This story contains mature themes* * *The California Board of Education meeting once again ran late into the night. The stale air became stifling in the August evening, as the air conditioning units had been shut down over an hour ago. Tempers started to flare, as discussions had become as hot as the California sunshine. Arguments were heard and heard again with no end in sight. "Look," said the chairman flatly, "we have...

She stepped back and admired her handiwork. The painting had taken her months to complete. Someone in her grieving group had suggested she go back to painting after her husband died, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. She hadn’t painted in years, rarely finding the time after the kids were born. Now that she was alone again, she certainly had plenty of time. Time, the thing that seems so precious to some, and now...

I have entered so many contests, And I’m starting to wonder why, Just sitting here thinking about it, Makes me want to cry. I always try to do my best, To make my words compelling, I make sure not to use text speak, And I even check my spelling. But it seems that whatever I do, My words just get neglected, And though I start with high hopes, I always end up feeling rejected. I wish I knew the judge’s address, Or at least...

Once again it’s that time of year, When political banter seems the rage. When otherwise normal people, Try to come off as some worldly sage. I have friends who are really nice folks, Any other time of the year. But, once they start with the political rants, I really don’t want them near. Of course, their views are always right, How could it be any other way? And you too could be right like them, If you just listen to what...

Note: This was written for the print anthology mentioned above, released April, 2012 on Inner Child Press... When I first saw this sub call I have to admit I was a bit reluctant to contribute, I thought there was a bit too much controversy surrounding the situation at the time, though I believe justice was served in the end...and I tend to avoid controversy, btw... Anyway, I chose to write about the indisputable facts...t...

It seems that lately I can’t get no peace, From all those so-called Grammar Police,Who for some reason think that I should care,The difference between there, they’re and their.They want to analyze everything I say,Just waiting for me to lie when I want to lay,And I really think they just do it because,They want to further some petty cause.So, what I do is I mess with there head,I write the word red when I really mean read...

NOTE: This was a contest entry for the World Healing, World Peace 2012 poetry contest sponsored by Inner Child Press...it made the Top 30 btw, and is included in the recently released print anthology...I Had A Dream...  I had a dream just the other night, That people would no longer fight, No more wars to be lost or won, That everyone could live as one. I had a dream just the other day, Of streets where kids could safely...

Note: This was written for a print compilation recently released on Inner Child Press in time for Poetry Month April, 2012...see the poetry section of the forum for more details... I Want My Poetry…To be far more than just a rhyme,An idle way to pass the time,As you take in my words like a drink,I want my words to make you think,To make you examine your very soul,And help you reach that ultimate goal,I want my words to in...

Some loves may come your way,And captivate your mind,And some loves may touch your heart,With words so sweet and kind.But, your love has touched me deeper,More than you'll ever know,More than merely capturing my heart,You're etched upon my soul.A love that will forever burn,Like an eternal flame,And long after we both are gone,Our love will always remain.For our love is eternal,Forever, come what may,A love that can't be...

The darkness descended upon the night, So heavily you could hear it hit the ground,The birds still sang their songs by day, But I could no longer recognize the tune.My feet ran furiously, But I gained no ground.I reached out,But no one was there.I looked upon the faces of the crowd,But no one seemed to know me.And the truth was, I barely knew myself.I got down on my knees and begged forgiveness,Guilty of what, I do not kn...

I want to teach my dog,Some tricks that are new,Like sit, fetch and heel,As a dog’s expected to do.But after many hours,Things are not going good,For despite all my efforts,She won’t do as she should.She can’t fetch to save her life,And it’s just a little ball,But instead of carrying it back,She’ll just let it slip and fall.My nerves are starting to fray,It seems that I’ll never win,Far from concerned with her failures,Sh...

I poured out every thought upon the page, Filling it up with all the rage and anger, That you have instilled inside me. My pen literally quivered, As I held it in my sweaty hand, Yet the words flowed swiftly, As venomous as any snake, And almost as deadly. As I poured the last of the wine into my glass, I reviewed my handiwork. Three pages of anger. Three pages of hurt. An expression of all you’ve done to me, As best as I...

At family gatherings throughout the year,There are those who add to the holiday cheer,Those who brighten up your day,Every time they come your way.Most are a pleasure to be around,As fine as any friends I’ve found,But, there are a few I’d like to lose,If I could only pick and choose.Some that are a pain in my rear end,I’d like to delete like a Facebook friend,Others who insist they are family,But sure don’t look a thing l...

We’ve been together for so long,And I think the time is right,Something I just need to ask you girl,And I need to know tonight.So much has changed for me,Since you came into my life,I need you so much, you see,And I want you for my wife.So girl, will you marry me?As I’m down here on my knees,It’s with you that I want to be,I’m asking you baby, please.I never thought I’d find someone,As sweet and kind as you,Someone I can...

Did You Ever Feel The Same?I remember when I first laid eyes on you,You were the best I’d ever seen,I’d never seen a woman like you,I was wondering where you’d been.And I recall our very first date,As I stared into eyes so blue,I felt myself falling in love,Head over heels for you.Refrain…But there’s so many unanswered questions,And I’m not going to place the blame,I just have to wonder sometimes,Did you ever feel the sam...