Don’t paint the picture in color when it’s black and white Or decorate a wrong to make it look more right Don’t glaze or sugar coat when it’s not something sweet Or dance like there is music when there is no beat Don’t sing a happy song when it’s time to sing a dirge Or fill what is empty when it’s time to purge Don’t try and make light what weighs heavy on my soul Or call it a diamond when it’s a chunk of coal Don’t try and spare my feelings when it’s really your own Or... Read Full Story

The old man sat on the pier’s old wooden bench, hands clasp together, eyes fixed on the rhythmic motion of the waves as they rolled and crashed ashore. He was vaguely aware of the gulls that hung in the air dangling as if on string waiting to see if he had brought a morsel of food to share. The gusting ocean breeze ran its fingers through his hair and gently caressed his weathered face. Motionless he sat looking more like a carved figure of stone than a man of flesh and bone. The old... Read Full Story

When your whole world falls apart, and you’re as low as you think you can imagine, don’t ever think it can’t get worse. Things can always get worse. Everyone in life falls or gets knocked down. Life has it’s ups and downs not matter what your status. Hitting rock bottom isn’t a sin, not attempting to get up may be. I have found when I am down and have nothing, those with nothing will share their little bit of nothing with you. Those that have, don’t want to acknowledge your existence. I... Read Full Story

I have wondered many times in my life, why? There have been times, I wished I had never been, & wished I could just fade away into the ethereal. All I could do in times such as these was to keep putting one foot in front of the other. The summer of 1970 about two weeks before football spring training I came home from a party and my head begin to pound. When morning came and my mother looked in to check on me, I could not sit up. She had to help me to the bathroom, and hold me up. She rushed... Read Full Story

My dad had tried to visit me once during my years at the boy’s ranch, but was turned away. When in custody of my grandparents he had told them I didn’t deserve to live and he should kill me. I acted brave, but one night when my grandfather was grappling for the string in the kitchen to turn on the light I started screaming. He realized I was more scared than I wanted to admit, and until I was put in the boy’s ranch he made a pallet on the floor beside his bed & had me sleep there. Now at 17... Read Full Story

Swells of rising waves breaking as they crest Crash ashore, crawl and gently come to rest Whispering winds beckon come into the sea Caressing my face assuring bliss awaits for me. Deep blue pressed against an auburn sky Morns first ray reached to touch my eye Come dance the dance just you and I The time has come to say goodbye Read Full Story

The band was softly playing and sawdust was on the floorI had received my invitation just a few moments beforeNo need for an RSVP because attendance is requiredNo need to wear a three piece suit, come as you’re attiredNo standing in the back playing wallflower tonightYou’re the honored guest, and you’ll be in the lightYou will dance tonight whether you know how or notI’ve just one suggestion, give it everything you’ve got Boldly face your partner, and watch their every moveTry and feel the... Read Full Story

Mom pulled the car into the drive, knocked and instructed me I won't be long, you stay in this yard, and I better not catch you in that tree. She disappeared behind the door, but a thought stuck in my mind What is different about this tree, was it a very special kind. I looked trunk to stem, High and low, nothing special could I see I peered through its branches and wondered aloud, What can it be This must be something that cant be seen standing on the ground Maybe if I stood on it's... Read Full Story

Dallas is no NY City, but for someone that have only known lived in small country towns all their life it was an eye opener. We didn't move into the best of neighborhoods, & according to police statistics it accounted for more calls than any other part town. The area is called Oak Cliff. The following is a small sampling from Wikipedia. Oak Cliff was a town located in Dallas County, Texas (USA), that was annexed by the neighboring city of Dallas in 1903. It has since retained a distinct... Read Full Story

I rarely watched the news in the 60's. Seemed it was mostly about Vietnam, & very depressing. When I was a kid in elementary it was always a news topic & when I graduated high school & had to register for my draft card it was still raging on. I had grown from a child that felt uneasy & a bit scared of Nam, to a man that tried to join the marines in 1969. Joining carried a stigma to it in those days & many were burning their draft cards & running to Canada. Back to my story. Whenever Billy... Read Full Story