The Vortex

THE VORTEX

 

The uncharted seas of life

Stretch from frigid arctic seas of despair

To balmy tropic seas of love and joy

This voyage be begin at birth

Leaving the safe harbour of our Mother’s womb

With no idea of the ports ahead

 

Like the Tall ships we sail before the wind

Gliding smoothly through gentle swells

Tacking wildly in squalls and storms

Looking for a port to dock

Becalmed at time in the doldrums of life

Desperately looking for a friendly landmark

 

Each tack we take a turn toward adventure

Blindly sailing to the Harbour we seek

Sometimes running aground on jagged rocks

Beneath the glassy surface

To limp back to port

Or if our luck holds

The swell gentle lifts us clear

As we boldly sail towards our destination

 

Some times as we sail past each other

We lose control of our rudder

When we unwittingly slip over the brink

Of a whirlpool that draws us spiralling in

Gently at first. Then with incredible force

Until we come together, or another storm comes

Sending us scuttling in the other direction

 

Into this vortex I unknowingly sailed

Gradually but strongly pulled to you

I might have sailed away, but no

In you I began to see the port

Where I longed to be

And from this mutual harbour we will sail together

Through stormy tropical seas.

 

By Bob Richards

Thoughts

THOUGHTS

 

Thoughts of love unspoken

Begin to fade and pale,

Like a forlorn prisoner

Pining away in jail.

 

Thoughts of anger unspoken,

Caged away inside,

Begin to slowly fester

Like a boil in ones side.

 

Speak and share your love,

Let it fly swift and free

Let the love keep growing,

And it will return to thee.

 

Share your feelings of anger,

Nip them in the bud

Find your way to understanding,

And to turn them back to love.

 

By

Bob Richards

Salute to a Friend

SALUTE TO A FRIEND

 

There is a friend that I recently met

While spending time on the internet.

This gentle lady though racked with pain,

Shared with us posts, through which we gained

A sense of quiet toughness and love

That touched our hearts like a dove.

 

Filled with wisdom beyond her years,

Caring for others despite her tears-

To her husband she’s a lover,

To her daughter a mother,

To us a fiend like no other.

 

In spite of her pain

And her medicated state,

She has touched our hearts,

And stimulated our minds

With simple truths about life.

 

For you dear friend,

We can send but our love,

And to God send our prayers

For the lady with a good heart,

For her toughness and courage.

 

Dear friend this will never be good bye,

For with your permission and by your leave,

We would like to continue to look in on your life,

To send you messages of caring

And snap shots of our life

 

By

Bob Richards

Seeds of Love

Seeds of Love

 

As the warm rays of the spring sun

Gently warms the garden soil

With its life giving gift

The visions and thoughts of you

Gently warms my aching heart

 

Softly the gentle spring rains

Bring the dormant seeds to life

Even as your touch, innocent but sweet

Gives life to the Potpourri of seeds

That lay dormant in my heart

 

Some like the desert flower

After the sudden desert storm

Burst quickly into bloom

But wilt back into the heart

Till the day it can bloom again

 

Or like the mountain Juniper

Keeps growing in spite of the perils

Withstanding the cold and the drought

Sure in the knowledge of the strength

And depth of my love

 

By

Bob Richards

PASSING

PASSING

 

Grieve not my passing,

For like a bird I’m set free,

Unshackled from earthly cares,

From aches, pains and heartache.

 

No Heaven or Hell for my Soul,

Bit, if Mother Nature grant my wish,

Like a shield full of warmth,

My spirits will be near thee.

 

In the breeze that caresses your cheek,

In the cup in your hands that touches your lips.

Gazing fondly back from your mirror,

Loving you always, please remember, my Dear.

 

Let the warmth of my passion

Forever keep you warm

As I bring extra warmth,

To your robes and your home.

 

Though the going maybe be tough,

And you weary from strife,

Chilled by the north winds,

Let my spirit give warmth to your life.

 

For no more would I be tethered,

By worldly rules and constraints,

And like a true Gemini my many Spirits,

Would then be free.

 

To be there when you need me,

And I would be honored and proud,

If in time of frustration, trouble and woe,

You remembered me fondly,

 

If my memory gives you pleasure,

And from the pleasure a strength

To face life with a laugh,

And a sparkle in your eye.

 

For giving joy to the loved ones living

Is the best gift, from those who have died.

 

Bob Richards

 

Grieve Gently My Friend

GRIEVE GENTLY MY FRIEND

 

Grieve gently my friend.

Open wide your heart,

Let sorrow take flight

Along with worry and pain

From the palm of your hand.

 

Grieve gently my friend.

Open wide your heart

To memories of happier days.

Remember the good times

Of love and laughter shared,

Of hugs and gentle touch.

 

Grieve gently my friend

Open wide your heart

For though they are gone,

You are never far apart,

For they are forever

A part of your heart.

 

Bob Richards

Dad

Dad

 

Ah Dad, You gave us more than love

Your passing will not erase memories

Memories of happier times of our youth

You taught us the love of the outdoors

Tried to guide us through the teens

Strove to give us the best

And when Mum’s health failed

You were there day and night

Showing us that love can prevail

That love Dad, was your greatest gift.

 

Bob