The Gift Of My Father

To my Father a WWII veteran who fought alongside General Patton


















Camp Shelby Mississippi is where it all began,
the transformation to a soldier from an unassuming man.
Soon thrust into a battle to preserve our country's rights,
enduring cold, hunger, fear, and distance from his wife.


He stood tall when called upon, and always did his best,
and never once you heard him brag about the medals on his chest.
Honor, commitment, loyalty, and the courage to stand tall...
I reflect upon my Father and the gift he gave us all.

Copper Pennies

Like copper pennies in a young man’s pocket
taken for granted
so was my love
I had for you

Tossed into the corner
only to be used if needed
Both gathered dust
and were neglected

Now old and poor
I yearn for the sound of pennies in my pocket
and you
softly and sweetly calling my name

Keep Your Liu's and Hu's and Wu's

A tongue in cheek poem written for my wife. When you finally realize it's not all about looks.













As long as I can remember
I've loved those Asian eyes
I think it hit me for the first time
when I was four or five

That almond shape, that slanted form
my tiny brain did burn
I dreamed of hugging Nancy Kwan
oh how my heart did yearn

Then when I was almost twenty
I met my future wife
a kind and lovely Asian gal
with whom I'd spend my life

Then it suddenly hit me
like a loaf of day old bread
I wasn't seeing Asian eyes
it was a beautiful soul instead

So keep your Liu's and Hu's and Wu's
that's not what I really must
I found that it was much more deep
it's love built out of trust

Chotto Matte

A romantic plea to a young geisha after seeing her cross the street in Shinbashi.

Chotto matte kudesai ...
may I ask your name?
I've never seen such beauty
in a woman 'til this day.

Your lips are redder than a rose,
your eyes so dark and brown,
I catch my breath and ask your name
I beg don't let me down.

Chotto matte kudesai ...
before you go I pray,
that our paths will cross again
somehow, somewhere, someday.

The Looking Pool

I wrote this poem about 20 years ago.

A period of time when my children were young, and I had found a beautiful island named Okinawa to call home.

I never had a photo to go along with the poem, but now I do.

It's my granddaughter standing at the edge of the sea, and yes she lives in Uruma-shi Okinawa.

I dedicate this poem to the beautiful little girl who calls me Pawpaw.

How supremely fitting my poem has finally found it's home after two decades.

One early morning I awoke
and walked down to the sea
and knelt down by a tidal pool
on a beach in Uruma-shi

Reflections of the sky and clouds
blue and white as I'd ever seen
then looking deep within the pool
I saw the strangest thing

An angel appeared and spoke to me
I listened to what she said
her every word was like the breeze
that blew above my head

She spoke of Okinawa
and the beauty of the land
She spoke of mother nature
and the brotherhood of man

And when she finished speaking
a tear rolled off her brow
I then awoke and stood up
and walked back in to town

Today I Learned From My Child

This blog is for my son..

Andy, I'm so proud of you for all you have done with your life. Most of all I'm proud that you kept your promise to me...you know what that means.

Do you remember when I was away in Naval Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island? That is where I learned the meaning of being a gentleman, and mostly the meaning of honesty and leadership.

Today you showed me that you are a product of my beliefs. You showed me that I can trust you unconditionally. I am proud to be your dad. Mom and I are proud of you for your accomplishments and your love.

Cherry Blossoms

Winter passed silently
snowflakes a memory
Spring calls surprisingly
like a visitor at the door.

Pink petals fall
to the ground
covering the footpaths
left by lovers

Oh, how I must wait
another season
for my beautiful sakura
with only my imagination to recall