Wednesday, April 01, 2009

OLD RED BARN

OLD RED BARN

Adam Jones
December 2008


Knowledge and wisdom are things for which we all yearn.
No matter our age, we always want to learn.
Everyone needs a place to be taught to carry life’s load.
For me an old red barn was the beginning of the road.

My teacher was a tough, hardworking, simple man.
With a grease covered jean jacket, bloodied arms, and skin leather tan.
Simple in honest beliefs and attire,
But a mind every man strives to acquire.

With tools to fix most everything,
It was a place I truly loved being.
So many nuts and bolts there was no measure,
And a junk pile filled with many a treasure.

We changed oil, mufflers, starters, and shocks.
Anything is possible with a truck up on blocks.
Dog houses were built and boats restored,
With so much to do we were never bored.

In time I learned there was something special about this place.
Blood, sweat, and dirt are enough to bring a smile to any boy’s face.
But it was more than that, fore I was learning real values.
Working side by side with my brothers, we couldn’t lose.

Sometimes I feel lost now without that place, that man.
Going on without them hasn’t been easy, but I believe that I can.
The traditions passed on are deep within me.
Never to be forgotten, a part of who I always will be.

Just the smell of grease takes me back to those days.
To a special place and a special man, set in his ways.
I don’t know if I will ever find a place I feel as content,
As I did in that old red barn where most of my youth was spent.

THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING

THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING

Roger A. Davis

I’ve flown on a big jet once or twice
Instead of a movie, wouldn’t a comedy skit be nice?
Lines like ‘Air Speed, Warp Drive’
‘Altitude: Higher than anyone could skydive’

‘At Denver, I took a left instead of a right
Good news, another balmy L.A. night
In the morning, the Big Apple connection flight
Bad news, you’re paying; United’s budget is too tight’

‘A bearded is man asking us to stop for a Cuban cigar
Since Miami is our next stop, it won’t be far
He has an uncle there named Fidel
Our return flight, only time will tell’

‘This is your Captain speaking; my son is seated by me
He is 16, giving him flying lessons, no instructor’s fee
No Co-Pilot but don’t worry, no solo
My heart hurts, oh no!’

‘For you who are scared of heights
We are at tree top level, hard to see any sights
But it’s dark anyway, don’t be uptight
Thank you for flying with us, God bless and good night

H2O TOWER SHOW

H2O TOWER SHOW

Ode to the taken for granted water tower
Water brought to your home by gravity power
Various sizes and shapes on array
The gravity is free, water usage you pay

Tank with steel legs used to be the most
Teepee, cylinder and sphere now I think can boast
Saw one north of Topeka on a tripod
It looked kind of odd

Sapp Bros. advertise with a coffee pot
Are they real or not?
Some towns have a cold and hot
If it was true, no hot water heaters need be bought

Most towers are white or blue
Saw one the other day with a yellow hue
My drinkability appetite would wane
Yet, if you’re thirsty, would you refrain?

In our town, the macho feat was climbing the tower
While avoiding the constable power
Some carved ‘Dick loves Jane’ on trees
The ultimate was spray painting heartfelt pleas

So when you turn on the tap for flow
Be thankful for the H2O tower show
Whether it be a drink or shower
It is brought to you by a water tower

BILLFOLD BIOGRAPHY

BILLFOLD BIOGRAPHY

Roger A. Davis

Wallet, purse and billfold
Their contents reflect a story told
Identity of the beholder
Metaphor: A biography folder

A card that says you’re a legal driver
Can be a donor card, if you’re not a survivor
Most come with photo ID
Often used on a shopping spree

Laminated social security number I carry
Others don’t; thought of theft is scary
Are credit cards most life-telling?
Their uses are very compelling

Even gift cards tell where you eat
Given at Christmas as a stocking treat
Appointment cards, clues to your health
We are not people of stealth

Many of us carry pictures of loved ones, too
And Grandmas, not just a few
These tell a story of their family pride
And you don’t have to beg them to confide

A short list of a billfold’s biography
We didn’t mention Visa or Discovery
Those seem sterile and cold
‘The rest of the story’ is in our hearts, untold

ENDING EPIS-ODE

ENDING EPIS-ODE

Roger A. Davis

This may be my last hurrah
Am I kidding? Answer: Nah!
I’ve had my say
Expressed in many a way

I’ve become a broken record
Seems each poem has already been heard
I still have stories to tell
But dry is the rhyme well

So this is the finale
Yet reruns are available like on TV
Yes, I will post new stuff
Short stories off the cuff

So, on the first of May
Visit to see what I have to say
Did you feel a poke?
Is this an April Fools joke?