John's latest poem makes me wish I had his way with words. The rhythm, rhyme and language of his poetry is always impressive. I received this new poem today. - poetheart 05/12/03
I'd like to think I'm wiser,
Than I was when I was young.
And slower now to speak my mind-
And loose my sharp-edged tongue...My friends and my companions-
Are resting in the ground,
And I can't help but wonder,
Just why I'm still around?
I'm still a drifting cowboy-
At least in heart and mind.
With a trail of precious memories,
Of things I've left behind.
My cowboy friends of yesteryear,
Some broncs I rode and loved.
The silver, Arizona skies-
Still somehow are above.The canyons, and the deserts-
The black, star-studded sky...
Like diamonds set in velvet,
You could touch them, should you try.So now I have my camera,
To catch and hold each scene-
The sandstorms, and the whirlwinds,
The mountain lake, serene.Wiser? I'm not certain-
But older, that's a fact.
No longer quick to ball my fists-
I've learned to use some tact.Wiser? I can't tell you-
But I savor every day...
Each pleasure ere it's passing,
Every friend along the way...Wisdom? Just what is it?
I think it could be termed-
Ability to use in life,
The things that you have learned.
by John R. Yaws