wonderful day...
when you open your eyes
in your heart
long before you open them
to this world...
that is the beginning
of a wonderful day...
on waking in the morning...!!!
r.steffen
Friend
I turned around
The other day
And out of know where
You were there
How ya doin
I let ya in
A little at a time
Hope it happens
Again
And again
And now
We are friends
We share things
Talk about movies
Eat pizza
Kick back some wine
Talk
Till we run out of words
And that’s just fine
Because
Now
We are
Friends
r.steffen for a special friend dec 7, 2012
My Christmas tree
The first present
under my tree
is
friendship
in a neat
little box
with
a ribbon
Tied
in a bow
like
my mom
would say
we will see
that’s how friendships
often go
but I don’t think
that will happen
to you
and me
cause I think
our friendship
fits well
in the box
under
my Christmas tree
my next present
is time
and I wrapped
that as well
and placed it
in a small
Christmas box
Under
my
Christmas tree
I give it to you
I am not sure
it really exist
I can’t tell
Were
it begins
and ends
when I am
with a friend
that’s you
because
for me
I just can’t keep track
and I am
putting
that in my box
under
my Christmas tree
the next present
under my tree
is love
no
not that kind
but the kind
the whole world
should have
love is the most important present
in every situation
in every piece of time
in every friendship
love
is all you need
we put up walls
we become frightened
we
shy away
to fail
at love
but in my box
I place love
with ribbons and bows
another present
I place under my tree
presence
yours and mine
again
amazing
how time plays its part
amazing
how presence
feels so good and right
in friendship
I have placed my presents
under my tree
And close my eyes
And Relish
Its not fancy
Some would say
Empty
perhaps
But I think
It’s wonderful
Now you have seen
my Christmas tree
And I hope you begin to see me
because these are all the gift i have for thee!!!
r.steffen 2012
for a close friend of mine
“No tears for me”
Today I meet my greatest challenge
The one we all have to meet
I go first
To pave the way
So you will know on your day
I am leaving behind
The ones I dearly love
And I can tell you this
What a wonderful place
No tears for me
Just be gentle and kind
Like I used to be
As my father gathers grains of wheat
My new father gathers
Hearts
And none of them
Weep
Remember my smile
My gentle hands
Now I rest in heaven
In his land
Now go
Be gentle
And
Do not weep!!!
r.steffen December 7, 2012
Songs
Surely autumn
It isn’t you
I have lots to do
Yes I have seen
Walnuts
Dancing
on the ground
True
I did wear
A
Flannel shirt
The other evening
A
Hat too…!!!
I guess
its you
better play
my last summer
songs
and get ready
to be
with you
@)---
sunrise
morning sun come to me...
that i can worship...
that i can feel...
you...
live...
in spirit...
may i radiate your heat...
your sunshine...
may people say
i'am there sunrise...
that i may live
in part of their day...
part of there heart ...
from early sunrise ...
to sunrise ...
In one’s eyes
Though the winds
Of my life
Often
Change
I seem at times
To be
The last to know it
From
Sunshine
To
Storm
From heart ache
To happiness
All I want to do
Is look
In one’s eyes
And trust
No more, no less
I do not want to harden
Live in a shell
I want to be free
Floating
On the winds of my heart
On the winds of your heart
Proud and free…
r.steffen 9/4/2012
" lookin"
once
when i wasn't
lookin
someone
knocked
on the door
of
my heart
you see
it never goes away
no matter
how old you get
or
how long
its been
since
the
last one
that way
you feel
aint nutin
like
it
@}~~
rsteffen 8-22-12
home
Perhaps
i will never be
like everyone else
but I am glad
god
made me that way
I have a lot
Of bad days
But you should see me
on the good ones
after
all these years
of labels
I finally
Found one
That works
for me
I am human
It took a while
To stop
Seeing people
In color
You know
black red brown yellow
I finally see them
As the color
of
water
And they are
so
beautiful
In my new sight
I used to go along
with those who pointed out
my
disadvantages
that way of thinking
was holding me back
for
I will never again
let my
disabilities
ruin
my abilities
I am finally
Home
rsteffen January 8, 2011
"FEEL"
the birds sing early
while rustling in morning darkness
then fly out of the dew in to morning light
new leaves turn
the smell of grass being cut
flowers poping up and planted new
close your eyes and listen
tell me what you hear
sit a while and see
tell me what you see
feel
thats
just for you!!!
r.steffen may 5, 2012
Truely
i
let you
go
today
to
soar high
among
the
billowy clouds
i
unfold
your spirit
in my heart
and
let it go
letting in happiness
thank you
for loving me
in your own way
now I know
who you
truly are
a child of god
raised
up in to heaven
in to the silence of peace
travel well
on your journey
and thanks
for the
happiness in my heart
r.steffen 4-28-2012
Dear Mrs Clause,
As you know i haven't been home yet since delivering on Christmas eve. When i wrote (my thumbs are to big to text eyes to old and a pen just feels right) you last i was headed to a local hospital here called Geisinger... to have them look at my sore knee... they where kind enough to get me in with in a few short days... upon arrival i noticed how surprised the shuttle bus driver was... as i looked into his door... Hello he said... how are you...as his eyes looked up at my veterans hat...yes i was there too...every single war...i 'm on crutches i said... got a sore knee... I moved to the back of the buses as the seats were way to close together for a large man like me and was lucky to find a single seat, where i could keep my sore leg straight, as i sat. i am sure they have provisions for disabilities although they where not obvious to me. And i didn't see any sleigh parking or reindeer feeders or sheds what a strange place... good thing i didn't land on the helicopter pad...and hobble out...(Christmas night i landed on a nice soft patch of grass close to the children's center)
Upon exiting the bus the people at the lobby all seemed to sneak a look then look away...one little girl came rushing up to me thanking me for a special toy she wanted and got...her mother quickly pulled her away and said doll that's not Santa that's just some old man on crutches dressed in red... You see only children believe in Santa all year long. as i hobbled through the halls and elevators people constantly stared and looked away. I was out of my element... It isn't the first that this has happened .
As i was walking down the hall i saw a man carrying a bible i do not know of what faith as he and i only see the human spirit and the tiny gifts stored inside. We have no discrimination because all are the color of water. He was a graying old man of many years... still wearing that sparkle in his eye... can i say a few words for you and lifted my spirits...i was glad for him to pass by. sometimes injury and pain are best healed by kind words and sympathies...
doctor...are you the doctor ...oh sir sir you will have to sit and wait...no one waits for me on Christmas day...i server everyone all at the same time...what an odd way...sir sir...i am a bit hard hear the Mrs says... come with me ...and how are you to day...my my you look like some one i once knew ...once some one thinks i am not real they can't remember me ...in came the doctor white coat and all...well guess it was a nice man that was almost a doctor... perhaps an elf...then ...in came Santa oops i mean the real doctor...thats what the name tag said...cool idea maybe that's what i need a badge...big bold letters.... SANTA... the doctor seemed like he was gone before i could say hi ...told me nothing was wrong...made me frown a bit ...legs don't hurt when nothing is wrong ...well i am not a doctor ...so off i went to find my way out of the hospital ... the shuttle bus driver patiently waited as i got back in... ask me how everything went... My reply...well one believer and one saint ...
You know Mrs Clause there are allot of disabled people in the world and i certainly can't tell you 100% how and what they go through... but i felt a little bit of it. Next year lets go to there homes first ...!!!
Love Santa Clause
ps: be home soon...!!!
r.steffen christmas 2011
the mighty oak
we dream
and try
to assemble
some
some
try to share
what they know
with
the some that do not
perhaps
planting the seed
is enough
for some
the rest
is left up
to dreams
even the mighty oak
must dream
and hope
the best
for
the few
dreams
that come true...!!!
r. steffen june 23, 2011
Terms of Endearment
i have search ore the years
for my terms of endearment
but love has eluded me
so many times
abuse wont allow me
to be endeared
to any one
as a small child
the familiar hand
often raised
its ugly head
that's how it is
when
your alone
in this world
as a young
abused child
defenseless to defend
add in the fact
your living
on
borrowed time
each time i felt at home
some one would say
young fellow
time to move on
you
will never ever
be able
to come back again
ever
it got so bad
i learned to bury it
to go inward
to be a yes man
to push
the pain
deep inside
packed away
for that brought
me
the best chance
of a shallow cup
of
happiness
abuse
was something
at my age
i could not fight
years later
in my fifties
i was living
in a cold
dark basement
to many voice
to many memories
to many dreams
can kill
the life of the living
one of the saddest days
of my life was hearing my mother
(she was my fifth or sixth one)
and i will always call her that
because
i
desperately
need some one
to
hold on too
say to another
he doesn't have
anyone
that's
why
we allow him here
they couldn't even own me
and those
are the terms
of
endearment...
r.steffen 11-12-11
this is one example
the wounds
that are
reopened
by
the recent
Penn State
tragedy
and
felt
by
so many
that have lived
with
abuse
and know
what it is like
when
the defenders
fail
the
defenseless...
special note: the line "he doesn't have anyone" is a reference to no real family and does not indicate a lack of love by either party.
it is with poetic licence that i created this piece ... r.steffen
this is not a poem
i have tried to raise my self up far beyond what few will understand... early on in my music career around age 22 i took up piano and decided it would be my gift to this world( i was so terrible at piano ...cant believe i had the audacity).... i wanted it to be larger than me, because i knew that what i went through was nothing compared to what third world counties (people in) go through.... i knew if i would have lived there i would not have earned my name and death may have been my out come as early as age one.....my poetry is based on life experiences...i have forced my self to share or i should perish...each time we bury feelings and pain we give power to those that control us...i have tried to use music piano violin ect to speak with eloquence about these things i will never let my past drive me to my cave that has lived in in my past i admit that i need medicine to help me live a better life you have heard me say this before ...not every day is my best day ...but you should see me on my best ones!!!!!....and for all of use happiness isn't every moment...
in my years of abuse (one example) i stayed in a bedroom all day my mother at the time worked and my father worked 3rd shift i remained locked in my room for what seemed like ages
i cried tears over flowing tear .....i began to hate my self...the other kids thier kids where somewhere i just didn't know where......i know i was to blame...my gosh i was 5 i should know this....i remember one day my brother (not really but to me he was my hero) ... he picked me over the large radio blocking my exit and he made me something to eat he lifted me out of my world of loneliness and from then on he was so my hero..a few years later when it was once more time to move on... he said... he and i would run away... my polite reply was no they love you here... you stay ....i moved on a bag of pretzels my mom gave me and a small suit case about 12 by 18 ....
they were the long rod type ...it was hard to eat the last one....
someone called me rodney the other day... i answered...i am sorry roger...i comely told them i started out with the name of Rodney then someone changed it to roger heck my mother in law used to call me richard lol ....
what is my point here...
the point is i survived and i will survive this i wanted to share so we can all grow and always defend the defenseless
your friend roger... wounds opened by the penn state abuse scandal
a friend wrote me after i shared this letter and said my siblings and i were tied to chairs and such... i suffered brain damage as a defenseless child ...
I want to live
in a castle of gold
I want to look
in your eyes
See trust
That’s the only way
you can live
in my castle of gold
Could you feel me
if you passed me
on a crowed street
I live on first street
you live on second
Say hello hello hello
I got the green car
you got the blue
You look
but that’s all
I guess I am the boy
that went by
You who you who
Good bye
All I need to do
is help you
across the water
then
we will be free
you and me
all I need to do
is help you to me
I need to help you
in to my arms
And we will be free
You and me
Down by the river
were we used to play
You and me
in my castle of gold
r.steffen
pure white stone
for my fallen comrades
who have perished
and
for those
that
stood together
with them
in these
fears
that
of
death
and the terror
that reduces you
beneath
tears
the pain
of
mangled limb
and
shattered heart
that chases away
your
innocence
for those
who have
suffered through
the death walks
and
every plague
know to man kind
the carnage
all around
that can be told
by those that
report
but seldom
spoken
from those
that
endured
we stand
in
remembrance
we
the tire mechanic
the bank clerk
the farm boy
the carpenter
the stone mason
nurses
preachers
teachers
and every other
occupation
who's
men and women
served
remember
us
for
every
father
mother
sister
brother
cousin
aunt
uncle
grandfather
grand mother
friend
who sent
a loved one
away
and for those
that paid
the highest price
to
wear the dress
of
the american flag
and
rest beneath
a
pure white stone...
they
ask of nothing in return
but
a moment
of
your heart...
r.steffen may 30, 2011
THE JOURNEY
sometimes
the path seems
narrow
when we fall
on these times
find it in your heart
to stop
by the stream
and rest awhile
look to the
heavens
where the winds
come from
follow
your heart
through
the storms
ahead
enjoy
the sunshine
all you can
but know
the journey
will
reward you
in the
end !!!
r. steffen may 9, 2011
Sunsets are rare
You know mom
I left a while ago
Oh god do I love you
You know
I miss every one
I am going to be ok
Here
I think the thing I miss the most
Are sunrises
Here the sun
Is all ways in your heart
Sunsets are rare
But some how I remember them with you
Mom god… I still love you
Mom let me reach down and touch you
You know the heat of my hand
Is just light
The same light that comes from my heart
The same heat in your hand and mine
It’s the same
Mom
That’s
Love
Walk out side
In the sun
Oh yes that’s me
I guess god said it right
I am
the light of the world
now that is pure
love
mom
I love you
For
ever and ever
I am the light
@}----
r.steffen a work in progress rough around the edges...
Mother
from your
first breath
to my
last one
i am
mother
i see you
through
loving
caring eyes
and i am the only one
in this
whole wide world
with that view
i fed clothed
washed you
i know
every inch of you
i can tell how you feel
by looking
or
just feeling
your presence
and yes
i do have eyes
in the back of my head
from your
first breath
to my
last one
i am
mother
r. steffen may 8, 2011
spring
I like
Where
I am now
But winter
Won’t have me
Any more
Flaky remnants
Shaken
From
Grayed clouds
Snow
Bending the back
Of
Green grass
One last
Time
Children
After school
Have come out
From
Somewhere
Making noise
Chasing the birds
From there
Leafless perch
Now
Nature gives
The first
Command
To all living things
Great and small
Get busy…
Get busy!!!
T’is spring…
T’is spring!!!
r.steffen
april 1 2011
My Valentines
May this day bring love
And happiness
To two dear friends
May violins
Sing in each of your hearts
May you give this love
Born in each other
To the world around you
My dear valentines
r. steffen February 14, 2911
dedicated
to
Christina Taylor Green, 9
ALL AROUND ME
I leave you
my love
with arms
around you
shielding you
from this tragedy
she
faced
the
cold cold steel
placed closely
to
take her life
but would not die
in the
face of death
her
victory
her
courage
would not
let it stand
he
another
hero
shielding
a human
soul
rising
were
most others
fail
he
judged
not
in
decay
but
to bring
fairness
with
thoughtfulness
and careful
consideration
for
the betterment
of
us all
her last day
of many years
began
so ordinary
and
now
eternally
with her
god
and I
for ever
and
always
your
sweatheart
and you
the unbearable pain
in our parting
I love you
I
Was born
On a day
Of many angels
Raised up out of the dust
Of
Pain
And
sorrow
My dark brown eyes
Brought peace
And love
Around me
on my
journey
to this
day
I stand
In your hearts
So you will
Not be afraid
I walk
A head
It is not
and
end
But
A beginning
I
champion
Peace and love
By still
Water
My hand
on
the lamb
the golden rays of love
all around me
in
my triumph
come
when
you will…!!!
R. steffen january 20, 2011
Time Keeper
I don’t know
Where you’re going
but I
Won’t be far
I will always remember
Someone beating
The sweetest time
In a band
Where
Others play
Plucking strings
one at a time
one picker
sounds
a lot
like you
the
time keeper
Another
running like hell
A singer
trying to find
that one
magic verse
Some one
running lights
Another
Sweeping
the floor
a man
runs sound
yet utters
nothing
guess
that’s a sign
he
is doing
it
right
A few
come up
to sing
From hearts
It doesn’t matter
if your good
or
not
What matters
That you play
When
its all said
and
done
the
time keeper
has
all the say…!!!
r.steffen june 19,2012
on the arizona tragedy...!!!
The answer is simple
A man came here a long time ago
And lived here just a few short years
Never once did he heal the bright and shiny
but he laid
his
hands
on the sick
the poor
and the
mentally ill
we fail
so miserably
at keeping our brother
when he is at his worst
and all alone
when he is in danger
of hurting himself and others
we fail
not the congress the dems the republican
not the talk show people
we fail
the answer is simple
just walk like the man
who came here
along time ago...!!!
r. steffen 1-11-‘11
      |  Mat 18:15 | ¶ | Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. |
| Mat 18:16 | But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. | |
| Mat 18:17 | And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. hope this helps r. steffen 1-12-'11 |
home
Perhaps
i will never be
like everyone else
but I am glad
god
made me that way
I have a lot
Of bad days
But you should see me
on the good ones
after
all these years
of labels
I finally
Found one
That works
I am human
It took a while
To stop
Seeing people
In color
You know
black red brown yellow
I finally see them
As the color
of
water
And they are
so
beautiful
In my new sight
I used to go along
with those who pointed out
my
disadvantages
that way of thinking
was holding me back
for
I will never again
let my
disabilities
ruin
my abilities
I am finally
Home
rsteffen January 8, 2011
THE GREATEST STORY OF THEM ALL
as i sit at the mall
resting my tired feet
something is happening to me
something really neat
i hear it
it is different
the music they sing
about the joy
of something new
that is coming
and yes
they claim
its
the real thing
i see
a young man
and
woman
their cart is full
and so
are many others
its not usually
this way
something
surely
is in
full swing
at last
it hits me
spirit
and all
its
Christmas
its
Christmas
a young boy
shouts
at his sister
yes
i told you
something neat
was happening
while sitting here
at the mall
tis christmas
the greatest story
of them all...!!!
r. steffen december 24 ,2010
Teacher
when i was a child
i needed
a
teacher
and time past
and
i forgot
some of them
as i was about
to walk
on
i hung on
to the last ones
that meet my needs
in to my future
now i am old
and i still need
a
teacher
please doctor
walk me home
roger a. steffen
11\29\2010
in respect of francis bobek
Friend
I do not know you
Very long
In fact
I don’t know much
About you at all
I see you
As a
Flower
In the
Bouquet
Of my life
You’re bright
Funny
Fun to watch
At a distance
I am proud
You stand
For
Who you are
Where you are
And
That takes courage
Stay strong
Stay you
Friend…!!!
11/12/2010
The 33rd MAN
i can not imagine
the thought
of
no tomorrow
or that i will stand
at the table
and
eat my last morsel
don't ask me
how i felt
when i thought
i could no longer
think of you
some of us thought
of our
daughters and sons
others
our mothers fathers
but one strong man
thought
of
all of us
oh he cried
deep in side
be he was strong
and in him
an unbelievable
strength
grew
he lead us
and helped us
keep our faith
they brought us
out
one at a time
one two three
ten eleven twelve
18, 19, 20
twenty-eight twenty-nine
thirty
thirty-one thirty-two
and one more
man
the man
that
let us
believe
that we
could make it
home!!!
the chillian miners
survived
for 65 days
a record
of survival
and testament
of human will
r.steffen oct 13, 2010
HOME
I have held on
too
drifting wood
in the deepest
seas
I have stood
in
the arena
facing
the
lions and tigers
of this world
i have looked up
and seen
the
blood stains
pour
from your heart
I have felt
the
emptiness
when you
were
gone
and the joy
when you
returned
all of my life
I have been
walking
my way
home
r.steffen oct 4, 2010
"In my land"
i have gone away
you may think
in silence
but i
am always
there
in every single heart beat
and
every breath
of
light
look in to the heavens
in to the blue
of the sky
and i
am there
i am
every whisp
of white
in every cloud
gone by
if you look to the dark blues of night
reach up
my heart still beats
in my land
there are no words
but my love
for
you
this is with out
repeat
i carry on
here
with
the broadest
smile
the glow
of
love
you built
in
me
thank you
all
for
loving me
look again
high
were eagles
fly
to the
blue of heaven
where god
and
i
reside
in memory of shelly's daughter
r steffen
i started my journey along time ago
with people around me
i took that for granted
then one day i looked around
and like so many times
everyone was gone
and i was alone
so i picked up my pen
and i wrote about a light
that shined
im not walkin alone
not while im on my way home
as a young little man
it seemed like
ten miles
was a universe away
as if some one had spun me around
while outside at play
i could not find my way back home
i didnt really know what love was all about
but i did know a song
a song about a light
i never cried
to many pinkbellies for that
but no matter how you cut it
i still couldnt find my way back
i still hang on to that song
the one about a light
im not walkin alone
while im on my way home
im going to let it shine
"No man,
when he hath lighted a candle,
putteth it in a secret place,
neither under a bushel,
but on a candlestick,
that they which come in
may see the light."
Luke 11:33
"I'm going to let it shine"
written by Harry Dixon Loes (1895-1965) in about 1920
roger steffen aug 25, 2010
"WHAT GOOD FRIENDS DO...!!!"
some friends
come and go sadly
but you
i knew from
the very first minute
would remain in my heart
for
a long long time
i can't say
that
about all my
friends
because time
makes them slip away
so how do i know
you will be around awhile
cause that's
what good
friends
do...!!!
roger steffen aug 11, 2010
"FRAGILE"
if I am sad and lose my way
I can softly touch
my piano
there is a world out there
that I can only find
this way
there is no time there
only melody
and
rhyme
something much bigger
than me
I keep trying
to find
that next beautiful note
that will bring a smile
perhaps a tear
I give it all away
to some one else
too like
or
dislike
and
it is fragil
and
erodes
in awhile
like the hardest rock
and
the softest flower
all down the drain
of
time
r steffen july 3, 2010
"Morning Dream"
from my short stories collection
With the gentlest softest breath
Early morning comes
You can hear her coming
First the morning birds
In a gray dull light
Singing the songs
Only they know
Proud
To be about
And
Alive
Not afraid
To announce
Come on lets go
I
Can smell
Last nights rain
Hearing it
As if it still is
A part of my
Dream
We were walking
You and I
In it
You were looking
At me
Hair twisted
And
Turned
In to beautiful
curls
You were laughing
Picking on me
But there was a moment
I saw deep
In to your eyes
Farther
Than I ever have
Before
I
Had reached out
And
Dared to
Hold your chin
Watching a drop of rain trickle
And
Fall
Slowly
To the end of your nose
You were silent, still, calm
Letting me in to your soul
Letting me feel the fire
Tend the flames
Touch the passion
In you
You blinked your eyes
And I knew
I had just experienced
A very special
Place in your heart
Now the morning
Had shed on you
The most beautiful of sunbeams
Falling through
The trees as if to seek you out
And light your face for me to look in
And the birds began to sing
And I smiled
At my
Morning dream
roger steffen may, 2006
"unlock my heart"
when i set at my piano and close my eyes
i see color no disguise
i touch keys that unlock my heart
then i sail away to some distant sea
and unload from my soul all debris
roger steffen a long time ago
"last dim light"
when my eyes fall fast asleep
i will have you in my dreams
there to hold you yes for keeps.....!!!
if we cant take giant cruises it doesnt mean we cant walk by the waters edge
hold my hand walk in my dream
show me your compasion for the humanities of life
fostering care and good will
love me underall the stars of heaven untill the last dim light.....!!
roger steffen july, 2007
"the other half of love"
if i let you in my heart
touch it gently
if you feel the colors of a rainbow
watch silently
for i am
the color of love
like the deep red rose
the lavender sunset
the golden morning
i am your light
touch me easily
i am the other half of love
roger steffen 2003
"together"
...once
with a single red rose
i caught a single tiny tear
it sat opposite
a dew drop
the dew drop i no came from
the beginning of a new day
the tear
drop
i couldn't tell if from sadness or happiness
as i watched with interest
the tear drop began to slide down the rose
and so did the dew drop
at the bottom of the rose
they came
together
and then the rose bloomed
roger steffen may, 2004
"...In the depth of winter"
I finally learned that within me lay an invincible shinning summer.As i walked out from my self into a inner feeling as if I touched the purest beauty saw first hand the purpose of life it wasn't a book of words not a picture but a feeling like none other not a feeling of self righteousness not piety or...
self love but the kind of love as if coming home from a war of loneliness the greatest poverty a person can suffer this is the love i bring you pure and real from my seasons from my heart i will bathe you in it we will walk in the purest of light and only we need to know it for we are in our summer and the rest in the depth of winter
roger steffen aug 2004
"...a fathers dream"
it came from my father
and from his father
and his father
and his
handed down to me
long before abraham
who's desendants numbered more than the stars
handed down from his father
handed down from adam
handed down from his father
God
a fathers dream
to see his child "love one another"
author unknown thats me
"One again"
from my short stories collection
At
This moment
In my mind
This
Is what I think
If you want a common type of love
that will provide
just such a thing
I come
As a gift
From me to you
I come to you poor
so that there is no competition
so that we in time grow to be rich
in our hearts
rich in our smiles and love for each other
if we every find our self standing before god
at a wedding for us
this will be what I will ask
do you have the courage to stand beside me and walk
and some times lead
and sometimes follow
do you have the courage to love me
when I am lost till I find the right path
can you reduce my
actions to he is hurt he is trying
or he doesn't understand
but he will find his way
do you have the courage
if I should leave this world first
on out last day together
to say
I enjoyed defining love with you
And my reply
Would simply be
I enjoyed you for one reason all of our time together
And that feeling on our last moment
The heat of that connection
Will surely carry me there
And if some day
when you pass
you can look for me
In a meadow
I will be there
Playing a grand piano
In a field of wild flowers and tall grasses
Will you come and set with me
And once again touch my hands
And feel the harmonies of our love
And if by chance I seem like I am not there
Just reach in my heart
And embrace me dear
I have been here playing a long time
Hoping once again you would come by
And now I no it tis you
And finally we are
together
and finaly just like god kisses roses
so shall i kiss you
roger steffen
July 16,2003
" smilin"
I can
smile today
or
choose not too
I can shine
like the violinist
deeply in touch
with
the music
offer
a hearty cheer
until
the next time
the whole world
tears me down
I
can shine
imagining my self
a star
bright
in the evening sky
and there
with the arms
of
heaven
securely
around me
eyes closed
smilin...
roger
a cold january day 2009
"LOVE"
I FELT
its only others
shouting
your poor
i didn't know it
i still remember
the songs
we sang
of hope
of god
heaven
the reward
my teeth
fellout
sugar
my meal
alone
dispair
no hope
no dream
no more tears
ever
never
i remember
the first time
i felt it
it was strange
a warm arm around me
i didnt cry
i was brave
to let it happen
i was in the third grade
my case worker hugged me
i felt
love
roger steffen 2009
"Still Stand"
in
honor
of
the Upper Big Branch miners
I do not know
the life
they live
the men
that walk down
below
but i have worked
on there side
we called it
the
dirty side
i never saw them
emerge
with nothing less
but a smile
we played
against them
tooth and nail
just
for bragging rights
things like
baseball
football
basketball
something to be proud of
at
sunday dinner
then
they were ready
to walk back down
and Cristen them self
with the blackest dirt
i watched them disappear
with no knowledge of what they do
no understanding
and that is how they want it
its just a silence
and when they come back
its i love you
once in a while
they lose a few
they take off there hats
for a moment or two
and after paying respect
they walk right back down
that's there way
of honoring
the few
the lost
the loved
its just
you and me
that
don't understand
how much
they have lost
and
still stand...!!!
r steffen
roger steffen april 15, 2010
"willows weeping"
in honor of my friends fathers passing
willows weeping on rivers edge
bowing with elegance
as time drifts by
no time piece just waving good by
to silent waters
just tears going by
I whittle there in early light
looking up
wondering why
willows wave good bye
I think of my children in my last days
thinking hard
how to say good bye
remembering
how I loved you
while willows weeped
while floating bye...
roger steffen
"The Tragedy"
i have been gone awhile
in deep dark
waters
it barely floats the ship
I'm in
to a distant island
with no way home
the pain
much like daggers
cutting my skin
sunshine
doesn't exist
no moon
to cast shadows
on my doubts
i am rowing
i just want to go home
then
with out warning
i smelled a flower
the sweet smell
of grass
the mist of the salty sea
the chirping of a bird
that beckons
that i should follow him home
the tragedy in my mind
is just the absence
of all the beauty
that surrounds me...
all to often
silent
roger steffen 8-2-09
"Broken Wings"
from my short stories collection
There was a light rain falling
Mishka & Zeus were
Looking over the landscape
And spotted a friend
Miss peaches
A very pretty white dove
He had an eyes for her for some time
But they would see something
that
few would ever
and
they would see it today
they were flying high in the sky
and mishas & zeus
saw an angel
as he was flying high in the sky
up high in the clouds
he went to find
miss peaches
he heard of angels
but wasn't sure they were real
when he told miss peaches she snickered
but agreed to go look
so off they flew
and
sure enough
high in the sky
high in the clouds
was an angel
sitting on a cloud
and one more
one
mishka & zeus
didn't see before
but she was different she was
a girl angel she was the most
beautiful thing
either of them
had ever seen
although miss peaches
was
a very pure snow white dove
and
she was also
a very very gorgeous
creacher of god
she was the
cymbal of peace
the carrier of a fig leaf
and mishka &zeus
loved her with all his heart
they flew
at
a
distance
so they could observe
the boy angel
he was sitting
on
a
cloud
he had a broken wing
and
was stuck
between
heaven and earth
that's why
he was sitting
on the cloud
then she came along
the most gorgeous
angel
of all
gods angels
she was so perfect so beautiful
the boy angel was so delighted
to just gaze on her
her hair was golden
eyes the brilliance
of the bluest sapphire
god mad her perfect in his image
the day was warming up
and we flew around and around just watching
two angels
as if they had no care in the world
then the boy angel looked away at some distant distraction
and when he looked back she was gone
his heart was so empty
and miss peach let out a cry
the boy angel leaped off the cloud with
his broken wing
and dove down spiraling toward earth
faster faster
he could see the girl angel falling
he thought if he could catch up to her
and pull her in to his ams
then miraculously
there fingers got very close
almost touching
but still spiraling
down ward at a high rate of speed
there finger tips finally met
and sent the vibration of feelings of another
in to each others heart
she felt hope
he felt
he could save her
then there hands grasped each others
and he pulled her in to his arms
on her angelic face
was the tears of
innocence
she new
the boy angel saved her
what she didn't no was he couldn't fly
and he didn't know she had a bad wing too
but together
fly they did up in to the highest hieghts
as they flew back up to once again
set on some nice billowy clouds
but before they got there
the trumpeting angels came forth announced the presents
of
God
Then God
proclaimed to the world
I am well pleased
roger steffen 2002
"My Friend"
a rose
is one of gods
most beautiful creations
all its life it survives
on
sunshine and water
as humans
we need more
and my friend was more
and hence
beyond the beauty
of any rose
my friend.....
roger steffen
"raging fires of love!"
from my short stories collection
i would like to take you for a walk
take my hand
aww they are soft
it is good to touch a person
and to see in to a persons eyes
yours are very beautiful
but i sense something
deep with in you
walk with me
we go to the big woods
but first i take
you to a field of wild flowers
and i pick you some
it brings a shine to your already smiling face
it turns the corners of your cheeks up
and brings a glow to your eyes
we walk to the woods
up a well worn path
we come to a foot bridge
the sun is high
it falls softly on your beautiful hair
the leaves rustle
below the foot bridge
is a reflecting pool
i take your hand and we
step in to it
suddenly
we are in a fantasy world
we have stepped in to a wonderful world
every thing is so much more colorful more vibrant
i lead you in to a clearing a meadow
in the middle of it
is a white grand piano
i ask you to set with me
i look at you in to your eyes
i take your wildflowers
and place them in a vase
on the piano
we look at each other
some how as we look back at the wild flowers
they have become roses
i reach for one and give it to you
you place it in your hair
i ask you to place your hands on mine
i want you to feel the music i will create for you
i will let you feel my inner most feelings
the love i have to give
i close my eyes and begin to play
the notes fall on us
as if we are in a dream
as i play i reach in to your heart
to touch it
i feel you your heart beat
i feel your essence
time doesn't seem to be apart of it
then a woman comes from the woods
she touches a bow to a cello
a man comes forward
touches a bow to a violin
another man comes to take my place at the piano
so we can dance
so we can become the symphony
the music
we gaze in to each others eyes
to see each other
we can not hide
who we are
the glow
is blinding
we are so naked
yet so unafraid
of the
raging fires of love!
roger steffen april 2007
"I believe"
I believe in us
That love
is something
earned and learn
each time
new each day
I believe
We are so human
And if we were perfect
What would be the sense
But I believe
In you and me
I believe
We can love
That we see the world
In our own nieve way
But I believe
In you and me
I believe
The best things we have
Are holding hands
In the morning
When the sun rises
And its warmth falls on us
I believe
That sunsets
Are times to silently love
That our eyes hold
The feelings we have for each other
And sometimes words
Do not do love the justice
It deserves
I believe
That science
Has its place in our world
But it will never explain life or love
Or why
When you are near
That
I feel
The way I do
About you
I believe
That a touch of a hand
Can heal
Imagine
holding your hand
every day
I believe
Like a dear friend once told me
Keep life simple
Or before you no it is gone
That which we hold dear
I believe
In our children
Yours and mine
Not that success will bring money
But that love will bring success
I believe
That one smile
No break face
As a man once said
In a far away place
Twisted deformed by disease
His cure
Was simple
just smile
I believe
That a church is
the people in it
Not the temples
Of grandeur we raise up
god see’s
only you and me
and those that love
we owe but one thing
love
I believe
We can reach deep into each other
And
Touch the beating rhythm
That lies with in us
Each morning
In each others arms
Not just one day a year
But every day of the year
roger steffen june 2008
"...the greatest gift"
time at first glimpse
seems to be the greatest gift one can give
another human being
yet the absence of it
it is the most precious of precious gifts
we bestow on another
because it is in this relationship
where time doesn't exist
and that single element
is the hall mark
and foundation and proof
of love!!!
roger steffen
"A rose bud"
...i happened on two neighbors once
fighting over eho caused a crack in a stone wall
it was a long battle tempers flared
i joined the conversation listening carefull
then i spoke up
you two men should be a shamed of your self
leave it be for today
tomorrow come out and reconsider
in the morning both men where standing there in
total silence
it seems through the night
a tiny rose bud had come out of the crack in the wall
every thing has reason a season a life
some times silence can be so eloquent.....
r.steffen
"the conductor"
they ready there bows
stretch the drums
fit there woodwinds together
shine the great horns and small
prepare there sheet music
focus there hearts
on the demands
of the
upcoming performance
and then
a gentleman walks to the stand
above all
looking about
seeing a familiar face
is missing
the lead violinist
at his command
he raises his
baton
not sure
how to go on
he begins
awkwardly at first
then it is time
for the first violinist
to play
it is his missing friend
suddenly in the back
an old friend arises
and then another and another
a trumpet player
a flute play
a cellist
they
proceeds to play
very
expressive
and
emotional
the conductor smiles
and delivers
a resounding symphony...!!!
roger steffen friend
2/10/2009
our conductor
allows us,
at times when
some of the orchestra
pieces are missing
to still give
a brilliant
performance...!!!
roger steffen
"Light of the World"
I had to go
to the river
to walk and soothe
my broken heart
having just lost my close
dear friend
my pain beyond my threshold
tears rolling down
beyond my face
shaking
not understanding
so angry so hurt
and then
it began
the moon
began to rise
above the mountain top
white
as it is on winter nights
and slowly
its radiant beams began to walk
across waters
straight to my troubled heart
god was saying
I am the light of the world...
Roger Steffen
December 29, 2008
"PEACE"
trees of sent pine prevail
grasses of the yard impregnate
our sences
the air smells of
rain
we hurry
to decide our direction
of safety
the fawn nestles
deep in the hay field
the crow calls
for all of us to hear
somethings up
one last swoop by a blue bird
before the rain sets in
now all i smell
is the heat of the street
water filling my nose
water running in the gutter
going some where
for a moment
all is at
peace
roger 6/22/2009
"SNOW FLAKES"
snow flakes falling here
gently
i watched one drift
silently
to the ground
one almost hit me
i didn't duck
then one did
god was saying
i know where
you are
snow flakes
falling
beautifully white
touching everything
just before our thanksgiving
snow flakes
touching my heart
your friend roger!!!
hope you enjoyed my poetry as of 2012
