DAYLIGHT'S MOON

Once again it's Wednesday morn and time for a NWCU wake up call


Tis morning, and the moon still rides blue sky;
There’s magic in that white, nocturnal moon,
Ye, moon, refuse to fade, refuse to die!

If myth and mystic tell no lie, I’ll soon

Go moonstruck. . .stark insanity; I’ll hear
The breath of angels and the earth’s soft tune.

And if the slightly twisted eye I bear

Disturbs you in some awkward way, it should;
For Daytime Moon has cast its spell.  Beware. . .

The crazed romantic in my soul I would

Forever hide, the moon has understood

                                    --Monty Wheeler

THE NATURAL FATHER

I know I’ll never be a “dad”
But to the three who never asked to be
A part of this strange world of ours,
Their “natural father” I am, you see.

Long ago, I tossed the chance

To be their “dad” through life’s tough dance,
And yet. . .perchance, I still can be
Something in the lives of three
Offspring whom I find I need
More than likely they need me.

Tis not to ponder some dark past;

Try not to wonder why at last;
I only know in lives of three
They hold the door, as well, the key.

I know I’ll never be their “dad;”

They’ve got that one and long they’ve had.
But I can follow God’s intent
That I believe He shows me now;
And proud I stand to call them mine
And know with them I share bloodline.
And with their forgiveness and consent,
Our futures hold long years well spent.

Perhaps it is “too little too late”

But if reaching out will open some gate. . .
I’ll not hesitate.

                                    --Monty Wheeler

SHADOWS CAST FOREVER

My response to NWCU's Sunday Snapshot prompt

The gull takes flight and yet the ground

Sure holds his shadow’s black.

I live to think that when we’re gone

Our shadows will come back.

I love to think our shadows mirror

Our souls forever tied

Slow walk with me and hold my hand;

Our shadows must abide.

Comes nigh the day for some short while

One will walk alone;

Yet I’d believe our shadows will

Forever walk as one.

For shadows feel no pain or death,

And shadows know no fear.

As long as sun will warm the earth

Our shadows will be here.

I’d ask but one, a single vow;

When I’m laid to rest,

Hold out your hand to find my shadow

Next to you is cast.

                                 --Monty Wheeler

My thanks to James Rainsford for the use of his wonderful photography and his time with NWCU

THE BUTTERFLY

 My net’s the pen; it’s always been.
There’s childlike glee when I try
And finally catch the perfect word,
Like once I caught a butterfly.

A pretty sight or lyrical sound—

Give chase to that elusive prize!
Such is my goal when I write verse;
The right words dance before my eyes.

And still it is as always was;
That butterfly in my mind’s eye,
That perfect sound that wants to sing,
Some times will fade in distant sky.

And tell me, Mother, like you did

That gentle is as always was—
Catch, admire, and set it free;
Keep nothing for a selfish cause.

                                    --Monty Wheeler