Live Life to The Fullest

What does that mean?

Live life to the fullest!

Is it greeting each morning

with a smile and joy?

or is it living as a child

exploring each new toy?

Maybe forgetting ones self

going to the aid of a friend,

maintaining the commitment

all the way to the end.

Some days it might be

as simple as a twist,

resisting the urge to

strike one with a fist.

Or taking a moment

to gaze at natures show,

admiring a sunrise or

a sunset on the horizon low.

When dreams are forgotten

and for certain lost,

what’s living life to the fullest

living at what cost.

I have no God

and sadly no mate,

what measure do I use

for each day to rate.

Some days it enough

to just awaken and rise,

to ignore the pains

and resist agonies cries.

Living life to the fullest

can mean so much,

but paying it forward

leaves a lasting touch.

Gary R. Cramer

September 3, 2014

Life Compass

I’ve lost direction

gone far astray,

not sure where to go

not wanting to stay.

North or South

East or West,

no matter the direction

each is a test.

A trip started

so long ago,

like flowing lava

now starting to slow.

In the beginning

It surely had to be,

each new day

I was glad to see.

So much to learn

with girls and boys,

all the new things

a joy in life’s toys.

Each new morning

new ideas in my head,

now replaced each day

with nothing but dread.

Once lofty ideas

with far reaching goals,

now worn and thin

like old boot soles.

Never cock sure

all full of pride,

but stoked with doubt

on a most slippery slide.

Then came the war

full of hate and pain,

leaving a young heart

so darkened by stain.

Tossed into a mix

with so many strangers,

so sadly unprepared

for all of the dangers.

Young boys once

wanting to play hooky,

now willing to die

over the last cookie.

Distant explosions

both day and night,

all the young faces

eyes without light.

A short day’s liberty

in town and afraid,

listening for the sound of

a pin from a grenade.

Plodding along a

watery path of thistle,

hoping a praying

against a lone missile.

The ship sliding in

and out of a port,

hitting the beach

men and cargo to sort.

Standing guard in a

night breeze so mild,

pointing a rifle at

a brown eyed child.

Three turbulent years

now returning home,

the outside a man

inside a boy to roam.

Every new person

and how to measure,

some were close friends

now all lost treasure.

Each new woman

a vision to stare,

so full of love

a blossom of care.

But along life’s path

each step of the way,

they drifted out of sight

full color into grey.

So many questions

many without answer,

eating away at my soul

like a fast moving cancer.

Now looking back

at a well worn map,

seeming less an adventure

and more like a trap.

I’ve lost direction

gone far astray,

not sure where to go

not wanting to stay.

North or South

East or West,

who cares what direction

just finish the test.

Gary R. Cramer

June 24, 2015

Loves’ Diet

Behind these shaded eyes

lies a heart so quiet,

life has dealt it

an emotional diet.

So long it has yearned

for a love so true,

searching the horizons

for someone like you.

Many have passed

they’ve come and gone,

treating me as if

I was just another John.

I’ve gone my way

in need of one to touch,

love can be hell

when you need so much.

My love has been growing

for thirty plus years,

only to result

in frustrated tears.

Reach out your hand

and to me be true,

I’ll give you my love

and share happiness with you.

Gary R. Cramer

October 8, 1980