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David Ward Poem
Driving my car across the country, numerous years ago, going to a new place,
Changing who I’d know
A loud bang broke the boredom and blue smoke filled the air, engine was
A ’knocking, a sound beyond compare
I rolled onto a shoulder she shuddered then just quit, steam billowed, gurgled
Upward, a vaporous boiling spit
Radiator hose blown open, fan belt a shredded knot, out in the center of nowhere
My old motor smoking hot
In the trunk I found duct tape, a knotted ball of rusty wire, a pair Big Mama
Pantyhose tucked beneath the flat spare tire
Duct taped her hose- wiped her nose a rusty water spot, wound nylons ‘round
Her pulleys tied them in a big old hairy knot
She sputtered on, then started, guzzled water like a horse, I slammed her hood to
Close it shut, and got her back on course
I landed in the town of Burning Fork slightly after six, found Joe’s Garage and Mini
Mart, hoped that there I’d find a fix.
I said hello and told old Joe my car was needing some attention, she’d blown a
Hose- thrown a belt, quick repair my best intention
Joe wiped his brow with a greasy towel, wringed his hands as if in sorrow, but I’m
Sorry son, the parts won’t come, until after four tomorrow
Told me there’s a place to eat across the street, Maggie’s Eatery and Hotel
So I took a seat, smelled fresh eats, then rang that dinner bell
Bacon, sausage and four eggs- sourdough toast tangy orange marmalade,
My spirits were sky high, farmer fresh- just like Mom’s homemade
Yes chili size, a big o ’side of fries, calf liver fried up with onions; green beans with
Ham, a thick slice of spam- Heard chocolate cake might cure my bunions
Large strawberry shake, a mixture of fresh fruits, chicken Chow Mein over egg
Noodles, with slivered bamboo shoots- don’t forget a fortune cookie
She could tell by my order I was starving, asking a for quite a lot, so I explained in
Momentary detail, all about the shiny- polished spot
Worn upon my backbone from my stomach rubbing upon it with great fury; no
Disrespect, don’t tally up that check, I’m famished but in no great hurry.
Maggie laid a check at my plate that fateful date, my excuse was awkwardly hard
Dug in my pockets, eyes bulging their sockets: had no cash; no credit card
I told her my tale of highway grief, managed out of that tight spot; I gave her my
Best smile, I gave the moment my best shot
If I may stay I’ll make you a deal, potatoes and onions I will peel, come morning
Scrub your pots and pans, smooth as a harbor seal
I’ll work hard, you bet, I’ll pay off my debt-if it takes me until late cold November,
I don’t even recall she objected at all, just a smile I’ll forever remember
Thirty years has passed by, since I capped that meal with sliced apple pie, to live
Out my dreams in Burnt Fork endlessly
Maggie and I were soon after wed, my dinner check I have twice daily read
Probably will till the day I meet my maker
But until that day arrives I’m a husband to my wife Maggie’s great surprise- one
Heck of a cook and a baker
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2016
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David Ward Poem
I spied through the window as I sipped mornings brew
A frisky young rabbit having his mornings chew
He bounced through our garden, munching on green burrowed roots
Having no ideas or cares, as I donned my tall boots
I snuck from the warmth of my side door unheard
Got up close behind quickly, like a softly winged bird
Then off he was running, my steps close just behind
He turned round a tree with me near at his side
We rounded the tree so fast it made funny
Who’s chasing who, me or the bunny?
He ran over rocks, green grass and a bolder
Only stopping a moment, to look over his shoulder
Under an old truck, sitting bound in tall grass
I thought I had lost him, till he popped out so fast
His fur picked up grease, some old oil from the motor
And the chase was back on, with me back on his quarter
I was just in the grasp, and I took a great lunge
Caught a wisp of his tail, found it slipped like wet sponge
Rabbit spied splits in the fence, quickly through and departed
To catch that oiled rabbit, I’ll sooner get started
Put my boots on quicker, and come out to play
Find that frisky young rabbit, again starting his day
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2016
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David Ward Poem
I see my Lords face in the scattered leaves of autumn
Hear His voice in the rustle as they move with the afternoon breeze
I feel His gentle touch in the mystic eastern winds from Santa Ana
Warm and dry are the notes through the limbs of the mighty Sycamore trees
I was lost as a man in a vessel upon an angry sea
Lonely and scared as the wind driven waves crashed upon my soul
Desperate angry thoughts passed with each swell feeling so alone
I saw my Lords face in the foam of the lifting following sea
As I walk alone on the streets through the towns upon the shore
Looking at the faces of abandoned souls aimlessly content
I am fearful and yet wise they have always had free will
I see my Lords face in the tattered clothes of the weak and frail
Blessed are my moments of sight and precious realization
He is there always and time is as dust laid neatly on the sill
My years are His seconds and my months and days His short moments
I see His face in the pure drifts of the white winter’s snow
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2016
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David Ward Poem
Everything was easy and the good guy was me
Chasing bad guys through the cobbled streets of Galilee
The wine was sweet joy, the mad loving intense
Lead bullets were flying, lives lost makes no sense
I’m a man of action with a mission as you will see
I then gather myself in, a two bit actor, an old re-run movie
I help the hungry to eat, each and every day
I teach the lonely and sad, a much better way
I fueled the aircraft that swept poor refuges away
I tell the politicians my vote they will not ever sway
Just when it appears wrongs are righted, everything’s groovy
I see all the desolation, no relief, it’s just an old re-run movie
A Christian once told me the secret for life’s happiness
Was love your brothers and sisters, easy as yourself
Live a life of wholesome goodness and never ever strife
Put others before yourself and give thanks to God for life
For your sole purpose on earth was passing kind unbound love
Giving all the glory and thanks to our forgiving Lord above
Make each day honest with purpose, believe and be free
You’ll not be just another actor, in an old re-run movie
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2016
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David Ward Poem
Children laughing when at play, bright sun rising to greet the day
Sweet cream added in my morning coffee, horses munching hay
A rusty nut that just breaks free, an ancient majestic noble tree
Wind at my back true point of sail, unfair bondage a man set free
Singing songs and righting wrong, breathing life’s true ambitions
Loving each and every one you meet, without preconceived conditions
Finding an old photograph, with your people long since passed away
Newborn child’s first breath of life, loudly cry’s its entrance in this way
Friends share a moment of memory past, and dream upon the future
Angling trout in high mountain streams, being one entranced by nature
Seeing smiles by those surprised, by simple gifts of joy enduring love
A perfectly thrown pitch a strike, a well-oiled and fitting baseball glove
Family gathered at the table for a well cooked meal, just a pinch of salt
In a church with fellowship for our loving Lord we communally all exalt
Toe tapping songs and music that brings the urge to loudly sing along
Watching as your son grows tall, gains wisdom, learns right from wrong
Apple pie Ice cream atop, picking tomatoes ripened on homegrown vine
Winter evening for man and wife share a crackling fire and carafe of wine
As the sun sets westward colors range from gold to shades of purple dark
Family all gathered in the car going to the fair, finding a perfect place to park
So, so many things in life for each and all, so different in their success
But for me the aforementioned, are key parts, my jigsaw puzzle of happiness
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2015
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David Ward Poem
What is the true heart of a man?
Is it in darkness of midnight, the pale light before dawn?
Does his mind have control of his soul?
Will his soul take control of his mind?
Evil sighted multitude, all fair kindness blind?
Or empathy for, his lessor mankind?
Is his life’s passion real unconcealed?
Do concealed passions make his life feel surreal?
Will the next act of kindness bring him world’s treasure?
Or will the world reveal his hearts conceited true pleasure?
The true heart of a man beats with soundless measure,
Self-importance, deceit and malice twice clever,
For those standing beneath he’ll crush into rubble,
His heart rumbles a chance, be amusing, falsely humble,
The true heart of a man splits a universe asunder,
Assembled, rekindled, made new by God’s thunder?
Heart of man, true only in the mind of his Lord.
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2016
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David Ward Poem
Oh Christmas comes yet once a year,
Full with joy
Packed with Cheer
A child’s new shiny toy
Yon Virgin’s new boy
For Him now mankind may enjoy.
But a world bitter unkind,
Days promise split asunder
Poor and tired only find
Just another cold bed of hunger
Cold rain’s lightning and un-humbled thunder
Unanswered prayers mournful number.
A sacred promise made is it not so very clear,
Renewed blessings are for all more than just once a year.
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2018
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David Ward Poem
Watching March flowers open, I feel the Lords breath on my face
Walking through forest timber, I feel His power and grace
When sailing across oceans, His fury I can’t tame
He then heals all my moments, of worry and shame
I live life through His mercy, no questions are asked
He sees all inside me, though I wear humans mask
Just when I think I’m important, I have made a great call
I’m gently reminded, pride go beforeth the fall.
Enter each new day, with your Lord on your mind
Days will pass kindly, all your strife’s left behind
One simple prayer, should pass soft when you rise
Thank you Lord for the waking, make me earnest and wise
For when the flowers have withered and the forest goes dark
There is only one way, for chosen paths we embark
We walk with the Lord, He’s giving all by His grace
For another opening flower, His warm breath on our face.
Copyright © David Ward | Year Posted 2015
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