Hello Dark Stranger

Hello dark stranger

once again another loss,

it’s a fact of life

our paths must cross.

You’re always there

ready and eager to take,

either good or bad

not just for heavens sake.

Like a true vagabond

wandering all about,

you cause people to fear

some wail and shout.

The sadness you leave

is heavy with pain,

causing a spot in time

like an ugly stain.

When a person dies

the parting is slow,

thru thoughts of friends

the memories still flow.

Most recall the good

few remember the bad,

either way reflected

the passing is sad.

It’s a steady reminder

that we all are frail,

What does life mean

makes each of us pale.

You’re a cold dark shadow

evoking hidden thought,

regardless of our deeds

by you we’re all caught.

What does life mean

where are we going,

to a future role

of really not knowing.

Is this the whole trip

or do we start again.

or end to begin.

Do we begin to end

So once again

you’ve darkened my door,

taken away a good friend

and not a clue what for.

Come again you must

a sad fact but true,

but don’t come for me

because I’m not yet thru.

Gary R. Cramer

August 20, 1987

Fond Memories

The slow rising of the sun,

The eternal love of a mate,

the gentle glow of the moon.

The eternal love of a mate,

the new birth of a child.

The coming of these,

is never too soon.

The light melody of a bird,

the towering strength of a tree.

Each are very special,

and a miracle to me.

But when all is told

from old to new,

each one is shadowed

by my love for you.

If there is a God in Heaven

then let Him hear me,

give my Mother her rainbow

let her happiness run free.

Gary R. Cramer

May 8, 1980

Some things are forever Mother…

like fond memories of you.

Happy Mothers Day!

Bear Republic Brewing

Bear Republic Brewing

was its actual name,

cold brew and hot grub

were the source of it’s fame.

Don’t get me wrong

I have no bias,

but this is the place

I left the highest.

It started with a glass

that soon grew to a mug,

from a waitress frown

she replaced it with a shrug.

Then came the onion rings

so crisp and hot,

my mouth cried in protest

because I was totally shot.

I recall a burger

at some various part,

that left me with gas

rivaling a pickled egg fart.

The grease and beer

all mixed with a flair,

the next table asked

what’s that stench in the air.

Somewhere around five

or maybe it was six,

Jack Daniel’s called me

and put my butt in a fix.

They cleared my count straws

I think it was around seven,

I couldn’t dare a guess

because my thirst was in heaven.

The ladies room is small

how I got there I really don’t know,

but a dodge, slip and fall

allowed a miss a lass did throw.

I slipped back into the bar

and froze in a trance,

someone screamed

where are his pants.

Didn’t matter so much as

there was plenty to grab,

now the lights were dimming

all turning so drab.

At that very moment

the juke box came on,

Patsy Cline singing Crazy

“hey that’s my song”.

From off in a distance

I did hear a strange noise,

Alas it was my buddies

those uniformed boys.

All dressed in blue

each sporting a tin star,

so stern and frowning

as I stood on the bar.

One reached for his cuffs

another heard my call,

he whispered to his brother

just wait - he’ll fall.

Sure enough a beer nut

and shot glass,

tripped me up

and I fell on my ass.

Patching up my pride

I called for my staff,

all of the patrons

began to loudly laugh.

I bowed and waved

a broad smile on my lips,

as I wagged my finger

“Be careful of those sips”.

Bear Republic Brewing

was its actual name,

cold brew and hot grub

were the source of it’s fame.

Gary R. Cramer

January 22, 2015 BTW It never happened.