Need I Say More?

Poetry

l. j. valente
 V

Copyright © 2022 by L.J. Valente

Book design by L.J. Valente

Cover art by Dita Omuri “Cocktail Girl”

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any
form or by any electronic or mechanical means
including information storage and retrieval
systems, without permission in writing from the
author.
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing: 2022
ISBN- 9798408742981
 You can blame this all on having been
dragged out for a New Year’s Eve…haven’t been a
fan of New Year’s for a long time but this one was
different…It was fun
After a 12 hour anxiety attack, I was almost
guilted albeit so very softly to come out and join
the fun…won’t be out at midnight but come out for
a while she said…made it home at 1:30 A.M…
The first piece in this book was written New
Year’s Day…and thought well, why not…and to put
an extra little challenge on myself…decided to
write a book in a month…now on day 24 I guess I
did a pretty good job…and guess I still had more to
say
So…if you have to blame anyone for all of
this…just blame Sarah and Carmen...Sarah was the
one that got me out but Carmen had her own
involvement in making it a good night…Can’t
thank them enough…
Will just let the poems speak for
themselves…hope everyone enjoys them

Have to say a huge thank you to Dita Omuri

for the use of her “Cocktail Girl” for the cover…
thought it suited the book just so well
Allons Toujours Ensemble
 Need I Say More?

Only if time allows

And the story true as follows
It was just that sort of eve
But you may or may not believe

Friends were all there

Such as a night to share
Some sort of unexpected bliss
With so many there to kiss

So thought I better make haste

Or else miss in a taste
Better to not be chaste
When there are those needing to be chased

What you may think it may be true

No love lost between me and you
If something starts it must ensue
Can't wait for the rest of twenty-two

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 Need I Say More?

Well ain’t that just too bad

Your ignorance I will forgive
It’s just a job like you’ve never had
And there are worse ways to live

It’s not like you need to get out of those clothes

No that’s only ever been implied
Of course one never knows
Until that too has been tried

The pay may not be as good

As any other nine to five
Still who could have guessed it would
Make you just happy to be alive

I may make the job sound like a dream

And it may just be that
But words are not always what they seem
If you don’t know what they are getting at

It may just be all crap

With what it is that I am saying
Could say it seems like a trap
If that was the game I was playing

It may have been there on page one

Or so the story goes
But this story is never done
For the ending no one knows

Cont.
6
 Need I Say More?

Cont.

So how do you feel with what you’ve been reading

Sure not a question you’ve been asked before
Wherever my thoughts may be leading
Hope you’re there only wanting more

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 Need I Say More?

What do you say to having your mind blown

From the smile you’re wearing it looks like a yes
Give me a minute for what may be shown
Simpler put it’s not worth a guess

Always seeking what may be a shock

Hidden thoughts you should be thinking
With only words to be picking the lock
To get thoughts and meanings for the first time
linking

If they are already there in your mind

It would then be the greatest of ease
But that’s not what I find
Still you’re not the only one who can tease

But still what did I mean at the start

What was I trying to get at
You still don’t know your part
Worry not in time I’ll change that

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 Need I Say More?

What next can be read

To make it all a little more real
Maybe we can try this instead
And see in the end what you may feel

Free your fantasies

That were kept in your mind or on the pages
It could only depend on eventualities
That were left there to develop in stages

Matters not what your mind sees inside

Whatever is there is where it belongs
Sometimes we don’t get to decide
But whatever it takes to please is never wrong

Would it be better if it was me that got you hot

Why yes I did think of that
Now don’t even bother saying I’m not
For you might not even know what stage we’re at

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 Need I Say More?

It may all just be fiction

But don’t leave out a prediction
Because maybe what all this is for
Is only meant to be a little more
It may not be only a story to tell
If it was that would be fine as well
Still I’ll put it down like so
What is reality wouldn’t you like to know
Being a romantic so it seems
Makes one think of loving and passionate themes
That’s all fine
But not exactly what I call mine
It’s not for what my heart has held but who my
arms do hold
Even if the best parts are usually left untold

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 Need I Say More?

The one that got away

What a funny thing to say
It’s not what one loses
When fate is the one who chooses

It may be in another way put

If the shoe was on the other foot
If fate had let
What then would you get

Right there in your dreams

A better life so it seems
Better of course is s state of mind
The grass is not always greener you’ll find

Then again what do I know

A fool who isn’t afraid to let it show
The one in your dreams may not match
That one that you didn’t catch

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 Need I Say More?

There is something you don’t know about me

A pain in the ass I can be
Not the kind that stings a bit
While trying to comfortably sit

That’s a different type of thing

Although what I mean can have a similar sting
Then again maybe not that bad
It’s always fun while the fun’s being had

But what you will see

The difficulty with me
Is I won’t go away
No matter what you say

Still have no fear

Although let’s make it clear
The bigger problem is
What to do when he’s not yours and you’re not his

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 Need I Say More?

Now what happened to the katt

No worries where he’s been cause now he’s back
No matter what you may think about that
He’s found himself right back on track

Once more at his foolish game

Well that’s not necessarily true
It has never been the same
Since he came across the likes of you

What’s in his mind I’ll leave you to guess

But when what’s behind the humor gets through
Everything will change more or less
But that you already knew

Soon there’ll be finer tales to tell

All for the better and none the worst
Never know how well
Until we experience them first

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 Need I Say More?

Now there is no choice to make

It’s that easy with me
Except maybe the slightest give and take
We’ll leave that to a simple we’ll see

What there is to explore

I won’t pretend
Might be more
Than I originally did not intend

But that’s how it goes

Still there is that one question
Even if it never shows
So maybe there’s no need to mention

No need to ask why

Can’t really say how
I might not be the right guy
But I may be right guy for right now

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 Need I Say More?

Abandon all hope ye who enter here

Should be written above my door in letters so clear
For all hopes need to stay outside
Here is where only dreams reside

So what dreams have you

If you tell I’ll see what I can do
Might be able to make them real
But first we must make a deal

Such an easy undertaking

However such an offer might be mistaken
Since it sounds more like a bet
But don’t make up your mind just yet

I am not some kind of devil

So be sure my offer is on the level
Now let’s get this all done
Give us the answer to this one

What can entice

But always more than suffice
Sometimes lost but can easily be found
It can be pleasant or sometimes astound
It oft times has a way
To express more than words can say
Hard to imagine but always free
And if I give it to you you’ll give it to me

Cont.

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 Need I Say More?

Cont.

It is always more rather than less

Are you ready now to leave your guess
Think I need no more to say
Come on now and play

If you get it right

What it was I’m sure will be in sight
Then you can come on in
And let the dreaming begin

Still now what do I see

Is it the answer or just one for me
Matters not
For you’ve paid the lot

Hope not needed here for sure

Not when a dream is waiting at the door
Why not come inside
For here is where dreams reside

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 Need I Say More?

Now I had a thought

Maybe I should or maybe not
Funny now to forget the plot
But this is what I’ve got

Alone yes I have been drinking

But alone I shouldn’t be thinking
Still feel myself sinking
While hearing everyone talk about linking

I am certainly different
For I think time could very well better be spent
I do have some time to be lent
And could be every second might be my intent

Still will be no oaths to be sworn

That can lead to in anger pages torn
But somehow I must truthfully warn
This is how legends are born

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 Need I Say More?

What I want is just what is

Without a concept of hers nor his
What may be intended
Might not be simply blended

Typical is nothing to strive for

May not need it all but I want more
Still see it has nothing to do with possessions
No I have other peculiar obsessions

With such a strange relationship desire

Seeking only one who does inspire
It could be in my head
But there is always someone behind what you read

Seek and ye shall find

Oh that I wouldn’t mind
But it doesn’t seem so simple
To be keeping up with this principle

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 Need I Say More?

Now what is he up to
He’s carrying a smile that seems a bit strange
What would you do if you knew
That the rules are about to change

What was once only a game

And the players were all known
Is now not the same
While the difference is still not known

He grins like he’s holding a secret

One he’s sure not to tell
But I’m sure you can all bet
What it is will surprise you like hell

With a glimmer in his eyes and lashes fluttering

A conquest no there must be more
Might hear one uttering
Like you didn’t know what he’s smiling for

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 Need I Say More?

It’s time for champagne

No not for celebrating the new year
Am sure you won’t complain
Feel like celebrating so come over here

What is true is whatever you think

Maybe on the same page me and you
So how about that drink
Seems to be the only right thing to do

Celebrating ourselves what an invention

Think we’re worth it you and me
May not be serious but not a frivolous intention
Still think my lap is where you should be

The brighter side of life is waiting for a taste

So much fun to be sharing sips
Still one thing must be faced
Smiles are good but what’s better for your lips

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 Need I Say More?

It’s been a while

Since I have reason to smile
Well that’s not true
Have always had one or two

But today it does show

For no reason that you’ll know
I won’t be confessing
But may allow a little guessing

No need to guess what I’d choose

For all better things come in twos
But best you cannot fight
Is when they are held oh so tight

It’s not a joke

There’s a form of madness they provoke
So you see it’s not always fair
When presented with a pair

So what is it that I’m smiling for

It certainly is not for what may be in store
It’s just that my memory
Can come up with some great imagery

21
 Need I Say More?

Ode to a winter’s day

Now isn’t that a presumptuous thing to say
Better if it was an ode to just today
Since it’s only with words I have to play

Cold and grey have set in

Around here winter is late to begin
From now on chances are rather thin
Have to wait for spring to see some skin

I cannot be sold
It’s good to have bare trees to behold
And below seventy I have to be told
Is not really very cold

Hibernate I wish I would

Though let it be understood
Of course something always could
Make it better yes better than good

22
 Need I Say More?

What may seem an obsession

But let’s put it to a question
What may be a perceived deception
Could just be a deceived perception

What is true
Is not what is there in view
And you cannot depend on what’s shown
To believe that the truth is known

Still what do I mean

What is there but not seen
It is more about the individual
Rather than anything visual

May be better not to figure me out

You don’t need to know what it all is about
What is important is only what it does
and leave the rest to only one word because

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 Need I Say More?

Just a comment for this time of year

One year over and another is here
Making resolutions now let’s be clear
None of those no not this year

Won’t break any bad habits no that’s not to be

That’s just unrealistic and just so unlike me
I won’t be worrying about losing any weight
That’s just something I can’t relate
There’ll be no gyms but that shouldn’t surprise
I believe there are better ways to exercise
Wouldn’t be bad to try something new
That is if I could get a little help from you
Visit somewhere different is one that I read
Maybe I’ll just try the other side of my bed

Guess I made that clear

No resolutions no none this year

Of course not entirely true

Know of one that will certainly do
I’ll let you know why not might as well
To make hearts flutter and heads to swell

Maybe yours I’ll be aiming at

But I’m not telling that
No think it is better instead
To keep intentions left unsaid

That resolution should make it clear

Gonna make it a very interesting year
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 Need I Say More?

Times change when a change is due

Not so strange for it to happen with you
For me I am not the same
And I’ll take on a lot of blame

Not all change is good

But change we always should
Doesn’t matter what you can’t get back
As long as you are on the right track

Like having no strategy

Or thoughts of what should be
I’ll just ride with the changes all along
With the belief that fate can’t be wrong

So fate come and do your worst

Maybe won’t be so if I see the changes first
Would give a chance to discuss
What might become of us

25
 Need I Say More?

I know a song
Know it so well I can’t help but sing along
A man who brings laughter
Only to cry when it’s through and after

A song I can relate

That’s not up to debate
Carrying the tears
Of unforgotten years

Seldom do you find me singing

But I hope some smiles I’ve been bringing
Seems like I may be stalling
As I try to keep tears from falling

Mr. Fantasy
You’re a lot like me
Except for all the trials
As I am getting tired for the smiles

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 Need I Say More?

With so much to be said remaining

You won’t find me here complaining
It’s not even in the slightest disdaining
Please forgive but the feelings are not waning

Can’t say I have been planning

With flames there in need of fanning
To be accepting any form of a banning
Defenses you have no need to be manning

Could always be regretting

But you won’t be forgetting
What you may have been getting
Has taken endless betting

The rules I may have been shattering

Bigger things have been mattering
Only hoping it’s been more than just flattering
For what I say is not just a bit of chattering

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 Need I Say More?

The words may be many or they may be quick

But the words are still meant to be a magic trick
Trying hard to make it clear
What will the words make appear

Some words are simply read

Letting you alone to decide where to be led
Can you imagine if instead
Out in the open they were to be said

Not thinking of what will be

Or making any kind of plea
Then again maybe we should see
If I say the words and you say them back to me

May the words do as they may

If you understand what I say
Still I won’t even be pretending
That the words will ever be ending

Word a many or words quick

Either way hope they’ll do the trick
In any case there is only one condition
You can’t love the magic and not the magician

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 Need I Say More?

Hello good morning how about a chat

Don’t just say no before you think about that
You never know
Where it may go
But I hope you can see what I am getting at

Hello good afternoon how about some lunch

I know you’re hungry or at least have a hunch
We can make a deal
And let it only be a meal
Somewhere away from all the other bunch

Hello good evening what are you doing

No not dating nor even wooing
Just to be sure
What friends are for
Doesn’t mean anything is ensuing

Good night sleep tight hope sweet dreaming

Today was more than good or so it is seeming
It’s no sin
To tuck you in
But that’s not the reason I’m still beaming

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 Need I Say More?

I just love inuendo

I understand that maybe you don’t
Hard to grasp what you don’t know
Still better that I will and you won’t

Secrets are fun to keep

I keep quite a few
Would be quite a leap
To get me to tell them to you

Even though they might just be out there

Though to decipher you may need a guide
Not anything all that juicy to share
If you take them all in stride

Tell the secrets of course someday I could

Or just keep them in my head
One of course I think may be well understood
Why yes I’d rather be playing with you instead

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 Need I Say More?

There may be some risk taking

But when it comes down you won’t find me shaking
Some things aren’t there for faking
And it won’t just my bones for sounds to be making

You weren’t on my mind wait I lied

Can’t blame me for having tried
My thoughts may go far and wide
But a main idea just won’t subside

Could give you some food for thought

Not saying I should but maybe I should not
It all matters if went from cold all the way to hot
Then not worried of what trouble in I got

Doesn’t really matter what you say

Funny thing is I’m not going away
If you don’t know me well that’s okay
For every tomorrow may just be the right day

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 Need I Say More?

Do you know what is really scary

It is that thing called a dictionary
Because from me there are so many words between
Until you are finally seen

Of course would be less

Than all the ones I’ve said I guess
Or truly what I have written
Since that certain night I was bitten

But wait there’s more

Ask and there will be for sure
Maybe a dictionary I will need
If it was for you to take the lead

But remember it has nothing to do with books

Nor does it for the first second or a thousand looks
Doesn’t matter what words you choose
For us there is only one you need to use

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 Need I Say More?

The world is changing

Shouldn’t be such a strange thing
It’s getting hot
Where it should not
Think some minds need rearranging

And then there are the faithful

Who keep from some their only plateful
Do you think God forgot
To give to those who have not
And then ask them to be grateful

Some hope the anger to fuel

Their words getting more and more cruel
Like none of us are knowing
That their hatred is showing
And they will call me just a fool

Don’t want to be sounding gruff

But the world is filled with such messed up stuff
What I am talking about
Is filling an optimist full of doubt
And I’m at the point where I’ve had enough

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 Need I Say More?

I may not little about attraction

Well maybe more than a fraction
Think I might give a distraction
To what you may think will bring satisfaction

I have spoken before of a first look

But believe me from there is no hook
But looks are no way to get you in a book
If that is what you thought it took

The most beautiful you can see

Has no influence on me
Not saying a beauty can’t be
One side of the making of a we

Not one who complains

For what is lost for there are gains
It is for what that there is that remains
Gotta love a woman with brains

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 Need I Say More?

As it is with fascinations
Almost to the point of titillation
Oft times come with some complications
That might create some vacillation

Between the good and the bad

Once you decide
Is it worth the pain for all the fun to be had
Or just let fate be your guide

Have had these questions a time or two

Always before some lips have been kissed
Then no question of what I’d do
Still once or twice got lucky as the bullet missed

By now I might be jaded

No reason to be questioned now
Maybe should have waited
But a fool is always a fool somehow

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 Need I Say More?

Better things could be done

Could think of two before I could decide on one
But you don’t get to decide the company you keep
Or what to do while you sleep

Always a benefit
And don’t get me wrong I loved the visit
Didn’t know that the invitation
Wouldn’t include some form of excitation

But there we were out for a walk

Always good to have a quiet talk
Only then to spend the sleeping hours
Out there searching for wildflowers

Not saying it wasn’t pleasant

With you any time is time better spent
Just not what I would we’d do
When no one else was there to view

If you visit my dreams another night

And yes of course again I’ll invite
You know we might as well
Do something we could never tell

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 Need I Say More?

Been there done that

And that’s how I got where I’m at
And I’m sure
There’re still some things that lay in store

Hope most won’t make the list

Of things I could have missed
Don’t get me wrong
That list is not all that long

Sure there are some things I should’ve

But worry not even though I could’ve
They may be done if we replace
Not what to do but with a different face

Yes been there and done that

But if I didn’t I wouldn’t be where I’m at
No matter how bad again it all I would do
To get here if only to meet you

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 Need I Say More?

For what I’ll do next some assistance I’ll be needing

So please one of you there who are reading
Would be much better to be on a stage
But our situation forces us to stay on a page

The page you may want to memorize

As it works better should you close your eyes
It is with your imagination you’ll use
But either way it is up to you to choose

No matter how you chose

Here is how it goes
All you need to start
Is your senses ready to take part

With some gentle music playing

With a rhythm that makes you start swaying
Like some relaxing charm
You first feel the touch of an arm

as it was bound
the other wraps around
now you’re held by the two
and with the same rhythm he is dancing too

A minute or two dancing that way

Not really moving in the same spot to stay
And the arms start to pull tighter
Causing you to begin to feel lighter

Cont.
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 Need I Say More?

Cont.

It is then you feel a breeze

Warm enough to please
Soon not a breeze becomes clear
No that’s breath getting closer to your ear

Without any fretting

Closer still you find yourself letting
More or less you feel a peck
Right there on your neck

Nothing now is ceasing

No all is increasing
It might not have been what you chose
But further down he goes

Then off your neck he slips

And you find him on your lips
What now would be a waste
If you didn’t now have a taste

When the sound of the music is gone

Even know it still is there playing on
Then it has run its course
All the better and none the worse

You could have expected more

What that would be I know for sure
But my part here is done
and my part there is none

Cont.
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 Need I Say More?

Cont.

It was just a little experiment

Hope it left you feeling quite content
Not really wondering who and how
No just wondering when now

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 Need I Say More?

Better days will come

Even should right now seem worrisome
Words of hope won’t help right now
They never seem to help much anyhow

I know how it is to live with stress

Yours and mine certainly not the same
Still can relate more or less
If I’m wrong I’ll take the blame

For my own I’ll try to get through

To be honest there’s nothing else I can do
The same of course goes for you
As if that was something you never knew

If you don’t know what I mean

Then we have a few things to discuss together
My feelings always lean
To making things ever better

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 Need I Say More?

There's this girl with a smile that just suits her

Did I grab your attention
But think she just got cuter
At the mere mention

Can’t tell just yet if the smile is growing

So it gives me a little time
To those of you not knowing
What simple things just become a rhyme

It’s not so simple nor it is easy

And won’t mind a little scorn
Know sometimes I sound cheesy
But it is like this a rhyme is born

In a text I sent a question

Do you want anything
Had no real intention
What the answer would bring

Am good she replied

Then guess where my mind was at
Could only answer with more implied
Of course I said I’ll hold you to that

Simple words sure that’s true

But in my memory stored
And sure you knew
The birth of a rhyme was ensured

Cont.
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 Need I Say More?

Cont.

Couldn’t help it
That’s what you get
Know a little bit
What that is you don’t know yet

Isn’t that right pumpkin

But I see the cards have already been dealt
Not so bad being the source or origin
You just have to feel what you already felt

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 Need I Say More?

Have to say what I see

It's a way I've grown to trust
So as not to be him but me
And to be me is just a must

In my own sappy way

I can't help but think
All that I have to say
Looks better in ink

I know how that goes

For I've seen a few
That no one knows
Except of course you

The ink of course could fade

Still it appears
What is and what was made
Might be around for more than a few years

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 Need I Say More?

To think it takes a look

For it all to be done
Don’t know exactly what it took
But it was more than just one

There’s some satisfaction

That comes from a glance
But to perfect attraction
One must go and take a chance

Have had more than one moment

When I wished success
Thinking I’d be content
Then again what did I know more or less

Thinking of the past exactly like that

I find myself happier now
To find myself where I am at
Seems so much better somehow

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 Need I Say More?

Funny about a secret

No one cares till one is told
But what will you get
And what will you behold

In my pocket I keep one or two

Go ahead dive right in
The offer is up to you
Depends on what trouble you want to get in

They are there within your reach

Just be careful with your hand
Somethings experience can only teach
Where those fingers are to land

Secrets of course always better known

Still one you’ll never find out
Then again it might have already been shown
To whom I keep talking about

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 Need I Say More?

For those who have been reading

From you nothing am I needing
Just continue on
Until the words have all gone

There are no wishes that I ask for

Then again maybe something a little more
For a moment or two
Just enjoying being with you

That is the meaning I have been trying

With these fantasies I have been implying
There’s a trip to go on
Until the chance is gone

It’s not so disdaining

Just a mere bit of entertaining
Not to take too long
Still being entertained is never really all that wrong

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 Need I Say More?

I have a question for you

Think I may have asked it a time or two
Or maybe not can’t always tell
Forget sometimes maybe just as well

Maybe you could just guess what it might be

A little challenge I love to see
Would love to see you guess
If wrong I wouldn’t love you any less

Oh wait back to the question

You know the one I forgot to mention
I will say it true
It does have a bit to do with you

Now if you are up to the task

And just let me ask
If you don’t know answer nor question as you read
Then I might as well leave the question unsaid

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You be you and I’ll be me

Who knows what else to see
What comes will be
If you be you and me be me

You will but I won’t

I do but you don’t
If you be you and me be me
It is all just a mystery

For you are not sure

And I couldn’t be any more
You be you and I’ll be me
If you don’t know don’t ask what for

If I reach for you will you reach for me

So it goes for a she and a he
It is all a matter for history
If you be you and me be me

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 Need I Say More?

Once I thought I knew what passion was for

Still as I age I learn a little more
What I know now might be true
Does it go the same for you

It has little to do with scores

For it gets better with the afters than the befores
Nothing has to do with how it’s paired
As long as notes are not compared

The greatest passions find themselves during walks

Or those latenight talks
Passion has nothing to do with relief
But it can be there beyond belief

But then again what do I know

I just say it like so
It could be more than thrilling
To experiment if you are willing

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 Need I Say More?

If it wasn’t for some pleasantries

There would be no room for some activities
Even should they not be heaven sent
It doesn’t mean that they are not as pleasant

We could leave it all to chance

But think there is a need to enhance
Whatever may be the meanings
Only matter with what is there in the leanings

Now I don’t want to mistake

That other things are there to make
Ones that are equally fun
But not necessarily done

Still should have told her

That a head on a shoulder
Does have a way
To make me want to stay

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Allow me a moment to inform

Not a warning but meant to warm
May it make you have that feeling
That let’s say we’ll call it healing

I may call you a friend

But I won’t pretend
That part of me is sure
It could be a little bit more

No I have no ideas planned

Some might be great and others downright grand
Of course those ideas matter not
Believe that why not go ahead and give it a shot

Well that is an option

Still not really a long shot when
For the better and for the very worst
Not really a chance when you are a best friend first

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How about joining the club

Decide what you want but I won’t take a snub
Too good of an invitation
To such a special private celebration

What may be celebrated

Is always open to be debated
Could just be a party for fate
That is if she has arrived and wasn’t still late

A few moments out to forget the past

If we do it right maybe we could just make it last
A party that never ended
Could just be what was intended

Celebrate fate I think we should

Of course it should be understood
A party is a party only when it is
Fate to match hers while matching his

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As good as it gets
Still I’m taking bets
Might be just a matter of resets
For better I think no one ever forgets

I’ve seen good but not better yet

Not to try we would regret
A challenge should always be met
Even if it requires a little sweat

As the bets have all been made

And the game still not played
I still won’t be swayed
Bets not won need not be paid

Right here I’ll be staying

Waiting for the game to start playing
Worth the wait but worth the saying
Has been a while for my hair is now graying

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What to tell next

Be it from a memory or just a text
Not the easiest thing to do
Could just talk about myself and leave out you

But what fun would that be

And something so unlike me
So I’ll just let it flow
Here it comes ready set go

Still the question is what should be

Already told how we met you and me
And words I won’t mince
Has been a joy ever since

Could just go on with romantic themes

No matter how that seems
Or what would you say
If I went off and was more risqué

But I have done that too before

Not that I mind saying it a little more
No I think a little fiction
Never know it may be better than that friction

Like when I was a catch but never caught

You might have known but never thought
Still I have to say
Not much different than today

Cont.
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 Need I Say More?

Cont.

Oh forgot was supposed to be fiction and not true

Of course the difference is up to you
Must of course seem strange
To be able to make that change

Wait I’ve gone a bit off course

To get back on may take some force
It can be done with the help the usual suspect
What would come next I can only expect

Guess here I am rambling a bit

What on earth are you making of it
Even if going off track
I’m not taking anything back

Wasn’t really my intention

To only hold your attention
While parts of that may be true
What parts I wish you knew

Guess maybe there was no story to tell

Hope this has been entertaining just as well
Just hope you’ll be around
When the next story is found

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You’d think by now I would have gotten it right

But still no one calls me her own
Still hopes lay with a might
And the future is never certain nor is it shown

Never would say it wasn’t time well spent

And always grateful for the inspiration
Even if my time was only to be lent
And there’s nothing wrong with flirtation

If time thought I should know better than that

Time could have easily let it show
Or maybe I am supposed to be where I’m at
But I can only know what I can know

Worth all the smiles and memories

So if you didn’t know before
Guess I just always aim to please
Need I say more

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Here’s one about a woman and some cocktails

Must be fantasy because in this one there’s no fails
Still a cute story one worth to tell
If you don’t think so I’ll just say oh well

Okay here we go I’ll roll the dice

I brought the bottle and she had the ice
With the fire warm there nothing else could entice
No other thoughts were there now let’s be precise

Drinks were poured and after a few

Closer we got you could say yes was true
With fires burning felt burning through
Wasn’t the flames getting hotter that we both knew

Left without a question not even a plea

What can you say when two become a we
Time to go now nothing here to see
A must is only a must when that must must be

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I want to take a moment out and give some praise

I know that is unusual how it is these days
Her work my cover does grace
Asked her for it cause it reminded me of a face

She gave it as a gift have to say it surprised me a bit

And then I laughed for now she was part of it
Of course her art
Already seemed to fit quite the part

A happy development oh yes indeed

Almost as good as I saw that you read
Poetry might not be your thing
But for me readers are better than bling

Nothing more needs to be said

Because there is just so much more to be read
If you ever have some time to be lent
A drink together could never be time better spent

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In my defense
When you’re given the chance to look behind
While I’m not feigning any overconfidence
How could you have known what was there to find

I did my part and left it out in the open

Like I did a thousand times before
Might know it now but didn’t know then
Sometimes even I didn’t know exactly what for

Chasing down some dreams

Is not always how it looks
Nothing is ever really what it seems
Sometimes you have to take one just for the books

Maybe just my fault and I have just been wrong

Just like that there goes my defense
Of course maybe it was that fate was there all along
I can still only make out one face in the audience

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Not just a happy boyfriend

Don’t think that is something I have ever been
If you ask me to be I am sure I could pretend
Waiting here just for you to say when

And a happy girlfriend you’d have to be

Like the sound of that a little better
What do think should have a look and see
Might be fun to be pretending together

Acting is sometimes more fun

Guess it only a matter of perception
Wonder how it would be to stun
All of them with our little deception

Life always needs a little distracting

But let’s make a deal
No need to stop acting
Even if it becomes a little too real

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All dressed up and nowhere to go

That’s not true just so you know
Seeing you there looking so ready to make a show
I have a few ideas on the table I could throw

Not so bad forget over what you have been stressing

It is too easy to find life to be a bit depressing
I’ll listen but it’s not the time for my confessing
No right now I’m only counting on a blessing

There might be no wisdom in it

To get past some things takes more spit and less wit
Always takes more to get through than to quit
We might have to try more than a little bit

Go ahead put on your dancing shoes

Which ever ones there go and choose
You’ve already paid your dues
So come on now is one of those times not to lose

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Seeking a good woman

Other kinds I’ve already had
So I thought maybe I’d try a good one
Certainly couldn’t turn out as bad

Crazy a few times I’ve tried

Should have known from the start
But wasn’t stated on their resumes but was implied
Guess not paying attention isn’t very smart

Have to say I never mean them any ill will

As some may be prone
And sometimes even tempted by the thrill
But don’t think I’ll ever feel that alone

Am willing to look far and wide

No not something that I would mind
Might have even already tried
Still should be this hard for a good woman to find

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It was of course the wrong time but the right place

Or maybe in the wrong place was the right face
Either way that is my life
Doubt me well go ahead and meet my wife

Not pretending
That there has been any happy ending
And no happy beginning
As I keep getting stuck in the first inning

Just poking fun

At some things that I have done
Not really complaining
There is plenty of time remaining

There is still a lot to see

And some may see that with me
Not worrying of what was or what is
Just left with nothing but choices

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It’s always as simple as it seems

How’s that I forgot my dreams
Guess they weren’t that good
That’s how they were and remain they would

Still some persist

As if someone up there would insist
Won’t say he’s wrong
Guess I’m where I belong

But what do I know

Nothing there to show
That’s how it goes
When no one really knows

Questions must be asked

Or else forever to be masked
When asked what would I do
Nothing would ever matter except only you

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I have to tell you something son

It’s a dangerous thing that thing called affection
For what having a fancy brings
Will get you to do some chancy things

At first it may seem so sweet

That beauty who right next to you took her seat
First meetings are always a leap
So be careful now cause talk is cheap

At first you may never know

But give it a bit and reality will start to show
Always starts of so subtle
Before you find yourself in trouble

Soon you’ll be staring at the walls

Between the texts and calls
Like you never knew before
Her company you’ll only be wanting more

As you develop the affliction

No need to be making a prediction
And you find yourself discover the meaning of
That unmistakable infection known as love

Of course to observe this sickness

Can be such a delight to witness
Especially if you have already been through
And know what next that boy is going to do

Cont.
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Cont.

Then you’ll start to be curious

Of how it would be if you were more serious
A woman has such a magic
When she decides you were her pick

Not saying there won’t be fun

But while you’re playing remember son
What starts with s few kisses
Is the beginning of making a miss into a mrs.

Of course not the worst nor is it the best

No that comes with a positive test
Might have gone too far
So let’s go back to where you are

Go on get out there have your dates

Still keep in mind that’s how we find mates
And all the things those girls put us through
For them doing all those crazy things you’ll do

Always be careful when seeking a match

Never know what bug you might just catch
Of course for me always the romantic
I myself might just be looking to get sick

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Ode to Caro Emerald

I have a hunch
Maybe as fun as you thought
It could all be like a liquid lunch
But what that fun was you forgot

Still wouldn’t want a chance to miss

It could all just ride on a maybe
With what’s to become on a night like this
I am willing to hang around to see

Better fill that cup

With what’s to become
Before we get all tangled up
Being more or less wholesome

Without an expectation of what we’ll do

No here without a plan
No it’s all up to you
What to do with that man

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Alone there in the temple

As if it were so simple
When you know what you are praying for
It all seems to be so sure

Whatever all that praying brings

Is still just the same old things
For even if you don’t pray
Tomorrow just becomes today

With some sort of mindful eye

It is not what there is but what to try
Simpler put it is all a lie
Still I know the reason but won’t ask why

Won’t be saying that I’ll start praying

No I know where it is all at
Before you start saying
I’ll have none of that

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Some day we will all be asked

What was it like to live then all masked
And what will you say
How about think about today

Worst thing about a pandemic

Not to beat those who got sick
But made it all clear
How much we struggle with fear

It will be fine when it’s over and done

When we no longer fear being near someone
Then again what will normal be
When all this becomes a memory

Innocence was lost and innocence was lost before

Only takes some time to be innocent once more
Hope it’s not long before the healing can begin
And a long time before innocence we lose again

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Two things are sure in life that’s death and taxes

Maybe true but one thing that saying lacks is
One thing in life is love matters not if less or more
Everyone is loved by someone and that is for sure

It is what the world go round

Sometimes lost and sometimes found
It starts right there are birth
Love is the very meaning of our worth

At times very simple others more complex

It is so common it is closer to a reflex
That smile that comes from seeing a parent’s face
To the equally special feeling of a lover’s embrace

Sometimes it is not always known

Only because it has not yet been shown
Of course not knowing can be painful it’s true
Can’t say that’s a problem for the likes of me or you

What can’t be avoided nor can it be forgot

There’s one thing to do and one to do not
Tell them you love them best if every day
Never forget it’s the best thing to hear or to say

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A bad boy did you just call me

But the question is how bad can bad be
Never know what you’re bound to see
Once this good boy starts to really behave badly

If the shoe fits

No matter what you call me I’ll love it to bits
Might have my limits
While being one of those misfits

When being bad is alright it’s never wrong

Manners need only stay where they belong
So when the mood comes along
Expect a bit of badness to come on strong

Choose if you want to have that foot shoed

As some badness has been accrued
Can be clean or downright lewd
Go ahead and set the mood

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What is it that I wonder

Could it be some spell I am under
Wait don’t run away
I still have more to say

Only about the spell I am joking

Or maybe just looking to do some provoking
So be a good sport and stick around
Might not know what you lost nor found

What kind of trick is this

Be a gem and tell me sweet miss
Have been more than once been taken advantage of
And still a sporting gent in the game of love

If you want to play that game

Hope you know I can do the same
Maybe better to just meet in the middle
And put to rest this joke resembling a riddle

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May be in need of some treatment

Know what I mean but not what I meant
I know how time is better well spent
But wait where has the time gone and went

There is nothing there that you should be expecting

And my words I have been carefully selecting
Some ideas may be for deflecting
And some which are better to be reflecting

Not knowing a provocation

May always lead to an invocation
Surely there must be some motivation
To be here for the duration

With treatment never gotten

The need is never forgotten
You’ll know what you’ve got when
You understand the plot then

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I wish there could be a time or two

When I didn’t think of you
Wish I could replace
And not always see you face

What is that you said

Do you think you were talking in your head
I can hear every word you say
What is that do you want me to go away

No that isn’t it
Not the slightest not even a little bit
It just shouldn’t be this hard
How could I have gotten so caught off guard

If you think you’re the only one

Here I am feeling done
Like I was hearing voices
Making all of my choices

He looked at her and she at he

Now this is no way to be
Of course you’re right
Can think of better things to do tonight

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It’s funny how tears

After all these years
Come when something I have written is read
Something in the past I have said

Most just memories

Moments of want to bes
But now I only trust
Of what it means as a must

Every day starts anew

Without knowing of what to do
Am guessing is the same for you
Not knowing who is who

And so it goes
Just like everyone knows
That’s how I chose
And how it all just flows

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On Sarah you can put all the blame

For word one it just came
Still all the same
She can take all the blame

That’s why I decided to hide

This one somewhere inside
That way I’d know
She read it carefully so

How could you know how it was

Doesn’t matter because
It is all true
Would I lie to you

A night out I should have known

Just like when your cover is blown
Stay home I could have
But would never say I should have

One last thing I do

And I know you do too
Who cares what that will get
It can always be our little secret

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What you see it what you get

But maybe you shouldn’t open your eyes just yet
Maybe try this on for size might be better indeed
Think in the end I’m sure you’ll concede

It’s not what you see or get but what you feel
Isn’t that right that is the only thing that is real
With your eyes closed opened are other senses
Who are not ruled by wrong pretenses

Not saying there is anything wrong with your eyes

Not on the heart but on the mind vision relies
But the mind is not always the best guide
And the truth sometimes it likes to hide

But the eyes also have a bit of a trick

Yes their own form of magic
For they refuse to hide
What is felt inside

What do I mean by all that

What exactly am I getting at
Maybe only requires a little test
Your other senses might just know best

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Happier days ahead

Still softly over the present I will tread
Whatever I am thinking in my head
Could always just be changing instead

My luck seems to have taken a long vacation

Wish I had gotten the same invitation
But even such a minor implication
Could always have a major complication

Hard to imagine but I don’t know

Can’t say when my luck had left or where it did go
It never even had the good grace to show
That it was to be like so

I’ll tell you what should it come back

It will be getting one hell of a smack
For making me stay on a track
Of making the most of it while things I lack

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On the day of reckoning

There may be some questioning
Of some of the choices that were made
And of the games that were played

I myself will stand with such honesty

Albeit with maybe a feeling unpleasantly
For having to do with what I got
Still I did what I could with my lot

Can be a pain in the ass you can say but I won’t

Disagree with you I didn’t say because I don’t
Go ahead and think about it love or hate
Don’t worry I’ll right here I’ll wait

So there before the golden gates

I’m ready for the debates
Did or not
Escaped or caught

I worry not for the grilling

Actually find it thrilling
For the same answer will be there for sure
Can you blame me did you see her

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What a difference a day makes

Especially days when there are no stakes
No expectations and no trials
A day when all you find is the smiles

Those kinds of days I have had before

And wish I could have some more
The kinds that are so satisfying
With nothing there to be implying

Maybe just the good old days

And now we are in a different phase
And other pleasures you are thinking
Than spending a day talking and drinking

Simple pleasure
Is with that life I do measure
And measure up it sure does
To say what a day it was

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Funny how curiosity

Can have the same effect as electricity
Each can make a spark
And leave such a similar mark

Both can be called a burn

And neither will you ever learn
Play with either for a thrill
And leave their mark they certainly will

When sparks fly

Don’t sit there and ask why
You should have learnt
From when before you were burnt

Might just be talking to myself

Getting ready to put another book on the shelf
Wear a certain badge with pride
A fool to be forever I would never try to hide

Might have to quote what you read

A few pages back when I said
Why is for sure
Did you not see her

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I have a little proposition

Not a matter of how but of position
But maybe that is a little too much
What could be better is a caress or just a little touch

If you had a dirty mind

What there was you wouldn’t find
A position yes it’s true
But how was more of the space between me and you

And to get closer still

If only for a little thrill
But still there is that proposition
That keeps getting held up with opposition

I won’t forget so don’t get me wrong

What does or does not belong
Dreams may only stay until
But fantasies always will

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Passion makes what it will

What that is needs a little context
It all seems fine until
Whatever may or may not come next

Not feeling it
You may in a little bit
Not yet little one
Never know what’s to be till it’s done

I won’t pretend
That we won’t smiling in the end
Funny for all you’ll hear after
Is the sound of our laughter

I might be going crazy

Or maybe my vision is getting a little hazy
Still the page is the only one who sees
The expression you’re making reading these

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To whomever the credit is due

Someone somewhere had a plan for you
Was it fate or the devil
Guess we won’t know until

It’s over and done

Then we’ll find out which one
All depends on what from all this you want to get
We’ll know who it was if comes pleasure or regret

Still it might be up to you

Not really even up to those two
Think it may be better if I might
Let you decide what may be wrong or right

Still there was that instance

When there was no choice but a chance
But sure you didn’t plan
When in walked the smoking man

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Some may take to the stage

But I prefer the page
Just hiding there in some books
Waiting for someone open to having a few looks

May seem like a lonely existence

Guess that would make perfect sense
But when you find where you belong
Nothing is ever that wrong

Can be lonely but if you only knew

Here with me are more than a few
Never know what might come to be
When you are right here next to me

Nope nothing can compare

Still there’s a little something I’d like to share
There’s something that the reader hasn’t seen
How good it is to only have a few pages in between

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Albeit subliminally
Messages coming in continually
Great work if you can get it
Comes with an unusual benefit

There’s nothing like making people think

Putting together the ideas they can link
Then to put in a little twist of the plot
Derailing their train of thought

I won’t feign
I do so love to play with that train
It’s so much fun to see the sudden impacts
When I show fantasies turn into facts

So read on with your own free will

Pleasure and excitement I won’t try to kill
And I’ll leave it for you to find
What was already there in your subconscious mind

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Go on put on those stockings

Just warning it’s not always wise
But you’re in the mood for shocking
Looking to torture the guys

It’s okay if that’s what you want

What else would you expect a girl to do
Sometimes she is just meant to taunt
Still don’t forget I am one of those guys too

Funny how it might just lead

Fate may have had other ideas instead
What you thought you did need
Was really only away on my arm to be led

Still I see you there dressed to kill

Out for some fun meaning no harm
Well then maybe just for a thrill
I’ll go and offer my arm

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Okay now geniuses

I have a problem and here it is
It is a difficult subject
Any help I won’t reject

The numbers keep growing

But still nothing is showing
I know you have been enjoying the ride
But there is more to this if only implied

As emotions have been preserved

And better yet they have been observed
The books contain more than you thought
They were never only to be bought

Let it be known and told

I found the way for a soul to be sold
Without any other demands
Other than to remain in your hands

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You made some comments about attraction

Guess I didn’t explain to your satisfaction
Out of the ordinarily intense
Finding myself on the defense

I prefer art
In which beauty is a part
But for the images seen
Doesn’t mean in the model I am especially keen

Paintings are just that

And those images particularly flat
They are meant to be a reflection
But usually with inordinate perfection

I am pretty sure I have never said

Exactly what goes on in my head
But it is for protection
Not in any way a deception

What do I find attractive if I am to be pressed

Funny but by this time it should have been guessed
What do I find attractive well of course
What you see in your mirror is truly the source

Silly girl

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There’s a good feeling when you do not care

About who knows or what you might share
No longer afraid of being bitten
For what I have written

Not that I was really before

Still some ideas I avoided to explore
Not afraid of anything
that my words might bring

So if I feel I have something to tell

Going to go right on might as well
Follow on if you are willing
And it all may get rather thrilling

Maybe the words you just be out right said

And not just left there to be read
Reading never allows me to lead but instead
It is yourself to lead where you’ll be led

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As closer to the middle I get

You can certainly bet
That now is the point again
To say when it comes to a bet I’m all in

Don’t just sit there on the fence

Know you’re making dollars but not making sense
Life is meant to be living
Which starts with a little receiving and giving

What you want first I’ll let you decide

But be sure I’m not only along for the ride
So as fantasies go
They only can become real if both know

Tell me yours and I’ll tell you mine

We can discuss it over some wine
But what will we do
When the wine is through

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Hard to be iconic
In the middle of a pandemic
Or maybe it’s just ironic
Go ahead and take your pick

It’s a sad state of affairs

Nothing to do with what’s ours and what’s theirs
All that matters is who cares
and where are the ones who share

doesn’t matter what may be in store

I still plan to let out a roar
If you don’t what for
Then I am ready to inform and explore

Maybe only looking to impress

But that you will only have to guess
How about think instead of more you think of less
To find what my idea of success

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Can only say pretty as a picture

Yeah that’s what I’d say
Amazing how images can be such a mixture
Of everything that makes you feel okay

She does have her own style

Suiting every medium
Though none could truly capture that smile
Okay maybe I am suffering a little delirium

Not the softest things I have said

Although most were not said so romantically
Had other ideas at those times instead
No this is said a little more practically

Just felt like calling you pretty with no intention

Maybe just a little bit of appreciation
That from time to time need a mention
One hell of an example of the female persuasion

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Let me now take a minute out

And explain a few things I know about
Those sisters chance and fate
Whose humor is a mixture of love and hate

Those sisters you have never known but knew

From feelings that came from nowhere but true
You knew that something was going on
But just couldn’t put your finger upon

Now chance and fate play a game

To see which one gets their way
Chance always being more pleasant
And Fate to be seen as always more constant

Who did win

that night when the risk got way too thin
but think we both may have been prone
To be who have always known

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Suits me fine not to see

I shouldn’t bother since you too are free
Avoiding texts isn’t so grim
Still sometimes I enjoy not being him

I don’t mind the other tries

Won’t be me sitting there who cries
I know others too
Maybe more than a few

You know all the lies

I have heard them from the girls and you the guys
You’d think we’d be at
A point past all that

It’s only being out having a ball

Doesn’t matter just don’t tell me all
It’s not for me to do the asking
Nothing here to be masking

TUSK

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If asked to dream whatever I could dream

With anything open there to be done
Those who would know me it would seem
There only could be one

Not one that anyone would know

Though there would be some that would be sure
That a thought would surely show
There’d have to be her

Maybe there could or maybe wouldn’t

My dream would only just be
Maybe tell maybe I shouldn’t
That’s not all I would see

But since that dream is not to be seen

There are not many choices
What comes in between
Is only who’s that voice is

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When the time comes when the memories fade

Forgotten for why the wars were waged
There are those who wish some games to be played
So the time has come and so it is all staged

May be hard to conceive

That history may just repeat
But when lies you believe
Then it becomes all complete

Lo and behold
As if no surprise
Today it can be told
For it is now the time of lies

Some wish history not to be taught

Wanting books to be taken off the shelves
What only matters is what they thought
Without history we just blind ourselves

Left or right right or wrong

Without question it can be decided
Sides do not belong
Unless you want a house divided

Maybe the experiment is through

Ended with raised fists
For all things to give in to
To give in to fascists

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Let’s make this clear

There’s no crushing here
Then again as it were
It’s fine if it’s one who does purr

Still somethings get said

Setting the stage for what will be read
A different meaning of course came instead
Might not be quite right in the head

I must say something true

What a little cuddling can do
Even if it is only from a furry friend
One thing I can’t pretend

Having him crush on me means a lot

But still leaves me with a lone thought
To myself laughing I was
Why was he the only one that does

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Falling in live for the first time

You can only think of forever
Falling in live for the last time
You learn how to stop saying never

At first glance it is never what you expect

Feeling as if everything was just planned
After a few heartbreaks everything become suspect
And to not be hurt is the only demand

You can’t grow from what you don’t go through

So it can be seen as all good
All say they know when it was just you who knew
Still in some way it was completely understood

First loves you always wish to last

Thinking yourself oh so clever
Oh the things you have to get past
To truly wish for things like forever

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All it took was one fine dream

And I woke up feeling quite shaken
As it did seem
That I found myself taken

Certainly not true as I sat up in my bed

Have to be honest was truly alone
Not even a chance to be caught there instead
Was certainly easier to play a rolling stone

A dream is just what a dream can be

Only visions your mind wanted you to see
And nothing be all that grand
If that you always understand

But this one bothered me more

Than any others I had before
Just a dream so why should care
Maybe it’s this question why were you there

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Maybe with a little sophistication

Although might need to use your imagination
Simply put with the words I use
Sometimes it is up to you to choose

I get asked most about who is you

Who it is that I am talking to
But what fun would it be to confess
So I’ll just leave you nameless

Of course that’s not how it does go

A little inspection and it already does show
It is almost always better to guess
At least that’s how I feel more or less

All good humor aside

Behind rumor secrets you can hide
What may be there may be only implied
And not really what there is going on inside

Whatever it is that you infer

Whenever I use that favorite word her
Wouldn’t make it any less true
When I’m seen talking about you

Funny though how seldom you see

As it has been and may always be
We is not to be used where we are at
Maybe someday we can change all that

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The words come like the cards I drew

Fate without chance as if I knew
Simple it is to be told
But it is not anyone but me for those cards to hold

Play them I will

Maybe with some surprising skill
While doubt sat there saying I couldn’t
And my ego telling me listen to doubt I shouldn’t

Now I know the cards don’t make the game

Every hand has been held but not played the same
And only the chance not taken
Is the only chance forsaken

As long as you are sitting at the table

Feel free to play as long as you are able
Even if it was never planned
I always have time for another hand

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From a different point of view

All of this could be true
And not just a work of fiction
But more a likely prediction

But wait you must understand

The words here have never been planned
It is not like the future I unlikely knew
But of course somethings are most certainly true

There is always a you and some furry friends

Where the rest comes from only depends
What I feel like I want to tell
And what I may be feeling as well

Just so you know while what you have read

Whether fact or fiction you must decide instead
Not so hard creating fantasy from reality
Might just be the best part of me being me

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There’s this question I have in mind

One for which no answer I can find
Go ask Pooh
He’d know what to do

Pooh Bear can I ask you something

It’s not much just a little bothersome thing
To do things for worth or things worth to do
An old question I know but the answer do you

Pooh thought for a while

Until on his face there grew such a smile
John your question is so funny
The answer I’ll explain with some honey

We pay for it but never pay the bee

So for them it comes so naturally
For the bee it is just a need
What’s worth to do is the only worth indeed

Now for life honey is only for

If only to make life sweet a little more
And what makes life sweet
Is what makes life complete

And then I went on my way

Another question I’m sure I’ll ask someday
For it will always show
Only Pooh could be wise like so

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Have no need to be sanctimonious

I only wish to be me
And live as close to harmonious
Letting what will will be

Hard not to be philosophical

When life gives you dead ends
As it is not always practical
To be one who pretends

To think all things are fine and dandy

As hard as you think you might
It is only as good as it can be
Unless you are willing for better to fight

I have an answer and will give it as such

It is not for what you do
For it doesn’t matter all that much
There’s nothing of importance other than being you

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The problem with men and women

Might just be the sum of the parts
So now where exactly to begin
You’ll never get to the end if one never starts

It would seem silly for such a thing to discuss

Or just maybe past our abilities
For even the minuses can end up a plus
All depends on the probabilities

Not always easy to see eye to eye

And that seems just so childish
Even when we do our best to try
It just seems like some wild wish

Such a complicated problem it certainly is

But one thing everyone is always prone
To question relationships of hers or his
Everyone has an answer when they are alone

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I just had a thought

One I shouldn’t but couldn’t help to have not
Tell of course I will that’s how it goes
Nothing new as it shows what all already knows

Then again maybe everyone truly knew not

As not every day does come around such a thought
Just a second out hope you are finding my teasing
Is at least the slightest bit pleasing

Okay now back to my thinking

And how or why are these words am I linking
How could he think with only a might
Do you think thinking such things is truly alright

It is really not the hard

Although my catch your heart off guard
When I see something beautiful what can I do
Won’t lie those words are for only you

Now what did you think

Did I get you closer to the brink
If I found myself some trouble to get in
Just be sure I’ll do it all again

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When inspiration is in short supply

There is always one thing I can try
Just wander back into the recesses of my mind
And what is there that I may find

Now in that place

Is not where you’ll find any lady’s face
What of course does show
Even a lady can be made to glow

Down to the bottom and up to the top

There I can browse around and shop
For an inspiration for the next line to be
As you may have guessed almost always a she

The lines may not show what resides there

Words themselves could never compare
No all there that is desired
Does of course have some assembly required

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You can wash your hands of your sorrows

And open your mind to tomorrows
But they will never truly become clean
For part of you is always where you have been

Might have some baggage on my back

But you won’t find me looking back
For that baggage could very well contain enemies
But it is also full of memories

I wouldn’t trade
Of what I have become and been made
And if the future is unsure
Learned one thing from my past that is to endure

I guess I should say what it is all about

Only a two-word answer watch out
Cause I am going for even more
And know exactly what for

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Everyone has something that they are needing

The fires of desires just waiting for their feeding
You can be led with the fires doing all the leading
All depends on what you are reading

Words on a page are like magic to the mind

Images created there are only yours to find
Stories written for you to see unsure what will be
Like some mystery leaving you in fantasy

For the author he is never the star

It is not hard to see who they are
For what the reader and characters share
Is often not what the author left written there

No book or work can survive without the three

Author character or reader without a book can’t be
Without any possible exclusion
But what magic is there with their fusion

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I’d rather be drinking

Without any thoughts nor any thinking
A dream for me and myself
On an island passed the continental shelf

Of course a cat would be good company to keep

No need for conversation as talk is cheap
Then again if it was something you could do
Then of course you could come too

I know the place

From memory I can trace
I’ve told you of where before
A quiet place with only the sounds of a shore

I want no stories to be told

Just want my heart to warm since it grew cold
Gaining a sense of balance
That seems to require some form of distance

Probably would sit there longer than I should

Just a fantasy so doesn’t matter if I’m good
To carry each other home when we’re done
Might be just the right amount of fun

Only a dream and to dream I will

Not really dreaming only for a thrill
Escape may not be for today
At least there is a plan to get away

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When there is longing

That is where there is true belonging
And you can be sure
You won’t know it until one second before

It all becomes more complicated

But felt it would be better if you waited
Never know what you would find
Forgetting what you might leave behind

One more game to play one more thing to say

It always seems to go this way
What you did or what you had done
At the time only seen as being fun

Now it is never the wrong thing

Except to fail to admit longing
Keep it there in your mind
What you miss you may find

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I have a challenge to make

It might be a little bit of bait but I’m not on the take
In a sense it could be thrilling
What do you say are you willing

All I need is your hand

Held for a long moment then you’ll understand
For you see what it does
Is just what the challenge was

Not some kind of conscious spell

But the mind has its own way to tell
And sometimes all it takes to reveal
Is a few uncomfortable moments to feel

As I said there may be a bit of bait

But what there is you can’t debate
I told you that there would be a thrill
As I see you’re holding my hand there still

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What does he do this for

Am sure more than once has been asked before
The answer might make you uncomfortable
That is if you are good and able

I might not know what lays in store

But alone I’ll probably evermore
Certainly not complaining
This way so much more I am forever gaining

When a lover is needed

Things of course can get heated
But with heat you must concede
It’s easy to be led when you were supposed to lead

So what do I do this for

Certainly not to or keep score
All for a smile from those I have or have not met
If I achieve that I cannot have a single regret

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I won’t tell you why

Would hate to have you sit there and cry
Some rules do still apply
Rather not tell than to have to lie

I know that you care

But would rather keep some memories back there
There are things in life not meant to share
Believe me when I say some pain I wish to spare

Please don’t confuse

With the words or ideas I use
Wouldn’t want anyone to walk in my shoes
Fate never gave me the chance to choose

If a bit of the darkness shows

As like the tide in and out it goes
Context will change I suppose
As if to just keep you on your toes

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With no need for pleasant overtures

What’s not mine may not be yours
But when away from the crowd
It could be then time to play it out loud

When the action starts

Each should know their parts
Just in case if you forget what to do
I’m at the ready to give some help to you

Might be more than a hand

But you’re a quick learner I understand
So it shouldn’t take too long
To make it right from what you thought was wrong

When the overture plays for the last time

And gone are the thoughts much like this rhyme
Could all be based on realities or lies
Or maybe just expectations whatever that implies

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There is work to be done

And it seemed Rabbit was the only one
Who believe that he alone cared
That the work should be shared

No time for play

Not with all to do today
When he came upon Pooh
Just laying there seeming to have nothing to do

Pooh for crying out loud

How are you laying there staring at a cloud
There’s work to be done
Time is not now for having fun

Pooh looked at Rabbit and smiled

And started to say something wild
Rabbit life is all work that is never completed
Sometimes a little fun is exactly what is needed

Pooh I don’t know how you live

To your chore a care you don’t give
Get up and get on with it
All Pooh could say oh Rabbit

Work is your business

Mine is chasing happiness
And I’m doing my chores
Just like you are doing yours

Cont.
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Cont.

Rabbit frowned and guessed

He had no time for this as his time was pressed
But as he went off on his way
Over his shoulder he heard Pooh say

What is important work you chose

But for anyone who knows knows
Love is the most important it always shows
And from happiness love always grows

Rabbit was very bothered now

And Pooh even happier somehow
Rabbit thought and discovered beaten was he
Lying next to Pooh what in the cloud do you see

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Now I know I should not

But it is not as you thought
Always better a little pleasure to give
So as it is a better way to live

Don’t even care if nothing is wanted from me

This is how I cannot refuse to be
I have given a smile once before
So why not try again once more

Even if only to motivate

There are some things that other can’t relate
But for all it seems true
Only as if they knew who was me and you

If you need a smile here’s one to take

If that doesn’t fit an alternative I can make
But still never think it a shame
I know I’m for you and you for me just the same

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Pooh came across Piglet one day

Who seemed to be in a bit of a bad way
This made Pooh happy that he came along
Piglet what is wrong

Piglet sat there teary eyed

Wiping away the tears he already cried
Pooh Piglet said right now
I don’t feel right somehow

Pooh sat and listened to Piglet’s fears

Offering a tissue to wipe away his tears
Then Pooh said Piglet that’s too bad
To have all those feelings you’ve had

Pooh do you ever feel the same

Oh yes Piglet and it’s not a shame
And the only thing that you can depend
The only fix is the shoulder of a friend

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How about we play let’s make a deal

I’ll show you if you show me what you feel
If you never played doctor before
Then this might seem a bit strange for sure

Now this isn’t an invitation

For that kind of exploration
No this game is to be spoken
Though should there be an offer I am always open

No thoughts dreams fears and the like to know

Is what I really want to show
A conversation of the deepest kind
The uncomfortable nakedness of the mind

Sharing a long heartfelt chat

What could be better than that
I know you may think something better I could
But in all honesty nothing ever really would

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Fun nasty fun the girls can do it too

I know where that line comes from do you
If you don’t that’s alright
Sometimes it’s just me who remembers a night

Without any pretense

Stop Making Sense
Remember when we watched it
To this day I still listen to it quite a bit

Maybe something more

Than just a movie for sure
As the music played
Another memory to be made

Have it on right now

Feeling sentimental somehow
But Stop Making Sense
Is more of an excuse and not a defense

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Just thought I would warn ya

Coming around the corner is some karma
Can’t tell if worry you should
All depends if you’d been bad or good

Now I know you couldn’t have been that bad

Even if there was a little fun to be had
Chances of course should have decreased
Because your being bad is always so good at least

Worrying about karma coming

Is just something else of a dumb thing
No no need to worry for
You couldn’t have done any harm before

Then again worry maybe you should

If you thought like me it would be understood
Whatever karma brought you could bet
You’ve never experienced anything like that yet

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Now I thought you might need a lift

Don’t ask how it may just be a gift
It comes so easily indeed
Just feel it when someone is in need

Seems like a foolish way to live

Walking around with words in my head to give
If I had half a brain
I would just catch some different train

But that wouldn’t be right

To give up and just say goodnight
No I have a job to do
And do it well I think that is something you knew

For dreaming I might be wrong

But it has kept me going for so long
The next few lines you would never have guessed
Read them carefully for you’ll be impressed

A smile on your face is so beautiful

To put one there I hope always to be successful
Just so you know how I measure my success
Is all based on your happiness

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I have spent fifty years

Full of laughter and tears
And I’d spend fifty more
Without knowing what for

But that is certainly not true

I still have a thing or two to do
With all the times the dice have been rolled
Sometimes for what will never be told

No I’ll keep a few secrets

And throw away all those regrets
But I will keep but one
The regret from which I cannot run

For fifty years I have held a name

And fifty more will be the same
What comes in between
Is only left to be seen

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It may all seem peculiar

That all things are circular
Whatever lost or found
As it goes it’s sure to come back around

For me I never forget

What I haven’t got I am sure to get
Still I always have what is mine
And that in itself is completely fine

What I have always inspires

Some flames still become fires
Could have stop dropped and rolled
The fires might not go out but I wouldn’t be cold

Round and round we’ll go

Where it stops we’ll never know
If I say it once I’ll say it again and again
If you’d like I’d love another spin

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Now just pay attention

In the way that I always do
There’s no need to mention
There’s something special between me and you

A future travelling companion

Without any traveling planned
No wishes to be abandoned
All can be answered at your command

Might be a while before we get there

Before we start to get going
To answer the question of where
One thing we should be knowing

Don’t get me wrong I’m not provoking

Not saying no I haven’t tried
Still I am not joking
Better to have you by my side

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Me myself and I
Sitting there at the bar
The three asking each other why
How did we get here and why we are

Myself did insinuate

Doesn’t it already show
But I can’t insulate
Us from what we already know

Me had a better answer to give

You know us very well
This is just how we live
And all becomes another story to tell

Talking to you two is never any good

I had better idea of what to do
Wander away if I could
Think it would be much better talking to you

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Maybe an explanation
Would cause me some damnation
Believing what is shown
Is not better than being unknown

But unknown nothing should be

I’ve laid it all out for all to see
And now to explain
Would leave me with nothing to gain

Sometimes I leave it to investigation

To why there is so much hesitation
Or maybe there is nothing to see here
Hard to get over that fear

When it comes down to it

Answers to the questions somehow just do fit
It may always remain invisible
But may never to be indivisible

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What you once thought were only words on a page

Not knowing they were there to depict
What could be happing at some stage
Yes all the time it really was actually a script

Can’t be a history because it hasn’t happened yet

Maybe someday it will be called by that name
Leaving a lot open to interpret
All the while meaning all the same

The hardest part of it all

Or easiest is being part of the cast
For you see it has been an open call
Although saving the best for last

Might we make history or just act out a play

It is not like we ever had a choice
But what is this I couldn’t hear you say
Guess somehow you need to raise your voice

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Some may be wondering where is the Katt

What has he been up to or where is he at
He hasn’t really been away
Just hasn’t felt like anyone wanted to play

He and I might not be the same

I think things through and he’s always game
But I won’t ever pretend
I don’t call him a friend

He gets me to do what I thought I couldn’t do

Maybe not always so comfortable to the likes of you
But could you imagine if I didn’t keep him in check
Now that would have truly had been a wreck

Now of course what has been done

As the Katt and I are still one
He may like to get in trouble
I am the same but a little more subtle

I put him to bed

Whether in my heart or in my head
But if you’re looking for a little sin
He’ll wake up and be all in

Whatever the decision

Can you truly envision
There is nothing to fake
When the Katt is awake

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You can call it crazy yes that might be it

Very little control but a whole lot of wit
So before I take my bow and have to leave
Guess the whole point is to make you believe

Belief is sometimes hard to come by

Especially when you are always asking why
When you are believing something else of course
To change a mind does require the use of force

With all the magic all around us

Even if there is no visible purpose
Again once more what is that magic for
But that is for you to choose either or

Life may have a lot to give

But one never knows until they start to live
Could it be going after what you crave
Or being smart enough to see what you should save

It’s your life and you know best

I am only speaking to the rest
What maybe right I couldn’t tell
Trying to figure that out for myself as well

One thing I may know better than you

Not telling but will give a clue
Better be quick and catch me as soon as you can
Can’t say how long I’ll be playing that man

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Yeah I see that hole I dug

Yes it is pretty deep
But don’t sit there looking so smug
Holes are only shallow when talk is cheap

Sparks flew during those first talks

And that’s when I started to dig
Of course there were a few rocks
So I knew it had to be just so big

Hasn’t been all that long

Only a few years
Whether right or wrong
Being still here deserves a few cheers

Maybe a little too deep and wide

What else would you expect me to do
Why come and join me inside
For this hole is made for two

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There’s always room for disagreements

They need not be indestructible impediments
Remember there is something about a castle wall
That makes one always wish to make it fall

May only seem like challenges or chances

With no retreats only forward advances
Might only have to laugh when we look back
Wow it took some time but there finally was a crack

What a sight will be seen

When there is nothing then to be between
All that is needed is some clowning around
Once those walls come tumbling down

Must be careful when the bubble does burst

Waiting to see who’ll say it first
Wasn’t expecting this did you
Guess it just seemed like the right thing to do

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How did I get here

And why did it take so long
Guess some of it all isn’t so clear
But I guess I’m where I belong

Before I have been prone

To do a little more than roam
But all those places were only to be on loan
You can only have one home

Can’t say I’m back to where it began

Maybe a little further south
It could just be part of a bigger plan
Rumors are not only spread by the word of mouth

A reason to stay I might not need

A place grows on you in such a way
Or maybe I lied and have a reason indeed
But I bet you were guessing that’s what I’d say

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What you see is what you get

But what you get is now snuggled under a blanket
Way too cold outside
So quietly here I will hide

Snuggle is such an interesting word

Thought a little earlier before I heard
One days like these it might be as one does
For the cold to avoid as it was

Either way it is kept in a memory instead

A reply never to be said but still maybe read
Somethings need not a voice
When there is no question of choice

On a better night
I would have taken flight
I know very well what I’d run off for
Snuggling by a fire is too good of an offer

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Had a glimmer in my eye

So thought I’d give it a wholesome try
Maybe a story more stretched than true
Still in the end maybe I can get you glimmering too

It might take the entire duration

And maybe a little feeling of desperation
Not really much of a trickster
But am willing to add that to the mixture

Why should a glimmer be so hard to come by

When charm is so easy to apply
But wait the moment has not passed
Guess maybe it was meant to last

And a glimmer will come

Maybe we will never know where from
But in the end we know what a glimmer does do
Wait now do I see a glimmer too

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Wow now look at that weather forecast

Luckily around here that chill won’t last
Here’s an invite to come inside
A better place from the chill to hide
Have a few ideas how our time could be passed

Come enjoy a welcome toast

But first off with those hats and coats
All good nights start with a little difference
And that lovely atmosphere of suspense
If you’re feeling it be sure to congratulate your host

Forgetting about the cold and rain

Such things thoughts should refrain
Fires can warm so it can be told
Warmer still if you’d like hold
Now I see that warm smile again

Of course the chill won’t last long

But since we are where we belong
There are some inside games to be played
You won’t wonder why you stayed
Should have been done all along

With any others never to share

Let them search here and there
What they don’t know
Won’t hurt them so
A chill never bothered a pair

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We all see things differently

It is all a matter of perspective
Somethings in life are inherently
Real to the observer and never deceptive

Right or wrong only exists from a point of view

But when taken with the right observation
What was thought may not be what you knew
And thus the source of a great conversation

Those who know it would never shock

For every belief the one who believes is invested
And what he believes is not just a matter for a talk
Opening the chance to be questioned and bested

But what exactly is the truth

It is when you find a balance where
What are you told is not the only proof
when a question is more important than an answer

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The truth is hard

Now don’t come to me and play that card
The truth you’ll never get
For you to know isn’t even known yet

Everything can change at a moment’s notice

No problem with that that’s how it is
The truth only happens when
The future and the present decided it’s time then

Didn’t you ever change your mind

After you did what did you find
The truth you thought before was now fake
For ourselves the truth we always make

It works for me and it works for you

From some point though it all must ensue
What’s true for you is true for me
And what a discussion there could be

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There are two versions

Each are equally diversions
Until yours in there in your hand
Just know all the rest is left unplanned

What is he up to
Thinking of few things but maybe one or two
That I’ll leave there on the pages
Just so they will be there for the ages

Not much else a poet can do

Other than leave a word or two
for as long as the ink doesn’t fade
all can see what was created but not made

So read carefully down the lines

For there within their confines
Along with the words something else does exist
Careful now or it could be missed

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Just wait for the surge

Allowing my mind to finally purge
All it has left there to be said
Which is nothing like what’s left to be read

Feeling like it’s time for some ideas to lead

Or maybe someone else’s wishes to take heed
But still it seems I’m not done
Can always find another one

There they are just brewing

Or better yet stewing
Waiting to get out
And explain what this is all about

The day I am through

That day may come you know it too
I still would want to say more
Like I haven’t before

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Standing there in the doorway

Think of what I should say
But in that dim light
All that came out was good night

Maybe it was only for a bit of fright

Of saying something that wouldn’t be alright
Of course I probably could
And of course probably would

Some other gesture I could have made

But there were no games to be played
Then again I wasn’t the only one who wouldn’t play
Out of her was no mention of the word stay

Not that I wanted those walls to fall

And to change it all
So in just a better place
To walk away seeing her face

That’s how it goes

Time only allows what it shows
Like a fool I’ll we’ll see
And like a fool I’ll stand with what will be will be

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As one is as one does

As one should be as one was
Simple words to their best
As if they beautifully dressed

They can come between

Being known or left unseen
Still always there
Always at the ready should one does care

But what there is in the knowing

More than sweet nothings to be bestowing
But what if they are not read
They wouldn’t lead where they are meant to be led

Always left in plain sight

They might do if they might
Or maybe just because
They do what one does

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 Need I Say More?

This may be now different

Still said with love but a new intent
One may get most but still some to be lent
And for this it is all meant

Something to keep in mind my dear readers

Beware of those who call themselves leaders
Men are only men lest we forget
And history always repeats though we regret

It can never be understated

Better called a fool than indoctrinated
A fool I may always be
But at least this fool’s mind is always free

Neither side do I care

For upon my chest no symbol do I wear
And those who decry liberty
Do you really know what it means to be free

Now I don’t care what have got

Or how you made the whole lot
Wealth and success are truly fine
As long as you don’t try to steal mine

I don’t care of your political view

Except that it may say a lot about you
Just to me don’t speak always on cue
The party lines are nothing new

Cont.
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 Need I Say More?

Cont.

Now great leader

For me there’s no need here
Even if under the gun
I will follow no one

It seems that all leaders are made

When self for humanity they trade
But how it is the rest of humanity
Should allow one to cause such calamity

Unlike most people

There is no Christ atop my steeple
No faith causes me to believe
Faith too often only serves to deceive

No not any antichrist nor an anarchist

Or any other label on any list
For labels are meant for only a fool to name
With only forgetting in the end we are all the same

As it is with a thought
Right or wrong either I am not
No only a better human to be
When his thoughts are truly free

Now what was all that

Only thinking of where we are at
History is only there for support
When memories become too short

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 Need I Say More?

Not as if any feeling were to return

Nor am I looking at life with scorn
Things are still left to learn
Like why is that welcome mat not worn

Always looking for a humorous side

For my mistakes I am not seeking a correction
Maybe spent to much time since I’ve tried
Humor can’t take away the fear of rejection

It certainly won’t make the news

Not that I would ever want it to
Wouldn’t want to give the gossips something to use
Not that it could be anything less than true

A little tongue wagging is fine I guess

Sometimes it has a way of opening doors
How from a welcome mat did I digress
Guess I stopped thinking of mine but of yours

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 Need I Say More?

Heaven sent and Devil’s bent

A long time ago that’s what I said
Never explaining what it meant
Just left it there to be read

Could say it once more

Can’t really have me to blame
Just like it did before
It means just about the same

Tortured as if out in the cold

At the same time inside warm as hell
Which I prefer need not be told
If you don’t know I won’t tell

Heaven sent is from where comes the chill

Devil’s bent creates the fantasy
A perfect woman to be created is certain still
Only that woman could be the last of me

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 Need I Say More?

You know I don’t mind a stalker

As long as they are a talker
Go ahead watch everything that I do
May then you may know who is who

For the rest just might not know

And only a little stalking will it all show
Do so like to keep my cards close to my chest
Even though that’s not where my hands like best

Maybe a little cheekiness has come back

Knew there was something this book did lack
The last page wasn’t wrong
Nothing beats when a fantasy comes along

Even if still waiting

Even the waiting I am not hating
For some God knows what reason even this teasing
I find to be rather pleasing

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 Need I Say More?

When all of these are being read

If only see you face showing what’s in your head
For me it’s not for what comes after
Though I hope to hear only laughter

Maybe that’s what it is all for

Then again maybe more
But truly all that matters
Is the hope this truly flatters

But still it’s not just fluff

Though maybe that title would be enough
If that is what you want to believe
That is all you can perceive

Go on writing I will
As long as I have books I need to fill
Never a question of what for
No need to ask no no need for sure

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 Need I Say More?

Well now aren’t you looking good

Of course shouldn’t be a surprise
If you only understood
What it means to see without your eyes

Or maybe it’s just my mind

That sees you best
Although not all is found but wouldn’t mind to find
What it would be to see the rest

Oh what a fantastic view

Not a great surprise for me
I’ve seen quite a few
You know what they call fantasy

What I may see can be suspected

Such things in time become so familiar
Who could have expected
But there you are

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 Need I Say More?

I myself find no need to defend

Nor do I ever think to pretend
That I would recommend
Anything different than a friend

But more than friends of course we’ll be

The truth sometimes comes so simply
And fate moves through life so gracefully
Creating the lack of another possibility

There is no guide
Nor rules to abide
Could just wait for things to subside
Although I prefer other solutions to be applied

But that all could just be all crap

A little word salad trap
Might get me a slap
Wouldn’t it be better here in my lap

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Why not hesitate

No reason to rush when there is time to wait
As here I live with the imagery
Some imagination combined with memory

Some good and some not so bad

Still nothing like the fun that is still yet to be had
Chances not to be missed don’t be confused
If forever missed I won’t be amused

Hesitation may take some patience

Like a mystery with that delicious suspense
Don’t mind even a drought
If I’m sure what will come about

Without I may be withstanding

But never will you find me demanding
For when you live without a demand
Fate’s reasons you’ll finally understand

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 Need I Say More?

Oh bother and at an instant I knew

Around the corner was the Pooh
I found him on the bridge as he let out a moan
And instantly I recognized the tone
Why Pooh are you playing all alone
He let out another sigh and said
All my friends had other things to do instead
Too much work to do
And no time to play with Pooh
I have work to do too
but I will play with you
My work may never be done
But to do it I need to also have some fun
You don’t mind if I stayed
You could show me how this is played
Pooh sticks is the game
Win or lose it is just the same
Then Pooh stopped as his curiosity grew
What kind of work do you do
That allows you to take time out and play with Pooh
Oh Pooh I play with magic
It is really only the one trick
Like pulling it out of thin air
I make a smile be where one wasn’t there
You know where frowns were before
Pooh looked puzzled please tell me more
Well I play with words and there are plenty
And I put them together oh so gently
And before you know it a smile comes around
Even where you never thought one would be found
What a wonderful thing to be Pooh said excitedly
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 Need I Say More?

But how can you take time out and play with Pooh
When you have such an important thing to do
As strange as it may sound
But sometimes for myself a smile must be found
And nothing better would do
Than being here playing with you
Quietly then we played for ours
And this game of his became ours
Thank you for playing
He said and also just for staying
Sometimes smiles are hard to come by
No matter how hard you try
That is certainly true
And why I do what I do
And that’s why I came to find you
From myself one I couldn’t take
So I need your help for one to make
Goodbye Pooh all I can say is what a day
And I hope again we get to play
And we both walked away
In the happiest sort of way
As I did for Pooh
I hope a smile I gave to you

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 Need I Say More?

Now I have written a lot

And there is so much more that I’ve got
Guess I am on quite a track
But still not a word do I take back

It may seem that I am leaning

With what I may be meaning
Still something seems different
As it goes with intent

Won’t let it all show

As if it is all need to know
But know I am sure you do
For as always it pertains to you

But when light does come

One has to know where from
Question is one and done
Or done in one

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 Need I Say More?

With all the fun that is to be had

Don’t care if I have it all or just a tad
I wouldn’t trade
If even the slightest bit was to be made

Even if some pain comes along

I know I will continue to stand strong
Each has a place you know that’s true
Joy or sorrow being there is nothing new

Between there may be some gaps

And if we could perhaps
No matter how big or how small
We could only share it all

Like some strange kind of family

Members of which we all can be
As you know I’ll be there for you
I can be sure you’re there for me too

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 Need I Say More?

When a chance comes to show my humorous side

That moment you know I can’t hide
Forgive me if you don’t understand what is implied
Don’t know how to be clearer even though I tried

It is none of my business
Won’t affect any of my happiness
Doesn’t matter I’ll still go on like so
Even if you don’t want to believe what you know

Could simply try to make you blush

Making you think this is some kind of crush
Or better yet only a feeling of perfect lust
May be that simple depends on who you trust

I’ll let your mind paint the picture

And words can color the mixture
They do have such a way
Of putting ideas there on display

Would certainly be a bit colorful

And of course more than a bit playful
Beautiful but with one question as it were
How can I really be her

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 Need I Say More?

If only a smile I was looking for

Need I say more
If it wasn’t for all you’ve got
I guess say any less I could not

When we look back

All we’ll see is what we never did lack
For even in the worst of times
Being special was always left here in the rhymes

I won’t end it here being daunted

There is no ending to being wanted
I know how it is to being so inspired
But will always wonder how it feels being so desired

That question needs no answer

As long as you remain her
And I won’t question like I ever have before
No I guess there is so much more in store

There may be no words defining

How sometimes lives just have a way of combining
And since we are not even close to being through
Need I say more why yes yes I do

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Funny thing about shadows

Closer to the light and the shadow grows
As so it seems
The same happens when closer to dreams

Behind me may not be any shadow giant

But you won’t find me the least bit defiant
There will be a day when you realize
All that matters is the view from her eyes

Growing ever still

Hoping at least I always will
Until the only giant to be
Is the littlest giant known as me

For too long I have been like an elf

Sitting there on a shelf
But the growing number of books
Is certainly gaining a few more looks

But since now in the books we find ourselves

Feel free to join me on the shelves
Better to find out don’t you know
How two giants together can grow

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 Need I Say More?

What is normal was it normal before

Can’t remember normal how can we be sure
Will it ever get better after all that has happened
Not asking for myself asking for a friend

I remember my childhood remember it well

Seemed easy to have fun oh the stories I could tell
Why now do we have to pretend
Not asking for myself asking for a friend

Things were so simple if I have to remind

Now you can’t avoid crazy even if you’re blind
Why do I hear oneself always needing to defend
Not asking for myself asking for a friend

Everything changed so quickly so damn fast

Hope it turns back again after all this has passed
All these questions are causing my head to shake
Don’t you know the future is ours to make

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 Need I Say More?

Think I might just change mt state of mind

Never know until you try what you might find
Not really only a change of state
No I am in the mood to create

What was there in the past I am going to get past

It was what it was and all things aren’t meant to last
What’s done is done and I’m moving on
Enjoying what comes next until that too is gone

For all my future tales

I will forge brand new trails
Wouldn’t it be grand
If it went all as planned

Fate and chance are strange bedfellows

It not known it sure shows
Of course I have no shame
Some bedfellows will remain the same

It may be just my circumstances

That is making want to take some chances
Of course it also may be just a blur
Then again did you not see her

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 Need I Say More?

Cute as a button
Oh didn’t that come on all of a sudden
But there I went and said it
Sometimes I have a heart instead of wit

But sometimes it’s the heart that truly matters

For it’s not the mind but the heart that flatters
Time may only tell
That what I wished I knew so well

Maybe left for chances to be taken

But none there left forsaken
But what is left to claim
Still yet to have a name

But when all is said and done

I’m sure there will be one
But for now I guess it will do
I’ll just stick with calling it you

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 Need I Say More?

Grace is gone
But the race continues on
This must be the right place
Cause all I see is a smile on that face

Not really much of a sinner

Nor is it me that calls himself the winner
But a challenge I am always up to
Let's just day it's something I do

Heaven can wait

Still have so much on my plate
Even if it all comes down to fate
I am sure I am available for a date

The words may all seem a bit worn

Can't blame me that's how I was born
Someday I might be what all the rage is
Mixed with a bit of you on the pages

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 Need I Say More?

Look now all those wanting more

Then again it was the same before
Actually maybe even less
As there is actually less now I guess

For me give me a drink and a smoke

And maybe a little honey with who I can joke
Not asking for all that much
Still seems more than I get as such

It is not for me to seek treasures

I am more interested in simple pleasures
Wealth and power are boring
Dreams I'd rather be exploring

But my dreams may a different sort

Before my time comes up short
I'll have a chance to have some fun
To dream that dream yes you know the one

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 Need I Say More?

I could be in my prime
I could have more time
Could have has never impressed
Or ever beat out any of the rest

Going on until I'm on top

Worry not I won't stop
There is too much to win
Even should my chances be thin

Chasing dreams
Is as it is or so it seems
Not a bad job if you can get it
Still chances are I may regret it

Some call it fortunate

But they don't know it yet
Trying to reach for the stars
Leave you only with a collection of scars

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 Need I Say More?

What you see is what you get

But don't open your eyes just yet
Who knew it would be this hard
While you play that last card

Now get your mind out of the gutter

Should be said or at least to mutter
Nothing is done if there nothing to confess
Don't tell me your thoughts let me guess

So many ways to have fun

Even when you are the only one
Look at me having a whale of a time
Let those alarm bells chime

Not one who brags

But look at all my red flags
But still I carry a white one too
Maybe by chance so do you

May not be my choosing

But don't feel like losing
Even if I am sure to lose
making it so damn hard for you to choose

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 Need I Say More?

One to many
Better than not to have any
And with all that you've got
I'll have to be offering more than a lot

May just give it all

Sounds like that would be such a ball
Nothing beats a little excitement
At least to some extent

There'll be no deflating
Something big I am creating
Leave it to chance and chance discovers
What was hidden there under those covers

I see you there struggling with my meaning

It can be a bit puzzling but I'm leaning
Towards what was truly meant
By time never better spent

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 Need I Say More?

Sticks and stones are nothing you see

But sighs and moans are the end of me
Haven't heard any in quite a while
But still can find my smile

Those days aren't gone I'm sure

Who knows what may be in store
Hope I'll still be hearing
When they start reappearing

Won't give in to pretenses

While I still have use of my senses
When they're gone I have no doubt
What my mind may just think about

Without medication
There is no indication
What's missing has had much of an effect
But fixing that problem and I'd be perfect

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 Need I Say More?

There's a girl who knows

What to choose but never chose
What did this girl want to get
Guess we'll have to wait as it's not known yet

She said to him I know I am teasing you

But don't you find it a bit pleasing too
It does seem a little wrong
But since you're play along

Oh my dear you tease sure that's true

But I am guessing you never knew
Tease yes you do that a lot
But every time a little closer you got

With all that is pleasure and pain

Behind it all is even more to gain
Don't believe me wait and see
Eventually in my arms you'll be

She looked at him and he at her

And it all became just so sure
What was once only a game
Sure enough sparked a flame

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 Need I Say More?

Love me
What a beautiful question that can be
But saddest it can be too
If the answer is not true

Never asked the question before

Probably never will to be sure
I believe more in reflection
And no words can compete with perfection

If you find yourself who asks

Something already lacks
For if already you didn't know
No answer is ever going to show

Love me you know I do

Sometimes a reflex you know it's true
But what you can't disguise
If when you answer with your eyes

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 Need I Say More?

I’m not after any holy grail

If I was that I’m sure I’d fail
But there are objects of value
Of which you never knew

Such a treasure has for it stories told

Not unseen but seldom something to hold
And as luck would have it there is no price
Nothing of worth would ever suffice

Contained is every pleasure you could dream of

Nothing more in this world could you love
How could not want to obtain
That which all that is said to contain

Now I won’t be the one to tell

For you knew just as well
What oh what could it be
You’ll just have to open your eyes and see

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 Need I Say More?

Those who know what they know is

The days are not all wine and roses
Nor is chocolates or candy
Not all of life is all that fine and dandy

Not saying it’s all bad

Nor is enjoying things only just a fad
There are times when the wine is for
And times when roses don’t work any more

This is when there needs to be a balance

Good and bad each to have an allowance
It really isn’t all that hard to be just there
Better to leave everything to equally share

On sunny days some storms can come to blow

But without a little rain nothing beautiful does grow
Best to give some time for the roses to smell
And go right ahead and open the wine as well

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 Need I Say More?

I believe in a perfect life

As much as I do a perfect wife
Don’t get me wrong
Would change my mind if either came along

Dreams have been fractured but not broken

And I carry them around as a token
As a reminder of better things
And what a price that dreaming brings

Not all that sad nor distraught

Much less than you would have thought
After going through what I have gone through
Not yet getting to where I am going to

There might be a grand benefit

Would have been better is I hadn’t gone through it
Still have hopes that one day
I’ll be able to say that I am better than okay

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 Need I Say More?

Getting close to the back end

What do you think of that my dear friend
Has it been a month already
Guess I have been moving on quite steady

Having a lot to say

Isn’t just a way to keep the wolves at bay
No I have found
They keep stalking around

Never give them any mind

They can’t bother if you don’t look behind
None in front cause I see no tracks
Not a secret if you know the facts

Still in this game I play

Facts what are they
There’s no value of any truth
If you are always lacking any proof

Proof is part of the game that is controlled

No bets no dice to be rolled
All so what could be can be
No matter what it is you want to see

I might be off base

As I see you there with that face
Think of it this way if you can
He is more than that man

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 Need I Say More?

I don’t like to take anything off the table

So some ideas will stay as long as they are able
They need not all come to fruition
As you know there is no true mission

There is some kind of beauty

That goes along with uncertainty
Curiosity keeps the table truly full
With treats there so seemingly beautiful

Some are of course just off chances

Not worthy of serious advances
The ones that are true stand out from the rest
And those of course are probably best

A waste perhaps would be if not a taste

As there is no risk since there they have been placed
Not saying all should surely be done
But maybe trying is not so bad if only one

The card that bears your name marks your place

It’s next to mine if you hadn’t seen it just in case
And with all that is laid out there
Guess it’s more than a meal we are to share

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 Need I Say More?

What at once seemed appalling

Can someday seem oh just so enthralling
That’s how it goes
Somehow it is only the change of season that shows

In my younger days
I had certain ways
Certain kinds of habits
But now they don’t seem to fit

Challenges have very little worth anymore

Now you could think that would make me a bore
But I don’t think it does
Know the results of how it was

Now only a drink or two and a conversation

Is my only accepted invitation
And if you think that is boring
You know nothing about exploring

No now I’ll take it slow

Nowhere really left to go
Am done with doing things faster
Had enough of flirting with disaster

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Oh my God we’re nearing the end

All that’s left is to hit send
Thank God I know what to do
And what next will ensue

Thankfully there have been no altercations

And those hideous insinuations
Although with those come flirtations
And endless invitations

Being behind closed doors I suppose

Is why there have been not many of those
Just wait till those doors open again
Oh the trouble I am ready to get in

Almost scary to be at the point I’m at

Never know what may come of that
But what you never know
Can ever hurt you so

There’s no danger in these visions

Just following some ambitions
Only if time allows you heard that at the start
And all that follows was only a matter for the heart

179
 About the Author

L.J. Valente grew up in Natick, Massachusetts. He

attended Vanderbilt University School of
Engineering. It was there that he began writing and
left shortly after to pursue a writing career. After
drifting around the US for several years, he found
himself for 16 years living on the Aegean coast of
Turkey. While in Turkey, he wrote for
Cosmopolitan Magazine Turkey and worked as a
translation editor for several publishing houses. In
2014, he returned to the United States and in 2015,
he returned to literature. Since then he has
published 23 collections of poetry and three
collections of short stories. He currently lives in
Okatie, South Carolina.