Cherry wine

I needed a poem of memory.

Cherry wine

Once my life was better. I had yearly family reunions, kind voices to give me strength and I could accomplish anything. I didn't know. Life is ever-changing.

Today my folly, today my good and bad decisions. Took me to where I belong.

Now my dusty memories can take me to places where I had beautiful places and beautiful faces. I missed and I still wish for.

Once I danced with a beautiful gal and we drank the cherry wine. We laughed at life and we were so damn brave. 

I was the wayfarer man seeking new cities, the sea and the pretty ladies. Now these days seem like someone else memories.

I miss the days of fresh-cut watermelon, grill-cooked corn and the voices of the dear family.

I am a old man now and I learned. To be kinder, to listen more, talk less. Been a rough year. Many stole away by the cancer and old age. Somehow I became the elder in a world filled with struggle. I must find the words, like my grandfather did, my grandmother did. Give hope to the children in the messy world.

I am so tire my friend. I don't like talking no-more. Silence is my friend now. Paper and pen my only company. I pray this world can gather her strength, overcome the sickness of hate and violence.

Someone killed six people in Wisconsin. Brought tears to my eyes and great sadness. Time for us, all races, all religions and all colors. To stand as one for peace. Violence and hatred steal from the all of us.

Today Old Johnnie need to find the sea, some cherry wine and a kind woman. Maybe I can laugh again?

I will go forward for my grandchildren and I will hope and I pray. For calm and peace for my world. Every life had value, every child is a light of hope, our future. We must learn. This is one earth and we are one people. We must get along for the sake of the children.

Dancing Coyote

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

These are the words of one looking back and recalling that which the years have taken. It is a common phenomenon; we who have reached a certain age realize the rear view mirror is now much bigger than the front windshield, and there is nothing we can do about it. More important, though, are the lessons that have been learned: to be kinder, listen more and talk less. It is a time to look back and savor the good, but to take those learned lessons and share them. Our most valuable asset is that which we can give back.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree John and thank you for reading. I do appreciate.

[Richard M]

I like this Coyote. Not great at writing reviews, but really like it. It is a beautiful piece, and something ALL peoples need to read!! It is now in my Library. Thank you so much for writing this.
Take care my friend.
Richard

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Richard. I appreciate your kind words.

[Chris Shaw]

We must get along for the sake of the children. That keeps me going in a world which I find increasingly alien. Where life is cheap. Yesterday a girl of 12 was murdered by a group of four boys aged 13 - 15. Her injuries were catastrophic. What the hell is going on. Earlier this year where I once would walk the dog, a 13 year old boy was killed by teenagers. Why are children killing? Why is there so much violence around now when violence in my young years was minimal. So infrequent, it made headline news. Nowadays it hardly gets a mention. I am tired too. I look to the natural world to escape. I read my poetry. I love my family and I keep going forward because there is no other choice. Dear Coyote, we live in very messy times. I feel your soul crying out here.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Yes dear Chris. A messy world. We must slow down our world. Teach the children right. Thank you dear friend for reading and the comment.

[lessa (kenzie)]

I miss the olden days, when we treated each other with respect and trusted one another.
I miss having big reunions and now it is just the hubby and I. It seems years are going by too fast, I just hope this generation coming up learns some values. Enjoyed this write

[Coyote Poetry]

Me too dear Kenzie. I miss the old days and thank you for reading and the comment.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is a combination of memories and feelings for me. I miss my folks, and the holidays with them....also miss several friends I have lost over the years...but also the good memories seep in...and they do make me smile. And Yes, somehow we must all find a way to be brothers and sisters....to accept each other....and share in thanks for mankind.
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Jacob and thank you for reading and the comment.

[light and ashes]

While reading this I couldn't help but think how beautiful this would look on paper. The world needs a poet like you, another beautiful write, Coyote, filled with heart.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear friend. I appreciate the kind words.

[light and ashes]

You are welcome.