom the idea of multiple moves

This one alone is more than I can handle

“Run like the wind and never look back”, says the small voice in my head

The smell of fresh paint, the comfort of my new bed

A new life, a new beginning, a second chance, my time for winning

Saying goodbye is bittersweet

The trials that tested me, the memories that shaped me

The friends that I made, the enemies that trapped me

I’m a soaring bird now, with God’s wings to carry me

No more cages, I’m F-R-E-E

Short or big

Fat or small

White, black or brown

I love them all

From potty training nightmare to chewing on the wall

From shedding furry hair to spilling food on the floor

Each has their own unique personality

A friendship here on earth and throughout eternity

Just when I think there’s no room for any more

My heart expands wider and my hand opens the door

I dedicate this poem to you – sweet Rocky and Princess Haylee

Jack, Baby, Blondie and Laura

Reese, Baylee and Teddy

Life was so different when I arrived on the scene

Air and light were all new to me

The sensitivity of the elements affected me at times

But the careful hand of my caregiver would handle just fine

Skin so soft, the tempter of every touch

Every kiss, every caress that I treasured so much

Years go by and life takes it toll

Streaming tears, stress and harsh rays all play their role

Anti-age creams, masks and make-up offer temporary solace

I have enjoyed watching you in the mirror day in and day out

The countless expressions from laughter to pout

You are uniquely mine, no other can compare

Whether chestnut brown or skin that’s fair

This face knew no boundaries, we had a good run

If I’m remembered well, the prize has been won

Exercise, my life’s story

Always racing for the prize

And never see the glory

The 5 foot 8, one hundred and twenty pound body loved by all escapes me

No amount of sweat, no amount of pain

A 2 pound loss, a 10 pound gain

My sweet cookies follow me wherever I go

Shortbread Lorna Doone and faithful Oreo

A moment on the lips, a palate of pleasure

A life of addiction

No happy ending to treasure

Should exercise and cookies ever meet

A war will ensue until cookies shall defeat!

We need Jesus for reasons we don’t always understand.

We need His character to teach us to lend a helping hand.

If we were born selfless and full of unconditional love,

We wouldn’t need His Holy Spirit, Divine intervention from above.

If we had all the answers then we wouldn’t need to trust.

If we had a clean heart, it wouldn’t be filled with greed, hate and lust.

If we could save ourselves there’s no need for sacrifice on the Cross.

If we did not have Free Will, we would not be so lost.

You see there’s choice, course and consequence

For which there’s only One acceptable recompense.

We are shaped in inequity and born into sin.

We need The Lord Jesus, we need to be Born Again!

Brick house red

Glistening glass stem

Subtle movement

Light Spring wind

Texture so smooth

Dolphin’s silky skin

Sweet fragrance

Grape vinyard, leaves thin

My eyes speak but they do not hear.

I’m just one of many with all the same fears.

I’ll be your best friend, as loyal as they come.

I watch and wait for you patiently from the moment you are gone.

I’m a little hot in this sweater but that’s ok with me.

I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re happy.

I will defend you to the death, until the last beat of my heart.

Just promise we’ll always be together, let nothing tear us apart.

I am the face of countless shelter dogs and the wishful thought of every stray.

I am yours. You are mine. Always and forever will I stay.

Please don’t change your mind about me and abandon me one day.

My life won’t stand a chance and I’ll be tossed in a nameless grave.

I’ll hope for a rescue, like wishing on a star.

I’ll hold on to our memories, hoping the best for you wherever you are.

Taylor

Gifted, Philanthropist, Genious, Icon

Lives to Shake Off the cares of Life

Family, Friends, Fans

Love, Trust, Humiliation

Peace on Earth, Fulfilled Dreams, Joy Unspeakable

Nashville Country at Heart, Pop Culture by demand

Swift

The words of this poem were inspired by post-NBA game commentaries, actual Twitter and Instagram feeds and various individual comments posted online.  The title, “I see RU” is a play on the words “I see you”.  Speaking of Oklahoma City Thunder’s RUssell Westbrook, one of the most talented and exciting NBA players to run the court.

I see RU…

Another signing, another show.  What does any of this have to do with basketball?

They say: “Notice how ticked off he looked?” “He hardly talked at all, and I didn’t see him smile the entire time.”

I see RU… knowing that anything he says or does will be scrutinized, dissected, or misinterpreted beyond measure.  Photographed, Photoshopped, even fam photo failures.

Questions, comments, mindless banter with no purpose at all; only human, just like you, with a gift to play ball.

Still looking for smiles from the RU?
Why so demanding?
Does the RU owe you?
Have you seen his pics?
How about his interviews?
Head low, words few.
Rarely flashing his pearly whites,
unless caught in that rare unguarded moment in the company of a loving family member or friend.
Ever consider that maybe he’s shy?
Or maybe a little insecure about his smile? Or even teased about it as a child?
Not everyone who has a nice smile believes that they do.

Yeah, I see you RU.

They say: “To me he has a VERY arrogant attitude.”

Why?
What the hell did he do?
Are you in his head? Or wearing his shoes?
Is he under some obligation to be extra nice to you?
Maybe he can’t be that social butterfly you want him to be; can’t say all the right words to tickle your fancy, like the spider who webs it oh so perfectly.  Just RU, a spotlight target for all the world to see.

I see RU…someone who doesn’t fit the standard 6′ 7″ bill.
I see RU…the black sheep, in the spider’s shadow.
I see RU…the lightning in the thunder.

Haters say: “selfish, ball hog, queer, fag, gaaaaay…worst dressed, trash bag clown clothes, floppy foot goon, ugly Steve Urkel Ninja Turtle duck”

Lovers say: “the best…swagg…hott, sexxxy, beautiful, fly, perfect babe…I LOVE you!”

You love RU?
Really?
You do?
How do you love someone that doesn’t know you?
Is it his brooding eyes?
His fully defined lips?
Chiseled high cheek bones and pitted dimples?
Werther’s caramelt skin?
His flawless physique, with no tats in sight?
Celebrity-status fame, 8-figure contract and no wife?
Yeah, you love RU, I’m sure that you do.
When I first saw him play, I fell in love with RU too.
Kudos to Spider-Man, the comic book hero, endowed with supernatural strength, agility, and keen spider-sense, but this black sheep stands out from the flock,
So fierce and determined, despite what they say, he plays his own game and hopes he does okay.
Always sacrificing his body, the chance he takes to make the big play…but wait!
“Don’t you dare shoot that ball!
That’s not why you get paid!”

I see you RU.

I’m a fan of the game, not just the big names;
Like watching two loves come together unashamed.
Would you pay 5K for platinum seats at the Garden?
Just to catch a glimpse?
Heart bangin’, eyes sayin’
“I see you RU, but will you ever see me?”
Knowing full well a love between us on this earth, it can never be.
This true love holds out for that soul mate in eternity,
where you can be just RU and I can be just me.

What is it about RU that makes him so irresistible and you so eager to pursue?
Dang, smh, wish I knew.
Is it because he gives back to the community?
But most athletes do.
Is it the chart-climbing stats and record breaking debuts?
Is it his bold fashion flava? So wild and true.
True to his character, “the world according to RU”.
Maybe it’s his love for his family, the game and the sik shoes?
Trendsetting tag lines, and football guru?
These are all so good but there’s so much more to this RU.
Including the simplicity of his choices…his house, his car, and his girl.
His girl, ah yes, it’s heartbreaking, I know.
Why couldn’t it be you? You love him with your whole heart and soul.
But to choose you, RU wouldn’t be RU if you didn’t know him 6 years ago.

Hmmm…Steady looking through that window though;
wondering…waiting.
Only time will tell where that will go.

I see RU…blessed from heaven above.
I see RU…making his way through the course.
I see RU…both hated and loved.

Let patience have its perfect work.

And so it is with the sport of fishing.

Man versus animal – a game of wits.

The bigger the catch yields all the accolades and glitz.

Curse you fish fillet! How I wish I didn’t love you so.

How you were seduced and harvested, I’d rather not know.

A casted line and hooked wiggle worm, ready to pierce your mouth and watch you squirm.

Don’t fall for it Nemo, it’s a trap! Haven’t you seen this before?

Dori was lunch last week and you’re just the snack they’re looking for.

Lord, please make me a vegan as fast as you can.

I’d so rather be a fisher of men.