Words that Matter

Writing these stories and poems has been fun; an adventure in various levels of life. Re-creating memory and feelings bringing us face to face with life experiences; somtimes harsh, often funny. I hope these characters and settings remind readers how much we are alike as we chuckle, cry or worry about what is taking place around us. . . .  

A Distinctive Side

A Distinctive Side Some say I ended up living on the wrong side of RR tracks where cars are rusty and housing comes mostly in tiny apartments rents...

Jesus ... I Am

Foreword : Jesus came to share His Essence. This story is revealing the thoughts which may have crossed His mind as He strode forth to complete His...

Being King

Remembering an event at a 1950 Kanasuta Lake Cub Camp in northern Quebec, my home province. A favourite game was King-of-the-Hill. Being King of the...
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I Lay in the Grass

I Lay in the Grass and count strands of green Dragon flies landing on my arm a shriek pending from this ten-year-old panic prepared to erupt-- the...
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The Sea Coughs

The Sea Coughs up sand and salt-- at times leftover debris from ships ahoy long times ago. An ocean roils and twists on destiny’s day -- many lost...

Beyond Clarity

Beyond Clarity White caps snooker the edge of my imagination as ocean features its grizzled countenance: tappy-dancing is my fetish in the horrors of...

Son of Fred (Part 1)

A Mini-Novel for Ages 8-12 SON OF FRED By Esther & Richard Provencher COPYRIGHT (c) 2017 Esther and Richard Provencher Dester Publications. All...

Son of Fred (Part 2)

A Mini-Novel for Ages 8-12 SON OF FRED By Esther & Richard Provencher CHAPTER SEVEN - Lots of Fun Victoria Park was really huge. Now that he was...

Touch Me Not

Touch Me Not with words dripping in kindness. No helpfulness either since I am of an independent nature not needing attention nor any chartered...

Oh Sly Moon

Oh Sly Moon with your cathedral silhouettes wrapped in peek-a-boo glances— streaming across this island where nature abounds. Your spotlight of...

Fatherhood

Fatherhood Guardian of a child strolling protecting-- “My legs are shorter” says our 4 year old edging closer to the precipice where evil lurks...

Grandpa's Toboggan

A story for ages 4-7 Grandpa’s Toboggan By Esther and Richard Provencher DEDICATION: For all young children who enjoy having stories read to them at...

Cindy's Answer

CINDY’S ANSWER By Esther A. Provencher DEDICATED: To my daughter, Susan, my first child. STORY: "OK Cindy, I think you'd better go home now. Your mom...

A Bear

approaches her cave amid familiar surroundings nostrils quivering for intruder-scent knowing his mother is slouching in one corner her fur matted no...

Many Years Ago

Many Years Ago , I was eighteen and hunting with my neighbour’s son, Roy aged eleven. His dad, Harry was like a second father to me and unable to...

A Grand Journey

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“Why must we be so careful, great-papo?” Mungo-tut always asked questions. Sometimes he listened to advice. Right now great-papo had a serious look...

The New Me

The New Me. Words cause tears to fall like a knife with pain that tears into old memories -- I cry. Lonely are times as a dove seeking a mate who can...

Muck-a-Luck

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Muck-a-Luck On the edge of everything egos clash-- a blink of lightning slashes the sky in two and drones are used when small-town bullies chase...
Cherry

A Home in the Country

Home in the Country Along the road they walked some called it a driveway from country road to country home. Hand in hand chuckling at his kidding...

Mania

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Mania Let’s get out to the mountains where air is fresh and free where scenes are curtains of change colours and torn jeans falling in creeks wild...
Cherry

More Than Poetry

More Than Poetry In love with a dream-- working clothes and farmer boots hide heavy socks on a day full of mosquito bites. Some victims take a swig...
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Early Morning Chase

Early Morning Chase Through my window-pane I see passers-by anxious faces and bulging tummies in a parade overlapped by cars in the street below...

Welcome to Ghosts

Welcome to Ghosts and their expressions of relief-- finally someone believes in them. Their flights of fancy irregular outlines with sways and...
Cherry

A Time for Living

A Time for Living Hiking this path I came upon space where even quiet is subdued near a place named Tobermory top of the Bruce Trail and I finally...

Brain Aneurysm

Brain Aneurysm It came like a comet after a background of music an exhibition of joy crowds competing for rides and the sky filled with sound. I saw...

A Country Life

A Country Life Sketch an outline of a farm where people live and chickens – cows horses and a llama or two do the same. With a nice house porch and a...

Is It Tonight Lord

Is It Tonight Lord? A child once chased a kite through this playground used to be a school here too. Now only blood remains soil defaced-- where an...

January

January means time to dress-up warm and seek season’s flavour. Cast your eyes up high and appreciate nature’s gift surrounded by a natural flow ---...

After the Pain

After the Pain Through sheer determination, Lacey, a dog lifts up slowly, arthritic hip aching straining her flow of muscular frame, black she is,...
Cherry

Man on His Tractor

Man on His Tractor Haying done spotted like freckles are the mounds-- it was early morning when work began. First the mowing then raking next bailing...

IF--

If-- I could I would tell my mom how much I loved her and now how much I miss her and thanks for the cooking and laundering and-and; my dad was here...

Homeless

Homeless Like an empty bottle of cheap wine fallen from grace his butt rests on the cold sidewalk. A usual place for a failure. At least that’s what...

In Vermont

In Vermont Within walls that call your name echoes of Carthusian will. We temper anger from an outside wind with prayer – love and celebration. (c)...

We Have Heroes

We Have Heroes in our midst. One who carries himself awkwardly a school bus did this when he was only seven hit him hard after children drop-offs...

Coastal Range BC

Coastal Range BC The mountain rises above the beard of its shore broods over all-- big-horns anxiously charge up its slope climbing to the pinnacle...

-Keyhole

- Keyhole Sun's radiance is an eye-widening slash of evening lips. From our canoe we enjoy the brilliance of nature's retrea t and absorb these...

Snowflakes

Snowflakes fly in a frenzy of winter-white they flit and fall as a band of chick-a-dees and moaning doves the wind directing their afflictions. They...

Stars Still Shine Brightly

Stars Still Shine Brightly I am an older man from across the way who sees out his nursing home window each day. Some hurry to cars idling with...
Cherry

To Dance in the Shadows

To Dance in the Shadows Dew lay like a wet blanket on mother deer and her young one, as they drew warmth from each other. Young buck stood,...
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Master of Ceremonies

Master of Ceremonies He was choking on his own voice the nerve of it how vain it was to think he could command such attention. As he entered through...

At the End

At the End of world war 1945 bugles played drums pounded and engines roared overhead allied planes in victory crossing the skies above— and momma...

Chasing the Spirit

Wrapped inside an avenue of ringing bells and colourful decorations a homeless man crosses his heart in pain heels worn each step groaning across...

A Long Term Care Facility

“How great Thou art” a lady whispers aware of His presence since SundaySchool lessons-- she knows she’ll be going home soon. Ears listen. Eyes...

Sometimes

On some nights stars are diamond- bright and the ones I wish on try to hurry my dreams to truth. Sometimes twilight is rosy-red and extra colours...

A Cold Memory

November wind strokes the river bank earth sliding tumbles into nothing but a memory. Muddy scar on the clean surface the only sign it ever was there...

Choices

Flat like a silhouette you are. Once your weight caused seismic spasms across the boardwalk of your intentions. A doctor’s command – lose or draw...

Blackness

Blackness is surrounded by sky. Time to pull the shades. Now reach up and touch the stars. They magnify pleasure and beauty. An eerie feeling...

Vacation Bible School (Book 1)

Book 1 Theme “The Gifts of the Spirit” in a Series of Five Themes. These ideas are available for any Church group to utilize for their own programs...

Vacation Bible School (Book 2)

Book 2 Theme “The Ten Commandments” in a Series of FiveThemes. These ideas are available for any Church group to utilize for their own programs...

Good Ole Summer

It took me awhile to climb the pebbles at the lake crashing waves threatening to set me down. The sun praised my face and arms toasted from the rays...

The Snow

is here -- again. See flowery flakes quickly from the north-west pursuing a not-so-lazy current of wind. No picnic today as unexpected fluffy-stuff...
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Vacation Bible School (Book 3)

Book 3 Theme “The Armour of God” in a Series of Five Themes. These ideas are available for any Church group to utilize for their own programs...

More Words

I do not speak just to have words tumble from my lips like the Falls of Niagara splash and foam as tourists duck mist from the deck of a sight-seeing...

Her Voice

caught me by surprise it was sweet It was identified by its tremor. Her body alert she was standing still watching me. From across the street I...

Wounds That Conquer

Her face was etched with wounds that conquer cigarette dangling hands worn from the trappings of life for someone hardened to the gift of poverty. I...

Free Range

One foot places carefully beside the other manoeuvres a little unsteadily in the morn of an early sky. Forestry crews to soon arrive lots to do with...
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This Land Called Canada

The sun is low and spurns an evening threatening rain when sunny was today’s habit. A wind undermines night as clouds roil in anticipation of a...

The Lad from Pointe de Bute (a short outline)

This is a Historical fiction for Young Readers aged 8-12, with approximately 14,250 words of text. It takes place one day in the life of John Jr (...

The Serene

THE SERENE sky grabbed me by the neck lifted me from my canoe and flung me into the night sky. In my travel through space I tried counting stars but...

A Crust

A Crust is enticing. A tidbit on a driveway of asphalt white morsel against the blacktop-- an offering to swoop away captures one crow’s attention...

The Lad from Pointe de Bute (Chapters 1-3)

A Historical Fiction for Young Readers 8-12 Chapters 1-3 THE LAD FROM POINTE DE BUTE By Esther and Richard Provencher COPYRIGHT: © 2014-17 by Esther...

Everyone Can Have Life

Earl is a man whose smile overwhelms shyness – his sins behind him – found Jesus and now life has no bounds. A wife and two children adore this man...

The Pain of it All

The Pain of it All I saw pain written across her face. A journey’s life for all to see. Some wounds so deep thankfully not missed. Her adopted...

The Lad from Pointe de Bute (Chapters 4-6)

A Historical Fiction for Young Readers 8-12 Chapters 4-6 THE LAD FROM POINTE DE BUTE By Esther and Richard Provencher COPYRIGHT: © 2014-17 by Esther...

The Lad from Pointe de Bute (Chapters 7-9)

A Historical Fiction for Young Readers 8-12 Chapters 7-9 THE LAD FROM POINTE DE BUTE By Esther and Richard Provencher COPYRIGHT: © 2014-17 by Esther...

The Lad from Pointe de Bute (Chapters (10-12)

A Historical Fiction for Young Readers 8-12 Chapters 10-12 THE LAD FROM POINTE DE BUTE By Esther and Richard Provencher COPYRIGHT: © 2014-17 by...

The Lad from Pointe de Bute (Chapters 13-14)

Historical Fiction for Young Readers 8-12 Chapters 13-14 THE LAD FROM POINTE DE BUTE By Esther and Richard Provencher COPYRIGHT: © 2014-17 by Esther...

The Lad from Pointe de Bute (Chapters 15-16-End)

A Historical Fiction for Young Readers 8-12 Chapters 15-16-End THE LAD FROM POINTE DE BUTE By Esther and Richard Provencher COPYRIGHT: © 2014-17 by...

When Father's Cry

A dad stood arm around his son, looking across Economy Lake, located north of the tiny community of Bass River, Nova Scotia. The gravel road led far...

One by One

we drain away from the mainstream and drift towards a pond inflated with memories --surge toward an eastern sky a sizzle and snap of life as bygone...

Beyond the Day

within the dark of night clouds crowd the sky in roiling ecstasy— lightning bolts clash thunder stutters rains swamp. and I am covered in wet. © 2018...

Allow Me

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to enter into your dream where thunder roils lightning strikes and memories like shadows peer from a mirror on the wall. Can you fulfill a journey...

Sunshine--is

much more than simply warm. This cauldron of hotness from distance dares descend its glow radiating boldness fulfilling all desires and engulfs the...

In the Silence

of a misty Year of Moments Jesus rubbed His chin and looked across the beaver dam. The intricate weaving of poplar limbs secured the strength needed...

'Serenade

Bedroom eyes become a parade of sleepy movement after a night of sweet caress and for you a glass of Chablis followed by a lover’s kiss. (c) 2018...

Orphan

I am a memory of departing Ugandans so many years ago. Boats on open seas escaping pirates and their evil gleams. Blood and hunger arriving at safe...

Arrows

against the heart can sting if released for un-forgiven wrongs. They will often wound a person’s spirit. Releasing venom short cuts brain circuits...

You Take Your Turn

at leaving when time is right and that’s if your heart is at peace with a prideful delight. Your memoirs are safe in a head full of success and...

We

were both wounded in the desires of our own affliction. (c) 2018 Richard L. Provencher

Passage

A canoe was an enjoyable feast in my younger days-- the rush. (c) 2018 Richard L. Provencher

Canoeing

was a pastime favourite. Moments were many and buoyant on the edge of river’s thirst shadows melted into the sun. Shades of colour hovered among...

Ocean Shore

is a washboard of memory rushing in patterns of descending splashes clamshells and dulse scattered in a decorating fringe amid a roar of approval...

From One's Heart

Come, sit down and listen, mom said. She was bleary eyed, an eyebrow lower than the other. The way she always looked when things began to fall apart...

He Who Is Sent

across the baked soil sandals worn to protect the feet of One so fine. Some called Him John the Baptist – others the Messiah come to save their souls...

A Lifeline

is a gravel road -- less travelled but not forgotten as an after thought needing attention maintenance a priority-- yet usually used when the pace of...

What I Learned

from living on the streets: my hand out at just the right angle a smile of anticipation showing lots of teeth – especially the broken one. Never mind...

Splatters

Splatters descend into splashes of sloppy drops on cars – lawns – homes and smooth black-top resistance. A downturn now in its intensity: plinking...

BOYHOOD

There goes that Gene Autry song once more – Back in the Saddle Again on a hit parade of memories when boys sought out a hero or two with Roy Rogers...

AFTER

Since this Homeless man left Afghanistan long lean years ago he steps softly on the wrong side of sidewalk’s downtown busy place where white concrete...

Flavours

I call you out sun-- you who loves to crisp skin yet often-time bring flavour to a pleasant summer day. I call you out half-moon-- occupier of sister...

Silence is Night

draws you in once was twilight now only the black and no longer bright just peaceful grace once was love with sidewalk space and now the memory of...
Cherry

Reality Has a Face

Walked the beat for years before the shooting a mixed up affair and now a new role a mall cop – a private firm helped me be alive again. I thought he...

Goin' Fishin'

is just an excuse to do some hiking beside a gravel road an earthy trail much softer on the feet – timothy seed brushing your leg the sound of...

FROM DAYS OF YORE

I walked the seashore to seek my fortune where fighting ships did abound-- might was right and mouths of cannon eager for daylight where good folks...
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Circa 1958

Ordered an egg roll with a buddy of mine spoke of how tough it was at home and other things— that mom was a waitress here like the one bringing our...

LIFE PEELS

like a banana with layers of twilight crossing your heart as a blue jay shrieks in the belly of a morning sun and canvas stacks in shelves by common...

A PIECE OF HEAVEN

I desire Your laughter and worn sandals – I want to run and exalt Your name -- Jesus. I am a righteous person God created – one you wished me to be...

FLAVOURS

In a frenzy of winter-white frosty snow flits in windy lunges a mighty space let loose as an army of fluffy flakes.
Cherry

WE WALK IN SHADOWS

that swell with sunset passing as seasons stack one above another-- celestial images scudding by passing summers and always cars whistling along at...

DISCOVERY

I once lived in the world by myself— all covered in silence. Within the boundaries of life I discovered people who say they love you really love you...

JUST A LITTLE GIRL

She was too young to understand the night came too soon for her to know now a baby’s on the way and a foster home the only way. He grew up that...

A DOG'S TALE

A DOG’S TALE (c ) 2015-2018 By Esther and Richard Provencher ARRROOOUF! is a happy bark from Ace, a proud Black Labrador on his favorite corner of...

A HUNTER AND DREAMS

Morning dew was like a wet blanket wrapped around Matt’s shoulders, as he waited patiently among the sheltering shrubs alongside Cooking Lake,...

Vacation Bible School (Book 2)

Book 2 Theme “The Ten Commandments” in a Series of Five Themes. These ideas are available for any Church group to utilize for their own programs...

LET THE HORSES RUN

and taste the snap of day with a firmness of legs built for letting loose among a spirit of wind and pace. A mane of black flows as the purest of...

WHAT I SEE AND DON'T

The crack of sudden thunder escalates river’s roar tumbling showers pelting a tourist-filled boat below majestic Niagara Falls-- a loon’s lament...

ARE YOU FREE

when the air about you is as fresh as a newly dropped cow patty? That gulp of air did cost you when your other sense was assailed by the aroma of the...
Cherry

LIFE IS SIMPLE

for the little twitchy chick-a-dee who flit-flops from twig to branch to the prize waiting for a busy beak at home among the grain in the feeder on...

EMBARRASSED 40

Tried to make it to the edge of years to conquer the wall. I travel to any part of the world without music-- sing my own songs deal with mind...

PICNIC

The chicken sure tasted good sitting here on the old blanket his eyes taking her in between bites. The sky spoke mountains of country music and the...

I DREAMED ABOUT A GIRL

I never met. She was a fox. She was beautiful with long hair – golden to her toes. And ruby red lips. I saw her on the Esplanade her skirt kind of...

SHOULD YOU HIIDE

your fingers from the world the ones that reach cupboard-high to receive plates for guests -- or the ones which pick up a child in distress fallen on...

I AM HOMELESS

by trade and my voice at times -- gruff with sounds as a log crashing against a rock in a stream once silent in the forest at night. Quarters thrown...

LIVING

Ain’t done living but that pain in my hip reminds me age is catching up and mountain climbing no longer on my bucket list. Today’s special ‘cause I...

A CONVERSATION WITH GOD

God, why do you do so much for me? Because I want to. God, it’s hard for me to understand things. That is why I provide you with insight . Yes…but…...

WORDS

have a life of their own especially when they get you down and pin your thoughts to the floor while re-creating the world you once lived in. Steps in...

THIS HOUSE

from days far before the scent of fond memory shakes its hardy wooden frame ingloriously in the wind baked by the sun – shuttered from rain where a...

A JACKPINE

costumes this peninsula of shore – as night-time silence escapes the clamor of a busy fisherman’s run with lobster traps and herring bait aligned...

WHEN A TREE

falls – no longer will it stand pure and serene among a forest of bleached birch. Fir stalwart among the landscape. As plateaus of rock direct...
Cherry

ONCE UPON

a day -- sunlight creates dreams and a surprise platter of spaghetti supper. I’m eight again in my mind and life is full-- I’m in love with the world.

HELP ME

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disappear into the shadows where my face will no longer see the sins of Mankind so I may understand the pain that tries to grow within me– the pain...

I WAS BORN

to gurgle and coo at an early age and love mommy daddy too. Generations later at the cemetery: love you mom & dad.

AT WHAT PRICE

fame with loads of green? An admiring audience on the New Jersey Boardwalk flashy cars and spirits a broken marriage with leftover children -- fame...

RAYMOND

never asks for much a piece of land -- plants seed and a chance to prove his green thumb. He’s always on the move landscaping his thing -- a pink...

A CHEST

of doubloons at rainbow’s end can easily occupy our minds. But the only treasure I have known is my wife since ’75.

BIG TIME

Biding time she pulls at her hair like someone itchy with cooties having spent too long in a 9 x 6 cell-- light staring in her eyes remembers the...

SUN

broils the sky – teases my shades temperature- high and not to be denied the nature of change captures my skin.

EMPTY THE HOUSE

of all its artifacts-- the souvenirs from Niagara pictures of Cape Breton and Prairies so flat Saskatchewan way. Where did the years go as I look at...

JUS' ME

and my bottle oh sweet taste of wine. How it gurgles down my throat -- sloshes for a little more space. I lift to a higher elevation until – all gone...

DON'T BIRDS KNOW

they have wings to share with higher elevations that can rise to meet their needs. To soar anxiously like an eagle riding thrusts of thermals that...

I WANT TO DANCE

at twilight’s door by the seashore on cool ocean sand. I begin to count those mighty stars winking at a little guy like me.

MOMMA'S

waiting at home for her man he’s out there at one of the bars scorching back rye – straight. Can’t feel any more pain money’s all gone and back home...

WE WILL TENT AGAIN

The sun broils away as my feet greet an outside sky -- baby blue mirage my reward. Steps take me across familiar land – this trail a favourite and...

IRASCIBLE

with politicians who plagiarize my thoughts as I lift shoe leather one step at a time leading to my favourite side of the street. This one’s full of...

A STONE

for a cat that once I knew its surface smooth found not so long ago on the shores of Northumberland Strait where first I trod as a little boy. Now...

LISTEN TO

the abyss stroking darkness stretching closer to a murky bottom-- where treasure troves await brave ones in a fullness of awe. Gold and silver filled...

WHAT IS LOVE?

T he touching— a kiss on the lips. Warmth by your side and living the fullness of time.

SHUFFLES

earned his nickname making rounds up and downtown-- hat in hand shoe leather squeaking in the wind and belly tight without ample food. Time to pause...

THE SUN CRIED

the day Minou passed away. It wasn’t the first time she felt anger from a neighbour’s wrath who didn’t like to see a feline munch on birds alighting...

SLEEPY GEESE

descend in waves of feathers their wings slowing a great sweep from distant spaces. Yesterday was tiresome plowing through buffeting wings but today...
Cherry

One Two Three Four

five and six more deer straight as a pencil on autumn’s crunchy floor while morning sun says vamoose to a lingering mist whispering into far away.

Chilly Outside

Crispy cool nature the brrr of October leaves fallen snow on the fly. A nd I want to feel snowflakes lick my face.

What to Do

today? Lip-kiss my lady. Hurry-shop groceries. Buy sonny-boy a birthday gift. Eat slinky salmon steaks-- and thank you Lord for my life. My eclectic...

From Roadside

Cars and other wheel-rims flashlight the hyphenated highway. They have places to go. A family visit -- someone to kiss and other of life’s adventures...

The Bouvier

pulls herself to full attention as she arises in the am shuffles purposefully to her awaiting doggie-bowl. Breakfast requests itself to provide...

Snowshoe Time

There’s a bite in the wind and our snowshoes know the trail. We’ve done it many times before. And now snow falls at a rapid pace our faces hardened...

An Autumn of Leaves

create a cradle of colour. From maple heights and journeys beyond a curlicue of shades rides a windy season. In a whisper of movement curled up edges...

I Wish I Was

a flouncing snowflake-- takes chances and enters an atmosphere of uncertainty -- where landing on a lady is a gift – to press fair skin against my...

JESUS

The Word is the same all bibles describe it-- about a man came to save, wipe out sin bring truth to the world and provide saving Grace, by giving up...

WE DID GO

for a ride at a windy pace lake’s current carousing like a runaway bat --shadows above copious stands of trembling aspen, with leaves as golden bells...

ORPHAN BOY

awakens with a start places warm toes on cold floor planks thinks – a new foster home. He’s brought nothing but trouble to all the others yet kind...

LET THE GAME BEGIN

Locks the front door-- shopping was tiring but saved enough zing for their weekly evening – and tonight it is. Close the curtains then off the lights...

LABYRINTH

Words have a life of their own. Often they get you down and pin you to the floor. They can re-create the world you once lived in.

EACH MOMENT

is a dust particle of time a movement a breath a sneeze and we learn to adapt to circumstances. A sickness or disease may threaten our life and only...
Cherry

GROWING OLDER

with the one you love is a blessing – not always do the sparks hang around your heart like times before but sufficient is a look a touch and words...

ONCE

I had a dream-- to cure ills in all mankind: cancel out any wars feed the poor enrich smart ones tally those who care and find a soul mate. I did.
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WHAT I SEE

from a sheltered porch (as everyone slumbers) is a sky of glittering diamonds sifting through shadows that linger across layers of mountain green...

I SHUFFLED

a deck of cards and one spilled onto the floor reminding us of our loner-child who lived on his own terms in a sad state of torment misbehaving--...

THE YOUNG AT WAR

with drugs. And booze and everything not so nice. How appropriate the songs for today’s folly and good times. He was a boy in a man’s desire to shock...

I'M GOING TO LIVE

FOREVER shouted a boy of ten to his friend as they finished wrestling in the backyard. They were guessing what age each of their mom’s were and...

NATURE

is a swirl of feathers and hooves under blue and wind. Trees to ascend – tasting fish rocks to climb land to tent on claiming stars at night. Animals...

I SHUFFLED (2)

a deck of cards and one spilled onto the floor it landed with a smack reminding us of a child we knew who lived for a while in such a sad life –...

A LETTER TO MOMMA

Had a bad day -- teasing a friend Mona (she’s cute) got me a 5 paragraph detention to turn in. You remember Billy- Bob? Well he still bullies people...

GROAN AND MOAN

Mornin’ already I fretted throwing covers aside. Finally up the anti-health morons shuddered as I thrust arthritic tootsies into cold slippers. He’s...

WHERE DO YOUNG MEN GO

when they get older? Do they disappear from public’s eye afar from family and friends too soon? His gait is slow as wrinkles grow yet within an aged...

SUNSET'S LAMENT

is temperamental. Shades of skin in colour raise across the horizon into strips of awesomeness. Patience in the moment echoes that sky-- immediate...

DID MOMMA

get the love she needed from my daddy who only came home by and by? The War they say and why he could only stay awhile. Too young to understand and...
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IT WAS A NIGHT

LIKE THIS I last saw Irene snow creeping across our backyard and quickly growing into larger crystals. She was a looker in my thirteen year old eyes...

THREE DEER

are a tripod of movement nibbling happily on half-frozen apples— fallen ones plucked swiftly from Autumn ground by creatures of Tundra-- an October...

LET THE SEASONS

call by name – come wind and rain and everything not so nice – come snow and add to my chores. Your banks pile higher than my snowshoes can muster...

A Long Term Care Facility

“How great Thou art” a resident whispers aware of His presence since days long ago in Sunday School lessons-- she knows she’ll be entering a heavenly...

WOLF

“No one knew what the Alpha intended. Perhaps he was just inquisitive or, after chasing a rabbit for fun, decided to explore this new territory.”...
Cherry

Pages of Rage

I hear liquor on his breath dad wrestling with the door fingers scratching wood-- painting it with curses. Falls down couple of times before making...

King Tut

A man in a boy’s body meant divinity— Guardians claimed he was above all in his kingdom. His was the choice of life and it came to pass a servant...
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Risk-Taker

Slinking through the grass I crept close enough to observe a doe and a young one resting in the sun by a pond its glimmer backed by a forest of fir...

Today I Heard

the magic of an ocean cry out my name: You bring the French fries and I’ll provide salt-- then you’ll see the magnificence of my scenery. Foam-topped...

Country Singer 2

You must have been there when I was young and lived the songs you now sing-- about growing up sad and being picked last for a backyard team -- a...

A Beautiful Black Man

sang a song and painfully played his piano for me. Savagely deformed fingers moved as a baby’s lullaby tickling across the keys in an arthritic dance...
Cherry

The Beginning of the Rainbow

A long time ago a legend was told about a Pot of Gold at the end of a rainbow. And about two young boys who dreamed about finding that treasure...

Time For a Chuckle

Little did I know a fishing day years ago would provide a memory of chuckles “If only I had a camera then,” my wife said about the occasion. Shortly...

Inferno

Claws of fire inherit the sky and turn it asunder laying claim to its territory. As sunfire claimed the sky -- its remnants claim the stars and dots...

People of the Dark

are silhouettes of goodness. Once a part of the greater whole a sector of community who cared... circumstances led them to crime – stealing purses...
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Walk About

I saw a lady walking a dog – slowly reminiscing. Leaves trembling from their branches in descent.

The Gunpowder Trees

resist the will of men. They survive any surrender to pollution. They don’t understand why mankind is at the mercy of lumber barons. Unknown is an...
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All I Ever Got

was visions at night and morning feet walking to my wife planting a kiss on her pretty face. Making breakfast with arms that move and swinging to...

He Reads

his Bible in the cusp of early morning even though words come halting-slow. After a full arising – washes & dresses followed by toast and coffee...

The Angel and the Cygnet (2)

One day a bright white dot seemed to be falling from the blue sky. Birds and fowl at the pond looked up guessing it was a large bird. Instead she is...

The Beaten Path

The Beaten Path When challenges in life threaten to overwhelm me I pup-tent on a three-acre island on Economy Lake, Nova Scotia. Its quarter mile...
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Oh Royal Insignia

of an unchartered sweep of forest baring bones o n mineral ridges. I heard about untold mysteries yet to unfold and long to share the raucous joy of...

Heard Momma Crying

last night – dad’s not home again. We left the table and went to bed early – his plate full of beans and wieners our usual fare left on the table. He...

I Grew Up

I Grew Up in a neighbourhood of wounds – returned veterans from WW 11 who brought home souvenirs of war – missing arms and legs. Suffering PTSD and...

ThisYoungMan

in grocery-clerk mode is fully alert as a metronome of conversation. An icon in organized action – eye contact and hand quickness packing foodstuffs...

I Would Rather

be a colourful smile than a nasty attitude upon your back so I may uplift with yellow and green to lift you high upon this day. Yes I can be bright...

A Rose in Blossom 2

A whisper above her wheel chair creates its own world. Later on she’ll remember He was here an hour -- perhaps a week ago -- Alzheimer’s digging...

A Face in the Clouds

"A fishing trip will be good for you," mom said. "You never go anywhere anymore. This is your chance to get out in the woods. Now scoot." James didn'...

Sit Tall in the Saddle

and watch morning’s light shuffle across the herd moving lazily with moos accompanying their gladness for a mouthful of grass. Time to check for...

Grandpa

said there would be days like this. Soft snow – fluffy crystals overcoming each press of snowshoe. He gave me this set – Algonquin style he said. The...

Look Around

and view personal gems which adorn our apt walls- pictures and cards plus two crow feathers on a trail we hiked. Oh the memories: one son &...

The Young Man

at the grocery counter regales customers in a metronome of conversation and actions eye contact and quickness placing groceries in bags – tallying...

Winter's Challenge

Snowflakes sky-high in drifts of white furrows shuffle across pastures once green with envy. Corn stalks higher than a kite absorbed rain and windy...

Yikes

It was a perfect night for anyone seeking a comfortable sleep. Birds and other creatures of the dark were in pause mode, as if something unusual was...

Let

Let the seasons set the table: When Spring beckons a soft kiss of windy spirit streams with joy gurgles -- poised for glory. Summer brings sunny ways...

Just

a little boy is all— can’t blame him for tears that fall. A bully on his back again – broke his glasses in two this morning at school year 1952— the...

The Sky

creates a soufflé of rugged landscape its features like the moon that surrounds— a menu of trees and snow banks branches marking a trail of windy...

A Menu

is a reminder of various events from under a daily sky: one trout broke my line -- escape at the top of his list; shaggy dog and a little boy. Face-...

Thank You For

noticing me. I am not used to that. I am sure no one can see me. When I look in the mirror I see – nothing. Mother said it is a phase. Papa said such...

Bring the Mop

Gots to get goin’ (so I can save the world—hah) dustin’ time at neighbor’s today a load upon my asthma. But grandkids need shoes new ones this time...

The Pretender

He is cautious on the sidewalk— side to side. A little shaky holding up a pole. White it is prodding the air before him. Must be new to the...

Hi

Saw this man laying on the bench not the first time either this week. He stared and stared each time penetrating and I ignored him who smelled and...

Touch the Sky (revised)

From the finest trees icicle-branches straddle roadway’s rush to the end of land where somewhere never ends.

A Smell of Country

There is nary a moment when wind does not blow over the little town in a sweet valley far below. Always a hint of wildness in woods sheltering like a...

I Can See

I can see the sky when I hold my head high I can see stars watching over me I can feel tears when I cross the line I can see a smile when you come to...

A Blessing

Setting aside the snowshoes, I paused to catch my breath. Hiking in sub-zero weather does that to you. It’s as if air from the lungs has so many...

I See Bones

When I see pastures I see bones – of settlers and families once occupying this land – with sweat through toil where potatoes and corn and vegetables...

Brrrrr

(This poem acknowledges a parade of snow-ice storms descending upon Nova Scotia lately). Morning buried my feet in chills – was it really -21C as the...
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Interlude

During a little chat with Jesus I asked why it’s so hard – my Pastoral life spent praising His name into a conversation. Today’s world is filled with...

8 AM Again

Spotted my next door neighbour in his morning ritual – cig and a coffee and a deep breath of smoke whispering away with the wind followed by a gulp...

The Moaning

dove cuddles inside his collection of sounds to meet any need upon urgent demand: today he may be moaning for a missing love – a forgotten perch even...

He's Just a Whisper

from boxer days when his name was boss on the marquee of a guy in an ocean of sharks. His stature on the street allows other homeless souls to flee...

Leaves of Autumn

are adrift on Autumn’s waterfall of colour and Poplar leaves tinkle like bells during afternoon’s breath.Gentle soundings create a softness within my...

The Moaning Dove 2

I pay attention with subdued breath as heartfelt echoes reach into my spirit and I arise eagerly. His callings may be for a wayward love or friends...

The Trees Reach

a whole lot taller than pop sickle sticks their branches tearing at your jacket when passing by. They hope to be a friend ‘cause it can be a little...

The Blue Jay

stood rigidly on the snow laying thinly on a backyard porch. The sun beat gently on its puffed up chest – blue and white stood out on his layer of...

Rouyn Noranda Strike

During the year of ’54 households felt the sting of less food after months of income losses. A strike meant everything was at a standstill in town-...

I Wish

I was far-seeing: a moon beam path through darknes -- gurgling rivulets aside ancient paths pebbles to hinder rabbits escaping quickly an owl who...

The Sky

is stirring from gentle swoops similar to airplane wings lazily approaching land base. The creature reaches a background of snow in a valley of...

This Older Man

sought comfort in those evening colours. Like a bowl of mom’s porridge the sky rippled across his view saluting the end of another worthwhile day...

A Poem for Eleanor

She’s a precious lady this dear one with many nursing home friends who love her. Their chats joining laughter in a gallop along the hallways. Pals...
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Let Me In

I want to touch your bruises and the way we felt last night. No questions just memories of the time you read my own pain.

I WAS BORN

in a place where we had no voice-- that was the rule of law poor vs the rich and powerful only way to overcome speak out and show your badge of...
Cherry

The Long Road Home

begins with a little boy and his dog Prince both skipping along a gravel road. Cars are few -- money is a dream and allowances unknown. Life is...

Joy! Joy! Joy!

Joy! Joy! Joy I reach up and snatch within a glut of sunbeams one bright gem glows in my palm as I press it to my heart its glint a warm catch. (c)...

Read His Bible

on the back porch. Saw Jesus in all he knew – especially in Dad once a raging whiskey-man and finally during elder years found something new. Now dad...

I Wish

we could be inside each other – to see what others see to feel what others feel to sense what the world expects. Love from sacrifice – companionship...

Menu

He could not bear the slash of words that reminded him of faults – stole from brothers and sister needed cash for treats and such. He was a smart...

This Life

Turning grey is part of the bargain – no favourites upon this land of life – where chicks a dee dee count each day with delight as I sit and watch...

She Looks Great

in her new top with colours that would make any Monarch butterfly flutter with envy. And she’s my dear one who knows how to complete a dancing prance...
Cherry

When First Snow

falls-- the forest-world pauses balanced between Autumn and Winter as flurries appear in waves of filtered white their chilly facade teasing the...

There's Something

special in the air. Listen I hear it – the sound of a heartbeat. Mine. Just a few minutes ago the bike was fine covering kms. on the trail sun on my...

A Wolf

No one knows any wolf’s intentions. Perhaps this one was just traveling about for fun. Or, callings from the pack spurred him into different...

A Country Life

Sketch an outline of an acreage -- where people live and chickens cows horses and a llama or two do the same-- with a nice house porch and a huge...

Kool Kat

A traffic tie-up corner of Prince and Forest. Now he patiently awaits the jumble of metal and rubber to dis-engage from paths created by streaks of...

At Lake Babine BC

A 115 HP Legend Extreme slaps the current of Lake Babine with a prow determined to browse by Bear Island. You can hear faintly grizzly bear growls...
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Cherry

Older Men Talking

like young boys again gathered ‘round a TV set in the nursing home sharing glory-stories of way back when... fishing gab was number one and a fishing...

Left Behind

Flitting in ecstasy a young hummingbird quick as lightning bolts from flower to feeder a beauty carrying scent in spite of lateness from a warm...
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Catharsis

Lions roar and humans try to remain calm jagged nerves innocent to a beast simply expressing himself at the zoo. I return home in a state of...

The Chill

surrounds me clings to these bones since my attire does not protect sufficiently. Shiver as I plod through overnight snow. It delivers me from my...

Gold

in McQuarries Creek BC runs slim between hills of old – dropping to gentler plains: a lone prospector bends low edging his pan into rock-mud...

Last Night

I heard an evil voice manifest itself through words of vulgar intentions – they stabbed and flirted with a person’s heart once created of gold and...

Left Behind 2

Flitting in ecstasy a young hummingbird quick as lightning bolts from flower to feeder a scent- carrying beauty spites the lateness of a colourful...

Never Alone

is she -- hidden within her babbling voice content on a morning walk with groceries tied to a walker – purse alongside. One step then another (...

What is Love?

Is it a butterfly kiss on the cheek a touch on the face for a loved one a word spoken to inspire and encourage a sharing of friendship and other...

Snowstorm

Wonder came upon the land in undulating waves - as crystals formed from the sun and rain. Now riding the wind an avalanche sweeps across a valley...
Cherry

Be

so close to your wife a whisper could not get between you.
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Twilight's Embrace

Cold. The landscape is a paste of white-wash. Covers shrubs and escape-routes. Moles and other creatures awakened to the fact winter has come. Shiver...

A Wholesome Threesome

THE SINGER wrote a jigger of a song- adjusts his string guitar and teases eager lips as a tune escapes around the bay. We listen to its charm from a...

Orphan Boy

awakes from a fanciful dream sits up and places bony toes on the floor. The sun shines too brightly into morning eyes- takes a moment to think. A new...
Cherry

The Red

in October soaks up my spirit as falling leaves unmask the armour of maple trees in the sunlight and I gasp in awe at the tumbling array of shapes...
Cherry

Marriage

When the sky is falling and the clouds come tumbling down – you are there and when our children drive us from here to there in unholy abandon you are...
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Sometimes

I forget to tell you I love you- or touch your hair so soft as often as I can. And when I do remember all of me is in your basket of caring and...
Cherry

Child of Smiles

The sky is like a warm smile – it breathes on me and forest smells cover me from the wind. I am like a tree a white birch tall and proud – adding...

The Sandman is On the Way

My eyes alight with pleasure at the going down of the sun – glistening shivers of light pretending not tired nor needing peaceful rest but wanting to...

3 Shorties

A Natural Element It gathers in windy abundance from Western Canada boldly as a hunting eagle whistling along in a flotilla of wild activity as snow...
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A Language of Life

We speak of family of blood & bones and marrow- love at its best generations ago and the experiences of life embedded in their DNA. And I am one...

Back and Forth

From past to present makes me smile how we dillied and dallied with time by our side. The past held many vigorous moments and in later years so glad...

Pour Me Another

for the things I’ve said deeds past done and promises made back of today. I did try my dear to fulfill promises made. I proved it so – we married and...

Talk to Me

Don’t look at me like that as I bend down to sit and stare at your physique you darling pile of limbs which branch out upon a small clot of land...

There Is

a yawn in his voice as he sprints down 13 steps and soon the scent of bacon and eggs saturate his space. Sounds from three children above as they...
Cherry

The Last One

The Last One Saturday is what I waited for all week. Dad’s away in Seven Islands --- at the mine. No more work here in Noranda Copper for now. Mom’s...

I Found

I Found youth in the colour of your eyes those brown silhouettes of caring and love same as a farmer has for his crops. A shower of energy and beauty...

A Proud Pheasant

A Proud Pheasant perches huffily upon his royal hump within the pasture- his kingdom begins when he decides to take a launch below. Where are your...

The Sun Escapes

The Sun Escapes into the horizon. I see spaces within the cover of trees splashes of colour forming a kaleidoscope of patterns. Together their quilt...
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Rage in the West

The fire is on a rage of destination eschewing skeletons and other innocence now shards of outer skin into burnt dust and the wind ts pushing its...

Does He Love Me Too?

Does He Love Me Too? Homeless is a word full of tears with memories that dominate- the way it was family & friends and a cat that purred with a...

A Smokestack

A Smokestack of clouds sweep across the horizon emulating a warm wood stove surrounding coldness in the air yet they really are an advance warning...

Panorama

Where will I go when the frogs are taken away? I live in a land where might is not always right. Five years old and full of wisdom. Fling your hands...
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Troy Needs Help

A Storybook for ages 5-8 Word Count = 773 Troy could barely see Dad in the falling snow. It was like looking through his bedroom window blinds. Why...
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Peaches & White

Peaches & White are such a delight- its taste sweet and in winter the snow is boss. Each farmer so proud of their yield rain and sun cooperating...

Snowballs in the Making

Tarry me not as falling crystals fill my facial-space and I rush in hurried motions across a slide of sidewalk ice avoiding clusters of people also...

A Kingly Sight

I watch him that soul of a once legend who cared for others with good deeds through a heart of gold everyone chimed- now relegated to a manual wheel...
Cherry

Looking Up

Such greatness in a movement of silvery branches – your silhouette against a rocky crest led me to this solemn space where sounds of trickling...
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Cherry

The Way It Is

Sometimes I feel like a cloud seeking a place to plant my space and be seen by kids laying on their backs looking up for shapes in my bulk- the same...

105 Years Young

I see love on her face eyes embedded in skin as a bouquet of caring full of passion. Age is not really seen as she smiles with natural teeth- do turn...

Recovery

Did I lose my girl to my best friend a cool cat who has it all – good luck – rich parents’ 2 nd car and best clothes for a high school kid in his 14...

No Reason

to lie again since I met you- like I did when I was single & told friends I was all right but really not so since the world overcame me and I...
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All That Is About

When the stars share their shining upon me I am quivering with delight- when the deer smile at me with a wide look of innocence I am grateful for...
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Look Up-Up

Trembling Aspens alert in the middle of a restless wind are anxious sensing Winter is on the way- in the upper regions a milieu of crystals begin...

Mysterious Times

It’s dark. The tent is like a pimple beside lake shore. Mosquitoes absent themselves from windy space devoid of trees & grass. That sound. Leaves...

I See You

Blue Jay of Autumn resplendent in blue & white- a calico carpet of leaves provide a kaleidoscope for royal movements as you prance & dance...
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Designed to Erase

Raucous and trembling Fiona embraces a bullying style a storm of wind and rain out of control & during the melee there appears to be a brief...
Cherry

Eagle-Talk

I am a whisper in the breeze a shadow of speed an updraft of glory-wind snatched me from a highway of mountain cliff now diving at missile speed I...
2 likes

The Highway

The Highway seems forever as it crosses the land on a ribbon of black top- rumbling wheels a-turning cry victory to the disdain of environmentalists...

Momma Knows

Gid in the house boy & leave yer muddy boots on the porch- Then come quick & bring me a tall glass of water- git cracking boy ‘cause my...

Weather

brought chilly chat & ice-slipping day white crystals surrounding- we ought to dress warmly breathe mist boldly- & listen to those we love.

Mama - love me

Rock me like a little baby should be with the smell of your skin against my face & the sweep of your hand across my tiny back my pudgy toes...

A Poem of Simplicity

April rain means a storm of spattering growth and intensity dripping branches on a journey with one direction -down like tear-drops on trembling...

Falling Angel

It was an early misty morning when Lily crashed into a Birch tree – such hard wood & she lay quietly on the ground. Forest creatures gathered...

Pulsating Among Daydreams

Echoes in formation belong to the sky – as in the power of thunder and it haunts those country folks who inhabit varied shelters below their passion...

Mother Deer

Each foot-fall begins an army of thrusts- the boldness of a mother deer on behalf of two young ones their dependence on the older lady complete and...

More Than a Snack

It was on a horizontal fence plank that knew its moments rather than a subdued oak needing another coat of badly needed stain – now acting as a...
Cherry

Look-Look UP

I can feel the startle of sky this night and how the day is diminished by millions of pinpoints of light – and how its beauty & diamonds delight...
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Cherry

A Taste of Autumn

The sun filters through maple-leaf trees designed for beauty- this mighty forest invites us into its realm of mysteries – the woods broad &...
2 likes

Season of the Cool

Before the day glows with favour & my eyes begin to show movement the wind is soft upon my face. I can smell apples from the tree above me...

Her Smile

Her Smile sold me a car using smart dialogue & the right kind of figures I was looking to explore & she delivered. If I had a huge garage I’d...
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Space as a Friend

The stars create dots like lightning bugs in the dark & a cloudless night with whiskers of wisps are decoration as the moon appears suddenly in a...