Lover I Don’t Have to Love (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You Took My Breath Away

You were not the most beautiful girl there,

But your eyes were expressive and deep.

I did not hang on every word you spoke,

But inside I made promises to keep.

Somehow in those first magic moments

My world stopped and you took my breath away.

Your eyes, your hair, your sparkling smile,

Each silently dared me to dance and stay.

In your presence the crowd no longer existed.

You had changed my point of view.

I turned around and blinked my eyes

But all I could see was you.

No longer alone even in my dreams

You were always by my side.

Together we shared our new world

Your love filled me with pride.

Your mind was on something else,

But not on our love each day.

I thought we’d love forever,

Long after we turned old and gray.

You smiled and said you felt great,

And you insisted you always will,

You looked so serene and so sure,

It’s strange your heart stopped still.

Each day you took my breath away,

But you never shared your pain.

And I still love you with all I have,

But I may never breathe again.

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English: Rabbit shape Français : Silhouette d’un lapin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Negotiated Settlement  (part three)

I leaned on my hoe and thought about all that had transpired this summer and last.  I was losing the garden war. My vegetables were disappearing at an increasing rate under the onslaught of the critters, especially by the attacks of the rabbits.  In reality I had already given up.  They were simply too much for me.

I toyed with the ideas of putting poison in each rabbit and ground squirrel hole, or sitting outside with my shotgun and trying to shoot just one.  I finally decided both of those plans had flaws.  I could be fined or arrested for shooting a firearm too close to residences, disturbing my neighbors with the noise, or worse, accidently shooting myself in all of the excitement.

As for the poison, it could have been long slow deaths for the rabbits and squirrels, and possibly for dogs or cats which happened upon a weakened rodent and decided it was a snack.  I couldn’t take a chance.

I sat down and leaned against a tree as I pondered the ultimate demise of the pesky critters.  My eyelids were heavy and I closed them just for a moment.  I was so tired and I needed to rest.  It seemed that I was floating, but the tree hadn’t moved.  I hadn’t moved either but now I could see and hear things I had missed before.

Off in the distance a strange cadence broke the silence.  The noise grew louder and I decided that the noisemaker was getting closer.  I finally recognized the sound, just as a line of rabbits came thumping and hopping into view.  It was a parade.

Each rabbit carried a musical instrument.  I counted twenty trombones, twenty trumpets, fifteen snare drums, ten clarinets, and ten saxophones.  At first, only the drummers were producing music, but the other musicians soon combined and began playing a Souza march.

Behind the musical marchers were three rows of suited rabbits. Each rabbit had two tall ears and a button nose. They wore crisp pin-striped suits and looked like they were fresh out of Entrepreneur or Playboy.  The marching rabbits stopped and marched in place before separating and forming a path to let one of the suited rabbits through.

The rabbit was grizzled and old.  He stepped forward and leaned on his polished cane.  “Son,” he muttered, “we’re here to negotiate a truce.  The vegetables are going to be gone soon if nothing is done.  I’m here to help you!”

This was a surprise.  Why did the rabbits want to help me?  I was the enemy.

Two rabbits handed some papers to the old rabbit.  He glanced at the papers before clearing his throat and saying, “We think all could benefit from our proposal.”

I thought t over quickly.  “It’s my garden so I’m willing to give the rabbits and squirrels ten percent.  No, make it twenty percent.”  I was feeling generous and happy my ordeal was over.

The rabbit chuckled and then thumped the ground, howling with laughter.  Other rabbits joined in and continued to laugh until he raised his paw and bade them to stop.

“There are so many more of us and we need more just because of our sheer numbers.  We think the split should be ninety percent for us and ten percent for you.  In addition, we also expect you to maintain the garden in order to earn your ten percent.  To be fair, for our part we’ll eat the grass and thin the vegetables, leaving you ten percent.”

“That’s not fair!” I fumed.  “That’s robbery!”

The old rabbit frowned at his assistants.  All were solemn without any changes of expression, except for an occasional nose twitch.  “You have no choice.  Take it or leave it.  We might decide to take it all!”

He stomped out of the garden, stopping only for a moment while he whispered to his assistants.  They hopped about nervously, occasionally frowning at me, before proceeding out the gate.

While I considered his offer, a young rabbit pushed against the garden fence, looking for a place to enter.  “This is ridiculous,” I said.  “They’ve gotten so fat  they can’t even get in.”

What could I do?  I had nothing to bargain with.  It was either lose everything, or get ten percent, if I worked hard to keep the garden up.  Unless I acted quickly I would lose my garden entirely.   I decided to agree with terms even though the settlement was not right.  This year I was beaten.

I shook myself.  I must have been dreaming.  An idea began to form and I smiled.  “Next year,” I said quietly.  “Next year I will win.  I will thwart all attacks because I won’t care.  I will plant weeds!”

I smiled again at my devilish plan.  I’d win by losing.  I wouldn’t have a garden but the critters and lawyers would get nothing!  It was brilliant!

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English: A rabbit (A cottontail, I think) posing on the grounds of Pompeys Pillar National Monument. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Garden Wars (part 2)

The garden war intensified. The rabbits responded to my attempts to drive them away.  No longer did they simply hide behind plants and run.  Despite my border control, the attacks on the garden increased on all fronts.  The cute little bunnies enlisted the help of gophers to assist the ground squirrels.  Instead of holes here and there that the rabbits and squirrels could dive into, I discovered an intricate underground tunnel system that allowed the critters to appear or disappear at will. Under all the stress my mind began creating little rhymes.  I went around muttering, “Hop, hop, hop.  They keep on munching and never stop.”

An aerial attack was also underway.  Doves, pigeons, and blue jays swooped down on my strawberries and sampled them, selecting only the ripest and plumpest, disdainfully rejecting the green ones.  I tied colorful streamers to poles, hoping that the motions of the aluminum strips fluttering in the wind would keep the birds away.  However, the multi-colored strips attracted larger flocks of birds, which I think reminded them of parties held in my neighborhood.  Or perhaps the streamers served as wind socks, letting the incoming traffic land without mishap. In any case, the combined forces presented a front that was overwhelming.

For awhile I hated all the critters because they had taken charge and eliminated any chance of a successful harvest. I yelled at them frequently.  “You’re greedy and selfish.  You’re destroying everything.  Have you no decency?”

I needed to be patient.  Everything had its season and the garden’s season had brought its bounty.  Maybe all of the critters would overeat and pop.  I could see the chubby rabbits hopping between the rows without regard for my needs.  I still couldn’t catch them but if I had patience I might catch one off guard.

I waited my chance but my heart softened as I began observing their traits and habits.  I decided all rabbit families were not the same.  Some families turned the little rabbits loose as soon as they entered the garden.  The wee ones scampered about wildly, disregarding all danger and became a distraction to the other rabbits.   Other rabbit families kept their offspring under control, keeping them nearby until their shopping was completed.  But whether the families allowed wild hares or not, I began realizing rabbit families were similar in many ways to humans.  I could not harm them after that.

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A Letter to Three Wives (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Special Man

None of his wives

Could live with him

But they couldn’t live without.

After work he would

Sit in his chair

Like a king on his throne

And his current wife would scurry about

Taking care of his needs.

Each claimed he was a special man,

But they weren’t slaves.

At his funeral his four ex-wives

(And his widow)

Showed up broken-hearted.

All loved and spoke highly of him.

But, if their words were true,

Which one poisoned him?

Which one loved him so much

She couldn’t share?

Who felt pain enough to break free?

One of them broke the spell

Because none of them

Could live with him

But they couldn’t live without.

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Remember Me, My Love (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Visit

Let’s talk about how we feel

Because life is very real.

One day things will change,

And I’ll visit no more.

Remember the early years

When you came home and

Wanted to talk about your day?

I just wanted to sit and be quiet.

We compromised and I listened.

You cooked and I washed dishes.

I worked on the house and built a barn.

You took care of our household needs.

We were early to bed and early to rise.

Remember the years we shared,

The children we raised,

As  time flashed by

And the home that was blessed?

Remember how  we cherished each day

As we fought our diseases alone and together,

Sharing our pain and our love?

Do you remember all that, love?

I really miss you.

I’ve learned to talk while you listen.

Time passes slowly

And I wait patiently

For the moment

When we’re together again.

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Illustration of Peter Rabbit escaping and leaving his jacket behind, from The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Garden of Eaten

After last year’s dismal attempts at growing a garden I should have known better and just bought produce at the local store.  It was a conspiracy right from the beginning and I didn’t anticipate the craftiness and tenacity of rabbits and ground squirrels.

I labored in the sun, lovingly and carefully placing the seeds in meticulous rows or circular formations.  I did not pay close attention to the eyes that watched hungrily.  I was in charge and I would maintain order as the tomatoes and cantaloupes, the beans and watermelons, and the other assorted vegetables grew in regulated patterns.   In theory everything would be perfect.

At first the plants themselves did not cooperate.  They grew rapidly, sprawling over cages and netting. I adjusted my watering and feeding schedules.  Yes, there were timelines and soil and fertilizer mixtures prepared for each type of plant.  I worked the garden methodically, expecting everything to grow exactly as I wanted.  But one morning I noticed that the cantaloupe vines were lying in new directions.

I scratched my head and studied them.  As I pondered, one vine stretched taut and then suddenly went limp.  I walked over and examined the end of the vine.  It had been sliced cleanly.  Something had happened and I had missed it.  I focused on a small hill and was rewarded when a pair of ears emerged, followed by a pair of dark eyes.  A rabbit stared at me, apparently waiting for my next move. I could have sworn it was smiling as it casually munched on cantaloupe vines. The rabbit was either really brave or it realized I had no chance of catching it.  Like a soldier preparing to march off to war, I swung my hoe up and against my shoulder.  I muttered angrily, “Mister Rabbit, this means war!”

I strode purposefully towards the rabbit, but it waited until I was close. Then with three short hops it disappeared under the fence.  I was fuming because the rabbit had violated my Garden of Eden, my model of perfection.

Once safe on the other side, the rabbit turned and winked.  It was deliberate and mean spirited.  I knew this rabbit was taunting me.  He waved, but not at me.  I turned around slowly.  Behind me, little rabbits were munching on cantaloupe flowers and new growth.  I lifted my hoe and the rabbits scattered in all directions. I was like the legendary Mr. McGregor chasing Peter Rabbit. I gave chase but I was too slow and the little rabbit wriggled under the gate and escaped.

The next few days I fixed the fence, set traps, and even put out repellent. I was determined to keep the rabbits away.  Throughout the summer I waged war but it became clear I was on the losing side.  With the exception of the tomatoes my garden shrank under the attack of the hungry hordes.

Each night I had nightmares about animated rabbits and ground squirrels.  In these dreams rabbits and squirrels sat at a huge banquet table eating their fill while I hurried to grow more to satisfy their needs. Each rabbit and squirrel told others and soon cousins and uncles arrived from distant climes to share this feast.  Rabbits appeared everywhere and thrived in spite of me. I finally capitulated and left the rabbits and squirrels alone. My dream convinced me they were the chosen ones.

This year I’m doing things differently but that’s another story.

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You Walked In (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

That’s What Matters

When we first met,

You were so beautiful,

Your eyes, your face,

The way you talked,

Your hair, your voice,

The way you walked,

Each day you were more beautiful,

Your smile brightened my day,

We shared more each day,

We were learning to compromise and agree,

And that’s what mattered to me.

Every day with you was a new day,

You were more beautiful than the day before,

Your eyes, your face,

The way you talked,

Your laugh, your voice,

The way you walked,

Each day you were more special,

The happiness you spread,

With the things you said,

You let my heart fly high and free,

And that’s what mattered to me.

We changed over the years,

But you always are beautiful,

Your eyes, your face,

The way you talk,

Your hair, your voice,

The way you walk,

Each day you are more beautiful,

My life is full as I face each day,

I want to love you always,

Your heart is what I see,

And that’s what matters to me.

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My Wife (Photo credit: Abulic Monkey)

Me, My Wife, and the Other Guy

We sat at a table, the three of us,

Me, my wife, and the other guy,

Conversation flowed for awhile,

But neither could look me in the eye.

The place I sat was bypassed,

As words zipped and darted,

Like little birds flying to nests.

From time to time they would

Stop to consider and take a rest.

Both were annoyed that I remained,

And could find nothing else to do.

Joining in was out of the question,

Therefore I could do nothing but stew.

Her eyes bubbled over with images of him,

While his eyes were hooded and cold.

He wanted to do more than talk,

He waited to be reckless and bold.

Calmly I lifted my empty glass

And pretended to take a sip of my juice.

One false word, one slight misstep,

And surely all hell would break loose.

I studied the two in their interlocking worlds,

And decided I didn’t want to be there.

Fifteen years of married bliss,

And now she no longer cared.

Out the door and into the night,

Although I had no real place to go,

My heart was aching, my marriage breaking,

Life had dealt me a terrible blow.

With each heavy step from my house,

I reassured my shredded heart.

The future was cloudy and unknown,

But it was time for a brand new start.

I contained my anger and let it go

Without even raising my voice,

They had each other and I walked away.

For me it was the wisest choice.

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Psychology (Photo credit: 田村)

Technically

The spring that she graduated,

I met her for the very first time.

She was beautiful and so beguiling,

I was silly and talked in rhyme.

I told her very clearly how much

She would always mean to me.

I was convincing as I professed my love

And described our future as she wanted it to be.

I owe her big time, I’ve decided,

Because she brought me out of my shell.

She’d be surprised to know what I’m thinking

Even though she knows me well. 

My friends all think I’m crazy.

She’s the only one who thinks I’m sane.

But I can prove I’m as lucid as you,

Though technically I’ve been ruled insane.

Why would one think differently?

I go to work each and every day.

That’s where my best plans are made.

That’s why I continue to stay.

My boss keeps me from advancing.

He says he protects me like his own son.

But I know he’s not telling the truth,

Because there haven’t been any battles he’s won.

My wife and I don’t discuss things any more.

I refuse to listen as she states her point of view.

She’s overweight and filled with hate,

She has none of the sweetness that’s in you.

It is evident my love didn’t last forever.

I told her this morning that she and I were through.

She’ll look great in her pretty black dress,

Lying silently by me and you.

English: A452 Europa Way, Warwick Portentous offices and ‘tree’ sculpture on the Tachbrook Park business park. First occupied by the Heart of England Building Society who were taken over by the Cheltenham & Gloucester. They now house a large firm of solicitors, Wright Hassall. The area is technically in Warwick but feels more like south Leamington. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: Bagande (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My heart built walls because I could not trust.

With no one to care for my heart could rust.

I challenged my heart to venture out again.

Because of deep wounds, it was reluctant to begin.

I was helpless at first, but my love ran deep.

Soon I was searching for a lover’s heart to keep.

But walls separated us and soon I hastened on my way,

Looking for a new relationship to fill my day.

I searched desperately, yet I could not settle down.

A perfect woman was elusive and never could be found.

I became a victim of my own love/hate wars.

Bouncing from love to hate, I blamed failure on the stars.

But surviving was not living, I needed one true love.

I looked for guidance from Venus and Cupid above.

Dreams were all I had, though troubled from the start.

But I did not give up my search, orders came from my heart.

One last try, I decided, before my search was through.

That was when I got lucky, because love brought me to you.

Later I was chosen to lead the annual Valentine parade downtown.

I protested I was unworthy, for love had been hard to pin down.

Friends mentioned I had struggled while remaining gracious and kind.

Losing in love several times, I had scattered love and beauty behind.

I saw relationships blooming profusely all along my crooked way.

Then I realized love conquered all, and found the better way.

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