MANDY'S MOODS

One of my readers asked me to post some of my poetry....so, here goes....
Just remember, I never claimed to be a poet!

SERENDIPITY

Alone in the high country
I suddenly feel small
And insignificant
Dwarfed by towering canyon walls
And cliffs brushed with crimseon

Even the sky is bigger here
Wider and more blue
That the city sky back h ome
Filling me with a vague sense
Of loneliness

When suddenly a brilliant sunset
Paints the empty canvas sky
Plashing the horizon with vivid hues
Bringing peace to my soul as I recall
That I am the daughter of the Artist.

FAIRY TALE

The man was tall and fair
the lady looked at him
with desire
for she was old and withered
he as lusty as a roaring fire

"Kind sir," she murmured softly
drawing on power from above
"would you grant unto me
a boon
would you let me know your love?

"For just one night, young prince
one moment out of your life
would you put your arm
around me
and pretend that I'm your wife?"

He looked at her, astonished
repulsed by the gray in her hair
harsh lines were etched
on her face
by a fate too often unfair

But then he gazed into her eyes
so deep and dark and rare
and looking beneath
her sorrow
saw the beauty hiding there

She stood so quietly, waiting
for him to reply, yay or nay
and a tear glistened in her eye
when he said,
"come along, this way."

And gently taking her by the hand
and holding it in his own
he led her down
a darkened street
to where he made his home

He lit a fire in the hearth
offered her a glass of wine
"Sip it slowly," he said kindly
"for this night,
we have time."

He placed slippers upon her feet
clothed her in a gown of ruby red
brushed the tangles
from her hair
and carried her to bed

He asked her name
listened to her tale of woe
kissed her cheek
when
her courage failed
and she said she had to go

There, in the light of the fire
he drew her sweetly
into his embrace
gently kissed away the tears
that flowed softly down her face

As his love poured out upon her
it erased the lines of pain
until she lay quiet
beneath him
vibrant and young again

And the man who'd taken pity
on a woman withered and old
was blessed with a bride
who adored him
and a love that never turned cold.

* * *

This was written a long time ago.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE HEROES GONE?

I watched some rock videos with my son
and couldn't believe my eyes
Prince, Twisted Sister, Black Sabbath and Queen
and girls who looked like guys;

I saw demons and devils and evil made fun
I saw outlaws and rebels as well
Girls half-clad and guys who looked bad
and a scene that looked just like hell...

and I asked myself

where have all the heroes gone?
Where are the guys in suits and ties
who sang those wholesome songs
of April love and stars above
and dancing all night long?

We went to the movies and up on the screen
bigger than life we did see
bloodshed and violence
and all kinds of sin
and it was rated PG!

The good guys were bad, the bad guys were worse
and nowhere at all did I see
anyone who dared, or even half cared
about honor and morality....

and I asked myself

where have all the heroes gone?
those brave men of yesteryear
who didn't cheat and didn't curse
and laughed in the face of fear.

Where are the knights who fought for right
the sheriffs who cleaned up the town
who helped the poor and rescued the girl
before the last curtain came down?

Wherever they've gone, those men so bold
whatever took them away
I hope they come back before it's too late
cause we need some heroes today.

* * *

LIFELINES

Oftimes at night my tiny child
comes running to my arms
when frightened by the bogey man
or a nightmare threatening harm

I catch him up and hold him tight
and wipe away his tears
then sit beside him till he sleeps
safe from all his fears

"Hold on, dear child," I whisper soft
"Hold on, I'll stay right here,
to chase away the goblins
and wipe away your tears."

I contemplate the tiny hand
clinging to my own, and
think about the scary times
when I've felt all alone

beset by doubts and abstract fears
the world seems dark and cold
and I flounder in a murky sea
until my faith takes hold

and I reach out and grasp His hand
the way my child seeks mine
holding tight as fears take flight
I hear a voice divine....

"Hold on, dear child," He whispers soft
"Hold on, I'll stay right here,
to chase away the goblins
and wipe away your tears."

* * *

MY SUNSHINE

I've glimpsed paradise
though your eyes
tumbled with joy
thru rainbow'd skies

felt anew a child's
embrace
tasted your kiss
upon my face

remembered the gift
of a mother's love
the touch of rain
from heaven above

felt the earth
beneath my feet
relived first love
so soft and sweet

felt your arms
around me tight
dreamed of love
all through the night

how empty
would my life have been
if I had never
let you in


Copyright Madeline Baker