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Read "Poetic Risings" by Poet Dakota Williams



Below are forward introductory emails from readers as well as content/poems from Poetic Risings, thank you for your interest in Reading the Poetry of Poet Dakota Williams. Numbers listed next to poem titles are indictive of the page numbers in Poetic Risings.

POETIC RISINGS


Dakota Williams
Copyright © 2003 by Dakota Williams.
ISBN : Hardcover 1-4134-3383-9
Softcover 1-4134-3383-9
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage
and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the
copyright owner.
This book was printed in the United States of America.
To order additional copies of this book, contact:
Xlibris Corporation
1-888-795-4274
www.Xlibris.com
Orders@Xlibris.com
19952
CONTENTS
Forward—Emails and Letters from Readers .................................. 11
A Note from the Poet ......................................................................... 21
Cry of the White Dove ....................................................................... 25
Poetic Walls of Green ........................................................................ 27
Undrawn canvas ............................................................................... 29
Poets Prayer ....................................................................................... 31
June will soon be gone ...................................................................... 33
I Think He Knows Whom I Am ....................................................... 34
Poetry .................................................................................................. 35
Blowing Pink Penny Bubble Gum ................................................... 37
Like a flower ....................................................................................... 39
Weep not of my death ....................................................................... 41
Love is Special Like a Rose ............................................................... 42
The Love of Your Touch Not Yet Felt .............................................. 43
To Ache, To Love ............................................................................... 45
Texas Horizion .................................................................................. 47
Early Morning, Willow Rising ......................................................... 48
Emerging ............................................................................................ 49
If Only ................................................................................................. 51
For All Eternity .................................................................................. 52
If Love Is To Be ................................................................................... 53
Untamed ............................................................................................. 54
Dreams................................................................................................ 55
Finding You ....................................................................................... 57
Hearts of Love .................................................................................... 58
Aol World ........................................................................................... 60
You and I ............................................................................................ 61
Perpetual Light .................................................................................. 62
Love’s Paradise Tantalizing ............................................................ 63
Cupid .................................................................................................. 65
There Was A Time ............................................................................. 66
If Only The Wind ............................................................................... 67
Don’t Love Me .................................................................................... 67
Collected Memories ........................................................................... 69
Pictures Of The Past .......................................................................... 70
Moment ............................................................................................... 71
It’s Just A Matter of Time .................................................................. 72
Moments ............................................................................................. 73
Just You and I .................................................................................... 74
You Give Me Hope ............................................................................ 75
BeStow ................................................................................................ 76
Cry of Love ......................................................................................... 77
When The Moon Rose ....................................................................... 79
Dreams of Phantasy .......................................................................... 81
Faces I See ........................................................................................... 83
Taunter ............................................................................................... 83
The Water Dances ............................................................................. 85
peace within ....................................................................................... 86
Togetherness ...................................................................................... 87
To A New Friend ............................................................................... 89
Time on a Coo-Coo Clock ................................................................. 91
Fly ........................................................................................................ 93
Muse ................................................................................................... 95
Poets Dream ....................................................................................... 96
You Hold Me ...................................................................................... 97
Eyes of Hazel Gray ............................................................................ 99
Reflections ........................................................................................ 101
In a Nights Dream Cursed by Woe ................................................ 102
Changing Seasons ........................................................................... 103
I am Your Mother, Child ................................................................. 105
Child of Mine ................................................................................... 106
Shadows ........................................................................................... 107
Oh My Baby ..................................................................................... 108
A Loving Bond ................................................................................. 109
A Seed of LIfe ................................................................................... 110
Child of Spring ................................................................................ 111
Seasons Of Sacrifice ........................................................................ 113
Sifting ................................................................................................ 115
Rope Of Hope .................................................................................. 116
The World is a Play ......................................................................... 119
Angel................................................................................................. 120
Ashen—Life lives no more ............................................................. 121
A Fool’s Paradise ............................................................................ 122
Climbing Mountains ....................................................................... 123
Fly High ............................................................................................ 125
John John .......................................................................................... 127
Playing Army with GI Joe ............................................................... 129
War What For .................................................................................. 131
Flash Backs ...................................................................................... 133
The Wall ........................................................................................... 135
child prisoner within ...................................................................... 137
Little Monarch butterfly .................................................................. 139
Weeping Willow Tree ..................................................................... 141
Tears I Cried ..................................................................................... 142
Tiny Pebble ....................................................................................... 143
The Vows We Spoke Are Now Broken .......................................... 145
Daffodills-Function in Society pills .............................................. 147
The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter ....................................................... 148
Hearts A Flame ................................................................................ 149
Dreams of You ................................................................................. 150
Why you didn’t ............................................................................... 151
Home................................................................................................. 153
Winter’s Lazy Splendor .................................................................. 153
Dew covered Web ............................................................................ 154
Granny’s Old Rocking Chair ......................................................... 155
Early Autumn On The Farm .......................................................... 157
Sweet Summer Time ........................................................................ 158
Grandma’s Lemon Tree .................................................................. 159
The Birth And Death Of A Family Tree ........................................ 161
I’ve seen the Rock Wren sing too ................................................... 162
The Season’s Changing .................................................................. 163
In a Louisiana Garden of Death .................................................... 164
Love ................................................................................................... 166
To Love ............................................................................................. 167
Eyes Of Ember .................................................................................. 169
Rolling Thunder .............................................................................. 171
New Age ........................................................................................... 173
Blue Water Sunset ........................................................................... 175
My Daddy Captain Buck ................................................................ 177
Needing To Fly Away ..................................................................... 178
For a single moment ........................................................................ 179
Young Child Running Free ............................................................ 181
Teen Fashion .................................................................................... 182
It’s the Cry of the Heart We Don’t See ........................................... 183
Letter from a victim ......................................................................... 185
Everybody needs someone ............................................................. 187
He Took Me by the Hand ................................................................ 188
Time Heals all Pain ......................................................................... 189
One Man and A Prayer ................................................................... 191
A few gifts from God ....................................................................... 192
Life Support ..................................................................................... 193
One Last Tear To Cry ...................................................................... 194
Pearl .................................................................................................. 196
The Sun Rises Beyond a Journeys End ......................................... 199
This book is dedicated to those who have encouraged me through
the years to never quit writing

11
FORWARD—EMAILS AND LETTERS FROM
READERS
Entry#60 Date: Sun Jun 8 12:09:42 2003
Name: Alex Pip
Site Rating: 10
Comments: Dakota, I found your poetry breath taking and soothing.
Wow, you have made my day by summing up your beautiful words
in a way I could never even think of saying them. Thank you for
your gifted mind. Fifties friend . . . Alex
Subj: Reflections
Date: 8/8/98 10:33:22 AM! First Boot!

From: EddieSaid
To: Dakota2329
In my life I am moved very little. While in the middle of reading
your poem, completely without warning, the breath was sucked
out of my lungs and my eyes filled with tears. I finished your
poem knowing I had been moved.
Eddie


Subj: Thank you
Date: 5/16/03 5:42:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Sgombro517
To: Dakota2329
Your idea of poetry is beautiful, thank you for such kind thoughts.
Ciao
Sgombro

Date: 5/13/03 3:15:33 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KarinNURSE1
To: Dakota2329
Hi
I hope I am not intruding. Love your poetry. I usually don’t look at
profiles. I just clicked on to friends, and there was your website. How
and why it came up I have no idea, but I am glad it did because I got to
read some wonderful writings, you are very talented. Thank you for
sharing. I am a nurse in Texas, mother of 4 wonderful grown children,
a nurse by profession and a happy grandmother too. Thank you again.
Karin.

Date: 2/18/01 7:38:51 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: JESUISLIBRE1
TO: Dakota2329
Hey
I loved your home page. You have a remarkable talent and it is
really nice to come across someone that can make your day little
brighter. Have a nice day.
Eddy


Subj: How much I enjoyed your web page
Date: 8/22/00 9:40:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Da sarge61
To: Dakota2329
Hello Ms. Dakota, I Just want to tell you how very much I enjoyed
your web page. It brought a lot of joy to me this day. I’m the grandfather
of 9 grandchildren and my time on this earth is short, but those
grandchildren have brought so much joy to me. They taught me how
to stop and smell the roses, how to listen to the birds sing, to watch
a sun set or a sun rise. You have a very wonderful God given talent
and I do hope you continue. And I was so pleased to read your
poems this day, after 40 years in Law Enforcement; I never thought
I could look forward to the gentlier side of life and the quietness.
May God bless you.
Bud

Snail Mail from Opal Miller Librin- Live Oak County Library
George West, Tx
Dear Dakota
I want you to know that we appreciate your book of Poems “Poetic
Walls of Green” that you gave as a Memorial for your twin sister. I
have read and re-read some of the poems, some bring tears to my
eyes, and they are so beautiful. Since I am a genealogist I specially
like “The Birth and Death of a Family Tree”—and thought of my
sweet Mother and the many seeds she carried. Thanks again for this
special gift to the Library. Should you write more, we will need a
copy.
Sincerely,
Opal Miller


Date 4/20/00 3:52:59
From: Kelloggs518
To: Dakota2329
Hey I just wanted to say I’m a 14 year old girl that has the attitude of
poetry not being good, I get that attitude from being a skater . . . I have
been skateboarding for 3 years and hope to become pro, but I wanted to
say that I really liked your poetry a lot and it was tight. Well later.
Kelly

Subj: Thank you
Date: 98-07-29 21:51:07
From: TBaby6933
To: Dakota2329
I just wanted to write you a little note to thank you for letting me
share in your website. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I
have had on the Internet. You are such a beautiful writer. I was
utterly captured by every word. Thank you again.

Subj: I went to your homepage
Date: 8/10/98 9:04:39 PM! First Boot!
From Half77pint
To: Dakota2329
What wonderful work. Lots of it brought tears to my eyes. The music
was very soothing. You are a talented poet. Is your work published?
I would enjoy looking for it in the bookstore? I will tell all my friends
about your page. I’m really impressed. Hope to catch you online
sometime. Bye for now.

Half pint
Subj: Poets Prayer
Date: 98-07-15 222:38:21
From: ItaBeOk
To: Dakota2329
Dakota,
I know I always love all your work . . . But this one touched me deeply,
made me think of my life and the little things that I enjoy . . . and
yes . . . made me pray too for just one more day . . . I truly love
it . . . thanks for sharing it with me.
Vickie

Snail Mail from Jacki Waters- Tampa, Flordia
Dakota
Your book of poems are just beautiful and I have shared the book
with my family. Everyone feels as I do. Thank you for sharing your
deepest thoughts and feelings with us.
Jackie

Date: 1/16/99 11:37:58 AM! First Boot!
From: crazy8
To: Dakota2329
Hi, Just was web browsing and got your page from Adele’s
Page . . . Love your poetry some have expressed my feelings about
some of the subjects to a T . . . I cannot express myself in the way you
can . . . I hope you know that you are very talented.
Keep on writing.
Mona


Subj: Beautiful
Date: 98-05-29 10:22:49 EDT
From: Cathy
To: Dakota2329
I have just spent the time to go through your page and be blessed by
it. I have rejoiced in your poems of love, I have grieved in your
poems of the loss of love and broken vows and mourned the loss of
your twin with you. These words all could have been written about
my life. Your poem in remembrance of your sister is beautiful.
Cathy

Subj: Was touched by your words . . .
Date: 98-08-17 15:32:26
From: Sandy029
Just a quick note to tell you I was very touched . . . and moved by
your work . . . I love to write . . . and journal as well . . . Keep writing
it is good for the soul.
Sandy029


Snail Mail from Susan Weaver- Pasadena, Texas
Please reserve for me the book “Poetic Walls of Green” in the name
of Wallymom1. I would like for the book to be autographed to
ManNblue. This will be a special gift to my husband.
Thank you
Susan (Wallymom1)

Subj: Poetry
Date: 98-08-22 23:44:54
From: Look4boo
To: Dakota 2329
Hi Dakota
No, you don’t know me; however, I am your Aunt Betty’s very best
friend (out here in California). She gave me your Web Site; I must say
I sat up and took notice when I read your poetry. It is certainly
inspiring and most beautiful.

Subj: about your page
Date: 98-08-29 19:30: 12
From: We angel
To: Dakota2329
I really can’t begin to tell you how beautiful I think your poetry is.
Some of your poems made me cry and others made me see parts of
my own life over again. Please keep writing-it would be such a waste
of a fine talent if you ever stopped. Take care and keep writing.
Angel

Subj: Your Poems
Date 11/22/00 10:11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Windnihemins
Good morning Dakota! Just had the pleasure of reading your lovely
poems as I had my morning coffee! What a beautiful way to start a
morning, and a week! Thank you for sharing! Poetry is beautiful! Its
like painting colors, emotions, and feelings using only words, and
26 letters. The canvas is the mind of the reader, who “sees” those
colors and emotions thru the eyes given him by the experiences of
his life, and the paths he has traveled; each one different, and each
special to the reader! The gift is in the “painting” with the words,
and you have the gift! Take care, and have a great holiday!
Kenny

Date: 7/02/03 7:13:36 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Roger
To: Dakota2329@aol.com
Dear Dakota
You have a beautiful soul and I know your poetry book will touch
many. Wishing you all the best
Roger Yazbeck.

Entry #: 16 Date: Sat Mar 24 22:13:03 2001 Name: Kawalpreet Singh
Web Site: http:/// Site Rating: 10 Comments: Dear Dakota,
I read some of your poetry and thoughts. Your poems leave a message;
they touch the heart especially if it was broken sometimes. I am a
very sentimental and emotional person. I can read between the lines
and see through the words. I am grateful to God that I came across
your website that I will visit again and again in my pensive and
anxious moments. It will give me solace; it will probably wet my
thought appetite and will help me look at things more
philosophically than I do myself. Your poetry reminds me of two
urdu poets that I used to read in my childhood under my mother’s
guidance. Your poetry is very thought provoking and seems to flow
deep from the heart. I will keep coming to this site again and again
especially during my troubled times to seek sanity and peace of my
mind. Thanks for being there. Keep doing it and be there as a
medicine for the broken hearts. And remember someone is there
who will always be reading your words and drawing inspiration
from them. I send all my love and gratitude. Maybe I will translate
them in my language (Indian) and send them to my friends in my
country. God bless you.
Sincerely,
KP Singh

Subj: Letter about Poems
Date: 8/12/03 9:0:07 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Angeleyes
To: Dakota2329
Dakota
Thank you for sharing your beautiful work. You are very talented
and I wish you well, you will go far. Your poetry is what life is all
about. Our joys and pains and how precious each and every one can
be. You sharing all of those beautifully put words, words are a
powerful thing, and to be used with such truth and grace is your
gift. So my earthly sister I have deemed you. “A Messenger of Life” It
is a gift and the fact that you use it warms my heart. Too many
people misuse their gifts or don’t use them it all and that is a tragedy.
I will continue to follow your work. You have done well.
Sandy

A NOTE FROM THE POET
I would love to be able to post here each and every email and letter I
have received from around the world from those who have read my
poetry on my American Online Web site http://hometown.aol.com/
dakota2329 or read them in my previously published book “Poetic
Walls of Green.”
For those emails and letters inspired me in many ways to create this
new selection of works. “Poetic Risings.”
The encouragement through their emails and letters I received have
been the building blocks for this new book.
With deepest thanks, I thank you all for the emails and letters you
have sent me and continue to send.
To know I have touched someones soul through my poetry makes
writing poetry all worthwhile.
I would also like to give many thanks here to my family and very
close friends for the encouragement and support you have given me
through my writing years, your support has given me an added
inspiration to complete this book.
With Sincerest thoughts, I thank you all for encouraging me to
continue writing, for my life’s dream has always been to share my
poetry with the world.
Dakota Williams

Plato (427?-347? B.C.)
Inspiration. Plato records a dialogue between his master,
the philosopher Socrates (469 B.C.-399 B.C.) and Ion, a young man of
Athens
(About 390 B.C)
Ion: The world agrees with me in thinking that I do speak better
and have more to say about Homer than any other man. But I do
not speak equally well about others—tell me the reason for this.
Socrates: I perceive, Ion; and I will proceed to explain to you what
I imagine to be the reason for this. The gift which you possess of
speaking excellently about Homer is not an art, it is an
inspiration; there is a divinty moving you . . . . God takes away the
minds of the poets, and uses them as his ministers . . . .
bibliography note:
X.J. Kennedy—An Introduction to Poetry,
Fifth Edition
Little, Brown and Company
Boston—Toronto

POETIC RISINGS 25
CRY OF THE WHITE DOVE
I hear once again the cry of the white dove
along with echoing sounds of cathedral bells
in remembrance of my grandmother Rosa,
my mother Mary and me
and the old town church.
ding-dong, ding-dong, hoo hawk, hoo hawk.
Stately steps we walked
where white doves flocked
below a township clock
tick tock, tick tock,tick tock
for a Hail Mary Prayer
for a Hail Mary Prayer.
Their black veil draped hair, always worn in prayer,
their cherished beads of eternal grace
clutched, clutched, clutched
between my tiny hands and theirs.
Gracefully at the altar we knelt for prayer
my grandmother Rosa
my mother Mary and me
before the blessed virgin Mary
for a Hail Mary Prayer
for a Hail Mary Prayer.

POETIC RISINGS 27
POETIC WALLS OF GREEN
come walk with me
into a forest of green
breathe in it’s majestic beauty
listen to the orchestrated sounds
created within
come walk with me
and see the peeping sunlight
through shimmering leaves of green
listen to the crackling leaves
beneath high booted feet
listen and you will hear
birds whispering delight
a wolfs’ echoing cry
come walk with me
and see a doe in waiting
with gentle eyes of fear that ponder
lying in quite slumber
beneath a brush of green
hear the serpents hiss
do not falter
for paradise awaits us
beyond poetic walls of green
for there lies the coolness
of a mountain spring
nestled near wild berries
growing ravishingly on a vine
come walk with me
through poetic walls of green

POETIC RISINGS 29
UNDRAWN CANVAS
Poetry the undrawn
canvas of the soul
mystic like the dawn

POETIC RISINGS 31
I ask thee, my Lord
give me one more day in time
before you take me
beyond the iron pearly gates of heaven,
to behold one last time
the beauty of your world
you created,
to see one last time
a falling full moon
set behind a rising dawn,
to hear one last time a baby robin sing
at the break of a blue morning dawn,
to hear the sound
of a westwardly wind
waken crops of golden corn,
to see the beauty of a prism rainbow
after a long day of April rain,
to dance with the man I love
and hold him close to me,
to climb one last cliff
and dive into a raging sea,
to swing one last time
from a wooden swing
hanging from an old oak tree,
to gaze into a midnight blue colored sky
full of twinkling stars,
while lying on a riverbank
and recollect the life I’ve lived,
to smell a bouquet of
bloomed red roses,
to touch and kiss one last time
the faces
of those I love,
to complete my life’s journey
compose one last poem
by the light of a flickering candle flame.
I ask thee, my Lord
give me one more day in time.

POETIC RISINGS 33
JUNE WILL SOON BE GONE
The lillies are in bloom,
And June will soon be gone
July is upon us, hot summer days,
Forehead sweats, the morning wash
dances on the line.
The bobwhite finds shelter
among the smiling yellow faces.
I think of places I have never been,
Rome, Paris, France, and London,
as the buzzard circles overhead
below the scorching sun.
Momma kitty licks her babies clean
Tom kitty meows to be fed,
I sit and snap the green beans
Mr. Chiles grew in his garden,
another day goes peacefully around
in Swinney Switch, the place
for now I call home
And June will soon be gone.


34 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
I THINK HE KNOWS WHOM I AM
On many a melancholy day
just before the setting
of the evening sun,
I hear the same blue bird sing
as I walk down
an old abandoned railroad track
he sits perched on a sycamore tree
behind an old widow’s shack
sometimes I sing with him
as he greets me
with the song he sings
Whisree! Whisree! Whisree!
I think he knows who I am,
I think he knows who I am.

POETIC RISINGS 35
POETRY
Poetry is the words that embrace the heart and soul
Poetry is the writing of the pen that makes a simple word glow
Poetry is a high ridge mountain covered in newborn snow
Poetry is the sun melting the snow into a valley below
Poetry is the rain beating down on a lonely meadow
making the wild flowers grow
Poetry is the wild moving waves of the ocean
Beating against my tender skin
Poetry is the beauty of lovemaking in motion
filling my heart with the warmth of passion
Poetry is the site and sound of a blue bird singing
from a dying sycamore branch in the early morning dawn
Poetry is the tears I have cried from a lovers departing
Poetry is the tumbleweed blowing
in the distant sunset in lands that were once green
Poetry is the sun and moon rising
filling my world with new beginnings
Poetry is the freedom of my heart that needs to be set free
like the baby eagle in flight from an old oak tree
Poetry is the unlocking of my minds eye, that I see
Poetry is the memories that I cherish of thee
Poetry is in all essence a mystery waiting to be read in its entirety
and that my friend I believe is Poetry



POETIC RISINGS 37
BLOWING PINK PENNY
BUBBLE GUM
nickle pop, cork screw bottle tops
candy stripe barber shops—leather razor straps,
cap guns, moccasins—Daniel Boone—coonskin caps
the smell of Brylcream and pink penny bubble gum
my brothers crew cuts—curious eyes of, Tootles, our pup
outside looking in—pink bows in her hair
merry go-round rides in the barber chair
locks of hair carpet the unswept gray floor
Sherlee Browns downtown pink beauty salon
my pixy hair cut—the smell of permanent waves
and pink penny bubble gum
barefoot walks—sidewalk rock chalk-
Aransas Pass Elementary—playing hop scotch
blue velvet oxfords-dime store white ankle socks
sucking on sour apple sticks—red rubber ball and jacks
holding our noses—singing Winchester Cathedral
along with the transistor radio
Lands Drive Inn-coke floats
Sunday rides to see the shrimp boats
in Daddy’s 1962 Chrysler with its all electric windows
Momma and sister Patty’s bee-hive hair-do
overheard talks about the birds and bees
the smell of Aqua Net hair spray, ocean air
and pink penny bubble gum
grocery store bought rhinestone plastic high heels
one princess crown and water filled glitter batons
Betsy McCall paper dolls—easy bake ovens
the Pledge of Allegiance and Puff the Magic Dragon
black and white GE T.V.—rabbit ears
the Vietnam War oblivious in my mind
and the day my hero died Robert F. Kennedy
the salty taste of my tears
thefighting freedom of a nation
and the uprising of a new generation
in the eyes of a Pixie Hair Cut green eyed little girl
blowing pink penny bubble gum

POETIC RISINGS 39
LIKE A FLOWER
Like a flower one blooms
under the right light
the flower that seeks darkness
under high weeds . . . . withers

POETIC RISINGS 41
WEEP NOT OF MY DEATH
My Love, weep not of my death
tis but another passing
of God’s plan divine.
I shall pass this way again
through thundering winds of change
in your quiet moments of solitude
as your mind dances
with daydreams of yore,
while walking upon a distant shore
feel and see my kindly spirit
through thundering winds of change
rising near the raging sea
dressed in a veil of romantic lace,
my spirit breathing
through thundering winds of change
embracing against you
upon a desolate shore.
In your dreams of nightly rest,
my locks of golden hair
will fall against your naked chest
as I lay a tender kiss
upon your weary brow.
I shall pass this way again
through thundering winds of change
and exit through your
rickety screen door.
My love, weep not of my death
I will lovingly haunt you
Forevermore
I shall pass this way again
through thundering winds of change.

42 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
LOVE IS SPECIAL LIKE A ROSE
Love is special like a rose;
like a rose it thrives
for everlasting life.
and like a rose
love endures
many changes
through the years
it’s like a rose blooming and dying
on an old aged vine
surrounded by tiny embryos
waiting to bloom,
after the last dying rose
has fallen gracefully to the ground.
love knows not which way it will go
like the unborn rose
swaying though a sullen wind,
and like the rose
love, too, must endure
to forever grow, unfolding,
in beauty like the rose.
love is special like a rose;
like a rose it thrives
for everlasting life.

POETIC RISINGS 43
THE LOVE OF YOUR TOUCH
NOT YET FELT
If only there were no miles between us
and days spent with you had no meaning of time
no wrist watch to tick away the hour
tick tick-ticking time away
if only miles on a map were just
a short journey’s walk across a distant green horizon
walk walk walking I would go
to feel the love of your touch, not yet felt
if only a distant shore were a quick sail boat ride away
on roaring seas of midnight blue
sail sail sailing I would go
to feel the love of your touch, not yet felt
the moments of lonely darkness
that engulf the tides of love in this heart of mine
of loves true devotion
that hunger for your embrace
the love of your touch, not yet felt, would take its place
and if only I could fly like the mighty eagle
with wide spread wings of glory
soaring through skies of misty blue
destiny with you would be my life’s journey
flying across distant lands and shores just to be with you
fly fly flying I would go
to feel the love of your touch, not yet felt

POETIC RISINGS 45
TO ACHE, TO LOVE
Is it not a driven wretched pain in one’s heart
to ache, to love another?
that encompasses the heart and mind.
Or is it the destiny in one’s heart
to ache, to love another?
that molds two hearts that intertwine.
Is it not the crushing of one’s soul from a lover
to ache, to love another?
to love and behold the beauty of love untold
to ache, to love another?
to taste from the waters of love overfilled
to ache, to love another.
to embrace the enchanted moment, the thrill
to ache, to love another.

POETIC RISINGS 47
TEXAS HORIZION
Looking over the Texas horizon,
wheat fields of gold blowing
in unison, beckoning
a wayward call.
A sunset sky of fiery red and blue,
I envision me and you
dancing in wheat
fields of gold
embodied by love’s embrace
while I standing on tiptoe
you lay a long awaited
kiss upon my face.
As our hearts race
the wind blows
the echoing sound
of wheat fields of gold,
we are impassioned
beyond our control
from the beauty our love beholds
as we lay embraced among
wheat fields of gold.

48 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
EARLY MORNING,
WILLOW RISING
Early Morning, Willow Rising
sleeping black silhouette willows
piercing through my life’s window
suddenly you’re awakened
by a cool westwardly wind
elegant shadowy dances
prancing against my yellow faded walls
dancing into the window of my heart
filling my world with the love of life
and a new day dawning
as I lie in quiet wonder
embraced by thoughts of the man I love
Early Morning, Willow Rising
Echoing serenade of two Love birds singing
accompany your every move
as they dance to and fro around you
in a mating love dance
prancing against my yellow faded walls
dancing into the window of my heart
filling my world with the love of life
and a new day dawning
as I lie in quiet wonder
embraced by thoughts of the man I love

POETIC RISINGS 49
EMERGING
If the
Love
between
us is
emerging
like a delicate
flower
it is
budding
and
blooming
in the
depths
of my
heart.
Emerging
as each
night rests
behind
the dawn
and the
new day rises
Emerging
In my heart
I am
feeling
a Love
so new,
Emerging
for you.

POETIC RISINGS 51
IF ONLY
If only I could walk embraced by your side
through the wondrous city you live in
as a new sunset faded away behind
mirrored skyscrapers,
see the image of our reflection against
a pane glass window
while flickering neon signs blinked on one by one
as we stop to gaze into a life that could be
you and I together forever and eternally
to hear the hustle and bustle
of people passing in a city of strangers
to watch a city moonlight rising, I embraced in mystic wonder
as we gaze into a moving universe.
If only you could walk with me near where I live
amidst the sound of a raging sea
and I could see in your eyes the love you have for me,
feel the warmth of your breath against my naked shoulder,
feel the touch of your hand wrapped around my waist
as you forge my body next to yours in a lovers embrace.
If only you could be the one to wake with me
to a new day dawning in the country,
hear the rustling of leaves falling, blowing
and hear the wildlife awaken
outside my open window
to feel the spirit of changing seasons together
while wrapped in the warmth of my undying love.
If only my heart could love only you
without the sacrament of another.

52 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
FOR ALL ETERNITY
To the one Man who holds me dear
you are and always will be
the one I will Love for all eternity.
I have never found in any other
a more special kind of Love than I have with you,
a Love that is faithful
a Love that is true
a Love that is endless
a Love that is unmeasurable
a Love that is forever poetically sensual
beyond my wildest dreams
a Love that takes me, holds me, captivates me
fills my heart and soul with the love of ecstasy
and never lets go.
and this is because of you,
the Love you give to me can not be measured
by just words alone
for your love is greater then any I have ever known.

POETIC RISINGS 53
IF LOVE IS TO BE
For a
night
you
were
mine
and
mine alone
with
loves
beauty adorn
and passion
sweet,
I shall
never forget
the love
that we
intertwined
if love is to be
let it
be
forever
yours
and
mine.

54 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
UNTAMED
Through the years
love has given me many things
new beginnings, lost tomorrows
unforgotten yesterdays
memories with wondering pain
a soft, calloused heart
yet, I beckon love again
without reason or rhyme
I follow the rising sun
I swim the river of life
I cry with the night of the moon
as my love for you grows, untamed
with a new breath of passion.

POETIC RISINGS 55
DREAMS
I am a slow moving river
raging to run wild,
I am the mountain I can’t climb,
I am a falling star
that falls from a distant light at war.
I am an eagle in flight
looking for prey to sustain one more life.
I am the voice in my soul that can’t scream,
and I am a tree that flows down stream
in a river that runs for miles and never ends,
and I am a Blue Cherokee Rose that blooms for him
that never dies in my dreams.


POETIC RISINGS 57
FINDING YOU
Through life’s road I have traveled
dreaming of one day crossing your path
you were only a vision, a dream,
a growing hope of wonder,
if one day I would find you
in a world without faces,
yet I did not find you
you found me.

58 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
HEARTS OF LOVE
Hearts of love find a lover in many ways
in a warm touch or embrace
On lonely dark, cloudy, rainy days
they search in houses of sin
where kisses of heated passion
can be found
and the ritual of slow dancing
is a pre act of lovemaking
they sip on liquored down drinks
decorated with little umbrellas
and sweet red cherries
only to wake in the morning,
loved, but unknown
by the stranger in their bed
From just a single glance
across a crowded room
two hearts searching
for that special someone
guided by a kindred spirit
and eyes of lust that draws the other in,
the moment it happens
hearts of love endure a loving pain
Some hearts that have loved this way
become bitter sweet
and never love again
some hearts wait patiently
for hearts of love to find them
dreaming and waiting for that
special someone to come along
as they grow older and lonelier with time
Some hearts find love
in the hearts of the unknown

POETIC RISINGS 59
in a place called cyberland
hearts that have been waiting
to be touched and adorned
and their love becomes
hearts of a greater enduring, loving pain
that only they feel and understand
their only connection, cyberspace
dancing keys; typed words of lasting
love and romance
still loved, but unknown

60 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
AOL WORLD
Day dreaming about things
that could be, if you were
within reach of my destiny.
While my heart fills
with a lovers passion
for someone as strong as you
a tower of strength I must endure
for our paths may never meet
to behold the poetic beauty
of our Love
beyond life’s bitter sweet,
AOL WORLD

POETIC RISINGS 61
YOU AND I
What is Love’s Destiny,
what is passions pain?
YOU AND I.
tears of love my heart cries
for no other love but yours.
Two hearts aching-weeping
like cool morning rain,
YOU AND I.
tears of love my heart cries
for no other love but yours,
Our hearts together forever embraced
by loves burning internal flame,
YOU AND I.
tears of love my heart cries
for no other love but yours.

62 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
PERPETUAL LIGHT
Love has lived and died
rising,
soaring,
falling,
and dying beyond the depths of my beating heart
like a
sunny
golden
misty day
that settles into a dark dusky lonely night
my heart awaits another
arising
beckoned by a perpetual light
that only love’s dying can endure
and that of a lover’s
plight

POETIC RISINGS 63
LOVE’S PARADISE TANTALIZING
Time passes in loves paradise tantalizing
the night draws near
loneliness I feel and fear
the sounds of thunder echo
in the pouring rain
love dreams of you appear
rocking my mind and soul to sleep
the clock strikes
the waking hour
the day sun-rising
against my windowpane
peeping through dusty
drawn blinds
dust dances in the reflection
of the morning light
a new awakening
my life is dawning
another day has begun
and in my mind
I feel the closeness
of you near me
in my thoughts
wanting, needing you
my man
in my mind
we live and love
in loves paradise tantalizing
as we embrace love
in the once
loneliness of the rain
outside my windowpane

POETIC RISINGS 65
CUPID
give me a day in time;
pierce my wounded heart
and i will love again
give me back yesterday; i will share
a heart filled with joy and memories not yet
wanting to be forgotten
a new sunrise, a fresh bloomed rose
a new found penny, a new found friend
the taste of rum laced chocolate
a wind swept frock
the embrace of his dance
the strutted step in his walk
under the night of a cajun moon
his kiss that was tender sweet
his lips soft like velvet
his touch that felt warm like fire
that melted my young tender skin
the passion, the wanting of loves desire
but don’t give me back the night,
that will bring me sorrow
pleasure that turned to pain
memories of him that drowned
my soul & heart with salted tears
and suffocated my mind
in remembrance of
a cupid struck heart
and a white virgin, unbuttoned frock

66 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
THERE WAS A TIME
There was a time
Oh! yes! there was a time
when he was only mine,
and to my house he always came
just half past nine
to play a young lovers game
There was a time.
Oh! yes! there was a time
when he tenderly held
my shaking hand
and placed a Prince Albert ring
on my wedding finger,
and kissed my trembling lips.
Oh! yes! there was a time
when we held each other
close to our beating hearts
and said we never would part,
that our love would be forever.
There was a time.
Oh! yes! there was a time
when we said our vows
and obeyed the laws of God,
but somewhere somehow
during this lovers game,
she, a female serpent, slithered in
and our love
became a raging battle field,
when she took him away to her den.

POETIC RISINGS 67
IF ONLY THE WIND
Again I stand all-alone
with only the breeze
of the wind
caressing my tender skin
If only the wind
were your gentle hands
holding me lovingly again
this loneliness I could mend
DON’T LOVE ME
Don’t Love Me, I say
Like a bleeding heart
my heart will ache
with a deep love for you.
Don’t touch Me, I say
for my body will mourn
for your every touch,
gentle whisper, and warm embrace.
Don’t caress your thoughts
in a desperate plea
to love me
unless your love will last
for an eternity,
and your love will be strong
like the mighty wind
blowing over a raging river
joining our hearts as one
moving the spirit of love between us
in harmony with a love lasting forever warm.

POETIC RISINGS 69
COLLECTED MEMORIES
walking through the memories
in her enduring mind
she hears the wind of sunset, crying
she sees the moonlight
wash upon the splashing shore
she feels the pounding
of their hearts beating as one
she sees and feels his wanting touch
she feels the heat of his breath
against her tender skin
tantalizing her very being
she hears the echo of her loves desire
that burns like a raging fire
for him in her soul
as the howling of the wind
settles into the lonely sea
time passes into moments
of unforgotten ecstasy
left to wonder a midst
the collected memories
of his undying love
in her mind.

70 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
PICTURES OF THE PAST
Life’s fading memories
vivid clips of long ago
flashing through my mind
memories of another time
always there to remind me
of the days we spent by the sea
building sand castles against shifting sands
Days of laughter and fun
spending hours soaking up the sun
walking against raging tides
racing to pick up sea sucked shells
dune surfing . . . . and love making
pictures of the past
of a love that didn’t last
a love castaway out to sea
only to return in my memories

POETIC RISINGS 71
MOMENT
If a moment
could
last forever
I would want
to spend
that moment
with you
If a day in
my life
could
last
forever
spending it
loving you
is what I would
want to do

72 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
IT’S JUST A MATTER OF TIME
It’s just a matter of time
before you suddenly appear
in the back of my mind,
reminding me of the love
that we once shared.
It’s just a matter of time
before I see you again
in my day dreams;
visions of forsaken love
locked in loves slowly
fading memories.
It’s just a matter of time
before I see you again
and loving you in
the back of my mind;
holding you so tenderly
as you touch me softly.
It’s just a matter of time
before shadowed memories
darken into images of time
and wash away like the sea
buried forever in my mind.

POETIC RISINGS 73
MOMENTS
Moments without love and hate,
Moments without screaming and fighting,
Moments without crying and laughing
and wiping away the tears
are just moments of fear
of two lovers lives unknown.

74 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
JUST YOU AND I
Along the shore we ride
just you and I
your hair blowing
in the wind
your eyes as blue
as the sea
you tell me you belong to me
and your heart belongs to mine
today there seems to be
no meaning of time
today seems to be for
just you and I

POETIC RISINGS 75
YOU GIVE ME HOPE
You are my light
when the darkness
in my soul looms
when life’s little hurts
overshadow my dreams
you give me hope
and a love I’v'e never known
depths of passion
that sets my heart free
into a flight of loves pure ecstasy
a timeless creation of your loves devotion
you comfort my lostful soul
when you hold me to console me
you ease the pain of my sorrow
and once again I fly free
into the depths of our loves mystery
and my dreams are no longer my adversity

76 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
BESTOW
oNe SpOkEn WoRd
OnE toUcH
oNe EmBrAcE
oNe EnCoUnTeR
oNe HoUr
COuLD nEvEr ExPrEsS
aLL tHe LoVe, I So DeSiRe
To BeStOw UpOn To YoU, mY lOvE

POETIC RISINGS 77
CRY OF LOVE
A cry of love I cry for you
And only for you
my heart cries out
to feel your love forever more
Like the ocean that needs the shore
with the cry of the wind to roar
Like the morning glory needs
the early morn to rest upon
and the honey bee needs the honey comb
budding roses need thorns
the night flower needs the night
of the moon to bloom
the humming bird needs the sweet nectar
to satisfy it’s hunger
the water lily needs a pod
a blade of grass needs the sod
an eagle needs wings to fly
a raging river needs the rain
a rocky mountain needs a spring
a fire needs the wind to burn
a heart needs pain to cry
a love song needs a melody
a fallen star needs the midnight sky
and a warm kiss needs passion
my heart needs only you
to love you again,
my days and nights
need your tender touch
and loving embrace
A cry of love I cry for you
and only for you
my heart needs you
to love again.

POETIC RISINGS 79
WHEN THE MOON ROSE
Rivers of currents
I have swam
rocky roads
I have traveled
a fallen sun
I have seen set
into a frozen
river of blue
while sitting atop
a rocky mountain
but nothing was
more enduring,
my love,
then when I fell
in love with you
on a darkened night
when the half moon rose
above gray skies
and clouds of white

POETIC RISINGS 81
DREAMS OF PHANTASY
Dreams of phantasy, a phantom embrace
hearts intertwine, souls become one
from the burning of loves ecstasy
molding bodies forever one, unchained
deep desires an ending love begins
the night is a mind dance
vamp dreams of a lovers romance
like ballet dancers on a stage
tantalizing lonely loves undying rage

POETIC RISINGS 83
FACES I SEE
Believers and Unbelievers
Lovers and Haters
Gallant seekers and heroic players
Silver Winged Angels, Lucifer,
Flesh and soul, thirsty human beings
Hallucinating chatter,
Pedestal, pendulum friendships and romance
Cold, cold, cold, I fold my wings
To warm my dauntless, subdued soul

TAUNTER
False illusions my wondering eyes see,
Mind destruction-endless thoughts devoured
Breath of life—my heart perceives
Soul sacrifices-life’s enduring pain
I am the resurrection of a broken dreamer
I am haunted by a taunter
I reach and I fall
But with the circle of life and light
I am up lifted for my mere existence

POETIC RISINGS 85
THE WATER DANCES
Warm breezes blow, the SEAGULL flies
the sands blow, the ocean rushes in,
vines of enraptured blooms grow untamed
on dunes of sand
the sun rests on the harbor
as the boats rock against
the waters of wrath
the wind sings, the water dances
as my mind wanders on
in a dance all its own
VOICES SINGING IN MY HEAD
I pause and gaze
At a moonlight dawning
THE MOON RISES, STARS FALL
AND I STAND IN WONDER OF IT ALL

86 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
PEACE WITHIN
age-the graying of time
turmoil of youth’s heart
finally forgiven but not forgotten
a peace within one’s soul
a look back into a canvas drawn moment
etched in colors of yellow hues
and moon color blues
memories of palette sunrises and dawns
days of forbidden desires,
the rustle of the wind
drawing you deeper into the unknown
the surf upon your skin
the freedom of youth forever destined
ageless now in a sea of youth—drawn memories
a final peace within-as a new journey begins
a new canvas is drawn-unspoken in time
in a time never to be forgotten
youth the ageless moment

POETIC RISINGS 87
TOGETHERNESS
Togetherness is sacred
togetherness is bonding
togetherness with you my dear
is like the wind in a stormy sea
and I am the boat that is sinking

POETIC RISINGS 89
TO A NEW FRIEND
If I open My heart to you,
and speak freely
a hypocrite you may be
and judge me hypocritically
as a friend or foe,
or you may listen
with your ears attentively
and ease the pain of human sorrow.
I do not know
until I have spoken
and you have proven
your devotion
as a friend or foe.
So for now my silence is virtue
and my friends are few
as are my foes, too,
in this small town of gossip fences
made of colorful telephones,
seasoned, vivid imaginations
radar ears, and tongues of ammunition.

POETIC RISINGS 91
TIME ON A COO-COO CLOCK
Time on a Coo-Coo Clock I follow
to see the light of tomorrow.
Day after day a new light peeks through
a dreary sky of blue
as the Coo-Coo bird sings
his redemption song
I often wonder if I should die today
where will I go
after living all these years,
some say heaven,
if I haven’t lived in sin
and drank from hell’s fountain
some say hell
if I sought to fulfill
the desires of love in another’s flesh,
once a vow of matrimony has been spoken
and blessed.
Memories pass through my mind
of the days when I was young
capturing glimpses of time;
days of yesteryear so long ago
wild and free,
running along a beaches shore,
chasing my silly rainbows,
opening all sorts of new doors
as the misty spring air
swept through my hair.
I came across a sea horse
who had traveled its course,
how far I wondered had it come
from the waters in the sea
to its final destiny,
knowing one day I would face
my final destiny take my last breath
leave this beautiful earth
pass the pillow clouds of blue
or forever burn in hell.

POETIC RISINGS 93
FLY
Do not guard a little one too long under your wing
for he or she may never learn to fly

POETIC RISINGS 95
MUSE
Muse—are you the spirit in a forceful wind
and the voices I hear from within
inspiring my hearts soul?
Muse—are you the settling of a hearths burning ember
obscuring poetic thoughts of never ending love
compelling my heart to surrender?
Muse—do you take flight with the mourning dove
and rise with a new day dawning
and escape beyond the shadow of my sorrow?
Muse—are you the breaking of the dawn
that gives inspiration to a new poem
full of rhythm and rhyme?
Muse—are you the gentleness and the calm
of a babbling brook that soothes
my troubled heart and mind to pen once again?
Muse—are you a crescent halo moon descending
bringing forth all unknown tomorrow’s
and yesterdays left behind?
Muse—do you tantalize a poets soul with your prose
are you the spirit of light and wind, once again beholding
that rises serenely above an uninhibited sea?
Muse—or are you the echoing voices of the goddesses of muse
that bring forth dead poets unfinished prose
imposed beyond chambered tombs?

96 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
POETS DREAM
I gave to you a poets heart
one full of pain, loneliness, and sorrow.
I gave to you two broken wings,
shattered by jealousy, and hatred, from another.
I shared with you my only dream,
the dreams only poets dream, true love,
inspiration, and an undying love for oneness.
You in turn repaired my broken spirit
my broken wings,
You gave back to me a poets passion
filled my heart full of bleeding love for you
I will not let anyone take us under
and come between
our undying Love
and the dream we dream,
the dream only poets dream,
true love, inspiration, and
the undying love for oneness.

POETIC RISINGS 97
YOU HOLD ME
Pol
You hold me in rapture
my heart and soul you capture
Pol
You hold me spellbound
into your poetry world renowned
Pol
You hold me in a poetic embrace
with your poetic words of grace
Pol
You hold me and I am captivated beyond my control
by the visions of beauty your eyes behold
Pol
You hold me, and my eyes see through your very soul
the beauty of your poetic world . . . which you unfold

POETIC RISINGS 99
EYES OF HAZEL GRAY
Color me with your
eyes of blue,
see the real me
shine through for you.
Know me, hold me
with your eyes;
see the truth
see no lies
in my aging eyes.
See me through
a lonely hour
with your eyes of blue,
allow me if I may
to bring sunshine,
wisdom and dreams
of hope
into your life
on this lonely
darkened day
with my eyes
of hazel gray.
I am old, I know,
that is what you see,
but my heart and
mind have not yet aged
in this life of eternity
and yearns
for your company

POETIC RISINGS 101
REFLECTIONS
Did you know she’s gone, my beloved twin?
But she comes back in my reflection.
I see her often down by the rivers edge
on sun glistened, rippled waters of blue and green.
On crowded store windows, enclosing
Klien dressed Mannequins.
On vintage stained glass windows tinted hue,
lined on cathedral walls near pews.
Rearview mirrors etched in words that read:
Objects are closer than they appear.
That jolt, long past, childhood memories in my head.
Did you know she’s gone, my beloved twin?
But she comes back in my reflection,
in a smile or a frown on my face
and through my eyes she’s looking back at me
to share with me a moment in time and place.
And at a second glance she’s gone
like the night at the break of dawn,
and the blowing of a westwardly wind
through a forest of trees,
she comes back in my reflections
to grow old with me.
Written in Memory of my Twin Janet who died October 7. 1991

102 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
IN A NIGHTS DREAM CURSED
BY WOE
A timely rose I laid
upon my twins death womb
after her passing.
From births water she came,
in earth’s death bed
she would be inhumed by man.
I went to visit her
in a nights dream,
and up through earth’s deathbed
she rose, sitting upright.
I near death from sorrow,
I kneeled praying before her.
When suddenly she reached for me
fiercely, pulling me inside deaths womb.
To this world we were born
from our mothers womb.
And in my twins death womb is where
I fought frightfully to get away from her.
She felt my body wasn’t getting cold
and she let me go.
In a nights dream cursed by woe.
In a nights dream cursed by woe.

POETIC RISINGS 103
CHANGING SEASONS
Six years of winter, spring, and fall have come and gone.
With each passing season, there’s memories of you in everyone.
Like an incandescent fire on a winter’s night warming my heart
the way your sisterly love did before your depart.
With the coming of a perpetual spring,
I feel your undying presence from a spray of roses in bloom
While a non-forgotten summer-wind sings a used to be memory
of you and I laughing contagiously from within.
Fall settles in with many changes of foreknowledged beginnings.
And idealistically with it all, your memories will always
be here with me through each and every changing season.

POETIC RISINGS 105
I AM YOUR MOTHER, CHILD
I am your mother, child.
I am like a mother eagle in a vast sky
watching over her young.
I am the wings that want to protect you
against evil prey.
I am your mother, child.
I will fight like a mother eagle,
with sharpened claws
to protect you from evil and injustice.
I am your mother, child.

106 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
CHILD OF MINE
I will always love you
sweet child of mine,
until the last mourning dove
on earth sings his
morning song,
until the last leaf falls
from a mighty oak tree,
until mans heart stops beating,
until the Atlantic Ocean runs dry
and the cactus rose no longer grows
along side a lonely Texas highway.
I will always love you
sweet child of mine.

POETIC RISINGS 107
SHADOWS
Follow behind in my shadow
only as a child my son,
learn to prevail
in good and not evil,
learn to be one
with a mind and soul all your own,
then leave my shadow
when you have grown in wisdom my son
and do not linger long in any other,
for the shadows of others can be
misleading to one my son.
Be a man of your own fulfilling dreams
and cast a light upon your own shadow.

108 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
OH MY BABY
Oh my baby
I miss your baby days
your baby ways
your baby walk
your baby talk
the sound of your chitter chatter
the sound of your pitter patter
Oh my baby
I miss your baby days
your baby way’s
your goo-goo ga-ga days
your sweet innocent,
unconditional love
loving just Momma days

POETIC RISINGS 109
A LOVING BOND
A baby lies in cradle arms
smiling with loving charm
warmed against nursing breast
the touch of a tender caress
from a mothers’ hand
they couldn’t have been
more blessed
with such a loving bond

110 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
A SEED OF LIFE
A seed of life I will plant
for each of my children
so they can grow tall
to bear the branches
that will be fruitful and strong
I will water it daily with love
and weed it with my wisdom
so they can have the strength
to withstand the winds of time

POETIC RISINGS 111
CHILD OF SPRING
You were such a tiny thing
as I guarded you under my wing,
my little child of spring.
The wind would softly swing you
in your cradle
while the roses bloomed in April,
my little child of spring.
Your skin as soft as the rose petals,
your hair as golden as the sun,
you were life’s evolution unfolding,
my little child of spring
as I guarded you under my wing.

POETIC RISINGS 113
SEASONS OF SACRIFICE
Shadows of the darkness of uncertainty
overtakes my hearts desire
my heart plays a game of fear
suffocating my mind and soul.
Alone once again after many years
of silent comfort and tears.
Stoned fright of the distant foot steps I
must take for dreams yet unfulfilled
for my life’s journey has been
to travel lands of green
to climb mountains unseen
to challenge my mind.
I have yet to walk the path
of marble and cobblestone
through the past years,
that my mind has taken.
Alone again after many years
of silent comfort and tears.
Fighting daily for my souls existence
in an ever changing world.
Small sacrifices through the years
I have endured day after day,
season after season
year after year
for the warmth of my child’s tender embrace
and to fulfill a mothers devotion.
Alone once again after many years
of silent comfort and tears
the sun rises above the dawn
and like the ocean that rushes in
to meet the shore
I release the dreams held within
reaping a new life dawning
with doubts of uncertainty
but with a heart full of hope
And three spoken words
“Mom you can”

POETIC RISINGS 115
SIFTING
My life is sifting like the sand in an hour glass
my time on earth is slipping quickly
Time I am on its side it gives no favors
a lesson learned a lesson lived
I am yet still not mistake proof
and the sand filled hour glass
I have turned it over millions of times
with each lesson learned
and watched the days and nights
disappear in the depths of my mind
If every minute were an hour
and every hour were a day
sifting like the sand in an hour glass,
would I be close or further from
eternal eternity and with a final
soul searching peace within myself?

116 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
ROPE OF HOPE
Don’t
let go
hang
on tight
don’t let
your
dreams
die in
your
heart
tonight
let em
blossom
let em
bloom
let them
see the
morning
light. All
you have
to do
is hang
on tight
and reach
for that
last knot
that’s tied
at the end
of every
rope of
hope
to see a
life’s dream
come true
for you

POETIC RISINGS 119
THE WORLD IS A PLAY
The world is a play,
there is unity of time,
unity of action,
unity of place,
and the stage is earth.
Birth and death are entwined,
light and darkness emerge
like the sun and moon,
as the play closes to an end
and the velvet theater curtain
is drawn to a close
and death has become us,
we become
the stars and characters
who were once this worlds
unknown and known heroes,
antagonists and protagonists,
embodied next to others
who died unsung heroes.
we are named
and we are known
by the name on our tombstone
and history repeats itself
as the play plays on.
A new star and unsung hero is born
as the trumpet player sounds
the curtain call.

120 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
ANGEL
At her tiny grave
where she was laid to rest
in the spring of 1959
her name, Angel, was engraved
on pink marbled stone.
While walking by
I stopped to visit, uninvited,
before going home,
and the pink buttercup petals
growing on her unkept grave
swiftly said “hello,”
as I quietly introduced myself
in a spiritual kind of way
a cold wind whistled
through that lonely meadow
her name.
Then the palm trees
and willow trees danced
in the evening silhouette of the breeze,
while the red breasted robin
and a song sparrow sang
an unforgettable melody.

POETIC RISINGS 121
ASHEN—LIFE LIVES NO MORE
Closing of the coffin door
Silent as a moonlit crossing,
Calm as a storm weakened
Death escapes to heaven
soaring like the mighty eagle
spiritually breathless,
Wretched and unknown,
like cold stone pebbles
in a babbling brook
and the sand that rests upon the shore.
reaching past a river divided
hitching rides on passing clouds
one last look, looking down
on rocky snow cap mountains.
like cold stone pebbles
in a babbling brook
and the sand that rests upon the shore
Ashen—life lives no more

122 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
A FOOL’S PARADISE
He’s living in a fool’s paradise
living out his fantasy
telling the world good-bye
his heart is burning
with a fools fire
the flames burn higher and higher
each time he wraps
the band around his arm
burning for more
of the fools desire
his heart cries
higher and higher
he leaves his world of reality
into his world of fantasy
a lonely mans cry
searching for a new high
in a fools paradise
as he shoots the white powder
through his veins
locking his soul in the
white devils chains

POETIC RISINGS 123
CLIMBING MOUNTAINS
Climbing Mountains, many I have climbed.
Reaching the top has been a challenge and a victory
a dream of a lifetime, fulfilled.
But there’s one mountain I have been climbing,
a mountain it seems without a top
it extends on and on beyond the moon and stars,
a flicker of light is all I see that guides me toward the top.
As I climb this mountain of boulders and falling rocks
I’m often tested beyond my capacity,
but I continue to climb even through adversity
this mountain without a top,
the mountain of knowledge that of mankind!

POETIC RISINGS 125
FLY HIGH
Oh! American flag, flying high in the sky
you have educated the minds of many
we have watched proudly as you fly
you have given us the freedom of speech
we have stood by you as our forefathers did
every step of the way
like a mother and her child
you deserve more then words could say
to stand means freedom and justice for all
may you fly forever tall
Photo by the Author

POETIC RISINGS 127
JOHN JOHN
He was born a Kennedy born into prosperity,
he was raised with honor and dignity
our 35th President’s son, John F. Kennedy Jr.,
Images frozen in time flash in my unforgotten mind
the assassination, the mourning of a nation,
the salute, fatherless child in a little blue coat
John John
As his ashes are carried away by the wind
from the stern of the USS BRISCOE
and his spirit soars free over the sea
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
A LITTLE BOY, A MAN
With a legacy all his own
Images frozen in time flash in my unforgotten mind
the assassination, the mourning of a nation,
the salute, fatherless child in a little blue coat
John John

POETIC RISINGS 129
PLAYING ARMY WITH GI JOE
Hey brother, do the memories
pass through your mind
of the days when you were young?
Capturing glimpses of playing in time
on a gelding horse of gray,
shielding arrows and bullets
from your brave heart,
fighting the enemy with all your might.
In child like splendor in all its wonder,
while playing Cowboys and Indians
in another place in time,
alone inside your mind.
holding your own
free and easy,
do or die,
no where to run,
no where to hide,
no choice but victory
in a child’s world of make believe.
Did you ever play king of the mountain and
was the one who fell to the ground
and you wouldn’t let it get you down?
Did you ever listen to a mockingbird sing
and wish you could fly away on an eagle’s wing
while playing on a backyard swing?
Do you remember running wild and free
among the Forest and trees
in search of the seven seas
and playing along a beaches shore
and listening to the oceans roar
while playing with the enemies at war?
In child like splendor in all its wonder,
playing army with GI Joe
in another place in time,
alone inside your mind.
Holding your own,
free and easy,
do or die,
no where to run,
no where to hide,
no choice but victory,
in a child’s world of make believe.
Do you remember in 64
when our childhood days were over?
we grew older
with Americas’ Red White and Blue,
High Ho Silver, Jesse James,
the flower child of Woodstock,
the music of Jimmy and Janis,
psychedelics and booze.
Some of our friends stayed there
capturing glimpses of playing in time
and chose the abuse.
Some of us made it home
with purple hearts
still trying to hold our own,
and others their names were engraved
on Black Marble Stone.

POETIC RISINGS 131
WAR WHAT FOR
When I was a little girl,
I used to ask my mommy,why?
Why does a ferris wheel go around?
Why are children hungry
in faraway lands?
Why is there a war?
What’s my brother fighting
over there for?
I would sit and wonder
what’s this world going around for
with so much violence
and there is no silence
to a hungry childs cry
Why is one man
killed by another man’s gun
and why don’t I see
my brother anymore.

POETIC RISINGS 133
FLASH BACKS
As the Vietnam movie played on his TV
bringing back memories
he could never forget
as the explosives began to explode
his Vietnam memories
began to unfold
his emotions let go
fear appeared in his eyes
his voice spoke in anger
his body trembled
as if in danger
as he cried inside his soul
over memories that will never let go

POETIC RISINGS 135
THE WALL
There’s a wall
where people stand,
they pay tribute
to those that
died in Vietnam.
It’s called the wall;
with names engraved
on marbled stone
of those who did not
die in vain.
They stand side by side
reaching out to the wall
trying to understand why,
as their tears begin to fall
As they gather to leave,
they straighten the wreaths
as they wipe away
their tears of grief.
The wall, the wall
they stood tall and died for us all
Goodbye Joe, Goodbye John
Goodbye son, Goodbye daughter,
Goodbye Father, Goodbye to you all
United you will stand together
forever, tall.

POETIC RISINGS 137
CHILD PRISONER WITHIN
i wish i could be a child again
free to run and play in the pouring rain
free to dance in the shadow of the night
free to explore the wonders of the world
free to daydream about my knight in shining armor
free to pretend i am a princess and he is a king
living high up on a mountain top’s border
in an old english castle
free to explore the mysteries of my mind
without worry of life’s little hassles
free to be me again like i was
when i was a young child, free
free to live in a fairy tale world
free to feel free from fear
free to feel free from danger
free to roam, free to go home when
the night drew near
free to know some one would be there
to love and protect me
from the cold winter rain
free to be just me again
free to eat like a king
and eat moon pies again
without gaining a single pound
free to talk to my make believe friend
who came to visit one lonely afternoon
to drink tea with me
free to be just me again like i was
when i was a child ,free
free to be anything
from a princess to cinderella
while wearing momma’s pretty things
free to be a brave soldier fighting a war
and building a soldier’s fort under momma’s
kitchen table
free to be a marilyn monroe starlet,
while wearing my big sister’s mink sable
free to dress like an indian maiden
and be captured by Bo the boy next door
free to be a tom boy
free to climb the tallest tree in the world
free to play spin the bottle and know i won’t
get coo-dees from kissin my cousin Charlie or
Bo the boy next door
free to swing high into the sky
from the school’s playground swing
at L.K Hall Elementary
free to pretend to be an eagle
watching over the world
free to be me again like i was
when i was a child, free
free to cry tears again and have them wiped
from my face from someone who cares
free to be held in my mother’s loving arms again
free to be protected from the evils of the world
free to walk hand in hand with my father again.

POETIC RISINGS 139
LITTLE MONARCH BUTTERFLY
with wings of beauty
flying free in the autumn breeze
you crawled away from your home
made of dead twigs and leaves,
nestled snug, hanging from a limb
of a pine tree,
so eagerly and unknown,
a caterpillar you were not destined to be
you grew wings independently
like magic of sorcery
never to crawl again.
Little Monarch butterfly,
with wings of beauty,
flying free in the autumn breeze
forgetting you ever crawled,
you fly so busily,
fluttering and flittering
here and there
in and out of my neighbor’s fenced gate
in search of a mate
before your life is over.
Little Monarch butterfly
with wings of beauty
flying free in the autumn breeze,
you remind me of someone I used to know,
when her beauty was not yet old,
curious and free
fluttering and flittering
here and there
so eagerly and unknown
in search of a mate
before her beauty grew old,
an old maid she would not be,
an old widow now is she
raising butterflies and setting them free
to flitter and flutter in the autumn breeze
through her neighbor’s fenced gate
an old widower named John
in search of a mate
before their life is over.

POETIC RISINGS 141
WEEPING WILLOW TREE
Today I sat and watched
as the tears of rain
silently rolled from the leaves
on my weeping willow tree
as I watched through my window pane
I cried inside my soul
as my tears began to roll
silently down my cheek
onto my breast they fell
close to my heart so weak
like a broken strand of pearls
I was a lonely girl
crying out for you
my one I thought would be true,
I cried over a love once so deep
your memories I can’t forget
and in a box I still keep
the flowers you gave me
under my weeping willow tree.

142 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
TEARS I CRIED
through my young years
over changes I could not bear
tears of sadness I have cried
when I left home
I was all alone
no longer was I by
my Mother’s side
tears of happiness I have cried
when I held my first child
tears of loneliness I have cried
when my son left my side
tears I cry
I know only why
if I did not cry
I would not understand
these changes I must bear.

POETIC RISINGS 143
TINY PEBBLE
I feel like a tiny pebble
amongst a mountain of gigantic rocks
trying to find my niche in this world
I keep falling from it’s clutches
so I’ll take the open road alone
to find my heart’s home
with a spirit and power all my own.

POETIC RISINGS 145
THE VOWS WE SPOKE
ARE NOW BROKEN
We married for love ever after,
but loneliness has replaced the laughter.
A raise of your hand has replaced
though once a gentle touch.
You don’t seem to care too much,
Love turned into hate,
if your love is going too hurt this way
I don’t want to participate.
For the vows you spoke
have slowly broke.
A love put under a curse;
we said for better or worse.
honor and obey. Who is to say
till death do us part,
when love has left its mark.

POETIC RISINGS 147
DAFFODILLS-FUNCTION IN SOCIETY PILLS
She sleeps through the new day dawning
as his life outside moves about the daffodils
she finally wakes at dinnertime yawning
takes her function in society pills
only to pause briefly looking into her silhoutte world
she combs back her greasy black hair
behind crusted and waxy build up ears
and off to the recliner she goes
as she reaches in her house coat pocket for her lungs
a half pack of unsmoked marlboros’
with half painted fingernails
she reaches for the remote to watch pre-recorded videos
as his life outside moves about the daffodills

148 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER
They’re hunting a lonely heart
a lonely heart they can capture
a true blue heart is what they’re after
a true blue heart that won’t tear them apart
and when they find their heart
hearts once in lonely sorrow
will be deeply in love tomorrow
hearts beating as loud as a drum
and when their hearts meet
they will beat as one

POETIC RISINGS 149
HEARTS A FLAME
Our love was a fire
kindling through the night
Our hearts had been waiting
for it to be just right
Bodies loving through
the hearts of flame
our souls were on fire
our passion was the same
We could no longer control
our minds temptation
bodies crying out
for the moment of loves sensation
We fell in love so easily
the touch of our hands
a gentle whisper
against trembling skin
started our hearts on fire
it was a feeling we couldn’t withstand
the flaming heart in love again

150 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
DREAMS OF YOU
Dreams of you
my forsaken love
surrounding me
like the mighty wind
buried deep within
are like a falling star
they just fade away
with the midnight moon
but then it’s just a
dream-like fantasy
passing moments in time
then the passing night
becomes a mystery
waking me to a moonlit morn

POETIC RISINGS 151
WHY YOU DIDN’T
Why you didn’t get a
kiss this morning,
everyone was too busy to notice
you needed one.
Why you didn’t get a hug today,
everyone was busy working
and playing all day.
Why you didn’t hear anyone
say, “I Love You”
everyone was too busy
to notice you were blue.

POETIC RISINGS 153
HOME
Home is the sound of coffee perking
on Sunday morning
Home is the smell of fried chicken cooking
in grandma’s old Dutch oven
Home is the sound of the 6 o’clock news.
Home is the sound of a baby laughing
Home is the sound of a rocker rocking
silencing a baby’s cry-
Home is a house full of books
that need reading.
Home is a house that needs tending and
broken hearts that need mending
with tender hugs
Home is a porch light shining.
And home is where I go to unwind,
after a long days work of doing
what seems like nothing.
WINTER’S LAZY SPLENDOR
Days in late December
put me in winters lazy splendor
time for hibernation
catching up on my reading
cozy warm nights
by the burning fire light
days in late December
put me in winters lazy splendor

154 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
DEW COVERED WEB
I woke one morning to a dew drenched fog hazing across my 5 acre
pasture a few cows were peeping their heads up behind barbed wire
fence—sounding out their morning mews. A family of bobwhites
were taking flight from crops of golden corn. A momma squirrel was
taking travel along a power line to a near by oak tree. The rooster
with his chest bowed was crowing his wake up call. Momma hens
were clucking—like gossipy old women, but what caught my eye
the most was an eight legged spider, as still as the night waiting
patiently out of sight to satisify his appetite, and the dew soaked
web hanging from a rafter of my aged weathered porch. The place
where he had spun his entrapment, hanging in the balance bold
and beautiful made from silken like threads and the help from his
devoted friend the wind. Every drop of dew clung to its crevices,
every spun thread glistening like diamonds it was indeed a sight to
behold. I had never took the time before to contemplate the beauty
and the making of a spider spun web. I wondered how many
annoying insects visited there and hoped that a once cocooned
monarch butterfly would not become entrapped there, for his life is
short lived as it is. I thought about this all the way to town and back
that day, wondering to myself if I should remove the spider’s dinner
plate.

POETIC RISINGS 155
GRANNY’S OLD ROCKING CHAIR
Momma showed me some old home movies last night
we couldn’t believe how time had passed by us so fast
there she was rocking me in Granny’s old rockin chair
and to her it seemed just like yesterday when she sang to me
hush a bye my little baby.Well that old rockin chair it still sets there,
not much has changed but the gray in Momma’s hair.
There I was as if it were yesterday rocking my little
girl in Granny’s old rocking chair and teaching her
the words to the Lord’s prayer. Now she’s grown with babies of
her own. Well the old rocking chair it still sets there, not much
has changed but the gray in Me and Momma’s hair.
And oh how I remember that old rocking chair when Granny and
Momma would sing to me, hush a bye my little baby and
teaching me the words to the Lord’s prayer. Oh I sure do love
Granny’s old rocking chair. And the old rocking chair well it still
sets there.

POETIC RISINGS 157
EARLY AUTUMN ON THE FARM
Early autumn on the farm
waking with the rooster’s crow
momma hens laying eggs in the barn.
Early autumn on the farm
as papa’s tractor rolls
Fresh cut hay lay on the ground
nature’s freshness in the air
Early autumn on the farm
baby chicks pecking at kernels of corn
Grandma skimming fresh cream
to make sweet butter in the wooden churn
Early autumn on the farm
Grandpa asleep in his rocker
under the big shade tree near the pond
but when he smells momma’s
biscuits, fried eggs and ham
he jumps up and dances like a young man
Early autumn on the farm
158 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
SWEET SUMMER TIME
Sweet summer time
blossoms on the vine
children out to play
laughter in the air
wearing daisies in my hair
long walks in the park
listening to the singing
baby meadow larks
going fishing to the pond
feed the white swans
summer’s warm wind
blowing on my skin
watch the red sun go down
pass the rolling meadows
listen to tom toads croaking sound
time for me to go
back home to my solitaire
sit in my easy chair
a drop of summer’s rain
falling on my window pane
I awoke in the morning
smelled the morning dew
green grass growing in the sand
watched the sky so blue
listened to the music of the
blue bird’s band
time for a picnic with red sweet wine
lie under a big oak tree
on the quilt Granny made for me
and loving you till the end of time

POETIC RISINGS 159
GRANDMA’S LEMON TREE
I will always remember how Grandma wiped my eyes when I cried,
how she held my hand and held me in her loving arms, because I
didn’t understand the reason why my little birdie had to die. You
see Grandma wanted to surprise me by painting Peety’s cage a pretty
sky blue with a can of spray paint, she even lined the bottom with
the Sunday comics too, but the fumes killed him when she put him
back in the cage. I went into a crying rage seeing Peety lifeless. Her
words were so kind and reassuring when she tried to ease my
troubled mind. She said she would buy me a new birdie at the local
Ben Franklin five and dime, but in my mind Peety couldn’t be
replaced. I needed time to embrace the healing. Oh how I remember
her hands reaching up high to pick just the right leaves from her
lemon tree to make us both a cup of hot tea, and there we sat just
Grandma and me at her tiny kitchen table drinking Grandma’s lemon
tea and nibbling on Mexican cookies, and making plans to bury
Peety in an old cigar box, next to where her honey-suckles grew
where the hummingbirds flew and fed off the sweet nectar and early
morning dew.

POETIC RISINGS 161
THE BIRTH AND DEATH OF A FAMILY TREE
In a distant place in time,
a little girl is born in 1899
she carries in her a seed
that will continue a family tree,
then one day from that seed
my mother is conceived,
in her she yet carries another seed
then on a rainy day in the summer of 59
she has me
the tree is getting old now
the branches will die off one by one
the little trees are coming along
with new branches of their own
the time has come to carry her away
where she will lay the rest of her days

162 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
I’VE SEEN THE ROCK WREN
SING TOO
I’ve seen the cutting
of a Louisiana wild fern grow
all on it’s own, leaves of green
widespread like an eagles wing
returning each and every spring
such tranquility a wild fern brings
to a solaced heart and mind.
I’ve also seen the Rock Wren sing too
after a Louisiana rain
he sat perched,
singing his morning song,
upon a magnolia sapling
as it grew stately
above winter’s dying spring
harboring the magnolia bloom
for many springs to come
such wonder the magnolia brings
to a solaced heart and mind
I’ve seen the Rock Wren sing too
after a Louisiana rain.

POETIC RISINGS 163
THE SEASON’S CHANGING
Dry leaves falling
winter is coming
the trees will soon be bare
winter time is in the air.
The cold wind blows
the crackling of the leaves
on the roof top
chop chop chop
the firewood
to keep us warm
from the winter storm.
The cold wind blows
the season’s changing
rosy cheeks aglow
sing sing sing sing a jing-a-ling
it will soon be wintertime again.

164 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
IN A LOUISIANA GARDEN OF DEATH
I imagined your burial many years ago
maybe it was 1879, for the engraved year was missing
as I stood near your historical aged tombstone
in the garden of Death—and Heaven’s blowing breath
I imagined your name; maybe it was Isabella or Sabastian
The leaves from a very old Oak Tree
blew remnant sounds of long ago grief
I pictured in my mind your family near
dressed in tattered woolen black—grief struck
the sun of summer or winter wind being drawn
against their pale young and aged old faces
as horses nay near a Hearse drawn Buggy
and the sound of sod echoing death’s final sound
over a casket made from the log of a Louisiana pine Tree
I see your mother’s drenched handkerchief soaked with tears
from the death of your young years
it is now July 22, 2003, and your tombstone
has been slowly sinking into the ground
caused from hurricanes, storms and drenching rains
but from the cracks in your tombstone
little oak trees and wild tiny purple flowers grow
roots thriving only from the often rain
Mother Nature has been your only visitor-from what I have seen
Leaving the tiny purple flowers un-touched I let them be
I pinched three tiny saplings
from the cracks of your tiny tomb stone
and have planted them near my home
they have been growing in their new place
the leaves are shimmering red and green
I think someday they will whisper your name
the wind will blow and I will know
POETIC RISINGS 165
that the memory of your grave will forever blow
through lightning rain, a summers wind
and a tranquil breeze on a winter morn
through leaves of shimmering red and green
from these three trees I have planted in my lawn
as these trees grow tall, reflections of shadows will be seen
they will sway to and froe as the evening wind blows
echoing sounds of laughter and sorrow
Maybe from these shadows you will appear
dressed in cotton white you will come and play
and pick sleeping flowers in my garden late at night
and swing from the tree swing in the twilight of the dawn
while the Night Owl and the ScareCrow share in your company

166 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
LOVE
Love is kind
love is blind
deceiving and divine
entwined all in one
in one’s heart and mind

POETIC RISINGS 167
TO LOVE
To love is to sacrifice
to love is to share
to love is to embrace
to show you care
to love oneself
is to love another
to love is to surrender
to those in need
to love is to believe
in your fellow man
to love is to forgive
those who sin against us

POETIC RISINGS 169
EYES OF EMBER
Grief is a slow moving silhouette
that knows not how to sleep.
And my weary eyes of ember, weep
to see a world
full of despair and hate.
Race against race,
brother against brother,
man against woman and child,
man against man
in a jungle wild.
Let us walk free, the earth I pray,
free from danger, free of fear
from beast of man
that lurks in jungle shadows near,
who prey on the young and old,
the men, women and children
of God’s lost garden of Eden.
who are envisioned in evil fantasies
in the darkness of his mind.

POETIC RISINGS 171
ROLLING THUNDER
Rolling thunder in the black sky
scaring small children
and making them cry
white streaks of electric lights flashing
in the black sky
small children running for cover
while you have your fit of rage
black clouds rolling over and over
then you strike down the smallest tree
uprooting it’s only vein for survival
days and nights of pouring rain
splashing against my window pane
then you decide to become a hurricane
lashing out at everything
flooding the beaches shores
ripping apart homes, shops and stores
destroying long kept treasures in our home
never knowing when you’ll be gone
leaving us in fear of your return

POETIC RISINGS 173
NEW AGE
Men and women on the run
racing the firing gun
racing to get all they can done
before the setting of the sun
rising at five in the morning
and eating on the run
while they burn off calories
with the latest fad
in aerobics and calisthenics
and keeping up with
the changing of the times
walking holes in their shoes
as they walk off the working man blues
burning both ends of the candle
keeping up with life’s changing times
they’re studying the new age in psychic power
learning to meditate during April showers
studying their past life
to guide them into the future
of the new age culture
studying the meaning of their dreams
turning on their biological clock
rising to the morning light
and resting their bodies
while the stars shine through the night

POETIC RISINGS 175
BLUE WATER SUNSET
Blue water sunset
settling into the sea
to sleep for the night
reflections of the day
slowly slipping into the sea
Blue water sunset
rising haunting moon coming
to take your place
like magic the light of day
disappears into the mystic sea
total darkness takes your place
stars suddenly appear
everywhere in sight
to help light up the night
while blue waters glisten
with sparkles of light
blue water sunset
the rising haunting moon is
coming to take your place
to guide ships through
your sea tonight

POETIC RISINGS 177
MY DADDY CAPTAIN BUCK
As we sat in the galley of my Daddy’s Shrimp-boat, the Miss Ema,
one summer while I was on reprieve. He and I ate candy coated
orange slices while playing Gin Rummy, and sipped sugar downed
iced tea, Daddy’s cigarette lying in the tuna-can made ash tray—
made images of it’s own. The boat creaked, silently I listened.
Fisherman tales he had many of friends he lost at sea. The night
suddenly became stormy, full moon and clouds of thunder lit up the
night, the gulf winds blew, the sea air rumbled, he and I took hold of
the stern of the wheel his strong hands guiding mine, as we sailed
across the gulf coast waters black-blue. Rough seas began to splash
over the stern and the boat’s deck, the Miss Ema bravely rode the
waves. I heard a voice call out from the marine radio, “Captain
Buck, Captain Buck, come back, come back.” “Best to head your rig
back to port Ronnie, there is a storm insight, gulf storms blowing
tonight,” he told Ronnie the young captain.” As the sea rocked the
boat, porcelain cups hanging in the galley clanked a seaman’s chime
and our rubber boots slid to the back of the boat’s deck, and crocheted
fish nets blew in harmony with the wind. My Daddy Captain Buck,
he knew the sea, like God knows you and me.
Written in memory of my Daddy Captain Buck, who passed away
March 22, 2000

178 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
NEEDING TO FLY AWAY
Daddy I love you
but I can’t always be near you
you say you find it hard to understand
the silliest of your little girl’s dreams
I just want to plant my feet
on solid ground so when I walk
I will stand with my head held high
as I reach for those stars in the sky
Daddy I’m a woman now
needing to fly away
from under your wing
and get to where I want to be
and hear the mockingbird sing
Don’t you worry or fret none Daddy
If I shall fail
my wings will glide the sail
past the evening star
because your love and guidance
has taught me well.
Without my dreams I shall fall
and be left only to crawl
back under your wing
and never hear the mockingbird’s call.

POETIC RISINGS 179
FOR A SINGLE MOMENT
For a single moment
some seagulls flew by
wings in motion gliding high
like a sail sailing
on the ocean
young seagulls trailing
in silent motion
to watch a flock
it felt as though the
clock of time had stopped
for a single moment
this creature in the sky
captured my eye
for a single moment

POETIC RISINGS 181
YOUNG CHILD RUNNING FREE
Young child running free what do you wish to be?
Many a roads you will travel in your life time.
Careful, I say, do not be deceived by what you see.
For some roads are locked in a depth of mystery
that will never unravel, that read detour ahead or dead end.
While in the midst of your self centered reality
many a falling stars will fall from starlit skies,
bursting through the darkness like tiny rockets.
Wish on every wish young child in mischief,
then take your place in line
and wait! wait! wait! wait!
Then reach inside your worn-out pocket,
for it’s the coin you choose to throw
into the wishing well of the world
that will lead you closer to the wishes
you wish upon through a midnight hour.
Young child running free did you know in your lifetime
that you will pass from one condition to another
like the season from September to December?
And yes you are free to go where the willow grows.
But remember one thing, young child running free,
today you have what some children do not have
Freedom to run! Freedom to run! Freedom to run!
without the sound of a firing gun.
So beware of the choices you make through a midnight hour.
for some day, you, yes you could be the one who
runs from or fires bullets of rage
while in the midst of your un-proclaimed mischief
through the blackened air during a midnight hour.

182 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
TEEN FASHION
One boy wears the latest fashions,
he struts like he’s got it all,
he’s been voted by his peers
most likely to succeed,
his girl is dressed in cashmere and tweed,
she’s been voted the high school’s prom queen
and most popular all around.
One’s dressed for trouble
he’s dressed in leathers and chains,
his friends call him the Rebel,
he only has half a brain.
He’s up to date on all the designer drugs,
to his peers he’s a real thug.
His girl is dressed to kill,
she stands on a street corner
because that’s the attitude she feels.
Then there’s the one’s that don’t feel proud,
they’re lost somewhere in between;
they don’t feel part of the crowd.
They shrug their shoulders in shame
because their parents can’t afford
the latest style in designer jeans
advertised in a Teen fashion magazine.

POETIC RISINGS 183
IT’S THE CRY OF THE HEART
WE DON’T SEE
Maybe it’s the cry of the heart we don’t see
angry words spoken in a teasing fashion
that become a killing pain,
a hurt and pain driven deep inside
that can last a lifetime in the mind of a child.
Maybe it’s the cry of the heart we don’t see
WHILE THE SAND MAN DANCES IN THEIR HEAD
Mommas teach Daddies preach,
STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK YOUR BONES
BUT WORDS WILL NEVER HURT YOU.
Maybe he dreamed about the killing fields
ammunition, revenge, social societies
the prom, the football jocks
limousines and prom queens
sequined dresses and tucks
the dance he didn’t dance
the mocking of his walk,
dressed in fatigues and trench coat,
maybe he searched to belong in trendy cult like fashion.
Loading his mind up with blood sweat and tears,
maybe he mainstreamed his thoughts and dreams,
blaming society and his peers
for his anger and his uncried tears.
maybe he acted out his demonic dreams
that ended in a blood bath massacre against his peers.
184 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
Maybe it’s the cry of the heart we don’t see
WHILE THE SAND MAN DANCES IN HIS HEAD
Mommas teach Daddies preach
STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK YOUR BONES
BUT WORDS WILL NEVER HURT YOU.
BING BANG BOOM, he shot them down
the dreamers, the believers, the high school’s achievers,
the football players, the dancing queens,
the soon to be graduate, the athlete
the honor students, who had dreams of hope
and admiration for mankind,
trying to be who they wanted to be
in a society full of hate, prejudice, and greed,
where the wrong plant seeds of violence
just to feel something, just to belong.
BING BANG BOOM, he shot them down.
Dreams died young in the town of Littleton
where the columbine flower bloomed on April 20, 1999.
and I ask why, “Why was prayer taken out of public schools?”
POETIC RISINGS 185
LETTER FROM A VICTIM
You and your buddies were no taller than my son, who asked you
“whaz up man?” It happened so quickly as he spat out those words.
There was no time for conversing, you had a mission and a plan. I
saw you but I don’t remember your face, all I could hear was your
shaken voice, as I fell to the ground falling into some rotting musty
smelling debri that had gathered along the falling fence line, near
the dark lit parking lot. You mumbled “hey lady” I could see your
little hand trembling from the distance where I stood, as I grabbed
my son and turned to run away from your line of fire. I felt the bullet
pierce my shoulder, I prayed that I would not die, you came back
and lifted my head-to see if I was dead, I let it fall like a rag doll. You
were satisfied as you threw my change purse to the cold ground that
my head lay upon. I thank God every day that you didn’t know how
to aim your gun. That the bullet didn’t pierce my heart, because my
boy still has his mother to come home to when his days are filled
with pain and confusion, as the pressure builds around him to
conform to acts of random violence. Like the kind you have chosen.
He finds solace and comfort in my smile and warm embrace. I sensed
your panic and fear that day, as your gang buddies coached you on.
If your hand still shakes as it did that cold winter day, as you aim
aimlessly toward your target again today. It will be God telling you
to put the gun down and drive the demons from your controlled
mind, and to stop these acts of random violence for a pocket full of
change. So you can have a chance to embrace your mother again
and the life God has given you, instead of iron cold bars someday.

POETIC RISINGS 187
EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEONE
Everybody needs someone
in times of hard luck and troubles
when they’re caught up in the shuffle
someone who will understand
and that someone is God’s only son
Everybody needs someone
who they can always call on
someone who they can count on
when things have all gone wrong
and that someone is God’s only son
Everybody needs someone
when time seems to stand still
and they need the courage and will
someone who’ll lead them up the mountain
when they have fallen to the bottom
and that someone is God’s only son

188 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
HE TOOK ME BY THE HAND
There are so many places in this world
I have not seen
so many mountains I have climbed
so many times I have fallen
to the bottom of the hill
and if not for God’s hand
no mountain I could have climbed
and without disgrace or shame
without question or blame
he took me by the hand
and led me through his promised land
many tears he has wiped from my eyes
many a dreams I have dreamed
after a rain when no rainbow came
and at times when all things seemed
impossible through the eyes of a young-woman
he took me by the hand
and led me back up the hill

POETIC RISINGS 189
TIME HEALS ALL PAIN
great and small,
it sews the wounds
of a broken heart,
it stands by waiting
to mend it shall it tear apart
with needle and thread in hand
it mends the broken heart

POETIC RISINGS 191
ONE MAN AND A PRAYER
When the North wind blows
I can hear Gods voice echo
crying out for lost souls
And it’s one man and a prayer
and one man’s promise of a miracle
washing away the sins of their heart
Once a caged heart taken over by
the devils desire
leading them to the other side of hell
and it’s one man and a prayer
and one man’s promise of a miracle
washing away the sins of their heart

192 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
A FEW GIFTS FROM GOD
a forest of green
a rocky mountain spring
magnolias in bloom
blue water—the ocean
gulf coast sand dunes
rocky terrain’s—falling rain
pebbles in a babbling brook
the world of winter, fall,
spring and summer
a hummingbird in search of nectar
a child’s eye of wonder
valleys and mountain peaks
succulent tropical fruits
wild berries on a vine
the recurring light
of the sun and moon
a Heaven below the clouds
lifes living daydreams
fire flies-sun beams
a rainbows end
umbrellas trees- shade
songs of sparrows
the metamorphosis of the butterfly
a child’s world of why
and the gift of yesterday, today and tomorrow

POETIC RISINGS 193
LIFE SUPPORT
Living is for dying, that I know
As a lasting sunset is to a lasting sunrise
and the mighty wind is to a raging storm
as are falling stars to the night of dusk
and the seed of survival is to the living
and the thirst of water is to life-
As are all living things on earth-
As the cry of birth is to the last breathe in death
as happiness is to the broken heart of sorrow
something that is bestowed and given
by God to us upon the living.
Was it God’s plan for men to intervene
with breathing machines?

194 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
ONE LAST TEAR TO CRY
She is a woman who dreams with a broken heart
following the days new light
her nights shadowed by the sleeping dawn
of a black forest draping silhouette
she opens and closes
the black curtain of life
blinded and disillusioned
at being who she is—a widowed wife
she is like the wounded sparrow
chained by freedom of flight
she has a choice to live or drown in her sorrow
she chooses one last tear to cry
snow capped mountains
she foresees visions of victory
the dusty dirt road she walks alone
placid, by unforeseen destiny
she no longer reigns the wilds of mother nature
she swims with the white cap tide
and once again she is washed upon the shore
entangled in the drenched weeds of the sea
only to be awakened by hope and aspiration
as a child the sea and sand were her haven
magic beans to wish upon
she spent the sand dollars of time
building sand castle mansions
then the foamy tide would wash in
penned against the shore she would rebuild again

POETIC RISINGS 195
her life is like the sea, a mystery,
still in search of her own destiny
she is a woman with unrelinquished dreams
time is a given treasure,
she runs barefoot in the sand
she has a choice to live or drown in her sorrow
she chooses one last tear to cry

196 DAKOTA WILLIAMS
PEARL
Give me time and solace
to trust the inner you
and you will come to know
the subdued beauty within my soul
give me hope and reason
to shine in your eyes
like an eagle I fly high
and like the ocean
I flow with the raging tide
like shells resting upon desert sands
my grit is my virtue
I quest into the passage of time
patronized, victimized,
my heart has been crucified
I, like a burning dying ember
my soul is revived
complex and deep minded I am
life is a mysterious journey
a wonderful voyage into the unknown
with windless windmills of time
with a world of people of many kinds
some phony like jewels,
genuine diamonds, pearls and opals,
etched into uncanning beauty that shines
like passage of precious stones adorned
life is a journey of transformation all its own
easily fooled by the minds eye
and my soul is a weeping heart
wounded by life’s perils

POETIC RISINGS 199
THE SUN RISES BEYOND A JOURNEYS END
Yesterday has ended—memories remain
yesterdays dreams for tommorow unfold
like the fire that burns unforeseen
with the coming of the wind
and a heart that has been broken
only to feel love again
the sun rises beyond a journey’s end
Roads we traveled we leave behind
cobbled stone roads unknown
highways that ended with yellow lights-caution
that made us pause in the road of life
or to move on toward our destiny once more
new journeys we began
dreams we dreamed on distant moonlit shores
some fallen and forsaken
like the lover who left us behind
at the break of a new day emerging
lost at love again when love was just a game-
We wonder again amidst a new journey’s end.
as the new day begins in quiet solitude
and the sun rises alone
dreams unfulfilled find a new meaning
and a new beginning in hearts of pain once broken
as the sun rises beyond a journeys end
May the spirit of the wind and rain bring solace to your soul and
the flight of the white dove bring you peace from within

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