Mudville Musings

I'm gonna dance during these holidays!

2011-12-20T08:03:00.003-06:00

Loss is inevitable.

Over the course of my life, so far, I've lost plenty. I've cried over that spilt milk and then some, but the pain ebbs and life moves on as it is known to do.

Why the sudden urge to write about such a normal, yet depressing event in most every one's experiences?

Because Marley died.

I was channel flip-flopping between the Forty-niners/Steelers game and Marley and Me last night (that's an emotional roller coaster, right?!). I was riding that pendulum swing back and forth from sports enthusiasm to tear-jerking, Kleenex destroying and enjoying every minute of both. Marley, as a fictional dog, was one crazy beast. He was all energy, all heart, all love and all rolled up into one big ball of yellow Labrador. The movie made me think of my own best friend, Brutus

Once the movie got my mind reminiscing on Brutus, gradually, it progressed to other personalities that have graced my life. I thought of my dad, my kids, my ex-wife, a lot of my old friends and many of the relatives that I knew well or barely at all.

I've lost a lot and watching Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, with their movie family, mourn the impending and eventual passing of a loved family member and pet just tugged at my heart strings. But this story line and their process of dealing with that loss as it is occurring is part of what makes the movie a really enjoyable movie (I am told the book is really good, as well).

There is a plethora of wisdom out in this huge world for dealing with those losses. Plenty of experiences have happened to help shed light on living life and rolling with the punches as we go. One of the sayings that comes to mind during last nights emotional moments, was that we shouldn't cry because what we had is gone. Rather, we should smile because what we had was there and we got the privilege of enjoying it. I smile because I got to play with my boy, Brutus. We got to hunt together and take trans-Texas road trips. We chased rabbits and played in the rivers across this great state. We endured injuries and rain storms; enjoyed having little "me"s and suffered through losing little "me"s, we spent time with my dad and mom, my ex-wife, and each other.

I rescued him from a mean person and, in a way, he did the same for me.

Brutus was my Marley, and now he sleeps under the front tree at my house, just as Marley sleeps outside their house in the movie.

This holiday season, I'll spill a little bit of love on his grave and I'll spill a little love on my dad's grave. I'll lift a glass to family and friends who, although they may have slipped from my life for the time, are there none the less. I'll hug the ones that are here and share a bit of cheer and smile because I know and love them.

Yes, loss is inevitable for every human; but how we deal with those losses is up to each and every one of us. Celebrate the lives you've touched and been touched by over the years.

I see dancing in your future....

2011-09-14T08:28:00.004-05:00

Fortune Cookie Advice
by stu pidasso
14Sept2011

An omission of action can ease a tense situation.
Sometimes a step backward can be two steps forward.

I wrote this poem this morning to participate in the Wednesday Poetry Prompt at Poetic Asides with Robert Lee Brewer. I used the three words given at Three Word Wednesday and had some fun photo shopping the fortune cookie to meet my vision in my head. Usually if you prolong making choices in your life, life makes choices for you. This time it worked out for me. But I tell my kids to make their life the way they want it, not to take their life as it comes.

Possible edits to this post to come later today. Have a great Wednesday!

Weekend warriors...

2011-09-01T14:03:00.002-05:00

The Ruck
by stu pidasso
1Sept2011

Muscles taut
sinews twitching
a Maori
dance of dominance
laughing sweating bleeding
all over a ball

He shoots. HE SCORES!!

2011-09-01T11:11:00.002-05:00

Called Home

by stu pidasso
1Sept2011

With penetrated heart,
the hero did depart.
Dragged by valkyrie;
he mumbled,
"Thou art...
...beautiful."

Today's offering satisfies (in my mind, at least) the poetry challenges from three, count them, three different poetry sites. Check out Laura Purdie Salas' 15 Words or Less poetry exercise on Thursdays, as well as Three Word Wednesday and Wednesday's Poetry Challenge with Robert Lee Brewer over at Poetic Asides.

Per instructions, I had to write an "out of this world" poem using the three words provided (drag, mumble, penetrate) and use the picture above as a start point. I think the fifteen word "short" about a dying hero going to Valhalla covers all three bases. What do you think?

They're coming down like rain drops...

2011-08-31T16:35:00.003-05:00

One of my nieces, as well as my daughter, is off at college now; away from home for the first time. She is a bit homesick and misses her mother badly. I am not sure if the kids realize that we, as parents, miss them as much if not more than they miss us.

Cheer up young one and embrace your future and the adventures it brings. Relax and take comfort that there is a safety net "under" you.

Homesick Blues To Lose

by stu pidasso

30August2011

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

and road trips taken home from yonder

give those loved ones reason to ponder

why their cherished must leave and wander.

But the safe nest is found too small

to hold your dreams and hopes so tall

fly you must though risk the fall

and return a later day to them all

For now, hold your weary head up high

remember that we all sometimes cry

and the time you are gone will slip by

as they wait to welcome 'morphed butterfly

For as Hugo wrote of butterfly and flower,

tested is each and every parents power

to wait patiently each week, day and hour

for their butterfly's return, like refreshing shower.

Texas wants you anyway!

2011-08-30T11:20:00.004-05:00

I can not begin to imagine being from anywhere else but Texas. I was born here, raised here and I will die here. I might not always live here, but I will die here. We have the coast on the Gulf of Mexico. We've got the Fort Davis Mountains. We've got a plethora of rivers and lakes (most man-made, but still). We've got sand dunes and hill country. We've got big cities and small towns. We've got the Cowboys and Texans; Spurs, Mavericks and Rockets; Rangers and Astros; and even the Stars. We have FC Dallas and the Dynamos, Texas Motor Speedway, The Longhorns and The Red River Rivalry. We have Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and the boys. We have ZZ Top and Steve Miller. We had SRV for the short time he graced all of our lives. We have Palo Duro Canyon, Needle Rock, Gruene Hall, Billy Bob's, Gilley's and the USS Texas. Of course, we have snakes and parasites, mosquitoes and deer ticks, the Bushes and Clayton Williams. SO not everything is a blessing, but I love it and don't care to have anything else but Texas. ALL TEXAS ALL THE TIME!

So here is my video tribute to all those who are so perplexed about why I love it so, sang to you by one of our home grown talents. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Get a grip....

2011-07-26T13:29:00.002-05:00

My GI Joe

by stu pidasso
25July2011

My GI Joe with the kung-fu grip
was my favorite when but a boy
I'd play with him for hours on end
He was a great childhood toy

My two closest brothers and I
would whittle away all the hours
with imaginative wartime fantasies
how Joe would cope with evil powers

I'm not sure which I miss the most
the toy, the stories or the company
but when I remember those days
I wear a smile for all to see

He provides all we need

2011-05-19T13:47:00.012-05:00

Dove Hunt
by stu pidasso
19May2011

Early morning chill
as sun peeks over hill
the coos can be heard
on wing like lone bird
with cotton wisps in the sky

perched 'neath the mill
cooling like pie on windowsill
waiting the first fly by
with hunter's gleam in my eye
anticipating the afterward

standing guard over rows
ignoring these frozen toes
while marvelling at the scene
so peaceful, so serene,
Nature's beauty none can deny.

Any West Texas boy knows
how fall morning story goes
between flock flying by
and nuts raw or on pie
bounty is there to be seen

Noon has finally arrived
and a box of twenty-five
fills your limit of fifteen
to field dress and clean
a meal for eating with friends

For it's good to be alive
yes, the hunters have thrived
to bad the dove met their ends
to nature we'll make amends
with cheeses, apples, jalapenos and bacons

fathers and their children

2011-02-23T16:53:00.003-06:00

In My Father's Eyes
(by Eric Clapton)

by stu pidasso

23Feb2011

My office wall is adorned

with three separate portraits

of the same man,

whose stress on my life

is still being realized.

His father was a junior

making him "the third".

He used the Roman numeral three

as his mark quite frequently.

I see that figure often now

standing resolute in my mind.

Those three pillars,

upright and strong,

are my symbol of how he was

and how I wish to be.

Wisdom comes with age.

Age comes with time.

Time is what we wish we had used better

once we are older and wiser.

I get my advice from him these days,

by reflecting upon his life,

savoring every juicy bit

of example he did provide

by living a life I can

now appreciate and respect.

I just wish I had taken the time

to let his words linger in my ears,

to notice the work he produced

with his able hands and body,

to ask about the origins

of his convictions.

I wish I could look

in my father's eyes

and tell him how much

I respect and miss him now.

And, I hope that my son

does not let pass

the same chances

to talk to me.

Life imitates art...

2011-02-04T12:00:00.007-06:00

Orange green and gray on amber

by stu pidasso

3Feb2011

Fire, flora and sky

wrestle to comply

as nature paints

it's own Rothko.

All this... ...for that!?!?

2011-02-01T19:56:00.003-06:00

Pie ala mode to Robert Burns
by stu pidasso
1Feb2011

It was half past the third hour of a mid-November night.
I was enjoying 19 year old scotch into the deep twilight
when I heard an odd knock (it gave me a bit of fright).
So, I tuned my ear to hear what hid from the candlelight.

I knew it wasn't my daughter, or my son, for that matter.
And if it were my ex-wife, she'd have to be a mad-hatter.
Another sound, but longer, more like heavy pitter patter,
so I picked up my Louisville and gripped it like a batter.

I rose and inched my way, as silently as I could,
into the dark, carefully, for my floor had creaky wood.
My vision was still janky, and i prayed my aim was good
as I held my bat at ready like a home protector should.

It was then I spied a shadow, something was in the hall.
I thought it might be a ghost until it bumped into the wall.
The noise confirmed the reality, as it would for damn near all,
that I had an intruder! Good thing I was ready to play ball.

I stood my ground nervously, waiting for that "someone",
trying to convince myself that this might be a it of fun.
When the form emerged, I swung like I wanted a home run;
but he scooched sideways suddenly resulting in "strike one".

He tumbled over the sofa, not knowing what to do
and it was then the second form let his presence be known, too.
The second somersaulted across the floor as my next swing flew,
barely avoiding injury, leaving me with strike number two.

The first now made an attempt to bull rush straight at me.
I tripped him as I dodged and turned just in time to see
the second burglar soon enough to meet him with my knee.
He let loose a conniption, as I missed him with strike three.

Not waiting for them to seize the opportunity to take another turn
I threw my Saint Magdalene, thereby breaking the glass urn.
I followed it with lit candlestick, and they were forced to learn
what any good Celt knows, that the greatest scotch makes robbers burn.

Let me tell you a story...

2011-01-27T17:45:00.002-06:00

Aurora

by stu pidasso

27Jan2011

Gliding gracefully,

scrawling poetry

in eloquent strokes,

her tiptoes

bleed profusely

wherever she dances.

Look what I stepped in.....

2011-01-25T10:11:00.004-06:00

Serendipity of Slutdom

by stu pidasso

25Jan2011

My path to ruin

has spanned the years

My choice of actions

has elicited tears

The consequences of which

has stoked my fears

and left me a debt

which is still in arrears

The descent of my honour

is a pitiful ordeal

my shame and my sorrow

are hard to conceal

Chasing life like prey

has passed with the thrill

for my wasted life is

the true victim of my kill

For one of the young ladies

I bagged in the hunt

wound up carrying child

due to my callous want

The untimely occurrence

led me to the church front

Then to child number two and

a role much more important

But somehow amidst

this life long mess

The only trophies I have

I stumbled upon, I confess

Now I strive to atone

without an ounce of duress

or a single iota

of intent to impress

For during the time

I was trying to feel

any and all of the pleasure

the Devil used to appeal

To me to lead me astray

so my soul he could steal

has led to my salvation,

and that, I find is surreal

This is my offering for last weeks challenges at 3 Word Wednesday and the Wednesday Poetry Challenge at Poetic Asides with Robert Lee Brewer. The 3 words are descent, kill and surreal.

My dad did hard time....really hard time

2011-01-12T17:38:00.004-06:00

Body and Mind

by stu pidasso

12Jan2010

father

soon became

a prisoner,

methodically trapped in his frame.

What I once thought was a harmless disease,

tore away his

faculties,

by and

by.

Moist,

blue eyes

could not hide

his chagrin of

having the will with no means to abide.

His mental prowess stood true through the test,

until his body

forced out

a soft

yelp.

You have mail! YAAAAAAAAY!!

2011-01-07T15:44:00.004-06:00

Adorations on Onion Skins

by stu pidasso

7Jan2011

If there is someone

who needs wrong undone,

a heart in need of mend;

or if you have a feeling

that has you reeling

for a lover or a friend;

take precious time

to compose a rhyme

full of love to lend.

Sign it. Seal it.

Address, stamp and mail it;

before you reach day's end.

For nothing makes one smile

as wide as a country mile

than adorations sent hand-penned.

The effort undertaken

won't be found mistaken

in the manner you chose to spend.

For any tongue can wag

like a plastic bag

dancing on the wind.

Who knows? Someday

a random note sent your way,

your blues may help to suspend.

Which way do I go?

2010-12-14T21:37:00.003-06:00

Sevenling (My compass)

by stu pidasso

14Dec2010

I could not decide whether to take the high road,

walk the narrow path or toe the line.

I was wondering if all the roads led to roam?

So with my brother's shoes on the wrong feet,

I boldly let my heart guide my steps in those of my father's.

I tried to stride softly in his memory.

By adding an ion to my compass, I hope to have compassion be my guide.

Do not pass go, do not collect...

2010-10-25T08:11:00.002-05:00

The Redeemer

by stu pidasso

Oct2010

I am the husband who knows

that he betrayed all those

whom he swore an oath before

to love, cherish and obey.

I am the unfaithful mate

who realized too late

the bird flew the coop

due to his unfair play.

I am the estranged dad

of forfeited lass and lad

who might roam home

to see me someday I pray

I am the highway rider

the long journey abider

for moments with them

because I chose to stray

I am the man with guilt

Under roof which lies built

trying to gain his love

back the tried and true way

I am the willing submitter

who struggles not to be bitter

for I know that I don't

deserve the remotest iota of parlay

I am the atoner

the repentant stoner

who pays with more

than money each day

I am the scarred advisor

painfully grown the wiser

who beseeches all the men

to learn from my poor display

I am the soul that stands

Asking forgiveness with clasped hands

that I be allowed to trade

all I have for a replay.

Will it ever end?

2010-10-13T17:06:00.004-05:00

Tribulations

by stu pidasso

13Oct2010

This world is a rough and tumble place

and tough are the obstacles we all face.

Tedious and tiresome can be this rat race

as we all try to find some peace and solace

But when we are competing against so many,

it's expected that we run into the random unfriendly.

No matter when along the journey from five to ninety,

the ridicule we all will endure will be plenty.

The names which we will be called is sure to try,

and many will be the tears we are forced to cry.

Boos and hisses are the ammo the crowd will let fly.

Sometimes it will be so bad, we'll just want to die

But what we weather in our lives is not who we are.

It matters not the numbers or the type of scar.

Unimportant is the weight we drag or how far

our position is above or below the population's par.

How we conduct ourselves is the ultimate measure.

Are you a pain in the arse or are you a pleasure?

All the memories we share are the priceless treasure,

and all those unfriendlies out there might say, "Yeah, sure."

So when you find yourself mistreated now and again,

remember that it's how you play and not if you win.

Absolve all those who treat you wrong of their sin,

and part ways with them amicably with a hug and a grin.

Forgive and forget, but keep hostile feelings at bay.

Wipe the slate clean at the start of each day.

We all have to eat our words, so watch what you say;

and life is hard enough, so remember to play.

If the earth were a restaruant

2010-09-10T12:58:00.002-05:00

The Tab

by stu pidasso

10Sept2010

Life to most is one big feast.

The buffet is piled up tall.

Pull up a chair. Don't beware.

There is plenty here for all.

Who eats the most or the least?

Do you think it really matters?

Fill your plate without a care.

Go ahead have multiple platters.

Devouring like a rabid beast,

those with appetites, so robust,

eat their fill while unaware

their guts become over-stuffed.

Only when the have ceased

do they realize their harm.

They sit bloated and stupidly stare,

gluttons devoid of any charm.

Their bill has rise just like yeast,

and now it waits to be paid.

You ate, you pay, that is only fair.

Recall how your bed was made?

No hands are waiting to be greased.

No, you won't receive a free ride.

Skip this tab and you should prepare

to be the entree with a tasty side.

Dog Days of Summer Done Got Dog Gone

2010-08-30T16:57:00.004-05:00

Old Dogs and New Tricks

by stu pidasso

30August2010

I bark from where I sit.

I am too old and lazy to chase anymore.

Those damn squirrels

taunt me from my water bowl,

as do those flighty dove.

Kids walk through my yard

unencumbered by my presence.

They do not fear, nor do the elicit

any action from my tired hide.

It is "chasing rabbits" that I love.

I used to dig like a chinaman,

throwing sod and earth behind me.

Now I dig the cool concrete,

wiggling my snoozing puppy-dog feet

and chewing on my best friend's glove.

Even the cat, that overgrown rat,

promenades about the hedges.

I would, if I could, teach him

a thing or three about feline sandwiches,

with help from the Master above.

But even in my advanced state of age

occasionally i am found in such a fit

and am thus to be tied to the tree out back.

Now they want me to get "tutored", and off

we go to that villainous vet, just because...

this old dog needs to learn new tricks.

Some people just get taken too soon......why?

2010-08-19T09:44:00.003-05:00

Goodbye, Torrey.

by stu pidasso

19August2010

Goodness

Overflows,

Overwhelms.

Dutiful,

Beautiful,

Youthful

Exuberance

Triumphant?

Ominous?

Ruinous?

Regrets

Enshroud
Yesterday!

15 Words or Less

2010-07-16T11:44:00.004-05:00

Obviously Oblivious

by stu pidasso

15July2010

Why admonitions or premonitions

for apprehensions about inclination?

Lamentations over lost adoration

occasion this destination.

The Good Book says to beware of false prophets

2010-07-09T11:25:00.001-05:00

WTF?!?!?

What is important to you?

2010-07-07T11:25:00.004-05:00

Priorities
by stu pidasso
7July2010
(a terzanelle using acrid, bane and tepid)

Each of us must choose our separate way
In the manner we live from week to week
Each of us must choose our separate way

What other men opt, who else would speak
It is none other's to approve or to disdain
In the manner we live from week to week

My own actions led to my family's bane
The consequences of which I find acrid
It is none other's to approve or too disdain

Will my heart, to life, be eternally tepid?
Can I muster the will to find a new wife?
The consequences of which I find acrid

I fear prioritizing the things in my life
To place importance of one over another
Can I muster the will to find a new wife?

Which to honor more; God, kids or other?
Each of use must choose our separate way
To place importance of one over another
Each of us must choose our separate way

Thursdays are for 15s

2010-05-27T13:40:00.002-05:00

Hope and Fear

by stu pidasso

27May2010

Adorations on onion skins,

enveloped in doodles,

hope chest hidden

for future finding;

pining for my progeny.

An "A+" for effort

2010-05-26T10:43:00.004-05:00

The Way To Get Ahead

by stu pidasso

26May2010

Here in the hallowed Land o' Plenty

Where any and all have the chance to excel

I've kept one mindset since I was twenty