The Best of Me

As I climb my

ancestral tree,

ever trying to be

the best of me.

The path has been

a racing roller coaster,

things popping up

like a morning toaster.

Some were burnt

others were hot,

but from each

I learned a lot.

Mistakes I’ve made

have left their scars,

both on me and

special superstars.

To the latter

I will have to say,

I'll carry the guilt

to my dying day.

Parents who tried

to do their best,

special friends

who stood the test.

So many blessings

have come my way,

from my birth

to present day.

Like a piece of coal

under heated pressure,

not yet a diamond

that one can measure.

As time has gone

past my prime suspect,

becoming more careful

in things I select.

Have I reached my peak

I surely hope not,

while so grateful

for what I’ve got.

As I climb my

ancestral tree,

ever trying to be

the best of me.

Gary R. Cramer

April 15, 2022

Admittedly I’m Lost

Admittedly I’m Lost

there is no joy,

worse than a child

without a toy.

An empty life

lacking a mate,

which way to turn

or is it too late?

Lacking any goals

wanting a lift,

where to find it

that missing gift.

I try to be funny

with little wise cracks,

making them giggle

some stopping in their tracks.

It’s more often done

to make others happy,

to make their day

lifting them from crappy.

Sure I laugh

and even smile,

but with a heart

isolated like an isle.

Over the years

so many hobbies,

some a success

followed by follies.

From going fishing

to firing a gun,

now just unfulfilling

where is the fun?

A ship without wind

my sails gone slack,

I’m going nowhere

a future too black.

Is it something I’ve done

somebody I hurt,

a resulting karma

should I feel like dirt?

I’m a good man

so full of love,

if I had religion

I’d ask God above.

Admittedly I’m older

past my prime,

still I’m mobile

with unknown time.

Too many friends

are in my past,

stopping their journeys

leaving me aghast.

A path I promised

I would not take,

alone I’m left

in a life opaque.

Through it all

I have to remember

fight for the light

to retain an ember.

It’s always present

such a nagging quest,

too many questions

nobody to suggest.

Some friends tell me

not to worry so much,

yet I feel too lacking

needing a lady’s touch.

Yes I’m fully aware

I’m drifting about,

but that’s my mind

dealing with this drought.

Our lives can be

seemingly quite complex,

still so very simple

like a muscle we flex.

Admittedly I’m lost

there is no joy,

worse than a child

without a toy.

Gary R. Cramer

April 12, 2022

Six Senses

How does one know

if this is the one,

is it measured by the ounce

or an overwhelming ton?

When you’ve been alone

for oh so very long,

the heart wants to sing

so where is the song?

Some talk of a rumor

to many it’s a mystery,

so hard to define

all through human history.

The odds are against

so many of us,

it’s so much trouble

but worth the fuss.

Think of our senses

first think of sight,

with many sensual pallets

each burning so bright.

Love at first sight

it came on strong,

to be trusted

right or wrong.

Then there is hearing

a whisper or a shout,

it garners your attention

making you turn about.

So loud the sound

a roar in the ears,

it was their voice

bringing you to cheers.

Where would we be

without life’s smells

like earthy musk

and what it foretells.

The attraction of perfume

or a mans cologne,

designed like a magnet

preventing being alone.

Lest we forget taste

using tongue and lips

all the temptations

even to delicate sips.

We think of food

and all it’s savory,

some mild some hot

even requiring bravery.

Should things progress

can we rely on touch

much more intimate

it’s desired so much.

Stronger than them all

there is a sixth,

perception by name

guiding the mix.

Just like a glue

bonding the five together,

often too neglected

yet strong as leather.

So there you have it

guide posts to love,

from dark night skies

holding stars above.

Gary R. Cramer

April 4, 2022