nothing can erase
what’s been written
there’s no do-over
for a chaotic year
turning off the lights and
turning down the covers
diving into the crisp, cool sheets
of the new year
looking for a respite
to wake up to
better
different
something
hope
tonight, saying goodbye
to the beautiful and the ugly
a farewell kiss blown
a middle finger
pull up the covers
fluff up the pillows
drift off
dream of a
happier
new
year

(for Cody and Tia)

With love in full blossom, out in the country
They wanted to take their chance
To start this love story, like a classic old movie
Whatever may come, together they stand

‘Cause there’s nothin’ like country love
Under blue sky with the sun above
Arm in arm in that river of dreams
It flooded their hearts and made them believe
This one thing is simple enough
There’s nothin’ like country love

A hike to the peak, above all the noise
Deciding to claim what was theirs
Today we’re all witness to this journey continued
And shed tears of joy for the love that they share

Cause there’s nothin’ like country love
Under the stars with the moon above
Arm in arm in that river of dreams
It flooded their hearts and made them believe
This one thing is simple enough
There’s nothin’ like country love

Country love is all you need
To build a life as husband and wife
Country love is all of us here
Just to show – That we all know

Cause there’s nothin’ like country love
Under blue sky with the sun above
Hand in hand in that river of dreams
It floods your heart and makes you believe
This one thing is simple enough
There’s nothin’ like country love

11/2/2024

The most holy days
Are those spent
Being grateful for
Deep love
True friends
Long walks
Favorite memories
Raucous fun

The most holy days
Are those spent
Being present in
Every breath
Quiet moments
Meaningful work
Family traditions
Joyful celebration

The most holy days
Are those spent
Being open to
New ways
Old paths
Being loved
Giving grace
Living peacefully
The most holy day
Is the one you have
Today

In the midst of preparation
While the quiet before the storm
Rests over you like a warm blanket
Be present in thankfulness

As the food begins to cook
And the flavors of the season
Brush in like a summer breeze
Be present in thankfulness

When loved ones arrive
Bringing their hearts and hopes
Worn like an old favorite shirt
Be present in thankfulness

With blessings given and received
That spread over all you love
Like a first snowfall silently falling
Be present in thankfulness

Cast off the hurry and worry
Open yourself to be loved
Like a great oak reaches to the sky
Be present in thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving,

Pops

I’m not sure you’re listening
to the unsaid and unheard
conversation that is happening
between moments in the noise
that surrounds every moment

I’m not sure you’re hearing
what seems so loud around you
in the dance around the obvious
thoughts that hang in the silence
between the known and unknown

I’m not sure you know what is
right in the memories so deep
and the moments that drift
by every time you ponder a
future that can never come

I’m not sure, so we still wait
and watch for a time to say
what is unsaid and unheard
until a quiet moment appears
and allows silence to speak