"My Words, Approximately"
Words, feeble words, words
rhyme? sometimes
coherent? not always
yet they are there, these words.
Some express my own heart
sometimes others'
the joy and pain of love
when together, and when apart.
Depth? Lack at times I fear
but my thoughts
often belong to babel
should that reality bring a tear?
Starry-eyed realist, practical romantic
this is me, myself
confused, bewildered
a playful adult, soft-headed brick.
Poet? Artist? Writer? Military man?
no, just danny
simple yet complex
be I winner, loser, or an also ran.
Neither big hat or big cattle herds
describe me
so what does?
not the power of feeble words.
dc riggs © 1 August 2004
"Were I But A Poet"
Could my words express my heart
would you love me
could you? should you?
whether we are together or apart.
For you are the dawn, bright, clear
bringing beauty to life
without you, each dawn
brings not joy, but a sorrowful tear.
At evening, you are the star of life
my refuge from danger
pain, hurt, fear
from a world stuffed with strife.
Passions explode within myself
at the thought of you
ah, were I but a poet true
instead of a clumsy sort of elf.
Then would my words ring true
my heart be expressed
could you, would you?
come then, to truly love me too.
dc riggs © 1 August 2004
"The First Stroke"
I dipped the brush in paint
on canvass for fun
I made the first stroke
the painting is now begun.
The image is within my head
the canvass is blank
transferring feeling, meaning
is the task without rank.
Is a painting alive? Yes, No
in the artist's mind
it lives
this the viewer may also find.
I wonder if God at Creation
thought of man
and in perfect transfer
created him and woman.
What was it like, the first stroke
made by the Lord God
in that moment of Creation
when He shaped man from sod.
dc riggs © 2 Aug 04
"Politics"
Elephant, ass, or independent
some stomping
some giving others gas
the least is without an animal sign
does this mean
that they are really benign?
Conservative, liberal, confused
politics makes
an interesting mural
dividing, uniting, inspiring
but sours too
thus becomes a bit disgusting.
To vote, to speak, to listen
the middle we do
so we can another's nose tweak
the ends we may ignore
thus creating chaos
and in insane moments, create more.
Religion, politics, dangerous topics
for the insecure
a chance to get in their licks
but the opportunity to vote rings true
a small act in itself
but important for a citizen to do.
dc riggs © 11 April 04
"Politics of the Moment"
The fighting politics of the moment
issues of life
cynicism pours
as if toxin wielding spores
and neighbor fights
verbally with his neighbor
and the political weary
fail to vote
as the pompous gloat
and self
becomes man's center
not allowing others to enter
while the rhetoric rolls
and pawns
go unnoticed
as the doomsdayers, soothsayers
want to be dragon slayers
pronounce, denounce
and the citizens fail to do
what will bring peace ever true
and prosperity of sorts
if not wealth
and yet this is what it should be about
for they fail to love their neighbor
they fail to love their neighbor.
dc riggs © 13 August 2004
"Human Hearts Broken"
Three figures, broken hearts
humankind
nary a one divine
two graves
tear dropped soaked
all soon to be
forgotten
faded pages
of a fading history
as time absorbs
not the pain
those who follow safely
debate the folly
the necessity, the issues
of the past
without feeling for
the then living lives
of three figures
women
two sweethearts, wives
one mother
two wooden crosses
two caps
one of blue
the other of gray
sad, treacherous, brave
notes of life
of humankind
scores more of hearts broken.
dc riggs © 14 Aug 2004
"The Prince and His Lass"
The Prince battled the elements
to find his true love's side
swamp and dragon
from danger he did not hide.
Mountain steep, treacherous moor
onward, upward, outward
to that "herself"
he moved, always toward.
But, Alas, sick was the lass
near unto death's door
fever, bleeding
sour notes for life's score.
Patently, steadily, with love
he stroked her cheek
broth he fed
health for his love he did seek.
Moment by moment, day by day
he nursed her, loved her
days and nights
faded into one long blur.
But Victory came, health restored
the Prince and his lass united
in love's passionate arms
forever and a day, they abided.
dc riggs © 14 Aug 2004
"Taking Control"
The morning before the one after
with the night before
somewhere in the middle
chords without bow or fiddle.
Decisions, attitudes, goals
of the morn before
determines the next two
so give these their proper due.
When the morning after crashes
due to the night before
the morning before was a failure
no choices made, 'tis clear.
Depression, internal anger, lost-ness
mortal foes of man
when in control the morning before
creates the fate, closes the door.
Control? Yes! Control is the key!
someone, something
is always in firm or loose control
for some, its life's tragic role.
But take heart my pilgrim friend
all is not over, nor fate sealed
at any point you can choose
and in choosing wisely, not lose.
dc riggs © 15 August 2004
"My Salute to Them"
Here is a salute to the many them
who touched, shaped
my humble life
though they have faded
many at least
into the pages of the past
their influence
on me still does last.
Some applauded my feeble efforts
helped me feel good
about little me
others laughed, made fun
wrinkled my self
as if I was Kaiser Bill's left arm
cruelty from ignorance
the scars remain, they did me harm.
Who was my greatest ally? greatest foe?
God, parents, those who loved me
who accepted my oddity
my failures, my goofs
likewise my greatest enemy
anywhere on earth, sky, or sea
doing me dirty, not loving
has always been little old me.
dc riggs © 16 August 2004
"Sun and Moon"
The sun rose from earth's depths
piercing the dark
making dawn a lark
an artist in constant motion.
Were the dabs of yellow, red, pink
to impress the moon?
was he too late or too soon?
as the clouds bottoms were splashed.
Why does a guy need to impress
the lass, the woman, the girl?
does love move in a swirl?
does he want to turn her head?
Pity the lonely sun's pilgrim day trail
praised and cursed by man
yet he does what he can
as the moon sails in the night sky.
Is it love condemned to be unfulfilled?
the bright brilliance of him
the moon, softer, yet not dim
their courtship, moves the ocean tides.
dc riggs © 17 August 2004
"Cowboy by the Trail"
He sat on the side of the trail
dead horse
the loss of a friend
little water
perhaps a sign of the end.
His back trail looked empty
forward had no promise
who waited there?
no one
such had been his life's fare.
Hat brim shade, best available
the question came
"life's why"
understandable
when a cowboy might die.
His life had meant so little
nursing the cows
across this wasteland on earth
why did God make him?
yet, his mother did give him birth.
Memories, sun rise, sun set worship
God's majesty on the wind
that farmer's broken leg
two months free work
heart given, no one had to beg.
Yet, why alone should he die?
no lover, no children
no bragging rights had he
a simple man
who had never even seen the sea.
dc riggs © 17 August 2004
"The Middle Ground of Life"
There have been those times
when dreams were alive
sweet promises
like nectar from a beehive.
Sometime, other songs, places
reality is sized by fears
a nightmare living
no fizz, just anger and tears.
Pity those who seem stuck
always without hope
not knowing
how to tie a knot in their rope.
We choose joy, to be happy
or to be dejected, sad
some folks enjoy the negative
perhaps they are mad!
The middle ground is best
positive, hopeful
reality grounded, dreamy
rich fallow land, ready to till.
dc riggs © 21 August 2004
"Enjoying Life"
Whistle me up a melody
to transport me far, far away
where I can rest
I'll give a mattress a test.
Fix my course on love's star
for my life is as a ship
to there would I sail
never to falter, never to fail.
Fears and tears put in a jar
seal the lid tight
for my journey forget reality
let there be no calamity.
Do I sail alone? Dear Lord, NO!
for a pilgrimage even
is better when you can share
'tis my hope and prayer.
Hand in hand, arm in arm
traveling together
through storm or squall
celebrating life and God's all.
dc riggs © 21 August 2004
"A Political Machine"
Vote for me! Oh Citizens Vote!
make me your number one
my campaign is not over
though in truth it never was begun
but my promises are true
'tis only reality
that is sometimes false
but let us forget that finality
and enjoy the chicken
that I will put into every pot
well fed you'll be
now how's that for life's lot
that is if for me you'll freely vote!
I am not a political hack of sorts
died in the wool am I
a blanket of many colors
did I hear a sigh?
have you heard this dribble
sometime before?
forget those past fools
open my door
for I have promises to make
if not to keep
and campaign miles
before I am able to sleep
unlike my more fortunate cohorts.
So get out and vote! Yes you! Vote!
no matter my office
dogcatcher, or President
either will suffice
the means matter very little
my ambitions to fulfill
off the record of course
I will not lie, steal, manipulate, or kill
or at least not be caught
with my hand in the cookie jar
though from the others
that would be par
so it is for me that you should vote!
dc riggs © 21 August 2004
"Galveston Island, A Lesson"
Safe, Secure, Worry-less people
prosperity, abundance
did some seek or many holler
for another profit, another dollar?
Expert Maury said "impossible"
oceanography's father
did he cosign thousands to die?
does the multitude still cry?
Galvez Island, Texas Queen City
Nineteen and double ought
wind and wave
ranted, to destroy not to save.
Six thousand lives suddenly gone
the island now a shambles
the poor and the rich
bodies on the barge or in the ditch.
Such is the pathway of man
valuing things, not life
unable to see around the bend
surprised at times, as life does end.
dc riggs © 22 August 2004
"When the Trail Divides"
Cowboy riding, all alone
the trail divides
does he go left or right?
destinations are out of sight.
Back behind the horse's rump
are former days
family, friends, strangers met
are there strings? debt?
His heart rides heavy
of was, could have beens
ripe possibilities gone
but that is yesterday's song.
Between his horse's ears
lies tomorrow's hope
a new day begins at dawn
like a new born fawn.
Which trail should he choose?
left? right? will either do
does a her await?
if so, he'd better go, not be late.
dc riggs © 22 August 2004
"God's Chosen Instrument"
The need was eternally true
what man required
and what God
Himself could do
to bring into genuine reality
love, peace, and hope
to reachout
and give the man
a hand
even when the man
was at the end of his rope
but the offer
how to make it
so it would be heard
if not read?
for too many would hesitate
until its too late
and they were nearly dead
bur He, Himself
had a way, a real plan
of what someone must do
to bring the Word
that was truly required
the instrument was me and you.
dc riggs © 26 Aug 2004
"Beyond Being Dead"
I woke up one morning in bed
my feet still tired
body pooped
with an ache within my head.
"Why?" I asked of myself and me
am I here in pain
though when feeling good
the question of why I'd gladly flee.
Like the rose now past its season
its petals on the ground
it had lived, would bloom again
was blooming my reason?
A teaching, which long ago I was fed
God made you, loves you
for relationship you created
fear not being weary or even being dead.
Love Creator with all of your heart
from love of neighbor and self never part.
dc riggs © 28 August 2004
"Proud Tree"
Alone, bent, limited beauty
stood in the meadow
a solitary tree
not lovely, but easy to see.
Cleaved by lightening
scared by fire
somewhere in its past
the damage did last.
A reject of rejects
no Christmas type of tree
yet still it stood
a sturdy creation of wood.
Birds in its branches nesting
mice in the roots
a rabbit resting in its shade
nibbling the grass blade.
Scared, but still proud
like a man, bloodied, unbowed.
dc riggs © 28 August 2004
"Salute the Sane Nut"
The laugh that was a giggle
came from inside
where my innards did wiggle
on laughter's flowing tide.
Funny? Funny you should ask!
for sober were we
never opened a wine flask
but our happiness you could see.
Oh, pity the folk who died alive
tombstone under each arm
as if to death they took a dive
did their soul a great harm.
Pity too, the fellow who is merry
an outside act
for on the inside are tears
with sorrow he made his pact
and gave way to life's fears.
Joyful is the sane nut, a fruity cake
enjoying life, big and small
for they give more than they take
they have heard God's call.
So which are you my dear friend
do you have hope? joy?
to see you to life's very end?
be vulnerable, real, you're not a toy.
dc riggs © 28 August 2004
"Before Fully Awake"
It came predawn, Paralysis
unmoving
the hour between
awake
asleep
so deep
desire within swirls
I am unmoving.
Passions soared as eagles
unquenched
a ravenous hunger
to hold
to kiss
this Miss
senses totally alive
body frustrating, useless.
Oh for the joys now past
memories
the hope of "to come" as
heart
mind
will find
perfection, unity, peace
Creation's goal realized.
Love, the thrill of "to soar"
Yet, still wanting for more.
dc riggs © 30 August 2004
"And It Is Good"
And God made the heavens
earth
things to fly, swim
creep
crawl
run, gallop, and walk
no need to knock on wood
God made, and it was good.
Some say God made a goof
fascinating
pity their following history
the man
the woman
sin in the garden
God never asked if he should
for what God made was good.
Be Fruitful! a universal command
multiply
even the man and woman to have
passion
unity
with each other, with God
it never changes, this eternal should
God's to choose, and He chose good.
Man perverts, a choice not a should
God cries, redeems, reshaping the good.
dc riggs © 30 August 2004
"Seeking Love"
Dissect my heart, not physical body, but
of soul
and you will find love
waiting
eager
to receive, to give
God made us of His own free will
we, His purposes to enjoy, to fulfill.
Man loves Woman, pairs bonding
passions
a different common thread
rhythm
blending
not for a moment
for unity is to be for a lifetime
growing, building, a sweet rhyme.
The perceptions, marvelously different
similar
throughout the animal kingdom
gender
function
a goal of intimacy
and though sexual pleasures be fun
without Love, unity, fulfillment is not done.
Couples, the plan, a working absolute
Himself
the unifying factor, God
man
woman
divine, triangular strength
if you desire love, find our Creator God
humankind is more than a lump of sod.
Love without purpose, is not really love
It is lust, not acceptable in heaven above.
dc riggs © 30 August 2004
"Drink, My Love, Drink"
Drink my love, drink
of me
while the wind
whistles through the trees
and love
whistles in my heart
with limbs
of flesh and blood
wrap me
tightly hold me
as I
do you as well
your lips
mine do meet
so sweet
better than honey
stirring my lonely heart
as through the trees
whistles the wind
to me
a tune of love, life's drink.
dc riggs © 30 August 2004
"Boys, Heroes, Men"
Soldier games, boys play
heroes
each one
toy guns, cannons
the dead shall live again
to play.
Mother, Dad, so proud
parents
with hopes
dreams of what will be
a man, separate from
the crowd.
Friends, buddies, men in war
heroes
doing the job
Dad, Mother, their fears
for he has gone
away, far.
A Nation's need, duty's call
soldiers
guns bark
a rain of artillery shells
duty done, given
life's all.
Death, reality, the end of day
coffins
returning home
parents, friends, tears
taps, the bugle
does play.
dc riggs © 30 August 2004
"The River Muse"
The River Muse, winding, flowing
around the gray matter
of the mind
but sometimes
it clogs
from stress, work
a plate
overloaded, over flowing
red corpuscles
pooped
the eyes of the heart
crossed
too much awake
too little sleep
too much, too much on going
but the clogs
can be opened again
through play
with child, grandchild
time on a swing
stars, meditation on life
so the River Muse keeps flowing.
dc riggs © 30 August 2004
"Lonely in the City"
A lonely night
a chill in the air
a desire
for one so fair
that the darkness
holds no fear.
The heavy fog
damp, wet sidewalk
silence
deafening, no talk
loneliness
is usually solitary.
On one to love
the tears
remain inside
the fears
hidden deep
within
the surface bravado.
Walking, walking
country boy, a bit lost
in the city
but what's the cost
one life
among the many.
Somewhere, love, friends
are out there waiting
undiscovered
no "Hi", the hesitating
is not from fear
but apathy, from ignorance.
dc riggs © 31 August 2004
