I took a pass
what little you offered
not nearly enough
what I wanted--needed
was an abundance
not just a little,
however well intended
still....
not enough, or even close
so, I sit here on my ranch
horses running free
like me
running from what was
or not meant to be
relishing the fact
that I got clean away
grace in tact
heart healed
you circle back
from time to time
not understanding that
what you thought
would last forever...
that you knew me that well
when in fact,
if you remember,
you didn't know me at all
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
https://mjb-lessonsfromlife.blogspot.com/ "Out of life's school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger." Nietzsche
Monday, June 14, 2021
Saturday, June 12, 2021
grateful heart
thankful and blessed with all I have
belly full and loved ones about
laughing with friends, my heart is full
I take in what I give out
sun sets early, moon shines bright
weather warm, a patio dine
prepared food by hearts that give
mulling it over with fine white wine
every night before I sleep
I thank the Lord for all received
naming each with grateful heart
I wouldn't change a single thing
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
belly full and loved ones about
laughing with friends, my heart is full
I take in what I give out
sun sets early, moon shines bright
weather warm, a patio dine
prepared food by hearts that give
mulling it over with fine white wine
every night before I sleep
I thank the Lord for all received
naming each with grateful heart
I wouldn't change a single thing
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Friday, June 11, 2021
debris
you burned your bridge to light your path
not worrying about the aftermath
debris falls thickly all around
you knee deep on tilted ground
I guess you thought you could get by
the smoke and mirrors that you supplied
the sleight of hand another trick
you thought that it was pretty slick
manipulations, I see through
I played along to bolster you
but, however, I wasn't blind
knew I'd leave when I had time
the years have come and gone so quick
I don't miss what wouldn't fit
you gave up more than you could know
in your childish rush to go
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
not worrying about the aftermath
debris falls thickly all around
you knee deep on tilted ground
I guess you thought you could get by
the smoke and mirrors that you supplied
the sleight of hand another trick
you thought that it was pretty slick
manipulations, I see through
I played along to bolster you
but, however, I wasn't blind
knew I'd leave when I had time
the years have come and gone so quick
I don't miss what wouldn't fit
you gave up more than you could know
in your childish rush to go
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
nothing
Nothing compares with the feeling I get
The sound of your voice,
the gleam in your blue eyes
And that smile
I melt from your touch
Putty in your hands
That's me
No, nothing could ever compare
To what I've found
This life we share
Nothing could ever compare
To you
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Thursday, June 10, 2021
naming names
a good poem, talks in rhyme
you say it doesn't, that's just fine
generic reasons, draw them in
people think, it's all about them
a good poem, makes people think
smearing pages with dry ink
not a waste from where I sit
think the thoughts, make them fit
the one behind the slammed shut door
won't see themselves, in metaphors
but I write them just the same
without fault or naming names
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
you say it doesn't, that's just fine
generic reasons, draw them in
people think, it's all about them
a good poem, makes people think
smearing pages with dry ink
not a waste from where I sit
think the thoughts, make them fit
the one behind the slammed shut door
won't see themselves, in metaphors
but I write them just the same
without fault or naming names
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
put away
day after day turns into a month
three years in and we're still broke
tried to tell you how it'd be
before I left and set you free
time after time, the chances piled
in the corner dirty and worn
no mending that can fix this mess
it's just life, a great big test
we danced once and had some fun
dizzy from a board of tiles
one was truer, more than you
dancing better than you do
music ends, the partners leave
dance card full of better things
I told you it would come to this
and I was something that you'd miss
midwest summers come to end
winter comes and freezes it
in the mountain shadowed days
all those thoughts I've put away
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
three years in and we're still broke
tried to tell you how it'd be
before I left and set you free
time after time, the chances piled
in the corner dirty and worn
no mending that can fix this mess
it's just life, a great big test
we danced once and had some fun
dizzy from a board of tiles
one was truer, more than you
dancing better than you do
music ends, the partners leave
dance card full of better things
I told you it would come to this
and I was something that you'd miss
midwest summers come to end
winter comes and freezes it
in the mountain shadowed days
all those thoughts I've put away
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
the weight
I told you the day would come
the time would be right
not that I made light of it
thinking seriously
the pros and cons
the highs and lows
(although, you would state
no provocative reason
for the decision)
snip, snip, snip
I cut the tie
that long distant cord,
connecting, slender tether
gone...
proceeding forward,
heart--light
weight--gone
smiling and happy
with my choice
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
the time would be right
not that I made light of it
thinking seriously
the pros and cons
the highs and lows
(although, you would state
no provocative reason
for the decision)
snip, snip, snip
I cut the tie
that long distant cord,
connecting, slender tether
gone...
proceeding forward,
heart--light
weight--gone
smiling and happy
with my choice
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
now and again
every now and again
when the wind is blowing just right
I hear the music playing
like it did our very first night
maybe it's just the mesquite
or the call of the nightingale
but I know I can hear it
and I think I always will
when billowy clouds are forming
in the eastern morning sky
I think I see you looking
with those crystal clear blue eyes
and if I squint mine tightly
I think I catch your wink
maybe it just the sun's glare
or you're closer than I think
I can smell the raindrops
and all the flowers that bloom
I can hear the music
that I first heard with you
I can hear you singing
in that perfect pitch
I still get the feeling
that I want much more of this
no longer are there messages
that you used to text
my phone no longer ringing
and this I truly miss
while you're slaying your dragons
mine won't leave me alone
you don't miss what you don't have
'cause you're not coming home
many things left here waiting
the papers are stacking up
no longer sharing coffee
you took your favorite cup
the dust settled on the floorboards
with all you left behind
I could see our future
but I think that you were blind
I can smell the raindrops
and all the flowers that bloom
I can hear the music
that I first heard with you
I can hear you singing
in that perfect pitch
I still get the feeling
that I want much more of this
yes, I still get the feeling
that I want much more of this
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
lazy?
procrastination
putting off till tomorrow
the stuff that you can
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
promise to keep
she wanders the house
from room to room
moonlight shines
in the dark gloom
a mist of a girl
from long ago
gone is everyting
she use'd to know
she checks on the family
all sound asleep
ponders, remembers
memories that seep
all faded now
like flowers that die
but when they sweep over
she mournfully cries
dawn breaks the clouds
she goes through the wall
doesn't know she's a spirit
she doesn't recall
eternity of guarding
the family that sleeps
this is her bidding
her promise to keep
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
tender
you didn't need to answer
I already knew
that they were fools
for letting you go
taking away
more than what you offered
which was everything
crushing your soul
in the process
giving not much
of themselves
selfish, they were
I will tender
more than what is asked
subtracting any heartache
investing my love
with immense returns
in our future
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
I already knew
that they were fools
for letting you go
taking away
more than what you offered
which was everything
crushing your soul
in the process
giving not much
of themselves
selfish, they were
I will tender
more than what is asked
subtracting any heartache
investing my love
with immense returns
in our future
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
shake it off
there's more to being a cowboy
than living way out west
wearing those wrangler jeans
and that funny, fringed suede vest
your Ariat cowboy boots
that white, straw cowboy hat
there's more to being a cowboy
we'll just see about that
you're never riding the range
don't even own a horse
that's not all it takes
I know this of course
you know nothing of roping
or how to dog a steer
those funny midwest ways
have made this very clear
you can call us ma'am
from morning until dusk
you can talk to cactus
while you're shaking off the dust
you can sing those country songs
with lyrics you don't know
but you are not a cowboy sir
you need to let that go
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
than living way out west
wearing those wrangler jeans
and that funny, fringed suede vest
your Ariat cowboy boots
that white, straw cowboy hat
there's more to being a cowboy
we'll just see about that
you're never riding the range
don't even own a horse
that's not all it takes
I know this of course
you know nothing of roping
or how to dog a steer
those funny midwest ways
have made this very clear
you can call us ma'am
from morning until dusk
you can talk to cactus
while you're shaking off the dust
you can sing those country songs
with lyrics you don't know
but you are not a cowboy sir
you need to let that go
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
always
you stand in my corner
watching my back
and I know
no one can hurt me
nothing can touch me
they would have to
contend with you
always
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
watching my back
and I know
no one can hurt me
nothing can touch me
they would have to
contend with you
always
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Monday, June 7, 2021
coin toss
what happens now?
your future love secure
the shadow laying dormant
and the door left ajar
successful in separating
the fact from the fiction
without delving too deep
and causing more friction
one heart secure
the other wild and free
one strokes your mind
the other stokes your needs
you finally read the book
from cover to cover
solve all the mystery
see what's uncovered
the choice always yours
as you flip the quarter
is it heads or tails?
is it friend, is it lover?
one heart secure
the other wild and free
one strokes your mind
the other stokes your needs
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
wait and see
bright and shiny, like a new penny
strong and bitter like day old coffee
some say that, we're not better off
I say let's just wait and see
one can win, always a loser
there is nothing that you can do
root for one, despise the other
I say let's just wait and see
don't draw a line too deep in sand
don't turn your back on what we need
wait for the reason, before you scoff
I say let's just wait and see
healing may take a long time to come
what we need isn't that far off
I'm on board with ticket in hand
I say let's just wait and see
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
strong and bitter like day old coffee
some say that, we're not better off
I say let's just wait and see
one can win, always a loser
there is nothing that you can do
root for one, despise the other
I say let's just wait and see
don't draw a line too deep in sand
don't turn your back on what we need
wait for the reason, before you scoff
I say let's just wait and see
healing may take a long time to come
what we need isn't that far off
I'm on board with ticket in hand
I say let's just wait and see
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Sunday, June 6, 2021
F word
that's right, I say it
sometimes when I'm so angry
the F word just works!
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Friday, June 4, 2021
coffee
as soon as it hits my bloodstream
my thoughts organize
the fog lifts from my brain
I am awake
my hands twitch
after the third
I don't care!
where would I be
if I didn't have
this magnificent
morning drug
a pick me up in the afternoon
a rev my engine miracle
ah, coffee!
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
my thoughts organize
the fog lifts from my brain
I am awake
my hands twitch
after the third
I don't care!
where would I be
if I didn't have
this magnificent
morning drug
a pick me up in the afternoon
a rev my engine miracle
ah, coffee!
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
the best thing
You were wearing a yellow shirt
sit next to me and we start to flirt
my favorite bar in my favorite town
life was dull before you came around
you're the best thing I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
my leg accidently touches your knee
a current of violent electricity
ravages my body and you feel it too
my mind spinning in this crowded room
you're the best thing that I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
I'm at a loss, should have known how'd be
truth be told, it's a two way street
I must admit I don't understand
why I lose my head even holding your hand
you're the best thing that I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
There's no explanation, or simple excuse
For intoxication I feel around you
during the day and from dusk till dawn
every month and all year long
you're the best thing that I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
sit next to me and we start to flirt
my favorite bar in my favorite town
life was dull before you came around
you're the best thing I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
my leg accidently touches your knee
a current of violent electricity
ravages my body and you feel it too
my mind spinning in this crowded room
you're the best thing that I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
I'm at a loss, should have known how'd be
truth be told, it's a two way street
I must admit I don't understand
why I lose my head even holding your hand
you're the best thing that I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
There's no explanation, or simple excuse
For intoxication I feel around you
during the day and from dusk till dawn
every month and all year long
you're the best thing that I've ever done
two is better than only just one
I guess I knew right from the start
you'd be the one to steal my heart
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Thursday, June 3, 2021
mon amour
voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir
me tenir fermer et m’aimer
je vous donnerai toute ma passion
Je vous offre une durée de vie de l’amour
voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir
tout ce que j’ai est le vôtre
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
me tenir fermer et m’aimer
je vous donnerai toute ma passion
Je vous offre une durée de vie de l’amour
voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir
tout ce que j’ai est le vôtre
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
all about you
it wasn't food I was hungry for
it was something with no calories
you would have expended them though
it was food for thought I needed
and as usual, I got what I wanted
thoughts as deep as Voltaire,
mind games
I can play them with the best
but you...you took my thoughts
tossing them aside as fruitless
nothing to do with you
when in fact, it WAS about you
always; every time;
all about you
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
it was something with no calories
you would have expended them though
it was food for thought I needed
and as usual, I got what I wanted
thoughts as deep as Voltaire,
mind games
I can play them with the best
but you...you took my thoughts
tossing them aside as fruitless
nothing to do with you
when in fact, it WAS about you
always; every time;
all about you
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
very, very
if I had one cent
each time you said "I love you"
I would be wealthy
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
each time you said "I love you"
I would be wealthy
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
and more
you are my morning song
my evening prayer
the day to day wish
what I needed,
longed for;
hoped
wishes can come true
dreams become reality
all of this
I have with you
and more
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
my evening prayer
the day to day wish
what I needed,
longed for;
hoped
wishes can come true
dreams become reality
all of this
I have with you
and more
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
clarity
clarity came not too long after
hanging like vines from wooden rafters
blowing gently to and fro
whispering it's time to go
go I did when the time was right
slipping gracefully into the night
blinded by faith, deaf to reason
the sun was hot and I was freezin'
catering to your every whim
the prognosis very grim
trying to wait out months of rain
left me pallid and in much pain
you didn't think I'd every leave
that you had all the time you'd need
I surprised you after all
exiting just before last call
using my brain and not my heart
I should've used it from the start
the puppeteer that held the strings
wonders what tomorrow brings
thinking 'bout grace and God and such
pondering if he gave too much
writing songs about what was
with only one left to applaud
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
hanging like vines from wooden rafters
blowing gently to and fro
whispering it's time to go
go I did when the time was right
slipping gracefully into the night
blinded by faith, deaf to reason
the sun was hot and I was freezin'
catering to your every whim
the prognosis very grim
trying to wait out months of rain
left me pallid and in much pain
you didn't think I'd every leave
that you had all the time you'd need
I surprised you after all
exiting just before last call
using my brain and not my heart
I should've used it from the start
the puppeteer that held the strings
wonders what tomorrow brings
thinking 'bout grace and God and such
pondering if he gave too much
writing songs about what was
with only one left to applaud
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Gone
I will not look behind me
I know you are still there
Where you belong
And where you shall stay
Even if I should lose
I know you are still there
Where you belong
And where you shall stay
Even if I should lose
whereI got to today...
Don't ask me to stop
Or back up
I refuse--won't do it
As the days grow older
Months fading to years
Hearts weaken and wonder
Memories thick as flies on honey
Don't wait for me or look for me
I am gone
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
Don't ask me to stop
Or back up
I refuse--won't do it
As the days grow older
Months fading to years
Hearts weaken and wonder
Memories thick as flies on honey
Don't wait for me or look for me
I am gone
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
hues
time is ticking slowly on the clock upon the wall
people wander aimlessly, don't understand at all
I only take a minute, press speed dial when I call
my baby doesn't answer, my spirit starts to fall
I know you told me 'bout your plans, but I was in a hurry
just to get to work on time you know I had to scurry
all the reasons that you gave at this time are so blurry
a million thoughts race through my mind so now I start to worry
rainy streets are empty, as I hasten across town
somehow I have this feeling, that I have let you down
my brows are knit together, my lips are one big frown
I pray I'm overthinking and that everything is sound
your truck is in the driveway, the house is dark as pitch
I turn my key inside the lock, fumble with the switch
I'm ready to apologize for being such a bitch
sort it out like laundry, eliminate this glitch
there you are so peacefully, sleeping under covers
I wonder what you're dreaming, laying there in slumber
of all the many winters, and our wonderful summers
even as you rest there, it's my name that you still mumble
quietly, I get undressed and climb in next to you
wondering about the reason that I'm feeling oh so blue
your arms reach out to hold me, what you say is nothing new
all is right within your arms as evening shows its hues
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
people wander aimlessly, don't understand at all
I only take a minute, press speed dial when I call
my baby doesn't answer, my spirit starts to fall
I know you told me 'bout your plans, but I was in a hurry
just to get to work on time you know I had to scurry
all the reasons that you gave at this time are so blurry
a million thoughts race through my mind so now I start to worry
rainy streets are empty, as I hasten across town
somehow I have this feeling, that I have let you down
my brows are knit together, my lips are one big frown
I pray I'm overthinking and that everything is sound
your truck is in the driveway, the house is dark as pitch
I turn my key inside the lock, fumble with the switch
I'm ready to apologize for being such a bitch
sort it out like laundry, eliminate this glitch
there you are so peacefully, sleeping under covers
I wonder what you're dreaming, laying there in slumber
of all the many winters, and our wonderful summers
even as you rest there, it's my name that you still mumble
quietly, I get undressed and climb in next to you
wondering about the reason that I'm feeling oh so blue
your arms reach out to hold me, what you say is nothing new
all is right within your arms as evening shows its hues
Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
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