Roots
E Pluribus Unum
Each July of every year,
We band together in good cheer.
Under God, in whom we trust,
We celebrate and honor us.
A people that have come together,
And proved no storm we cannot weather.
In spite of differences, in spite of doubt,
Our hearty spirit we do tout.
Though called a land of liberty,
Perhaps it isn’t always free.
This goal we have yet to reach,
Though it’s one we often teach.
But we know what has been done
Are achievements rivaling any one.
For a nation’s never made
Of government or grand parade.
Or even law of the land,
For only by the people’s hand
Can a nation truly rise,
And grow to such a wondrous size.
For people, not places, make the union,
And so are we, E Pluribus Unum.
Egypt Alive
Desert sands and hidden tombs,
Artwork found in every room.
Solemn statues and ancient tomes
Enough to rival the glory of Rome.
Animal gods of olden fables,
Pharaoh proud and no one able
To match the grandeur of its grace,
The mystery and magic of this place.
A land so proud even today
Egypt always has her way.
Local hearts do swell with pride
As merchants take the streets in stride.
Cotton, figs, and palms do grow
Along the Nile where riches sowed.
Fields for farms and Cairo’s towers,
The old pyramids still retain their power.
The wavering music of the Arabic tongue,
Hands in prayer, both old and young.
Pigeons cooked and Baklava sweet,
Hummus and tea are always a treat.
Skins are white and sometimes brown
Yet the same spirit can always be found.
Egypt, home to great and small,
Is alive in the hearts of all.
My California
Her rocky beaches, her misty coves,
Her deadly valleys where no one goes.
Her Spanish missions baked by the sun,
Her hidden haunts that spare no one.
Her bustling cities and blinking lights,
Her quiet farmlands, their peaceful nights.
Her grapes on vines, and ripened fruit,
Her boisterous films, and art to boot.
Her high-peaked mountains and snowy storms,
Her wild creatures in their gallant forms.
Her people of all shapes and sizes,
Her people, their effort, and their prizes.
Her beauty and grace none the world’s ever seen,
Her might and majesty a part of me.
Magic on the Mississippi
Crickets and cicadas sing,
Drowsy heron curls her wing.
Alligators slowly swim
As the moon does begin
Her journey through the starlit sky,
Wishing day-creatures goodbye.
They had their fun and drank their fill,
Now must give way to night’s cool spell.
As fireflies come out to greet,
Weary travelers Bayou's beauty meets.
Ocean's Arm
Ocean’s arm strokes the sand,
Caressing her with gentle hand.
Wiping footprints from her eye
Made beneath the sunny sky.
Night has fallen and just the two
May be in peace from me and you.
When moon is high and daily strife
Is over, they begin their life.
Their perfect union, their blessed binder,
Is, of nature’s joy, a sweet reminder.
The Swan
Swan swims
As a pool of moonlight
Is rippling behind.
In the Evening
Wind laughs in the trees
In the quiet of the evening;
The Moon is smiling.
Salutations
Pale as morning sky,
The pink rosebud unfolds to
Greet the smiling sun.
The Heron
White bird spreads its wing,
Neck elongated she flies
Against a blue sky.
Morning Dew
Droplets of water,
Gliding off a silver bough,
Splash into the pond.
Twilight
As blue fades to gray,
The boughs of trees are cracking.
An ancient wind moans.
