Rhymesalot

Lost in a wandering state of mind, returning to memories I thought left behind. A campground awaits from decades of yore, There’s a lake nearby and nature galore.

Summers there filled with family and friends, as the specter of youth unknowingly ends. The journey’s now short to a time long past. My cabin soon appears while the sun fades fast.

The sky was clear, blues deepened to black. The stars shone bright, they welcomed me back. I relaxed on the porch and sipped iced tea, my friends due tomorrow the night was for me.

With waning moon the damp mist rose, crickets serenaded, eyes started to close. Blissful sensations then the start of dreams, when startled was I by familiar screams.

Dolly, Dolly, Dolly! was all she ever said, her childhood taunts now flooding my head. She’s the ghostly remains of horrors we’d share. The truth is haunting when better a nightmare.

She would scratch at the screen above my bed. I’d shriek and shiver and cower with dread. Mornings would come, I’d report of my fright, “that little girl’s ghost came to take me last night”.

My brothers would tease and mom consoled, dad says they’re figments of tales I’ve been told. But when evenings cool and crescent moon high, dense fog rose and that child would cry.

Dolly, dolly, dolly is all she would say, Her bony hand summoned and pointed the way. Never dared I answer her mournful request. Silently I’d wait, ignoring my guest.

It’s been many years since last we met. Time I’ve tried hard, but to never forget. Now I’ve matured and conscience will decide. Am I to seek or again shall I hide?

I know not what of this phantoms despair. Yet together there’s grief we seemingly share. Her woe is death while mine’s the living. Each is assured though neither forgiving.

Our paths have crossed, all have an end. My choice is made by this spirited friend. With eyes open wide follow I must, forsaking not, that lost child’s trust.

I rose and leaned forward, held out my hand. Our fate’s to obey and to command. We dashed through the field and into the woods. A moment imagined of pleasant childhoods.

Each step echoes with brittle twig snap. Till the shadows of trees soon overlap. To guide my way mere slivers of light, pursuing my phantom into the night.

Thicket and bramble claw at my skin, bleeding the courage from deep within. The worn paths end at fresh fallen leaf, this forest beyond, beyond my belief.

Spirits roam free where the living don’t tread. My friend had returned to her life of the dead. I wished again to hide safe behind closed eyes, trading this vision for dreams of blue skies.

The girl then pointed at boulders stacked high, interwoven with brush to hide from the eye. All layers of shadow, grays deepened to black, foretelling the depth of crevice and crack.

Her hazy glow grew brighter, eyes more intense, repeated cries for dolly now making sense. She’s lost a dear friend and I’m chosen to find. To abandon now this child was beyond unkind.

Exited are we, our quest’s nearly done. ‘Twas a test of persistence, both surely won. My mind’s now a flutter, heart beating proud, grasping in darkness through thick thorny shroud.

Our search going well till that last step was taken, the ground then vanished, I was tumbled and shaken. I awoke sometime later to whispers, mumbles and cries. My new friend stood close as I opened my eyes.

I saw Dolly held tightly and a bustle nearby. Mourners had grouped where a still body lie. A lifeless figure with a familiar shape and size. The live too are familiar, all saying goodbyes.

The little girl thanked me for my many good deeds. As slowly she faded having found what she needs. I begged to be taken for I’ve been truly kind. When last she said “You need first find needs left behind.”

Around the bend from the church on main, lies a quaint little street, called Skipper’s Lane. T’was on this path a young lad dwelled, before the streets’ name or the lad propelled. ~ The tale goes: At the head of a cove the sandbar’s long. The water’s choppy and the currents strong. A young lad fished, he netted all day. At sunset he rowed to the town up the bay. ~ He traded his catch for supplies and some cash. He then rowed back home and buried his stash. Years soon passed and the lad’s now a man. The time was now to dig up an old can. ~ The cans held his savings, he’s more than a few. The man, now called Netty, had something to do. Netty rowed into town, to buy but not sell. He bought a new boat with a bright shiny bell. ~ He towed the boat home not knowing how to sail. A year’s practice behind then caught in a gale. Netty stayed calm, his life, spent afloat. Home was in sight when he saw a tossed boat. ~ The boat missed the inlet, now blowing out to sea. Though Netty unsure, he could not leave them be. Adjusting his sails Netty raced to give aid. Soaked and battered he could not be afraid. ~ Lost memories filled young Netty’s head. Recalling the night, he was almost dead. The sky was black and the water cold. The ship sat heavy, filled with gold. ~ Remembering screams and cracking wood, the ship’s bell rang, gone childhood. The boy hit the water and woke on the shore. The life he once knew was no more ~ A crashing wave broke Netty’s trance, one second more he’d lose his chance. He leaned on his tiller to bring his boat near. The boats colliding mustered everyone’s fear. ~ Netty thought quickly and dropped his sheet, then heaved his net around a cleat. He pulled and pulled with all his might. His biggest catch was that stormy night. ~ All returned safely before the sun rose. Netty now a hero was gifted new clothes. New friends were made, now one’s Netty’s wife. Recounting his memories he bought a new life. ~ The gold recovered, Netty bought lots of land. He built a grand home well away from the sand. The harbor in view he watches over his fleet. The town, now prosperous, gave Netty a street.

Tomorrow’s to be the best day. A day of sunshine, swim and play. Must get to sleep, morning is near. We’ll wake early, much to prepare. ~ Eat breakfast, find my pail and rake. Great big castles of sand we’ll make. Pack cooler with lunch, bring a hat, bags for towels and this and that. ~ Morning has come, wide open eyes, hoping for nice clear blue skies. It must be early, sky’s still gray. Maybe I woke on the wrong day. ~ Waited all winter, now’s in reach, sunny day of fun at the beach. Went back to bed, nothing to do, closed my eyes then the sun shined through. ~ Jumped out of bed, day’s second chance, brush my teeth and put on short pants. Ran downstairs for breakfast and more, a surprise friend waits at my door. ~ We all got packed into the car. Hoping the drive won’t be too far. Wheels turn, a rush of cool air. Windows open, I smell the sea air. ~ Pull in the lot, our fun begins. Unpack the car, pull out the bins. We carry the bags, two for each, umbrellas up, blanket on beach. ~ Cooler wheels stuck in the sand. Dad asked me to lend him a hand. We’re all set up, time to explore. There’s much to do at the seashore. ~ We hurry down to take our dips. First toes then knees, up to hips. The water’s cold, we jumped back out. To thick towels we run and shout. ~ My fingers wrinkle, lips turn blue. The sunshine’s warming me and you. Sand’s sticking to my wet swimsuit. Mom gets lunch; sandwich, drink and fruit. ~ Our feast is done, time to play ball, huffing and puffing shared by all. We blew it up then threw it high, caught by the wind, kept by the sky.

Grab our shovels, pile the sand, moats and towers, kings of this land. Then waves came in with a crash, hours to build, gone in a splash. ~ Now we’ll find some big new sea shells. Some are flat some shaped like bells. Some you hear the sea in your ear. Some will have things living in there. ~ Sifting for treasure in the sands, time’s slipping through our small wet hands. We keep the best in a small sack, to be explored when we get back. ~ Now let’s go try the water again. First you go then I’ll jump right in. We’ll dive and swim, watch seaweed float by. Then the sun sank low in the sky. ~ We all go home, skin pink, eyes red. Take a cool bath then off to bed. We’ll go to sleep dreaming of more. A day at the beach is best - I’ m sure!

The End

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Where rocky cliff meets stormy sea, a castle perched, forever be. Where gray stone surrounds little seen sky. “Twas this fortress a young princess cry.

The princess post birth, her parents delight, treasured by day, guarded by night. Feasting with jesters, ponies, puppets and maids, a gaggle of servants draw bright velvet shades

With sentry of knight to share all her dreams, her eyes shut tight to hide her screams. Time wasted limitless, she wished for an end. The princess was lonely without a true friend. . One morning awoken by a kiss from a queen, sleepy eyes opened to a sight seldom seen. Golden light sparkles in diamond pane rare, a sapphire morn burns black coal night air.

A tasty breakfast served on tray in bed. Downy pillows fluffed to rest her head. The king arrived more jolly than ever, with riddle to solve, if anyone clever.

“What may have wings cannot fly. Holds a heart yet cannot die. Shaken pitch laughs off rain. Having one a princess to gain?”

The joyous young girl made many a guess. The kings’ piddling patience grew less and less. The queen and knights all had a try. The king muttered “castle!” with a loud sigh.

The room bemused by the riddler’s zeal. Most unconcerned with how others feel. A castle repeated in more pleasant a tone, a home for a princess to call her own.

But first a short trip outside the wall, where grass tickles feet and trees grow tall. There are lessons to learn from tutors wise. There are truths to see with growing eyes.

Now’s time a princess must prepare, for the eventual call of a prince to be dear. A someday king awaits his throne, whence you shall rest upon your own.

The princess knew the day would come, a bartered prize as was her Mum. No fairy tale endings for spawn of kings. “Tis a life shackled with heavy gold rings.

Adventure awaits, no time for self-pity, freedom’s short locked in a stone city. Knowledge abounds beyond heavy gates. The princess skips past on worn ancient slates.

Beneath a fine bonnet of satin and lace, excitement glowed on her adolescent face. Her velvet shoes barely touching the dirt, a merry cyclone a-swirl in silk skirt.

Her mentor soon waves from path by wood. Magical flora beckons, some bad, some good. Wonders overwhelm in green forest lush. An ocean of emeralds painted with brush.

With each lash a-flutter bursts a new color. Light and shades multiply them all more. With the thirst of a sponge she did explore, where surprises abound when not looked for.

A gentle breeze blew, a little leaf flew, bright sky filled in the space anew A ray of sunlight kissed a shiny stone. Atop a bed of dewy leaf it rests alone.

With a tiny tap upon its shimmering side, the distant fates of two collide. Surface cracking on this egg thought stone, a heartbeat wakened with thunderous tone.

Out popped a plump lump, beneath wings of scale. A pat on the rump exposed its long tail. A final stretch thrust shell shards to leaf. And there lie a creature beyond belief.

Warm smiles shared with a new friend. A precious little pearl, the girl’s to defend. The gazes shattered by a howl from the trail, ‘twas the elderly teacher, impatient and frail.

The princess knew what had to be done. The babe hid under her bonnet and bun. Down the path she ran back to the gate. Yelled to the guards “The teacher was late”

Gates barely open she slipped through the crack, escaping notice of the tail down her back. Safe in her chamber they shared the night’s meal, both sharing puckers with fresh lemon peel.

Then swathed in plush robes, kissed on the head, the fledgling was tucked safely under the bed. Each night passing, more robes to conceal, this teething tot with big teeth that’s real.

Each day growing from the princess’s scraps, she grew thinner, now padded with straps. The servants grew nervous at both the sight, one lie near weightless, one flew in the night.

The princess’s secret though soon was known, when her expanding friend went out alone. The knights became dazed by armored flight, their swords no match for the hunger of night.

The king and queen where too nearly maimed. Pawns, bishops and rooks where all to be blamed. A wizard was called to tame the toddler beast. His tenure cut short when almost a feast.

The creature now huge, truly loved the girl. She called her Sunshine, the princess’s Pearl. Together they frolicked on the castle rooftop. The king spying danger called for a stop.

Shouting “time’s come to put childhood behind, It’s now time to marry, I’ve someone in mind. He’s brave, sweet, wise and kind, at least I’m told. There’ll be time to adjust as you both grow old.”

Escorted by king to the royal coach and four, off to be locked behind another gilded door. Her fate was sealed by a noble families need, alliances grown with common regal seed.

But with a twist, jerk and a naughty giggle, the squiggly princess was free now to wiggle. Breaking free, running fast, past all unaware. She zigged and zagged toward the rooftop stair.

Screaming loudly for her only friend Pearl, who tried to save the much pursued girl. A guard with a pike held Pearl on a chain. Blocking the Sunshine’s escape of the reign.

Seeing her friend at the top of the stair, Pearl snapped her links then into the air. The petrified guard fled from his post, grabbing for Sunshine he’d surely be toast.

The princess ran to the edge of the roof, yelling to Pearl, she feared aloof. The big eared beast sharply turned about, hearing her Sunshine’s gloomy shout

The king with guards, knights and queen, Stormed to the roof unprepared for what’s seen. The princess looked back, blew a kiss to her mother, and a warm thoughtful wave to all the other.

Then with a carefree step she disappeared. Plunging to her sudden death, or so was feared. The mortified lookers all lunged for the ledge. Hoping the princess landed safe in a hedge.

The king peeked over, not wanting to see, when up rose his honey like a big bumble bee. She hung from the neck of her dear friend Pearl, now bonded for life, this dragon and girl.

Higher she climbed with a dragons eye view, a view to be viewed by a very small few. Now all surveyed, now all her realm, Sunshine’s the captain, Pearl the helm.

Over forest and mountains, ocean and stream, free in a world where she need not dream. Adrift on her Pearl upon the endless sea, confined they now be in the realm of fantasy.

The king broken hearted wept in his sleep. The queen always still with never a peep. They later agreed to bare a new heir, whether be girl or boy was not a care.

The next child’s fate was sure to be better, born free of mind and trappings of luster. A loving heart nurtured by family and friends, and given the choices to choose their own ends.

The princess returned in time for the birth. The kingdom was full of merriment and mirth. The princess enchanted with a friend who flew. And all ends happily as fairy tales all do.

* The End

Life fades to fallen hues.

Winter’s white with deepest blues.

Spring’s upon a pastel moon.

Summer shines none to soon.

*

. Bunnies nibbling fresh spring grass. Clouds as time leisurely pass. Darkness consumes as does every day. Time as grass nibbled away. Sun’s rise, birds welcome sung. Minds unwind, spring has sprung.

Yellow’s out, green’s underway Pinks will wait another day Then purples, orange and brilliant reds Bursts of blooms thrust from beds

My world awakens, spring’s finally here Lilac hues fill the air Sunrise sparkles on morning dew Budding trees frame the view

Clear blue skies, picnics at noon Summer’s next, just not too soon

. Taxing Tax Free

The nice thing about being an author is you wrote your own paycheck.

. More or Less

If you try sometime you do find you get what you tried for but no more.

. Dueling Wits, I Coulda Had a G8

If a sum’s greater than its parts, then parts lacking must be a summit.

` I was a baby by conception A child with confusion A sailor by frustration And an engineer by education

I’m an appraiser by profession A husband with devotion A father of commotion And a poet by obsession

I’m a man in regression Not ready for stagnation So I’m penning a description On this day of our taxation

I woke up early and the sky was gray. The world’s in turmoil yet I’ve little to say. But the birds are happy in the mulberry tree. I can hear them laughing, maybe at me. ~ They see our world from high above, whether gull, robin or mourning dove. Their time alive is soaring free, while looking down on you and me. ~ For if to fly like a bird, we’d then flock but never herd. We’d hatch into a nest well made, free of worry cos no rent’s paid. ~ Just think of the places we could go. We could fly south before the snow. We could eat berries, bugs and worms, pretty much anything that wiggles or squirms. ~ There’d be no alarms or jobs we hate. We could fly to the stars our very first date. Then glide back down to a favorite tree. There we’d rest harmoniously. ~ But we’re not birds and that’s a shame. Our lives are grounded and mostly tame. But if to wish on this day that’s gray, I’d poop on those who stand in the way. ~ So maybe my wish is not about birds. It’s about people I think are turds, those who’ve prevented a world of peace, for you and me and a gaggle of geese.

A world with few men - Peace and Harmony ahead. Few women – all’s dead.

Writers block occurs When confidence is lacking Not inspiration

Inspiration is Seeing something that’s old and Feeling something new

. With our Sun’s embrace Darkness warms to brighter days Nourishing spirits

.

Violence begets violence, peace begets peace Choices beget all

I’ve done lots of things. But I haven’t done them all. There’s still much to do. And my list isn’t small. ~ My time’s growing short. My energy’s sinking fast. But I’ll never quit, as long as I can last. ~ Dawn will start my days. I’ll survive a wingsuit flight. Languages I’ll learn. And songs I’d love to write. ~ I’ll sail all the seas. But that’s gonna take a while. For now, smaller goals, today I’ll share some smiles.

’ The church bell rang and doors flung wide. We raised our heads and ran outside. Sitting’s done, now’s time for fun. Our Easter egg hunt has now begun.

It’s a perfect day with bright sunshine. Our baskets ready we waited in line. Till all were scattered on the count of three, in every direction kids ran free.

I ran first to my favorite tree. I found it’s the favorite of not just me. So off to the hedge where eggs always found, none’s left there so to the playground.

While the others searched I rode the swing. When they had gone I heard birds sing. I glanced to the trees and sounds nearby. Then off jumped I and into the sky.

I landed in sand on two feet and one hand, then a tumble or two and up I stand. I turned to the fence where tall trees grew- to search for a prize of an egg or two.

The chirps grew louder with each step I took. Did they tell me to leave or tell me to look? I kneeled near bushes and peeked below. I stuck in my hand as far as would go.

Feeling around for a tasty surprise, I pulled out an egg but smaller in size. Holding tight it felt warm to the touch. Then I knew why that bird chirped so much.

Gently I put the egg down on the ground, took a few steps back not making a sound. A whistle blew, the hunt was now done. But silently I waited in the midday sun.

My basket is broken and clothes dirty and torn. I knew I’d face my mother’s scorn. But there’s more to life than clothes un-ripped. There are some events that can’t be skipped.

There’s saving the things that you love. Then a bird swooped down from above. She tapped the shell lightly with her beak. A tiny head popped out to take a peek.

The mom nudged her chick back into the bush. Her frightful chirping turned to a shush Then another whistle blew, louder than ever. To stay any longer just wouldn’t be clever.

I hurried back, joining up with the rest. Our search was now over finding the best. My cousin won second, they had four. I found just one but I think I won more.