The memories many; moments come flooding back.
There’s nary a thing in this life, I ever lacked.
I’ve loved and lived, as every man should,
With joys and sorrows, both grim and good.

Life’s twists and turns, I’d’ve never guessed,
Humbled and grateful; I am immensely blessed.
May the Lord walk before me where’er I go;
Keep my kids faithful, and help them to grow.

It’s getting dark; it’s getting late,
The flames turn to embers; my bed awaits.
I’ll arise on the ’morrow, for a new day awaits
Til my time is done, and my steps abate.
These are the things I contemplate,
As the years slip by, and I turn 58.

-Page, Arizona, September 30th, 2023.

Butterfly, butterfly, drift on the breeze;
Feel the sunshine so warm on your face.
Keep to the light, and away from the dark;
Live with meaning, and purpose, and grace.

Ladybug, ladybug, keep your heart pure;
Let all decadence pass by the way.
Hold fast to traditions you once held so dear,
And watch all the words that you say.

Firefly, firefly, let your light shine
Til the darkness gives way to the day.
Stand firm in will, choose friends with great care,
For in weakness they’ll lead you astray.

Honeybee, honeybee, don’t stray from your hive;
Beware of the nectar which lures.
For it will poison both body and soul
And its enslavement can never be cured.

Dragonfly, dragonfly, beware of the storms
And the people that mean you all harms.
Remember the good, the honest, and true,
And the care of these comforting arms.

Hummingbird, hummingbird, flutter about;
Fly under the care of the sun.
Cherish the moments; live life to the full,
For joy awaits when you’re done.

Damselfly, damselfly, stand bold for the truth;
Don’t care what strangers may say.
Be strong in spirit, don’t follow the crowd
For your crown awaits on that day.

Butterfly, butterfly, remember thy Lord
And the great love He has for thee.
Spread your wings and head for the skies;
He’ll be guiding you as you fly free.

                                                                                                         -Dad

There was a time with hair less grey
That life seemed easy, fun, and gay.
The future held aloft and bright
With hopes unmarred by black of night.

Then darkness came on heavy air;
It choked the life and brought despair.
The dreams of youth seemed out of sight,
And sorrow came in dying light.

The road had lost its golden hue
And Zion seemed so far from view.
Alone I walked with spirit bowed
And hope had slipped behind the cloud.

As I look back on passing years
I see myself and all the tears.
I’d like to tell that younger boy
That not all paths will lead to joy.

And in that time of long past days
I saw myself and all the ways
That love is lost and anger spent;
The source of pain and great lament.

But dawn will come; the sun arise,
And bring the light back to the skies.
As time will pass, and anguish cease,
I hope for good, and yearn for peace.

© dbro