Stanzas from the Sunshine

By C. D. Melley

On December 30, 2015, author C. D. Melley moved from his former residence in Canada to the sunny climate of Florida. One week later, he would marry his wife. In the weeks that followed, he penned his fourth poetry collection detailing his adjustment to life in the United States of America.

In Stanzas from the Sunshine, Mr. Melley explores life in his new home while still battling his demons from the past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Douglas J. McLeod
• Release date: May 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533770356

Book preview

Other Poetry Collections by C. D. Melley

Slammin’ on the Rails

Poems for a Winter’s Night

Before I Leave Canada

To my Catherine,

Thank you for being the love of my life, and

Allowing me into yours.

Relapse Redux

Being in a new land

There are so many temptations

That could lead someone with my illness

Down that dark road once again.

That was the case that happened to me

One week ago

I had some moments of weakness

I wound up in a place I shouldn’t had been.

I confessed my sins to my wife

Soon after the deed

But, instead of shunning me

She welcomed me with open arms.

She was upset over my actions

And, that I can understand

I admit I was not too proud

Of what I had done.

But now, we are together

Along this road to recovery

I am thankful for her support

As we begin our new adventure together.

It’s a New Life, Yes It Is

The sun shone down upon us

As we awoke this early January morn

Ready to begin a new chapter

In the story of our lives.

I wore a black tuxedo

A strange ensemble for me

However, I wanted to look my best

On this day of days.

She wore a cream laced gown

With matching pumps

A pearl-encrusted broach adorned

The ribbon belt around her waist

We looked into each other’s eyes

And, uttered our solemn vows

Dedicating our love and lives

For one another

Our families’ encircled us

Their flashes blazing on their cameras

Capturing the first moments

Of us, as husband and wife.

Campus Environment

I will be the first to admit

I did not study at a university

When I was making my bid

For higher education.

But, thanks to my illness

I am invited daily to my wife’s work

So, she can keep an eye on me

While I begin to find my muse.

It had been over 15 years

Since I had a post-secondary stint

Yet, I find my creative juices flowing

As I sit beside my wife in her office.

My prose begins to flow

Along with other creative ideas

It must be the change of setting

That has awoken my inner voice.

I can’t help but think

Of those back in my former home

As they shiver in their bitter winter

While I bask in Florida’s sunshine.

Creative Engineering

As my muse has overtaken my consciousness

I cannot help but be amused

Over the fact he has awoken

While sitting at an Engineering College.

Many great mind have come together here

To learn and pry their collective crafts

Whether it be Civil, Electrical,

Industrial, or some other sector.

We walk into the building

On the way to her office

And, marvel at the latest creations

By the school’s 3D Printer.

She toils away at her desk

Keying in forms while I look on

A smile emerges upon my face

When our eyes glance at one another.

For she gives me inspiration

My wife is part of my muse

And, knowing I can tap into that

Gives me the greatest joy I can have.

Rainy Wednesday

The claims where it is always sunny here

Is a myth to someone who resides here

As a light drizzle

Is falling from the skies today.

This part of the state

Is renowned for its thunderstorms

Thankfully, for both of us

The lightning bolts are not flashing overhead.

For we had errands to run today

Some of which involve my status

To make sure I can further enjoy

The warmth of my new home.

We took our pet along for the trek

To get her out of our apartment

While maintenance crews did their craft

Within our unit.

At the end of the day

Everyone’s work had been done

Now, we can relax and rest

In our own personal comfort.

Penguin Dance

I always find it humorous

Whenever I have to get up

In the middle of the night

So I can find some instant relief.

I roll out of bed

Stretch for a moment

And, make my way to the facilities

Careful not to disturb my wife still sleeping.

Alas, my muscles have not adapted

For the instant rush of blood to them

My movements resemble the waddle

Of the official bird of the South Pole.

It’s almost comical

How I have the style and grace

Of a flightless bird

In the dark of the apartment.

I know I will get killed

By saying my wife walks the same way

But, one thing is for certain

We penguins are perfect for each other.

A New Lease of Life

I was recently added to the lease

To my wife’s residence

And, it was a surreal task

Albeit, a necessary one.

The act is critical

To further prove our relationship

And, to establish a foothold

Within my new land.

With my old roommate

I had been added before

But, only in name

As I had not physically signed anything.

But, by putting my ‘John Hancock’

On an actual contract

Is a symbol of the unity

My wife and I share.

I intend to live here a long time

Until a rent increase forces us to move

However, already I am

Enjoying my new