He Loved to Sing

he loved to sing
is what they say
in days of youth
for all to hear

he used to sing
before he knew
that others judge
what others do

he used to sing
before the doubt
that must arise
in search of truth

he used to sing
before the pain
that love can bring
if not returned

and now he knows
just why he quit
and why it was
he loved to sing

Freedom

in youth a time
of threats and fear
and stirring hymns
in stained glass light

then came the doubt
that knowledge brings
and word of crimes
within the church

so freedom rose
a gift of truth
and now my faith
in kindness lies

Getting Old

our bodies fail
and friends succumb
the future short
as time unfolds

so much gone by
all food for thought
with little left
the past now rules

and wisdom gained
reveals mistakes
what wasn't done
what could have been

old age a time
for memories
but also time
to face regrets

Old Songs

songs from our past
evoke bygone days
when we were free
the future unknown

forever connected
with people and place
they unleash emotions
still fresh in our soul

some rekindle joy of
good times gone by
some trigger the pain
of loss or defeat

whatever they bring
the songs do not lie
and from their lyrics
there is no retreat 

Soul Food

the call of snow geese
from a clear blue sky
the hint of wood smoke
in the cold evening air

the crunch of snow
in the still winter woods
the hoot of an owl on
a crisp autumn night

the bugling of elk from
a high mountain ridge
the scent of a meadow
on a warm summer day

the roar of the sea
as the sun sets behind
the light of the moon
on a stark desert scene

how else to explain
my need for her realm
how else to describe
the food for my soul