To Aria, Parker, Jaina, and Addy

Let’s do it again PaPa Jerry

I wish I could fly clear up to the sun

Push me higher; it’s only just a little scary

But swinging is really so much fun

 

Round and round and round it goes

It’s really hard to keep it up

Hula-hoops are fun you know

But not for you ‘cause you’re all grown up

 

I’m tired now PaPa Jerry

I do not want to take a nap

My eyes are heavy and I am weary

Can’t I just sleep here on your lap

 

I’m not ready for our time to be through

I really wish that you could stay

Don’t you know how much I miss you

Every time you go away

One Night Stands

Steamy night

Sensual delight

Stay with me until dawn

 

The woman remains

A new child remains

But all the love is gone

Retirement

36 years have gone by way to fast

I built relationships I thought would last

It’s retirement day and I finally understand

I mean no more to them than the corner trash can

Life

The stone is set

My die has been cast

What the future brings

Will slide into the past

No amount of want

Will ever make it stay

It will fade to memories

Of yesterday

Being an Artist

At what point do I give up on my dreams

When do I know that my innovations

My poems or novels will not it seems

Live outside of my imagination

 

When should I realize that my brilliance

Is overblown desire; not artistry

They say I am showing my resilience

Not settling for my mediocrity

 

When will I understand that I’m lying

Thinking that there is someone who might care

When will it be alright to stop trying

Never! As long as you are there to share