After Sound Check

A consuming buzz fills the air

Final tune-rhythmic breath-seeking calm

Hiding behind stacks of sound

Anxiety's grasp all around

So, I avoid the glare



Beads of blackened sweat

Lines the canvas-streaks the image-the manic stare

Of the demon now on-stage

Bleeding nervous energy and rage

Enter the first set



Standing potent and proud

Anxious faces-zealous chants-for glimpses of heroes

The power of one mind

Belies what lies behind

The surface that faces the crowd



The character is what remains

The same place-the same time-living the same dream

We are in this together

Dark birds of a feather

Magic coursing through our veins

A Father's Hurt So Mighty

Love endures but love cannot cure

A memory so painful

Creating dark passion that flows into art

Suffering and sorrow forge character of stone



So few havens now from misery

The lingering of a sweet embrace

Such a fine line between loss and life

Each day moving forward, knowing pain but not alone



Night eventually will turn towards day

A quiet roar of rage in telling silence

An inspired gift of beauty in an ashen world

A flower now lost until Springs next kiss



No rationale for beauty lost

Nor cause for tragedy's dance

Just a struggle for reason, a struggle for hope

A struggle to rise from this abyss



Vinegar tears forge the path you take

The lessons of ruin, the peace of despair

That bitter pill is a new beginning

Of a man marked for life, a life yet to live



The blade that heals as it rends

A Father's hurt so mighty

A daughters memory endures and guides

Nothing to atone, so much still to give

Suckerficial

Too many years and excuses for wrongful choices
Trust in the feelings not in the voices
When one shows no care, do not rationalize
friendship does not simply materialize


It is built on a trust that takes time to root
Not on clever hyperbole, built to suit
A charade of the shallow, the only shame
Is that those that you loved now play this game


Give all of you to those that return
That value your worth, a bridge not to burn
But a span of like minds that both benefit
From a brother's bond that you cannot quit


The loss is your life that you freely gave
Now all that's left is the rubble to save
as a lesson that life is too short to dispose
that to be suckerficial is as low as it goes

For My Best Friend

Our blessed union

To be cherished forever

I am fortunate



Your beauty is all

A man can hope to achieve

Nothing out shines you



Little things matter

Now you give all of yourself

Brightening my life



Warmness in my heart

a feeling of belonging

You are the reason



Your bright eyes alive

with the wonders of our love

warms my lonely soul



Your understanding

soothes my deep and brittle heart

no one loves like you



You without question

are the light that shines my days

Darkness to heaven

Character Study - The Lady in Black

She walked into the door of the small, noisy bar that Friday night into the warm refuge of The Corner Saloon, leaving the torrential rain and wind behind her. Like a siren, she drew all eyes towards her. She was radiant with her long, blonde, shiny hair like a halo, her expensive-looking black dress with her bare, cream-colored shoulders that shined like the full moon. She removed her smoky gray overcoat and the memory of the discomfort outside in one fluid movement. These simple actions demanded admiration and attention and there was no shortage of it from the roomful of patrons, male and female alike. She wore this attention like a crown, aware yet gracious in her manner.



As she passed the small, crowded tables on her way to the bar, she stopped at several of them, well known by the regulars here. She engaged in various chit-chat, her ready smile and red lips gladdening the soul of any privileged to be witness. Her laughter at some unheard joke somehow cut through the noisy offerings of the rock band performing that night at the far end of the room. She offered a suggestive glance toward the musicians before finally reaching the bartender to place her order, his friendly and swift manner revealing his knowledge of her favorite drink. Maker's Mark with a Coors light chaser. Down to earth refinement.



It did not take long for someone to ask her to dance. He was an older gentleman, straight, strong, and confident, a real professional looking type. Her quick acceptance and whispered response into his ear revealed their familiarity. As they approached the dance floor the sea of dancers parted, a spot in the middle of the fray magically appearing for them. As she twirled to the beat and moved with ability and grace well beyond average despite the stiletto heels she wore, she playfully shared glances with the band members, the eye contact just a little too long, too filled with the wonders of possibility, to be innocent. Yet there was no sleaziness to it, this lady was all class.



She projected high-powered elegance, so beautiful; her image would haunt the dreams of those in attendance for many nights thereafter. However, in a way that was almost ethereal,unattainable, you understood that this lady was beyond being a partner. She was to be worshiped and adored. You would never be happy unless your life was dedicated to making her happy, to put her before all things. It was as plain as the awe in the eyes of those she engaged that she would not have it any other way.



Suddenly the lights flickered as the storm outside kicked up a protest, offended perhaps at being left out of the festivities. Almost on cue, a loud clap of thunder followed, promising a challenging drive home once the confines of this warm retreat were but a reflection in the rear view mirror. There was no fear or dread in the deep eyes of the lady in black however, for she was alive, alive like the storm itself, alive and in full control. In her own way she was it’s equal, her power making even more of a mark on those around her as the fury of nature outside struggled to keep pace with her magic.