tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85118732011-07-04T19:20:24.839-07:00T J Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992490635245832426noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8511873.post-1096396026373669652004-09-28T11:23:00.000-07:002004-09-28T11:52:15.656-07:00"I WISH I COULD COME HOME" <br /> <br />I need to come home. <br /> <br />I wish I had a home <br />to come home to. <br /> <br />I wish <br />there was a light <br />in the window. <br /> <br />I wish I had someone <br />to come home to. <br /> <br />I wish <br />I could come home. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"SMOKE ON THE WATER" <br /> <br />Like smoke on the water <br /> <br />life drifts <br />through the mists of time. <br /> <br />Then meets up with a soul <br />and becomes you and I. <br /> <br />In time <br />we become mist again <br /> <br />like smoke on the water. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"NO INVITATION" <br /> <br />She was invited to the dance <br />he was not. <br /> <br />Her invitation was still in her hand <br />his were empty. <br /> <br />As he approached her <br />she became wary. <br /> <br />She knew from his attire <br />that he was from the other side of town. <br /> <br />When he asked her to dance <br />she felt strange <br />but not unpleasant stirrings <br />deep within. <br /> <br />Smiling <br />she held out her hand <br />in acceptance. <br /> <br />As they walked to the dance floor <br />a strange peace enveloped her. <br /> <br />And she knew that they'd have many dances <br />on many summer evenings. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"HIS NAME WAS JAMES" <br /> <br />We never met <br />but I knew <br />that his time was short. <br /> <br />I know that he had a strength <br />that many of us wish we had. <br /> <br />Because he had to face <br />decades too soon <br /> <br />the fate that we all must face. <br /> <br />But most of us will have many years <br />to prepare for... <br /> <br />The fate that we all must face <br />in the end. <br /> <br />(When I wrote this poem, James was <br />still among the living. He fought, <br />with his entire being, the brain <br />cancer that finally took his life. <br />This poem and the one titled <br />"THE STRENGTH OF ANGELS" <br />were both inspired by James and <br />his heroic and tremendous battle. <br />He was only 15). <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE STRENGTH OF ANGELS" <br /> <br />I do not know where <br />their strength comes from. <br /> <br />I only know <br />that I do not possess it. <br /> <br />I'm speaking of those <br />that only have a limited time <br /> <br />to be. <br /> <br />Many are only children <br /> <br />and yet they are able to accept the fact <br />that their time is short <br />and get on with their lives <br /> <br />what little there is left of it. <br /> <br />Now that I think about it <br />I _know_ how they are able to do it! <br /> <br />They have <br /> <br />The Strength Of Angels! <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"CRACKED BUT NEVER BROKEN" <br /> <br />I put her on a pedestle <br />but she fell. <br /> <br />I raised her up again <br />but she kept falling. <br /> <br />Each time she fell <br />I would pick her up <br />and put her back... <br /> <br />Where she belonged. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"TIME PASSES" <br /> <br />Going back in time <br />isn't the same anymore. <br /> <br />Everything looks the same <br />but not like when you were here. <br /> <br />I've even driven down the same streets <br />to recapture the past... <br /> <br />But time passes. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THIS OLD OAK" <br /> <br />This old oak <br />is weathered and worn. <br /> <br />Some bark missing here <br />some branches torn. <br /> <br />New twigs springing up <br />all around... <br /> <br />but my shade covers <br />a lot of ground. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE DISTANT SOUNDS OF LOVE" <br /> <br />In the distance <br />I hear the sounds of life. <br /> <br />But here <br /> <br />the loneliness <br />creeps in silently <br /> <br />like the bone chilling frost <br />of a late autumn night. <br /> <br />I still remember <br />the wonderful sounds of life. <br /> <br />The laughter of children <br />the whispers of love. <br /> <br />I remember <br />the warmth of love <br /> <br />long ago lost <br />like a pebble <br />tossed in the sea. <br /> <br />But in the distance <br />I can still hear the sounds of love. <br /> <br />But the loudest sounds <br />are the quiet sounds of lonely. <br /> <br />Like the deafening sound <br />of the wind tossed waves <br /> <br />on a long ago <br />deserted shore. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP" <br /> <br />Please pick me up <br />for I am tired. <br /> <br />I can't go any farther <br />by myself. <br /> <br />The journey was longer <br />than I expected. <br /> <br />I've met some strangers <br />and made some friends. <br /> <br />You can put me down <br />after I have rested. <br /> <br />Then the journey <br />won't seem so long. <br /> <br />I do thank you <br />for your assistance. <br /> <br />Now I lay me <br />down to sleep. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"HAVE FAITH IN ME" <br /> <br />Have faith <br />in me. <br /> <br />More than I have <br />in myself. <br /> <br />Trust <br />in me. <br /> <br />Trust <br />that I still <br />have some left. <br /> <br />Help me <br /> <br />to trust again. <br /> <br />Help me <br /> <br />to get back <br />to where <br />I've already been. <br /> <br />Have faith in me. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE GARDEN OF REALITY" <br /> <br />In the garden of reality <br /> <br />the roses do not <br />have a fragrance. <br /> <br />And the sky <br />is not always blue. <br /> <br />The grass is not <br />always greener. <br /> <br />But the lies <br />are always true. <br /> <br />The sunshine doesn't always <br />radiate warmth. <br /> <br />And there's always <br />a chill in the air. <br /> <br />Not everyone <br />is friendly <br /> <br />and love <br />is not always fair. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"YOU AND ME" <br /> <br />I think about you <br />now and then. <br /> <br />About you and I <br />and what might <br />have been. <br /> <br />But you can't change <br />what wasn't to be... <br /> <br />But I still think <br />about you and me. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"WHERE NO ONE LIVES" <br /> <br />The moonlight <br />casts a pale shadow <br /> <br />where love once lived. <br /> <br />The sun used to shine <br />the moon used to glow <br /> <br />where we once lived. <br /> <br />Now <br />there's only darkness <br />to hold <br /> <br />where no one lives. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"WHISPERS IN THE WIND" <br /> <br />I hear whispers in the wind <br />speaking gently to my soul. <br /> <br />Speaking of love <br />treasures of gold. <br /> <br />But it's like finding the pot <br />at the end of the bow. <br /> <br />True lasting love <br />is not easy to find. <br /> <br />I'm still looking for <br /> <br />that true love of mine. <br /> <br />But I fear <br />it's just... <br /> <br />whispers in the wind. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE BLINK OF AN EYE" <br /> <br />I pray that I never have to take <br />that which is not mine to take. <br /> <br />The <br />Breath Of Life <br />is the most precious <br />thing there is. <br /> <br />It saddens me <br />that in the past I have <br />but I did not know. <br /> <br />Anything there is <br />can be replaced <br />but that. <br /> <br />I cannot understand <br />the mind-set <br />in which: <br /> <br />The Breath Of Life <br />has such little value <br />that it could be taken <br /> <br />with the flick of a finger <br />in the blink of an eye. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"EYE OF THE BEHOLDER" <br /> <br />Beauty is always <br />in the eye <br />of the beholder. <br /> <br />'Cause she would be Beautiful <br />in anyones eyes. <br /> <br />She could stand on a mountain top <br />open her arms &amp; the rains would stop. <br /> <br />And with just a flick of her finger <br />the Sun would Shine. <br /> <br />But Alas Alack <br />she could never be mine. <br /> <br />For I am much too lowly <br />to even raise my head. <br /> <br />But in a soft, unuttered voice <br />I whisper <br /> <br />I love you <br /> <br />instead. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"ONCE UPON A TIME" <br /> <br />Once upon a time <br />long ago <br />when I was young... <br />I used to wonder <br />what it was like to be old. <br /> <br />Now I don't wonder any more <br />'cause I am. <br /> <br />But now I can't remember <br />what it was like to be young anymore <br />'cause I'm not. <br /> <br />But somehow <br />somewhere along the way <br />something got lost. <br /> <br />And I can't remember <br />what it was. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"I'M OK NOW AND THEN" <br /> <br />I can live without her <br />time has proven that. <br /> <br />Am I happy? <br /> <br />Don't even ask. <br /> <br />Don't ask: <br /> <br />How have you been?... <br /> <br />'Cause I'm ok now <br />and ok then. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"NO NAME OF HER OWN" <br /> <br />She was a throw away child <br />unclaimed. <br /> <br />For all of her young life <br />she just wanted to have a name. <br /> <br />She suffered through <br />unseen tears. <br /> <br />Through all the silent years <br />she longed to be claimed. <br /> <br />She saw many nameless places <br />and faces of the same name. <br /> <br />Many faces of stone <br /> <br />but all she wanted was <br />a name of her own. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"FOR MY BROTHER" <br /> <br />You were still my brother <br /> <br />no matter what you did <br />or how you lived <br />and I loved you. <br /> <br />We were not as close <br />in latter years <br /> <br />as we were <br />when we were younger. <br /> <br />I wish you were here <br />so I could hold you <br /> <br />one last time <br />before you had to go. <br /> <br />The last time I saw you <br />you looked so very cold. <br /> <br />(Dedicated To The Memory Of my Brother <br />Who Died Last Year) <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"BUTTERFLY DUST" <br /> <br />Don't keep feeding them <br />teach them to fish. <br /> <br />While some just sit there <br />sit there and wish. <br /> <br />Some curse the darkness <br />or wish upon a star. <br /> <br />While others have their dreams <br />trapped in a jar. <br /> <br />Wishing on moonbeams <br />and hoping for luck. <br /> <br />And what'll you get? <br /> <br />You'll get butterfly dust. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"FOREVER PLUS A DAY" <br /> <br />How long will I wait for you? <br />Forever plus a day. <br /> <br />Would you do the same for me? <br />That is for what I pray. <br /> <br />But many times <br />prayers go unanswered... <br /> <br />as though they were never <br />meant to be. <br /> <br />But I'll continue praying <br />as though you were meant for me. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"BROTHERS OF THE SON" <br /> <br />Who would have thought <br />that a simple thing like color <br />would cause wars. <br /> <br />People killing people <br />we're killing each other. <br /> <br />Brother killing brother <br />it shouldn't be. <br /> <br />'Cause we're all brothers <br />under the Son. <br /> <br />Brothers <br />you and me. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"A FACE IN THE CROWD" <br /> <br />I saw her again <br /> <br />and beautiful music <br />filled the air. <br /> <br />I heard beautiful music <br />everywhere... <br /> <br />Her beauty <br />was everywhere. <br /> <br />I look here and there <br />and I see her everywhere. <br /> <br />I see a face <br />in the crowd <br /> <br />and I see her. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"LINES OF KNOWLEDGE" <br /> <br />Her face was lined with knowledge <br />her body showed age. <br /> <br />Her heart had been broken so many times <br />she kept it encaged. <br /> <br />Her eyes were tired and saddened <br />as she shuffled through life. <br /> <br />Time had no meaning <br />just day and night. <br /> <br />Her struggle came to an end one day <br />her spirit just left. <br /> <br />She's no longer lonely <br />she died where she slept. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"WHISPERING TOUCH" <br /> <br />I miss her gentle <br />whispering touch. <br /> <br />It spoke softer <br />than the softest whisper. <br /> <br />And if I listen <br />quietly enough... <br /> <br />I can still hear <br />her softly <br />whispering touch. <br /> <br />Even on the darkest night. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS" <br /> <br />In time <br />the pain of losing me <br />will lessen. <br /> <br />And each year <br />as that special day approaches <br />do not think of me with saddness <br />in your heart. <br /> <br />Remember me with happiness <br />and shed tears of joy <br />for all the wonderful memories <br />that we have shared. <br /> <br />This way <br />I will be with you always. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"YOU CAN GET SOME COMFORT HERE" <br /> <br />If you need a place <br />to lay your head <br /> <br />you can get some comfort here. <br /> <br />When all the shoulders <br />have turned their backs on you <br /> <br />you can rest your head upon mine <br />and get some comfort here. <br /> <br />Even though you left <br />many years ago <br /> <br />you can get some comfort here. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"ONLY EYES CRY" <br /> <br />The disappearing yesterdays fade <br />like the early morning mist <br /> <br />but her memories still remain. <br /> <br />And her beauty still haunts me <br />like a ghost in the night. <br /> <br />I try to escape <br />but the memories won't let me go. <br /> <br />My heart doesn't even cry anymore. <br /> <br />Only eyes cry. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"DEAD BUT NEVER BURIED" <br /> <br />I steeled myself <br />to the coldness of your arms. <br /> <br />I turned my back <br />to the harshness of your heart. <br /> <br />In other times <br />you were warm <br />carefree <br />so full of life. <br /> <br />But you died <br />many years <br />before they laid you <br />in the ground <br />without a sound. <br /> <br />You died many years ago <br />but were never in the ground. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"TO THIS DAY" <br /> <br />She had a smile <br />I knew I'd never get enough of <br />ever. <br /> <br />And her laughter <br />filled the air. <br /> <br />She said she loved me <br />and she really cared. <br /> <br />But somewhere <br />between then and now <br /> <br />her heart <br /> <br />was led astray. <br /> <br />True love <br />never dies. <br /> <br />And I love her <br /> <br />to this day. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"LAVENDER AND LACE" <br /> <br />I miss the scent <br />of lavender and lace. <br /> <br />The beat of her heart <br />her gentle embrace. <br /> <br />Two souls entwined <br />the same as one. <br /> <br />Forever lost <br />and we'd just begun. <br /> <br />Lavender and lace <br />there went my heart. <br /> <br />No more moonlight <br />or wishing upon a star. <br /> <br />Lavender and lace <br />there went my soul. <br /> <br />Lavender and Lace <br />there went my own. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"GRAMPA'S GETTING BOLDER" <br /> <br />Gramma and Grampa <br />are both getting older. <br /> <br />I think Grampa <br />is getting a little bolder. <br /> <br />Gramma slapped him <br />'cause out in public <br />he tried to hold her. <br /> <br />He looked <br />a bit shocked <br />and rubbed his whiskers. <br /> <br />Then all was well <br />when she smiled <br />and whispered <br /> <br />"You'll have to wait <br />'til we get home dear." <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"SILENT IS THE GRAVE" <br /> <br />She cried out <br />in the night. <br /> <br />But no one heard <br /> <br />no one was there. <br /> <br />Her pain was great <br />but no one cared. <br /> <br />Now <br /> <br />she doesn't cry out anymore. <br /> <br />The graveyard is always silent. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"I DON"T MISS YOU ANY MORE" <br /> <br />I've missed you for so long <br />I don't miss you anymore. <br /> <br />But whenever I see you <br />it's almost like <br /> <br />it used to be before. <br /> <br />I don't want to see you <br /> <br />'cause I'll start missing you <br />all over again. <br /> <br />Thought I was over you <br />feeling much better <br />but then... <br /> <br />I start missing you all over again. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"SWEETNESS" <br /> <br />I still remember you <br />Sweetness <br /> <br />and I enjoyed your presence. <br /> <br />You were a breath of freshness <br />to my smog filled soul. <br /> <br />I called you <br />Sweetness <br /> <br />because you were. <br /> <br />Part of my heart is reserved <br /> <br />with your name on it. <br /> <br />Though our eyes will never cross <br />again <br /> <br />I will never forget you. <br /> <br />I love you <br />Sweetness <br /> <br />wherever you are. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"DARKEST MOON" <br /> <br />Pale moon <br />once shown bright. <br /> <br />Two shoulders <br />touching <br />enjoying the night. <br /> <br />Fading moon <br />now icy cold. <br /> <br />Where is the warmth <br />from days of old? <br /> <br />Darkest moon <br />shining black. <br /> <br />Only one shoulder <br />in the darkness sat. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"I'M OK" <br /> <br />You've heard <br />that if you tell yourself <br />a lie <br />enough times <br /> <br />you'll believe it? <br /> <br />I'M OK! <br /> <br />Now if I tell myself <br />enough times <br />I'll believe it. <br /> <br />I'M OK! <br />I'M OK! <br />I'M OK! <br /> <br />You know <br />I think I'm starting to believe. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"WHERE THE RIVER FLOWS" <br /> <br />The river of my mind <br />flows gently <br />down crooked <br />narrow streets. <br /> <br />It flows swiftly <br />past huge mansions <br />and into the deepest <br />foreboding valleys. <br /> <br />Then it disappears <br />into jagged chasms. <br /> <br />Soon it reappears in a bubbly <br />clear water spring <br /> <br />emerging in a lush green meadow <br />ready to flow again. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE VACUUM OF YOUR EYES" <br /> <br />As I stared into the vacuum <br />of your eyes <br /> <br />'twas then that I realized <br />you were no longer the person <br />I used to know. <br /> <br />It was time to go. <br /> <br />As I got ready to leave <br />I turned <br />to look at you <br /> <br />one last time. <br /> <br />I stared intently <br />trying so hard to see <br />the person <br />that you used to be. <br /> <br />It used to be <br />We <br />you and me. <br /> <br />But I slowly turned <br />and with eyes downcast <br />I walked away. <br /> <br />'Twas such a sad <br />sad day <br />to walk away. <br /> <br />To have to walk away <br />was the hardest thing <br />I've ever done. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"BLOOD ON THE SAND" <br /> <br />Kids with guns <br />are in control. <br /> <br />Just look at your play-grounds and schools. <br /> <br />Any parent <br />that has kids and guns <br />has to be some kind of a fool. <br /> <br />NO GUN CONTROL!!! <br />Rings out <br />echoes across the land. <br /> <br />You reap what you sow <br />and there's no greater truth. <br /> <br />Just look at the blood on the sand. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"AND THE BUFFALO ROAM" <br /> <br />Bless the beasts <br />and the children <br />as the buffalo roam. <br /> <br />With nowhere <br />to call our home. <br /> <br />Bless your enemies <br />and bless your own. <br /> <br />And the buffalo roam. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"DRAWN TO THE RIVER" <br /> <br />Drawn to the river <br />but I couldn't go in. <br /> <br />Drawn to the water <br />but my chances were slim. <br /> <br />Drawn to the water <br />but afraid I would drown. <br /> <br />Drawn to the river <br />but I couldn't go down. <br /> <br />Drawn to the river <br />but I could not go in. <br /> <br />The water beckoned me <br />but I could not swim. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"EVERY KID THAT HAS CRAYONS CAN COLOR" <br /> <br />Every kid that has crayons can color <br />but we were taught to color within the lines. <br /> <br />Then someone came along and said: <br /> <br />"They're just trying to control you. <br />Who said you had to stay within the lines?" <br /> <br />Graveyards and prisons are full <br />of those that strayed outside of the lines. <br /> <br />We need more prisons and graveyards. <br /> <br />Unless we are taught <br />to stay within the lines. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"AND THEY DANCED" <br /> <br />"May I have this dance?" he asked her. <br /> <br />"Yes, but I'm waiting for someone," she said. <br /> <br />"That's ok, so am I," he replied. <br /> <br />And they danced. <br /> <br />And no one came. <br /> <br />"Do you come here often?" he asked. <br /> <br />"Sometimes, when I'm waiting for someone." <br /> <br />"So do I," he replied. <br /> <br />And they danced. <br /> <br />Still no one came. <br /> <br />"Maybe we've found each other," he said. <br /> <br />"That might be true," she said smiling. <br /> <br />And no one came. <br /> <br />And so they danced. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"DEATH AMONG YOUR PEERS" <br /> <br />Death so close <br />makes you wonder <br /> <br />why am I still here? <br /> <br />Death among <br />your friends and lovers. <br /> <br />Death among your peers. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE FLAME" <br /> <br />I felt like a moth <br />fluttering around a flame. <br /> <br />Afraid to leave <br />yet afraid to stay. <br /> <br />I had a burning desire <br />lost all my senses. <br /> <br />And was trapped behind <br />many unseen fences. <br /> <br />What to do now <br />I had not a clue. <br /> <br />Finally decided <br />'tis better to move. <br /> <br />I moved from the flame <br />and felt safer somehow. <br /> <br />'Tis much colder here <br /> <br />but more protected now. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1997 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"YOUR SPIRIT LIVES ON" <br /> <br />You taught your children well. <br /> <br />You instilled in each of us <br />qualities that we carried <br />into adulthood. <br /> <br />You taught us <br />when to speak <br />and when not to. <br /> <br />You taught us to be kind to all. <br /> <br />Even to those that were unkind <br />to us. <br /> <br />You taught us that to do otherwise <br />would make us as bad <br />as we perceived those others to be. <br /> <br />And Mom <br />I have passed those same virtues <br />on to your grandchilden. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"MOTHERS ARE LIKE THAT" <br /> <br />Momma <br />I remember all the times <br />that you took care of me <br />when I was sick. <br /> <br />You never asked for anything <br />just gave your heart <br />that was it. <br /> <br />There's no way <br />that I could ever hope to repay. <br /> <br />Just these very few words <br />in a vain attempt to say <br /> <br />I love you Momma. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"MY WAITING PLACE" <br /> <br />I sit here <br />in my waiting place <br />all alone 'cept me. <br /> <br />Will I always be lonely? <br /> <br />Will I be able to <br />wait and see? <br /> <br />How long must I have to wait? <br />I hope it's not too long. <br /> <br />I've waited for a long time now <br />I hope I haven't waited wrong. <br /> <br />I hope there's not a wrong way <br />that you just sit and wait. <br /> <br />If that's all there is to it <br />I'll just sit here <br />in my waiting place <br /> <br />and wait. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"AN UNSEEN HAND" <br /> <br />A paper cup. <br /> <br />You can distroy it <br />with no effort <br />with just one hand. <br /> <br />Sometimes <br />life feels like that. <br /> <br />Without any effort <br />our life can be completely <br /> <br />and utterly distroyed <br />without any effort... <br /> <br />By an unseen hand. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THERE WAS NO LONELY" <br /> <br />I was lonely <br />and she was lonely. <br /> <br />So it was <br />that we both were lonely. <br /> <br />And so we spared <br />our loneliness. <br /> <br />In the nighttime <br />there was no lonely. <br /> <br />As we shared <br />our one and only... <br /> <br />In the nighttime... <br /> <br />There was no lonely. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"FOR MY CHILDREN" <br /> <br />I was not the perfect father <br />but you became great adults <br /> <br />inspite of that. <br /> <br />I am very proud of you <br />and every one of your <br />tremendous accomplishments. <br /> <br />When I look back <br />and see the mistakes <br />that I made <br /> <br />I have many times wished <br />that I was able to go back <br />and correct them. <br /> <br />But time is very unforgiving <br />in that it will never allow that. <br /> <br />I can only thank <br />The Good Lord and you. <br /> <br />That you became the Beautiful People <br />that you've become. <br /> <br />I LOVE YOU!! <br /> <br />Dad <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"TIME IN A BOX" <br /> <br />I haven't opened <br />this box of memories <br />for many years. <br /> <br />Because they were <br />much too vivid. <br /> <br />But enough time has passed <br />that the years <br />have lessened their hold. <br /> <br />I can now pick and choose <br />and realise that the memories <br />are not as frightening <br />as they once were. <br /> <br />Now I can say <br />it is good <br /> <br />to have memories. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"WHERE THE MERMAIDS LIVE" <br /> <br />She knows where the mermaids live <br />that's where she plays. <br /> <br />She and the dolphins <br />are now <br /> <br />one and the same. <br /> <br />To be free <br />from a burned out sky <br /> <br />was all that she asked. <br /> <br />Like the mermaids and the dolphins <br />she is free now <br /> <br />free at last. <br /> <br />(Dedicated to the memory of someone <br />that I'll never meet. She loved <br />mermaids and dolphins. May she RIP). <br /> <br />"HOW HIGH THE MOON" <br /> <br />We vowed that our love <br />would last forever <br /> <br />stand their test of time. <br /> <br />It's been many years <br />since that day... <br /> <br />And I've many times asked why. <br /> <br />Forever doesn't last very long <br />for it came many years too soon. <br /> <br />Some questions <br />should never be asked <br /> <br />like <br />how high the moon. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"CAN I LEAN ON YOU?" <br /> <br />Lean on me <br />so I can lean on you. <br /> <br />Sometimes standing alone <br />is so hard to do. <br /> <br />I've stood alone so long <br />that I cannot stand anymore. <br /> <br />Let me lean on you <br />til I can stand alone. <br /> <br />Lean on me. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"HER HEART" <br /> <br />Possesions do not make happiness. <br /> <br />I could own the world <br />and still I'd be lonely. <br /> <br />I only want one thing <br />that I can not have. <br /> <br />I want her heart only. <br /> <br />I'll die a pauper <br />because I will never have <br /> <br />the only thing <br />that would make me rich... <br /> <br />Her heart. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"IN AN INSTANT" <br /> <br />If you were to invite me <br />back into your world... <br /> <br />I'd be there <br />in an instant. <br /> <br />I may regret <br />my decision later... <br /> <br />But right now <br />I would not hesitate. <br /> <br />Life alone <br />is very lonely. <br /> <br />And even if I may regret <br />my decision later... <br /> <br />I'd be there <br />in an instant. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"SOMETIMES IN DREAMS" <br /> <br />Our lips never met <br />but I could taste their delicate beauty. <br /> <br />Her messmerizing eyes of blue <br />drew me ever closer. <br /> <br />Then her essence <br />reached out and engulfed me. <br /> <br />Even now... <br /> <br />I feel her. <br /> <br />Sometimes in dreams. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br /> <br />"WHY IS THE SKY BLUE?" <br /> <br />Why is grass green? <br />Because the sky is blue. <br /> <br />Why does the wind blow? <br />Because the river flows. <br /> <br />Why does the sun shine? <br />Because flowers bloom. <br /> <br />Why are butterflies beautiful? <br />Because birds sing. <br /> <br />Why do I love? <br />I do not know... <br /> <br />I just do. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THEY DIED TOO YOUNG" <br /> <br />When they were asked <br />they did not hold back. <br /> <br />They trudged off to war <br />with their life in a sack. <br /> <br />To unkown shores <br />they sailed away. <br /> <br />They died too young <br />they died today. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2000 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"MEMORIES DON'T LISTEN" <br /> <br />I pushed the memories of her <br />back to wherever it is <br />that unwanted memories reside. <br /> <br />Sometimes <br />the memories <br />slowly creep forward <br /> <br />even without my knowledge <br />until they fill my mind. <br /> <br />They do not belong here <br /> <br />in the present! <br /> <br />I swore that they would stay buried <br />in the past. <br /> <br />But memories don't listen. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD" <br /> <br />Why is it that <br />some people <br /> <br />must hit <br />every bump in the road? <br /> <br />It seems <br />they cannot <br />learn otherwise. <br /> <br />Don't they have <br />a heavy enough load? <br /> <br />I see these very same people <br />make the same mistakes <br /> <br />more than twice. <br /> <br />You'd think <br />that they'd learn <br />much quicker <br /> <br />by just living <br />everyday life. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1999 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE SOUND OF BEING ALONE" <br /> <br />I don't like the sound <br />of being alone. <br /> <br />It's like <br />Thunder <br />without the <br />Flash. <br /> <br />The sound of one hand clapping <br />or an actor <br />without an act. <br /> <br />Life without breath <br />the morning without dew. <br /> <br />The ocean with no water <br />or me without you. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE AGONY IN A TEAR DROP" <br /> <br />The silence of a teardrop <br />screams out in tormented pain. <br /> <br />The flood of many teardrops <br />is like a torrential rain. <br /> <br />They'll drown a broken heart <br />or suffocate a tender soul. <br /> <br />They'll flow without compassion <br />when they're on a roll. <br /> <br />They roll down hill so easily <br />and it's hard to make them stop. <br /> <br />But stop they must <br />when there isn't <br /> <br />anymore to drop. <br /> <br />Copyright © 1998 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"SHE IS EVE" <br /> <br />If she were Eve <br />and I her Adam. <br /> <br />I would partake <br />of her fruits. <br /> <br />I would grow old <br />and not even notice. <br /> <br />Because in her eyes <br />I would see me. <br /> <br />And in my eyes <br />I would see <br /> <br />She is Eve. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"SHE DANCED ON MOONBEAMS" <br /> <br />I saw her standing on a rainbow <br />dancing on moonbeams. <br /> <br />Through the misty moonlight <br />in midnight dreams. <br /> <br />I heard her calling <br />calling to me. <br /> <br />She said come <br />come to me. <br /> <br />I heard love <br />calling me. <br /> <br />She was love <br />in the shadow light. <br /> <br />I heard love <br />on a quiet night. <br /> <br />I was love <br />on a quiet night <br /> <br />and I danced on moonbeams. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"WHEN THE HEALING STARTS" <br /> <br />When bad things happen <br />we must reach down <br />to our basics and pull up. <br /> <br />It's not always easy <br />because sometimes <br />we've sunk so far down <br /> <br />that we can't even see light. <br /> <br />But if we go deep enough <br />within ourselves <br /> <br />that's when the healing starts. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"TEARS ON THE BATTLE FIELD" <br /> <br />War leaves a bitter taste <br />in it's wake. <br /> <br />Only warriors long for that waste. <br /> <br />Tears on the battle field <br />are not shed by the dead... <br /> <br />Only by those left behind. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE GIFT OF A CHILD" <br /> <br />Forever in memory <br />always near. <br /> <br />Never forgotten <br />always here. <br /> <br />A precious gift <br />only here for awhile. <br /> <br />Sent a very special gift <br />the gift a child. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"CHOICES PUT ME WHERE I AM" <br /> <br />I had choices to make <br />and I made some wrong ones. <br /> <br />If I had it to do all over again <br />I hope that I'd do it right. <br /> <br />I can try to blame others <br />but I'm at fault. <br /> <br />I know many others <br />that are where I am <br />but it's not their fault <br />it's always someone elses. <br /> <br />But bottom line <br />they made bad choices. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"I DO NOT THINK ANYMORE" <br /> <br />It's been many years <br />since she and I met. <br /> <br />A day doesn't go by <br />that I do not think of her. <br /> <br />Do I love her <br />because I think about her? <br /> <br />Or do I think about her <br />because I love her? <br /> <br />I do not think anymore <br />I just love. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"IT WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE" <br /> <br />it never happened <br /> <br />and hasn't happened yet <br />even though we never stop <br />hoping. <br /> <br />I've had thoughts <br />that maybe <br />some day <br /> <br />even though I know... <br /> <br />It was never meant to be. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"DANCING WITH THE LION" <br /> <br />Sometimes love <br />is like dancing with a lion. <br /> <br />Sometimes a gentle beast. <br /> <br />Other times <br />out of control. <br /> <br />Many have tried to tame the beast. <br /> <br />Some have succeeded. <br /> <br />Others have been devoured. <br /> <br />I'm not sure <br />if I'm the tamer or the tamed <br /> <br />I'm just not sure about me. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"A BLACKTOP COFFIN" <br /> <br />There's no beauty in blacktop <br />it's all underneath. <br /> <br />We have destroyed it all <br />when we covered up the green. <br /> <br />Underneath all the blacktop <br />there used to be trees. <br /> <br />Now there's only <br />a blacktop coffin <br /> <br />where there used to be leaves. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"VANILLA AND CREAM" <br /> <br />I need a valentine <br />will you be my rose? <br /> <br />Breathing your delicate petals <br />I feel your essence <br /> <br />from my head to my toes. <br /> <br />Rose petals are scattered <br />throughout my dreams. <br /> <br />You are a delicate flower <br />a scent of vanilla and cream. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"WHERE I WISH I WAS" <br /> <br />Every now and then <br />I catch myself <br />staring into emptyspace. <br /> <br />Is this the start of senility <br />or is my mind telling me <br />that I'd rather be <br /> <br />where I wish I was. <br /> <br />Then I come back to reality <br />and look around <br />and realise <br /> <br />that I'd rather be <br />where I'm not. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"THE KEEPER AND THE KEPT" <br /> <br />Bars do not <br />a prison make <br />but many have been caged. <br /> <br />We are our own <br />and sometimes never known <br />keeper of the guard. <br /> <br />We will never even know <br />when we've been set free <br /> <br />as we are both <br />the keeper and the kept. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2002 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"SHE WAS" <br /> <br />She was my sun <br />I was her moon. <br /> <br />She was my music <br />I was her tune. <br /> <br />She was the violin <br />I was the strings. <br /> <br />She was all of <br />my favorite things. <br /> <br />Then time went on <br />as it always does. <br /> <br />And so did she <br />that's why she was. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2004 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"MY HEART NEVER LISTENS" <br /> <br />I've tried <br />for many years <br />not to think about her <br />but my heart never listens. <br /> <br />I've tried to sleep <br />without dreaming of her <br />but it's no use. <br /> <br />Some days are ok. <br /> <br />It's the nights <br />that betray me <br />as she steals into the darkness <br />and invades my soul. <br /> <br />The nights would be very lonely <br />if I were alone <br />but she never leaves me alone. <br /> <br />There are times that I'm glad <br />that my heart never listens. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2003 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"MY THOUGHTS ON POLITICS" <br /> <br />In politics <br />everyone carries a sign saying <br />hurray for our side. <br /> <br />It wasn't our fault <br />it was the other guys. <br /> <br />Don't believe my opponent... <br /> <br />He lies. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2004 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"RETIREMENT AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE" <br /> <br />The day that I've been waiting for <br />has finally arrived. <br /> <br />Ain't no more early to bed <br />nor early to arise. <br /> <br />I still set the alarm clock <br />just so that I can shut the damn thing off. <br /> <br />But I gotta get a parttime job <br />'cause my wife is starting to sound <br />too much like my boss. <br /> <br />She's got a 'Honey Do' list <br />that's longer than your arm. <br /> <br />So I think I'm gonna love to hear <br />the sound of that alarm. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2003 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"IT'S SO NICE TO SEE YOU" <br /> <br />If I were to count the moments <br />'til I saw her again <br />I would be counting years. <br /> <br />It's difficult <br />to describe my feelings <br />whenever I see her. <br /> <br />I try not to stare <br />but sometimes <br />I feel out of breath. <br /> <br />My heart rate increases <br />and my face feels warm. <br /> <br />As we exchange pleasantries <br />I want to shout <br /> <br />"I LOVE YOU!!" <br /> <br />but say: <br /> <br />'It's so nice to see you' <br /> <br />instead. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2003 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"REFLECTIONS ON A QUIET NIGHT" <br /> <br />The moon mirrored <br />on a quiet lake. <br /> <br />Two hearts <br />side by side. <br /> <br />One future. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2003 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"VULGARITY IN POETRY" <br /> <br />I made a concious decision <br />not to use foul language in my poetry. <br /> <br />As a poet <br />my grasp of language should be great enough <br />that I do not have to resort to gutter language. <br /> <br />Here are a few of the vulgarities <br />that I chose not to use: <br /> <br />**** *** **** *** ***** <br /> <br />Copyright © 2004 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"I'VE SURVIVED ANOTHER YEAR" <br /> <br />My New Years resolution <br />is to live until I die. <br /> <br />I've made that same vow each year <br />and it seems to work <br />'cause I'm still alive. <br /> <br />Another year has come and gone <br />though not much has changed. <br /> <br />I'm still writing poetry <br />but she still hasn't changed her name. <br /> <br />I know that in His infinite wisdom <br />The Lord is looking out for me. <br /> <br />But it's sometimes hard to wait <br />'cause Me Myself and I <br />are not the greatest company. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2004 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br />"BREAKFAST FOR ONE" <br /> <br />Lost <br />somewhere in time. <br /> <br />With a love <br />that is timeless. <br /> <br />My love <br />is a lonely love... <br /> <br />Breakfast for one. <br /> <br />Copyright © 2001 T. J. Daniels <br /> <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8511873-109639602637366965?l=poetrytjdaniels.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>T J Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992490635245832426noreply@blogger.com10