can't claim ignorance

non violent mass civil disobedience
can deliver us from the corrupt
corporate banking tyranny
that this republic has become
the ones at the top make the ones
in the middle kill the ones on the bottom
and historically it happens again and again
the future is now
and we cannot claim ignorance
we are able to see the mistakes
the lies and deception as they happen
and need to learn to disobey
and resist the culture of fear
the culture of war on each other
people killing one another
because the ones at the top
need the rest of us fighting
so we don't quite notice
or know what to do
when the truth is slowly revealed
just needs to be read
give me some facts
give me the truth
we can no longer claim ignorance...

rest in the morning

just another night
rest in the morning
just another day
another year schedule the day
with a journal of more thought
might have no idea why
time with brother
closest to knowing this mind
never been closer to the entire family
back at home just another night
don't want to be out on the town
fireworks or getting hammered
some bar somewhere
rather be right here
just another night...

little bits daily

lines on the road
lines on the page
thoughts all over the road
can't put down words
even with passenger status
watching as the blue is revealed
behind clouds and baby's eyelids
changing quickly little bits
everyday notice something new
everything is new at six weeks
thankfully everyone is healthy
lines criss cross through another
square year is almost done
together time for most but
always is together time here
back in the shoe gray or blue
skies front or backyard
afternoon and evening
caught somewhere in between
others might get distracted
he remains focused on number 5
even if it doesn't arrive
until the next set of squares displayed...

long winter nights

three hours later
amazed by how many
come and go holidaze
create feeling from earlier times
spent it in the old neighborhood
sounds of the city in the distance
in the wind the highway close enough
to hear cars hum as they go there and
wherever there might be
outside not so cold
filling blank pages again
with no regard for the faint lines
on a page and a mission and
focus will not be lost in words
that don't always fit
need to be stretched and bent
as the need arises and falls
with the same thud as last night
planes overhead still hear them
once out of sight
corner of the eye the mind and the yard
years of inspiration from years of experience
more than vegetables planted memories
in the garden and the pond came from an idea
and soon a sanctuary created
influence near and far old and young combined
and the long winter nights
are not compatible with newborn sleep habits
tired sister strong woman like her mother
surrounded by smiles and wisdom...

wait it out

listening to the backyard
waterfall unusually warm
letter from Shem
read and felt
his words do very well
conveying the locked up
feeling in the cage
defeating it with the mind
not letting the spiritual retreat
go barren it will flourish when
freedom shared
no longer merely in the mind
repositioning thoughts and emotions
they become the solid foundation
realized come spring where to go
now the decision has been made
to wait it out
the corners of the mind and the cell
transcended times do change
as the minutes pass
quickly and thankful
for the connection continued
with everything around
reminded by the man behind bars
if he can transcend the cage
then you get the picture
and I haven't even taken it yet
imagine that...

newest member

sometimes looking to
the sky wishing
it was that easy
on every star above
then the entire next day
filled with clouds
and the joke is
that is not what was
wished for every night
see more sun
the next day
some days so much
can be brought
to light even in the dark
while everyone sleeps
except the youngest
member every three
so she can grow
keeping new mother
sleepy but strong
glad for the opportunity
to see it all transpire
probably never have my own
so nice to share space
with the family unit
always tight rope
enough room for all
stand balancing each day
separate if necessary
all at once together
piling thoughts
expanding the mind
eyes rapid movement
in sleep as breakfast shared
mind no where else but here
no better time than now
thought same day different
hour who knew...

older books

enough time has passed
and thoughts amassed
in conjunction with thought
some truth being sought
with no map to lead
just older books to read
put out some new
same shit different view
the story all inclusive
though nothing will be conclusive
except that it goes on
travelling the path I am on
maybe a better one found
simple sight or sound
something moves from
where do thoughts come from
what is right and wrong coexist
no matter what the thoughts persist
as if they are the ones in control
as if one part equals the whole
damn thing could unravel
right at home or where I travel
not far up high just out of reach
random thoughts no need to preach
the good word belongs to everyone
keep on shooting until I hit one
learning from these elder thoughts still
and patience remains the only pill
to take from all these older books
and all my thoughts recommend multiple looks...

silver & gray

like the weather
like the mind
no one can see
me sitting up too high
look up and see me there
seeing the same sky
it doesn't matter
what the day brings
important things still go unseen
try to remain silent
like the J
silver and gray and white
like all the cars around here
there and everywhere
the rain has been steady for hours
rattle the brain straight for
twenty-four hours as if
another matters piled on top
of where I sit staying dry
still open air with a sideways
windy stare and nothing is fair
silver and gray morning
don't need them to 'get it'
just get it enough to think
not everyone and everything falls
into categories someone else made up
everyone thinking as the group
sometimes things need to stand up
stand out of the cage where the mind is canned
up silver stop read converse
the soul speaks when words fail
nothing before or after
just now...

short message

for everyone for humanity
united as people with a
common struggle all
kinds of people
the world is a mixture
happiness is universal
everyone deserves some
people stand together
opinions might differ
liberty still top priority
I stand with humanity
common ground found
everyone stand up...

climb on up

some days they don't
seem important
but that doesn't mean
they won't get put down
here anyway
someone said it's not
a pit it's a ladder
so climb on up
see the view from here
a change in perspective
can do wonders...

a higher side chat

back in the shoe
called crazy daily
just more ammo for
the weapon chosen
this Zen warrior quest
figure out why was I born
with this inquisitive mind
not crazy makes me happy
to question everything
quest for knowledge
we can all figure it out for ourselves
let things go as they come
and be strong in the face
of those questioning every
move made a big circle
understanding can't explain
why others think it's crazy
back in shoe
as if I never left to write
still reading left to right
anything wrong with living
the dream when I used to dream
don't dream now as I live
understanding chatting with
anyone on the higher sideways
above the debate
seeing both sides
wherever I happen to stand
back in the shoe...

in the world

my thoughts come out

like journal entries at times

and maybe someday people

will wonder what

in the world

it’ll always be crazy—

the world that is

individuals existing simultaneously

and simply trying to be

as we are struggling

to understand the purpose

if possible—

probably not but

enjoy the ride I think a lot

and have some hang ups

feelings at times like a cold splash

of water on the face on a slightly

cold night something goes wrong

and anger will rage like a fire

that can’t be contained

got me thinking what

in the world

leaves crackle as I walk

to my new spot

in between 3 statues

symbolizing peace as I try

to be there when I am here—

peace that is

with any luck the thoughts

will flow today and my pen catches

every one before they becomes leaves

walked upon until only ground

remains my path to peace

takes many forms but words

mostly are the result

long nights alone

and days filled with beautiful sights

new life right before eyes trying

to make sense of decisions

made and unrolling the regret

using it and it’s frustration

to help fuel positive future endeavors

including anyone involved

a struggle of their own

against the mind even when

going with it where it may lead

there it is it didn’t even take long

look into the stars the universe’s

journal and here I am thinking what

in the world…

daylight fades

they give it because it’s known

that I can take it

almost expected at this point

something would seem off

if things were any different

knowing how to walk through

the fire helps the burning feeling

ease away I know they all care

but sometimes words are all I hear

when the days gray finally gives way

to an hour sun give that hour

to my son if I had one

but my only progeny are these words

and thoughts they will fade

behind the house

my spot in the shade

garden empty now season

to rest before rebirth

on the other side of winter

still more than a month off

old thoughts reborn too

blowing all the dust off

old books making room for the new

got a room with a view this time

taking mine with patience

rising and using the night to extinguish

any negative with positive

in these eyes…

clarity

today weather

cloud like let it roll

in with me last night

short visibility

still clarity

unlike before
finally in the right place again…

cut the cord

as usual waiting

on a possibility

damn near certainty

that I will wait

and be waiting when

the messages come

that I don’t have to wait

anymore what do I know

about anything anyway

only visiting because

already in the area

and keeping me waiting

because it’s known I will

wait months even years and

still keep communicating

somehow having to learn

to cut the cord has

always been tough…

third person letter

today he wrote a letter

to me in the third person

detached from all the reality

he knew his inspiration and passion

caged and his freedom suspended

in time a long time to be alone

with the mind detached from

the self that got him there

reemerging stronger and wiser

absorbing thoughts inspiring

the new self behind stone walls

and steel bars none of which

can darken the connection

to the universe ever present

ever since all at once

each day must drag

then wake up to another gone

positive reinforcement

stronger than the concrete floor below…

it's ironic

when I talk to people at this time

they say it’s ironic it

happens to be when I reach out

for someone to connect with

pass it on the left

still got to grab it

with the right hand moving

this mind keeps playing

no matter if no one is listening

the trees still crash in the woods

behind this new spot

so many ideas like leaves falling

the slightest sound

lost an hour of light that’s all

still have time

out under the blue

before it goes dark

not irony just the time

so beware you might receive

one if you aren’t busy

look at the clock

face the wall do what you want

pay no attention put down

the thought and take a walk…

still beyond

all this time

just really want to find out

who I am probably

but I could be wrong

learned that in those gypsy years

stolen with all the jokerman’s music

lucky for the memories

and digital technology

the gypsy can rot now

as she did before eyes

fully opened six hours

all it took to undo

eighteen hundred and twenty-five days

time since spent rebuilding

where I once was and beyond

now seeing with more than eyes

understanding a different sight

one within and somehow still beyond…

cold hands moving

cold hands that sometimes ache

not complaining really

knowing I work hard with them

possibly too much and they crack

as colder weather approaches

still not complaining only trying

to figure out why the thoughts

come out slow

when I know there are so many there

too many to ever really keep track of

documenting with cold hands

that never get held

there is no one by my side

anyone although plenty around

keeping thoughts positive and focused

on true freedom not confined to this page

this room this city back home

in the shoe just like I used to do

without a clue who knew back again

this time with a plan

successful as I can with

pen in hand…

somewhere I can think

who knows what

the night will bring

sirens and marching band drums

in the distance and the silent sound

the wind brings with it

brought me to this spot

something nice about my born town

no matter what anyone says about it

people live in fear of what they think they know

nothing about playing drums in Champion Day Parades

when the Marvelous One rolled through town fresh off

another big win still too young to appreciate

old enough now realizing the significance

who knows what this night will bring

chill as this night settled in

and grounded leaves can’t keep the cool breeze away

but I know she is cold never was cool

lying under foot now hear the crackle as I walk

a little taller shedding all that dead weight

flashbacks seem to be under control

wrong decisions all forgotten

now where was I going exactly

before I got de-railed exactly

no where important

better off now right where I am

somewhere I can think…

late night unusual

late night unusual

brain swells

thoughts leak

sometimes convinced

sleep could be optional

at times usually thinking

as I drift into unconscious thought

clouds inhibit dream sequences

still sleep soundly

instead wish to watch

the night gets darker

then first light will be seen

tiring and needing to recharge

the mind never stops

controls it all even the rest

the minds keeps on

late night unusual thoughts

stirring so late as if answers

found in the back yard shoe city

where the champions

came and went controlling the mind

as a champion would

one kind or another

thoughts so random but regular

going unnoticed like planes

painting the sky gray by afternoon

pretending we don’t notice

most likely for the best

and the thoughts keep flowing

and will not stop who am I to get in their

way back to when I thought I think

too much but there is no limit

the mind controls everything done and undone

who controls the thoughts

nonstop late night still unusual…

mind pirate

the mission has been clear all along

document everything with whatever

implement is closest

pen pencil computer phone

sure about keeping my end of the bargain

again finding movement

across pages to come with ease

the mission continues and builds with time

release thought capsules

not even asking for a lot just enough

to keep the momentum forward

readers interested in thoughts

from a random mind

pirate reading absorbing sounds from

all around nothing is as it seems

you should know this by now…

seven years away

at twenty I think I knew

things aren’t actually as everyone around

seems to think or believe or accept

almost twenty years ago now

over sixty books filled with the most random

as crazy as Rodrigo thinks I am

wouldn’t change that questioning mind

the one that won’t accept the story

the way they tell it got to find truth

details hidden objected to the first war exposed to

couldn’t understand why teacher

seemed to believe the lies and not ask the questions

twenty years of war and economic roller coaster rides

nationwide guided my decision to get a job and keep it

younger than friends never followed the flow

sometimes even walked up stream and left everyone behind

as I wouldn’t walk away seven years away from this home base

possible the rest of the years spent here

so many have been so many places

possibly envious of that

got at least twenty years to work on what comes next…

find the top

the pen will just go when you let it

memories come and go

but importance won’t let them be forgotten

the power of words the camera for thoughts

resist a certain stagnation that seems to persist

plow right through even if only on off days

you won’t find the top if you stop when you cough

keep on pushing you have somewhere to go

pick up the shovel could be dirt might be snow

never know so get moving the song

to myself puzzling the pieces

rearranging true wealth

thinking of all the other minds

ones met along the way so many far behind

right here now attention to poor to pay or

stick around a corner sharp to every move

still bobbing this head naturally in some hypnotic groove

still sure I have a story to tell just don’t know where it is at

tried sitting and letting the pen move

twenty-5 years done that now

need to find more eyes that still read

open wide to thoughts that might surprise

instead stay hidden in the maze of a mind

trying to find the top

and daily amazed at the mind…

believe nothing

don’t dare question

what’s accepted

and walk out of line

it won’t do you any good

and everyone will think

you are being negative

or crazy or some other shit

they make up to make

themselves feel better

but if you think for yourself

how can you accept

all that is accepted

question everything

and believe nothing…

no more wrong direction

today I sat on a stone

slab near a waterfall

watching the leaves fall

like snow catching

all off guard wishing

words to do the same

scattered but persistent

words stack up

like balanced rocks

proving they can withstand

the elements the mind

never seems to shut down

confidence builds every day

wrong direction no more…

just begun again

spent the day outside

warm for the fall

as leaves slowly

float as the warm breeze

takes them from up high

soft landing next to me

and all around

like a child chasing and watching

one as it comes down

mesmerized all over again

inspire writer’s first sunrise

through trees instead of over

water sparkles through trees a little

later how many thoughts

will be enough of has it only

just begun again…

stacks of rocks

in the backyard again

man made stone walls

and stacks of rocks

and I know the man

who carried or rolled

each stone put into place

everything fits perfectly imperfect

leaves falling at and on my feet

and into this book

where thoughts take the form of words

all I know piles of words

everyday ones to describe

or legitimize this much thought

wishing to paint but it would probably

come out as words

might be the quickest way

for thoughts to inspire

colors changing daily now on trees

above the clouds move quick

below the blue in the race

to wherever they are going…

under this stone

someone probably said it better

than this but still I

give it all I have pushing out thoughts

whether they are relevant or not

whether they even get read or not

that it matters to me might even be

secondary first of all get it on the page

detached from any rage

once felt now sun shining

down bright and new

warmth felt as if for the first time

hand goes numb from writing

for the first time since being back

home where I learned nearly everything

done here at one time or another

closer to the family proud enough

to bring me back always there

to help me find the track

to the greatness random and obscure

might still be unknown

climb high on the pedestal

kept under this stone…

find the realness

got to use what I can

where I am where I have been

so many years ago and here I am

back again and I know I left

try to find the realness

ever since I was twenty-two

years old it’s when I went

out on my own

never really been on my own

and everything I have with me

is really all I own

got to bring something new to the table

don’t believe most things people tell me

media hype etc. my mind is logic

enabled and hard wired to doubt

most of what is heard

barely trust the written word

unless hand written

on thoughts that might be forbidden…

flip it over

flip the book over

and skip a page

new spot

old spot all in one

somewhere to call home

spot family close

small community

one goal live free

somehow navigate

the matrix progression

through unlearning too

un-conditioning… 

change the cause

change where you are at or maybe what you do

the way you look at life and act daily

cause your own success shoot for yourself and score

not waiting for that permission to move

the rock in front of the path you choose

effect is the outcome be the success you

thought you could be and know you are, what

is holding you back be—

cause someone told you it might be too

physical or difficult to be the

reality you want to see

is it hard to visualize true wealth

effect is putting yourself in the picture… 

to the sky

look to the sky

up, up and away

back to childhood

thoughts for the moment

silence for all the time

now lost through the air

like wind in the face

time to rest

coming back and resting easy

and still each night

look to the sky…

transaction of thought

not for entertainment purposes

but will certainly entertain

the possibility that those

opening and choosing to read

might force a thought or two

not hoping the reader is entertained

instead hoping the reader

is engaged in thought

not an entertainer just a thinker

writing it down for those

who choose to read and contemplate

complete the transaction of thought

entertainment tends to distract

these thoughts can be involved in the day

not distract a reader from the day at hand

this is dropping thoughts in the readers

way to pick them up and take them

with them

wherever they might go… 

sensing the change

sensing a change coming on

pushing through into another beginning

right where I began

all these journals

summer work to keep the mind sharp

pens and blank books for days

after school ended for the summer

to document the time away from learning

finally verbalized and unlearned

nearly a stranger by myself again

stranger than ever

hating the raging wars

still they begin new ones

merely twenty-four hours ago

sensing a change can’t wait for it to take over

giving my entire life a makeover… 

water meets sand

really just want
to write something
that might interest someone
showing when the mind
wanders someone might
want to read about it
always loved reading
random scribblings
of another's mind
proving mine isn't awkward
not even uncommon
just want to put down
something positive
get me through the day
then the night falls
at the feet of something
amazing and brand new
surely most thoughts
aren't even written
this doesn't stop me
of those thoughts written
some won't get read
merely skimmed over
like flat rocks on a peaceful pond
stand exactly where
water meets sand...

never knew

three hours late still puffin tough

most would have had enough

can’t explain why the thoughts won’t stop

and I will most likely keep walking

once I get to the top

might sit for a minute or even an hour

cool air rushes in through the window

with a quick shower

really fast moving straight through

finding a new thing every day that I never knew…

crazy thoughts from all directions

some of the thoughts might be specific but

times change in different situations

eye crossed tripping over feet still

feel the ground below standing knee deep in

crazy thoughts from all directions

but with a forward focus

not getting caught stuck behind

what is gone is gone and

you will be better without

might miss a conversation or two

think I might sink back into the mind

crazy thoughts from all directions

like change in everything I know

eye staring into future ideas

think I can push through

too much time spent pushing so

much thought…

absorbing knowledge daily

ready to make a move

can’t stop until eye see

home absorbing knowledge

daily putting down thought

because I think

and I don’t want it

to go to waste

won’t get caught up in the we

heard it on the news again tonight

WE are NOT and never have been

the decision of the STATE

aka the government

aka our (s)elected leaders

ready to make a move

for positive change absorbing

knowledge along the way…

their plans-war all the time

more time passes and what a mess more

than ever working to open eyes and minds

anything to reveal the truth behind it all or

else we are force to stand on lies

we don’t demand accountability we

need to realize our leaders never worked

to ensure our liberty safety and freedom

realize that both political sides support war & more destruction

neither side is working for peace

left or right war is still not the answer

or aggression at all being violent is not

right and every day they are improving their plans

will unfold as we still have to search for the truth

stop supporting the lying fools

the real enemy of humanity are the

wars that the leaders conduct to carry out their plans…