*****Tributes*****
""""We Will Always Remember""""
They were taken from us
At a very early age
By ones that had been
Filled with misguidance, hate and rage
They had somehow been chosen
For the beliefs which they had
Why they were made to pay the price
A reason to be offered, no one had
Some were selected to be victims
For their skin color and groups to which they belong
For the things that they had achieved
Because of what they wore, but all these reasons are WRONG
Now these loved ones that were taken
And suffered this God awful fate
Are also joined in suffering by the ones that saw
And those who now must carry this great weight
They saw friends and loved ones
Being needlessly ripped away
Some even tried, without success, to plead for their lives
But from the decision, no one could they sway
The blood of these dear ones that was splattered
And the bodies left scattered about
Left families, survivors, friends and loved ones
Trying to piece what all this was about
All that they had asked for
Was an education and a chance to succeed
To learn what would help them through life
How to do math, think, write and read
There was no way they could have known
What sickness, in thoughts, others had
As these acts left the country in total shock
And wondering what made good kids go bad
Well we will remember the loved ones
As they shead their heart felt tears
Watching as those of them, the survivors
Ran and hid, carrying with them their fears
From the blood stained buildings
To the school grounds outside
There will always be that constant reminder
None of this country will be able to hide
So we can only look back in silence
And remember the ones that were taken away
And regret that they are not here
To brighten our world each day
So now that we will surely know
That their lives were not lost in vain
We must make sure that thoughts and memories
With us each day, of them, will remain
© Tall Mountain Dreamer April 15, 2000
This poem is in memory of all the victims of school shootings. Not only the ones that were taken away from us permanently but also to the survivors, families, friends and loved ones that will remember these events every day of their lives. My heart felt sorrow goes out to these people and know that my prayers are with you always.
""""My Mother's Star""""
In the clear summer sky
There is a star burning bright
Giving off the brightest glow
It can be seen from afar, through the night
I look up at this star so bright
And it appears to wink directly back at me
I look and wonder what does this mean?
What is it that my eyes do see
I strain my eyes to clearly see that star
And watch it as I move along
But soon I learn no matter where I go
This star will always follow me along
Now I watched the whole night through
As it passed overhead in the sky
Then daybreak comes and the darkness is gone
But that star I can still see way up high
It is like whatever I am doing
It is certainly watching over me
Now as I ready to lay down to sleep
And the rest of the day will be free
I watch that star 'til I can close my eyes
And I remember then back to when I was a lad
And the loving times me and my mother spent
And the conversations that we had
She said that no matter what she would always watch over me
And always keep me out of harms way
So I quickly searched the sky for that star, one last time to see
And there it was disappearing from view that day
As the daylight was beginning to show
Then I saw it wink one more time at me
And this was my mother's love, I now know
So now in safety I can travel through life
And when things get gloomy, dark and hard I can still try
As I know that my mother's love still shines down on me
From that star perched up in that dark night sky
© Tall Mountain Dreamer May 11, 2000
I wrote this poem in a tribute to my loving mother who passed away after a brief illness. I will always remember the sacrifices she made and the special love that she showed me each and every day that we were able to be together. She will live forever in my heart and soul. GOD BLESS you MOM!!!!
""""My Prayer For The Children""""Dear Lord listen to my plea
And please consider what I ask
Because of what it would mean to others
This would surely be no easy task
I want to take all the pain
That is felt by children each day
And gather all the pain I find
And from them take it away
I see little children who are young
And have yet, their lives, began to live
But all the pain and suffering they have
Dear Lord I ask for you, to me, give
I have lived my life for many years
And I have enjoyed the things that life does bring
So let them grow and be happy kids
And let their hearts with wellness sing
From the terminally ill that I see
When I take that long walk through their ward
I just want to be able to reach out and take their suffering
This is not just an empty plea, Dear Lord!
My heart is heavy when I see the young
Struggle to wake to see the light of day
And then the smile they wear throughout
Masking the knowing of what will come their way
The seeing of parents weeping so hard
As the news of their child is said
Was it that they have little time to live
Or is it that they have been told they are dead
So! Dear Lord in closing, please consider my plea
Take all the children's ailments and disease
And give them all to me
For I am not a hero, nor do I want to be one
But watching them all be able to grow and play
This to me would be the most fun
And the children of the world would all have a brighter day
So thank you Lord for listening to me
And I will wait for what you have to say
But Lord please don't take very long
As we lose precious young lives each day
© Tall Mountain Dreamer May 17, 1999
Dedicated to all of those children suffering in life threatening pain, yet bravely living from day to day. Watching them laugh and smile in the face of the adversity that they face and having the bravery to say " I will fight until the very end." God Bless all the children
"""The American Veteran""" Many soldiers have crossed the miles
To fight the wars that they were tasked
They went proudly, where they were sent
And the question why, was never asked
Many things of horror they saw in battle
Many watched as their close friends were wounded and died
Not being able to reach out and help them
With these memories, they would later have dreams and cry
Many were wounded in time of war
And they carry the battle scars deep inside
But to relive these horrors in their memories
Deep inside of them they would rather hide
Many are crippled right from war
Or it comes to them later in life
But no matter when reality, to them, does hit
It will cause them much toil and strife
The hospitals are now filled with many
That have served this country with pride
But also many that have honored their countries call
Have over the years also died
You may see them homeless and lost
And some do not know which way they should turn
But here in our country, that they love
They just want the respect that they did earn
They sit there silently, men and women both
The pain and suffering is felt by all
And it doesn't matter the age
As it was answering the country's call
They don't ask for handouts or anything special
Just for us to remember them and the ones that fell
Because they went and did what was asked and needed
And many of us would have called it hell
But what has made this country what it is
And please this we should never let anyone forget
Are the ones that died or returned home proudly
The ones of which I now speak are the "AMERICAN VETS"
This is written to honor and remember those that have and will gallantly honor their countries call and place their life on the line. The ones when asked defend us with pride and make this country what it is today. To these brave men and women, young and old, all I can say is THANK YOU and in my heart I will remember you forever
© Tall Mountain Dreamer May 18, 2000
""""Aids""""
It is a silent killer
That comes from deep inside
For many unsuspecting years
It can lay dormant and inside you hide
It affects anyone as it doesn't differentiate
But usually when it is finally diagnosed
For that person it is found to late
It eats away your immune system slowly
This that is needed to fight off disease
And it does so so quietly
And with such speed and ease
It lays in all of us and waits for that triggering day
When it will start to flourish inside so deep
Turning a persons world upside down
As into more of the body it will slowly seep
It makes it hard to fight off disease
And leaves a loved one in great anguish and pain
As they know their body is being taken away
And soon only a shell will then remain
Some will stand and fight until the end
But others will cave in to this diseases call
But one can understand each of their decisions
If they could understand them at all
Now for momentary indiscretions of a human
And the price that they willthen have to pay
Even when it meant to save a life
This god awful risk was still there
And it surely doesn't care why it came to be
But all it knows now is that it is finally there
It doesn't hamper just the weak
As it also takes on those that are strong
For the cure of this mighty disease
Many hope that the search's battle won't be long
As many sit and watch loved ones die
From this killer from their body within
Hoping in silence that the end would swiftly come
So that their loved ones would not suffer again
So understand those who are sick
And let them know that you care
As never knowing that in your life's many years
In this dilemma you may have to sometime share
This is for all the indivdiuals who had to face this disease and the loved ones, friends and family it left in it's wake. To those who had to suffer and to those who suffered little and endured the toll the diseasae took on their body. To the family, friends and loved ones that stood faithfully by the infected and showed them comfort and compassion each and every day. My heart and prayers go out to those who are now battling this disease and also to the ones who will be infected in days to come.
© Tall Mountian Dreamer May 22, 2000
""""The Children""""
No matter where you go or turn
You will find children waiting for homes
They are being kept as wards of the state
Hoping that news of someone that loves them comes
Many are from families who didn’t want them
Others had seen their parents taken away
Then they were placed into protective services
Not knowing how long they must stay
Some will be placed for adoption
To a loving family they will be able to go
Having the love and family life around them
Into solid young adults they should grow
Others will stay with in group homes with others
Where they will just become a face
To have children born into this world of ours
To see this happen is a disgrace
Many do not know why they are there
As many don’t know what went wrong
But they learn to bond with the others for love
And as they stand together they are strong
Some will see one of the others taken away
Not quite knowing what they should expect
And placed in a home of parents who wish to help
As they will no longer suffer from neglect
But is makes their friends so sad that day
To see one of their close friends taken so easily away
Knowing that part of them is torn from inside
And they hope to be able to be together again someday
Some that are taken will soon return
As it didn’t workout where they were sent
But it was that neither party hadn’t tried
As many long days of giving and taking were spent
Many will grow of age living this life that they now know
And no real family will they later have
As the only ones that they know of love between
Are the ones from this group that now have
So now when thinking of raising a family and times get tough
Be sure of children you want for your own
And remember all these lonely souls
That have grown to adulthood on their own
To all the children that now crowd the foster and group homes which are there for their protection and welfare. The ones that were brought into this world unwanted and or unloved. The ones that will spend the rest of their lives to adulthood not knowing a real family life. May, with luck and God's blessing, these children find a home filled with happiness and love which they dedserve and need.
© Tall Mountain Dreamer May 23, 2000
""""A Fallen Hero""""
He came and answered the country’s call when asked
He professionally did everything he was tasked
He served his country for many years with pride, never asking why
Hurting so bad when he saw many of his comrades die
He went to far distant lands when sent
Away from his wife and his loved children he was sent
He kept them in his heart all the time he was away
As a loving memory of them he was sure they were to stay
The years finally ended and homeward he did come
No big fan fare did he receive, but greeted by some
Then he made a vow that he would never forget
The ones now serving, and ones from before, Yes the American Vet
Every year he would show to pay his respect
As he was at each ceremony and none did he neglect
He carried the American flag, standing by my side
He carried it proudly filled with so much pride
Then it was during a ceremony on that fateful day
A day he was there, his respects to veterans to pay
I heard this loud gasp as he slumped to the ground
What I had seen was making my heart pound
The ceremony was stopped as attention to him we gave
As we listen and felt no heartbeat or breath he gave
We started to work to bring him back to life
Looking I saw the horror on the face of his kids and his wife
Into his body we gave breath and manually made his heart beat
Watching slip away from us, laying there, was no easy feat
The crowd that was there was so silent and still
As one could almost feel the calling of death’s cold chill
Then helped arrived and away he was taken
Going to his family I could see his wife was visibly shaken
We then gathered ourselves and the ceremony was then done
Away to the hospital to be with him I had gone
Upon arrival to his wife’s side I went
And the rest of the day, not leaving, there I spent
The look on her face told me the news wasn’t good
And she was crying and in a somber mood
Then the doctor came and questions he had
The answers he needed made us all sad
To stop the machines that were giving him his only life
Would mean to take him from his kids and his wife
His wife said pull them with pain way down deep inside
She said “Let him go with his dignity and pride”
So the machines were turned off and it surely wasn’t long
But in the light of this wife remained strong
Then the doctor turned to her and quietly said
“I am sorry but your husband is now dead”
She grabbed my hand and could feel her shake inside
The sorrow she was feeling, she could not hide
Then we went and talked for a long while and to look back
Wondering why he had suffered, so young, that massive heart attack
Well then we talked of how proud he had been, his country, to serve
Facing danger each day and never losing his nerve
I will remain how proud he carried the American flag for us all
How he did so, with dignity and standing so tall
And then he lost his life paying respect to others still yet
Standing there proudly in a ceremony for the American Vet
Watching in silence and horror as his last breath he took that day
Knowing in my heart another American Hero had now faded away
Now when he is buried and has surely gone God’s way
I will always remember him each and every day
On the special time of year when to veterans we pay our respect
Stopping by his grave, pausing in silence, I will never neglect
As I know in that hallowed ground there does now lay
A Father, Husband, Warrior, Patriot and Hero that had passed away
© Tall Mountain Dreamer May 30, 2000
""""A Mother's Love""""
Seeing her child crying and knowing not the cause
Taking the time to comfort From her busy day she does pause
Holding the child close and comforting them
This is a Mother’s love
Seeing her family is hungry and are ready all to eat
You see her busy in the kitchen, standing on tired feet
Making a meal to feed her family that day
This is a Mother’s love
A child comes with a question, knowing not where to turn
She sits listening contentedly, knowing they want to learn
Taking time to explain the best that she possibly can
This is a Mother’s love
Knowing there is a silent pain deep inside
She can see it in side of them, no matter how they try and hide
The loving comfort she reaches out and gives to them
This is a Mother’s love
Watching on with pride as she sees each of them succeed
There to help each and give them what they need
Sacrificing of herself to make sure they can do their best
This is a Mother’s love
Tears shed with joy when she sees it is time for you to go
To make a life of your own, and you the world to show
Knowing that you will do your best at everything you do
This is a Mother’s love
Being there for you when times are tough, no matter the age
Filling you with happiness, taking away all your rage
Taking away all the suffering and pain from deep in your soul
This is a Mother’s love
Seeing the tears stream when you ill and she don’t know what to do
Wanting to take the suffering you have and take it all from you
Willing to give her life so that you could still live on
This is a Mother’s love
So when you look around and see this special woman each day
Take a few minutes and send kind words her way
For she was always there whenever you were in need
So now it is time to return some of your Mother’s love
To all the mothers out there who have sacrificed, cried, felt pain, and anguish as they gave of themselves each day. Those that took the time to understand and care and tried their best to help their children to understand and prepare them for life’s journey. We give our thanks to mothers everywhere.
© Tall Mountain Dreamer June 2, 2000
""""The Guns""""
I came home late one night
The lights were out and the house was dark
As I slowly walked up the sidewalk
Our family pet began to bark
I stopped and petted him for a bit
And finally got him quieted down
Then up the porch steps I went and reached for the door
It turning noisily with a squeak, that I had always known
I opened the door and stepped quickly inside
I stopped for a second and put my keys on the stand
I then heard my father snoring in the other room
I then went to the bathroom and quickly washed my hands
I was then off to the kitchen where I turned on the light
Looking in the cooler for something good to eat
I made me a sandwich out of meats that I found
It would fill the void in my stomach, but certainly no feast
I then turned and walked down that hallway
And stopped to turn out the light
Turning that house once again
Into the darkness that filled the night
So it was time for bed and off I did go
All of a sudden I heard this rustling sound
It sounded like my father so I figured I go say hi
So in one quick instance I suddenly turned around
All of a sudden the darkness was taken away
As I saw a flash of a bright light
And then this very loud, sharp cracking sound
That broke the silence of the night
Then I felt this pressure hit my chest
And push me hard against the wall
As I slammed against the surface there
To the floor I quickly did fall
I felt this pain in my chest and it certainly did burn
I could feel pain as it filled me through and through
I laid there wondering what had happened
What in the world did I just do
I looked up and saw my father standing there
With the look in his eyes, filled with fright
There in his hands I saw that gun
That had made that bright flash of light
Then I felt the fluid flowing down my chest
And I knew I wasn’t feeling good
As I took my hand and touched me there
And upon looking all I saw was blood
As I lay there gasping for my last breath
And seeing the end of life come closer to me
I just closed my eyes in silence and wondered
How could this have ever happened to me
Then I saw that light get smaller
And I knew now the end was there
And it was taken from me by accident that night
By one I had shown tender loving care
My life has finally gone from me now
And daddy I am not mad at you for what you have done
I am mad at only one thing right now
And it is that you ever had that damn gun
Now daddy I have been buried in the ground
And my soul now soars way up high
But daddy I don’t understand one thing in life
And maybe to me you can explain why
Why do all the people need a gun that kills
Innocent people like me, Daddy why, please tell me why
Dedicated to all the innocent victims who have had their lives taken or changed from the hands of someone holding a gun. To those who have lost loved ones and family from people who have not been taught the power that a gun and a bullet posess over the human body. May the right to bear arms be permitted but also allow for the protection of innocent victims.
© Tall Mountain Dreamer June 21, 2000
""""The Native American""""
Many years ago across this great land
Many different tribes were numbered but proudly they all did stand
And always together they could not live
But to each their own territory they would proudly give
They hunted their food from the plains and our shores
Some growing plants, taking care of these were the women's chores
Some came to help the settlers as they set foot on our soil
They helped ease the hardships felt and all the human toil
They showed them how to plant and then food they would have
As to many of the settlers fresh food they then gave
Now they were different, shown by the color of their skin
But no matter what they would come back to help, again and again
They had hand made weapons that they made to kill them food
And use in time of their defense, they surely would
They would hunt the great plains and buffalo they would kill to eat
And they would take every last piece of the killed animals meat
They would even take the hide and tan it just so
And these heavy hides they would use to protect them from the snow
Most lived in tents that were easier to move
As they moved against the weather and the Indian God above
Then slowly the settlers wanted more and more space
The Indians being pushed from their land is what they did face
Now some went in peace and others would stay and fight
Killings happened on both sides both day and night
As more and more settlers came, westward they did shove
But these Indians were proud people and some wouldn’t move
They finally stopped moving and made one last stand
And there on the soil they did love, every dead Indian did land
Slowly over the prairies the settlers had spread
The meat the Indians hunted was seen laying there dead
It wasn’t the meat they were after, it was the skin for which they got paid
So laying there spoiling under the hot sun, the Indians food laid
Now many groups of Indians were hunted by the government we built
And many needless Chiefs, Braves, mothers and children were killed
Now the government thought and offered these proud people a home
A reservation it was called, but they were no longer free to roam
Then these places were even moved, when that land was wanted too
Why were these people treated this way, I now ask me and you
Well slowly their numbers got smaller over the years
And the blood that was shed by them was equaled by the tears
Then it came time for one last and great stand
It happened in the northern plains of this mighty and great land
Many nations came together to stand united as one
And for the final resistance of the all the bad that had been done
Now soldiers were sent, these Indians to control
The soldiers numbered many as witnessed when they called their last roll
Together the Indian nations made a plan of the battle to be fought
And in the teeth of these Indian nations, the soldiers were caught
Now there was a major massacre at the Little Big Horn
As both Indians and soldiers died in the uniforms that they had worn
After the smoke had cleared and the silence had fallen
A lot of brave men had answered the Great Gods calling
Now the battle was over but still trouble lay ahead
As the government of our land, wanted them captured or dead
They fled and hid so they could remain like us, free
But this just wasn’t the way it was going to be
Now some took their life so that they would not have to surrender
Even though a life of peace and prosperity the government did offer
They knew that from all the times that they had heard lies before
This was one of great dimensions, this they knew for sure
Some were hunted and when found they were killed
When all they wanted from the start was freedom and a life to build
Well they have remained loyal and still answered when this country asked
Many lives were saved in a great war by doing what they were tasked
The language of their once proud nation many a life did save
And a chance to return home for many, this thankless deed gave
Now many of the tribes that once roamed this land are gone
We should all look back to what, to them , was unjustly done
Yes what we did and no heed to their needs were paid
As the pride of these great people was tattered and frayed
Now I ask for you to look back over the many long years if you can
And feel some remorse for the plight of the Native American
Dedicated to all the Native Americans and their ancestors that came before them. For the trials and hardships they were and still are today made to face by this great nation. Though wounds run deep many will scar over with time but this will always remain part of this countries history. And our thoughts should go to those that now roam the Happy Hunting Grounds.
© Tall Mountain Dreamer July 7, 2000
""""Should I Tell""""
The secret that I had inside
Was given to me months ago
I kept it tucked away in the dark
As I didn’t want anyone to know
The pain it brought to me was hard enough
This alone I thought I could bear
But spare the loving ones around me
This secret I didn’t want them to hear
I kept it deep inside of me
And the only time I let it out of my mind
Was when I could suffer alone
And me none of my loved ones would find
Well as time went on and that secret grew
The pain I was feeling was harder and harder to hide
But still the secret I kept to me
As deep inside my memories I let it hide
I thought if I forgot about it, erasing it from my mind
That slowly it would be able to quietly slip away
But it never left me and it was eating at me
But this is the price that secret made me pay
Now as it became time and the evidence was there
This secret I had was surely harder to keep
I had fought the battle with everything I had
But soon from my trembling lips, my secret must seep
Then I asked my loved ones to come
And gather around me so they could hear
Then I spoke of my secret that I had kept
As with all my loved ones I now did share
My words came out over my trembling lips
And they cut the quiet like a knife
I had lost this long hard battle now
And soon I would lose the one for my precious life
I asked them not to give me any pity
As this is one thing I did not want to hear
I just wanted to share my secret I had been hiding
And with my loved ones I wanted, this, to share
Now as I looked around me at all that had come
I could see tears streaming down their face
And each one told me how they would be there
And the time I had left we would all embrace
Well the pressure was gone from my heart
As that load had been released that day
And I knew after much deliberation alone
That this was the only sensible way
They all deserved to know
What was happening painfully to me
But the only thing that hurt us all
We didn’t know how much more time there would be
But each day that has passed us by
Since my secret came to light
Has made the pain and suffering easier
And finally telling them I know now was right
Now I can feel inside me
That the end will surely be here soon
As I lay in my bed looking out my window
Staring at the heavens and the moon
Now my eyes have not closed but all is dark
And I have seen my last picture of this place
This is the one that I will look back on in my soul
And from there backwards memories I can trace
Now I have gone in peace today
And thinking of my secret and should I tell
I can rest easy and with peace of mind
As my Secret I Did Tell
Dedicated to all the ones who every day face the tough decision of whether to spare ones that they love the grief of their own burden. The thought, deliberation,love and caring that is sifted through in the midst of a personal crisis which is in itself hard enough to come to grips with at times. I commend all of you for being brave enough to make these decisions and being able to think of your loved ones in time of deep personal crisis. My heart goes out to you all.
© Tall Mountain Dreamer July 17, 2000
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