The Stranger Inside Me

Who is this stranger

and where does he dwell,

he follows like a shadow

appearing madder than Hell.

Everything is fine

and he’s happy as a toad,

but he’s always at the ready

so eager to unload.

Driving along enjoying the ride

not doing anything wrong,

then somebody cuts him off

and the stranger yells his song.

You dumb asshole

simple son of a bitch,

if he tries real hard

he can force him into a ditch.

A few deep breaths

and a mental time out,

he’s in hiding again

but still primed to shout.

Up ahead you see stop and go traffic

all backed up and stopped,

waiting for a girl on her cell phone

but her eyes have dropped.

She doesn’t care if

the whole world has to wait,

she’s talking to a friend

about what to wear on a date.

So out he steps from who knows where

and he raps on her window all pissed off,

and gives her his familiar deadly glare

but she puts up her hand and waves him off.

Hey little twit would you

like to make the damned turn,

but again he’s ignored

and she is about to learn.

This is the stranger

who follows me,

there’s much anger in him

and she’s going to pay a fee.

Without a moments notice

he pulls from his pocket,

a half inch drive ratchet

complete with a 2” socket.

He hits the window

and the glass does fly,

now she is alert

and thinking she is going to die.

He leans over into the car

and yells with a sneer,

are you going to move it now

or do I have to steer.

He’s back in his truck

now feeling very happy,

with his point now made

and memories of his daddy.

From somewhere way far off

I slowly begin to see,

there is no stranger

that stranger actually is me.

I can’t remember when

this jerk came into my life,

but he’s caused so much trouble

even cost me my family and wife.

Family picnics and BBQ’s

everyone happy with a big wide grin,

then a steak is dropped

and the creeks of Hells gates do begin.

I wanted it perfect

I wanted everything great,

but the damned stranger stepped in

and started to berate.

You big dumb shit

can’t you do anything right,

you ruined it all again

get out of my sight.

So take my warning

and listen to me,

if you see me coming

just let me be.

I have a stranger

who lives inside of me

and his name in mostly anger

and someone you don’t want to see.

Gary R Cramer

July 19, 2010

The Wedding Invitation

Lost and alone

Always desiring that catch,

each of us in search

of the perfect match.

Over thirty years invested

With growth and tears,

thru friends and joy

fighting doubts and fears.

Very close at last

the time has come,

to witness the joining

as a marriage is begun.

Elated with love and joy

please deny us not,

from our hearts we invite you

come bless our Camelot.

As Gary Richard Cramer

Elizabeth Jean Kelp and La Naie,

the three of us become one

June 27th the day.

Lovely dreams into reality

we ask you to share,

our love and wedding

more complete with you there.

With friends and family

each has helped us to grow,

in return we invite you

to help our happiness glow.

At the strike of 2:00

On Saturday afternoon,

vows and rings exchanged

in nature’s open room.

Years of happiness ahead

begin in our new home,

at 5059 Grove in Sonoma

where vineyards roam.

Stay if you can

after the wedding is done,

the reception will follow

in hopes all will have fun.

RSVP 707-938-4798

Gary R. Cramer

April 12, 1981

What Is This Emptiness

What is this emptiness

buried deep inside me,

like an injured creature

warning “Let him be”.

Such a deep black hole

where all hope resides,

feelings barren as a

beach without its tides.

Brief little encounters

of Cupids aimed love,

each ending in despair

alas no sun above.

No matter who they are

each always did go,

some soon some not

but in a steady flow.

One by one

once two by two,

each slipping away

lacking life’s special glue.

Wanting to be liked

sometimes in quest of love,

never the right fit

like an old worn out glove.

I’m not a bad man

and people do like me,

why do I feel chained

so unable to be free.

Maybe a favor given

the telling of a joke,

all to get a smile

a glimmer of hope.

Come one come all

life’s a party and fun,

just take a chance

you could be the one.

Show me I’m wrong

with a hand to grip,

to be a real friend

my heart not to rip.

What is this emptiness

buried deep inside me,

like an injured creature

warning “Let him be”.

Gary R. Cramer

August 24, 2015