Part how it should be
Sky of clear no asking why
Is why
Simply why I love
The night
December 7, 2012
Background: Still and peaceful that evening was. Not much a fan of parties and loud events. At that moment we all feel now and again, I really admired beautiful silence. Opening up to what is larger than you and allowing those thoughts and perceptions once foreign is therapeutic.
End of This Line
Amaze not the word
A maze better to be
Center of the fall
Twilight tells
No uncle no passing
Of chain of life
In our future
Shallows become impassible
Around we see
Others not grounded
To lift others up
Bleed them all
Fortune has been
Unfortunate
In ways simple words
Cannot nor ever will
Random drops from rain
Collect on me
Rolling off once others
Join the charade
This glory we dreamed
Now faces
Reality not meant
To be ours
Collections from within
Did not sing
Our praises
It's the end of this line
December 24, 2012
Background: An extension of an earlier writing. While it's about a specific topic, you may find some relevance.
This New Year
42 years are a blink
With little time to think
Of all messes made
Or how I provided shade
It's not funny how alone
We are at times
Times of grief sorrow
Gaze upwards outwards
As not alone
2013 a chore for most
As in the past
I'll drop politics
Hope it will pass
A true desire for all
Be loved admired
Appreciated
Trust you are loved
Keep and share it
Others need it
Strangers
Friendly hello
Goes miles
Fun may it be tonight
With you and yours
And as we all know
Surrender is not known
December 31, 2012
Background: Such a mash of thoughts on this one. This is my attempt to break through the "team mentality" on issues and focus on what is best for us all. I sincerely believe we, as humans, want nothing but peace, love, understanding and all that entails a happy life. Rather a huge difference than from the 1990s in numerous ways, in terms of my writing.
Maraming Salamat
Towering forest of rain and green
Yet find our way to higher plains
Toes dip into wetness of yesterday
Struggle and pain in your eyes
Fades upon my smile
Many equations come to mind
Whether in dust or soggy field
You know and believe
These words to you
Maraming Salamat
Kaibigan you are
Though not near
Damn these oceans
My past has been there
So I dream
The world not so small
Never has been
Oh but a glance it closes
To wrap arms and caress a soul
Masaya ako nakilala kita
Marming Salamat
For now and forever
Maraming Salamat
February 13, 2013
Background: My first attempt to use another language in a poetic writing style. It's Tagalog and one can do a quick Internet search to find the meanings. My parents lived in the Philippines before I was born and I also have a friend who lives there. My friend taught me the phrases.
Mom
Hi Mom
You remember me
Beyond nine months
Wanting to appear
In your arms
Share and absorb
Our life together
Though not smooth
Some times
Mostly beautiful
I cannot will not
Stop loving you
Rubbing my head as I
Fell asleep on your lap
Only awakened by your
Pointing to Dad I was so cute
Growing pains in my feet
You stayed up ‘til I finally
Fell asleep
You cared you were there
I remember those moments
Building forts of blankets and chairs
You could not invade
At least pretended
Memories close to my heart
Clapping along taking pictures
Through endeavors as a kid
Now you see me growing
Not just as a man
But as a human
It hasn't been easy to raise me
What kid is I guess
You being a wonderful mom
That's all I need
Not every day we talk
But trust me
Defend you I will for showing me
The light
February 13, 2013
Background: Rather self-explanatory. Even though we've spent, at times, hundreds if not thousands of miles apart, I know my mom is there for me. She knows I am here for her. The time I moved to Washington; I will always remember her tears and anguish as the car backed up and hearing her say, "My baby is leaving me." A single comment or instance triggered this writing; funny how what we read can do such things.
Courting the Future
Your laugh entertained
Perhaps still in a way
Today without a presence
Rather comical items recanted
Write down to expose
Said I would never do
Bring a buffet to elevations humbled
Insight and knowledge gained
Just a fractional glimpse of
All that pertains
To you and masses
Haunting past may it be
Describable not easy
Sleep well for we are
Courting the future
Kick the leg from under
High tables messy with
Fragments to be complacent
Drips blessed by falls will water
Wings missing feathers
Fly here continue they will
Guide on coastal thermals
As I court the future
Formica dust
Stifles veins
We clasp for
Perfect ways of being
Despite it all we are
Courting the future
February 15, 2013
Background: Courting the future was a phrase I wrote down a month earlier. It really means that we should look forward to the future. Bad times will get better, good times will hopefully continue on. An expansive mixture of my past and other people that I've talked to over the years is in this one. While it is a cliché, the future is ours.
Included
Fumbling massed images
Of you
One to recognize life
That touched many
More will sustain
Embrace these truths
As I see them
You will in a breath
Beyond hidden hills
Or shallow depths of
Turbid waters swirling and circling
Through this mind
Tonight
My choice is love and compassion
Only those two
Dance in this room
That's how it will forever be
Forgive my mistakes
As you make me
stronger
Include I always will
Not on paper nor in stone
There is no room
In the heart that gave life
From eternal forces that bind
The hand of your mother will
Forever be upon your back
As an infant
Until we part
Include these in your memory
That book shall one day
Resonate deeply and caress
Music in your soul not heard
Only realized once
You appreciate all that is
Included
March 13, 2013
Background: I caught up with a friend I had not spoken to in many years. She was a bit overwhelmed on what she should put in her scrapbook to remember her son's graduation from high school. My initial words were to not fret and anything you include will be cherished. The dilemma of what to include led to this.
Beyond the Past
Those funny little shoes
Clicking on the deck
Make me reflect
All woes
Yesteryear left a stain
On those boards
Something not obtained
There are no words
Push debris to the side
Tonight I cannot hide
From the clanking of your
Troubling snide
Head under water
As crisp and clear it is
Lungs of pure
Aren't heard here
Say what must be
Tell me you'll meet me
Under that tree where
We can be we
Nourish bones of strength
Hurricanes of distrust
From the roof it seems
Clear thorns of metal rust
Would you know
Or care to
Hold me through the night
Of terrible and hurtful fright
Miller's Pond at night
Glistens in illumination of sleight
Tiny banks of sanity and more
Uncovered a pour
Kick gravel over edge
Splash not heard even though
Water and shore are meshed
Huge is a cliff on such a dredge
Perch of serenity
Sense of peace is not in me
Not until not until
I get beyond the past
March 14, 2013
Background: One of the few where rhyme comes in to the equation. This one ties directly to the subtitle of the book.
Perspective
Yellow lights over there
Affect me none
Until when taking over
The wheel with no direction
Who am I to surmount
That road turn seems too cold
Simple melodies in mind
While starvation of left behind
Pales standing beside the ocean
Waves teach me to consider
Wet feet and ankles chill many
Not so different am I
Look behind these years
Gone beyond touch
Beside obviously complacent
Those dreams fears once
Again try to wash ashore
Glance I may now and again
To simplify emotions torn
Truth peace harmony common
Make us all brothers
And sisters
Stay a while
As we wonder sunset
Pull up stay upright
From this perspective
Most walk along
Concrete hot as hell
Were cooled and tolerable
Able to pace with no bitter
Sway to reason you are
Here
Bleed as you cut
Cry when ruined
Hug to no end
From that perspective
Failure not found
March 22, 2013
Background: Written for a friend and partly for myself. Trying to connect with another greatly admired can be rather difficult. Within our exclusive ocular perception there is always a different view compared to the other side. Take a step back, look at it from an uncomfortable angle if needed. Best intentions can be smothered in the gravy of life which bogs down and presents a different painting than intended.
You Don't Smile Much
Fourteen years seem just a day
A trek never thought would end
True of life remains death
Defy it for now
Clumsy steps
Wet upon rising
That sparkle grows dim
More every day
Love never lost
On your part
Every instant
The door opens
Hand on your being
Comforts just a bit
As you know I am here
No more scolding
Ask for more time
Unfair as it is to you
I know
You're slowly saying goodbye
Fending off imaginary beasts
In the early dawn
Shadows you saw foreign
Stood over me to protect
Speak you shared
Let me out
You want to go
Explore all unknown
Curled next to me you dream
Twitch kick and twist
Chasing birds and demons
Only thinking of me
Parallel moves up
Meeting the glow
Letting you go
Neither understood
Nor cared by some
March 27, 2013
Background: As my dog Casey gets older, he has good days and not so good days. Not a good one for him when I wrote this. His content breathing and slight twitches as he dreams are part of what I will miss. The fending off imaginary beast line...I love this story about him: Got home from work at around 2am. I was very tired as I had to work a full day already and had to go back in for some phone system maintenance later that night. Casey was waiting for me in my third floor apartment as I cracked open the door. I took him for a short walk. We had a quick snack upon getting back before crashing on my futon bed. The apartment was a bit small and I didn't have a formal bed yet. We slept on the futon; as many nights before. The apartment had a small balcony with windows which let in moon and parking light. I had thrown my jeans and shirt over a large chair and in the same manner as one would wear them. I dozed off snuggling with my buddy. Awoke to crazy, rancid barking from Casey about two hours later...he was going nuts! I turned my puzzled head to see what he was barking at. For a second or two it didn't register…how could someone get in? That couple of seconds it looked like a person to me. Adjusted eyes and brain realized it was nothing more than my clothes draped over the chair. The fact that he actually stood over my chest to protect me as I was still laying there and would not back down at all is what amazed me. I had to physically push him off and make him smell and touch the clothes before he felt okay with everything. I also had to remove the clothes from the chair. That is a strong bond. We've looked out for each other for 14 years. Until you truly bond with an animal, you will not understand all these writings about Casey.
Capture
Silhouettes on glaze
Of that pane in the corner
Make me stop for a moment
To realize it is you
Spaghetti worms those
Thoughts are
Warmed and nurtured
Tunnel through to you
Walking mazes of truth
Amaze me in defiance
Slam it all down
Iron fist found
Capture my stubborn
Backward ways
Yesterday with more
Learning had and held at
Arms length for I am sure
Capture me
Those deep brown eyes
Capture
my soul to not
Leave dusted in your glory
Simpler way to be
If only
You'd capture me
Distant may seem relief
Join my hand
Warmth surrounds
Your touch to capture all of me
Storms and oceans
Classic they seem
No thoughts bitter
As they seem
When you capture me
I'll finally sleep
Peacefully
When you capture
Me
April 28, 2013
Background: Thinking of many things and the title appeared to me one evening. As with many others written in this book, there are a few experiences blended together in this one. Overall, it is safe to say we would all like to be captured by love. This is in some ways connected to “You Surround Me.”
Blue Innocence
Twenty-four years flash
In an instant we are there
Again by good and old times
Lower school we did not meet
Compassion and care
For yours and those loved
The distance and time
Hide nothing as there is
Only fondness
Blue innocence on the deck
Let me show you something
She said
As little one grabbed a stranger's hand
Stickers and gardens of flowers
Simply pretty it all was
Never to sink and fade
From this mind
Sparkle of blue innocence
While there is an Echo of
Truth growing
Clasped together they are
The blue innocence in her eyes
Reminds I was there years
Many years ago
Forever be strong
Two via two she is
For a reason
You know why
To question
Reveals a fool
Your blue innocence
Inspires me tonight
To write a little something
As I recall
When I saw your blue innocence
May 21, 2013
Background: I visited a friend whom I had not seen in over 20 years when I went back to visit people in Iowa. His family came home and I got to meet them. After a bit of conversation and pleasantries, their older girl grabbed my hand and showed me around the house and yard. Her sparkling blue eyes and the beauty of the moment touched me. It reminded me of how I was at that age.
Decay of Mine
This sunny morning welcomes
Most not seen or heard before
As daze wiped from my eyes
Brew coffee fix the world
On my list today
As most days
Reverb some thumps from
Feet take me home
Imagine quiet not disturbed
By the hate or misery
Sipping java in peace
Confounded and confronted
By a left hook to the jaw
The decay of mine is barely
Embraced
As I pace my steps on
Fields of soft whispers
Loft in this barn
Strong true and bold
Tends to rot and decay
By rains which drown
Structured yet innocent
Lines of understanding
Of love
Of compassion
Wander amongst cinnamon trees
Fragrant but bitter
Decay of mine
Is invisible felt by many
Climb the hill shared
Hold my hand
Stumbling part
Not understanding
Not absorbing
The decay of mine
July 1, 2013
Background: This one is difficult to explain. Essentially it is about trying to do what seems to be best for all; or thinking one is.
Here
Soles without tread
Smack upside
Mustard stained
Shirts flitting in
Wind of free
Thoughts
Feet in refreshing water
Mustard shirt not here
As simply
Radio blasts some
Of the best
Waves to your ear
Call it a groove
Call it a tune
Call it what it means to you
Hold on...hold on
Here it is fun
Lamps and green fields
Critters chime
Sing along to a great
Presentation
Of art we call song
Here it is
A molecule
Of Heaven
Shuffling along
As you are
Here
July 2, 2013
Background: Pretty simple on this one. I was listening to some music and this just kind of percolated into my thoughts. Having fun and keeping it light here.
Sweet Soul
Saw something
Up on the road
Leading to nowhere
Yet some place
Obscure and friendly
Intuition recognition
All that follows
Played over
Slow speed for me
Frame by frame
Trench where you must
Plastic toys
Not floating
Do look kinda cute
In my casket of water
Cistern perhaps
Not alone
Those here
Understanding you
Must reach
In you
In your sweet soul
July 2, 2013
Background: This one has no real influence or root; it was just another light writing.
Fortune is not known
Cotton orbs should
Do their job to muffle
Sine waves sinister waves
Peace curdles by thoughts
Hook me up to monitor
Silly true torturous paths
Paint this fix that
Grand show for all
Wearing sneaker laces tight
Choke not quite strangle
Reflecting image in bows of drops
Colorful you are for we all see
Wind chimes clink lovingly
As slumber tips your hat towards
Brow of eyes which witnessed
Kisses at first to hands
Grow to understand
Here fortune is not known
Orbit planets of dizzy
Incomplete sentences
On this Earth not complete
Is complete
When gentle words spoken
Bench in nature a respite
Shelter from all
Birds play fly and frolic
Critters sing grainy songs
Remove sphere of cotton
Toss curdles of rancid
Here fortune is not known
July 7, 2013
Background: This is another one hard to explain. It is much about not knowing what the future holds. Underlying are thoughts of enjoying all you can and not worry too much about what may or may not happen. We have more control over the future than what may be realized at first. This also fits well in ending this book; uncertain on whether this book will be appreciated; or what the future holds.
Closing
From 1990 to 2013 there have been changes and experiences in my life which are reflected in the poems. Honestly, I prefer the term “writings” as poetry seems to have limits, boundaries or expectations. These writings are mostly unedited or changed. They represent my life as snapshots, ranging from hurt and disgust in simple writings, to ones of such depth that not even I know what some are really about. The past is a prominent thread in my writings.
While the instances from years ago do not keep me up at night, many such emotions are locked in us all. These are my original thoughts over many years. You are welcome and expected to interpret my words in a way that makes sense to you, or in ways that relate better to yourself.
With that, my wish is that you scribble down what is inside you. Share with some at first and expand from there. You will know with whom to share. Have fun, let it out and be creative. Whichever format or style you find familiar, my simple promise is that sharing is a way to resolve all. Whether you choose to write or to hold conversations with others, or any other format, love life and spread the same. You never know when you can make this world a better place for someone else. In many ways, that’s what this book is all about.
About the Author
Daniel was born in a small town in Southwest Michigan. To the shore of Lake Michigan the family would travel frequently during warm months. Many winters were spent building elaborate snow forts and climbing huge mountains of snow left by the plows. His snow forts, built with his brother’s help, were so well constructed, he is certain at least one still stands if only in his mind. Daniel doesn't miss the large snow storms any longer. The family moved when he was still young to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His parents divorced shortly after which changed him in ways still being realized. Not the best for a kid, but as an adult he accepts and has grown from it. After a 20 year span in Iowa, Daniel moved to East Tennessee where he has a new home and has established strong roots. With ancient mountains nearby, there has been a sense of belonging wash over him. He lives with his two dogs; Casey, a 14 year old yellow Labrador retriever, and Lily, a six year old black Labrador mix, who has a curly tail. That cute tail Lily has often smacks glasses off tables and hits Casey squarely in the face. Daniel has learned the sound of happy dog tail contacting every surface in his humble home.
In late 2012 Daniel left his job as a telecommunication technician to work on writing and explore a new career path. His numerous interests and hobbies will surely lead him down many different roads to marvel and find his niche.
While Daniel is a rather private individual, he would like to hear feedback on his book. Constructive, insightful comments and questions are always welcome.
Contact the Author online:
Facebook: facebook.com/danielstarks2013
Cover photograph: Copyright 2012 Daniel A. Starks