Doris

As I look up
I see skies of blue
Mom, it was than
I thought of you....

Always happy
So many smiles
The stories you loved to tell....

It was your time
To find the love
Of your life
It was your time
To bring in love
Of many children....

Your travels
Which were many
Pop at your side
Family camping
You loved it so
That's just from
The stories I was told...

The love you have
Melted towards
The children you and Pop had
As they also shared it
Towards their children too....

Never a better person
To talk with
No judgments from you
When needed the talk
It was offered to us
Than would come laughter
Mom, that's you....

It's hard to let a person go
When love is involved
But as I feel the Spirit
Oh yes, its all around you....

I say Mom,
It's time to go
We see it, feel it too
We all will be fine
You taught your children well
Pop is ready for you....

As your room is prepared
In the heavens above
Open skies
Up with Mom you go....

Spread your wings to heaven
We will miss you so
The memories we shall cherish
This we all now.....


Michael Vandyke @c 2018 October

Our world..

I've never know the world
To be
As you and I want it to be.....

I've never know the world
To have peace
As it should be.....

I've never know the world
To like us
As it should be....

I see the human race
As our world gets older, bigger too
To be bitter, full of anger and hate.....

I see the human race
Losing it's peacefulness
Love and understanding....

I see the human race
Without Honor
Respect and loyalty....

I see the darkness
Covering the world
More and more everyday....

Spoil the truth
Live on lies....

Dishonor the countries
You are living in
Destroying it's inner soul....

The pollution
Skies of grey and black....

The garbage on our streets
And highways
Nobody cares.....

The human race
Most think
Its all about themselves
Not caring of others......

The tears of joy
With our world
Are gone....

Now its the sadness
As the human race
Destroys
The inner soul of living....

In the year 2525
It's already here
I see it everyday.....

Thank the human race
For the destruction
As the days
Grow near........


Michael Vandyke  @C  2018

Aunt Erma.....

Oh sweet winds
Blow on me
With your wings of love
Pour out from heaven
Your passion and presence
Smile,let it shine,all around
Laugh like their was no tomorrow
Love with a passion of a 1000 angels
As the winds blow out the fire
The smoldering ashes will rise
The memories will never leave
As our thoughts,think of you
We will mourn or loss
But smile and say
You are in the Kingdom of Heaven
With family above
We love you,as always we will
This all reminds me of you
My Aunty Erma......



Michael VanDyke @C 2018

Lighthouse

We are all a lighthouse
So let yourself shine
What about the "Father" through his faith
Guidance to his children
When its time
No footprints are left
For us to see
As he cast out that light
To you and me
With the beacon of faith
The infinity with heavenly voices
Lets pray and sing
Our Lord shines his light
For another soul
In which another room
Has been prepared
Don't be of sorrow
As we speak
But mend with memories and love
A lighthouse is never in darkness
Let it brighten up our hearts
This is what calls us
It calls within.........


Michael Vandyke @C  2018


 Dedicated to Aunt Judy .... R.I.P.

The Light.....

Spread the light
As it draws toward you
Be it of peace, love, happiness
In the darkest hours
There's a light in your eyes
It may seen, so far away
Walk towards it
The brightness shows
That's the way it is to be
The warmth, the comfort
Step out of the darkness
Meet me in the light
Shine bright
Hold it out
Hold it high........


Michael Vandyke @C 2018

Words Of Play

Did you ever chase a white rabbit
Go ask Alice, she would know
Seen the house of the rising sun
Or the dark side of the moon
How about eat an American pie
With a bit of brown sugar too
Seen a green river
Looked over the rainbow
Maybe sit in a bar
In margarita Ville
I know you better stay off copperhead road
As the rains are coming down
Did the devil go down to Georgia
Or did he see the stairway to heaven
I've seen the crying eyes
As the teardrops fall
Knowing you had to be taking care of business
Without suspicious minds
So I tried on those blue swede shoes
Didn't like them, so I bought boots
Because my boots were made for walking
I made it to the city once, but left
Had to get back to my country roads
Hey you, roll me away
As soon as I hang up the phone
Words of play are fun
But your going to drive me to drinking
If you don't stop driving
That hot rod Lincoln.......

Oh Sweet Wind

Oh sweet wind
Come and blow on me
Lead me away
Bring the gentle breezes
Rimmed with rays of sunshine
As I look and see
The distant thunderstorms
Drifting to an unknown way..........

Oh sweet wind
What will you say
The clouds are in your command
Drifting high, in skies of blue
Hear the winds in the trees
Singing their songs through..........

Oh sweet wind
Is this how you speak
Is this how you flee
Tell me your whispers
Show me your mystique.........

Oh sweet wind
Come and blow on me
Lead me away
Bring in the sweet smell
Of wild flowers
From the valleys below
Bending the branches
On the weeping willow.......

Birds in flight
Wings with ease
Oh sweet wind
As you lead the way
Whisper to me
Someday.............


Michael Vandyke @C 2018

Shattered Not Broken

As you pick up the pieces
The reflections of yourself
Show through
The scars you carry
Not of flesh
Your soul, ripped to pieces
Bleeding your emotions
Within the spirit of you
Living, as life goes on
The love for your children
You watch as they grow
Leaving home
Some to never show
The work, muscles and nerves
Living on the edge
You just find that extra wedge
And push on
Some shattered
But never broken
The reflections back
Some may be
Are memories to erase
Your mate, love of your life
Never to hurt you
To always walk, by your side
Can leave the deepest scars
Unfaithfulness, bitterness
And loss
Tearing your emotions
Never breaking you
But shattering you
Into little pieces
Laying on the ground
Break me you can't
My spirit says no
I put myself together
I walk tall
The scars never show
A hand is on my heart
I feel is so
My spirit carries me
This I know
It might seem not
But its true
Shattered not broken
With reflections of me
Through you..........

Michael VanDyke C 2020

An Old Erie House

Tammy and I were walking, just outside of town. It was an overcast day, the sun barely peeking through the clouds.
We could see rain coming, it looked like a distant shadow of grey.
We remembered, there was an old house a few hundred feet down the road, we knew it was time to take cover.
As we walked closer to the old house, we noticed it was getting bigger and bigger, I didn't realize the house was that big.
It was a huge three story home, windows everywhere, some of the windows were broke, shuttered hanging off their hinges.
The roof looked solid, which meant no leaks inside.
As we approached the house, we seen a nice porch with steps made of wood, leading up to the porch, also made of wood. It was a nice porch, big, also room enough for many chairs, even a swing bench with chains hanging from it's roof line.
The paint was missing, just grey boards and nails.
The main door was very unusual, it was a double door, windows stained with the fancy door knobs of brass.
The porch squeaked as we walked towards the door. I grabbed one of the door knobs, gave it a twist, the door opens, with cobwebs hanging on the top of the door, swinging out with the door, as if, not to fall.
Just than we heard the rain coming down, hard and heavy! We made it just in time.
Tammy and I walked inside, it was dark and gloomy, but dry.
Most of you know I like old houses and buildings, so we started to snoop around a bit.
The living room, which we were in, was huge! Furniture was here and there.
We thought it odd, no coverings were over any of the chairs or couch.
Dishes were on the dining table also.
I could see the kitchen from the area I was standing, so I walked over to it. It was nice, an old set up, as you thought it would be. An old cook stove, wood cooler and table.
What stuck me odd was that, as I looked around I could see canned goods in the cupboard, plates on the table, silverware also.
Tammy and I looked at each other, Tammy say's "Do you think someone still lives here"?
I was wondering the same thing too!
Lets walk up the stairs and see if their is anything strange up there. Tammy was sticking very close to me by than!
There was barely any light in the house, with many shadows dancing off the walls!
All the sudden, I felt a presence of something or someone looking at me! I whispered to Tammy, she felt it too!
We glanced over towards an opened door, there it was, a mirror, dirty but reflective. Our images standing in it.
So we kept walking, starting to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Tammy and I decided to split up and check out the other rooms on the floor, than to meet back by the stairs.
As I opened the first door to a bedroom, I could see it was very dark and hadn't been used in a very long time. So I shut the door and walked over to the other room.
I could see a hall closet, a few clothes hanging in it, with odds and ends on the shelf.
I could hear Tammy opening and closing doors too.
I came to the last door on the floor, grabbed the handle to open it and all of the sudden, I felt a touch!
I looked around, thinking it was Tammy!
I looked down the hallway, only to see her going up the second flight of stairs, to the third floor.
So I though maybe its just an old cobweb or spider. I grabbed the door knob, swung the door opening and this shadow runs across the room, to dive under the bed!
I just stood there froze in my tracks! It wasn't a four legged shadow either, it only had two legs!
I looked over towards the bed and it had blankets on it, they were drawn down, as you see, when your getting ready to go to bed.
That was enough for me! I wasn't brave enough to have another look, so I shut the door and headed down the hallway, looking for the stairs Tammy took.
I found the stairs, I started running up the stairs, to grab Tammy, so we could get out of this house!
I made it to the third floor, turned to see where Tammy was, than I see three shadows walk into a room!
This was getting to creepy for me, so I was about to yell for Tammy, when I hear this blood curling scream!
The hair on the back of my neck and arms were standing straight up!
One of the doors swung open and..............................



Michael Vandyke C@ 2018

Than It Happened...

I heard the music blaring. As I looked up, a car was driving into the complex, full of guys I never seen before.
Windows were down, I could hear them talking and laughing. As they came to a stop a few houses down, the doors came open and I heard a beer can drop and roll to the curb. The smell of cigarette smoke filled the air.
Tough looking crew, I thought to myself, as I looked away. Than I heard a voice from one of the guys, "Did you bring the pistols"?
Just than I heard the trunk pop open, I looked over to see two guys reaching in and pulling rifles out, loading them up as they walked towards the house!
Than a loud "SNAP" as the door was kicked in! I couldn't believe what I was seeing!
A few minutes after they walked in ,I heard arguments, than gun fire, a flash of light through the windows!
Than all the sudden, it happened........



Michael Vandyke C@ 1018
 

The Room Beyond...

As the key enters the slot
To open the door
I hear the click, as the key turns
Left or right
The hinges are old and worn
They squeak, as the swing of the door
What's on the other side
As we know, there is more
I see the darkness
The smell of stale air
Objects sitting in the shadows
The dirty windows
Casting of some light
The silhouettes dancing on the walls
Does this room hold the answers
We all want to know
Or, maybe an escape, from it all
Why was it locked
What were we not to see
I hear the creaking of the floor
As I walked into the darkness
Shadows playing games
Than I see it
Standing straight and tall
An old grey sheet
Covering most of it all
The reflections of the eyes
Glaring towards my direction
Backwards I go
As the door shuts behind me
The key locking it
As it was before
What's on the other side
I don't want to know...........

 



Michael Vandyke C@ 2018

The Eyes See.....

Coming from the throne
I see the damnation of earth
The corruption, death and lies
I see people doing as they want
Not as they should
I see the blood of wars
No peace on earth
Unnecessary killings
Human kindness
Is of rarity
Poverty, sickness
Haters hating more
Trust one trust two
Trust nobody
This from the eyes
Of the throne........


Michael Vandyke  @C 2018

PTSD

A SOLDIER WITH PTSD FELL IN A HOLE and couldn’t get out.
A Senior NCO went by and the Soldier with PTSD called out for help. The Senior NCO yelled at, told him... to suck it up dig deep & drive on, then threw him a shovel. But the Soldier with PTSD could not suck it up and drive on so he dug the hole deeper.

A Senior Officer went by and the Soldier with PTSD called out for help. The Senior Officer told him to use the tools your Senior NCO has given you then threw him a bucket. But the Soldier with PTSD was using the tools his Senior NCO gave him so he dug the hole deeper and filled the bucket.
A psychiatrist walked by. The Soldier with PTSD said, “Help! I can’t get out!” The psychiatrist gave him some drugs and said, “Take this. It will relieve the pain.” The Soldier with PTSD said thanks, but when the pills ran out, he was still in the hole.
A well-known psychologist rode by and heard the Soldier with PTSD cries for help. He stopped and asked, ” How did you get there? Were you born there? Did your parents put you there? Tell me about yourself, it will alleviate your sense of loneliness.” So the Soldier with PTSD talked with him for an hour, then the psychologist had to leave, but he said he’d be back next week. The Soldier with PTSD thanked him, but he was still in the hole.
A priest came by. The Soldier with PTSD called for help. The priest gave him a Bible and said, “I’ll say a prayer for you.” He got down on his knees and prayed for the Soldier with PTSD, then he left. The Soldier with PTSD was very grateful, he read the Bible, but he was still stuck in the hole.
A recovering Soldier with PTSD happened to be passing by. The Soldier with PTSD cried out, “Hey, help me. I’m stuck in this hole!” Right away the recovering Soldier with PTSD jumped down in the hole with him. The Soldier with PTSD said, “What are you doing? Now we’re both stuck here!!” But the recovering Soldier with PTSD said, “Calm down. It’s okay. I’ve been here before. I know how to get out.
~Author Unknown

My Tammy

Speak those tender words
As they leave your lips
Sweet little love
Song in your ear
The voice you say
Is the voice I hear
My love for you
Its ever so clear
Stirring with emotion
When I feel your touch
I love you Dear
Ever so much............

Michael Vandyke C@ 2018

The Piano Stool

As I look on stage
Into the far corner I see
A piano stool
I think to myself
I wonder where that has been
Sitting in the corner
All alone
Why was it there
I would always ask
How many people has it sat
It was made of old
The wood in the days
When it was good
As also style
If it could only talk
Telling us the stories
Of the people that sat on the stool
Were they learning how to play
Where they a pro
Did it hear the boogie woogie
Or maybe a classical play
Was it a child
Who's legs couldn't touch the floor
Or raised up for an adult
Whom wrote a score
As its days grew old
With no more
Replaced by a bigger bench
That could store
Put me off in the corner
I've done my work
Give me a glance
As I've seen you do
Smile as you look
I'm still solid
I will never rot
I'm glad I could sit there
As they were taught.......


Michael Vandyke C@ 2018

The Lonely Walk

I see him walking down the street
With the world on his shoulders
What's wrong, may I ask
His story as he told me so
Weeping like a willow
Feeling so blue
I see the tears on my pillow
As the nights turn into days
I need room to think
His eyes where of a glaze
It was the simple things
That mattered to me
So I thought
But didn't see
His story so sad
Have you seen a broken heart
Your spirit hanging on a sleeve
Advice your told
In reality, its all
Up to you
You pray for them
Even if its to let go.........


Michael Vandyke C@ 2018

In The shadows

Where you going to run
Where you going to hide
Where you going to go
Where I don't know
The shadows of the past
They follow me
Wherever I go
Never at peace
Never alone
Where you going to run
I don't know
Where you going to hide
I don't know
The shadows follow you
As you say why
Instead of no
Will the madness stop
As I fear the next corner
The next dream
Face the darkness
Tell it no
Let the light
Take the shadows away
Where you going to run
I run no more
Where you going to hide
I hide no more
Where are you going
I'm going to be better
The shadows of the past
Have laying onto the ground
I feel the warmth all around
Walk in peace my brother
The shadows
Are of no more............


Michael Vandyke  C@ 2018

My Hands

I look at my hands
To see the many miles
My life has put on them....

The childhood
With toys trucks, bikes and sleds
Dirt, rocks and trees to climb....

The teenager, swimming the river
With beach of sand
Feeling the soft touch, of a girl
While holding hands....

A young man, with tools of work
While walking this earth
Of all its land....

A sandpaper touch
Or a babies smooth skin
The hot and cold water of life
Some of it planned....

Or the feel of the dirty world
As you sweep away
The dust of the land....

The scars I see
The memories they bring
Some scars run deep
Some into your soul....

These hands have seen death
These hands have loved
These hands have worked
These hands have held new life....

With these hands I have said goodbye
To also say hello....

The many miles
These hands have seen
Make me tired sometimes....


They help me up
When I fall down
Dust me off, to go again

So I can add more memories
For my eyes to see
My hands to hold....


Michael Vandyke C@ 2018

That's Why I Grew up,To Be Me

They ask me why I am the way I am
It doesn't take long to say.....

I use to see the tears roll down Mom's face
The scares inside, the bruises outside
I'm sorry, it will never happen again
I know it's a lie
With a lot of practice you see
That's why I grew up, to be me....

I knew it was time to leave
Where do you go
I haven't a place
A broken heart at a young age
That's why I grew up to be me....

Don't yell at me, I'll walk away
I've just seen it to many times
I'll be nice, if you will too
All you have to do is say
That's why I grew up to be me....

Here I am, on my own
Making a living you see
Never hurt a person, leave them be
You think you know who I am
You will never be (as you think)
That's why I grew up to be me....

A few choice friends
Are in my world now
They understand, they know
One thing I can say, they do too
That's why I grew up to be me.....


Michael VanDyke  C@ 2018

Broken Down Angel

I was broken as a child
My emotions shattered
All over the ground
My heart stayed strong
My feelings I gave
My spirit laid in pieces
Some were missing
I thought to never be found
Life removed all innocence
Words stab deep into a child's soul
The smiles left
Replaced with frowns
The laughter
Into anger
Pack it away
Push it down........


Michael Vandyke  C@ 2018

The Wheels of Life

My heart is like a wheel
Searching into the darkness
I looked for the light
Through the falling rain
I yelled out
As if a bird of the air
May carry my voice ....

I have seen the things of today
But what of tomorrow
My heart is like a wheel
Searching into the darkness
Is that sunshine
I see out there
In the rain....

Pay no mind to the demons
That give you fear
One day your mind will clear
For now is the word
The sun and the light
The moon and the stars
Are not of dark....

Not of yesterday, today
Or tomorrow....

My heart is like a wheel
Searching into the darkness
Open our minds
Into the lives of others
Take another look
Tell me what do you see....



Michael Vandyke  C@ 2018

A Long Ways To Go

 

It's been a long long time

As I look back to see

The many walks I've taken

To be where I wanna be

I was focused as a kid

But a few wrong turns

Led me away

Getting back on course

Took many a mile

But I'm getting close

As I can smile

I see the road a head

Miles and miles to go

No more wrong turns

No fork in the roads

I feel the warmth of the sun,on my face

A gentle breeze on my back

Its been a long long time

To see the real me

I was always told I could do it

Never sure of myself

I realize now

It was so easy to do

Its been a long long time

I will sit back,to take this ride

I now where I want go

I know where I want to be........

Michael Vandyke @C 2018

The Ray's of Reflection

Are they of a puzzle you see
Maybe a solution for you,for me....

Could it be of a lake
With the sun shining above
Maybe a boat,gliding through the water
With ease...

Instruments from an orchestra
The sounds flowing to thee
Could it be poems on paper
For all to read...

A chair on the beach
Toes in the sand
Making you feel pleased....

Sometimes I'm better under your reflection
Than to be in the light....

Believe in the Only One
Truth that is
We are of the universe
Actually you see....

Introspection and reflection
Is to open minds
Be us instruments
Into the lives of others...

Take another look
At yourself
Tell me what do you see....

The rays of reflection
Runs your life secretly........

Michael VanDyke  @C 2018

Wrong side of Heaven/Bad Side of Hell

I tried to wash it all away
It seems the stains are here to stay
The things I've done
Even the ones I've seen
Seem to be branded into my mind
The Devil told me,he's not to blame
Would Heaven do the same....

Thought I was doing good
Keeping the enemy at far
The nightmares and crying
I try to rub them away
Oh my God,are they here to stay
It was real,no dreams to me
The noise,the death,the blood
Day and might,no sleep for us....

Ok they say
Your time is up
Be it to die,I think they were the lucky ones
Returning home,with nightmares in pocket
I drank away my day
Which turned into nights....

Some went back
It was a comfort they knew
Never to sleep,but to fight
You feel the draw of death
Day by Day....

Do I dare walk that bridge
Or glare down towards the water
As others did
To look down a barrel of a weapon
To end the dreams you know....

The words just don't come out
For all to understand
That's why we keep to ourselves
It wasn't a plan....

End these wars please
Before we waste away
More and more are coming home
More and more with nothing to say
Like I say,we tried to wash it away....

But it just seems
I'm on the wrong side of Heaven
The bad side of hell.....




Michael VanDyke @C 2018

A Hole In The Floor

As I was walking through the woods
I spotted something,a distance away.
Sitting on top of a hill,
The tree growth and bushes
Covered most of the place.
I walked to see what it was
As I get closer I see that its an old house
Floors standing two high
Windows with glass,no more.
The door ajar
As if to welcome a person in
I stepped into a huge room
Cobwebs hanging from the walls above
A stream of light,shining through the cracks in the walls
The silence,the erie sound of nothing.
I step forward,to see a chair,made of wood
An old blanket draped over the back
Nothing else seemed to appear,as I glanced around
The walk was long,tired I was
So I walked over,sat down on that chair.
As the sun brought in more light
I seen shadows,all along the floor
Different sizes for all
More focused,to realize,they aren't shadows
But holes in the floor.
I walked closer,as I peeked down into the darkness below
I was amazed at what I saw,it wasn't darkness at all.
I seen the trees,also the brush
Was I dreaming,or was it real,as I thought.
I walked over to the next shadow
To see a hole in the floor
Looking down into the depths,as this I see
People working,cutting trees,removing brush
Rocks,stumps and all.
I looked around,to see more shadows on the floor below
Not far away,another hole in the floor.
I gazed down into it,I seen a foundation
Of rock,and wood,building as high,two to three.
I walked back from the shadows,to only think
This old house has a story to tell.
I found yet another,hole in the floor
Bigger than the rest,I looked down to see.
A house,a young family
Children,running, laughing,with all to see.
Excited as I looked,I wanted to find,holes in the floor
Another I see,as I peer down
A couple like husband and wife
Young adults,packing to leave.
So curious now,I ran to find more
Was there a few holes in the floor,
I found another,looking down
Two old people,a couple I'm sure
Grey hair,smiles,memories to share
I see them,holding hands,as they walk away.
One more shadow,one more hole,I hoped to find
I found it,the last one to see
As I looked down,my smile turned to a frown
There it was,an old house
Paint all gone,weathered away
Shutters hanging side ways, from the breeze
Shingles loose,up high and low
From all the winds below
I heard the door creak,as if to say
Time for you to go,please walk away
Headed down the path,I was on before
I thought I heard a moan
Looking back,I see
The trees and brush
As the house disappears,into the darkness of the shadows
For nobody to see ................



Michael VanDyke @C 2018

Kenny

As the sun starts to lay low
In the western skies
The back country
Begins to quiet down....

The cattle in the pastures,relaxed
Ready for the night to fall
Gravel roads turn to dirt....

Familiar to all who knew him
A old chevy trk
Comin' down the road
At idle speed,as he always did
A dog pacing back and forth,window to window...

As the driver comes to a halt,you see
Kenny,a smile on his face
Always a word to say
How's it going you ask
As always, Kenny said
Riding out to check the cows
Also to watch the deer....

Off into the evening
Kenny would go
Always a kind word or two
A smile as bright as the sun....

So far well,my old dear friend
Tend to that stock in the sky
Keep the cattle gates closed
Plus water and fed.....


Michael VanDyke @C 2018

The Box.......

One time,there was a simple box. It felt empty,to the touch. Also easy to carry.
So I was curious,on what was inside.
As I opened the box,I could see light. It was bright,also warm. I seen the beauty it held,it was of my life as a child.
I could hear the laughter,see children running everywhere. I see them in the park,playing.
On the swings,the slide too. Walking the railroad tracks,barefoot.
Swimming the river,with banks being low.
My favorite sight,was me standing next to my Dad,on the front seat of his car,while he was driving me to school.
I had my arm around him,holding on,as not to fall. As we got to school,he lets me out and gives me a quarter for milk and such.
I also see my brothers and me. Always playing in the back yard,getting into trouble,or not.
Our friends coming over or us going to their yards.
I see the hills we climbed,the pastures we crossed.
There we are,sipping on cold sodas,with those hot days.
I see our smiles,the laughter,no cares to worry about.
That's what I see in this box. Young memories we cherish so.
I close the lid,the light darkens. Not forever,just for now.
As I slide the box under my bed.


Michael VanDyke @ (C) 2018