Those Eyes

A slender frame and curly hair,
A child’s laugh that fills the air,
Her family sees she hasn’t a care,
In her happy eyes,
Those bright dazzling eyes.

A changing stage the teenage years,
The shifting ground and unfounded fears,
At times is seen in welling of tears,
Within those young eyes,
Those marvelous eyes.

Then out with the girls; on a Saturday night,
Full figured at twenty and everything’s right,
A young man is looking; he’s captured the sight,
Of her lovely eyes,
Those magical eyes.

The months fly by and a marital kiss,
Then children grown; and their life pure bliss,
And each treasured moment, oh, ne'er would he miss,
The joy in her eyes,
Those fabulous eyes.

Through each age he loved her was steadfast and true,
As he sits by her holding her hand in his too,
“I adored you the moment you stepped into view’”
“With those gorgeous eyes”,
“Those beautiful eyes”.

Peter Lowell Paulson
December 31, 2011

Two Birds

Twitter, twitter, twit, twit, twit,

Chitter, chitter, chit, chit, chit,

Two birds up in that tree I see,

I wish that would not bother me,

As in my chair I sit, sit, sit,

I wish those birds would quit, quit, quit,

They give my head a fit, fit, fit.

Peter Lowell Paulson

December 28, 2011

Snow Fall

Mere specks of white,

Multitudes and hosts,

Continual and constant,

Filling the sky and falling, falling, falling,

Street lamp obscured by a blanket of snow,

A lazy, hazy fall,

Light dusting on everything below,

Defining winter in late December,

Helping us remember,

Letting us drift into childhood,

Once again.

Peter Lowell Paulson

December 27, 2011

The Young Doe

Soft her silhouette she slips upon the darkened lawn,
And, backlit, moonlit; stealthily no larger than a fawn,
And I am seated breathlessly in shadow so subdued,
Those inner fine-tuned senses say that she is now reviewed.

The bitter cold, the arctic air, the wintry wind just blows,

All frozen time; unmoving now the deer with iced repose,
Yet slowly now she turns her head, oh what a beauteous sight,
And I remain as still as stone for fear of causing fright.

More sure of safe surrounding now she steps toward barren trees,

Then quickly starts to pick away each springtime bud she sees,
And for dessert she paused awhile upon the cedar hedge,
And unafraid she promenades toward towering forest’s edge.

And all at once behind the hedge unseen before my eye,

The largest antlered buck creeps in; for he’d been standing nigh,
Through shadows deep he looked at me as if to say, “Now Sir,”
“The doe was never e’er alone for I protected her.”

And nonchalant he saunters toward his watched and waiting mate,

Together once again they move through Nemestrinus’ gate,
How wondrous natures offerings; oh may they never cease,
These dusky hues and moonlit views bring quiet inward peace.

Peter Lowell Paulson

December 25, 2011

Quiet, Silent

Quiet, silent,
Hushed,
Soundless bliss,
Alone,
Not lonely,
Thoughts flow,
Uninterrupted,
Sitting still,
Unmoving,
Yet, moved,
Calm,
Yet, captivated,
Not enough moments like these,
To be at peace,
Unadulterated peace,
Sh-sh-sh-sh,
I can’t hear the wind,
Come sit by me,
If only for a minute,
Make it two,
And, enjoy,
Quiet, silent,
Ah-h-h-h!

Peter Lowell Paulson

December 18, 2011

My Mother Saw a Christmas Elf

My mother saw a Christmas elf again outside our house,

She looked surprised she told us all, “Be quiet like a mouse,”

“Come quickly to the window now and look across the street,”

“Behind that bush he’s rather small, with green shoes on his feet.”

My brother looked and so did I; we searched so we might see,

My Dad said, “No, he’s over there, he ran behind that tree!”

My brother squealed, “I see him now he’s rather short and fat,”

I looked real hard and said to him, “I think that is a cat.”

My Dad said, “Yes, I see that cat; the elf is over there,”

“He’s run up to the neighbor’s house and hiding by the stair,”

“Well, Santa must be checking now on children for his list,”

“He’s very good at doing that so no one should be missed.”

“So boys be extra good today in case he peeks in here,”

“For Christmas day is coming soon; it’s really very near,”

My brother talked to me and said, “I think we should be kind,”

“We’ll put some cookies on the porch the elf is sure to find.”

My mother smiled and said to us, “That’s really rather sweet,”

“I’m sure the elf would love to find your special Christmas treat,”

The cookie plate was put outside so we could watch and wait,

To see if our good Christmas elf would come and take the bait.

While we were watching our front porch our mother she did shout,

“Come quickly to the kitchen now"; we ran and all looked out,

We heard the fading jingle bell that’s on the elfin shoe,

We ran back to our porch and saw our cookies were gone, too.

We missed the sighting of our elf this wondrous merry year,

But we were happy as could be for Christmas day was near,

And every night we’d dream again as in our beds we’d lay,

How mother saw the Christmas elf outside our house one day.

Peter Lowell Paulson

December 17, 2011

Layered Life - Sonnet XV

I comprehend my life in layers now,

Grandparents, parents, now my child’s child,

Though yet unborn; pure happiness defiled,
Oh, Death before this mystery I bow,
Your cold and icy offerings endow,
Sweet memories and vivid dreams run wild-
Bereft, I’m often wondering beguiled,
What upside of your nature you allow,
I turn around and all at once I see,
The purest joy on every living face,
Now sun breaks forth in brilliant sky above,
Below grandchildren run and laugh with glee,
My family and friends fill life with grace,
This heart; my soul is lifted high with love.

Peter Lowell Paulson

December 14, 2011

Every Christmas Light

Every Christmas light tonight it just reminds me of the star,

And the Wiseman who would search for Him in Bethlehem so far,

Gentle babe in Mary’s arms was blessed and sent from God above,

Who would capture the whole world that eve with pure and vibrant love.

The truth of the existence of this Christ we’ve come to know,

Is the church that does exist today on one’s he did bestow-

With salvation and true life when we would walk his simple way,

Have faith in Christ and God while we just live from day to day.

There are so many people, who will scoff and even jeer,

At believers who would follow the true Christ we hold so dear,

Sit down and read the Bible now, profound its words still show,

These men of doubt existed in that world so long ago.

Resolved they tried to kill our Christ; they’ll never understand,

Why He lives in hearts and minds and souls in each and every land,

When you look beyond the senses which can limit what you see,

You will find an utter knowledge of a life which sets you free.

Every Christian is a sinner; every Christian he will fall,

Appear the utter fool before deriders one and all,

“You"ll be with me in paradise,” our Christ said to the thief,

So no matter what your human flaw with Christ you’ll find relief.

What joy in every Christmas light I see that shines so bright?

Reminds us of the star and birth that ancient blessed night,

And He will come and change your life if you will do your part,

It’s you who must unlock the door and open up your heart.

Peter Lowell Paulson

December 1, 2011

One Minute More

Oh lay with me one minute more perhaps you'll make it three,
There is no place we have to go as far as I can see,
Two smiles upon our faces now; they beam in such a way,
For life has been agreeable to us, we'd have to say.

Come stay with me one minute more perhaps you'll make it four,
And we can make some other plans before we hit the door,
Two hearts are beating here right now, they glow in such a way,
For life has been amenable to us, we'd have to say.

Yes, stay with me one minute more perhaps you'll make it five,
For later we could leave and take a destination drive,
Two minds are melding here right now they mesh in such a way,
For life has been acceptable to us, we'd have to say.

Now stay with me one minute more perhaps you'll make it six,
Another time will ponder the fine dinner that we'll fix,
Two lives experienced right now and loved in such a way,
For life has been enjoyable to us, we'd have to say.

Oh stay with me one minute more perhaps you'll make it sev'n,
We'll hold each other; love once more twill send us back to heav'n,
Two souls together here right now, and bound in such a way,
For life has been so pleasureable to us, we'd have to say.

Peter Lowell Paulson
November 19, 2011

Fire Dance

Her fire dance,
A pure romance,
Bare knees to toes,
As round she goes,
All eyes on her,
All hearts astir,
The flame and fire,
Pour forth desire,
Fire fingers leapt,
And she is swept,
Fair laughing she,
Her arms are free,
She springs as such,
Her toes bare touch-
The ground below,
As up she’ll go,
And lovely girl,
Each gingered curl-
And strand does flow,
As round she’ll go,
She’ll only fly,
When embers die,
‘Til then in trance,
She’ll fire dance.

Peter Lowell Paulson
November 9, 2011

Our Wanderlust

I love to travel and to loom,
With leisure in our hotel room,
Away from home it is a must,
Dear solitude; a wanderlust.

With you my friend my lovely bride,
My travel buddy by my side,
We journey and shake off the dust,
Enveloped in our wanderlust.

It could be near or far off place,
We fly away and leave no trace,
A will to wend in constant trust,
Within the wake of wanderlust.

The countryside, Paris or Rome,
Together close we’re always home,
Our sign in hand, “It’s ‘There’ or Bust,”
A wonderland; our wanderlust.

Peter Lowell Paulson
November 4, 2011

Stormy Days - Sonnet XIV

Sometimes the stormy day befalls us all,
Our ship it crashes on the buried reef,
Gray skies with cluttered clouds beleaguered grief,
Surrounding us with such an anguished pall,
We feel as every step may bring our fall,
And we the barren tree with one more leaf,
It soon will blow away with wind the thief,
As we can only hope that God will call,
But memory reminds us of the sun,
Behind the clouds and soaring as the dove,
It has been waiting vibrant all the while,
To break on through a radiant river run,
To fill our hearts with His eternal love,
And warm our soul again and bring our smile.

Peter Lowell Paulson
October 20, 2011

Halloween Ghost Game

On Halloween in every town it is a special day,

When ghosts and goblins, ghouls and goons they all come out to play,

The moon is full, the night is long and leaves are on the ground,

The wind it whistles in the barren trees; an eerie sound.

Now children put their costumes on with fun or scary masks,

And with their parents door-to-door on jolly candy tasks,

They ring the bell or “Rap, rap, rap” upon each door to greet,

The unsuspecting folks inside, and then yell, “Trick or Treat!”

And while all this is going on in every kind of town,

The ghosts and goblins, ghouls and goons are frolicking aroun’,

You’ll see them if you’re walking by a cemetery plot,

And if the clouds don’t hide the moon they’re easier to spot.

The ghosts they play a ‘Hide and Seek’, behind each grave you see,

They’ll slip between the tombstones, urns and every kind of tree,

Don’t ever be afraid of them for they’re not after you,

They’re only trying to scare another ghost when they scream, “Boo!”

If they surprise another ghost then he will disappear,

And he cannot come back again ‘til Halloween next year,

Some ghosts are very good at this, yes, they are very deft,

They’ll scare each other, one by one until there’s one ghost left.

But even he can’t stay around he has to hide himself,

He’ll find a jack-o-lantern on a porch or on a shelf,

He slips inside the big orange thing, with one more “Boo”, he’ll shout,

And it creates a gust of air to blow the candle out.

So when you’re out on Halloween and see each toothy smile-

Of jack-o-lanterns here and there of every kind of style,

And you should see but one or two, whose candle does not glow,

Inside might be the winner of the ghost game don’t you know.

Happy Halloween!

Peter Lowell Paulson

October 12, 2011

The Flu

I did not die I am relieved,

I thank the Lord I’ve been reprieved,

And one more day I’ll celebrate,

That Christ is Lord and God is Great!

Peter Lowell Paulson

October 6, 2011

Our Love - Sonnet XI

How soft, how smooth your silkened skin to touch,
Caressing hands, your hair and loving face,
A goddess in my eyes we now embrace,
To hold each other close a vital crutch,
To fold each other’s arms together such-
That two became as one without a trace,
And all within the reach of our embrace,
How could we ever know we’d love this much?
It started long ago with simple things,
With ease the conversation lasted hours,
We’d please each other when we’d closely dance,
We gave each other gifts and offerings,
And did not know that love would have these powers-
To draw us in; a lifetime long romance.

Peter Lowell Paulson
October 5, 2011

I'm Leaving_Cartoon by Paulson

Football

Football is the greatest sport,
Stout of heart and firm of soul-
The men who play; the toughest sort,
They push ahead to score the goal.

One hundred yards define the field,
Ten yards to keep the ball once more,
The defense makes the offense yield-
So they can have the ball and score.

A key man is the quarterback,
Strategic play for offense found,
Now execute; avoid the sack,
Advance the ball and gain some ground.

The running backs; receivers know,
From quarterback the ball is giv’n,
By handoff or each pass he’ll throw,
And up the field the ball is driv’n.

The defense tries to stop this drive,
Defensive backs; the line holds firm,
On turnovers defenses thrive,
Each one achieved makes offense squirm.

The game is on; players alert,
One hour of toil; an awful grind,
To play in rain on sod or dirt,
Each player hopes the strength they’ll find.

Through pass and run the ball advanced,
Each ten yards gained they move the sticks-
Toward the end zone your chance enhanced,
To make a touchdown; score is six.

For extra point the kicker’s job,
To have the ball placed in his sights,
Now kick the ball with upward lob,
And place it ‘tween the two uprights.

If offense chance of goal might die,
It’s fourth down now, the ball is set-
To kick the ball; a field goal try,
And three more points the team will get.

One team will win and one must fail,
With final outcome and the score,
And if the home team does prevail,
The fans approve with cheers that roar!

Peter Lowell Paulson
September 24, 2012

Constellation Fun

The sky a royal azure blue on clear as crystal night,
I saw the little dipper pouring stardust brilliant bright,
The dust it fell into Orion’s eyes; he woke too soon,
He swung his club and hit a star which landed on the moon.

The cratered moon it spun around two times or maybe three,
A thousand comets flew straight out, oh what a sight to see,
Two hundred comets plopped into the great Big Dipper’s cup,
They scattered so and clattered so it woke Orion’s pup.

Now Sirius, so serious his barking startled so,
That Scorpio, the scorpion would skitter to and fro,
This frazzled, dazzled arthropod he whipped and flipped his tail,
His stinger stuck the backside of the Great Bear; did he wail.

And to the utter wonderment of heaven near and far,
The Great Bear roared so loud this night it moved the morning star,
Apollo with his chariot; each gold and fiery horse,
He snapped his reins they galloped forward on their dawning’s course.

So if one wintry night you see a dark blue azure sky,
And morning light comes earlier and you just wonder why,
Just look again, and listen close you may hear the Great Bear,
And Scorpio or Sirius just having fun up there.

Peter Lowell Paulson
September 22, 2011

Poet's Lament

Why languor such the poet duty; love,
Such squandered time, an exploration vain,
For truth or virtue or the value of-
A search for nothing more than bitter pain.

Yet on and on in torment and lament,
Of life committed to these sordid spheres,
A reader drawn to follow must consent,
To misery, or wallow in his fears.

Don’t get me wrong I love the poet’s verse,
The syntax, cadence and the use of rhyme,
It’s just that I don’t want to feel worse,
Or spend my hours in Sheol every time.

Cathartic it may be to wrench the soul,
To put in words the awkward bitter strife,
My hope is that it helped him to be whole,
To journal this, the sour side of life.

No! Give me roars of deep the sapphire seas,
Or tall majestic mountains capped with snow,
The snap of cold and orange autumnal trees,
A baby’s laugh or bright red Christmas bow!

Peter Lowell Paulson
September 17, 2011

Seven Silly Sea Serpents

Seven silly sea serpents all swimming out at sea,

They swam into my harbor and I yelled, “Please play with me!”

We splished and splashed and rode Ski Doos until a half past three,

And then they said, We have to go", and slithered out to sea.

As I was walking on the beach, oh my, what did I see,

I saw those silly sea serpents, all seven did I see,

I said, “We should play in the park and we can play for free”,

So in the park we swang the swings; we’d see-saw then saw-see!

So now the silly sea serpents were friends, yes friends with me,

There’s Fred, Frank, Bill, Bert, Joe and Jay, and little Walter Lee,

These brothers, they just liked to play and had a family,

Now we could play most every day from noon ‘til half past three.

The seven silly sea serpents lived way, way out at sea,

Where Puff the Dragon got his fame in a land called Honalee,

One day my Dad and Mom and I sailed out so we could be-

A part of their Sea Serpent Day; a gallant Jamboree!

We hopped aboard a special float for Dad and Mom and me,

For we were special guests this day, they called us “honorees”,

My seven silly sea serpents all sang and yelled with glee,

And just like Puff the Dragon we’d go down in history!

Peter Lowell Paulson

September 15, 2011

Life is Good

Greet everyone enthusiastically,
With enthusiasm,
Not bouncing off walls,
Not giddy,
But smiling and sincere,
Happy their here,
Elated in the event,
Celebrating the encounter,
As if experiencing a visit from your long lost Grandma,
Each person unique,
A divine inspiration in life,
You’re here, they’re here,
Don’t waste a moment,
If it has been years or a day,
You’re back together again,
Or for the first time,
Everyone loves a smile,
Everyone!
Most will smile,
And if they scowl they’ll wonder…
“What did I do to deserve this today?”
You know the secret,
You’re alive,
And life is good,
And God is great!
Yeah!!

Peter Lowell Paulson
September 9, 2011

Living Life in the Middle

Did you ever want to solve this riddle,
What it’s like living life in the middle,
Deep in love with that girl from school,
Watching grandkids splashing in the pool.

Oh, girl did you ever think we’d make it,
Making love and never have to fake it,
You’re the sweetest thing I’ve ever known,
Living life like a rolling stone.

Hand in hand taking walks in the park,
Under covers kissing after dark,
We’re still dancing and I feel the heat,
I see you walking and my heart skips a beat.

Thinking future and we make our will,
Kids expecting, baby what a thrill,
Final days they seem so out of reach,
Grab your towel were heading for the beach.

Foolin’ round underneath the ocean wave,
Still slap my hand say, “Now behave!”
Yes girl, you were the only one,
Every morning ‘til the setting sun!

Peter Lowell Paulson
September 3, 2011

The Grasshopper

Still life within this urban dwelling seen,
A grasshopper so far from field and stream,
Lone lifeless shell of life lived well is here?
So out of place; a foreign place to die.

You stir such distance memories e’en now,
I’d thrill to hear you play your happy song,
To see you jump and fly from grasping hands,
You did not bite so you were quite the friend.

Once caught a pure delight ensued within,
The wonder in our eyes to see you close,
Upon our little palms you’d sit and stare,
And startle little hearts you’d fly away.

Once caught we’d close our little hand to keep,
And carry you to show neighbor or friend,
With open hand to show the prize we’d found,
You stained our hands with brown disgusting goo.

We flipped you off to wipe away your stain,
Our friends all laughed to see our grimaced face,
And one would laugh and say, “It’s no big deal”,
“He spits tobacco when he is afraid!”

Profound and pondered fact has entered in,
Imagination is the fondest friend,
The grasshopper is just an old, old man,
He hops, he sings, but spits when he is mad.

This lad he lingers with his fearless thought,
And off again to catch the winged thing,
To hold it near and stare into his eye,
And say, “Now don’t you spit at me again!”

Perhaps a child on field trip did find,
Long legged friend he took you from your home,
You spit into his hand and he released-
You into such a strange and distant place.

And now a man I see my fallen friend,
I’ve reached to pick you up and hold once more,
And carry you a mile or two to find,
A grassy field; now home to rest in peace.

Peter Lowell Paulson
September 1, 2011

Cartoon_The Courtroom

End of Summer Delight

Step outside,
An envelope of delight,
Like a warm, woolen blanket on a winter’s eve,
But, free; unencumbered,
Soft breeze across face and arms,
Legs and toes,
Feel the breeze,
See it in the trees,
Leaves dance in the sunlight,
Bright, brilliant, blue the sky,
Holding cotton candy clouds within,
Some colliding,
Others sliding away,
Like an infant released-
From its parent to run,
And have fun,
Yet watched and followed,
Protected,
Safe within sight of its big cloud family,
It’s a cloud picnic,
Why not?
Perfect day,
An end of summer delight!

Peter Lowell Paulson
August 27, 2011

Peace of Mind

What joy oh peace of mind brings to the soul,
It lightens every burden makes us whole,
The wave of worry washed away and we-
Are met with calm and sweet serenity,

When we befall calamity in life,
Are tossed about with stress and bitter strife,
Full dressed; the plates of armor we must don,
Prepared to face the demon squarely on,

The battle may be weary this we know,
We cannot shrink as forward we must go,
And when we tire and feel as we need rest,
Oft times the beast before us seems his best.

Deep in the squalor we must never yield,
In every life we face this battlefield,
When you feel spent or feel like you are through,
Then ne’er forget the beast is weakened too.

The darkest hour besets before our dawn,
And this is when the final push is on,
Complete the task; the burden’s gone away,
And you will see the brighter side of day.

And now the peace of mind will settle in,
The struggle o’er and joy is found within,
And ne’er dismay a battle lost before,
When peace is found then you have won the war.

Peter Lowell Paulson
August 25, 2011

First Cowboy Boots

A toddler in his cowboy boots he seems the little man,

With head held high, a prideful look in boots of black and tan,

And nonchalant the attitude a look of somber face,

Like he is looking for the horse he left around this place.

He’ll glance at you and then away, he has some business now,

Corral some scattered doggies, rope a steer, or brand a cow,

But when he tires no fire place around to take his nap,

With hands held high he reaches up to sit on grandma’s lap.

With strength restored and antsy pants he clamors to get down,

He’s back to cowboy business that he’ll find in this cow town.
With all the fine provisions that he'll need in open land,
All confident he carries all in one strong toddler hand.

Now as imagination stirs his mind and takes its course,
One day his Labrador retriever may become his horse,

It’s one small sign of manliness you can see its first fruits,

The first time your young grandson wears a pair of cowboy boots.

Peter Lowell Paulson

August 18, 2011

Contracts

A simple little axiom and one that is a must.
Don’t enter into contracts with a person you don’t trust,
Although the legal jargonese may seem so very clear,
The fine print and the loop holed snares could cost you very dear.

There may be sweet and savory offers on each single page,
But every word that’s written must be ciphered by a sage,
Attorneys now are worth their salt and really are a friend,
And you will pay them dearly but you’ll thank them in the end.

And arbitration, courts, reviews are rarely any help,
When you are finally through with them you’ll scream and cry or yelp,
First blush the slimy offeror made deals which proffered sense,
But, remember that the road to hell is paved with good intents.

If you must make a contract which affects assets or wealth,
And you would like to sleep at night and keep good mental health,
First find a lawyer with the finest legal aptitude,
And deal with only good persons or you may end up screwed.

Peter Lowell Paulson
August 17, 2011

Oh, Big Orange Moon

What shade of orange the moon tonight,

Which compliments its brazened sky?

It comforts me with soft pale light,

A tea rose baring petals shy.

A tangelo perhaps I see,

Or bittersweet from far afield,

More pumpkin is this orange to me,

Then what a tangerine would yield.

In troubled world you bring such peace,
I gaze at you and all feels right,
Please hover there and never cease,
A soft serenity tonight.

Oh, big orange moon the biggest yet,

As harvest rounds the corner bend,

Among the trees and fully set,

Bring beauty as the night hours wend.

Peter Lowell Paulson

August 17, 2011

Piss and Vinegar

I saw a friend the other day while walking in the store,
A sailor all his great long life; he’d seen a lot of war,
He was quite tall and lean and gaunt with ready broadened smile,
He said, “I haven’t seen you ‘cause I’ve been sick for awhile.”

“I’m usually full of ‘piss and vinegar’”, he said to me,
He smiled again and closed his eyes, “I’m not yet cancer free,”
“I’ve seen so much on foreign shores; I’ve known such stress and strife”,
“This is the toughest battle I’ve encountered in my life.”

I said that, “I will pray for you,” into my eyes he gazed,
A longing look, a friendly smile, yet he was barely phased,
I do not know if ears have dimmed or did not care to hear,
I only know I saw in him the look of subtle fear.

We talked a while about the treatment that he knew so well,
The regimens continued on which took him close to ‘hell’,
He laughed out loud and smiled so broad when I said, “Listen, Glen!”
“I hope to see you full of ‘piss and vinegar’ again!”

Peter Lowell Paulson
August 13, 2011

When I'm in Your Arms

When I’m in your arms all the world is right with me,
You are every dream I’d dreamed that love could be, endlessly,
When I’m in your arms I am where I want to be,
When you hold me close I can breathe, can’t you see,
You’ve given life to me.

Life can be trying and very uncertain,
Now you are mine I am certain,
I can face everything else loving you,

When I’m in your arms all the world is right with me,
You are every dream I’d dreamed that love could be, endlessly,
When I’m in your arms I am where I want to be,
When you hold me close I can breathe, can’t you see,
You’ve given life to me.

When I’m in your arms all the world is right with me,
When I’m in your arms.

(Note:  Listen to "Love at First Sight" CD instrumental piano song "Falling" (song #9) by Tom Ameen on Avalon Records - Sommerset Entertainment, Ltd.)

Peter Lowell Paulson

August 9, 2011

Hair

Hair is quite a funny thing we cut and shave it oft’n,
It starts at such an early age until we’re in our coff’n,
If you are bald when you are born without a strand or curl,
A cap goes on heads of boys a bow for every girl.

The difference is plain to see for this we seem to know,
Barrettes and ribbons for our girls as pretty locks do grow,
And when the boys’ hair starts to grow before the age of one,
So proud we are at the first trip to barber for our son.

And on and on ‘til teenage years the razor we do meet,
The first black whisker on the chin is shaved so smooth and neat,
The boys they never think of it but girls use razors too,
For girls who just refuse to shave the other girls say, “Ew-w-w!”

And colors, dyes, and highlights too, with these we’re very fond,
If you don’t like the color of the gray you can go blond,
Now if the hair begins to thin or baldness comes again,
There’s toupees, sprays and cover-ups and a Hair Club for Men.

And now that I am older hair has found the weirdest place,
It’s on my back and nose and ears not only on my face,
But I will trim and cut and shave and groom this hair for life,
To look the very best I can for my dear lovely wife.

Peter Lowell Paulson
August 4, 2011

The Hummingbird and the Bees

Three Rose of Sharon trees have we all bursting full of flow’r,
Two clad in finest lavender and one a pinkish hue,
As I was sitting quietly to gaze this summer’s hour,
A hummingbird flew up to me to ask if he could view.

I said, “Of course, you need not ask, and while you’re on the wing”,
“Each rose it holds such nectar sweet, enjoy it if you will”,
So off he buzzed and hovered there and supped the offering,
From flower, to flower, to flower, to flower until he had his fill.

He seemed to test each purple bloom as if the connoisseur,
A drop from here a drop from there which one would have the best,
He never tired until each bud was tried so he was sure,
Then flew up to the pinker tree upon a twig to rest.

An hour passed the hotter sun poured down upon the trees,
The honeybees and bumblebees now made their day’s debut,
The biggest bee now bumbled up to me and asked me, “Please?”
“We’d ask your kind permission for our pollen time review.”

Peter Lowell Paulson
July 30, 2011

Sizzle, Sizzle

As I walked right into Sid’s Barbeque,
I felt the fires burn,
Sizzle, sizzle (sizzle, sizzle),
Sizzle, sizzle, (sizzle, sizzle),
You sure made my head turn.

Was a hundred and three at the beach in Capri,
Then I began to fry,
Sizzle, sizzle (sizzle, sizzle),
Sizzle, sizzle, (sizzle, sizzle),
That’s when you caught my eye.

It’s a sauna today as I walk on Broadway,
The street feels like a fire,
Sizzle, sizzle (sizzle, sizzle),
Sizzle, sizzle, (sizzle, sizzle),
You’re my heart’s one desire.

Well I’m starting to smoke and it’s really no joke,
This girl is really hot,
Sizzle, sizzle (sizzle, sizzle),
Sizzle, sizzle, (sizzle, sizzle),
I’ll give it my best shot.

Peter Lowell Paulson
July 27, 2011

Candy

Oh candy is the sweetest thing,

It makes me smile, it makes me sing,

I know the day will be a win,

If I can shove some candy in,

Snowcaps are a small delight,

Tiny sugared pellets white,

On darkest bits of chocolate,

A handful now and that is it.

Sugar Babies what a treat,

Pebble sized and very sweet,

Semi hard the caramel,

Doesn’t have a parallel.

Almond Joys a wonder true,

Coconut and almonds too,

Milk chocolate upon the top,

One taste of it you’ll never stop.

Mounds it is the brother of,

The Almond Joy which you will love,

Dark chocolate on coconut,

A favorite of this candy glut.

Now Good & Plenty pink and white,

And capsule sized for you to bite,

They’re sugar coated licorice,

They crunch and chew, they are delish!

And Twizzlers are a licorice,

The red kind is my favorite dish,

Two strands of it is quite enough,

Why stop at two, just stuff and stuff.

But best of all the Hershey bar,

The sweetest chocolate by far,

It’s perfect thin; melts in your mouth,

The wonder in the north and south.

On future date this verse you’ll meet,

Some candies may be obsolete,

But every sweet will have within,

The sugar for YOUR smile and grin.

So have a bite or have a chew,

The candies made for me and you,

But brush and floss or in the end,

The dentist maybe your best friend.

Peter Lowell Paulson

July 22, 2011

My Son

          I love you so, you are my son,

               Just look at you, you’re almost one,

       And this is what we’ll do today,

               We’ll have some fun and play and play,

I’ll clap with you,

And rap with you,

I’ll “coo” with you,

“Ah-goo” with you,

I’ll splash with you,

And trash with you,

I’ll lay with you,

And play with you,

I’ll meet with you,

And eat with you,

I’ll laugh with you,

And gaff with you,

I’ll ride with you,

Confide in you,

I’ll roll with you,

Console you too,

For you have issues on your mind,

I don’t know what the tests will find,

Until they do we’re one-on-one,

I love you so, you are my son.

Peter Lowell Paulson

July 19, 2011

On Darkest Night

On darkest night as crimson tide fair trimmed our distant shore,
I saw the girl with angel’s eyes upon the beach once more,
She slipped away beyond my view and fog now settled in,
Each night I walk this stretch alone in search of her again.

I’ve only seen the maid at night; fair gowned and barefoot she,
Fine tresses lightly tossed behind by breezes from the sea,
But always ever beyond reach my voice she does not hear,
She’ll turn and look and smile at me and then she’ll disappear.

Sweet apparition come to me this is my evening prayer,
So we can walk together and enjoy the sweet night air,
I know that angels up above would help me to devise,
A way to win her heart if I could gaze into those eyes,

In time I know she’ll trust enough and will not turn away,
Until she does I’ll dream of her and search both night and day,
And walk this barren strand again to find the lass once more,
Who’s captured my true heart and soul upon our distant shore.

Peter Lowell Paulson
July 17, 2011

Come Hold My Hand

Yes, there are times I feel so glad I cry,
And, there are times my heart’s so sad I die, a little,
So hold my hand awhile, I’d love to see your smile,
And gaze into your eyes before I go.

Oh you’re the one that sets my soul on fire,
You filled my heart with passion and desire,
Come hold my hand awhile, I’d love to see you smile,
And wrap my loving arms around you so.

The very day I saw you first I knew,
That we would be together me and you,
I’d hold your hand awhile, and try to make you smile,
And see that loving ember start to glow.

We loved to take our strolls up in the park,
And start to capture kisses after dark,
I’d hold your hand awhile, and you would start to smile,
And every lover’s passion we would know.

As blossoms bloomed we found that you and me,
Our love would soon include a family,
Come hold my hand awhile; come see the baby smile,
And you and I will see how true love grows.

Now and forever more this has to be,
I’ll see you soon in heaven, look for me,
So hold my hand awhile, I’d love to see your smile,
And gaze into your eyes before I go.

Peter Lowell Paulson

July 9, 2011

New York City

I am here,

And I am alive,

Big city,

Two girls walk into the Starbucks,

With 7-11 coffees in hand,

To get creamers,

City vibrant with life at night,

And in the morning,

Subways and theaters,

Street artists,

Dynamic retail space available,

Everywhere I feel movement,

Best art in the smallest places,

People are the same,

Yet business and busyness settle in,

Press the soul,

To be the best you are,

In your smallest places,

Excitement is apparent everywhere-

But in their faces,

And a little girl,

Struggles with cancer,

Bravely negotiating it all,

She is alive,

And she is here.



Peter Lowell Paulson

June 30, 2011

The Talky Shy and Quiet Shy - Sonnet XII

Oh there are people who just talk a lot,
And then there are the real quiet ones,
We see this both with daughters or with sons,
Just waiting for a word with one you’ll rot,
The other gives you every word he's got,
The volume of those words would weigh in tons,
The quiet one may twist your ear with puns,
And never speak the clearer uttered thought,
So why should we but even want to care,
Or search for inner meanings underneath,
Great mass of words or lack of them thereof,
Each person wants affection so we dare,
To strive with every fiber to bequeath-
Them with our acts of pure unbounded love.

Peter Lowell Paulson

June 24, 2011

Relentless Rain

Relentless rain and thunder roll,

In darkest night it soothes the soul,

It shelters with each crash of light,

The tumult in my mind tonight. 

And on, and on the pattering,

The rain its ceaseless battering-

Against the shingle, board and pane,

All thought dispelled in its refrain.

The storm has reached crescendo now,

With fervent rage as to endow-

The trees to hold each branch and leaf,

And offer nests within relief.

Yet on, and on the rain pours down,

The earth displays its glossy gown,

And offers up to brook and stream,

The watered thoughts of last night’s dream.

Peter Lowell Paulson

June 15, 2011

Thirty Seven Years Together

Thirty-seven years all measured,

Thirty-seven years of bliss,

Thirty-seven years all treasured,

Marriage vows and love’s dear kiss.

Eros and his Aphrodite,

Romeo and Juliet,

Isolde and her Tristan mighty,

Pete and Julie lovers yet.

You and I we flow like water,

You and I we’re strong as stone,

You and I like flame or hotter-

Than a brilliant star alone.

Love has been these thirty-seven-

Years, we’ve forged a love filled life,

This has been the fondest heaven,

Since the day you were my wife.

Peter Lowell Paulson

June 8, 2011

Rudy and Jack (Unfinished)

Once Rudy Rutabaga and Jack his Pumpkin pal,

Yes they were friends forever until the met this gal,

Her name was Red Tomato and she was very fine,

She lived up at the corner of Green Leaf Street and Vine.



One day Rudy was walking out in the Outer Back,

And he saw Red Tomato was talking to friend Jack,

Much later in the afternoon he spied Red all alone,

So Rudy asked if she would like to get an ice cream cone.



She smiled her smile and winked her eye and then she plainly said,

“You see that Jack and I have planned to see the zoo instead,”

“Oh, Jack and I we love the zoo, and I would like to go,”

“The three of us,” said Rudy now, “We’ll watch the monkey show!”



Then Red said, “Rudy Rutabaga please now understand,”

“I want to go with Jack alone; then we’ll walk hand-in-hand,”

“And then tomorrow you and I can go and have dessert,”

Now Rudy said, “I can’t do that to Jack, you little flirt.”



Now Red got mad and madder still it was quite plain to see,

She turned quite red and redder still as red as Red could be,

And at that very moment Jack walked up to both his friends,”

He said, “I heard the both of you now you should make amends.”



And Jack went on; he said to Red, “Now you know Rudy here,”

“Well he and I have been the best of friends from year to year!”

“Yes, he’s the bestest Rutabaga this Pumpkin will know,”

“And if you give him half a chance I think you’ll see that’s so.”



Now Rudy felt a bit ashamed so he now spoke to Red,

“Now Miss Tomato I was wrong with all the things I said.”

And Red now turned and smiled at him and softly she did say,

“And I am sorry also for my words I spoke today.”



The three of them they talked and talked, and then they would all laugh,

The Solitary Mind

Dynamics of the solitary mind,
What truths, or joys and sadness it will hold,
It forges through a wilderness so bold,
For solid facts and figures to be kind,
Yet wanders through a maze constantly blind,
Alas, the price of personhood is sold,
For offerings of richness barely cold,
A timid, temperate solitary find,
So press the greater mind another way,
Keep stretching every limit and its length,
And broaden the horizons on each end,
Include the love of others in your stay,
Admitting weakness is an inward strength,
This solitary mind will find its friend.

Peter Lowell Paulson
June 1, 2011

Nonsense Poem

Sly like a fox,

Sleep like a dog,

Big as a box,

Slop like a hog.

Blue as the sky,

Red as a rose,

Black as a lie,

White as the snows.

Choose the short straw,

He’s got some clout,

Win lose or draw,

Three strikes you’re out,

Here have a sip,

Sweeter than wine,

Don’t give me lip,

Salty as brine.

Just one more bite,

Not one more bit,

Out of my sight,

I told you to “Sit!”

Big as a barn,
Thin as a rail,
That’s a tall yarn,
And, that’s a big tale.

Rooster and hen,

Ready to plow,

Come now and then,

I don’t know how.

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 26, 2011

The Kiss

More subtle than a fragrant wine,

The softest touch and more divine,

On heaven’s stair an upward climb,

Toward angels’ realm and the sublime.

These lips together lightly pressed,

Your head upon my shoulder rest,

Submission to each other now,

To seal an inward lovers’ vow.

No other one may enter in,
A sanctuary bound within,
This simple, soulful reverie,
And carries forth toward ecstasy.

An act of love beyond compare,

A secret, sacred bond we share,

It soars beyond the lovers’ twist,

And made complete when first we kissed.

So come my love and let unfold,

The purest joy of love untold,

As we both sense the rapture pour,

You press your lips to mine once more.

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 26, 2011

Chucka, Chucka, Boom, Boom, Boom

Chucka, chucka, boom, boom, boom,
Who’s that girl across the room?
Makes me want to scream and shout,
And turn this dance floor inside out.

Sultry hair and ruby lips,
Move that thing, and shake those hips,
Move those legs and strut that stuff,
I can’t seem to get enough.

Chucka, chucka, boom, boom, boom,
Who’s that girl across the room?
Makes me want to scream and shout,
And turn this dance floor inside out.

See that face, oh, my, my, my,
She’s turned her head and caught my eye,
Part those lips and flash your smile,
Oh come on girl, I like your style.

Chucka, chucka, boom, boom, boom,
Who’s that girl across the room?
Makes me want to scream and shout,
And turn this dance floor inside out.

Walk on over, that’s the way,
Love that dress and oh that sway,
Closer now so we can meet,
I can really feel the heat.

Chucka, chucka, boom, boom, boom,
Who’s that girl across the room?
Makes me want to scream and shout,
And turn this dance floor inside out.

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 20, 2011

Poet's Note:  I usually write about that which I am experiencing at the moment. Some is past experience, fantasty and sometimes silly imagination. This was the first :).  This morning I was listening to the "Watercolors" station on Sirus XM.  Many of the contemporary jazz tracks have this steamy beat.  This morning I LOVED this one instrumental. The first two lines of these lyrics kept "popping" in my head.  Just went with it.  (PLP)

You and I

I think that I could grab that star,
Imagination fingers far,
Could reach up further in the sky,
To pull it here for you and I.

Determination will endow,
My soul to reach the moon some how,
If I but had it you would sigh,
We’d be together you and I.

If I could swim the ocean deep,
To treasure’d pearl for you to keep,
I think I’d be that special guy,
For life you’d sing it’s you and I.

I’d walk to distant mountain top,
And back again; I would not stop-
Until your face was oh so nigh,
We’d hold so close this you and I.

From ocean depth to star above,
And further still the reach of love,
Will capture us and never die,
Now and forever you and I.

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 19, 2011

Still Night Reverie

The fullest moon and starshine falls,

Upon the sand and water calls-

It beckons, beckons “Come to me”,

“And dance this still night’s reverie.”

A soft cool breeze in palm trees blow,

The sound of rain and I below,

With wonder, wonder on my mind,

My safe and peaceful harbor kind.

A lone ship sails on open sea,

A lighted path for its journey,

And onward, onward it must go,

It draws my inward fancy so.

Now I alone on calm cool night,

With fullest moon and starshine bright,

It beckons, beckons, “Come to me”,

“And dance this still night’s fantasy.”

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 18, 2011

Grandkids at the Beach

Sun and sand and sea and shore,
Grandkids at the beach once more,
Parents hold the toddlers brave,
Laughing; kicking ocean wave,

Red sun hat and sunscreen too,
Playing under sky so blue,
Fists are full of soft wet sands,
Watch it drip through open hands,

Mom and Dad just watch them smile,
Slapping water all the while,
Watch them close as gleefully,
Turn and crawl right out to sea.

Grab him quick and hold him tight,
Small legs kick with pure delight,
Legs and arms say, “I want more”,
Oozing joy from every pore.

Tired eyes begin to show,
Parents see and quickly know,
Time to gather up and pack,
Soon we will be coming back.

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 16, 2011

Two Lovers Drawn

Like sirens singing softly out at sea,
You call to me,
With unbound ears I hear that siren call,
And then I fall.

Your footfall floating freely in the sand,
And I at hand,
With femininity your beauty draws,
A lover’s cause.

Like wind your summer breeze is in the air,
And I am there,
The sweet perfume on this romantic night,
A pure delight.

Now with my loving arms forever hold,
And you enfold,
And every day and night ‘til breath is gone,
Two lovers drawn.

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 14, 2011

Peace of Mind

Time flowing like the river nigh,

A warm spring breeze; a clear blue sky,

Two parents with their goslings spy,

A cautioned glance at passerby.

Two fishermen at distance pace,

The river view in john boat race,

So solemn in the task they face,

The perfect pool, their polling place,

And I with every thought to bind,

Myself within this day so kind,

This place on earth; one place to find,

A momentary peace of mind,

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 12, 2011

Fortune and Riches - Sonnet X

Fortune beams on men of wit and guile,
But rare so often to the ones that bend,
A warning to the wanting soul I send,
That though you walk the true and second mile,
And work though honestly and vaunted while,
Pure rain and gallant sun will steady tend,
To grow the bounteous fields and ready rend,
A treasure trove to those with greedy smile,
Behold a message bold within will come,
That though your counted coffer’d coins are few,
Procured a debt to others you must pay,
True joy in life is meant for all not some,
Its love which fills each treasured heart anew,
An overflow of riches found each day.

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 10, 2011

Integrity

Fairness is a substance absolute,
To hold with firmess strong within your heart,
When others think of you they won’t refute,
That you believe in justice from the start.

If you should deal with persons on your way,
Who cannot seem to grasp this simple rule?
And treat you so unkindly every day,
They will not change so treat them as the fool.

Don’t dance the devil’s dance or you will find,
You give away yourself though piece by piece,
You’ll never teach the devil to be kind,
Don’t fight the demon find a quick release.

Just walk away and turn your back on him,
The chances are you’ve been burned by the fire,
The only way your anger will grow dim,
Is put yourself some distance from the pyre.

There is no shame to simply turn your back,
Don’t ever think that this now makes you weak,
A deadly form with which you now attack,
By grabbing hold the dignity you seek.

This will defeat the devil in his time,
At first he doesn’t see his battle sore,
He’ll wallow in deceit and pride his crime,
He may have won a battle not the war.

But you will rise above the fray to be,
Quite stronger everyday with single thought,
Just hold on tight to your integrity,
And find once more the dignity you've sought.

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 9, 2011

Red Flowers on a Sea Cliff

Sea of red on rock and field,

The little rose colored flower flourishes,

Descending on hillside and cliff,

Toward the wave and surf,

Such grandeur in your spring display,

You’ve taken center stage today,

You pique my emotion,

Joy, triumphant joy,

A call to action, and reaction,

You bring out the best in me,

See what beauty you have in you,

If you only try,

Just a little more effort,

And pow, you're there,

I want to run and roll in your color,

But it is your collective that wins every time,

You have your own purpose,

But you affect mine, too,

For now I will sit in spellbound awe,

And hope, if only a little,

That you sense my appreciation.

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 8, 2011

Still Here

I view a tree a distance high,

Like birds translucent leaves do fly,

And golden fields that softly wave,

It calls the fearful, lonely brave,

This home for all it beckons come,

And calling all with silent drum,

The beating like a heartbeat rolls,

A distant bell in steeple tolls.

And those who hear the heavenly call,

Are torn between the love of all-

Who knew them when they were on earth,

While striving for their new found birth.

They hear the tears of anguishment,

And see the bitter languishment,

Yet know they’re drawn to outer light,

As they soar up toward heaven bright.

But, earthly work is yet undone,

A final task and only one,

To whisper words of care above,

“We’ll be here still with care and love.”

Peter Lowell Paulson

May 6, 2011

Brick, Brick, Brick

Brick, brick, brick, brick, brick, brick, brick,
Some people think that I am sick,
Stacking bricks that is my kick,
And with cement I make them stick,

Gypsum, sand and water too,
Pour it in and stir it through,
As it sets my hands turn blue,
And for my bricks it is the glue,

Now I have a mortar fine,
Layer it right down the line,
Grab some bricks I never whine,
A few more bricks ‘fore break at nine.

Now I’m back its go, go, go,
Won’t stop ‘til the whistle blow,
Ask me why, I’ll let you know,
This is how I make my dough.

Grandpa bricked so did my paw,
Grandma did and so did maw,
So far back you’d drop your jaw,
Back then their bricks were mud and straw.

Even in Egyptian day,
Pyramid the bricks they’d lay,
Out of sandstone so they say,
Heavy bricks two tons they’d weigh.

So I have to carry on,
Sister, brother, daughter, son,
Bricking work is never done,
But what the heck it can be fun.

Peter Lowell Paulson
May 5, 2011