IF I DO NOT

It is easy to find loneliness
When no one else is around
I listen for the train whistles
The rain clouds that abound
My yesterdays were so fine
But my tomorrows—
   I just don’t know, but
When the sun shines and
Nature sings it song
You know it isn’t all wrong
And somehow I go on
Thankful for the gifts I have
I am a king, just without a crown
 
The day moves along and
I move slowly from thing to thing
I feel melancholy in my slower ‘gait
And my voice lacks that familiar ring
Before this day is over
And I think this is a safe bet
I will witness another gift from above
A glorious (almost resurrection like) sunset
Then I will sing my songs
Then listen to some moody jazz
Slowly sip cognac in candle light
Wait for the stars in the sky and
Maybe for the moon to come into sight
 
Some days I just feel old and
Think it is time to put my pen down
But that feeling lasts for just a while
Even causes me to frown
So much to say, to share with others
And sadly a lot I can’t write about
It is better to internalize some truth
No one needs all of my ‘spiel
l haven’t worn down all my thoughts
And often feel as though their inspired
My self-proclaimed duty to write them
Utter or express in words extravagantly
Words solemn enough to make a hymn
 
Stanski on June 22, 2020 ^
 
 
 

LAKE MICHIGAN

Late evening call
To the shore
Waves speak out
Don’t be sore
It’s still early
There’s time to warm
Patience called for
Doubts begin to form
 
How long this year
Until it’s nice
Random predictions
Will have to suffice
We are patient
Willing to sacrifice
The main thing is
There’s only so much time
Until good days
Automatically decline
 
So we wait
It’s getting better
No more topcoat
Nor woolen sweater
Soon be shorts
And a tee
Then we’ll talk back
To the sassy inland sea
Lake Michigan
 
By Steve Haarman
June 12, 2012