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A Sunflower Haiku

Golden faces turn,
Toward the sun's warm embrace,
Sunflowers dance, bright.

Sunflowers reach high,
Petals gleaming in sunlight,
Nature's golden crown.

Amber blooms sway tall,
Sun's whispers in petals thrall,
Golden fields enthrall.

Bradley W. Grossman WWW (02/24/24)

Day and Night

In the dawn's embrace, the sun ascends,
A golden orb, its radiance lends.
Its gentle rays caress my face,
Warm embrace, a sweet embrace.

With each new dawn, a promise born,
Of hope renewed, of dreams adorned.
The world awakens, bathed in light,
A canvas painted, pure and bright.

The sun's embrace, a tender kiss,
Ignites the day with boundless bliss.
Its warmth ignites my soul anew,
Filling my day with skies of blue.

With each passing hour, the sun's embrace,
Guides my steps with steady grace.
In its light, I find my way,
Through trials faced, and joys at bay.

And as the day begins to wane,
The sun descends, its fiery reign.
But fear not, for in its place,
The moon ascends with gentle grace.

In twilight's glow, the night unfolds,
A tapestry of stars, a story untold.
The moon's soft light, a soothing balm,
Guides me through the night's calm.

Underneath the velvet sky,
I find solace, I find peace nearby.
For in the moon's celestial glow,
I'm wrapped in tranquility, to and fro.

And as the stars twinkle above,
I'm filled with gratitude and love.
For the sun that warmed my face,
And the moon that graced my night with grace.

So let the cycle of day and night,
us through the dark and light.
For in their dance, we find our way,
Through each moment, come what may.

Bradley W. Grossman WWW (02/21/24)

Jumbled Up

WWW (03/05/24)

A Children's Story

15. Why I Do, What I Do.

I write because words become the vessels for my thoughts, dreams, and emotions. Through writing, I can express the depths of my soul, capturing fleeting moments and eternal truths alike. Writing allows me to weave narratives, explore worlds, and communicate with others across time and space.

I paint because colors speak to me in ways that words cannot. With each stroke of the brush, I pour my essence onto the canvas, creating visual symphonies that resonate with my innermost being and invite others to glimpse into my world.

I play music because it is the language of my heart and the rhythm of my soul. Whether I compose melodies or interpret existing ones, music allows me to channel my emotions, share my stories, and connect with others on a profound level that transcends words.

I compose music because it is my way of giving form to the ineffable, transforming abstract emotions and fleeting thoughts into tangible expressions of beauty and meaning. Through composition, I create harmonies that echo the melodies of existence itself, offering solace, inspiration, and wonder to those who listen.

I create art because it is my breath, my heartbeat, my reason for being. In every stroke, every note, every word, I find a piece of myself reflected back, a fragment of my soul made manifest in the world. Through art, I explore the depths of my humanity, confront the mysteries of existence, and celebrate the beauty of life itself.

I walk because it is my pilgrimage, my journey through the tapestry of existence. With each step, I traverse landscapes both external and internal, embracing the unknown, the unexpected, and the extraordinary that lie waiting around every corner.

I listen to jazz because it speaks to the improvisational nature of existence, the rhythmic interplay of chaos and order, spontaneity, and structure. In its melodies and harmonies, I find echoes of my own journey, the highs and lows, the twists and turns that shape my path through life.

I talk to strangers because they are fellow travelers on this journey called life, each with their own stories, their own struggles, their own triumphs. In their faces, their voices, their words, I discover reflections of myself, reminders of the interconnectedness of all beings in the vast tapestry of existence.

In writing, painting, music, composition, art, walking, listening to jazz, talking to strangers, I find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. I find myself, my voice, my place in the grand symphony of creation. And in sharing my story, I invite others to do the same, to find themselves reflected in the mirror of my words, my art, my music, my journey.

WWW (02/28/24)

14. The Phoenix and the Dance of Destiny

In the heart of an open field, where the golden waves of grass swayed like an ocean under the sun's warm embrace, there stood a solitary figure, a phoenix, adorned with fiery plumage that shimmered with every movement. Lost in the vastness of nature's embrace, the phoenix soared, its wings stretched wide against the endless sky.

As the phoenix danced gracefully, a mysterious creature of unknown origin emerged from the shadows of the tall grass. Its form was elusive, its features obscured by an otherworldly aura. With each step, the creature left behind a trail of shimmering light, casting an enchanting glow upon the landscape.

Their encounter was not mere happenstance. A powerful energy pulsed between them; a connection forged in the annals of time. It was the ancient prophecy whispered by the winds, foretelling of a meeting that would shape the destiny of their world.

At the heart of their shared destiny lay a relic, hidden deep within the labyrinthine depths of the field—a relic said to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of creation itself.

As the phoenix and the creature converged upon the fabled artifact, their paths intertwined, bound by a common purpose yet divided by their divergent natures.

The relic shimmered with untold power, its presence awakening dormant forces that lay dormant within the earth. With each step closer to their shared goal, the tension between the phoenix and the creature grew, fueled by the weight of their destinies and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerged—a flicker of light that illuminated the darkness and beckoned them forward on their journey.

In the crucible of their quest, the phoenix and the creature found not only the catalyst for their conflict but also the catalyst for their transformation—a journey of self-discovery that would redefine the very fabric of their existence.

Underneath the vast expanse of the open sky, amidst the dance of destiny and determination, the field bore witness to the birth of a new era—one where the boundaries between light and darkness, fire and shadow, would blur, giving rise to a harmony forged in the crucible of their shared journey.

WWW (02/27/24)

12. Grace Verses Strength

In the heart of the lush savanna, where the golden sun kissed the earth and the winds whispered through the tall grass, there lived a butterfly named Aurora and a rhinoceros named Tembo. They were inhabitants of this vast wilderness, each carrying their own stories, dreams, and fears.

Aurora was a graceful creature, her delicate wings adorned with the colors of the dawn. She fluttered through the meadows, her spirit as free as the winds that carried her. With every beat of her wings, she painted the sky with beauty and wonder.

Tembo, on the other hand, was a massive beast, his form strong and imposing. His horn gleamed in the sunlight, a symbol of his strength and power. Yet, beneath his sturdy exterior, there lay a heart burdened with apprehension and doubt.

One day, by the trickling stream where the reeds swayed in the breeze, Aurora and Tembo's paths crossed. They stood face to face, their eyes meeting in a moment of silent understanding. In that instant, a challenge arose between them, a duel that would test their courage and resilience.

Aurora, with her wings spread wide, spoke with unwavering determination. "Let us engage in a duel," she proclaimed, her voice as gentle as the whisper of the breeze. "Let us see who among us is the stronger."

Tembo hesitated, his massive form trembling with uncertainty. He knew the power of his horn, the might of his charge, yet the thought of facing a creature as delicate as Aurora filled him with dread. Fear coiled in his heart like a serpent, threatening to consume his resolve.

But Aurora stood tall, her wings quivering with anticipation. She knew the challenge that lay before her, the odds stacked against her fragile frame. Yet, she refused to yield to the shadows of doubt that lingered in her mind.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting its golden glow upon the land, Aurora and Tembo prepared for battle. The air crackled with tension, the very earth holding its breath in anticipation. Yet, as they stood poised to clash, something changed within them.

In the depths of Tembo's eyes, Aurora glimpsed a flicker of uncertainty, a vulnerability hidden beneath his stoic facade. And in Aurora's unwavering gaze, Tembo found a spark of courage, a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of his fear.

And so, instead of charging into battle, they stood rooted to the ground, their hearts laid bare beneath the canopy of stars. In that moment of vulnerability, they discovered a bond that transcended their differences, a connection forged by the threads of courage, faith, and resilience.

For Aurora knew that true strength lay not in the fierceness of one's might, but in the courage to face one's fears. And Tembo learned that bravery was not the absence of fear, but the willingness to stand tall in spite of it.

And as the night unfolded its tapestry of stars, Aurora and Tembo embraced the beauty of their shared journey, knowing that their courage and fear would forever be intertwined, a testament to the unbreakable spirit that dwelled within them.

WWW (02/24/24)

11. Hey Whiskey

By Tim McGraw

All I ever did was give you my attention
Every Friday night since I turned twenty-two
I trusted you with my naive intentions
Hey whiskey, what'd I ever do to you?
I gave you every penny in my pocket
You helped me lie and made me tell the truth
Stayed out with you all night when you came calling
Hey whiskey, what'd I ever do to you?

I let you stay, you made her leave
Made me say things I don't mean
To the only girl that ever made me choose
Gave you everything I had
Went to hell and can't get back
The only thing I couldn't stand to lose
Hey whiskey
Hey whiskey, what'd I ever do to you?

You talked me into letting her walk out
Promised me I'd find somebody new
But I gotta ask from where I sit right now
Hey whiskey, what'd I ever do to you?

I let you stay, you made her leave
Made me say things I don't mean
To the only girl that ever made me choose
Gave you everything I had
Went to hell and can't get back
The only thing I couldn't stand to lose
Hey whiskey
Hey whiskey, what'd I ever do to you?

I held you up, you let me drown
No, you ain't worth the hurt
So why can't I put you down?

I let you stay, you made her leave
Made me say things I don't mean
To the only girl that ever made me choose
Gave you everything I had
Went to hell and can't get back
Both the hearts that you just broke in two
Hey whiskey
Hey whiskey, what'd I ever do to you?
Hey whiskey
Hey whiskey, what'd I ever do to you?

Songwriters: Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Brad Hutsell, Joel Hutsell. For non-commercial use only.

I have been sober since 01/23/10

(02/24/24)

My Moon

10. When the Sun, Moon and Stars Sing Together

In the cosmic expanse where dreams take flight, where stars dance and weave through the night, In the realm where the moon and sun reside, A celestial symphony echoes far and wide.

The stars, they shimmer, a luminous choir, their melodies born of eternal fire, each twinkling light a note in the sky, A celestial chorus that never does die.

The moon, she whispers, a gentle refrain, her silver beams painting the night's domain, with soft lullabies, she soothes the Earth's soul, in a serenade that makes the universe whole.

And the sun, he blazes, a radiant song, A fiery ball where the days belong, with golden rays, he warms the vast expanse, Igniting hope with every fiery dance.

Together they gather, in twilight's embrace, each taking their turn in the cosmic space, The stars, the moon, and the sun unite, in a melody that transcends both day and night.

The stars sing of secrets, of mysteries untold, in their gleaming light, wonders unfold, they whisper of journeys to faraway lands, where dreams take flight like grains of sand.

The moon hums with love, in its gentle glow, A beacon of hope in the darkness below, she weaves tales of romance in the midnight air, where hearts intertwine without a care.

And the sun roars of life, in its fiery blaze, A symphony of warmth that brightens our days, He paints the sky with hues of gold and red, A masterpiece of light before we head to bed.

Together they harmonize, in celestial delight, A melody that transcends the bounds of night, for in their song, we find solace and grace, A reminder that we're all part of this cosmic embrace.

So, listen closely to the stars, moon, and sun, as their celestial symphony has just begun, for in their song, we find beauty untold, A timeless melody that never grows old.

WWW (02/23/24)

9. The Antics of a Calico

Once upon a time, in a cozy little house tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, lived a mischievous calico cat named Whiskey. Whiskey was a beautiful mix of black, white, and orange fur with bright green eyes and a playful spirit that knew no bounds. However, there was one thing about Whiskey that his owner, William, found both endearing and exasperating – his nocturnal antics.Every night, as the clock struck midnight and the world outside fell into a peaceful slumber, Whiskey would come alive with energy. He would dart around the house, chasing imaginary prey and knocking over anything in his path. William, who was a light sleeper, found himself constantly awakened by Whiskey's playful shenanigans.One particular night, as William tried to drift off to sleep, he felt a familiar nudge on his arm. Opening his eyes, he saw Whiskey staring at him with wide eyes, a toy mouse dangling from his mouth. It was clear that Whiskey had no intention of letting William rest peacefully that night.With a sigh, William resigned himself to the fact that Whiskey wanted to play. He grabbed a feather wand toy and began to twirl it in front of Whiskey, who pounced and swatted at it with gusto. The two engaged in a spirited game of cat and mouse, with Whiskey leaping and darting around the room with boundless energy.As the hours passed and the sky outside started to lighten with the approaching dawn, Whiskey finally tired himself out and curled up next to William, purring contentedly. William couldn't help but smile at his playful companion, despite the sleepless night he had endured.In the morning, as the sun rose and bathed the room in gentle light, William and Whiskey shared a quiet moment together. It was in these moments of tranquility that William realized that Whiskey's nighttime escapades, though exhausting, were a reminder of the joy and companionship that his feline friend brought into his life.And so, as William drifted off to sleep with Whiskey by his side, he knew that no matter how many sleepless nights Whiskey caused, he wouldn't trade their playful bond for anything in the world.WWW (02/22/24)

8. A Symphony of Colors

In the heart of a tempestuous night, where the sky rumbled with the promise of a storm, a single bolt of lightning pierced the darkness, illuminating the world in a symphony of colors.

From the depths of the earth, where the soil lay parched and waiting, tendrils of light began to dance, swirling and twirling in shades of vibrant green. Like emerald tendrils reaching for the heavens, they stretched towards the sky, pulsating with an otherworldly glow.

As the light ascended, it morphed into a tapestry of colors, each hue more dazzling than the last. Brilliant blues, reminiscent of the ocean's depths, intertwined with fiery oranges and reds, like flames licking at the sky. The air crackled with electricity, alive with the energy of the storm.

With each passing moment, the colors intensified, casting a kaleidoscope of light across the landscape. The world was awash in a mesmerizing display, a testament to the raw power of nature unleashed.

As the colors climbed higher, they painted the clouds in hues of magenta and gold, transforming the stormy sky into a canvas of breathtaking beauty. Lightning danced across the heavens, illuminating the darkness with its radiant glow.

And then, as quickly as it had come, the storm began to fade, leaving behind a world bathed in the soft glow of dawn. The colors lingered, a fleeting memory of nature's fury, a reminder of the awe-inspiring spectacle that had unfolded before our eyes.

In the aftermath of the storm, as the world lay quiet and still, we were left to marvel at the wonder of it all. For in that fleeting moment, as lightning struck the ground and colors danced across the sky, we were reminded of the magic that lies hidden within the storm.

WWW (02/21/24)

USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)

7. Where the Horizon Meets the Sky

Amidst the boundless expanse of the ocean, where the horizon meets the sky in an endless embrace, I sailed as a navy sailor, defending my country's honor and fighting a war for freedom. Each day, the sea greeted me with its turbulent waves, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the world I lived in.

As the salty breeze filled our sails, my shipmates and I stood vigilant, guardians of our nation's shores. We braved storms that tested our resolve, facing the wrath of the angry waters that threatened to engulf us. In those moments, we lost shipmates to the unforgiving depths, their sacrifices a solemn reminder of the price of freedom.

Through the trials and tribulations of naval life, I witnessed the beauty and harshness of the world in equal measure. From the serene sunsets that painted the sky with hues of orange and gold, to the raging tempests that roared with fury, I was humbled by the vastness of the ocean and the power it wielded.

Amidst the solitude of the sea, I found myself longing for home, yearning for the familiar comforts of family and friends. Their absence weighed heavily on my heart, a constant reminder of the sacrifices we made in service to our country. But amidst the loneliness, I found solace in the camaraderie of my fellow sailors, forging bonds that transcended the confines of our vessel.

Together, we navigated the treacherous waters of military life, leaning on each other for support and strength. In the face of adversity, we stood united, unwavering in our commitment to defend the freedoms we held dear. And though the days were long and the challenges great, we found moments of joy and laughter amidst the chaos.

In the company of my shipmates, I learned the true meaning of resilience, discovering depths of courage I never knew existed. We faced danger head-on, confronting the unknown with unwavering determination and unwavering resolve. And through it all, we emerged stronger, bound together by a shared sense of purpose and duty.

As we sailed across the vast expanse of the ocean, I marveled at the wonders of the world around me, humbled by the beauty and majesty of the sea. And though the journey was long and the road uncertain, I knew that as long as I had my shipmates by my side, I could weather any storm that came my way.

For in the heart of the navy sailor beats the spirit of resilience, a beacon of hope amidst the tumultuous seas. And though the waters may be rough, and the winds may howl, we sail forth undaunted, defenders of freedom, champions of the sea.

WWW (02/21/24)

6. Colors Immersed

In the quiet recesses of my mind, I pondered the complexities of life. One thought, vivid and fiery like a blazing sunset, burned crimson red. It was the passion that fueled my ambitions, the relentless drive to chase my dreams. Another thought, serene and tranquil as the calm ocean depths, shimmered in shades of deep blue. It was the wisdom I sought, the quiet contemplation that guided my decisions.

As I wandered through the labyrinth of my thoughts, I found myself at the intersection where red and blue converged. In that fleeting moment of convergence, something extraordinary happened. The fiery red and the tranquil blue mingled and danced, blending seamlessly to form a hue never before seen—a radiant purple that pulsed with an otherworldly glow.

In that luminous expanse of purple, I found clarity. The boundaries between passion and wisdom blurred, giving rise to insights and revelations beyond imagination. In that radiant purple, I glimpsed the harmony of my desires and my aspirations, the balance between action and introspection.

With newfound clarity, I stepped forward, emboldened by the brilliance of my converged thoughts. In the radiant purple of my mind, I found the courage to pursue my dreams with wisdom, to embrace the journey ahead with purpose and conviction. And as I ventured forth, I carried with me the radiant glow of possibility, forever transformed by the convergence of red and blue.

WWW (02/22/24)

4. Who am I?

Who am I? I'm William Wonder, just a guy who started to write one day in school. I think I was in seventh grade and a girl wrote me a poem and I liked it. It wasn't a love poem. more of a show-off poem to say, "look at what I can do". I thank you Roxanne for showing me that you can write, that gave me the inspiration to start a pen to pad, this was back in 1979 and I had the world in front of me. and a lot of directions to go in the way to form my words. First off, I hated language classes, I couldn't read, spell, or write very well (good) whatever. But my mom and dad could, so i received a lot of help. When I try and think about things, I can be very poetic and genuinely full of color and flavor. When I'm just at ease... I'm just a toss salad of words., like now. Not caring to make a lot of sense and rhyme or reason. which can be fun too. It's a lot more like me maybe. Needless to say, I struggled a lot in school in most areas. The written word were tough, but I got through it eventually with a lot of help. I wrote a lot of poetry in those days, mostly about girls and the breakups I had. I had volumes of spiral bound books filled with these works. If I remember right, I had fourteen of them. I still today had eight of them left. Sad huh?... I read them and I laugh. I could count on two hands of the hundreds of poems I wrote, eight or nine of them are decent. My parents laughed at them as well.

Years passed and I kept on writing through college, and I got much better, still the same story line, usually, but now I've added a sense of tragedy to my feelings. I don't remember why, but I always felt sad back then. I think I made life somewhat harder than it really was. I did have it rather good. Anyway, College pressed on and so did the words. Eventually I joined up with the Navy and That is when my writing really became colorful and good. It changed from poetry to a simple form of diary type. I created pages upon pages of life. I added pictures with my entries to create vivid details of places I had visited. I was having fun, and this is when my creative writing really blossomed. I'd write about my Navy adventures and tours around the world. They were plentiful and colorful. I still read them on occasion.

Thant brings me to the present. I quit writing after I was in the Navy for about twenty-eight years. I have no idea why. Life interrupted, I guess. But one day I signed up for a writing class with the Veteran's Affairs (VA) and I really loved it and then a few weeks in, the instructor liked my work and asked if I'd ever authored any books. I'd said no and that made me start the publishing process. Now I'm on that journey. I have written several children's adventure books; I'm just waiting for them to be designed and published. Someday I will write big people adventure books. What age group, I don't know yet, teen, adult? I 'm not sure.

That is my life in the world of words. Stay tuned as I will update this page for my book series. Enjoy...

WWW (02/21/24)

3. Time Doth Shine in Finding Family.

In the labyrinth of time, I wandered lost, Forty years adrift, my heart the cost.

Fear gripped me tight, rejection's bitter sting, alone in the world, no solace did it bring.

Through valleys deep and mountains high, I searched for kin 'neath the endless sky.

But echoes of silence haunted my quest, No familiar faces, no refuge, no rest.

With each passing day, a battle fought within, Despair and longing, the constant din.

I clung to hope like a flickering flame, praying someday, I'd find my name.

In the vast expanse of the unknown, I yearned for connection, a place to call home.

But where to turn, whom to implore? Lost in the wilderness, forevermore.

Yet whispers of destiny stirred the air, A thread of fate beyond compare.

Could it be that somewhere out there, A family searched with equal despair?

With trembling hands and a hopeful heart, I embarked on a journey, a brand-new start.

Through shadows deep and twilight's gleam, I chased the fragments of a forgotten dream.

Through the passage of time, my faith held strong, guided by hope, propelled along.

Though doubts clouded my weary mind, A flicker of light I was determined to find.

And then, like a beacon in the night, A message arrived, pure and bright.

Words of kinship, love's tender call, A reunion awaited, after the fall.

With trembling steps and eyes ablaze, I journeyed forth through the winding maze.

To the embrace of family, long sought and dear, A reunion of souls, drawing near.

And as I stood on the threshold of fate, Heart racing, anticipation innate,

I saw them there, faces aglow, the family I'd yearned for, so long ago.

Tears flowed freely, laughter intertwined, In the circle of love, hearts realigned.

For in that moment, I found my place, In the warmth of their embrace.

Forty years of longing for the silent plea, Culminated in this jubilant spree.

A testament to the resilience of the soul, to never give up, to remain whole.

And as I looked upon each cherished face, I marveled at the beauty of grace.

For in the depths of despair, I found the love of family profound.

So let the echoes of joy resound, In the heart of the lost, the once unfound.

For in the journey of life's winding road, Family, at last, becomes our abode.

WWW (02/19/24)

--------This is dedicated to my forty-year search in finding my birth family (Nall's) from Texarkana, Arkansas. (area)

And by the end of the day, I was pecking at the keyboard because my hand was shaking too much to write anymore. Hello, I'm William Wonder. Somehow, I need to upload my writings to this page just to fill space, I suppose. I'm kinda new at writing and very new at blogging. So nary the two shall meet. I love the expression of the soul, whether it hardened black or softened gold, putrid grey or mellow blue. It all matters not to me if I have a soul, I will express it. And may thou be the victim. Until tomorrow. GN.

WWW (02/18/24)

2. My 1972 Nova Story

I have decided to author a story from the perspective of my car. I have changed the names and places to protect the criminally insane, or the innocent as well.

I am a 1972 Chevy Nova. Let me tell you some stories: I may come across to you as a bit smug or proud at times but what do you expect, I am 100% American muscle. I have 350 horses under my lid, and I am a twelve second car on a good day. I am all-stock, no mods. I love my original Chevy Blue that just dances off the lights at night. I have a ragtop that is a pearl white, and it just glows in the dark when the moon is full. But over the years the heat wears it out, and it comes off and then it becomes as clean blue as my body. Good choice. My body howls and my engine screams at night, wanting to cut loose and run with the wild. I have some friends, loyal cohorts that I play tag with on Saturday nights. Carl’s Red Mustang comes to mind. He howls a bit, but he’s too cocky and all bark, no bite. Best is a fourteen on the lanes. But he’s clean. Stacy is dangerous. She has her gold Chevelle, and it’s hot, she is the talk of the town, and her twelves are normal. One sub twelve on a Sunday night brought everyone to a freight. No one want to run with her. I do it for fun, but all I ever see is her reds. Dave, Steve, Brian, Ritchie, and Mark all have the goods to run, so we all tangle on Saturday night and lay down the bills. I’m usually in the top three every week.

Master calls me Suzi Blu. Why? Well love, of course. The girl? Suzanne Hughes. He thought this was the one she did too for a while. But it only lasted for 10 months, and then she moved to Fruita, Co. She was a dream, a vision. And yet she was the pure gold he never touched. They loved like I never saw before, they cried from the heart, and they laughed with pure joy, more than I’ve ever seen him. He will miss her as far as eternity spreads. I know because he tells me.

I attract more than just the trips down the speedway. I can catch an eye or two. If I’m not runnin,’, I’m draggin’. Slow enough so the eyes can see the eyes inside. I need to make my master proud. So, I just roll down Main Street and look around until an eye catches his. And the fun begins. (Let me stop your thought process right there. My master is a “nice guy” not the creep looking to find the score. He’s out to make friends). Anyway... As she crosses the street, he wonders first, how old are you? Where do you live? Then she gets in the car, and he asks those same questions, and they are typically good enough for her to stay with him. If not, she bounces right away. All they ever do is talk and laugh and eventually trade numbers so they can go on a real date. There are times when it’s a flop, and it turns into a mess. She leaves mad. He’s mad and we end up going home. I hate that part because I get punished too, and I didn’t do anything wrong. I again sleep it off in the driveway.

I know of times when my master and I were just out by ourselves, headed nowhere, looking at the blue skies and breathing in the fresh air. And then we get interrupted by some guy who wants to talk to us. He is a rude one, mounts all these flashy obnoxious red and blue lights everywhere. But every time Master decides he too wants to talk so, he pulls over. The conversations are always quiet, so I never know what is happening but, in the end, the other guy must have given him his phone number or something. I don’t know. The funny thing is, their conversations will always ruin Master’s day. If I were him, I wouldn’t pull over anymore. Just blow on by. That’ll teach em.

I often think of some wild adventures that caused a lot of stress and anguish. One such night, late October 1986, master picked up this lovely lady, Nikki, and went for a drive. This was an unusual drive, even for me. It was late at night and the roads started to disappear. The cold settled in, and they adored the warmth of my heater. I was losing sight of the road, so I’m sure the master lost it all together. He knew what he was doing. He always did. He started to turn around and, that’s when I saw it, a riverbed. This bed was full of mud and the master drove headlong right for it. I sunk to my doors in thick mud. My headlamps went out and all that was left was the full moon to see by. They climbed out the windows and I could hear the Master cry. I knew he loved me and didn’t want me to hurt. I was touched. I heard them talking about going to get some help. That meant I had to stay alone in the lost wilderness, twelve miles from the nearest house. I hope they come back soon. Master came back the next morning, but this time he was with this older man and a sweet looking 1958 Chevy Apache. Master called the guy dad, whatever that means. This dad guy was not happy at all and raised his voice a few times at the situation. I don’t blame him; I was a bit aggravated at what Master had done to me. They tied a big rope to my axle and his axle, and he pulled me out, not without some heaving pulling, but it finally worked. I was a mess. My entire interior was red mud. Master has a lot of work to do with my bath. In the end... It took him nine days to get me back to clean again. I love my master. He’s a fool, but I do love him.

Let’s talk more fun. I spent a lot of time driving the highway from Kansas City to Overland Park in 1986 as the master was going to college. He had many friends that drove the same road with him, and they would sometimes form close groupings, door-to-door groups just so they could pass pizza and beers back and forth, all while racing along at sixty miles an hour. I was not a fan of this because there was serious danger involved. I did not want that red tomato sauce on my blue paint or interior. But, in the end, nothing bad ever happened. We all had genuine fun.

Now, let’s talk about aging. I hate this part. I’m mortal, ya know. I started getting older the day of his high school graduation in 1985. That morning on the way, somewhere? I was crossing an intersection, and a lady ran through a stop sign. She plowed right into my front end and knocked me out cold. My blood was green, and it was everywhere. The sad news was, she had no insurance and my master got stuck with the bill. I was fixed up to the best of their abilities, and I was running again. But now I’m an ugly sixteen second car. This tore us both up and we cried for days. We did not want to go out and show my face to the boys now. I was not welcomed much anymore. We all kept growing up and one day in the middle of winter in 1987, I was in a parking lot, and I hit a patch of ice and kept sliding right past a stop sign. The lady on my left hit that ice as well and plowed right into my driver’s door. This wasn’t too bad; I didn’t think, anyway. We both had insurance and again did our best to fix things up. I’m feeling really old at this point, but ya know what? My heart is still pumping really well. My master has tuned me up every three thousand miles with every oil change. I won’t leave him stranded anywhere. Well, I’m leaving town, headed for the big city of Salt Lake City. I’m grateful that my master is towing me. That would be a tough run for me. Once I’m there I’m just a daily driver, no more fun and games, just work and shopping. I hate getting old. I’m putting on a lot of miles, more than five hundred thousand. I know I’m not going to last much longer; I can feel things starting to shift in my bones. My rear end is getting loose, and my trans is slipping a bit. I’m choking up in the winter now. My master knows this and is trying his best to keep up with things, but it’s becoming too much and too expensive.

One final fun note, when my master noticed that I turned over 515K miles, he sent in a letter to General Moters with my picture (good side of course). And a few months later, we received a letter back with a photo of us hanging on their shop wall. They even gave me $50 in gas money, with a long letter of congratulations. We were so happy.

Well, today is the day. My last day that I will breathe and feel the fresh air in my grill. I will no longer wonder if the girls still smile as I hum by or envied by the guy at the stoplight (as long as he’s on my right side). I will no longer have a master to please. My transmission has finally failed, and I have been sold to the car yards. Good night. I love you, Master.

WWW (02/18/24)

1. A Century Beyond My Prime.

I am sitting on a park bench in an open glade looking at the mountain valley. I am reading a book about an old man. As I look around the valley the mountains, The sky, and all the surroundings have unusual colors. Some areas are filled with beauty and others are filled with black and white. These colors are intermingled randomly as if thrown into the wash. I try to make sense of this to no avail and that’s when I noticed the words in the book also have colors randomly scattered among the black words on the white pages. I begin to Peruse the book and I find, and its wanderings is the old man’s words are not quite so random in his life. I have made a connection that when he has purpose and sense of worth the words on the page are vibrant and in full bloom of color. However, when he fails to find direction in his life, and he wanders aimlessly the words fade to Black as does his purpose.

I have made another connection with my surroundings and my attention to my reading, the more I focus on the old man’s positive things, my surroundings become a little bit more colorful. The greens and blues overtake the grays, and the cool colors envelop the dark colors. I too have noticed the opposite to be true the more I read about his negativity and the downside of his life the beauty dissipates. It didn’t take long for me to wonder if there was a fight between good and evil being established here.

WWW (2/17/24)