The People’s Poet

By John W. Thurman

This book is about poetry concerning people, my opinions, fiction, and short stories. It is designed to make the reader think while they are being entertained. The different sections of this book were written over many years. Like all works, it has been a laborious task, but at the same time one that I enjoyed writing. Many different personalities are contained within this book and I hope that each reader finds enjoyment whenever they read the different sections.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669809838

Book preview

LIFE’S SURPRISES

Air flowing from warm

Phoenix, Arizona, removed trouble

from a young man’s

existence, sending him northward.

Taking him from harm

toward safety’s protective bubble

within South Dakotan lands

near Wall’s township hoard.

Here this youth flourished

greatly because of relatives,

friends, and certainly opportunities

afforded to him daily.

After being completely nourished

by achieving many superlatives

in high school’s realities,

college began calling excessively.

It was not long

before academia lost all

importance for Joaquin Contreras,

so he eventually departed.

Joaquin’s decision was headstrong,

which certainly did gall

everyone whose rejecting cuss

made him confusingly dejected.

Seeking to prove doubters

wrong, this adventurer went

to Grand Junction, Colorado

(finding work in construction).

Similarly, fate allows newcomers

opportunities to be sent

where freedom’s growing embryo

blossoms at their destination.

Even though Macedonia holds

a fantastic historical past,

some look elsewhere for

adventure and new experiences.

Sara Nikolovska sought thresholds

that would completely contrast

Macedonia’s wondrous national core

and stretch her expanses.

Wall Drug Store in

small Wall, South Dakota,

offered a work program

for those desiring change.

This call would herein

send Sara to America

(transforming her life’s diagram

into a blissful interchange).

Work provided an outlet

daily for Sara’s desires;

however, affectionate love arose

suddenly, to her astonishment.

Two like hearts met

passionately, and what transpires

next meant she chose

matrimony’s lasting true alignment.

Eventually, Sara’s work contract

Expired, sending her home

sadly to Macedonia, where

her welcoming family was.

Meanwhile, Colorado’s distant tract

allowed Joaquin to moan,

but paying air fare

set his heart abuzz.

Many a flight took

yearning Joaquin to famous

Alexander the Great’s native

Land, seeking Sara’s view.

Deciding there, by hook

or by crook, unerroneous

affection would certainly give

validity to desire’s venue.

First a civil court

ceremony was completed until

an Arizonan Catholic marriage

service could be held.

Soon religion’s fair retort

finalized God’s spiritual will,

completing their union’s triage

under Greek Orthodoxy’s weld.

Beneath Macedonian skies, vows

renewing what was sworn

formerly at two prior

marriage ceremonies did happen.

Fortunately, tolerance always allows

compassion’s wonderfully accepting norm,

permitting nuptials to occur

confidently using divinity’s pen.

Amazement will retain Joaquin’s

awe-inspiring love throughout

time for Sara since

her reciprocal feelings exist.

Years might be lean

nevertheless, adoration remains stout

because their efforts hence

permit longevity to persist.

DISTINCTIVE RESEMBLANCES

Soft clouds floating across astonishing

Macedonian fields always sheltered youngsters

existing within a loving family

containing three adored joyful children.

Brother Nino continually was protecting

his identical sibling twin sisters,

Sara and Simona (their passionately

tight bond would increasingly strengthen).

Even though Macedonia nourished these

twins, adventure eventually would take

them to Wall Drug Store

on South Dakota’s rolling plain.

Here Sara’s beauty would seize

Joaquin Contreras’s heart and make

their future togetherness even more

likely upon America’s welcoming terrain.

Once Sara and Joaquin married,

Simona yearned for her twin,

so she migrated to Colorado

where she would hopefully stay.

Currently, Simona is gainfully employed

as a medical assistant in

Grand Junction, Colorado’s bright shadow,

living happily to this day.

Yes, Macedonia yearns for Simona’s

astonishingly homogenous beauty that reflects

her sister Sara’s radiant corona’s

luster (like a solar apex).

However, it is America’s turn

to revel with complete astonishment

at Macedonia’s gifting delightful urn

filled with enjoyably double amazement.

ROSE OF SHARON

From the Central Asian Mongolia plains

flowed the beginnings of Korean rains.

Rains that brought the people home

forever away from the need to roam.

Finding roots of permanency in mountains

that soon embraced the three kingdoms.

Silla, Goguryeo, and Baekje exploded through,

establishing foundations that were solidly true.

Continuing progression toward culture’s illuminating light

allowed emergence of Seonang’s spiritual might.

People of the Seonang spirit blessed

all in the village who stressed.

During long periods of destructive drought,

two water containers were sprinkled about.

Trying to change what was devastating,

summoning forth spring’s season so replenishing.

Ipchun begins the season of wonderment,

waiting for heavenly flower’s visual excitement.

Eyes of past misfortune sought relief

and release from drought’s binding grief.

A hundred days of flowering sensual passion

constantly fill this land of sensation.

Erasing any lasting memories of dullness,

life is enjoyed to its fullness.

Heavenly flower of wondrous encompassing beauty,

viewing the Rose of Sharon’s majesty

fills all souls with contentment’s grace.

Cementing the heart to passion’s embrace.

You are the Rose of Sharon

emitting the enlightened effervescence of Ipchun,

creating a past and future flow

for all existence to continually know.

PRINCE PHILIP

Time: Oh Time.

When one is an infant,

there are few memories.

Growing into adolescent life,

most gradually create memories

that might go unheeded.

In adulthood, we generate

so many great moments

that transform into future memories.

Old age brings on

reflection of life’s memories

fashioned within each lifespan.

Then time, oh time,

you run over us

deliberately and regrettably quickly.

Now, all hopefully become

precious memories to others

to share during unhappiness.

Time: Oh time,

existence makes all pay

your toll for being born.

ENGLAND’S CHILD

Held within historic ancient England’s

boundaries endures rural West Midlands.

This region contains Warwickshire County

where Solihull is established firmly.

Located between Coventry and Birmingham,

Soily hill created exclusiveness’s monogram.

Today, luxurious Rover cars get manufactured

near a woodland pastural herd.

Grounds nearby, Shakespeare’s first oral

presentations held one adventurous girl.

Eventually, serious decisions solidly concerning

immigration evolved into actively migrating.

Soon several states inside America

felt feet walking (like Montana).

Here life’s future was found

at another’s wedding: so profound!

Marriage’s love plus running’s passion

meshed alongside teaching’s difficult profession.

Helen now stands beside Les

Doehling as their hearts coalesce.

CELTIC PRIDE

‘Tis the truth be known,

Celtic Pride is always shown!

From Ireland’s green-covered isle

many departed each family’s domicile.

Blarney Stone’s cheerful tales filled

reflecting minds, ever so thrilled.

A heritage overflowing with ancient

stories reminisce about those defiant.

Hot blood gushes throughout bodies

historically disconnected from British lorries.

Even Roman conquests concerning domination

failed in their attempted exploitation.

Actually, wet Irish breezes continue,

refreshing memories within passion’s venue.

Distant lands might hold former

citizens, but loyal they ’twere.

One such example lastingly signifies

how Shawn Serviss’s heritage identifies.

His soul cements all past

Legacies, which make solidarity last.

NORTH DAKOTA WINDS

Open windy plains attracted those

seeking to plant wheat rows.

Swedish immigrants were beneficially nourished

upon rich farmlands, which flourished.

Within this setting, a youngster

dreamed as he grew older.

Unfortunately, his father passed away,

sending survivors toward California’s breezeway.

Here, thoughts concerning wrestling took

hold enhanced by scholarship’s hook.

University athletic aspirations faded once

wide-eyed realism snapped illusion’s trance.

However, light shined upon skiing’s

world that unfurled future’s beginnings.

Wife and children all accepted,

mountain snow’s lifestyle now adopted.

Today, Randy Linden’s aura shines

while speaking of adventurous times.

Only Denise plus other family

members provide more memorable joy.

NATURAL ATHLETICISM

There are those possessing innate

instinctive abilities that genuinely illuminate.

Attempted tasks seem to be

accomplished quickly or very effortlessly.

Intelligent people solve extremely complex

problems utilizing an amazing cortex.

Others unfortunately require more effort

to conquer a formidable sport.

These uniquely talented rare individuals

leave others with wisdom’s residuals.

Deciding to pass on knowledge,

their endeavors become cutting edge.

Multi-achieving, yes, they are

just like Achilles’s ancient pulsar.

Natural athletic blood flows throughout

Veins, expectantly pulsating all about.

Denise Liden is a perfect

example of athleticism’s demanding edict.

She conquers various events while

her students learn and smile.

TWISTED STEEL

1625 saw Puritan settlers existing

nearby Charles River (Quinabeguin, meandering).

Native Indians warmly welcomed these

Strangers, putting them at ease.

Future Boston (reflecting Boston, Lincolnshire)

experienced Bunker Hill’s gunfire.

American freedom’s revolt occurred after

a tea party’s rejecting laughter.

From this historic place arose

Laroy Owen’s supporting family’s repose.

Adulthood’s traveling railroad career provided

him opportunities where he succeeded.

Unknowingly, the Federative Republic of

Brazil would transform his love.

Unexpectedly, Angela’s highly intoxicating beauty

and personality created matrimony’s eternity.

Today, both walk under God’s

precious, safeguarding, bright, illumination rod.

Together they know adoration’s peaceful

unity provided by compassion’s vestibule.

HISTORIC STORY

Dutch people existed within Hol-land,

Hollow-Land, or Wood-Land.

Later it became Holland, then

the Netherlands (final identifying haven).

After World War II, two youngsters

immigrated toward America as settlers.

Here Jeunis and Hendika married

by Long Beach, California’s seaweed.

Securing their growing family, he

practiced master cooking skills professionally.

Marie Callender’s Pie Shop allowed

avenues for everyone to succeed.

From this union, happy children

grew inside adulthood’s developing glen.

Eventually, both siblings successfully owned

Mexican restaurants (where struggling honed).

Daughter Linda met future spouse

Pat Droll, creating compassion’s house.

Granddaughter Sydney plus Grandson Russell

made grandparents’ hearts completely full.

Soon Tucson, Arizona’s desert climate

kept each Drolls’ contentment fit.

Now Grand Junction, Colorado, holds

parents Pat’s plus Linda’s household.

ICELAND (ICELAND

REVIEW 2008–2009)

BESTU KVEÐJUR ICELAND

Fog covers both water and ground.

Nothing can be seen except gray mist.

Ears strain to hear any reassuring sound.

Fearful thoughts scare and unhappily persist.

The air does not have any movement.

Stillness encompasses the ocean’s quiet waters.

Mystifying silence causes utter bewilderment.

Coldness penetrates even woolen sweaters.

Panic’s unfounded retort results in confusion.

Mariners search memories to find answers.

Minds are filled with anxiety’s incomprehension.

Feet become phobia’s unwitting dancers.

Suddenly, winds open paths of sunlight.

A sheltered harbor appears suddenly nearby.

Pushed aside is trepidation’s fright.

Hope sends bafflement’s hold awry.

Dread dissipates as eyes observe security.

Order replaces disorientation’s temporary imbalance.

Time has unmuddled puzzlement’s recovery.

Upheaval’s mayhem transforms using renewal’s abidance.

Voices divert from being feverishly delirious.

Transient apprehension disperses into illusion’s asylum.

Charted courses are no longer mysterious.

Best wishes, Iceland; courage is recovery’s referendum.

ICELANDIC COAT OF ARMS

Steadfastly bolstering any apprehensive inhabitant

stands a shield expressing security.

Formed with steel from earth’s

unbendable, fiery, flowing molten core.

Painted upon reassurance’s safeguarding armament,

two crosses emit sheer majesty.

Pointing toward lands-end’s compassing berths,

they represent Viking wayfaring lore.

Four shield bearers surround this protection,

but two stand on basalt.

One rock-giant defends southeastern land,

while one bull guards southwestern.

Above pahoehoe lava block’s reflection,

eagle wings thwart sky assault.

Vigilant eyes scan northwestern sand,

dragon’s breath covers northeastern horizon.

These protectors eternally deflect unfounded

fear using resolve’s determined fortitude.

Sky-blue, fire-red, and silver augment

stability within nature’s combatant’s magnificence.

Seafaring ancestors don’t be confounded

by trepidation’s undesired emotional ineptitude.

Remember, your sagas transformed torment

into present chronicle’s mesmerizing resilience.

ICELANDIC THUNDER

Tremors resound deeply within seismic fractures.

Rumbling and reverberating, they open security’s sutures.

Erroneous doubts pour from each fissure’s vibrations,

threatening those who became ancient Thule’s substitutions.

Vigorous inhabitants of the Land of Fire and Ice

seek solace and refuge by accepting primordia’s advice.

Seared deeply inside of your eternal resilient sinew

resides a strength derived from antiquity’s herders of the ewe.

Seafarers escaping Harald the Fairheaded’s tyrannical rule

traversed upon unknown fierce waves so cold and cruel

that many drowned before ever reaching volcanic soil.

However, they never allowed their determination to spoil!

Epic sagas seemingly overflow with a resolute persistence

of a people that repeatedly displayed an indefatigableness!

Directly, this inner resolve emanated from a dogged courage

displayed by those willing to resist fear’s traumatic bondage.

Heimaey’s volcanic sudden and disastrous eruption did not annihilate

the desire for this island’s distinct culture to continue and operate.

Self-identity is intertwined and perceived as actuality by every Icelander!

So why indulge in anxiety’s weakness and become uncertainty’s panderer?

Send Gryla to the inner vortex of the volcano’s caldera!

Allow a mistress’s walk to bring back the elf’s good luck!

Open the pantry window and collect the pantry drift’s hoarfrost!

Seek household prosperity and never accept that it is lost!

Residing here in this land where last names intertwine,

religion fills the devout on an island surrounded by brine.

Oh, hear the unassailable and indomitable Icelandic thunder!

People of Iceland, never ever let despair drive you asunder!

ÍSLENSKA SKJALDARMERKI

Staðfastlega bólstur hvað kvíðinn íbúi

standa a skjöldur segð öryggi.

Mynd með stál frá jorð

unbendable eldheitur streymandi bráðinn algerlega.

Málning upp á huggun vernd herafli,

tveir krossa senda frá sér hreinn tign.

Benda til landslag end’s áttaviti svefnpláss,

þeir tákna Víkingur á ferðalagi fræði.

Fjórir shieldbearers umgerð this verndun,

en tveir standa á basalt.

Einn klettur - jötunn verja suðaustur - jörð,

á meðan einn naut lífvörður suðvestur-.

Yfir helluhraun húsaröð spegilmynd,

örn vænghaf hindra himinn árás.

Árvakur augsýn grannskoða norðvestur - sandur;

dreki andardráttur kápa norðaustur - sjóndeildarhringur.

Þessir staða ríkisverndara eilíflega víkja frá

staðlaus ótti using ásetningur staðfastur hugrekki.

Himinn - blár, eldur - rauður og silfur auka

stöðugleiki innan náttúran hermaður mikilfengleiki.

Sjómennska forfaðir don’t vera forviða

hjá kvíði óviljandi tilfinningaríkur ineptitude.

Muna, þinn ættarsaga spennubreytir kvelja

inn í nútíminn annáll mesmerizing seigla.

NORDIC RESOLVE

Storms crush mislaid unassertive determinations,

creating unfounded panic and fear.

Lost is audacity’s needed persistence

because confusion takes total control.

Rain undermines unstable, slippery foundations

as wind increases ice’s sear.

Volatility overrules stamina’s desired resistance,

allowing destruction by the troll.

Volcanic eruptions melt ancestral tenacity,

overflowing serenity’s preferred stable composure.

Earthquakes violently shake weak mountains,

sending economic boulders rapidly down.

Resiliency can improve trepidation’s anxiety,

providing warmth to discord’s exposure.

Courage fills fortitude’s enduring fountains,

making terror’s phobia quickly drown!

Trust demands that reconstruction involve

every multifaceted political group’s opinion.

Small rays containing sunlight diminish gales,

permitting stepping-stones directly toward solutions.

Recall fearless ancient Nordic resolve

while sending dread toward oblivion!

Clear skies always fill sails

full of calming definitive resolutions.

TEMPEST

Oh, the sea rises and falls,

tossing the unprepared into the air.

Unstable winds howl loudly,

deafening ears with thunderous sound.

Icy water’s spray coats the fearful

as freezing temperatures slide steadily down.

Terror screeches from the siren’s calls,

yelling and beckoning while trying to scare.

Weakened knees fail to stand proudly

while pounding waves destroy and astound.

Ship’s decks become slick from tearful

souls horrified that they might drown.

Darkness colors the stormy sweeping sky

in between flashes of flickering lighting.

White foam rushes under trembling feet

trying to find any securing steadiness.

Salt flies directly into each open eye

observing horizons, which are seemingly uninviting.

Drying skin constantly tries to excrete

confidence within this sphere of unsteadiness.

Securing harbors vanish behind tempest’s gale,

never allowing the lighthouse to shine.

Seafarers quiver while at the helm

fiercely searching the compass for direction.

Flapping in the air is mast’s sail

constructed from canvas-soaked brine.

All are now enveloped by dread’s realm,

making hearts overflow with uncertainty’s apprehension.

Suddenly, a captain takes reassuring control

of this wavering anxious circumstance.

Now leading Icelanders to the same goal

is calmness’s robust escorting acquaintance.

GRAND JUNCTION

FRIENDS

COGNITIVE CONNECTION

Life is more than existing

because minds are always intermingling.

Many times, differences occasionally occur

whenever beliefs do not concur.

Opaque light can unfortunately refract,

creating an obstructive eye cataract.

Unwanted misunderstandings then quickly form

divisions between opposite viewpoints’ norms.

However, people that perceive emotional

ideas enjoy ties: so ideological!

Once these souls eventually combine,

their virtuous thoughts seemingly intertwine.

What some certainly cannot comprehend

are how these beings transcend.

Words with meaning cordially arise

among individual psyches that harmonize.

Blessed by having cognitive connections,

Logan Holmes epitomizes inner reflections.

His vigilant intellect exceeds those

unable to grasp written prose.

NEW BEGINNINGS

During our youth we each

believe that happiness is attainable.

Exuberance and hope easily beseech

naive minds; so very impressionable!

As life passes on, destiny

reaches out and touches everyone.

Sorrow can present unwanted uncertainty,

but healing allows recovery’s fun.

Flowing time usually does deliver

multitudes of varyingly confusing emotions.

However, those willing to consider

goodness normally rejects failure’s regressions.

Within life’s struggling realm exists

two seeking a new beginning.

A strong passion completely persists

around these soul mates’ conjoining.

Desiring true love, once individualistic

personalities have united in marriage.

Passion has lit amour’s candlewick

resting upon expectation’s joyous carriage.

Yes, Tiffinie and Kelly Storm

have each given their heart.

Jointly they now securely form

singularity’s sought-after fresh start.

GOD’S ROSE

Observations of a rose does

not always reveal its struggles.

What one perceives is beauty

exquisitely radiating throughout the air.

However, one flower’s past was

certainly filled with various troubles.

Rising from bygone days, reality

activated natural events; so unfair.

This growing blossom pushed up

toward the sky with passion’s gusto.

Incessantly harsh occurrences never halted

growth nor blocked life’s determination.

Flowering plants like the buttercup

survived nature’s wind and snow.

If a rose is assaulted,

it can also endure tribulation.

Maturity resulted in maternal seeds

being lovingly spread over time.

Those soon emerged and became

dotingly protected by devotion’s fondness.

Yes, Tiffinie Storm’s parental deeds

sing beside heaven’s poetic chime.

Existence fortunately has set aflame

God’s rose with flowering brightness.

PERSEVERANCE

Within this world exists sadness

that sometimes influences us deeply.

However, by utilizing strength’s forgiveness,

most move forward ever steadily.

Some travel constantly about seeking

to leave unfortunate memories behind.

Others stand and begin facing

unpleasant issues that were unkind.

A hard life can defeat

even those considered strong-willed.

Forceful people however usually beat

heartbreak that left them chilled.

Sally Wilkerson is one who

experienced suffering during her lifetime.

Yes, she very certainly knew

adversity’s always dreaded bell’s chime.

Fortitude maintained Sally’s inner balance

helped by Jade and Vanessa.

Now better thoughts hopefully dance

harmoniously under the Grand Mesa.

TERRIE HIGGINS

Life’s innate abilities

get shaped through

perseverance’s struggling trials.

Information lastingly obtained

is compressed into

a dedicated singularity.

Within this structure

rests one who

truly displays completeness.

Kindness, professionalism, determination,

and knowledge all

encompass Terrie Higgins.

KURTIS MURCHISON

Structures are supported

by strong

well-conceived foundations.

Difficult processes reach

achievement because

of dedication’s power.

Challenges only excite

(never defeat)

those who rise.

Standing with professional

courage is

multifaceted Kurtis Murchison.

JILLIAN GALLEGOS

Oh, see the floating leaf

drifting softly across

Colorado’s sky.

Multitudes of colors get exposed

every time it

gently moves.

Exposed to all is life’s

wondrous menagerie of

various creations.

Reflecting this leaf’s exciting path

is the multifaceted

Jillian Gallegos.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONS

EXPANSIVE HORIZONS

History is replete with individuals

whose souls open curiosity’s vestibules.

Sought knowledge constantly keeps growing

no matter how adversely demanding.

Once previous information gets obtained,

new challenges suddenly become unrestricted.

Then flickering lights joyously prance

in time beside cognition’s happy dance.

These people celebrate each achievement,

but success lacks true fulfillment.

Like an inquisitive wandering explorer,

boredom soon becomes excitement’s successor.

After plateaus are eventually reached,

more expansive horizons get breached.

Satisfaction solidly lies within multitude’s

stretching mind, blocking truism’s platitudes.

Psyches engulfed by enlightenment’s desires

usually build diversifier’s bright fires.

One task certainly cannot possibly

deflect this always grasping personality.

Nicholas James Westfall, MD, understands

every aspect concerning nonconformity’s expands.

His life’s varied choices display

uniqueness that throws singularity away.

DIFFICULT PROFESSIONS

It takes strength beyond belief

to provide excruciation’s desired relief.

Many exist within treatment’s universe,

but few understand compassion’s verse.

The medical field contains procedures

that hopefully work or cures.

Patients can endure embarrassing situations

while seeking disease’s eventual cessations.

Difficult professions draw special individuals

that innately carry kindness’s tools.

These abilities usually form naturally;

however, experience enhances their reality.

Sometimes what’s not always witnessed

are typical struggles they repressed.

Yes, life’s path tests all

people’s limits, utilizing adversity’s shawl.

Luckily, those possessing healing light

transform ailment’s totally undesired plight.

Angie Lathrum’s efforts completely represent

professionalism’s studious and caring regiment.

GOOD SHEPHERD EMERGENCY ROOM

To any uninformed casual observer

efficiency could easily appear chaotic

because a multitude of actions

can just instantly transpire simultaneously.

Dealing with a mundanely lackluster

situation or a miserably specific

person requires experience’s innate reactions

along with professionalism’s venerable unflappability.

Into this morass’s perplexing turbine,

a symbiotic group of ductile

individuals quickly become synergetic magicians

while treating any soul’s aliments.

Emergency room subdivisions cooperatively combine

sectional diversity and proficiently compile

physicians, nurses, clerks, runners, technicians,

sitters, laundry, environmental, and security components.

Disorder amazingly transforms into orderliness

with few instructions uttered since

most everything has been rehearsed

prior to an event occurring.

Good Shepherd Emergency Room’s steadiness

joins minor’s and triage’s immense

role in getting healing dispersed,

leaving all observers respectfully bowing.

TAKE A STEP WITH A FRIEND

When storm clouds turn dark and lightning strikes,

When rain quickly plummets and floods the earth,

When tornadoes whirl and blacken the clear sky,

Take a step with a friend.

When dreadful illness rapidly overcomes almost all hope,

When healthiness suddenly subsides along with age,

When injury sends pain throughout a healthy body,

Take a step with a friend.

When depression scorches deeply into an unhappy soul,

When hope slowly fades away creating despair,

When fear grips and squeezes a pounding heart,

Take a step with a friend.

When aspirations for a vibrant life seem to dissolve,

When questions arise and answers are needed,

When fear needs to be turned into optimism,

Take a step with a friend.

When these various uncertainties arise within all,

When we need to understand eventual mortality,

When we need a soothing voice of assurance,

Take a step with a friend.

When these situations are foremost in our mind,

When refreshing encouragement is sought,

When rejuvenation and healing become paramount,

Take a step with a friend.

When Dr. Frank Jackson sadly elected to finally retire,

When his friends tried to understand his arduous decision,

When everyone expresses sorrow and seeks reassurance,

Take a step with a friend.

When Dr. Frank Jackson’s choice is finally accepted,

When his friends wish nothing but happiness for him,

When eventually all understand his friendship hasn’t gone,

Each will know they have taken a step with a friend.

IN PASSING

There are some we encounter

while passing through life’s existence

that influence us immediately upon

experiencing a similar personality trait.

Like a clear reflecting mirror,

each displays mannerisms of persistence,

plus personable characteristics are shown

toward those they never dominate.

A strong sense of righteousness

prevails within respectively joined souls

and guides every tough decision

in times of confusing turmoil.

Respect from equals provides happiness

because an earnest individual strolls

confidently as they redirect confrontation

that made others totally recoil.

Resolute convictions are normally difficult;

however, nothing is worth destroying

one’s identity or giving loyalty

to extremely self-serving misguided derelicts.

One courageous choice will catapult

Dr. David Wright away, bringing

darkness to admiring eyes completely

saddened by unfortunate foolish verdicts.

LIFE’S PATH

Occasional eastern mountain rains

maintain those paying life’s

ever-challenging professional tolls

associated with medical demands.

This environment nourishingly sustains

many facing educational strife’s

while successfully reaching goals

across Maryland’s forested lands.

Onward a brave voyager

traveled, accepting everything created

within academia’s rigorous studies

by utilizing perseverance’s retort.

Eventually didactics’ constant pressure

eased after he graduated,

but still medicine’s stories

require continuing educational effort.

Next he traveled to

Denver, Texas, to advance

his physician’s assistant education,

begun seemingly long ago.

Emergency rooms presented new

opportunities to often lance

wounds caused by altercation

where dusty winds