(ride the Gift of God, 

  attend the mind of man.)

I hitch a ride from place to place,

  The Lord lets me out step the (rat) race.

Would people who drive carefree,

  change their path, give help to me ?

The Lord, our guide, incites and wills,

  and I, His subject, delight and thrill.

People hunger to talk, explain,

  unravel, boast, or entertain.

They hunger to be understood,

  for sympathy or praise or good.

Who's the best of counselors ?

  A stranger is, who knows no peers.

Where is best their secret safe ?

  In nomad traveling place to place.

What gain we in this exchange ?

  a bit of the other, the risk explained.

All I seek, in fair trade,

  a ride down South, along their way.

I hitch a ride from place to place,

  Our Lord lets me out step the (rat) race.

I'm at circus, wanting to see,

  at edge of my seat, all before me.

Wildlife panthers in ebony,

  now horses from the livery.

In center arena, a racing horse,

  gallops in circles around his course.

Majestic splendor, a stately steed,

  all eyes on him, we all take heed.

Atop him, alone, a bareback rider,

  I spy a monkey, his eyes grow wider.

Jostled 'n shaken is he on the ride,

  holds to the mane, effortless glide.

With long lens, I watch his features,

  wide eyed, he searches the bleachers.

In dark tent, the spotlight's on them.

  from his mount, he searches for friend.

A terror to ride, the danger, a dread,

  what runs inside his frightened head ?

Balance & skill he shows to stay,

  but coiled desire, to run, get away.

At will of his trainer, amuses he all,

  oh, but he fears, the dreaded fall.

But worst yet, would be his torment,

  to run amuck in the crowd in the tent.

Around & around, races the pair,

  who is the braver, the one in the air ?

What a team they have formed,

  Delightful us all, where they perform.

---  Sternwheeler Races- down the Kanawha 1.1

The last of summer's Hot Salty Days...

  Here sit I on the Laura J,

In Coal Town, Charleston, this fall festivity,

  centers on banks or our Capitol City

Soon cast away, break free of our ties,

  paddle from where our final dock lies.

We pause upriver - at Capitol Dome

  patiently we drift, we float, we roam.

The riversides render classic facade,

  formal forms, spacious promenades.

Banks are peppered with pleasure boats,

  Skiers, cruisers, at anchor, afloat.

Waiting, watching, bets grow keener.

  Who'll be winner, the fastest steamer ?

Soon the paddlers align our heat.

  aboard we're restless, shift our seat.

Tensions mount for Pilots, Captains,

  crews, friends and family happenings.

Spectators strung along the shore,

  line their chairs, out they pour.

Ashore - a cannon volleys & thunders,

  waters churn, incite our wonder.

In motion now, we leave our mark,

  away we'll steam to River Front Park.

Our paddles churns waters to froth,

  Viewer watch, we've started, we're off !

Adjacent racers turn waters to foam,

  Outriggers bubble, the river they comb

Waters gargle over running boards,

  Destiny now- to River Lords !

Renown Cap'n Jones, our Captain Competitive,

  This day, this race - he's sought - elected.

He "invites" his guests afore on the ship.

  "Better Viewing", he jests & quietly quips.

Later I learn - It's speed for the ship !

  Ah, clever Captain - your guile is hip !

With weight of patrons balanced at bow,

  the ship takes shape, a distinctive prow,

Underwater, streamlined, it's hidden profile,

  gives an edge, all important, in the distant mile

Pass, we now, our Capitol Dome,

  down the river, the engine's hone !

Banks burgeon with boaters, bathers,

  at water edge - waving waders !

Fathom by Fathom, a lead we take,

  Churning the water, cutting a wake !

Neck and neck, we pace our heat,

  this Lady's legend, can't be beat !

At rivers bend, the sight we seek,

  the bridge in distance, that ends our heat !

We squint at sun, sighting the edge,

  the spectators dot the arc of bridge.

With power and pull, speed to spare,

  soon comes the end, we're almost there.

Contenders beside, we outreach a length,

  all along, we've held this strength.

Our Captain - stealthy, slips back his throttle.

  Our engine quiets, slips to idle.

An eerie danger - uncanny gamble,

  beside us now, abreast they ramble.

Finally, explosive - triumphantly,

  Our Captain blinks & pulls us free

A valiant victory, we're out front,

  Showman, Vicar - oh, what a stunt,

We glide beneath the bridge's edge.

  Renown Victor - his heart's pledge.

His strategy, feign, this fractional knot,

  without which A Win, we'd had not !

Ah, the victory, feel the glory !

  Here we bask in his story.

Tied at the dock, we talk and dazzle,

  of our Captain's Victory and all this razzle.

Thanks Capt. Jones, 1st Mate Nelson !

Thanks Mary Ellen, the mostest of Hostess -

  for showing us this nautical lesson.

---  Tea for Two - traveling through

Young and urgent, I tear thru night,

  ‘cross the plains, beyond the light.

In British Triumph, my GT-6,

  I roar west - Route 66.

Wire frame glasses frame my face,

  pray they show my intellect, grace.

Lo, from the center, just over the ridge,

  I hang a tea bag from the bridge.

Silence seems endless, I break from ennui,

  darkness looms long, I reach for my tea.

With fingers to bag, I crush it afresh,

  cascades of aroma, over me enmesh.

A light interlude from lone landscape,

  but for a moment, a brief escape.

Mile after mile, thru pit of night,

  the deluge of rain, streaks in my flight.

The darkness swallows all from sight,

  none on the roadway, alone ‘tis quite.

Sudden, a form catches my sight,

  a silhouette startles, a figure, a fright.

Give him a lift in wee morn hour ?

  Save him stench of drenching shower ?

No one will pass for miles or hours,

  for warmth of shelter, he’d be empowered.

‘near a mile away, I halt then back,

  hope not to spray him nor his pack.

So back I rolled, ‘til in my mirror,

  see him approach, he walks in the clear.

My chassis’s still, steam rises from hood,

  gleaming and wet, I’m alone in the wood.

The door springs open, looks in with grimace,

 “What’s that hanging on bridge of your face ?”

My forgotten tea bag, came sudden to mind.

  “Oh, just a tea.bag.”, I cheerfully chimed.

“No thanks.” said he, “Please don’t bother.”

  backed from car,  “I’ll catch another.”

In the drizzly gloom, the cold dark night,

  I doubt he’ll see other afore daylight.

Silent I chuckle, dash off in my cruiser.

  ""Beggars at night shouldn't be choosers."

Spit from night, he slams the door,
  heavy steps cross hard wood floor.
Stiff suede coat, turned up collar,
  dark shadows clothed this caller.

Punctual steps to jukebox delivers,
  inserts a coin with visible quiver.
Punching the buttons, without attention,
  as if, by habit from another dimension.

Inciting the box to wail its tale,
  he shrugged at the bar and quaffed his ale.
A powerful presence, so quiet, demanding,
  attentions still focused, as if he were standing.

Pounding the table to rhythm with fist,
  as if, by force, his past should persist.
With drink in hand, his thoughts he sounds,
  quenching his passions, the room swirls round.

Winter was dead, 'n life was static,

  Exams were over, so off was the panic.

Only in study could the mind ignore,

  hostility of season, keep us indoor.

Snow so gripped the campus action,

  outdoors had lost all its attraction.

"Life in the South," someone mentioned,

  immediately gaining all our attention.

A party fantastic, Mardi Gras incited,

  the sand, the beach, a venture invited.

The week was spent, so Friday decided,

  their sporty car, their engine ignited.

"All Set ?.  "You Bet !"

Rev the engine, then pop the clutch,

  they're hip for trip, but don't take much.

With studies and city and cares behind,

  escapes the campus, their minds unwind.

Thru cities and states, the adventuresome two,

  speed down the highways, traveling thru.

The cities, the states, the highways too,

  adventures two, traveling thru.

In the late afternoon, classes done,

  they depart at death of dying sun.

A bleak season, a break in exams,

  off to the sands, to explore new lands.

---  Nassau Adventure

My Honda humming from dawn to dusk,

  We travel this isle, Oh travel is lust !

Bohemian Children call from every comer,

  "The island's history for only a quarter ?"

Then off to stone forts of historic stand,

  surrounded by beaches of brilliant white sand,

Survey the surf of sea green seas,

  lazy, waves lapping for miles to see.

As evening fades to a calmer light,

  A couple we join - to taste the night.

Curiosity caught a changing attraction,

  Plush casinos and fast money action,

Tuxedos, gowns, glittering jeweled ramblers,

  Tried studious strategies, Oh gamey gamblers.

---  Serpentine Cycle

Life is change, opportunity, chance,

  I mount my cycle with great vigilance.

The freedom I’ve found,

  some fear's hell bound.

With flick of wrist, throttle is quick.

  Quick stops, leap starts, quickens your heart.

The road's dynamic, my vision panoramic.

  Warm summer's air. rush thru my hair.

Serpentine curves, twisting contour,

  'tis quick to respond, take any detour.

Shift your weight, bank your turns,

  motion 'n reflex your quick to learn.

Some cruise weekends, a country ride,

  bliss to meander thru forests outside.

All terrain, I cycle, rain or shine.

  I'm nimble, agile, it suits my clime.

In shorts, bare legs, at highway speed,

  delicately balance my two wheel steed.

The ravenous road roars under me,

  the teeth of concrete, a blur to see.

Critical my friends, mature adults,

  question my sanctions, find me at fault.

If I fault or fall, of me they’d laugh.

  “I told you so, such a treacherous craft.”

Watchful, alert, you must be,

  traffic conditions temper you speed.

Your craft and path - motion incarnate,

  all senses alive, a rush, stimulate.

A delicate balance, your safety and life,

  soon but a reflex, you feel no strife.

Life, by a thread, but fear no dread,

  alert, attentive, keep using your head.

Renewed in passion and my youth,

  fear not others who find me uncouth.

I loved my cycle in college days,

  I race anew 'long new highways.

My work,.  study,.  hobby,

 explore majestic hotel lobby.

A form fantastic, texture in space,

 Spiraling balconies shape this place.

Fifty stories; a haunting height,

 look up, delight , look down, a  fright.

Like rib cage of creature gigantic.

  Take a breath - it's Architecture Organic,

Future Architecture, is it a cure ?

 Does it enchant, insure allure ?

Lights glow eerie from each rim,

 articulate rails round the trim.

Plants hang tiered from rails aglow,

 elevators plummet to worlds below.

Shuttling passengers whisper by,

 glide down the tower - like drops from sky.

The lobby's quiet - sparse of guest,

  those who're there - oblivious, rest.

Up stair, 'n ramp, 'n aisle I go,

  moving where others rarely go.

Explore and photo, I this place,

  then bridge the lobby, look up in space.

A twinkle, a flitter - a paper plane ?

  The flight over the space it reigns.

Three steps forward, I'm in it's path,

  serendipity, it's in my grasp.

I turn up to balcony level,

 two gents agape, perplexed, bedeviled.

To perpetrators, I nod and wave,

 then exit promptly, my catch enslaved.

Who but I, could be there then,

  to turn and catch, and know when ?

      (Marriott Marquis: Atlanta)

---  (Ms.)  Dawn - at the Beach

The sun shrugs - be of the sea free,

  I photo it's glow 'gainst sands and sea.

Quiet the morning, pace the shore,

  landforms I watch, hear ocean's roar.

My work's stagnant, just forms in light,

  I search horizon for sight of delight.

A beachcomber strides in from the strand,

  runs to water, something in hand. 

From her bag, she begins to throw

  into the air - it plummets below.

Soon she's sighted by eye of a gull,

  they rush to her, sensing they're called. 

Energetic, inventive, the lady's quest,

  morsels she throws to feathered guest. 

Last night's dinner - tidbits delight,

  birds soar 'round her, nearly alight.

Afloat above, beyond her reach,

  feather and flutter sheath sight of the beach.

My camera responds before my thought,

  focus on feathers - else I get naught. 

Over her shoulder, I gaze in their face,

  capture their essence - floating in space.

Near her hands, 'n hair in the air, 

  in their eyes, amazed I stare.

Clamoring beak, eye of delight,

  curious, excite, but not of fright.

How did she, a stranger here,

  gather these birds - incite no fear ?

The right gift, time and place,

  will be accepted - amazing grace.

(On meeting a stranger named Dawn)

The drive was long, the road a rage,

  here I've come, escaped my cage.

I've left my car, to walk the beach,

  the textured sand beneath my feet.

From distant lands, I've come to shore,

  divest my mind of endless yore.

Visions swirl, thoughts a scramble,

  a mind a tangle, to take a gamble.

Images tumble, thoughts a whirl,

  peace at last, to leave that girl.

Yesterday, a memory,

  far behind, now amnesty.

The golden sun's horizon blush,

  the light fades, the sea's a hush.

A gull drives, in waters rush,

  from the deep, it rises flush.

Darkness covers the length of sand,

  fires collects the last of man.

Bodies gather in campfire light,

  subdue whispers, onset the night.

Alone I lie, unknown to other,

  on sandy bed, my head I cover,

my sheath from sky and starry light,

  at death of day, at birth of night.

The soothing sound, the ocean roar,

  breath of brine, blows off shore.

A troubled mind, my thoughts distill.

  a night of rest, is quiet still.

         (morning)

.. a gull cries, awakes the skies ..

   tears dry, the light arise ..

Renewed in mind, thought and word,

  from my God, I have heard.

---  Lands of Sands see Silver Seas

Comfort clothes, barefoot carefree,

  we walk the shore along the sea.

Toes touch, tremble, thrill,

  a pool surrounds, our ankles chill.

Sand and grass to stirred sea surf,

  sounds surround, sonorous bade.

Swell and break, the endless wave,

  then to foam, then to fade.

On our watch - a cavalcade,

  beast and bird - a beach parade.

Crabs crawl quickly, secretly,

  stealth in sand for none to see.

Above soar gulls in motion free,

  glide and dip - then touch the sea.

Flutter wings, then stately soar,

  two birds cull, then many more.

Lapping waves comb the shore,

  beyond the surf,- the ocean's roar.

Rise and fall, the sea sounds roll,

  soothe and still our restless soul.

Diurnal tides, ebb and flow,

  gentle rise then crashing blow.

Bubbling surf seeks silver sand,

  like giant hand, strokes our land.

The coast is thin, long and vast,

  soothes our soul, quiet unmask. 

Come and see - vast the sea 

  calm your heart and esprit.

Rising from the waters deep,

  out of ocean, slowly creeps,

amber light, the moon aglow,

  shimmers 'cross the waters flow.

--  Alight, Aloft, a Splash !

The diver paused, surveyed water,

  twice he sprang, he’s not a faulter.

Bending, bowing, quiet now,

  his vision fixed on distant brow.

A pulse, a twinge, a simple notion,

  a bust from him - kinetic motion.

One step, two, the third a vault,

 leaps on board, final assault.

Sinuous spring, a launch on high,

  reaching up, ah touch the sky !

A height achieved beyond his reach,

  his sculpted limbs, pointed each.

He crowns his arc, majestic, calm,

  his pose transfixed, in sigh embalm.

Ends the magic, a downward fall,

  tucked tight, a twirling ball !

Twist, tuck, turn, contort,

  a muse in motion, amazing sport !

Awed are we who watch all this,

  staccato motion, a blur of twists.

In final streak, out stretched hand,

  slice the surface, his entrance grand.

Limbs and legs, pointed still,

  down he plunges, the dive a thrill.

A gulp, a splash, modest at best,

  the wave 'n wake, hardly crest.

Deep he dives, thru the surface,

  a baptism to his omnipresence.

A coil unleashed, a spring, pirouette.

  alert, a lean, a silhouette.

From the deep, he rises wet,

  awash from his peril's threat.

Life's a dance –  partners in chance.

  One can’t go far, need one to spar.

How quite the day, 

  with none to play.

I step forth,

  wait your response.

Hope with speed,

  you follow my lead.

What moves me most,

  your thoughts - my ghost !

You captivate & motivate,

  the fiber of my daily slate.

In my thoughts, you shadow me.

  with you there, I’m always free.

What e’re confronts you & I,

  Oh, together what we must try !

I rise early, work ‘til late,

  endeavor each day to clear my slate.

Tedious life seems endless chore,

  my hope eternal - tomorrow’s cure.

Occasions rare, my idle thought,

  out steps my world - over wrought.

You come to mind – in idle time,

  reflect on you is time sublime.

Friends like you who share their life,

  remove me from my daily strife.

The life you lead, a model to me,

  lets me side step my lunacy.

I send my blessing, in thought & prayer,

  hope the season finds you most fair.

I pray too, you’ll pass this way,

  so I can hear what you may say !

Our lot in life to serve,

  reach friends with all our verve,

Serendipity is God’s will.

  Respond to me - give thrill !

Grace, ole spaniel, hardly sees nor hears,

  at my feet, she sits quite near.

Stumbles about like Mr. Magoo,

  follows her nose to what's a brew.

If chair or table I move somewhere,

  she bumps but once, then knows it's there.

Intuitive and elaborate her map of my place,

  it seems that she sees as she moves in Grace.

I hope, but think, she barely sees,

  possibly forms and shapes of me.

Her perceptions, sadly, are poor, are slight,

  yet at night, she seems to have sight.

Silent, stone deaf, she never responds,

  if I call to warn her something is wrong.

Silent her world, no sound to disturb,

  Peace she must have, nothing heard.

Grace, like us all, is growing older,

  loosing perception, her world grows colder.

Still bright her outlook, she seems bolder,

  I fear her fate, I just want to hold her.

To Dad's for dinner, evenings we walk.

  anxious she goes, she never will balk.

My pets and his, family are we,

  together we gather, a time to just be.

At pavement's edge, sometimes she stumbles,

  falls head over heel, she takes a tumble.

Unfathomed, undaunted, she rises from grass,

  stands boldly again, shows she’s first class.

Standing erect, she shakes herself off,

  returns to roadway to continue our walk.

She senses the texture, on asphalt roams,

  follows the pavement to my Dad's home.

Her nose is keen, her sense of smell,

  can follow me walking, follow my trail.

Quickly, trusting, she walks near me,

  oblivious that she hardly can see.

She’s cheerful, joyous, in meeting new day,

  greets friends 'n guests in extraordinary way.

Life, as we know it, is far beyond fact, 

  the result of our grace, our outlook and tact !

---  Adventurous Squirrel

Varied path, playful antics,

  run the branch, then leap gigantic !

Leap from limbs, with flowing tail,

  a shower of leaves to wind sail. 

Sprightly movements, antics perform,

  each leap destined to take you home.

Grasping claws, limber leaps,

  thru the trees, ebullient streak.

Climbing up swiftly, then down sail,

  scribed in the sky with trailing tail. 

A world you traverse, high - 3 D,

  scampering on branches, thru the trees.

Each you strike, bows to you,

  in fearful fall, like woodsman’s hew.

In timber aloft, you find a trail,

  from food to nest, with much travail.

Small your size, but big your head,

  to find in the woods a place to bed.

Heaven's your place, your path, your time,

  what joy aloft you must find.

---  Awakened in Fright- by Bat of Night

A buzz through the air, a swish, a clatter,

  awakened me early  from my slumber.

Black was She, in my dark place,

  She darted around my private space.

Boldly She entered, by chance, my chambers,

  awakens me to worlds of dangers.

Looping my room, crossing my bed,

  She darted and circled, then dived at my head.

This creature of horror had broken my night,

  summoned my fright, now stuck at my sight !

She'd swoop anew, then dive at my face,

  soar up again, not leaving a trace.

Disheveled, confused, I tumbled for light,

  Triggered the switch, then covered my fright.

Now, once more, I peer at the sight,

  into my room once mystic in night.

To see at a distance, one eye risk I,

  looking from covers to creature on high.

The pattern repeated, time and again,

  without protection, with what do I fend ?

Her silhouette darted, then dived at my face,

  then up again, not leaving a trace.

Each pass she inched by my face,

  struck neither covers, nor slowed her pace.

In time, a plan came to me.

  gathered a towel, to set me free.

I tossed at her, caught her on perch,

  expelled them together wrapped onto porch.

Be dead be dreaded apparition.

  strike at Night, Challenge the Fright !

Bat be gone, and come not again,

  Least you'll have us to frighten You Then.

---  Butterflies from Fingers Flee

Whose will is this ? Alone I sit.

  It's bliss, above the highest cliff.

I watch the mountainside cascade,

  forest, flora, down the glade.

Surrounding me are butterflies.

  First they perch, then they glide.

I focus on a wing afloat,

  soon he flies, eludes my hope.

Now months apart in garden glen,

  comes a butterfly my friend.

Quiet, steady, I watch him land,

  almost touch, stretched out hand.

I focus, photo him at pleasure,

  a life, a flitter is such a treasure.

Why today of one accord ?

  on mountain top there was discord.

Today are we of one will,

  just to watch is such a thrill.

Who can say where he'll perch,

   keep open mind, mind the search.

Ephemeral as summers breeze,

  our God makes too, the likes of these.

---  Fragile Fireflies fill the Sky

Warm, sluggish summer's night,
  sunset past, beyond the light,
Think of youth, unwind your mind,
  back to days when we had time.

In fading light, we lose our place,
  the ground, a bed, we seek a trace.
Heavenly high, we watch & gaze,
  what we see, soon amaze.

On soft cats paws, in night creeps,
  dusk to dark, in it sweeps.
Stealthy, silence, comes the night.
  watch the height for the light.

Dark, shady, shadows of night,
  tiny but bright, a twinkle of light.

Fireflies flitter 'neath mid-night's sky,
  oh great mystery, our friend, firefly.
Each light signals, ""I’m here !,"" they say.
  Who could elude, could stay away ?
Silent, secret, in trellis of trees,
  silent, invisible, just below leaves.
Aloof, alight, they move in the breeze.
  aimless wandering, their path’s a tease.

Oh, flashing spot, moving in space,
  mystery & grace to another place.
Dark now, when where will he light ?
  secrets in space, moving in night.
Will light a twinkle, catch another’s eye ?
  respond to a mate, is he the guy ?
Romance in sight in dance of light ?
  meet, mate, and soon alight.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
My pets & I, abed in the grass,
  'neath starry canvas, in sea of gas.
Stellar stars & fireflies twinkling,
  what's to come, I have an inkling.

On distant horizon, the moon arise,
  amber afire, majestic, disguise.
Peace in my heart, eyes last peek,
  at deep dark sky, then lulled to sleep.