The tears that I sow
Are for the sorrows that I reap
The tears that flow remind me so
Of the memories I keep
The tears that stream across my cheek
Flow down like a river ever so deep

The taste of my tears that caress my parched lips
Each one satisfying a thirst
From the pride that has always been my curse
Leaving tracks so that others follow
Bitter- sweet A taste too difficult to swallow

I pray for oil to flow down my head
But all I’m left with are my tears instead
Tears that leave me deep in sadness
Tears that leave me close to madness
So, I’ll go on weeping sowing in tears
Waiting for the day when I’ll reap a harvest
Of joy and gladness

THE CITY

Snowflakes falling
It’s Christmas in the city
Shoppers Scurrying about
Winds biting
Breezed red faces
Frostbite toes a runny nose
Chestnuts burning their lips
OH, so many trips to;
Haynes,Bambergers,Orbachs
Salvation Santas with bells and a hanging pot
Collecting change for charity
Window shopping:
Dolls trucks games elves placed on
Decorated snowcap shelves
A Lionel steam engine puffing away
Waiting for children to take home and play
Take the number 60 PS bus home with bundles of joy
Merry Christmas to every girl and boy

CHRISTMAS EVE

The aroma of pine permeates the air
Bright colored lights surround the tree
Silver and Gold Silver and Gold
Hidden behind dozens of silver streams
Smells from the kitchen
Stimulate the senses
Antepast, fish, salads, hors d’oeuvres, macaroni
So much more to mention
Relatives and friends gather about
Joining the feast
Drinking the wine
That taste mighty fine
At midnight some went to Mass
While others continued to crash
Children with joy and anticipation
Falling asleep
With dreams they keep
ALL WAS WELL

CHRISTMAS DAY

Parents asleep
We silently creep
Passed their door
On to the parlor floor
Head straight to the tree
On our knees
Check the stockings filled with:
Figs walnuts chestnuts
Under the tree were unwrapped gifts
(No one wrapped presents in my house)
We were never disappointed
(Mom and Dad never
Exchange gifts)
We played with our toys all day
Neighbers stopped in for drinks
Hungry relatives came for Christmas dinner
Alwas giving us money
Before dessert(expresso and pastries) you can hear the
Snoring coming from the parlor
Soon the day was coming to a close
With no kisses or hugs all went their separate ways
Until next year
Those were happy days
The days I remember in my memories and dreams
Nothing today is as it seems
All are gone but the past lives on
*************************************
“Therefore the lord Himself will give you a sign
Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son
And she will call his name Immanual”

Isaiah 7-14

i

It’s not about the things you collect
But about the things you cannot forget
Kept in time
Your time
These are the things I mention
All part of my recollection

Mad magazine
Elvis 45’s
Lionel trains
Pez dispenser
Teddy bear
Snow globe
Black and white tv
Schwin bike
Mickie Mantle card
Air rifle
Baseball glove
Radio flyer sled

Add to the list what you wish
It’s not about the things you have
Or left behind
but the memories they bind

On the road to redemption
Salvation assured
I approached a crossroad
Having 4 stop signs
Which way Lord?

Contemplating my fate
Looking perplexed
Each road so narrow
Never vexed

Crossing the line
With apprehension
I found myself
On the road to redemption

Which road to take
Became a dilemma
Once elected
I was given a directive

Take the road you think best
Let me take care of all the rest
Convinced of my destiny
I took the road meant for me
All one-way
No return

Then I learned much
to my surprise
All 4 roads
No compromise

Looking beyond
I read the signs
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Need I mention
The only roads to redemption
**********************************

“I have wiped out your transgressions
like a thick cloud
and your sins like a heavy mist,
return to me,for I have redeemed you”
Isaiah 44-22