Few understand what I see
each morning, out in the cold
waiting for others to get in gear
watching the sky as dawn unfolds
and the changing lights begin.

The orange and golden skies
call to my soul each morning
asking me out to be amid them
as the clouds play up there
with light and shadow pastels.

My eyes roam the sky
seeking the remaining stars early on
then watch the show put on daily
even when storms roll through valleys
blocking out the colorful parts.

The birds serenade me softly,
singing their call to the sun
asking her to rise and shine today,
as the mountains across the lake
act as the dark contrast.

Above me, a single bank
of clouds running through Utah's skies
change from soft yellow of faded flowers
to the gently carnation well known,
then fade back down spectrum.

Each morning, there is beauty
even if you have to look
with a very open mind to find
as you stand amid the stillness
drinking in day's slow start.

Others sleep in, missing out
on this show God puts on,
some move about, heads hung down wearily
worn out from their tough lives
lacking energy to look up.

Craning my neck about slow,
hearing the Rice Krispies' sound effects
my neck gives off in the winter
I still stand out each morning
save the worst of them.

For that sky show inspires
one to seek out other things
that can give one hope and joy
no matter how down you are,
giving you strength to live.

For you cannot have it
as hard as those mule deer
who have no place of guaranteed warmth
save within their quiet little copses
to gather together to sleep.

Nor realize the chills suffered
by that lone duck out there
who rides the waves still, looking about
for the companions who went south
as he still sticks around.

The sky burns orange fire,
promise of a spring to come
but still we have all of winter
laying ahead of us, in wait
with his deep, nasty cold.

But he's got his own
color board to paint our lives,
silvers, whites, grays and blacks over things
as the evergreens hold green hope
of warmer days to come.

I'm walking back out now,
to gaze east for a comet
another of the treasures we all share
if we have the eyes, hopes, guts
to brave the morning's chill.

C'mon, grab your coffee cup,
step out and join me here,
or where ever you walk the earth
and look up, breathing fresh air
and let Nature inspire you...
to face the day bravely.
30November2013 - Dyfedd Rex, still wishing he had single vision glasses, easier to find comets with naked eye that way.

Part Of The Herd - A Poem of my Homeless Life.

I was going to try shopping this poem for publication, but the best markets to send it to are either closed or dead now... sigh...

But here it is for you to enjoy! 


Headin' uphill, head hung low
passing the tilted gravestones.
I noted the motions beyond fence,
as friends came out,
providing me some needed support.

Lost count at eighty-seven head.
Deer standing quietly there,
as I passed by to camp,
feeling a bit down.
Until several moved cautiously closer.

Silence along that busy road
as I passed by.
Only my own soft whispers,
"Hey fellas, hi ladies",
broke that still evening somewhat.

They watched as I walked
staggering a bit occasionally,
seeking refuge for the night,
when they would graze
on that lush green lawn.

Last I passed was Buck,
the biggest male there,
who paralleled my unsteady path
tossing his head away
as he matched my stride.

It gave my spirits juice,
let my steps quicken,
straightened the path I took
rest of the way
up that hill Friday Night.

Saturday morn, well before dawn,
something approached my camp.
A familiar pawing of ground,
followed by the unexpected.
A tug on my tarp.

There stood Buck, looking down.
He backed out slow,
started back downhill to town.
Stopping, gazing back steady.
So I packed up quietly.

While leaving, he surprised me.
Buck didn't step in,
taking my place as before.
He followed me down.
Hell, he led the way.

And upon reaching the cemetery,
he leapt back in
where the does and young
waited in a row,
tossing his head to me.

"Get on in here, pal!
You're one of us,
living in those hills now.
You made the cut,
becoming Part of the Herd."

Or so he seem'd to say.
2April2013 - Dyfedd Rex

Seven-Poppa Situation in Humor - A poem of streets and poor planning by others.

It was a seven-poppa situation.
Those who know that military phrase
can chuckle over that, ducking heads,
while everyone else looks around confused.

The race put up no signns
for directions around the closed areas
where the festiveal blocked the way
and construction prevented a safe passage.

With just a little more forethought,
They could have avoided the chaos
or having the homeless give directions
on finding their Start-Finish line!

So, this guy flew a kite
telling them the signed for 10K!
Three just finding the Registration Booth,
five ran, two back to cars!

Got some smiles, a few dirty looks
and even a bunch of laughs
on telling them you knocked off
half K cutting past the C&C.

Still thinking I oughta bill 'em
for providing entertainment and good directions
over not staging their own voluteers
strategically along the proper route there.

So next time you see me,
the guy in that battered hat,
Remember, I tried to help out,
and toss me a friendly wave!

22June2013 - Dyfedd Rex

Restoration via the Park - A Poem of Walking Amid Life

I find my daily bit of peace
walking through and about the park
just absorbing the calm from life
feeling the breeze soothing my torn soul
as my smile returns watching waterfowl
who wander about on land and pond
and Nature herself speaks inside my heart
reminding me I am a living being.

The green of grass and trees soothes
as the flames of anger dampen slowly
stirred before by foolish things all do
not just others, but this idiot also
as I keep trying too hard to suceed
not seeing that life can be won slowly
until here amid naught but fresh air
the soft ground reminds me of joy.

Life has its burdens we all bear
but in a park you can find
a place to lay them down briefly
and reconnect with that joy once felt
when as a kid you came here
by watching others around you relishing it
or just finding moments of near silence
that allow your sanity and innocence restoration.

(24May2012 - Dyfedd Rex)