death

I could barely see the enemy in front of me through the smoke and cannon fire. my friend Jamie dropped in the first barrage. I was wounded lightly by a stray ball as it grazed my arm. the acrid stench of battle was almost overpowering. the dead and dying moaned on the field almost sounding as banshees claiming the souls of the departing.

the call to charge was given and I led my men. over the uneven terrain we ran. approaching the English line. and then I heard the roar and men dropped around me and I felt a searing pain in my side.

targe out and sword raised I attacked the line and just barely caught the motion to my right. a bayonet? I dropped my elbow down quickly sending the bayonet lower only to have it pierce my side. I reeled and fell. all I could do was survey the scene after I fell. it all moved so slowly. the English ranks were unwavering. and my friends perished to shot and bayonet.

quiet. well quiet in comparison to the battle. I lay and listened wondering how many had died. hearing the occasional moan or scream.

he stood above me with musket in hand. I saw the bayonet poised above me and then it fell. I could feel it pierce my breast and then all began to fade. life's blood spilling upon the ground and a blackness until I again saw a light.

Her hands

her hands

I walked alone.
the sand Soft and warm to my feet.
wanting a place to call home
as I made an existence upon the street

a tear rolled down my cheek
as I strolled that sandy beach
shaking head I could not speak
the words that I would say to him

I stopped my sojourn on the sand
to think so long and hard
and then on my shoulder I felt a hand
soft touch, a remembered experience

I turned a thing unreal
I had walked alone I thought
and yet saw something so real
that I could not deny

along the shore two sets of tracks
mine and some so close to surf
had I fallen thru the cracks?
or did someone watch over me?

and then I felt a mother's love
I knew I needn't walk alone
yet still I would just need a shove
to take that hand held out to me

I knew some day that hand I'd take
to travel home, to comfort at last
she touched my heart for my sake
not hers, just as a mother would

and so still walk along the sand
feeling her presence in my life
and waiting for her to take my hand
when darkness settles as I lay my head

Alone

Sitting. Feeling the emptiness inside.
How many hours sitting by the phone?
Waiting for someone to call.
How many times checking email?
Only to find an empty box.

Is life worth living without friends?
How can one survive without love?

Hugging knees. Wracked with pain.
Is it possible to survive one more night?
Waiting for someone to call.
How long can I wait?
Sitting. Living with the emptiness.

Life

Life

Good riddance? Some may say so.
Life's dance? Sometimes fraught with demons?

Laying awake? Fighting those demons thru the night.
What's at stake? Would the light going out take them away?

Pushed to the brink? Is the ultimate decision good?
What should one think? to go or not to go?

Ending? The light goes out and all is quiet.
Sending. A soul fades into the eternities.

Dreams

Dreams

I saw you there. Sitting. hair blowing in the wind.
How long did the moments last? And then you turned and smiled.
Only a moment? But eternal.
Your smile at me showing how you feel.

Dreams

Holding a newborn in one's arms.
How long will it last? Eyes closed. Sleeping tenderly.
Can this last more than a moment? Wishing for it never to end.
I smile and want to hold you forever.

Dreams

Sitting by the fire. Remembering life.
How did it go by so fast? Thinking on almost an eternity of love.
How many more moments do we get? Yes, wishing for it to never end.
I smile and know that I have not wasted my moments dreaming of some future reward.

Her Lips

her lips so soft and expressive moved with his as in a lover's embrace

his body entwined with hers aching for more than this

her tongue danced with his. toying, questing, tasting

his hands holding her tight. touching, feeling, giving

their souls united; bodies as one; giving freely.

The Years

Time

Endlessly cascading like the water over a waterfall.

Touch

Remembering holding hands, lips touching, a head on shoulder.

Taste

Savoring the first bite of a dinner made for two.

Time

Remembering long years spent with the one you love.