All Hallows Eve
Linda Rosenkrans
Jack-O’-Lantern sneers
Hungry ghouls prowl at night
The blue moon appears.
Monsoon Rains
Stuart Watkins
Bring her again, monsoon rains
Over the desert sands
Quenching all thirsty and dry
Bring her soon again to me
Let thunder stir my soul
Who am I to wonder why
Animals huddle to stay dry
Afraid to venture far
Waiting for a bright clear sky
Sun does have the final say
Rain drops become drizzle
Clouds wither and fade away
A Day and a Wakeup
Stuart Watkins
“Hey, Sarge, good to see you. How did the patrol go?”
“You did fine, and everyone made it back safe, but why did you take point?
You only had a day to serve, then you would be on a plane headed back to the states.”
“Sarge, it was my turn. You know I couldn’t ask someone else to take my turn.
Besides, with this wound, I’ll be going back home anyway. Right?”
“Yes, son, you will be going back home.”
Sergeant Johnson patted him on the shoulder, closed his eyelids and called out,
“Medic, bring the body bag.”
Cowgirl’s Birthday
Stuart Watkins
Whatever happened to my little cowgirl?
We’d ride horses in the back forty and beyond.
Remember the first time you lassoed a steer?
You and me
Just you and me
Grandpa and Granddaughter
Ex-Rodeo Champion and Rodeo Queen-to-be
Sent you off to the best schools I could afford
Some fool put a tennis racquet in your hands
Seems you had a talent
National Champion four years in a row
Now my ranch is filled with residences and such
Golf course, three pools, and three tennis courts
Since you have matured and slowed down a touch
We painted a few with blue tape
New game called POP
POP Tennis
I never heard of such
But you mastered the game so I hear
And in my heart you will always be near
Though sometimes I still wish the two of us
Could ride once more on the open range
Just you and me
Grandpa and Granddaughter
Happy Birthday, Dear