Best Duane Poems
Through graveyard
meandering, just
me and Dad
stories sad
abbreviated down to
mostly names and dates
So we tell
their stories by turns
like poor Duane
Dinwiddie
died at age thirty-three of
bee sting allergy
So tragic
how she caught a chill
Angeline
age nineteen
who died before her wedding
day, her groom grieves still
Or the war
heroes, Frank and Finn
taken in
the prime of
life, no child or wife, they were
just children themselves
Gunther Gold
did what he was told
gullible
on a dare
lost his life to win respect
bullies didn't care
Bartleby
hypochondriac
cough, sneeze, hack
was ignored
by the whole village, but he
got them back- with plague
Len Kramer
the lion tamer
tried to save
his wife when
she unwisely came in, but-
got eaten instead
Philetus
on flying trapeeze
an ace- the
very best
until he had to sneeze- then
sadly laid to rest
Then Daddy
looks at me and I
look at him
giving in
to sudden gales of laughter
glad to be alive
(NOTE: Although I listed this as a Free Verse, it is actually in Shadorma form...)
I have spent most my life on ships of steel
Things of fiction now so real
I pray for my brothers who have passed
From every nation that laid their wrath
Under the water these ships can go
Where they go nobody knows
They are the oceans ghosts
Riding under the waves, Neptune’s host
These are mans magnificent machines
That patrol the waters so grim, so mean
The ones that survive and are here today
Pay tribute to those that have gone away
I often wondered if I would share their plight
And often slept a sleepless night
Imagining the thoughts that ran their mind
As their ship of steel met the unkind
A torpedo’s blow, a depth charge boom
Crumpled these hulls sent them to doom
Many a year I traveled the seas
Hoping this would not be my destiny
I pray for the men that put up the fight
To keep their ships from dying in the night
These brave men gave all for their country
Doing the deed, keeping us free
I have lived a beautiful life all around
Made possible by these men that are down
I just want to keep their memory
Very much alive for all eternity
There is much pride in the submarine force
So many men proudly stay the course
Following in their brothers steps
Hoping they will not be inept
I am about to retire and go ashore
And live my life forever more
Thinking about what these men did for me
And hoping that I lived up to their memory
If you read this poem please bow and pray
For the submarine force and the men that stay
They protect you while you are asleep at night
And are willing to die in the endless fight
Duane A. LaChance - 2012
Dear Mom and Dad, it's me, your son;
Out of my brothers, I'm the handsome one.
You've been gone for quite a while;
I'm glad you raised me when I was a child.
There are many things I want us to do,
But it just isn't the same without you.
I'll never forget what you always said:
"A still tongue keeps a wise head."
"Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove."
There's nothing like a parent's love.
I'll always remember your smiles and laughs
Whenever I look at your photograph.
There are some things I don't understand,
But I'll leave it in God's unchanging hand.
Mom and Dad, I'll see you again:
You're in my heart from beginning to end.
Thanks for everything that you've taught me:
Love your son, Duane, and the Crichlow family.
Memorial Day is a day to remember those that have past
Keeping the pursuit of happiness in our grasp
They paid the ultimate sacrifice so willingly
Allowing all of us to have that barbeque under the tree
Take the time to visit a memorial or a grave
Or even go to see the Soldiers in a parade
Fly the flag in your yard with pride
In honor of those that have died.
Many a Soldier we have lost to war
I’ve looked at the numbers, not a pretty score
Millions of Soldiers have paid the price
They went to war and rolled the dice
Not knowing if they would survive or not
Pressing forward no matter the cost
Capturing a hill from an enemy force
Laying down their life; staying the course
Take a moment or two on this very special day
Make a toast; tip your glass for those gone away
Thank them for the freedom as you tip your brew
Make this special day all about them, not about you
Duane LaChance 2014
You all were taken way to soon
To go and listen to an angel's tune
As you sit and listen to their song
You are not where you belong
You belong with your loved ones
Enjoying the thoughts of days to come
The world stopped on this day
They stopped and started to pray
I am a father, that word has new meaning today
I can't understand why you were taken away
As I sit and try to find a reason
I shed many tears over this act of treason
My heart goes out to the family and friends
Of the souls that met their untimely end
My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight
As you try to find solace in this plight
As to the ones who witnessed this attack
I know it will be a long time to bounce back
My thoughts and prayers are with you too
My family and I will pray for you.
Lord take care of these souls
Let them succeed in their new roles
Lord hear my prayer
Lord hear everybody's prayer
Duane LaChance
December 14, 2012
Here is another poem for you to ponder
As I sit here and let my mind wander
Are you all you think you can be?
Or are you a drain on society?
Look in the mirror and stare at your soul
You are the one that has to carry the toll
It’s your life make the best of it
We only get one try, so be legit
Try to do your best each day
Before your life passes you away
Take the time to do it right
And you will sleep well tonight
When you feel your life is in turmoil
No need to let your blood boil
Look in the mirror once again
Tell yourself to make amends
Life is a wonderful and beautiful thing
Living to your potential, spreading your wings
Show the entire world who you are
Let the people know that you are a star
I end this poem with a final note
I love my life; I’m not trying to gloat
I look in my mirror and it’s easy to see
God has provided everything to me
Duane A. LaChance Sr. - 2012
1960 and the world was changing
A time for living and rearranging
Baseball in the school yard with a sponge ball and a fist
Donnie Brooks sang Mission Bell and Chubby did The Twist
Bobbie sox and ponytails, school dances were so much fun
Johnny Preston’s Running Bear. I loved the theme from Peter Gunn
A young senator from Boston was in the presidential race
Marty sang El Paso and there was a theme from A Summer Place
Mr. Custer and Alley Oop were fun songs to listen to
While Elvis said It’s Now or Never and also Stuck on You
Ford came out with the Edsel. Remember the unsinkable Molly Brown.
Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool even Cathy’s Clown
We had air raid warnings and marbles in our pockets
Movies in the park and Cape Canaveral shooting rockets
Gable and Monroe in the Misfits, Perry Mason on TV
And the Drifters were singing Save the Last Dance for Me.
There was a draft to serve our country and we were always ready
A time for holding hands and a time for going steady
Kirk Douglas was Spartacus and Burt was Elmer Gantry
Pies were made from scratch and there were apples in the pantry
Larry Hall sang Sandy and Bobby Rydell wailed Wild One
O Dio Mio From Annette. She and Frankie had so much fun
Lonely Blue Boy by Conway Twitty and Bobby’s Beyond the Sea
Duane twanged Because they’re Young and the Everly’s Let it be Me
Those days are precious memories that I hope will never fade
The world was so much kinder then and I was in eighth grade.
There is an animal in my head
That is dying to be feed
He needs to be set free
In the form of literacy
He has so many things to say
Things to share, words to display
Feeling that are deep within
Kept in hiding like a deadly sin
I have found a way to be free
In the form of writing spree
If I offend I meant no harm
Just innocent words of charm
The animal is caged once again
I don’t want you to think I’m inhumane
I will let him free in a little while
When I need to release my style
Duane A. LaChance Sr. – 2012
I am all alone in this great big world
My destiny is being unfurled
I am responsible for my plight
And what I may do tonight
There is no one else to put my shame
Only me, myself, and I to blame
What did I do wrong you may ask
Only I can unburden my task
She is gone so you maybe you can see
Her lost dreams are my reality
She passed on an October day
Leaving my boy behind with me to stay
It is a daunting thing this boy of mine
Looks like his mother time after time
I love my boy he is much like me
I just want him to be happy
I have been told time and time again
That I need to reel my boy in
I don’t see that he is doing any harm
He has gone through hell, that’s his yarn
His mom’s dreams were so easy to see
She wanted the best for him and me.
I have a big guilt because she is gone
And left me the ability to carry on
I only wish that I would have done the same
A love like hers was hard to explain
I left her for another a long time ago
Before I knew about the cancer so you know
When the news came that she was ill
I really wanted to take a bunch of pills
Pills to ease my guilty pain
Of leaving the woman I loved out in the rain.
To my son, if you ever read these words of prose
Please take the time to ensure that everybody knows
That I loved your mother very much indeed
And you were the product of love not a misdeed
I sit here with a tear running down my face
Trying to find another to replace
The girl I loved more than anything at all
Except you my son, you are the apple
The apple of my eye the fruit of my loom
My entire existence is for you to bloom
Your mother and I are proud of you
And are happy you are succeeding in all you do.
Son I hope you will forgive me for things I’ve done
I have one life to live and mistakes can’t be undone
I hope I will be forgiven in the afterlife
And be reunited with your mother and my wife.
I hope your pain eases as you grow older
Never forget, but get bolder
You are almost a man in this big world
Please learn from my mistakes before you unfurl
Your mother and I will be waiting for you
With our arms wide open to rescue
Rescue you from this world of pain
To come live in heaven with us again
Duane LaChance Sr. - 2012
I have finally met the love of my life
It won’t be long and I’ll ask her to be my wife
I hope and pray she will say yes
As she is the one that makes me feel the best
We are two peas in a pod for sure
I have never known love so pure
When we kiss the world does not exist
Just her and I in perfect bliss
I see our future as clear as day
This is the girl for whom I will not stray
I love you Melissa, with all my heart
I know that I loved you from the start
I hold a special place for you in my heart
I will never be willing to let you part
My love for you is strong and true
I will live the rest of my life proving it to you.
Duane LaChance Sr. 2012
On a cool October breeze in 1973,
A child was born with a blanket worn;
That baby was cute, little me.
Two days before Halloween,
The first things I have seen
Is nurses in white, hospital lights,
And my parents behind the clear screen.
Each year was the same
When the big day came.
I smile ear to ear whenever I hear,
"Happy birthday, Duane!"
I've always loved toys
Like other girls and boys.
But my happiness stopped
When I received new socks;
That took away all my joys.
Now I'm fully grown, sexy, and on my own.
Though things have changed
And are sometimes strange,
I'm grateful for the love my parents have shown.
I can hardly wait to celebrate year 48!
It's coming up soon,
But there's a question that looms
About the birthday gift debate.
I haven't decided yet on what I'd like to get;
But I want to be surprised when I open my eyes.
(Here's a hint: some cash and a pet.)
And for goodness sake,
There's a request I'd love to make:
I'm in the mood for homemade or take-out food;
Just don't forget my cake!
Winter storms and I
Are sometimes one in the same.
Dark and gloomy, no blue sky
We feel no shame.
When the storm is done
Beauty is left behind.
No need to get a gun
Life is now aligned.
-Duane LaChance Sr. 2011
The pen is a mighty weapon
Many a people have said
One stroke of this crayon
Have left many people dead
The sword used to kill the pawns
Leaving many battlefields red
Bringing leaders into a new dawn
And many common folk dead
The Lord has not yet drawn
Beware the bloodshed
Nobody will be left to mourn
When he takes all our heads
Duane LaChance Sr. 2012
Women come and women go
Love is lost then it is found
Beware the beast in the shadow
Looking to prey like a hound
So much like a gigolo
Living her life all around
Smiles and winks are her ammo
She knows all the sounds
To keep the unsuspecting fellow
From entering the playground
Where he may find a new pillow
To lay next to a newfound
Beware the beast in the hallow
She will run you aground
Duane LaChance Sr. 2012
I am not a poet or a master of prose.
I am a just a man who likes to write
About anything that grows.
Like flowers that bloom at first light
All lined up in tiny little rows
Beautiful petals at a perfect height
To be seen in the shadows.
The essence of man and his plight
To grow up to be a normal Joe
Lives in the day and sleeps at night
Waiting for love and ability to sow
The fates of the two are the last rite
Pray for all things that grow
Before they reach the afterlife
Duane LaChance Sr. 2012