Marathon Boston The: 2nd Anniversary

This is a poem I wrote the day after the Boston Marathon bombings. The photo was taken a few years ago. To honor and pay tribute to the victims on the second anniversary of the attacks, I put the two together. #BostonStrong

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A Spring Morning

This is a piece I thought up a few years back while on my way into work one morning. With nothing but farm fields between my house and my former place of employment, it made for some pretty spectacular sunrises, especially during the changing seasons. The sunrise photo is one I shot with my cell phone a year or two prior to writing the poem. Back then, I was actually on my way home from work as I was on a third shift schedule.

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In Memory of Wade

This is a tribute to my step-dad on the one year anniversary of his death. If you didn't know Wade, he was a long time cook at a restaurant here in Montrose, MI. Knowing that, this tribute will make a little more sense to you all. Wade was one of the greatest guys I've ever known and I miss every single thing about him. Wish you were still here, Wade. Love you, Dad. 

(Wade, with grandchildren, Jace and Lorelai-Christmas time 2013)

In Memory of Wade

An extra large cheeseburger pizza

Or a juicy triple cheese delight

These are the things I miss eating

When you’d cook for us at night

A handful of shredded mozzarella

I know that sounds odd and weird

Bake me up spaghetti or lasagna

And that pasta instantly disappeared

Crispy grilled cheese and fries

The greatest comfort for your soul

To always make us feel better

You served chicken noodle in bowl

Party food and sizzling appetizers

Like cheese sticks and onion rings

Or snacks for all the biggest games

Consisting of nachos and wing dings

I could always go for your breakfast

Like a western omelet without the meat

Or eggs, toast, hash browns and sausage

Tasting your food again would be a treat

It’s not only just about the food though

It’s about all the memories shared

The great times in that old restaurant

That were created through the years

I was always doing these odd jobs

To try and make you very proud

Like fold thousands of pizza boxes

And bus tables when you had a crowd

I remember sitting, drinking coffee

With you and your crazy Montrose friends

It’s the one thing that I don’t really miss

Since most of them are Republicans

If only it were festival weekend again

And I was helping you wash dishes

Getting paid with blueberry pancakes

Against all of my stomachs wishes

Not a single day ever goes by

Where I don’t deeply long to see

My dearest step-father, Wade

And his grease stained pocket T's

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Sympathy Greeting

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Poems About Death (Week Long Series): Post #6

I wrote this piece after my step-dad was cremated. I actually wrote it for my brother-in-laws band, Apollo's Din. They're into short, unusual lyrics so I was thinking they could put some music to my poem. But just like all the other things I've written for them, they turned it down...

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Cremated

Stationary

Cemetery

Trapped inside

No sanctuary

It’s where you go

To live out your death

For eternity

Without a breath

Rotting body

Inside a box

No way to live

Even if you’re gone

But it’s where you go

To live out your death

For eternity

Without a breath

When I die

Burn my soul

Spread my ashes

Over hell

Don’t want to be buried

To live out my death

For eternity

Without a breath

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Poems About Death (Week Long Series): Post #5

This piece was by far the hardest poem about death that I have ever written. It tells the exact story of the day my step-dad passed away. It is one of the few writings that I've done where I've made myself cry. And that's about all I'm going to say about it. 

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Final Goodbye

Get the call

Dad's on deathbed

Hasn’t but an hour left

Drop it all

Rubber on road

Hadn’t seen him all week

Speed before it’s too late

Failure not an option

Park on concrete garage

Uphill incline

To facilities stench

Revolving through the doors

Rotate in

Climb to sixth floor

In room

In time

Wasn’t prepared

A haunting site

Violent gasp

Reaching for air

Mouth hanging

Full of foam

Wipe it down

Huddle around

Squeeze his hand

He feels my presence

He opens up

With little life he had

A single tear

Drips from corner

He knows I’m there

He seems relieved

Like he’s ready

Like he’s going

His blood stalls

His organs give

His soul meets peace

Dad's gone

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Poems About Death (Week Long Series): Post #4

This is another poem that I tried to write just after my step-dad had passed away. While all of those emotions were still fresh in my mind. After the first line, however, I had no idea how to express the kinds of feelings that I had, so I put off finishing it until just very recently. I can tell you, all of those emotions were still very much there and just as hard to write about. 

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What Would It?

What would it feel like to know you were dying?

Could you hold your eyes wide open without crying?

Chemically lined

To equalize pain

Poison escalates

A slow demise

What would it feel like to know you were dying?

What thoughts would be going through your head?

Could you fall asleep at night in the comfort of your bed?

Childhood dreams

Stir life’s regrets

Your decades

Flash before you

What thoughts would be going through your head?

What would you say to the people you love most?

Could you tell them goodbye or just save it for ghost?

Cherish your time

Never let them go

Weep at the thought

Of leaving them alone

What would you say to the people you love most?

What would it feel like to know you were dying?

Could you keep fighting or just give up trying?

All deep questions

Worth pondering

Think about it

We’re all dying

What does it feel like to know you are dying?

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Poems About Death (Week Long Series): Post #3

These two poems are pieces that I just recently finished. I'm not really sure where the inspiration for the first one came from. "Death is Not a Game", is pretty self explanatory. I was probably watching some sort of sporting event while also thinking about death. And it just clicked. The second poem, "The Hardest Thing", is one that I actually started last year after my step-dad passed away. I couldn't pull myself to complete it until this last week. It is definitely the hardest thing to watch a close, loved one die. That is why I felt the need to express it through poetry. 

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 Death is Not a Game

Death is all but leisurely sport

From moment you arrive into world

That day of birth is not your draft

Adolescence not pre-season

Practice required in daily grind

Can’t win with meaningless motion

Blood, sweat, tears and pain

Victory is only survival

Death is not a game

It’s not a countdown

To dead lined attack

No play clock

No game clock

You can’t stop time

Or go back in time

There is no overtime

There are no guarantees

Death is not a game

One wrong move

Career more than over

A costly mistake

Only one fan to judge you

Step out of bounds

Eternally banished

Catastrophic injury

No back up plan

Death is not a game

Drop the pass

Cut from more than team

Miss the shot

Condemned to unknown

Fall face first in dirt

Covered by ground

Trip upon frozen ice

Body grows numb

Death is not a game

There are no mulligans

Or do-over-replays

Or second chances

Fate won’t allow such

If you’re lucky

But luck runs out

Always runs dry

And you die

Death is not a game

Be that reckless athlete not

Who takes opportunity for granted

You never know when your buzzer will sound

When your stadium lights will dim

When your legacy abruptly ends

When you retire into the bliss

When the fat lady sings for you

Come to think of it

It’s really life that’s not a game

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The Hardest Thing

Get the news

Not good

Six to live

Probably less

Denial not healthy

But for the best

Accepting not acceptable

Strength isn’t strong

Energy drained

Time running out

Weeks numbered

By painful days

Fear in eyes

Follows regret

Deterioration sinks in

Drives it home

Reality check

Not a dream

A nightmare

With catastrophic effect

Minutes run down

By seconds of agony

Helplessness

Written on face

Keep spirits high

Fail miserably

All parties

Silently saying goodbye

Can’t speak, a voice so weak

Can’t eat, a nauseating defeat

Can’t laugh, a coughing attack

Can’t sleep, a peaceful dream

Can’t work, can’t play

Can’t hope, can’t pray

Can’t run, can’t stray

Can’t breathe, can’t stay

Only one thing left

Give in

It’s the hardest thing

To watch a loved one die

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Poems About Death (Week Long Series): Post #2

This first piece, entitled, "The Last Time", is actually a poem I wrote when my step-grandmother (my step-dads mom) passed away. She lived in Michigan up until the last few years of her life when she moved down to Arizona to be warmer and closer to other family members. The last time I saw her, she was up here in Michigan visiting during the summer of 2010. Before she went back to Arizona at the end of that August, she gave me a hug and said, "Hopefully I'll get to see you again." I thought it was pretty strange that she would say such a thing. Almost like she knew it would probably be the last time. And it was. She passed away in        January of that winter. 

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The Last Time

The last time I saw her

She gave me a kiss

Looked me in the eyes

Said I would be missed

She turned and walked away

Unsure at her ripe old age

About the next chapter

Or even just another page

Grandma boarded the plane

Flew back home to Arizona

A few short months later

She passed in Santa Rosa

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This next piece is one that I wrote just after the passing of my step-dad. I wrote it through my mothers perspective. To me, it seemed like nights were the worst for her. For the first few weeks after Wades death, my mom couldn't bring herself to sleep in their bed. It was a sad time for her and it wasn't easy to watch her struggle. I came up with this poem one night while sitting there wondering how it must have felt for her. She has never read this as I just couldn't bring myself to show her. It's called, "When it Hurts the Most". 

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When it Hurts the Most

At night is when it hurts the most

I can feel you here but I know I’m alone

Your spirit lingers on empty bed

I cling to memories saved in my head

A sudden chill sweeps over my body

An overwhelming sensation that burns

A cool breeze hits my tempered face

With the warmth of your loving embrace

Whispers float with the quiet tides

A rolling frequency of crashing waves

My ears pick up your static sound

On a whim of hope I call out loud

Your lips brush gently against mine

They are what I long for the most

Your fingertips run softly through my hair

As I lay restless in the darkened air

I watch for you with desperation

But my eyes are blind to your presence

They search with no avail

They’ve fallen off the trail

Only my dreams will keep you alive

It’s not enough for peace of mind

I can feel you here but I know I’m alone

That’s why at night is when it hurts the most

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Poems About Death (Week Long Series)

This week, leading up to March 2nd-the one year anniversary of my Step-Dads passing, I will be sharing a series of poems I have written regarding death. Although death is a very sad and emotional topic, it is not my intention to depress anybody with my writings. I just wanted to express all those feelings of losing somebody you love and care about. Especially when you lose that somebody way too soon. And the best way I know how to do that is through poetry.

These first two pieces should give you a pretty good idea of what took Wade away from us. A thing that takes way too many people from this world. Cancer.

"The "C" Word" is actually one I wrote during my Wades first battle with Cancer, in which he won. During that time, a local hospital was running a cancer commercial with the theme being "The C Word". The first time I caught the ad after Wades diagnoses, I started thinking about unpleasant words beginning with the letter "C", that could be used as adjectives for cancer.

"Cancer Alliteration" is one that I just recently created about a week ago. Getting closer to March 2, the emotions were already beginning to stack up, but that pile doubled as I was watching the show "Nashville", on ABC (not a country music fan but a huge fan of the show). One of the main characters, Deacon, was recently diagnosed with liver cancer and in that particular episode, was having a very rough time dealing with his situation. It brought back all the memories of watching my Step-Dad suffer. I kept thinking about how much I hated cancer and how hard it was to watch Wade go through what Deacon is going through, right now. I know, it's just a television show, right? Well, that doesn't make it any easier to watch or to take in. It hits close to home, either way.

Cancer is just a horrible thing, all around. I live for the day that we have a cure for every kind of cancer out there plaguing our world today!

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The “C” Word

Cacaesthesia, Cachaemic, Cachexic,

Cacidrosis, Cacodemomania, Cacoethes,

Cacotopia, Caespitose, Cafrad, Caitiff,

Calciform, Caliginous, Calvary, Camsteary,

Candescent, Carceral, Cardimelech, Caritive,

Carking, Carnifex, Caruncle, Cataclasm,

Cataphyiscal, Catastrophe, Catenular,

Chromatism, Claudent, Claudication,

Clochard, Clonic, Cockamamie, Cockshy,

Cocotte, Codswallop, Col, Commination,

Contumacious, Crackjaw, Crapehanger,

Creatophagous, Creophagous Cryptogenic,

Cutaneous, Cynosure, Cytogenesis…

Each of these words

Beginning with the letter C

Can be used to describe

The worst “C” word of all…

-Cancer-

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Cancer Alliteration

Cancer comes calmly

Cancer quickly climbs

Cancer covers quality

Cancer clots care

Cancer could cease

Cancer questions creed

Cancer cripples chemo

Cancer cooks cells

Cancer click cliché

Cancer cruelly calls

Cancer quivers cold

Cancer kills us all

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Poems for my Daughter

These two pieces are both dedicated to my daughter, and first born, Lorelai. The first, I wrote just days after she was born. The emotions were still running pretty high. Understandably so for a first time parent! The second poem (beneath the photo), I wrote near her first birthday. In my opinion, you learn more about yourself, about life and about love in the first year of being a parent than you do the rest of your entire life. The photograph is one I snapped of her, also around her first birthday. She's the best thing that could ever happen to a guy!

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Amazing Change

It’s amazing how my life changed

On the day that we finally met

It’s amazing how my life changed

With your first gasp of a breath

Amazing, yet purely simple

Because it was instant love

It’s something that you feel

From your own flesh and blood

It’s amazing how my life changed

As your unfocused eyes opened

It’s amazing how my life changed

The exact way that I was hoping

Amazing, yet purely simple

Because of your loving stare

You connected with my soul

Driving me straight into tears

It’s amazing how my life changed

When my ears caught your cry

It’s amazing how my life changed

At the site of your bright smile

Amazing, yet purely simple

Because of your lovable face

And the uncontrollable desire

For the way your kisses taste

It’s amazing how my life changed

Holding your warmth in my arms

It’s amazing how my life changed

When you melted my cold heart

Amazing, yet purely simple

Because it was meant to be

It’s what I’ve been longing for

Being your father is my destiny

Amazing Year

It’s been an amazing year

Watching you grow

And learning new things

That you’ll forever know

Like how to throw a fit

And how to laugh and giggle

And how it felt

To have your first tickle

Your first crawls, your first steps

Your first taste of real food

And the way your attitude gets

With each changing mood

I’ll never forget

How much you loved your books

Or when I told you NO

And got the cutest sad looks

For a first time parent

I hope I did everything right

As I tuck you in

For the 365^th night

It’s been an amazing year

Watching you grow

And learning new things

That I’ll forever know

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Pickin' Winter Flowers

This is one I came up with yesterday afternoon while snapping some frozen photos. I started putting the rhymes together as I took the shot below. The temperature was below zero but it was a beautiful day here in Michigan!

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Pickin’ winter flowers

It’s cold but it is nice

Pickin’ winter flowers

Beauty forms from ice

Pickin’ winter flowers

Jagged and crystal clear

Pickin’ winter flowers

As they appear in thin air

Pickin’ winter flowers

Sparkling in the sun

Pickin’ winter flowers

It’s tons of frozen fun

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Secret Admirer Greeting for Valentine's Day

Are you madly and deeply in love with somebody this Valentine's Day that doesn't even know it? Have you been trying to find a way to finally tell that person how you feel, but with no luck? If the answer to these questions is yes, then I have the perfect way for you to finally let them in on your big secret. Please feel free to share my newest greeting with that magical person of your dreams! Happy Valentine's Day and go get em!!!

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Proposal Greeting

Are you thinking about proposing to your significant other this Valentine's Day, but still haven't thought of a way to do it? Well, maybe this will help you. This is a wedding proposal greeting I came up with-specially for this, the most romantic of holidays. Feel free to save it, share it or use it however else you please. Good luck and Happy Valentine's Day!!!

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With You (For my all-time Valentine)

This is a piece I wrote for my wife and Valentine-for life, Ashley. I thought posting one for her would be a good way to kick of this week of love, leading up to the most romantic day of the year.  

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With You

Blazing summer nights

Snuggled up with you

That’s-where-I-wanna-be

Passion flaming hot

At our secluded lakeside spot

Just-doing-what-we-do

I still love you as much now

As I did back at our start

And-may-be-a-lit-tle-more

There is no one else for me

You’re the only girl I see

So-for-get-all-of-your-doubt

Let’s-show-them-what-loves-about

Colorful autumn nights

Snuggled up with you

That’s-where-I-wanna-be

Fires burning hot

It’s your touch that hits the spot

Just-doing-what-we-do

I still love you as much now

As I did back at our start

And-may-be-a-lit-tle-more

There is no one else for me

You’re the only girl I see

So-for-get-all-of-your-doubt

Let’s-show-them-what-loves-about

Cold winter nights

Snuggled up with you

That’s-where-I-wanna-be

Bodies steaming hot

Blankets pulled around the spot

Just-doing-what-we-do

I still love you as much now

As I did back at our start

And-may-be-a-lit-tle-more

There is no one else for me

You’re the only girl I see

So-for-get-all-of-your-doubt

Let’s-show-them-what-loves-about

Stormy spring nights

Snuggled up with you

That’s-where-I-wanna-be

Lightning flashing hot

Roars of thunder from our spot

Just-doing-what-we-do

I still love you as much now

As I did back at our start

And-may-be-a-lit-tle-more

There is no one else for me

You’re the only girl I see

So-for-get-all-of-your-doubt

Let’s-show-them-what-loves-about

Yes-for-get-all-of-your-doubt

Let’s-show-them-what-loves-about

Just-for-get-all-of-your-doubt

We’ll-show-them-what-loves-about

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If you've been with somebody for a decade-or longer, you know that sometimes in the relationship, it isn't as hot and steamy as it was in the very beginning-not as passionate as it was at first. Sometimes, there are doubts, fears and other concerns about the love and affection being shown or just about the whole relationship in general. When I wrote this, I wanted to express to my wife that she was-and still is the only woman for me. No matter what situations we're faced with-no matter what day of the year it is, she will always be my one true love and my one true Valentine. Plus, chicks dig when you write stuff for them! 

I wrote this one in kind of a lyrical form. I'm hoping to one day put music to some of my writings. Not necessarily this one, but if my brother-in-laws, Apollo's Din ever want to expand the style of music they play, I have some stuff for them... 

Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day to my wife, Ashley. And Happy Valentine's Day to all you beautiful lovers out there. I hope Cupid is very kind to each and every one of you on this upcoming, and magical February 14th of 2015.  

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Lights Out, Game Time (Special Super Bowl Post)

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Ok, so technically speaking, this piece isn't about the Super Bowl. Instead, it's a poem about my high school football team, the Montrose Rams and how we use to prepare for each game we played. And just to brag a little bit, I should mention that we did, in fact win the Michigan-Division 5 State Championship my senior year, back in 2002 (shout out to the Class of 2003). Now, although this was just our specific way of getting ready for each game, all athletes and all teams have their own ways to prepare each week. So, I figured most competitors-on some level-especially those preparing to play tonight in the biggest game of the year would and could relate to this writing on some level. Hope you enjoyed it and Happy Super Bowl Sunday to all!!!

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