Poetry By Jim Serviolo from Valley Center, California e-mail: jim1053@earthlink.net   30 YEARS We were sittin' in the back yard sippin' on an ice cold tea there were Peter, Matt, and Corie and my wife sittin' next to me We were talkin' bout' our family and all the days gone past when the children asked their mother how she made her marriage last When she rolled her head and gave a laugh it took us by surprise she said: "the Guides for Happy Marriages" are just a pack of lies She said: "The recipe for happiness" isn't written in a book and all the paths of life are different no matter which one that man took There comes those times in all our lives when the dark consumes the light and we're troubled, scared, and lonely and nothing makes it right So when I look back on just what it took to keep together my man and me it seems the price we paid for happiness was just absolutely free You see: it doesn't cost a dime to say "I Love You", everyday and to hold a hand or give a hug can make a person's day But when I look back upon our lives I think it's safe for me to say the thing that made our marriage last was asking God to light the way   SIS'  The three of us we had it made Peter, Matt, and me we learned to do things for ourselves we were one tough family  Up at dawn we did our chores our parents saw to that but after school back at the ranch we rode, roped, and bulldogged the calves  Then one day our lives were changed Mom brought home this little bundle sure enough this life we loved soon began to crumble  How could something that seemed so small command so much attention soon it seemed we lived our lives in a constant state of suspension  The rodeos we were riding in came with a brand new twist after we roped and tied up the calves we were taking care of Sis'  The three of us, we saw her grow and turn into a lady now the rules have changed with watching her and it's driving us plum crazy  The phone keeps ringing off the hook these guys are EVERYWHERE she has us running 'round the clock WE KNOW why they are there  When guys come calling, we'll have a talk it'll be their chance to listen they'll know the rules we have for dating or they just might end up missin'  Yeah, the three of us we had it made and now it's plain to see that bundle Mom brought to our home has meant the world to Peter, Matt, and me   GOOD DAY Today .... was a good day My daughter's calling for her mom and I'm up and out of bed she's wet, cold, and hungry run the bath, change her clothes, time I got her fed  My son is up and running now I see he wet his bed he's drawing pictures on my walls run the bath, change his clothes, time I got him fed  The man I love is hurting it breaks my heart to see I'm there to help at any time but he hates to burden me  Read me my favorite story, Mommy come play out in the yard he took my doll and hit me, Mommy spank him Mommy, spank him really hard  What's for lunch? We're hungry, Mommy .....but that's not what we like We're not tired for our nap we want to ride our bikes As the children sleep, time to pick things up vacuum, dishes, and wash the clothes time to spend with my hubby now where the time goes I'll never know  When the kids awake it's in the car and head out for the stores food, drinks, toys and clothes always needing more  What's for dinner? We're hungry, Mommy Why does it take so long? Can we watch cartoons before we go to bed? Lay with me Mommy, Can you sing me a song?  Now I've got some time to tell my man "I Love Him" is what I'll say we cuddle and we share this time YEAH; Today .... was a good day   DAD'S EYES  If I close my eyes I see her jumpin' in my arms again she's made me feel so special from the time her life began  A gift my wife could only give a miracle so rare I tremble as the time flies by her love I know I now must share  Now I feel so out of place an old man who's holdin' on how's a Dad to say, "I love you" Look into my eyes .... into my eyes  She tells me, "Dad, I've found the man, ... he takes my breath away" I tell her I'm so happy but did I lose my girl today?  Help me blow out all the candles, Daddy teach me to throw  the ball Can you help me with my homework, Daddy? I think I'm growing, Daddy, let's go mark it on the wall  Now I feel so out of place an old man who's holdin' on How's a Dad to say, "I love you" Look into my eyes .... into my eyes It used to be so easy I was her only man now she's grown into a woman God, I've just got to understand  Now I feel so out of place an old man who's holdin' on How's a Dad to say, "I love you" Look into my eyes .... into my eyes   THE RIDE It's colder this morning than most have been lately he's sippin' his coffee and cream he puts on his shirt, his jeans, and his boots today he'll be facing his dream  There's not a man in this world that would walk in his shoes 'cause today he must reach down inside at the end of the arena inside of the chute his fate is awaitin' a ride  The cowboys, they know who he's drawn for the day it's the one that has beaten them all he's never been ridden' not even been close he'll stomp and horn you when you fall  This gray Brahma bull from the dark side of hell as nasty as any you'll find just give him his space, aint no one to mess with they call him "The End of the Line"  The crowd's coming in, they're filling the stands they're wanting to see this gray bull the stories of blood, broke bones, and lost lives have packed in the stands over full  Nine riders have bucked out but they've tasted defeat it's now down to only one ride the Gray Bull and the Cowboy it's time for these two to collide  The crowd has gone silent they know what's up next the chute holds the demon inside they gather around him to set him up right and the cowboy settles tight round his sides  The rope round his chest pins the glove to his hide the stage has been set now in 8 seconds only one will survive  The gate cracks wide open now the gray lunges upward he kicks and he rolls into hell the cowboy, he's spurring giving all that he's got but the gray drops him down in the well  The rider sees darkness but refuses to die and he digs his spurs into grays side he pulls himself out of the shadowy grave and the bull knows it will take one more try  This time it's his head that he throws back to get him and they meet with a thunderous crack his jawbone is broken, his lip has been split but his grip still refuses to slack  The clock has struck 8 the gray knows he's been beat now it's PETE'S name that is spoken with pride he's the World Champ and your younguns' will hear of the war that we now call.... "The Ride"   IN THE STANDS  There he is again sittin' up there in the stands can't quite remember when I noticed he didn't act like all the other fans  He seemed to watch my every move like a father would a son but never stopped to talk awhile after all the rides were done  He went to every show I had he never missed a date the circuit I was ridden' in covered nearly every state  I won my share but a time or two I almost broke my neck I cracked my ribs and broke my nose but walked away from all the wrecks  My partners, they're all amazed at how I cheated fate each time that bull came after me something turned him back to the gate  And when the finals came around I was siting number one but as I rode my hand let go I tumbled down, my chances done  As I lay there I felt his horn this time it hit its mark my chest was crushed beneath the weight and suddenly it all went dark  The time went slowly that next few months but I healed up good and strong starting over was really tough but I was back to riding before too long  Then I saw that man again sitting up there in the stands this time I caught him before he left I had to know, Who was this man?  I asked him if he'd tell me why he was always there to watch me ride he said that God had sent him here to protect my skinny hide  "That time you fell in Idaho, his horn lightly grazed your chest You lost your grip in Tulsa his hoof ripped open your vest"  He was there each time I fell to keep me safe and strong said; "God was taking care of me, no matter what danger came along"  I said; "If all that were true where was he in that final round, just when I needed him the most that bull pinned me right down to the ground"  Just then that old man grabbed a cane and he gave me a crooked smile he said, "That was his greatest work to keep me a ridden' for awhile"  He said, "That when I hit the ground I wouldn't get away he stepped between that bull and me that's why I'm here today"  Now I'm not a Bible totten' man but there's one thing I'd like to say; "No matter what we do in life God's there to light the way"   SAVIOR SON  Did they see his face Did they look deep into his eyes Three kings had found the savior child The "Son Of God"; as prophesied  Did they understand his words As he sat there on the steps of stone This child who spoke of God above This child who called the heavens home  So many people turned their backs On the One to set them free His message seemed so simple... "Trust in God", and "Trust in Me"  Oh, If only I had been there Oh, what I could have done If He had come to visit me I would have followed the "Savior Son"  Did they hear his voice Did they feel the love he shared So many people walked away So few of them who really cared  Did they see the miracles The loaves, the fish, the wine A blind man sees, a dead man lives Surely, this would change their minds  Oh, if only I had been there Oh, what I could have done If He had come to visit me I would have followed the "Savior Son"  Did they see a man filled up with hate As He stood before the crowd Pilot simply washed his hands "Put to Death", they cried out loud  They whipped, and stoned, and beat this man His blood would stain his cloth They mocked him with a "Crown of Thorns" Then nailed him to a cross  Oh, if only I had been there Oh, what I could have done If He had come to visit me I would have followed the "Savior Son"  Did they see the stone rolled back Didn't Thomas touch his side He had freed us all from Satan's hand Man's atonement now satisfied  But to wish to have been there To say what we would have done Is nothing less than hidding From today's presence of the Son  You see, Today He walks among us He's inside both you and me His gift to us is man's "Free Will" He conquered death to set us free  Oh, I know  that He is here now Oh, I know  there's work undone He's called us all to spread His word Can we follow  the "Savior Son"?  So remember why we are here It's up to us to get things done He's here with us in every breath Thank God for the "Savior Son"   BUCKAROO NAMED LINDA SUE  Starting every morning before the sun is up walking out to begin the feedin' sippin' on a coffee cup  The chores don't change much from day to day the work is basically the same the animals need lookin' after or sure enough they'll come up lame  This office that she's working in it suits her to a tee 'cause the pictures that hang on her office walls are the mountains and the sea  Each chance she gets to saddle up and ride up in the hills makes how she's chose to live her life seem worthy of the bills  Side by side with all the cowboys one thing we know is true you'll get a damn good workin' hand in a buckaroo named Linda Sue   TRUST  I've heard it said so many times "Just listen to your heart" but to understand what is being shared takes "Trust" right from the start  "Trust" your eyes to lead the way to find the beauty beneath the cover it's always more than meets the eye when you find that perfect lover  "Trust" the touch that is soft and tender from the hand that holds you near the feel of love flows to your core soon acceptance replaces fear  "Trust" the sound of the voice inside you it knows you best of all the truth you seek is yours alone no other hears its call  So trust yourself to find the way when life's journey becomes real dark trust will break the chains of doubt and let you "Listen to your Heart"   SEASONS OF THE HEART I guess it's safe for me to say there are seasons of the heart our lives can change at any time whether together or apart  The paths we walk each and every day shape the who and what we are but a season change of a persons heart can take their spirit to the stars  Our hearts can tell us when to laugh or when it's time to cry but listen hard to what it says good or bad it just can't lie  There is one thing that is required when you're dealing with your heart you'll get an honest answer only if you're honest from the start  So as the seasons of the world go bye.... summer, winter, spring, and fall don't forget the "Seasons of the Heart" within, is the greatest beauty for us all   TO TOUCH OR HOLD  I hadn't seen him in quite awhile when my son walked through the door he asked me if I had some time I heard myself say; "That's what I'm here for"  He started speaking slowly as he leaned back in his chair he said; "I'm not the boy you used to know, and it's time I cleared the air"  He said, "I've touched the frozen tundra looked a grizzly in the eyes fished waters filled with salmon slept beneath the northern skies"  "I've sailed across the oceans, touched the shores of foreign lands wore the colors of my country peoples lives were in my hands"  "I've touched some bulls in Texas wrapped-up and called for the gate heard the cheers of 10,000 fans when I rode one for the eight"  "I've touched a lot of ladies some could take my breath away one I thought I'd have forever but things always got in the way"  "But I look at who I am and feel an emptiness deep inside and Dad, I look at you and see a man that's filled with pride"  Well, I told my son to look around at what was hanging on the walls "These pictures tell my story and my life fills up these halls"  "I watched that magic moment when man walked upon the moon but it pales to when I held you when you first walked across our room"  "I held a wrestler in my arms when he rose above the rest he learned to pay the price it takes if you want to be the best"  "Your brother held me that snowy day he had played the greatest game of his life he told me he was a stronger man cause' Dad taught him what was right"  "Your sister held my hand as she introduced me to the crowd a sign of love extended it told me she was proud"  "I've held a job for many years I've learned a lot along the way I understand the Golden Rule honest work for honest pay"  "I've held tight to just one lady one partner for all time she gives me all the love she has and I give her all of mine"  So here's the way I see it; "You've looked but haven't seen"..... "To TOUCH something or To HOLD it are completely different things"   PASSION AND LOVE I watched my girl at ten years old workin' up a sweat behind her trainer and her horse a sight I won't forget Her tiny boots, blue jeans, and hat she was a sight to see the smile that never left her face meant all the world to me  Before too long these two had grown into a riding team I watched them in the show arena the buckskin and the teen Just what it takes to be the best and stand out in her go HIS strength, HER beauty their team just lets you know  Playing on her hockey team she's giving all she's got she won't back down from anyone no matter what the cost She's not as quick as most of the girls and shorter than the rest but when she gets into the game she stays up with the best She doesn't get the accolades she doesn't lead the way she fights for every inch she gets what's inside is what makes her play  The woman that she's grown into this person that I love I wonder what her secret is that's made her rise above and then these words come back to me.... it's the passion, it's the love  Today, my burden has been lifted as I lie here in this bed she slips her hand into my own and lightly strokes my head She tells me everything she is is because of just one thing and quietly she says to me.... "YOU'VE BEEN MY ONE TRUE PASSION, MOM YOU'VE BEEN MY ONE TRUE LOVE"   SHARE YOUR MUSIC  God gave us each our own music and the world to be our stage but most of us are living with our music still unplayed  This gift that we are given is ours to use if we dare it is our greatest tool to show how much we care  "Martin" shared his music gave us all a dream his message was very simple "Let Freedom Ring"  "John" stood up and played his music the song he shared was true "Don't ask your country to make things right ask instead what YOU can do"  A diminutive committed lady so fragile and so weak "Teresa" touched every nation each time that she would speak  A simple comic and actor he shared his special song "Bob" lifted up our spirits from World War II to Vietnam  One song was sung so long ago that's been shared throughout the years a "Carpenter" gave his music that will save all those who hear  Your music has the power our future's in our hands never doubt that words can change the world it's the only thing that ever has   ONE MAN'S LIFE  I watched him as he held my son and I thought of all the days gone by an old man just rocking in his chair I felt a tear run from my eye  To see the age he carry's now the lines upon his face the songs of life are quiet now as he struggles with life's pace  His hands that held a lifetime now are weary from the strain his steps are slow and careful the path he walks is filled with pain  I love to sit and talk with him of when he walked in a young man's shoes his stories paint the picture of a man who's paid his dues  He fought for us in WWII put his life out on the line went to hell and back again the pain kept hidden in his mind  They took their boats up to the beach his buddy by his side then he heard his partner hit the ground he stopped to hold him as he died  Later, planes from up above found there mark upon the deck water would engulf the ship to the deep would lay to rest  Most the men went overboard before this ship could seal their fate but he noticed someone missing and stayed on to find his mate  He found him lying on the deck a gaping hole right through his chest he carried him up to the stern sat him down and tried to rest  Then he took him in his arms and they fell into the sea he would carry him to safety but this time it wouldn't be  They struggled and they screamed as they fought to stay afloat but no one heard their calls and one slipped away from hope  He swam until he found a raft holding thirty men or more smoke and fog had filled the air the water froze them to their core  His ship went down beneath the waves the screams of men had filled the air three days of hunger, pain, and cold as they floated in despair  He threw a rope across his shoulders closed his eyes and began to swim slowly they all began to move thirty men, the raft, and him  The men; they say, what happened next was a miracle of will as they moved through the fog, the smoke, and rain the raft hit hard against a keel  Each man was grabbed and lifted up the flag red, white, and blue and every man now owed their life to the one they barely knew  A few years went by when a fiery crash held two men inside a third was thrown out to the ground he lay unconscious on his side  He woke to find the burning car his buddies breathin' their last breaths then he scrambled up and crawled inside and pulled them out of certain death  His life turned down another road as a husband and a dad all he ever gave in life was all he ever had  You see, he put me on his shoulders and carried me through life somehow today God seals the circle it's my chance to serve him now  He's given more than life to me showed how  to serve your fellow man taught me there's no greater gift than to extend a helping hand     Top | Back to Collected Poems | Back to Main Page