My Grampa Had Got Me First Started
Dave Lawrence got me reading, memorizing & writing poetry
Before I ever learned to read, and way before I learned to write.
My grampa read me several poems. Taught me two, I could recite.
“I had but fifty cents” was one. “Casey at the bat” the other.
I loved to read and learn my poems. I learn one thru, then learn another.
I memorized them, word for word. I’d write down words to learn a song.
I’d say my poems again and again. My songs would play—I’d sing along.
My mind became a mind of meter. Beating to a tempo, fast.
Rhyming got to be a habit. One, throughout my life, which last.
I’ve written poems for dear close friends. Praising them for deeds well done.
I’ve written poems for both my kids. My little girl! My precious son!
I write the words to bring folks up when struggles are accumulating.
I know just how it is at times. Life can be so aggravating.
I’ve written girls, who’d gotten close, and other poems to girls who’d drifted.
Poems expressing inner hurts. Poems to get my spirit lifted.
Poems romantic, by the dozens. Many of them, never sent.
Poems that tell my history. Still wonder where those old days went.
I write about the silliest things. No time wasted, when I’m thru.
God is with me when I’m writing. I feel it’s what I’m meant to do.
I write my poems for people leaving. Even poems for folks returning.
Anything inspiring me. Subjects that I find concerning.
Writing is my best expression. I’d be lost without my pen.
It used to be I’d write a poem, but only now and sometime then.
So much I want to write about. If, somehow, I should get my way.
I’m going to write at least a dozen of them, each and every single day.
And I am going to share them with as many people as I can.
I’ve got (I think) a special talent. I’ve got a basic plan.
I’ve got a lot of good advice. I’ve surely been around the block.
My empathy brings out in me, a style most find hard to knock.
God has got his hand in this. All my efforts are to please him.
I try to call my shots the way, that I believe the Father sees them.
With all the garbage that I hear and all the garbage that I read.
I see an opportunity. I see an urgent, vital need.
Suicide and drug abuse are subjects that need much attention.
Aging! Dying! Dark depression! Also need a bit of mention.
Optimistic points of view! Hopeful from the very start!
All my writings, God inspired. Always coming from the heart.
To David Lawrence, my grampa, from this poet, come to be.
Thanks for at that early age, the time you took with me.
For you, I will stay focused as I take this to new heights.
I think that I have found my joy. My deepest hearts delights.