Author: gary adcock
Poetry
The proposal
put their favorite tape into the 8 track nervous as could be
'67' Mustang never sounded smoother as he turned the key
resting her head on his shoulder, life couldn't get any better
speakers thumping to the Box Tops belting out "The Letter"
going steady for two years now, he'd fallen head over heels
a ring hidden in his pocket he was wondering how she feels
in his head practicing the proposal, his heart began to race
she sang to the music as he pulled up to their favorite place
two teens stroll in silence along the shores of Crystal lake
on one knee he takes her hand, his voice begins to shake
he says the words "Marry me", those butterflies disappear
"yes" quickly escapes her mouth, this was music to his ear
today unplugging his life support he lay there with a smile
his children all by his side, his wife had been gone awhile...
Mini me
November 6th of '84" you came into our life
a beautiful baby boy cradled gently by my wife
with a wave of excitement, a heart filled with glee
I reached down and picked up a crying 'mini me'
on the drive to take you home I felt a little scared
responsible for a baby, wondering if I was prepared
but as I carried you in the house it was plain to see
I had fallen head over heels in love with 'mini me'
your first day of school came in the blink of an eye
walking hand in hand, both with our heads held high
stepping into your room I let go and you were free
oh how I missed not spending the day with 'mini me'
high school years rolled around hitting me on the chin
what happened to that little boy with that silly grin
you now had your buddies, was happy as can be
that's all a father can truly ask for from his "mini me"...
Free spirited woman
free spirit of the sixties, beliefs stood the test of time
lives among nature, escapes a world filled with crime
sixty happy years have passed in the blink of an eye
as this love child reminisces she can't help but cry
raised in a commune, they grew their own food
confronted by outsiders, many times misconstrued
peaceful young hippies most with long braided hair
sweet fragrance of flowers bringing life to the air
so many fond memories running through her head
woman proud of her past, the love they had spread
she still listens to music she loved from the past
prefers living in solitude wishes not to be harassed
no longer young on the outside, she doesn't care
free spirited soul brought a never ending love affair
when life gets too much and she needs to be freed
she withdraws to the garden, to tend to her weed
Love at first sight, the second time around
it was love at first sight, the second time around
for life is too short to let your feet hit the ground
when life gives you lemons you make lemonade
your soulmate is out there so don't you be afraid
it was love at first sight, the second time around
never quit searching until the right one is found
hearts can be mended if you stay in the game
if your first love ended it's no reason for shame
it was love at first sight, the second time around
never close love's door, let the trumpets sound
when a runner quits running they lose the race
when one feels fear then it's fear one must face
oh yes, love at first sight, the second time around
can make you feel like royalty wearing loves crown
some say you only go around once, that's not true
second time comes when you find mate number two!
Christmas memory
my brother and I lay wide awake
anticipation with each breath we take
a hint of Christmas fills the wintry air
each holiday a wonderful family affair
breaking the silence we hear a jingling noise
could it be the jolly fellow delivering our toys
sitting up in bed our excitement grows fast
how much longer can this "night before" last
two young boys were never meant to lie still
curiousity has overtaken our fast fainting will
we creep to the door to just take quick peeks
trying to keep quiet the old floor loudly creaks
mother appears, softly whispers "back to bed"
"too early for the arrival of the jolly man in red"
she tucks us back in, gently gives us a kiss
two young brothers believing Old Santa exists
such an old memory still plays fresh in my mind
Christmas season and brotherhood so intertwined
lo...
My enemy
they said you were back, I just dropped my head
want nothing to do with you, wish you were dead
my peaceful world ending, dealing with you again
you bring my life heartache as you did back then
first time we met left me fearing for my life
a sharp and evil presence, cutting like a knife
you fill my days with trepidation, my mind in a haze
overtook my confidence like a fire's hungry blaze
then you were gone, glorious day of independence
only through faith are we allowed this transcendence
there is no love in your world only total devastation
thriving on the innocent, to obtain perpetual alienation
they said you were back I just dropped my head
you best not be mistaken, don't you dare be misled
I will fight you with every fiber, refuse to live in fear
CANCER, my enemy, your end is hopefully near
The Oak Tree
The oak tree stood for many years, it's many stories yet untold
today we share it's historic past, great adventures will unfold
planted in the 1800's by a family that had bravely journeyed west
in honor of their lost daughter, in her name the tree was blessed
built a life on land they farmed, many hardships were endured
droughts common in these parts, crops could never be assured
years went by, wagons came, bringing both harmony and strife
the mighty oak slowly grew watching a new town spring to life
over a span of eighty years this small town turns into a city
underneath the mighty oak hippy's form a protest committee
"make love not war" shouted loud, peace signs seen everywhere
police arrive to intervene, the stench of teargas soon hits the air
now to the present day the mighty oak begins to show it's age
so much history it has seen, a bo...
Darkness falls
When darkness falls and all is silent fears begin to rise
broken promises, shattered past, one's guilt never dies
endless pain self inflicted like a dagger's twisted blade
false confidence once portrayed lost as daylight begins to fade
heart pounding rapidly like swelling waves crashing upon shore
haunting voices scream at me, silhouettes appear at my door
I clench my eyes, scream out loud, "please just go away"
but taunting laughter fills the air, sanity begins to sway
politicians say the war is over, in my head it never ends
what once was a peaceful world lost in life's chilling winds
nighttime engulfs deep memories of comrades laying silent
young men and women lost forever in a distant land so violent
darkness yields to a brand new day, fears must be put to rest
family and friends to never know of these evils once confessed
standing stron...
Reflection
The man behind the mirror asked to talk to me today
his troubled face made me listen to what he had to say
harsh words that were whispered came as no surprise
guilty tears slowly filled my dark and hollowed eyes
“ I am but a reflection of the life you choose to live"
"I have no control of us but this advise I wish to give”
"the choices you have made are a path to our slow death"
"yet I remain by your side until we draw our final breath”
reality hit me in the face, my life had to somehow change
all the things I loved suddenly appeared to be quite strange
I stared down at a half full glass of my favorite evening drink
clutched it firmly in my hand and poured it down the sink
finally a new beginning, a life filled with trust and love
every morning I wake up blessed to thank my God above
a reflection in a mirror of a man tha...
As the shadows fall
As the shadows fall life’s light begins to fade
reflections of our past, all choices we have made
an aging mind takes a stroll down life’s memory lane
emotions felt in our heart both happiness and pain
our childhood comes to life playing with our friends
no worries in the world, all smiles as each day ends
we see our mom and dad, the love they gladly shared
with loving hands sheltering us, never being scared
teenage years now appear as if just yesterday
our world begins to grow, opinions begin to sway
self choices to the forefront, decisions pave our road
young love a new experience, wild oats to be sewed
young adulthood playing now, a soulmate has been found
feelings never before felt, a young heart begins to pound
laying awake at night their face in your every thought
a lasting bond is formed two young lovers tie the knot
a fam...
Young Love
in the beginning young love burns so bright
words of endearment whispered at night
true love now blossoms under the stars
slowly happiness heals life’s past scars
for a moment in time all troubles are gone
arise with a smile at the crack of each dawn
two hearts become one as the calendar turns
two souls on fire with a passion that burns
life’s not always a fairytale, there is no pretending
not all love stories have the perfect happy ending
sometimes tears fall where once was laughter
sorrow often felt instead of happily ever after
when love fails and two hearts are left broken
hatred is spewed where once kindness spoken
remember the past when two hearts were one
memories of young love never to be undone
young love comes with both happiness and pain
with each encounter much wisdom we gain
never give up on love, don&#...
Eternal flame
walking across the floor with one thing on my mind
to hold you in my arms, leave all self doubt behind
I’d never seen such beauty as your eyes turned my way
softly asking you to dance fearing what you might say
your smile lit up the room as you rose and took my hand
gently pulling you close to me we glided with the band
“you are so beautiful” was the song of our first dance
never a doubt in my mind this would be a long romance
as the music ended we walked slowly to your seat
shyly you whispered thank you, one could feel love’s heat
asking for your number as nervous sweat began to bead
pulling out a pen and paper you wrote for me to read
"I give this number to you as I do believe in fate
when our eyes met I knew I had finally found life’s mate
please treat me with respect then I will do the same
love will build a bond, an ...
two young boys
two young boys stood before a mirror
appearances different, this quite clear
nonetheless they became best friends
one by one world full of bigotry ends
as they grew life took them apart
miles can’t change what’s in your heart
kept in touch over a span of years
shared times of laughter, cried many tears
each had a family with kids of their own
taught their children love must be shown
skin does not matter in the making of a man
create a world where bigotry's banned
two old men stood before a mirror
friendship they grew couldn’t be clearer
in a time of hatred we must make amends
one by one world full of bigotry ends
Dear Bottle
Dear bottle you've controlled me for so much of my life
you've taken away my dignity, caused me to lose my wife
the job I once loved now a part of my forgotten past
at your bottom lies my sanity, I live life hard and fast
once a loving family man until I pressed you to my lips
now a common drunkard with cigarette stained fingertips
you are my mortal enemy yet at times my best friend
at your bottom lies my sanity, make my nightmares end
You are the first thing I reach for the beginning of each day
I can almost hear you taunting, just another of your prey
my mind a constant fog, body slowly shutting down
at your bottom lies my deathbed, in your grip I slowly drown
Dear bottle I write this letter in hopes you will set me free
let me be the man I once was before you crossed paths with me
let me be an inspiration to all those victims of this disease
at ...
Jealousy
jealousy a darkened shadow
pure anger on its breath
driven like an obscuring snow
bringing love to it’s death
lurking in the background
pouncing upon innocent prey
never utters any sound
takes your breath away
twists a heart like a tornado
rips out happiness from within
beware you reap what you sew
leaves you sad and broken again
jealousy a darkened shadow
do not let it control your mind
let the winds of love softly blow
life’s journey will treat you kind
If love were a dance
If love were a dance would it be fast
would it rush through your veins never to last
would it burn in your soul like a midsummer fire
to be left alone with a heart filled with desire
If love were a dance would it be slow
would it burn like a candle with a soft warm glow
would it last as they say until death do you part
loving each other, fulfilling dreams of the heart
If love were a dance would it be felt
would words from the song make your heart melt
would your bodies be one gliding the floor
eyes locked in love, never alone anymore
Love is a dance as we each take the lead
in finding contentment, fulfilling our need
music we dance to in life comes from within
guiding us to happiness from beginning to end
life of Janis Joplin
the first lady of rock and roll
heart of gold and bluesy soul
born in Texas to an engineer
sang in choirs before her career
rebelled in school, hated the fashion
rock and roll always her first passion
went to college to lead "normal life"
wasn’t meant for her, caused her strife
moved to the Bay, to find success
didn’t work out, overcome by stress
New York next but due to drugs
headed home, lost girl needing hugs
tried again to live as others live
quickly knew she had more to give
was soon discovered, rose to fame
ended too quickly, crying shame
October 4th, 1970 Janis Joplin died
27 years old, world of music cried
drug overdose brought her crashing down
a woman of peace, “hippie with a crown”
forever remembered, lady with bluesy soul
rest in peace first lady of rock and roll
The dusty record player
The dusty record player today brought back to life
once spinning tunes of romance by husband and wife
for years buried in a closet not seeing light of day
lost to the darkness, life simply got in the way
fifty years to the day the two walked down the aisle
“You are so beautiful" playing, bringing both a smile
two young teens so in love about to tie the knot
listening to their song, all past jitters long forgot
years pass by as they do, their love still stands tall
testaments of their life hung in pictures on a wall
Golden anniversary, a special day for sweet romance
whispers you are so beautiful in her ear as they slowly dance
The dusty record player today brought back to life
once spinning tunes of romance by husband and wife
no longer buried in a closet as it spins their favorite tune
forever young as they dance in the light of the full m...
Lonesome river
on the banks of lonesome river sits a brokenhearted man
trying desperately to recover any lost dignity he can
many lovers have ended up here in the years before
the banks of lonesome river, teardrops fill it as they pour
a heart once full of life, a love that filled the air
her eyes were sparkling blue with long golden hair
match made in heaven, instant love when they met
the banks of lonesome river, a place we soon regret
she started to become distant, had no desire to talk
only stared into the night as they took an evening walk
confessed she’d found another, her love for him was gone
the banks of lonesome river swallows yet another pawn
on the banks of lonesome river a man ends his constant pain
cold and muddy waters roar like the passing of a train
a graveyard for lost lovers, a place no one should ever see
the banks of lonesome river, a brokenhea...
The window sill
she sits quietly at the window sill
rain gently tapping on the glass
cold night air giving her a chill
she waits for this sadness to pass
many times she sat in this very spot
waiting for him to come home from work
tonight her stomach is clenched in a knot
her mind can't see thru this troubling murk
the dreaded call she received last night
brought her down to her trembling knees
her husband had been involved in a fight
no words of comfort in times like these
her loving husband was a decorated cop
out one night to do what he had trained to do
dying because of a routine traffic stop
trying to protect people just like you
he will never return but his memory will
a cop graduating at the top of his class
she sits quietly at the window sill
as she waits for this sadness to pass
Where have all the hippies gone
where have all the hippies gone
were the sixties just a passing phase
peace signs posted almost everywhere
certainly those were the good ole days
Woodstock was held on Max Yasgur's farm
Hendrix, joplin, CCR and so many more
music rocked the world for miles and miles
chants heard in the crowd “make love not war”
400,000 stormed the field just outside of Bethel
three days of peace and music, a time for unity
drugs were often found, common form of escape
a counterculture festival, a part of rock history
where have all the hippies gone
what if those days returned again
to hear Joe Cocker sing one more time
I get by with a little help from my friends
' Harleys and Horses'
Casey was a cowboy a little different from the rest
Casey felt a good ride was the ultimate kind of test
With his stetson hat and leather coat made his trademark known
A fast riding country boy with a heart they say made of stone
Casey loved his rodeos, smell of the open country air
bareback rider some say so good no one else would dare compare
say he could charm the horses like some men charm the ladies
when the sun went down he’d mount his bike, ride it straight to Hades
The county fair came to town that hot and humid day
A harley cruised the fairgrounds leaving a trail of dust along the way
The main event at the rodeo advertised a thousand dollar prize
When the other cowboys spotted Casey fear gleamed in their eyes
Casey laid his money down, smiled for all to see
knew the winning purse was his for a mere ten dollar fee
When his name was called the crowd ...
The man I need to be
To the one that got away I tip my heart to you
memories of yesterday don’t seem to get me through
you softly whispered in my ear you'd come back to me
when someday I become the man I need to be
jealousy reared its ugly head instead of giving trust
sorry I grew angry when our issues were discussed
I swear I’ll calm these waves in my life’s stormy sea
when someday I become the man I need to be
how can one be so blind, miss the beauty of your love
such gentleness in your touch much like a peaceful dove
promising a day will come when my anger is set free
when someday I become the man I need to be
if one lesson has been learned, hearts can actually ache
given one more chance with you is a chance I’d gladly take
I still dream of the day I can get down on one knee
when someday I become the man I need to be