John Yaws

We built on a solid foundation of lies-
And then it all crumbled, much to our surprise.
I know that I loved you, no doubt you loved me-
But the dreams we were building just never could be.
...

I guess the most effective-
Of writers, great are small.
Is the one who is objective..
Like a "fly upon the wall".
...

When the rose of romance withers,
And the heart is sere and dry-
And you gaze upon the wreckage-
Of your life and wonder why…
...

I find as I grow older-
I often contemplate-
My foolish past decisions,
My days of tempting fate.
...

I thought I wanted to Fortune-
Then I thought I wanted fame,
For everyone to know me-
My accomplishments proclaim.
...

It is the time of year, I guess-
When folks start thinking back.
Evaluating lives they've lived,
A way of keeping track.
...

There's a phase of my life, that is now gone forever.
As I reminisce, I find that it's strange…
That memories of hardship and long hours labor-
No longer intrude on my home on the range.
...

When a man looks back upon his youth-
And he's feeling reminiscent,
He tends to see unvarnished truth-
Not call life what it isn't.
...

Every drop of ink I use-
Is like a drop of blood…
A bit of essence of myself-
A seeming, endless flood.
...

People often told me-
There are those who need the words,
You write when you are thinking,
Your writings must be heard...
...

I loaded up my saddle-
And went to get my check...
I'd barely made my entries back,
My pickup was a wreck.
...

Looking at the raindrops,
On my windshield as I drive...
I wonder where I'm going,
What awaits when I arrive?
...

The hours seem like decades-
Between midnight and dawn-
I check the clock the hundredth time,
And find only minutes gone.
...

Emotions are a burden, a detriment, I find.
That tend to cloud our judgment and occupy our mind.
Relying on his feelings, will drive a man insane.
Despite his good intentions, his efforts are in vain.
...

No regrets? I only wish!
I have a few, I guess.
Choices that I've made and rued-
While partaking of life's quest.
...

Lonely is another word, for being on your own-
Even in a crowded room, I find myself alone.
Things in common, are not found- with anyone I meet.
I'm in a world, all my own, as I go down the street.
...

The mossy Northwest forests-
The sun-baked Southwest plain…
The tropic island beaches,
I'd see them all again.
...

I've tied up all those loose ends,
My bridges I have burned.
I've even kept a record,
Of lessons I have learned.
...

The ego is a wilderness-
I've no doubt this is true.
And often through the forest scrub…
I catch a glimpse of you.
...

I sit and ponder, all alone-
Of times and friends long past.
I wonder where the years have gone?
Why only memories last?
...