Her Cowboy

Her Cowboy

She called me her cowboy
as we stood in that Tulsa rain
but I was unsure we ever could
get past the anger and the pain.

I knew she was trying to
ease the tension and trouble
but for all her trying
the distance just seemed to double.

Some things can't be diffused.
Some things are sure to explode
here in this midnight rain
or a little further on down the road.

I guess I am her cowboy at that.
Guess she knows I will not stay.
By now she knows this is the scene
Where the cowboy rides away.

The Angel's Road

I'm your guide up this dusty road.
I know its ruts
I know its ditches
I know its hungers
And I know it riches.

This old road and I aren't friends.
I know its falls
And I know its rises
I've seen its poverty
And I know its prizes.

Hopes are born on this dusty road.
Losses are suffered too.
Travelers grow weary here.
Some lose their heart
And all they hold dear.

This gritty road climbs upward.
Most slow down near the crest.
Some think joy's around the next bend.
But for every sojourner's journey
Is a sojourner's end.

I'll be your escort on this road.
Sometimes you'll see me.
Often times you'll not.
But be assured I'm always near.
Never believe I've forgot. 

Appalachian Parting

Appalachian Parting 

I stood before the skies
and listened to your lies
so your testament of love
means nothing.

Oh, but lover, can’t you see

that never would I deceive
and thou art in error believing
I could do you wrong.

These mountains of smoke
know the heartache you wrote
and I am leaving here tomorrow
to return never.

Please lover, act not in haste
for it would be a waste
to burn to ashes
the passion we once knew.

Say no more, my one-time love

I am taking boots, hat and gloves
and will ne’er see you more
until that Resurrection Morning.

My heart is sure to ache

in the error that you make.
Please, let us reason together
and find some margin of truth.

I’ve nothing now to speak

toward the agreement that you seek.
Our time spent is as nightfall
and our loving as the snows.

Dance of the Dolphins

Dance of the Dolphins

My spirit leapt with the dolphins

off the starboard side of my boat.
Their song was crystal music
and the symphony they wrote.

Above us stretched the heavens
dense with starry host
and I felt with me the company
of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

I felt no need for fellowship

of people, female or male.
I had everything I needed
in both sea breeze and my sail.

My journey could not be measured

with a timepiece, sextant or chart.
It had little to do with travel.
It had no ending, as it had no start.

Perhaps it was dreamlike.

Maybe it was all just in my head.

It may have really happened

or came as I lay sleeping in my bed.

But I long to sail one more time

and watch the dolphins dance.
The destination, you see, is pointless.
I simply need a second chance.

Tangled, Knotted Pieces

You tugged at the frayed end

Knowing what damage you were causing.

I had not the knowledge of repair.

Some things are beyond a simple fix.

Everybody saw you.

You destroyed the fabric publicly

While I stood by in a stupid stare

Of unbelief this could happen to us.

Ultimately, the many-colored strings

Lay in a clumped heap on the floor.

Everybody walked away in a hush

Until I stood alone, gathering the remains.

But there is no repository for such material.

Some return to offer consolation

But all they really want is to enjoy my pain

Hoping I will weave a new fabric of bitterness.

One day you will suffer in the knowledge 

It was by your own hand you caused this misery.

By your own device you crafted this contempt.

You swallowed pain like bread that day.

I will burn these tangled, knotted pieces.

The bright conflagration will be intense but brief.

In a moment all will be grey and cooling ash.

You will travel the long path, in festering sorrow.

All else will have their memories cleansed. 

Even me.