Author Unknown

I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying; you found it hard to sleep.

I spoke to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many things and memories of me.

I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my hand on you; I smiled and said, "it's me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…

in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to me.~

~Author Unknown

The Song In Your Heart

The song in your heart

is music to my ears,

it takes away troubles

and chases my fears.

As if by magic

it merges with mine,

and I become drunk

with a fine wine.

From you there comes

the perfect notes,

I bring the words

and my heart devotes.

As each day comes

a stronger melody,

building in tempo

guiding our ecstasy.

The song in your heart

is music to my ears,

it takes away troubles

and chases my fears.

Gary R. Cramer

February 23, 1990

Getting Old Is A Gift

As we travel through life

enduring each rift,

trying to remember

getting old is a gift.

From the beginning

relying on others,

sometimes afraid

hiding under covers.

Slowly we learn

naively we trust,

relying on family

developing a crust.

First learning of love

father and mother,

even a sibling

sister or brother.

As we branch out

exploring our life,

ignorant of things

like hurt and strife.

We go to schools

our minds aghast,

relying on teachers

lessons building fast.

Traveling through grades

learning there’s more,

others wanting to hurt

leaving us on the floor.

Then a new feeling

it’s called a crush,

feelings abound

emotions like mush.

That feeling grows

like an eager seed,

our hearts absorb

expanding a need.

After high school

military, work or college,

what path to choose

in quest of knowledge.

If college is chosen

what do I want to be,

what path to choose

many still can’t see.

Maybe there comes

a partner to love,

a blending of souls

like a gift from above.

An offspring or two

possible there’s more,

the debts build up

wondering what’s in store.

The cycle goes on

the children grow,

with their very own

little seeds to sow.

Then the Dark Stranger

parents will die,

now an empty feeling

just wanting to cry.

A wake up call

it rings so true,

it happens to all

yes — even you.

It’s been said

it’s a cruel master,

time goes on

ever more faster.

Maybe we lose

a mate or child,

a deep stabbing pain

so far from mild.

By now the body

is lacking muscle,

slowing down with

much less bustle.

Through it all

we must realize,

live is so precious

a most valuable prize.

As we travel through life

enduring each rift,

trying to remember

getting old is a gift.

Gary R. Cramer

April 17, 2022 Happy Easter!