That Was Then

some things are better left unsaid

cups on red

1 2 3 look at me

a curtain of uncertainty 

you’re not going to the shopping mall

you just sitting in an empty hall

your eyes are in a criss cross

your mind now just applesauce 

you used to play the music loud

waving arms with the crowd 

but now it’s all long gone

you’ve forgotten the words to that song

that’s the way it sometimes goes

now side by side with only those

that do not know, that do not care

that you once wore flowers in your hair 

once sang for love, sang for peace

marched with throngs in the streets

sat in full lotus, did your zen 

but this is now, that was then

now you’re just a curiosity 

not half the soul you used to be

lonesome living in your tiny room

and feel the bristles of the broom

sweeping you into the black dustpan

to be tossed away now only sand

all you can do is stare at the wall

oh the irony of it all

Your Way

Don’t think your way is the only way, or the best way, merely that it is your way. Your way is your way. Have it your way, not somebody else’s. There are ten ways up the mountain. Some of which are paths that can't be seen from the valley. They all get to the top. Take your time. Hike your hike. Ride with care on your funky mountain bike.

Some have an understanding so great, it’s not understood. Sometimes when you stop trying to understand, you will understand. Without understanding, you understand. No need to say a word. If you know, you know. Zoom by and pass go. Often, it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.  

We don’t all need to go the same way. Let others go their own way. If they get there they get there. You got enough to think about. Make sure you stay on your path. Make sure you get there. It all ends up the same way. All rivers lead to the ocean. All roads lead to Rome. Life is a dream walking. Death is going home.

Sweeping Corners

let me slide my way on out here

be on my way my way

call the shots; 9-ball side pocket

there’s only so many words

only so many notes

so many chords

so much time

so       what

what’s a man to do

but hit the highway __________

go where the hurricane of fate takes him

buckle up and hold on to the bar

through the loopy loops

the sweeping corners

the esses, the bus stop, and the carousel

go where he wants to go 

it don’t come easy

if it comes at all 

a year full of friday the thirteenths

blood moons