A Sampler of Uncommon Sense and Good Times/ Emotional Trips, Whimsy and More in Rhymes

Please use the following poems from my book: From chapter 1 "Still" and "Running" chapter 2 "The Pilot" chapter 3 "Innosense" chapter 6 "The Next Step" chapter 14 "Extreme Alliteration" ---------------------- Running At our age we have to change how we talk. Everywhere we’d normally say “run,” it’s now “walk.” “Well, we have to walk,” when we’re in a hurry to go. “We’re walking a few errands,” at our age we’re slow. Will anyone salute, if we walk this up the pole? Do we walk something by the boss? How droll. Here’s hoping we don’t have to walk each machine, Or walk the bath, if you know what I mean. Walking for public office, we don’t do it’s agreed The rest of the world needn’t slow to our speed. We have our own rate which we won’t exceed. Still We’ve come to that point we can call the “still” age. It starts when people ask, “Are you still earning a wage?” Then about health,” Are you still limping on that knee, Or has it been replaced? You’re still dancing I see.” Later, “Are you still driving that big old car?” What they really mean, “Are you still driving that far?” “That house you love, are you still living there, Or have you moved where they provide full care?” It appears they’ll ask and ask until, It comes to the point that you are “still.” The Pilot The old man had not flown for a while. This was his final mission, he thought with a smile. He flew naval planes long ago in the war. That was another life, way back in forty four. Once he ditched in the sea after taking some flak. He got out okay with his raft in its pack. Survival wasn’t certain with the ocean so vast. How many days would his water supply last? Luck was with him, more than most who flew. A Polynesian fisherman found him with his canoe. From that day on all his life was a gift. He always gave back. He was never adrift. Now his wife of many decades was dead. His kids, with the grand kids, were happily wed. After his last checkup with the final day news, He got everything in order. He’d paid all his dues. Now in his closing days, a decision was made. He would travel back. His determination wouldn’t fade. He would set himself adrift on the wide sea. “My circle of life will be complete,” thought he. He knew his island and was transported there. This was the place where his life was spared. The native fisherman listened to his plan. No one would help him, it was taboo to their clan. The fisherman explained what the old ones do, When they can no longer fish and paddle a canoe. They sit on the beach and watch the seas. They tell stories to the young under the trees. The sunset’s glory, nature’s bounty, a land with no strife. That’s how they continue the circle of life. The old man thought, but not for long. It’s a better way to go. It can’t be wrong. Better with a story on your lips, singing life’s song. Innocence, Scene 1 At the wedding, Johnny bears the rings. Five year old Mary, each flower petal flings. So serious and steady they walk the aisle. Each of the guests watches the two with a smile. At the reception Johnny sneaks a kiss. The photographer catches this moment of bliss. How cute they are, how sweet. For all who see, it’s such a treat. Scene 2 Johnny sees Mary during the school day. He plants a kiss. He thinks it’s okay. He sees adults show affection this way. But unfortunately, the purists have their say. Johnny, age five, is sent for detention. To stop harassment, you need intervention. Calling mom in, should get his attention. Making him an example is their intention. The Next Step I have entered the twilight of my years. I know not when, though the end is near. Relatives and friends say, “Don’t talk that way,” But they know there’ll be a final day. I tell them, they should not feel bad for me, Since I’ve had the greatest life there could be. What will come next, none of us knows. We all hope the best as life slows. Is there a heaven where only the most pious go, And the remainder spend eternity in fires below? I can’t picture a loving God casting aside All those who the rules did not wholly abide. Whatever comes, I know what I’d like to see. First a meeting with those who passed before me. Some to say thanks, some to say I’m sorry. These simple gestures often were dilatory. I’d like to find how things turned out. Did the grand kids find good spouses without doubt? Did our young and all those coming after them Have contented and meaningful lives in tandem? The world is facing many problems, it’s true. Would I see that intelligence solved many or few? Will mankind survive beyond this age, Or will we revert to a primitive stage? Maybe we’ll just cease to exist when we die. Maybe heaven and hell are human inventions is why. We can’t imagine the world when we’re not here. Do our beliefs create an afterlife from this fear? Extreme Alliteration Supposedly silent Simple Simon started saying, “Someone should stop Sweet Sara’s swaying.” Simon saw sick Sara’s sudden spews. Swiftly shifting, Simon saved spattered shoes.