Why the Butterfly Cries
On the day she is born, a Butterfly is not at all a Butterfly. Oddly, she is a totally different creature, a soft and fluffy caterpillar. In this stage, she is very fragile and vulnerable. All the while exploring the world, feeding, seeking, examining and learning. Briefly showing the world her beautiful colors.
Then the time comes for her to hide deep within herself. Sheltered for a season, wrapped in warmth, she begins her transformation. All that she was, is and will become, only she and her creator truly know.
Slowly, at just the opportune moment, she begins her reveal. Gently she struggles, searching for the light. Pushing and pulling, as she reaches for her place in the world. No! Do not assist her. This she must do on her own.
Now free, she tarries for a time, clinging to her past. Patiently waiting as the sun shines upon her new form - bringing warmth - renewed life. Moment by moment she uses the time wisely, considering the path she will take. How will she know, how will she decide? What adventures - what dangers will this great big world have in store for her? Then stretching out her new found wings, she begins to cry. Crying because she is instinctively aware of her destiny. Yet, she continues to reach for the sky. Gradually she obtains the strength, and the confidence needed to begin her journey.
Finally, in all her glory, in all her splendor, a gentle breeze lifts her. Fabulously colored and artistically designed wings carry her forward. From flower to flower, and bloom to bloom she moves, her purpose realized. Her simple mission she graciously performs. Yet, inside, for no one to see, she still cries.
Unselfishly - joyfully spreading Love and laughter, she gives of herself. Never will she know the effects of her sharing. Blooms will become fruits, flowers will bring joy. Her very existence will have left behind, much happiness.
Then one day as the sun begins to set, the light of world slowly diminishes giving way to dusk. And for one final time, she rests herself upon a flower. Her beautifully wings no longer able to carry her.
Reflecting on all she accomplished and all the Love and Joy she shared, she again beigins to sob, though quietly.
Destiny, there finds her - placing her into an eternal sleep. She gently releases her spirit.
14 May 2025.
The above, was written in memory of our Angle our baby girl, and her Brother's Sister, Jenna. Although she was in our lives for just a season, the unselfish Love she shared will last forever. Oh; what a gift from God she was.
Little Jericho
It was an October eve just before dark, an old man sat on a bench in a park. He was sleepy and had no place for the night, hearing a whimper, he turned to his right.
At first, he saw nothing, then down of the ground, a brown little body all fuzzy and round. There under a tree frightened and cold, sat a little wet pup with stories untold.
He needed a friend and someone to care, so the old man decided his dinner he’d share. Then from his rucksack he took a small piece of meat, coaxing the pup to come and eat.
The pup was very shy, but had a hungry look, so the meat he was offered he cautiously took. Eating very quickly so glad to be fed, the old man watched, and his heart bled.
As the old man talked the pup wagged his little tail, he told his life story asking why did he fail. The little wet pup seemed to understand, and he placed a paw upon his hand.
Then with a melted heart and tears in his eyes, the old man arose and said with a sigh. It’s getting dark so we had better go, you’re my dog now Little Jericho.
Walking across the park towards the setting sun, a man and his dog had just begun.
A Tribute to Mr. Bojangles, written as a song with my good friend Gary Seals. 1977
Mr. SilasMr. Silas can you
see me now; do you hear the songs I play?
Do your feeble hands still pick the banjo this way, this way?
When you were here
on this earth making so many smile,
I never saw you with a frown, just happy all the while.
Whenever you played your music, the whole world was at ease.
Birds would sing their songs as squirrels danced in the trees.
Though you had no
eyes to see their hearts you could steal
For the words that you sang shared a love so very real.
You would play for the sad and drunk in those dark and dirty bars,
They would drink and laugh and cry, till they stumbled to their cars.
Tonight, the Broad Way
Here I am upon the stage as the crowd stumbles to their seats.
The crowds still laughs and cry’s here in these cold dark bars.
They still drink and tell bad jokes till they stumble to their cars.
Each time I hear the
Robins’ tune or the Wiper-Will's song,
I remember all the good you did, knowing you're where you belong.
I play all your favorite songs and some I wrote for you.
I know you are happy and at rest, but I… I’ve still got things to do.
Do your feeble hands still pick the banjo this way, this way?
I never saw you with a frown, just happy all the while.
Whenever you played your music, the whole world was at ease.
Birds would sing their songs as squirrels danced in the trees.
For the words that you sang shared a love so very real.
You would play for the sad and drunk in those dark and dirty bars,
They would drink and laugh and cry, till they stumbled to their cars.
Here I am upon the stage as the crowd stumbles to their seats.
The crowds still laughs and cry’s here in these cold dark bars.
They still drink and tell bad jokes till they stumble to their cars.
I remember all the good you did, knowing you're where you belong.
I play all your favorite songs and some I wrote for you.
I know you are happy and at rest, but I… I’ve still got things to do.
Written as a song. 1977
We Just Knew
One rainy April day, the Lord came and took you away.
I didn’t get to tell you all the things I had to say.
I’ll never forget the way you walked,
your big hands or the way you talked to me.
Though we never said I love you,
I know that we both just knew.
I never told you, you never told me.
I guess that’s how it was meant to be.
We had done so much together, before that day.
So many more things to do, I wanted you to stay.
My Father, I had finally begun to see.
I needed for God to hear my plea.
I was so angry for a very long time.
I wanted to run away, leave everything behind.
But then I remembered what you said I had to do.
“Take care of your brothers and sisters, they’ll be counting on you”
Several of the lines originally written in 1977, have been reconstructed from memory.
To Soar
Shackled by choices made, a prisoner to the past.
Regrets outweigh all hope, time devoured too fast.
Purpose not yet realized; dreams shattered on the rocks.
A history of Love, now the enduring pain blocks.
Though the road less traveled, taken at a glance.
Once embarked upon, life forbids a second chance.
A multitude of bends, a curvas not seen around.
The candle once bright, now cloaked by demons abound.
A maze of yesterday’s gone, tomorrow’s yet to come.
The path now shadowed, hidden from the sun.
Detours not opted for, less to lose the way.
The truth lies between; the straight and narrow to stay.
Poised at the edge of a bluff, far above the ocean foam.
To soar beside the Albatross or turn and amble home.
A breath of damp sea air, the sun upon your face.
Arms outstretched, oh...to be lifted from this place.
Yield to the beckoning sea; slight what you believe?
Welcoming the gift, freedom absolute achieved.
Burdened no more, you’ve given up your pride.
The choice is made, to be carried by the tide.
Written shortly after being let go from a job I had worked very hard for. I had retired from the Navy less than six years earlier, and now was in a dark place mentally and morally. 2005
You are invited to follow the link below:
Mistress Spider
Yesterday, maybe the day before
I sat in the rocker outside my door.
On the front porch enjoying the day
In the quiet solitude, I drifted away.
I sat in the rocker outside my door.
On the front porch enjoying the day
In the quiet solitude, I drifted away.
Sweet Appalachia, with foothills so green
No perfect a backdrop have ever I seen.
Hickories and Pines, Silver Maples that shine
Colorful wildflowers a scene so sublime.
No perfect a backdrop have ever I seen.
Hickories and Pines, Silver Maples that shine
Colorful wildflowers a scene so sublime.
There in my peripheral, it caught my eye
A glitter of sun light to my right up high.
At first, I ignored, my gaze to the front
But sparkling again, my eye it did shut.
A glitter of sun light to my right up high.
At first, I ignored, my gaze to the front
But sparkling again, my eye it did shut.
Again, with purpose, it called for my attention
Looking for the source, I shifted my position.
There in the space between post and beam
Tiny silken threads so brilliantly did gleam.
Looking for the source, I shifted my position.
There in the space between post and beam
Tiny silken threads so brilliantly did gleam.
My eyes now affixed as if in a trance
I watched contently, glad for the chance.
Minute upon minute, hour upon hour
Mistress Spider – was laboring there.
I watched contently, glad for the chance.
Minute upon minute, hour upon hour
Mistress Spider – was laboring there.
Mistress Spider did weave, with such precision
Could an architect create a better rendition?
From beam to post – and post to beam
She never did tire, or so it did seem.
Could an architect create a better rendition?
From beam to post – and post to beam
She never did tire, or so it did seem.
Nearly completed, her web glistened bright
Unwavering, she would finish before the night.
Long were the shadows – cool was the breeze
She spun her last thread with notable ease.
Unwavering, she would finish before the night.
Long were the shadows – cool was the breeze
She spun her last thread with notable ease.
Slowly and deliberately, I arose from my chair
And turned on the porch light to squelch the glare.
More beauty and magnificence were now revealed
Such was my wonderment, Inwardly I applauded.
And turned on the porch light to squelch the glare.
More beauty and magnificence were now revealed
Such was my wonderment, Inwardly I applauded.
Mistress Spider sat quietly; her options abound.
Perched in the corner between post and beam
Sharpening her fangs and planning a scheme.
Between post and beam his final mistake
A fluttering of wings a moth met his fate.
Tugging at the thread, the silk so fine
Signaling Mistress Spider – her occasion to dine.
A fluttering of wings a moth met his fate.
Tugging at the thread, the silk so fine
Signaling Mistress Spider – her occasion to dine.
The photo above was the inspiration for this poem. Taken on a sunny afternoon while sitting on the front porch of my Mom's home. 2007
Dogwood Trail
(Happy) – (Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Violin)
Sunday morning sunshine on my face
Pretty little girl, white dress ‘n pink lace
Skipp’n down the road a song in her heart
Being a kid in the country was the best part
Around the bend and over that hill
I was just a lad, down on Dogwood Trail
Hang’n on every word of all the old stories
Never a single care or any worries
Pushing the plow behind Millie and Mod
Turning over the ground, rich dark sod
Sweaty t-shirt and an old pair of jeans
Hoe’n the corn and weed’n the beans
Around the bend and over that hill
Life was grand down on Dogwood Trail
Just waiting for the end of the week
To steal a swim in Boone's Fork Creek
Pick’n black berries while the children played
Cut’n the cane and bail’n the hay
Sain’n for bait up in Pole Cat Holler
Goin’ a go fish’n with my Grandfather
(Wishful - Kind'a sad)
Around the bend and over that hill
I’m goin’ back some day to Dogwood Trail
Around the bend and over that hill
I’m goin’ back some day to Dogwood Trail
Pretty little girl, white dress ‘n pink lace
Skipp’n down the road a song in her heart
Being a kid in the country was the best part
Around the bend and over that hill
I was just a lad, down on Dogwood Trail
Hang’n on every word of all the old stories
Never a single care or any worries
Pushing the plow behind Millie and Mod
Turning over the ground, rich dark sod
Sweaty t-shirt and an old pair of jeans
Hoe’n the corn and weed’n the beans
Around the bend and over that hill
Life was grand down on Dogwood Trail
Just waiting for the end of the week
To steal a swim in Boone's Fork Creek
Pick’n black berries while the children played
Cut’n the cane and bail’n the hay
Sain’n for bait up in Pole Cat Holler
Goin’ a go fish’n with my Grandfather
(Wishful - Kind'a sad)
Around the bend and over that hill
I’m goin’ back some day to Dogwood Trail
Around the bend and over that hill
I’m goin’ back some day to Dogwood Trail
Written while reminiscencing about my childhood. I was raised on fried chicken, soup beans, cornbread and sunshine, up on Hwy 205, Breathitt County in Eastern Kentucky. 2009
Memories So Sweet
One by one we sat by your side,
The anguish, the sorrow so hard to hide.How selfish I felt begging and pleading,
Please not yet, my heart was bleeding.
Your peace with God made so long ago,
Now you are ready, we must let you go.
The memories so sweet, the pain so deep.
Again and again, I continue to weep.
Sleeping, so peacefully, there you did lay,
When our Lord came and took you away.
The memories so sweet, the pain so deep,
Again and again, we continued to weep.
Seventy-nine years of wisdom and Love,
Daughter of our Lord Jesus Christ above.
Mother, Grandmother, sister and wife,
I will see you again in the afterlife.
Beneath the cold clay of Vieques you lay,
Your Spirit is now with God and Jose.
The memories so sweet, the pain so deep,
Again and again, I continue to weep.
Your Spirit is now with God and Jose.
The memories so sweet, the pain so deep,
Again and again, I continue to weep.
Written in memory of my Dear Mother-In-Law
Daddy (Why’d you have to go so soon?)
It hurt so bad for us to know that you were dying
Soon you'd be gone, of this there was no denying.
So much more to learn, so many things still to do
Our skies, oh so grey, no longer were they blue.
We cried…
Why’d you have to go so soon?
There’s still so much love.
Smile on us from above.
Why’d you have to go so soon?
It took so long to find some peace of mind.
How could you go and leave us all behind?
Our little hearts just could not stand the pain.
We begged and pleaded, but our cries were all in vain.
We cried…
Why’d you have to go so soon?
There’s still so much love.
Smile on us from above.
Why’d you have to go so soon?
It’s now been more than thirty-odd years,
And we no longer cries so many tears.
Mom always gives us so much sweet love.
We know you're smiling on her from above.
We cried...
Why’d you have to go so soon?
There’s still so much love.
Smile on us from above.
Why'd you have to go so soon?
Our Father passed away when I was just sixteen. There were six of us, the youngest was not yet two. Written after finally giving up so much anger.
The
Cost – However so Great
Ragged
and dirty no shoes on his feet
Head held low – No strangers to meet
Long hair, grey beard – Lips a thin line
Turn you face – Avoid his kind
Head held low – No strangers to meet
Long hair, grey beard – Lips a thin line
Turn you face – Avoid his kind
When did it happen – Pride to shame
No Honors rendered – No Glory or fame
Once tall and strong with shoulders square
No less a man – He breathes the same air
Acknowledge him there – Reach out your hand
A smile from the soul as best he can
Under the hat – Eyes a deep clear blue
Grand stories to tell – If only you knew
A bashful dollar – You hurry on
Homeless – Helpless all hope is gone
How – When – Why you wonder inside
His Honor and Glory forever to hide
In recognition of the many homeless Veterans (not to dismiss others). 2010
Two Hearts – Two Souls
I have many things to whisper in your ear
My Sweet Darling – Come take my hand
Let us walk together – Our feet in the sand
Love everlasting – The rest of my life
My Sweet Darling walk down the aisle
So beautiful My Bride - Oh what a smile
Hold me tight – Let our bodies entwine
Two Hearts now one – To never part
Our Souls as one – Right from the start
2010
Mountain Dreamer
As the sun begins to rise, and the birds begin to sing,
see the beauty of the world, the sweetness that it brings.
Smelling the mountain flowers, watch the fish in a stream,
to love and be with her is your only dream.
Walking hand in hand in the cool April rain,
sharing with her a love that will always remain.
Pick her a flower, touching it to her face,
you show your love for her, in this beautiful place.
She is holding your hand in hers, smiling at you sweetly,
Pulling her body close, you kiss her very gently.
As you lay close together, looking up at the stars,
you listen to the Whipper-Will and think of lands afar.
Now the moon is high and bright, your dreams take command,
The things that you have dreamed for are now in your hand.
Cir: 1990's
But Truly
My Love - To you I could give candy, cards, flowers and more.
But truly - My love I give to you my love forever and ever more.
My Love - To you I could speak sweet words of promise and more.
But truly - My love I give to you, my love for ever more.
My Love - For you I could climb the highest mountain or swim the widest sea.
But truly - My love I bring my love home to you each day and every eve.
My Love - To you I could whisper secret desires for only you to hear.
But truly My Love - My love for you, I will shout for all to hear.
My Love - To you I give all of my heart. I have from the very start.
Truly My Love - I only ask one thing. That with all of your heart, you love me too.
Cir: 2000
Defeating
the Monster
Bitter – So full of pain
Fear of going insane
No one else to blame
Conceal all the shame
On the edge – fall to fall
My heart seemingly does stall
Misery – my name does call
He that I am – I do appall
Besieged – I battle hard as I might
Complicated – wrong from right
Ominous the day – the night
My soul yearns to take flight
Times of yore I cannot sever
A part of my persona – forever
Obstacles – I must climb over
Defeat the Monster – Will I never?
The above poem, and others like it, were written during a dark period. A time in my life when I was filled with anger, regret and pain. The pain I’m speaking of is “Heart Felt” – “Soulful” pain. The kind you have in the very core of your being. The kind of pain that causes you to make bad decisions. It doubles you over backward and makes you blind. 2010
A Friend
Does your Friend know what you’re about?
Can your Friend trust with no doubt?
Did your Friend ask you for a resume?
Will your Friend be there tomorrow and today?
A True Friend should never question
The others’ motivation or intention.
A True Friend remains always loyal
Through lives pain and turmoil.
A True Friend gives from the Heart
The other accepts - Till death do us part.
A True Friend will always be the same
Though the journey yields bittersweet pain.
2010
No Fireworks This Day
No fireworks this day
A Hero has passed away
Two hundred years of Freedom
A special soul to God’s Kingdom
No bombs bursting in air
At his bedside five Brothers there
Honor thee a fallen one
Silence - at peace another son
No bands playing “Oh say can you see?”
Angels carry him home, no songs of glee
A sorrowful tune – Taps – The Bugler blew
The sky weeping misty morning dew
No rockets' red glare, bombs bursting in air
Broken Hearts and tears Loved Ones share
On their lips – “In God We Trust”
Ashes to Ashes – Dust to Dust
This poem was written as a tribute to my late Uncle Vincent Prater, Jr. He passed on to be with the Lord on 4 July 2010. Uncle Junior served in the US Airforce, retiring after 22 years of service. He was Vietnam War Veteran. July 2010
True Blue
You traveled a great distance from there to here
From your home you fled, to us you came.
To begin a new life for you and yours, a dream
Hopping for a world of equality and truth you came.
There you were hated, shunned and scorned
But here you are loved, appreciated and accepted.
You fled from tyranny to us, a quest for freedom
Among the diverse multitude you are as one united.
Upon your arrival we welcomed you with open arms
As if a long-lost son you were cradled and comforted.
All to you was given and the price… oh so small
Your respect, love and loyalty, all that was expected.
Your differences valued your contributions received
We have sheltered and protected you under our wing
United we stand divided we fall, our Motto you echoed
Cloaked in our colors how loudly our song you do sing.
Now, the time for you to walk freely upon our land
Selflessly we asked only of one pledge from you.
Hold, cherish and defend with your whole heart
We who love and protect our own, The Red-White and Blue
For the courageous immigrants seeking liberty. 2007
The Cool Kentucky Rain
Under the cool Kentucky rain,
Turtledoves cooed and Robbins sang.
As we gathered all, to say goodbye,
Be strong you’d said, I could not cry.
Under the cool Kentucky rain,
The Pastor spoke of all you’d gain.
No… not of what we had all lost,
For the little ones, such a high cost.
Under the cool Kentucky rain,
The Bugler blew Taps with no refrain.
While tears of anger filled my eyes,
Clinching my fists, I looked to the sky.
Under the cool Kentucky rain,
Seven rifles fired again, again and again.
And as they folded the red, white and blue
Still, I… I could not cry for you.
Under the cool Kentucky rain,
The cool Kentucky rain,
The cool Kentucky rain,
The cool Kentucky rain…
Our Father was laid to rest on 28 April 1972. - 2016
Chevrons
Now hides a special hat.
In a drawer lay t-shirts and shorts,
Folded neat, square and flat.
Hang so neatly presenting.
Black sox rolled tight,
Shining shoes dim light reflecting.
Golden chevrons peer at me.
Service stripes on the sleeve,
Empty spaces where emblems should be.
An eagle soars with poise and grace.
A uniform worn so long ago,
Hides from the sun in this sheltered place.
Once hung upon my chest.
Now in a shadow box or locker lay,
Memories now, along with all the rest.
The colors are faded growing old.
Blood and sweat have earned each one,
All have stories, some still untold.
My uniform calls, “Let’s just see.”
So…we stand together for a time,
While the mirror smiles at my uniform and me.
2010
Time passes so slowly when you are not with me, but when we are together time goes flying by. I wish there was a way I could turn things around, and stop the clock and hold the time, till time is no more. I miss the way you hold me close and the way you smile at me. When you say you Love me, I know you mean forever. Though you are there, and I am here, you’re on my mind all through the day. But when I finally make it home, it’s time to leave again. I know I can never stop the clock or hold the time. So, I'll gather together all the happy moments of our lives and hold them in my Heart. -1982
Bubbling Brook
Once pure, sweet and clear quenching thirst upon thirst, a bubbling brook did caress the moss clothed rocks. Flowers and blooms all sorts and scents bordered, the brook‘s cool water flowed ever onward. Now tainted a trickle no thirst can it quench, green moss retreating now barren rocks. Seek the sweet water fill the well. Flow once more or bid farewell. -1982
I Love You
On the first day I saw you, I knew I would have to make you mine.
Eyes with a sparkle of pure Love, and lips with a taste of cherry wine.
You gave your Love to me, And I gave my Love to you. You make it so easy, to always be true. Though there are times we are apart, I can still feel your presence in my soul. My dear you are here deep within my heart, a warmth and fullness I will always hold. -1982
For Your Love I Live
In your Love I am safe, in your faith I am warmed. From your heart I yield my strength. Through your eyes I see my future. Your tenderness sparks my passion into a flame, a flame that burns hotter than the hottest fire. Electricity flows through my blood, when our bodies are entwined in Love. It brings it to the boiling point, overpowering me with desire. No greater Love for a woman can exist. A hundred years is but a day, forever is too soon. Nothing can explain how long my Love for you will last. Everything is not enough; I must and will give more. I know and believe that the Love we have is complete, and for your Love I live.
Send A Kiss
When the winds blow from the east, with them they bring a song.
A Song of Love from the Heart, with words of Love ever strong.
When the sun shines upon the earth, it sends a warmth to yield a flower. To quince its thirst and wet its leaves, God sends a cool spring shower.
In the still of night, this I pray; you'll hear my voice, put a finger to your lips, and send a kiss my way. -1982
The Face
A giant tree stands on the yon hill I see, so I approach. I draw near and yet nearer I draw, and then I see a figure beneath the tree, a figure I recognize. Somewhere, sometime in my life I have seen... and then a fragrance fills my nostrils, a fragrance from my mind - clouding my mind. I am drawn ever nearer and nearer as the figure begins to summon me, closer and closer I submit. The figure begins to take shape and the fragrance now a burning stench, I search my mind for some distant memory, some clue. Then a voice, a voice unfamiliar yet not, the ocean against the rocks, the wind through the canyon. My heart searching for the answer, when, where, who? I can stand the need, the pang, the fear, and the qualm no longer... I rush forward. Stop! I stop short, I stop immediately, my mind clear, my senses regained. The vulgar figure, the horrid stench, the face I now see...
The Face of Death.
Cir: 1980's
The Winding Road
The Narrow Winding Road, upon which I travel, holds many memories beneath the pavement. The hills at my side conceal tales of mystery and of truth. The creek below; its waters bubbling and splashing, falling over and around rocks, whispers to me as I travel along the Winding Road.
Though the evening’s dark and cold, I walk along the Winding Road. The yellow glowing harvest moon leads me on. Soon to be barren trees, their leaves falling, seem to reach out to the moon for some warmth. But the moon has no warmth, only subdued light that shines upon my face. A misty fog surrounding me, seems to rise, escaping from beneath the Winding Road. Up this Hollow and then the next, dim lights of a home. Inside a Family snuggles warm beneath the handmade quilts. My nostrils are filled with the scent of smoldering oak within the belly of a cast iron stove.
Sunlight above the high mountains sends rays of gold down to earth. The morning bird’s song, a rooster’s rousting alarm and the aroma of brewing coffee hasten my walk along the Winding Road. Cedar and Pine, Maple and Poplar dominate the many bright colors upon the painted landscape. Friendly passers-by give a smiling nod and a wave along the Winding Road.
Soon, I will reach my destination. I will warm my hands and rest my weary bones by a glowing fire. My belly, I will fill with country cooking. My Heart will overflow with the Love of Family. Not until spring will I once again find myself upon the Winding Road. This Winding Road that cuts its path over and thru the Appalachian Mountains into the foothills and valleys of My Eastern Kentucky Home, along the Winding Road.
2012
Nov 27, 2009 - Love is a very powerful force that is not to be taken lightly. Love does not plan its next move or carefully choose victims or advocates. Love simply waits right there in the open until discovered by passers-by. There are also other emotions, feelings and attitudes waiting in close proximity to Love. Sometimes it is easy to mistakenly grab hold of an imposter. If this happens, Love is left standing all alone watching as you struggle to hold on. Let your Heart be your guide not your mind. The mind can deceive you; the body and its strange and wonderful reactions can confuse you. But... the Heart will never lie and will never betray you.
No comments:
Post a Comment