Homeless Heart

She ran to the door looking for a letter
It’s been six months and maybe he’d forget her
She thought of that day when they kissed goodbye
But in that mailbox was no reply

She read all the papers and saw it on display
She chose a side but would rather not say
Missed him so much she could hardly breathe
Small town quilts compelled her to weave

They all whined about their jobs and money
And the late night guys who think they’re funny
Life goes on but not for her
She stares into space, it’s all a blur

Then one day she got the call
He’s not coming home and that’s not all
A scenic drive like they’ve done before
An IED and then no more

His pain is over and hers’ just begun
All he will miss including his son
She gets out of bed and bravely fights on
To teach her boy why daddy is gone

Crystal Blue Lists

Walked all day and got nowhere
Hitched a ride on the train of despair
The map is wet with these tears of mine
Searching for the path by popular design

Straining against the drops of time
That soaks my face well into my prime
Years of carrying this hole in my heart
Good little soldier with an imaginary part

So I built my list in spite of those who cried
That you can’t create love with a user guide
But I dug in my soul and fashioned a girl
With spunk and wit and a heart of pearl

Soft and fair with eyes of teal
A smile that shines but does not reveal
Deeply blended with passion and grace
Contented and crawled into her ardent embrace

Lounging in the fragrance that is her song
I smile at the tune at where I belong
The lady of gold and blended style
With the discerning look and Cheshire smile

3rd Sunday in June

This use to be a day of joy and pride
She’d run full speed and cling to my side
This use to be a time of special meaning
Swelled with love forever gleaming

I never realized how lucky I was
Took it for granted just because
Always tomorrow and not right now
Too busy for her I must avow

So much time has passed me by
I’ve lost my baby and don’t know why
They all say that she’ll come around
After maturing and standing her ground

But now I sit in this empty room
Finding ways to explore my gloom
While all other father’s celebrate their kid
I torture myself with whatever I did

Valenmiss

Time as it was, I cared for it not
Too many flaws, I’ve long forgot
A different time, a stunning defeat
So very far from my tender sweet

That day for lovers and tender kisses
Only to be left with swings and misses
No candy, no card or crimson rose
Soul was blackened, but starting to glow

Now I see with my waking eye
A kindred spirit, I cannot deny
Her crystal gaze in my velvet dream
Whisks me away on a cloud serene

Infectious smile and discerning look
Fills my mind like a picture book
Because on that day, that very spot
Returns the feeling, believe it or not

But still I’m waiting in the warming sun
Bark stripped away and protection undone
Looking to the day my valentine
As if this was all happening by design

Midnight Dreams

Jumped on the wind and hitched a ride
Miles of meadows that I took in stride
Gliding past rivers and mountains galore
Floating up high as I explore

Soaring in the clouds while scanning below
I noticed a strange but unique road show
My point of view was distorted at first
So I dove and raced to quench my thirst

Landed softly and crept along
Secretly hoping that I wasn’t wrong
Sneaking among those without being seen
She caught me in her glance serene

Dizzy at first, I was stunned by my host
Crystal eyes, half woman half ghost
She opened her tent and led me inside
Removed all reason for me to hide

She sat far off but stared intently
And then touched my arm ever so gently
Speechless I was for the very first time
Feeling almost guilty of a shameful crime

She rubbed my neck and I started to faint
An incredible feeling with no complaint
The room started spinning and then went dark
I woke up later from the light of a spark

I saw her fade with a wink and a smile
Dressed in silk with class and style
She whispered good bye and then disappeared
Gone for good, is what I feared

But every night when I am tired
I race to bed no matter how wired
In my dreams I’m looking to see
The mystical woman waiting for me

Golden Wink

Hidden beneath the shell that owns her
Lies a gift inside that she can't transfer
The auburn tiger with a touch of fox
Draped inside her golden locks

Mandolin wind and a serene smile
Sting me with your unique style
Every day that I glance your way
Perform my part in this passion play

A prop I am in this show of shows
Where I am headed, no one knows
Stirs my drink with a slice of lime
Let’s sleep away till breakfast time

For now I’ll settle for that fluttering wink
The special one that makes you think
Slowly sipping my Cabernet
Dancing along in this furtive ballet

The Dance

Every morning I wake with the same old scene
Looking at this world through a velvet screen
Snow angels in bed and slide my feet to the floor
Wipe away seeds of monotony galore

Pour hot java and view life on the net
But never the day do I have regret
Cause each one I face is rich with chance
That receding finish line called romance

Too many years mired in the muck
Eden disappears and says what the fuck?
Took a long time to be the right fellow
To ride the wave and embrace the mellow

But now chucked away like a pair of holy shorts
Followed the path straight to the courts
Did it the right way in spite of the bitch
My heart and soul kept me more than rich

So for those of you who are about to choose
And they all say you have nothing to lose
Take your time and think it through
Forget the pretense and always be true

Family

I’m not sure when I started to think about my life being more than just the next party. I don’t know when I first learned that my parents were wise and experienced and not boring and un-cool. But I’ve always known in one form or another, the importance of family.

For as long as I can remember, I was surrounded by a big family. Between our cousins and friends, the house was never empty. Never…ever. To this day, I still get up at 5 o’clock in the morning because when I was young that was the only time I could watch what I wanted on TV. Of course my only choices were Gumby and Davey and Goliath, but I was glad to have it.

Family, through all the holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, there was family. Through all the fender benders, unscheduled tours of the country and the extremely rare, but innocently misguided damage, there was family.

Now I remember those years, when we watched the first TV families. There was the ultra patient parent that sent their child to his room for a compassionate “talking to” and the golden child, who learned their lesson and became the pillar of the community. It was the perfect home where the only purpose for a belt, was to hold up your pants. And then, there is our family.

Some of you may look at our family from the outside and wonder how we manage to stay so loyal to each other? I have no idea. We rarely see each other and I know there are other families that see each other more than we even call! These families eat dinner together on a regular basis, go on vacations together, and even buy houses on the same block. You know who you are. And then there is our family.

I remember being an energetic child, which frequently got me into trouble. After one such event, I remember galloping into the house with my “head in the clouds” as usual and was greeted by Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Cleaver and Mrs. Huxtable all rolled into one. To most people, my mom was a sweet and generous soul and would be there for anyone including a stranger in need. Unfortunately, when a neighbor calls the house and informs your mom that her son just destroyed their personal property, Mrs. Cleaver turns into Miss Demeanor.

Family. When friends drift away, there is family. When your personality has chased all acquaintances into the night, there is family.

I don’t know if all of us in the family grew up with the same sense of independence or whether it was the master plan from our parents, but it has been a positive influence in my life. I believe we are loving, warm, and generous people. I believe that if you need us for anything, we will be there. Need a loan? Just ask. Need a place to stay? Come on over. We will be there for you whenever you need us. Just don’t call after 8PM.

They are there for the holidays and the special days, and these days are special and photographically important because of our families. All the stories told at these events are what shape our personalities and define us as family.

Each of you have stories that are told time and time again while sitting around the table, with football on the TV and music surrounding the delicious scent of family. Our memories are full of these times of love, laughter, and happiness, but with all the commercialism, cynicisms and other isms, the only thing that keeps us from being pulled into the mechanical world of life is the warm embrace of family.

All of our family are here today physically and spiritually to celebrate this special day. Our brothers, sisters, parents, cousins, and friends have come here today to celebrate this new family.

These two beautiful people are bringing all those stories, traditions and love that they took from their family. So let’s celebrate this beautiful loving family of Frank and Pat Velez, because they carry with them everything that is special that they learned from their family.

Woodnick

On the steps of the north stands the lady of the wood
In the soft of the light in the meadow where she stood
Carrying with her the cradle of truth
Standing in the shadow of her beloved youth

I hid behind to watch her sleep
Stunned by the hush of her auburn weep
Breathless from her beauty and Donnyville smile
I craned to peek at the blend all the while

There have been many times when I thought way back
Reading of the book that painted it black
The leopard girl that stirred my drink
My Pinot sweet with her knowing wink

Thankfully You

What do you see when your eyes are closed
How do you feel with your heart exposed
Envelope my soul with your tender touch
Breathe for me,I love you so much

Think out loud and whisper discreetly
Radiant face with a smile so completely
Perpetually gracious, forever true
For every moment I thank you

You restored me from a distorted vision
Of a life headed on a course collision
I will never take it all for granted
My life that you have personally enchanted

So on this day of my special praise
I think very hard for just the right phrase
To wish you love with all my heart
The same as it was from the start

Chess Distress

Hopes in the mud, deception in the square
Too many little pieces, going nowhere
Opening moves, pressure from the side
Man with the crown, find a place to hide

Crazy little war, 32 implore
Millions of options, failure galore
L shape, diagonal, up and back
Trying to support my sneak attack

Start to doze off, on the black and white
Dreaming of moves in the middle of the night
Quaking, shaking and downright aching
The pieces laid out, just for the taking

The next morning comes, me without a clue
Staring at the board, eyes are all askew
Day after day, I stare at this spot
Chores on the list, I completely forgot

Inde Woman

Arrogantly reeking, barely a breath
Drones about nothing, chock full of Meth
Yawning and clocking does nothing but hurt
Wish we were bombed so I can hit the dirt

One by one they parade on by
I swore to my friends I would give it a try
I listen intently pretending to care
There’s only so much I can relate to her hair

I need a lover you read in the books
Who’s not too concerned with her precious good looks
She reads and laughs and loves red wine
Tears at the movies and curses divine

An inde woman with no the lingering crutch
Maybe it’s me who’s expecting too much
Likes baseball and a cool mountain hike
Expresses herself without the word like

I’m really not sure if she exists
Or resides in my dreams and all that’s amiss
But deep in my mind she fulfills a great need
For if she doesn’t, it will be time to concede

But until that time I will open my eyes
Remain upbeat and avoid the lies
Without all the drama and incessant exam
Finally happy to be who I am

Journey Taken

The best part of the journey is the hard road taken
Inspired and determined but are sometimes forsaken
We reach for the ring forever receding
Our egos abandoned excessively bleeding

They learn from none but pretend to know
Years of lessons that eventually bestow
Opens our eyes and ignites the light
We ask the author for another rewrite

But in the twilight of our dawn of reason
When the game reaches the end of season
The stands are all empty and full of ghosts
We bow and curtsey to imaginary toasts

All this time we had the key
To the covert plan in a grand decree
The palms of our hands reside the truth
The strength and passion of our fleeting youth

So take this road as you’ve done before
And announce yourself with a deafening roar
Help them see what we have known
That your unique talent is etched in stone

Corporate Carousel

They sing your praises with exalted phrases
Bootlicking on every blurb
Alma mater dotted with a police blotter
It is so damn absurd

Suited hacks spew out mimed quacks
All the little soldiers step in time
Emperor has no clothes they all suppose
Party is only for the sublime

Simply peeking in, we witness the sin
Part of the report nonetheless
The big bag of cache was reserved for the stash
Spilling over the banks of great excess

Now the well is dry and we can’t comply
Seeing all the promises go away
So here we sit with all the bullshit
Repeating the same old cliché

Every Day

Bushy hair and a gummy smile
You made my life so worthwhile
I held you close, it’s not a cliché
I will always love you every day

A little girl with grit and spunk
Too many toys crammed in the trunk
Barbies and puzzles to fill your room
Watching your flower start to bloom

Strong and determined was in your heart
I was always proud right from the start
Bragged to the world, this I convey
I love you more every day

I know there are times when we are apart
And I say things that aren’t so smart
It tears me up, to not have you here
Know this for sure, my love is sincere

So now as you age, I give you some space
And let you decide to set the pace
My door will be open and never decay
Cause I love you dearly every day

Amoureux

It was only yesterday when you started to talk
Laughed and giggled and tried to walk
With beautiful eyes and a smile to match
Hugs and kisses and all you could catch

Growing up quick with a defining grace
Fear and nerves were without a trace
Took on the world and those who robbed you
Came out clean, made yourself anew

I came along from the alley of doubt
Wondering what my life was all about
You dried my tears and opened my heart
Showed me it was not too late to start

Special day to signify your birth
Convinced me of love was still on this earth
Splash of youth, pinch of wise
My saving angel in disguise

I learned so much by your selfless ways
Fell in love with your unfeigned gaze
Respect for you more than I can show
More than I deserve, I hope you know

So as you treasure each passing day
Embrace yours scars and increasing grey
Take pleasure in the journey that you will take
Let others stumble in your magnificent wake

Pearl in Suprise

Been so long since I remember when
I could laugh and joke, take it on the chin
Years went by and I forgot more and more
Unknowingly shoved in the proverbial drawer

You took the step and opened the door
Showed me your beauty that you had in store
A bright smile and soul to match
Showed me the way through my rough patch

You wanted all that I had and was
Healed my anger, healed my scars
Scraped away the years of doubt
Gave me something to crow about

I love the way you laugh at my jokes
The time we spend with your loving folks
My friends are never a challenge to bear
Eager you are with my poems that I share

I love your independence with a slice of need
In the face of obstacle, you take the lead
Not afraid, to admit you were wrong
Never let me forget I belong

I know you would catch me if I ever fell
Forgive my mistakes and never tell
Wipe my tears and never judge
Supportive always without a grudge

So in these words is my bond of love
We fit together like the perfect glove
I thank you always for who you are
My gift from above, my shooting star

Those Days

I think of those days, sitting in the drive
Laughing and giggling and feeling alive
Before the bumps, before the tricks
Before being covered with a ton of bricks

So long ago, but just yesterday
With Murray the K and the swinging soiree
Forty fives and book reports
Dirty subways and NY transports

I think of those days with a tonsil surprise
Putting out fires, we were so wise
Sunday mass and Alley Pond Park
Ice cream Joe, throwing up on the block

Skinning my knees from being called over
Like Charlie Brown, I was Red Rover
Tagging along, you never minded
A hassle I was but never reminded

Always there, for me to vent
A great sister, 100 percent
You housed me and helped me with all my debris
A great many memories, I do agree

As I look back and regret just a little
I know in my heart, that life is so brittle
Time is fleeting and here on loan
Linked we are and truly homegrown

So as the calendar starts to wane
I no longer feel the need to be vain
Those days rush back and bring a big smile
Proud to be your brother, all the while

Eye to Eye

Eyes half glazed with bloodshot minds
Time clicks away as the story winds
Mired in misery and bitter herb
Once was important now kick to the curb

It takes all I have to hang on tight
All my patience all my might
Not all alone but just as hard
No matter what we would of sparred

Two more years hardly matters
Don’t exist left in tatters
Tired of playing un winnable game
Can call me sometime there is no one to blame

I will always be here an inch from you
Whenever you decide to walk on through
No eyebrows or litmus for you to respond
Deep in my heart will store our bond

I hope to be there for all your triumphs
And dust you off when you take your lumps
Walk you down holding back the tears
Holding my grandchild in those golden years

Remember that I tried to ensure the best
Help you adjust show you are blessed
Think about me when you start to fly
I pray some day we see eye to eye

Niece Like You

Ten plus six makes a very short time
Fair and sweet as I watched you climb
Before my eyes you sprouted new wings
Decked in baubles and matching gold rings

Awkward stage complete with braces
Special shoes and off to the races
Style and grace remains the same
You’re my niece, I proudly exclaim

Loving photos of you and my son
Fleeting moments in the shining sun
Watching you grow to the woman you’ll be
Success will follow, I cannot disagree

Treasure these days and those tomorrow
For they are gifts that we only borrow
Be true to yourself and never waver
Cause times like this are for you to savor

So on this day of a life beginning
Let them wonder why you are grinning
While many fail with being so young
You remain poised and totally unsung

Pleasure it is to be a part of your life
To listen and support with any strife
And during this time of great celebration
I love being your Aunt without hesitation