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

Charlies.....

Many years we talked
Of hounding,mineral
And rocks.....

Listened to your stories
Of your time in the Navy
And "Nam"...

The hounding trails
You walked
The people you have met
I will remember
The stories of them all....
Your collections
Of thumbnail minerals
You had to show
Some so rare
Nope,not for sale....

The collections of
Your wife's (Linda)
Sewing machines,you said
We knew you loved her
As you would buy her
Another for Linda's collection too....

South Dakota
Is where, you where at
I know,because that's where
You hung your hat
The many memories
You shared of that ......

We called each other names
But with respect
That's what Brothers do
With no regrets
So you old Goat....

Your life was good
Your memories are ours now...

Also a person
Who brought,your happiness
The Brother you never had
Bob was his name
He brought you joy
Laughter and  happiness
To your life
Your memories
Will be with him
Forever too....

Rest in peace
Brother
The pain is gone
The suffering too
Brothers for life
We salute you........


Michael VanDyke @ Dec 31st.. 2017

Oh Sweet Wind

Blowing through the grass
Of the valleys below....

Even with the mountain tops
With the trees
The snow....

The scented wild flowers
The cut of fresh hay
As you drive down wind
On a clear,nice day....

The sail boats
On waters of blue
Sails set high
Holding true....

Sitting on the porch
Watching the sun
Setting away,
The evening breezes
Blowing astray....

Hearing your whistle
Singing through the trees
The chimes doing their music too....

Close your eyes
Feel it so
Oh sweet wind
Filling your soul....

Michael VanDyke @ 2017

Steal Away

The night shines
With the stars....

A full moon
As it's so bright....

The sun during the day
With warmth and light....

Steal away
For these moments
To see,to hear....

Hear the birds
As they sing
Flying from tree to tree....

The squirrels
Running the ground
Playing games
As they gather food....

Steal away
For these moments
To see,to hear....

As the river falls
From mountain cliffs....

The grass flowing
With the winds
In the valley below....

Steal away
For these moments
To see,to hear....

Michael VanDyke @ 2017

These Old Shoes

These shoes I see
Sitting on a box
Scuffed,spotted with paint
No shine to see....

I also see these shoes
Polished a new
With strings of brown....

These shoes
I see they worked
Climbing ladder
Lots of walking too....

Seen the paint
Spotted and stained....

From mowing the grass
As I see
The stains of green....

Now they lay
All worn and torn
Nobody to claim....

These shoes I see
Sitting on a box......


Michael VanDyke @ 2017

The Night Falls......Believe

The night is flowing
And we are following it
Into the land of mystic lights......

The light of the night
As it dares to be......

Just come with me
I will show you
The beauty
Which is above......

As it unfolds its magic
Of twilight,stars
And of darkness that glows
But never reaching the end.......

All that counts
Is here and now
No tomorrows
Or yesterdays........

Turn the lights out
As you start dancing
See the universe
Begin to shine......

The gentle voices you hear
Are chasing the clouds away
So forever
We will see the stars
As they stay.......

As we see the ashes
Of glowing red
It's of the harvest moon
Speaking
As if to say
We can build another day.........



Michael VanDyke @ 2017

As We Live

When your crying
You can't pick up the tears
It's like pouring
The raindrops
Back into the clouds.....

The light,far away
Looking so dim
As it gets closer
The brightness shows
Than fades away,again......

I can see your journey
Through your eyes
But I can't feel the pain
Or happiness
You went through.......

Everything inside of you
Just wanted to hide
Don't close the mind
For the heart will follow......

Let life move on
Without past dreams
Awakening
Let the gentle hands of life
Work their faith......

The stir of echoes
Will remain
So don't let your words
Hit the ground.......



Michael VanDyke @ 2017