Grandpa Ratcliffe

When I was young to visit Grandpa meant to swim and to play.
And we would drive that silly golf cart up and down the way.

I remember always sunshine and palm trees everywhere.
But I also remember sunburn and heat rash everywhere.
My virgin skin was never prepared.

Trips to the beach and sand castles made.
That Californian coast would excite me for days.

Drives to the play land full of characatuers
It was surely meaning well, but gave me total nightmares.

He would drive the lincoln to and from the shops.
While I would lay sleeping behind Grandpops.

When I had matured, to visit Grandpa meant to laugh and to drink.
And that is where I discovered Gin and Tonic was my thing.

It meant beaching and swimming all on my own.
And arriving for cocktails before the sun went down.

Stories of his travel and days when his kids were young.
And poems he wrote, I see where I got it from.

My grandfather sit still while his voice loud and strong.
He always enjoyed having us around.

Now Grandpa not sit, nor do he lay
For we will not see Grandpa another day.

But sometime I'll cross the path as he did.
And that is when I'll visit Grandpa again.

Big City Life

The city speaks
The sirens sound
Still feeling hustle
When no ones around

The streets still run
Even without sun.
The buildings stand tall,
Make me feel small.

The people in masses
Spilt into classes.
Lift you up or cut you down
Constant traffic all around.

Stiffened smiles and harsh glares.
What happened to the happiness in the air?

Ride the subway
This way, that way.
Uptown, downtown
Queens bound; Brooklyn bound.

Don't chase the train with closing doors
Another will come that's meant to be yours.

A Tribute to Grandpa

People aren’t as lucky as we are
To have a grandfather along with them this far.

Such a strong, witty man with an epic tale. He pushed hard to the end – without fail.

The story of a child raising the farm
To a man of good nature with Grandma’s hand on his arm.

I used to think when I was a kid
That a Grandpa wasn’t a Grandpa unless they looked like he did.

His bald head and silver hair
Any other Grandpas just didn’t compare.

I’d sit on his lap and tell him he stunk
He’d tell me “Kristin, bathing is for punks.”

He taught me how to make a fire with his black, beat up hands.
And I always looked up to him; a strong figure, a strong man.

As I thought about Grandpa in his last few days.
I thought if I make it, all the things I’d say.

I’d tell him, be with Grandma, its ok to go.

We will surely miss you but we know you loved her so.

And as I think of you now and everyday after -
I choose only to remember your charm and your laughter.

Sanctuary

I wake to see the fire escape.

The bluster of trees and the piano play.

The gates that keep my sanctuary

Safe and sound, so military.

Candles lit and tea is steeping

Just how I like to spend the evening.

Music plays and exhale puffs

Calm and peaceful, that's enough.

Strangers

Walk in a deep silence

Along the dusty road.

Sun is scorching steadily

Our stories left untold.

We share a mutual moment

In this similar space and time.

Speechless sounds from the heart

Where no control is mine.

Oz

Australia parifinalia
Kangaroos and surfer dudes.

I want to be a wallabe,
So I can roam free,
Hop amongst the trees.

Dr.Seuss looking vegetation.
Find comedy in mother nature.

Mates and dates down by the bay,
How many times can you say eh?

Beers and cheers and strong sunshine.
Sayings and slangs, one of a kind.

Wineries and local brew.
Everyday, guzzle a few.

The beach will teach you to be tame.
Toes in the sand, there is nothing to blame.

Ring of Life

Whisper your wonders
Into thin air.
Dare to dream
Don't be afraid to share.

Lose track of time.
What is it anyway?
Something reminding you
Of the days getaway.

Put disease at ease
With good energy and harmony.
Let it flow through your soul
With knowledge of epiphany.

Let smiles leak
And laugh deep from your throat
In this life
Bares no time to gloat.

Vote silly over sinful
Of this you will be greatful.
Get swept off your feet
By the people you meet.

Let truth be told;
Honestys policy.
To pout is to doubt
That the world has place for me.

Beneath there is a wreath,
The ring of life
For eternity will greet you
When all things turned right.

Remember that when you hear tears in your ears
Someone alone just needs your good cheers.

Follow your heart and let this life start.
Before all uneasiness tears you apart.