rage boils, surface deep
rising past the release valve
scalding all in reach.
damn it all to hell!
bursts of scathing words exchanged;
none retractable.
prayers for patience
seemingly go unanswered
temper lost again.
Marathoners tell
of surviving the long race;
going the distance.
Pour me a tall glass
Of Chardonnay and watch me
Go my own distance.
For I will never
Compete in a marathon,
But just watch me drink.
Peace, People!
When a cowboy dies
the world sighs and God calls out
“come home son, and rest!”
“You’ve no more cattle
to brand, no roundups to ride,
come home son, and rest.”
“Your best horse awaits
ready for your gentle hand
ride home son, and rest.”
When a cowboy dies
loved ones cry, while angels sing,
“welcome home; now rest.”

I wrote this piece as a tribute to my husband’s Uncle, Frank Parker, who passed away this week. I didn’t have a photo of Uncle Frank, but actor Fess Parker (pictured above) was a cousin, and shared a lot of the same good genetic material.
Uncle Frank was a true cowboy from his early teenaged years in Pie Town, New Mexico, until his body just couldn’t do the work anymore. Not too many years ago Frank suffered a broken neck in a horse-related incident.
No one expected Frank to live, but he did, recovering fully and continuing to ride the range out near Albuquerque, New Mexico, on into his 80’s.
Uncle Frank was one hell of a tough man, and a real cowboy. He’s ridden on home now. May he truly find rest.
Peace, people.
Behind this door lies
Madness, maybe, or magic.
Only time may tell.
Green doorway beckons,
Oft polished tiles pave the way
Stay wary, be wise.
From ether appeared
Long-limbed, staff-carrying Mage.
My breath caught; exhaled.
“Magician, tell me
Secrets from beyond grave’s door.”
“Those must wait,” he said,
“For your own demise,
Your journey beyond life’s pale
Do not hurry there!”
Again I begged the wizard,
“A hint, please of what’s to come!”
Wickedly, he smiled,
“Child, ask me no more!
Twice have I refused your bid
Thrice will serve you not!”
But eager was I
To know secrets dark and deep
Again I bade him,
“Answer me! ‘Tis truth I seek!”
Rakishly grinned he,
“You should have escaped, my dear,
Now face your nightmare!”
Force flew from his hand,
A blinding light soon followed
To my knees I fell
Trembling with fear
Awestruck by his power play.
“Enough,” I cried. “Please!”
“Your pleas fail to halt
The mighty powers I have
Set into motion.”
Now in this casket
I am sealed without a hope
Of ever leaving,
Of ever loving,
But at least I still have a
Wicked way with words.
Curiosity
Killed the cat I’ve heard it said.
And it entombed me.
I snapped these photos in Antigua, Guatemala, at la Casa de Santa Domingo, a hotel built around the ruins of an ancient monastery. Sometimes my imagination has its way with me.
Peace, people!