Forever Lovely

Worley weather was much cooler today,  and for the first time this summer i wore long pants and a  hooded sweatshirt.  i trekked  down to our old log swing overlooking the bay. For a good thirty minutes i  sat  on the well worn  seat and swayed gently back and forth, keeping rythum to my own inner thoughts;  Thoughts not deep or profound, but by choice  carefree and loose.

The lake was slate like, the sky cloudy and grey. A slight breeze brushed against my face and moved the limbs of trees.   I watched as  several boats criss-crossed  across the water, some pulling skiers.  I could hear their  muted  voices and happy laughter, and felt glad for the good time they were  having.  

Across the lake , looking towards Harrison, i took notice of the  three layered mountain range,  and the depth of beauty it portrayed. I  wondered if i'd ever grow tired of sitting and starring at this scene,  and knew immediately i never would.

Sunflowers

It makes me smile to see
sunflowers in full bloom
like seeing happy faces
turn towards the
light of day;
Long, lanky
stems grow tall,
reaching high
basking in the heat
of hot August skies.
Yellow colored petals
open wide to
welcome birds and
bee's stopping by
for seeds of
nourishment
and a moment
of reprieve.

THESE SUMMER DAYS (and memories of my brother)

Summer days filled with love
and laughter; Happy visits
with aunts, uncles and cousins,
and very dear friends.
Just underneath all the chatter
and smiles
is the constant reminder
my brother is gone.
While  not my son, or beloved fair
he was my companion from early youth;
The one i grew up with, played with,
protected and loved.
i miss our merriment in being together,
 and how we reminisced about the past,
and doing silly things , like posing
for pictures on concrete deer.
i miss his voice, and his  chiding
me for being too serious; The twinkle
in his eye.
i mourn the loss of the 
deep, abiding bond we shared
and am sorrowed with the
final  understanding
no more birthdays to celebrate
or gifts for him to buy. No more
present or future plans to secure;
only the memory of a
gentle spirit; A kind hearted man
forever young, forever fifty-five.

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time, many years ago
the cities of Bell and Maywood
were quiet southern Califorina suburbs
of unknown fame
where neighborhood kids
rode their bikes, played at the park
and went to a Saturday matinee
at the Alcazar Theater.
No dissension or marches
in the streets, foreign flags
raised, or anti-American speech
Middle class moms and dads
worked at banks, and newspapers
and hamburger stands
provided their families a
sense of security
 with   love of God and
country and fellow man.