Final Road

Time was, we'd sprint the snowy distance fast,
Or laugh because the rocky road was tough.
Too soon became those carefree days our past,
And hand-in-hand we traversed through the rough.
At times, we carried little ones along.
At times, we stopped because we needed rest.
And sometimes, we would break into a song,
Because our time together was the best!
And then, there came the toughest road of all,
Whereon I faltered, stumbled, skinned my knee.
You held me up so that I would not fall --
Walked slowly, for twas then you carried me.
And love helped me complete my last adieu:
A last walk down the final road with you.

Mick McKellar
June 2017

We walk many roads with those we choose to love. Though some seem impassable, impenetrable, or impossible -- it's together we journey far.

Mick.

My Summer Song

I cry for light that pierces gloom,
And brings forth hope which fills the room;
That bathes my soul to banish strife.

I sing my lovely winter song,
And seek a flame all season long,
That melts my spirit — sealed in ice.

I still believe in summer days,
And love the light, with brilliant rays
That touch my heart with hope and life.

I raise my voice, with no surcease,
And sing of love, of hope and peace;
That all will hear — it will suffice!

Mick McKellar
May 2017

Although I have sung of winter these many years, I still believe in summer days.

Mick

Pie Crust Castles

Your campaign voice wove pageants in my mind,
Bright images flowed swiftly into place.
Your promise of the riches I would find,
Did quickly pull me into greed's embrace.
I saw the fantasies you did describe;
I heard the phantom wind in distant trees;
I felt desire's touch -- its subtle bribe,
And yearning brought my reason to its knees.
The walls, the parapets, the towers seem
So real, I scarce believed that they could fall.
And yet they shattered, fracturing the dream,
Until the castles crumbled, one and all.
Your promises were more fragile than fair,
Your lies, your pie crust castles in the air.

Mick McKellar
May 2017

I wonder if politicians ever think about the sense of loss that must overwhelm many of their volunteers and dedicated supporters when, after they are elected, they fail to pursue the wonderful dreams they spoke about, the pie crust promises of their campaign.

Mick

Invisible Hero

The smartest man that may ever have been,
Though he espoused advice both wise and sage;
Could walk and talk, both unheard and unseen,
If he appeared to be a certain age.
His comments could a famine bring to heel.
His wisdom broker long-envisioned peace.
His passion teach a country how to feel
Compassionate, to make the hatred cease.
And yet, it's likely he would be ignored;
Remain invisible and stay unheard.
Our brash cacophony will just reward,
The risqué, the vulgar, and the absurd.
He'll simply fade to black, an anecdote:
An old fart in a polyester coat.

Mick McKellar
May 2017

I have discovered the secret to becoming invisible and silent as the grave — become old.

Mick

A Night Terror

I crouch, a curmudgeon, before my screen,
With tears in my eyes, for I am in pain.
My eyes burn savagely for what I’ve seen,
As the words that I read have seared my brain.
Each day our country tears itself apart;
We kill each other for color of skin.
Religious fanatics want new wars to start;
The rich sit back and watch profits roll in.
The media flood with half-truths and lies;
Our fountain of truth spouts poison and hate.
Then as the soul of democracy dies,
We helplessly watch, for it is too late...
I awake, my eyes filled with burning tears,
And I vow to try to confront my fears.

Mick McKellar
March 2017

How are you sleeping these days?

Mick

Touched by Light

I lay asleep upon my bed.
I woke and wondered -- was I dead?
I looked about, and wondrously
A golden light enveloped me.
It felt so warm upon my skin,
It penetrated deep within.
Its touch so gentle, filled with power,
I lay enthralled for near an hour.
No voices boomed, no vast release,
I simply felt, at last, at peace.
Within that golden, glowing touch,
I'd never felt so loved, so much.
As I recall it, lovingly,
I feel it glowing still -- in me.

Mick McKellar
March 2017

A Right to Be

I ponder as each day grows dark,

Why dreams must dim and smiles grow stark;

Why fear looms larger in the night,

And people cry for morning’s light.

I wonder, for it makes no sense,

To catalog each difference

Between my neighbor and myself,

And store it high on hatred’s shelf.

I ponder and I wonder long,

Why welcoming new folks is wrong;

When they might have so much to give,

And all they want is just to live.

They live, they love, they laugh, and cry;

Aspire, perspire, grow old, and die.
Though some don't look like you and me,
All humans have a right to be!

They  tell me we’ll be great again,

But can’t say how and can’t say when;

That we are only on “our” side,

And soon, we’ll build a wall...and hide.

Mick McKellar
February 2017
 

Question: Can’t they just swim around the ends of the wall, or fly over it?

Mick