those moments i hold
when love held me
jewels that adorn my memory
some are of you
others are lodges far deeper
a populated field of young
wannabe future all-stars
filling a sandlot full of future
where wild horses reign free
you lost in hugging the dog
the cat cuddles up next to you
even deeper those pigtails
the temptation before me
how else do you tell them
I have it bad for you
which I had perfected
the moment I saw you
that instant love brings you
into its' sweet embrace
and so I measure life
as such
these jewels within memory
and nothing in life may intrude
bitterness stands as an anathema
before Grace
I give no quarter to resentments
because I have no expectations
wherever life takes me
this is the only bag I carry
love's sweet embrace
life is a miracle
deserving a devotion of gratitude
Oregon 7/23
Joys of a childhood in summer return
As my life slips quickly into autumn's grasp
Carefree days romping through meadows
Hiking through densely overgrown paths
Clandestine alliances with special friends
Avoiding the drag of younger sibling's call
Carnival and the circus--exciting treats
Fun-filled days of sandlot baseball games
The anticipation of weekend fishing trips
Adventurous vacations in the family car
Times never again to be repeated fondly
My grandchildren too busy with computers!
written May 24, 2021
No more school books ‘cause summertime is hither.
Happy children are playing - school is finished;
sandlot baseball in summer such a dither;
free unhindering time is not diminished.
People going on trips to sunny seashore;
easy living in summer what we long for.
Ever wanting warm weather gives us reason;
always dreaming of life in summer season.
July 14, 2018
On the lower east side were a melting pot
just a bunch of city kids with no sandlot
this particular day being extremely hot
fanning ourselves with all we got,
Hanging around outside on our front steps
on occasion going inside not wanting to be a pest
Mom suggesting we play jump rope or hopscotch
in this baking oven of a day we thought not,
We talked and chewed gum looking up at the sun
saying wish we could be at the beach having fun
we'll take you there one day our parents would say
saving their pennies for a rainy day,
Then suddenly a kind fireman opened up a fire hydrant
a stream of cool water in our street was heaven sent
excited we ran and changed into our bathing suits
playing in the soothing water and looking too cute!
8-24-17
The crack of the bat, game’s invocation
From stadium to sandlot, all the same
Temples to the spirit of our nation
Listen closely, wind whispers ancient names
The greats in attendance at every game
Rejuvenated by the youthful heart
The soul of our sport, true performance art
Its palpable spirit, real as it seems
It beckons you, invites you to take part
Become the legend on the field of dreams
4/11/16
Upon the jagged rock,
Where cloven hooves did trot.
A maiden clothed in dock,
Thought life was meant for naught.
Adorned in nature's frock,
Awaiting wind's onslaught.
Ticktock, ticktock, the clock
She dreamed of love a lot.
From China to Bangkok,
Wind brought the storms mascot.
He wished, that young warlock.
The devil's charms besought.
Two footprints stomped bedrock
Where, dreams remained bethought.
Beneath the black nighthawk,
The maiden heard gunshot.
The hunter drank cognac.
He passed through a sandlot.
Then, met that old warlock.
Good luck was all he sought.
The devil owned the rock.
The maiden's hope was naught.
The hunter could not talk.
The wind's good luck was wrought.
Within the storms airlock,
Those two with Satan fought.
The hawk began to squawk.
The hunter luck was bought.
Then came the storms windsock.
To waft the dreams besought.
Where love, its coursers walk.
Her wish was finally wrought.
© May 29, 2011
Written for Poetry Soup Member Contest: Jack OUT of the Box
Sponsored by: Debbie Guzzy
I awoke to a memory that asked to be felt through the emotions of
An early rising seeing boys playing in the park without wondering
about the meaning of life because at that time life had no
meaning only to be lived and enjoyed in the moment
And I wondered
Was it better then as a tear climbed downward on the lines carved deeply in a
face that had
Seen so much and loved so fervently
Those days when a sandlot became an arena and the ringing
of laughter echoed
Through a neighborhood
Where there were skinned knees and sprained ankles but hearts were left
Unharmed and the gladiators had not seen 13 yet
While skirts were still a reason for giggling and it was more important to reach
first base from the hot corner than it was
To acknowledge her smile because
We were warriors with a common bond
BROTHERS