tag:spearpointpub.com,2005:/blogs/me-and-alaska-joe-by-dan-l-mcilhenny?p=2Dan’l's Blog2023-11-25T12:14:39-07:00spearpointpub.comfalsetag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/73092942023-11-25T12:14:39-07:002023-11-25T12:14:39-07:00Three Dukes - All Forever Optimists - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Three Dukes ~ All Forever Optimists</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Their stature, above their contemporaries</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Men who were worthy of looking up to</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Always moving in circles of universal purpose and genuine understanding…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Riding Hawaii’s wild surf, swinging for Major League fences or bringing Silver Screen thugs to justice!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s hard knowing now if they really intended to become Heroes in our eyes.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Logic says otherwise!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It seems reasonable to agree that the focus bug bit them in their youth,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And rather than complaining this is too hard!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Each one relished their tasks at hand and day after day they craved the what’s next,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Saying, “I’m willing and ready… Let’s Go!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The fame came through well-disciplined, hard-won skill sets for sure,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And how each Duke carried himself along his fabled path…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Realizing in the moment your public persona is steeped in how well you carry yourself –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Call it personal pride, becoming an honest to goodness whole character, humble on the stage of humanity.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Somehow, we have strayed away from these classic ideals and paramount standards…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Leaving us lost, denied, our centers of influence that so faithfully inspired the next batch up.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>Thanks for your Once Upon a Time inspirations ~</strong></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>Mr. Kahanamoku, Mr. Snider, and Mr. Wayne</strong></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>Three Dukes ~ All Forever Optimists</strong></span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/73092932023-11-25T12:14:01-07:002023-11-25T12:14:01-07:00A Treehouse Calls to Lily - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>A treehouse calls to Lily -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Climb on up, you’ll see,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>This lofty view awaits you,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We can share good company.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As the day grew warm</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The shady perch felt perfectly . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For friendly talk within the piney wood.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then a woodpeckers knock caught them by surprise,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“I heard your laughs and chatter,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And thought I should say Hi!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Because birds and trees,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Just hang out together naturally -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We can be, down to Earth,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>But, mostly at home here in the sky.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So… the conifer spoke -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“When the wind comes round . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You might say we do the highland jig,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We stretch our hearty torso,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Shake our branches in the breeze,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Exercising all our limbs in swaying dance</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Moves our fine point needles to the twig!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then Lily turned asking . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“I heard a hoot owl hooting,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I hope it was okay,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Right outside my window late last night.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“She was only calling,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For her boyfriend from a neighboring tree,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, they could sit together visiting . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Until sunshine comes to brightly beam again,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Before they both decide it’s finally time for bed!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“That said…Dear Lily,” As the woodpecker spoke.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Owls sleep away the day . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then fly the dark of night, keeping watchful eyes alert,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Listening for little everything’s,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Happening from dusk right through till dawn.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And Lily sang . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“This has been fun, this has been sweet,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Thanks for all your stories and for inviting me . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Into the arms of a handsome evergreen -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>With a delightful woodpecker who speaks with ease</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I’m grateful as I can be – Here’s to friendship, may I come back, please?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Because you made my day!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Okay, okay, okay!” Everyone agreed.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then, Lily climbed down, ran back home with a smile and brand-new memory. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Until they meet again.</span></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/73092922023-11-25T12:13:04-07:002023-11-25T12:13:04-07:00When Boxers Go Riding - Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>When Boxers Go Riding</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>In their pink jalopy</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>One rides shotgun,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>While the other pops his head out</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Of the cutout roof top</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The wheels are inconsequential…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>In their sporty, low-slung auto-machine</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If I did not know better, I’d say…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>There surely must be a third Boxer driving –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Through the Costco parking lot</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Here in lovely Eugene, Oregon!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And even though I was well equipped,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>With my trusty cellphone I was not quick enough</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>To catch a snapshot and preserve this groovy dog day morning.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If you are anything like me –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You gotta love it… </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When Boxers Go Riding</span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72835402023-10-05T18:12:40-07:002023-10-16T07:58:36-07:00Blueberry Stars and Raspberry Thimbles - Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Let there be… Blueberry Stars and Raspberry Thimbles</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Filled with Oak Milk in a Cheerios Sea…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>All flawless symbols, yet nimble nice</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Sprinkled brown sugar sweet,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Unless you prefer yours, perfectly neat!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Who cares what your bowl looks like friend,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Or the size of the spoon you choose!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Remember, winners eat breakfast according to Gramps…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Including Fresh Fruit same as the Champs –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Soggy, crunchy, drier, damp</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s a great way to kick-off the day…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Enjoying… Blueberry Stars and Raspberry Thimbles -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Floating in an Oat Milk, Cheerios Sea!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Enjoying… Blueberry Stars and Raspberry Thimbles -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Floating in an Oat Milk, Cheerios Sea!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Footnote: As many times as, I have enjoyed fresh berries in my morning cereal…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I had never noticed upside down blueberries have a perfect star!</span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72835342023-10-05T18:07:42-07:002023-10-05T18:07:42-07:00Hubba - Hubba, Hubba - Hubba, Ding Dong! - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Kindly check your dance moves and soft-shoe, shoes,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>By the front door, if you please…Louise!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Seems as though the Big Band Craze has drifted away –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Sad as that is to say, ‘cuz there was -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>…Nothin’ like that club scene if you know what I mean.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When Fred and Ginger led the way</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>With Dorsey and James and Goodman too</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Plus…Satchmo and Cab and of course the Duke!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When music and laughter filled the air – “I do declare…”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And the heat of the beat tugged you outta your seat - to move like never before…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Yes, back in the day when the wallflowers found their groove!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Toes and heels, tap dance and glitter –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Happy you scored a babysitter,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Avalon Ballroom, Cotton Club, or any local joint known as your hub –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Stayin’ out later than late, havin’ the time of your life</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Hubba - Hubba, Hubba – Hubba, Ding Dong! </span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72835332023-10-05T18:07:07-07:002023-10-05T18:07:07-07:00The Crow, the Cat, the Amphibian - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>How do friendships ever begin?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Asked the crow to the cat and the amphibian, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We are nothing alike, as different as…Air or land or water.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Suppose we take our question somewhere to see if anyone else actually knows.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Perhaps, our knowledge might even magically grow into something others will find kind of cool!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The tree said, “your friendship makes sense to me… cause birds rest on my branches regularly,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And cats are accustomed to climbing so high, it worries their humans so…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The fire department comes on the run - to save their felines in distress,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>From what seems liken to a scary mess, </span><i><span>saved in the nick of time!</span></i><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>While tree frogs come, and tree frogs go with scarcely any mention there!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“You all have a kinship with me you see,” said the tree with the ample shady decree.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“I’d call it your respective commonality and look forward to our chatting’s again!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>From up to down and down to up we all three make use of the handy hop.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“At least, I’m assuming, you’ll heartedly agree…” while they broad jumped all smiles down the road. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then the cat spoke with a curious flair… “I guess we’re flyers too in our own special way!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And the frog chimed in to quickly assert. “If push came to shove, I’d bet in a flood you two could… </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Swim well enough to save your own souls.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Yes” …said the hoppers, the flyers and would be, could be - swimmers too…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then they all went home to nearby Kalamazoo</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>To tell their adventure and brand-new news to share with other friends too!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Just how their unlikely friendship began - outdoors in Michigan. </span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72835322023-10-05T18:06:34-07:002023-10-05T18:06:35-07:00Strolling Down Dreamboat Lane - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Bet you never knew our names,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As we strolled down Dreamboat Lane</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Probably because we were too fascinated with us…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Even more so…than anything else!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Love does that to guys and gals you know!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It was not the old apple to the noggin thing,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Like Newton slept, an innocent victim of the gravity-provoking, joking apple tree.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You see, life was always a breathtakingly, wonderful, set of experiences,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>That happened within us, and all around us!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Our love formed of equal parts…played in, harmonic counterpoint – </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Carried on the feather soft winds of time, featuring our voices together, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>On a completely unimaginable adventure.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If luck has a role in relationships, we must have struck it rich in our beginnings as lovers,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And…we wore it as our stars of honor straight into every sunrise and sunset a lifetime could muster.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Call it as you will dear friends and as much as we cherish each of you, as we do –</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Strolling down Dreamboat Lane in our hearts is never to be forgotten!</span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72308732023-06-22T16:07:14-07:002023-06-22T16:07:15-07:00Memorial Day - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Memorial Day,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>6:30 in the mornin’ . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>A father and his son.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Have a tailgate breakfast.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Donuts everyone!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Before a single misdirected grocery cart is collected</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And most of Oregon has yet to stir awake . . .a Lad and Dad</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Connect and make memories on Memorial Day!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Meanwhile not much more than a mile away</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>A woman takes an early jog . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Maybe a mom but who knows,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>This is her time, solitude, open space, and refreshing air,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And there to greet her as she runs is the vibrance of spring,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Clear, cool skies and a welcoming soft wind.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Of course, her thoughts are her own as she too . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Connects for memory’s sake it’s Memorial Day! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>In the supermarket world this weekend it is all about,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Hots and Hams, we are talking buns here, check the endcaps . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For stellar deals backyard chefs may cue the que for</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Franks and Patties galore fresh from the store designed to bring smiles,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Connecting us in beautiful memories…because it is Memorial Day!</span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72308722023-06-22T16:06:45-07:002023-06-22T16:06:46-07:00What Shall We See…Sugarfoot? - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s time to decide where to take a ride,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>In this big wide world of naturalness </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>What shall we see . . . Sugarfoot?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Satin Grass Hollar down yonder,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Or way up top to Timberline Bluff</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Wherever we go it suits me fine</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Cause hangin’ out with you . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Right now, is what this cowpoke needs to do.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Do you mind if I whistle a tune or two?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Promising . . . I’ll ease off the one’s that bother you,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>That’s just a gesture friends ought to do for friends.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I reckon the Sun’s at our back either which way we choose,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I’d consider this day a perfect one,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Not too hot, not too cool, so, there’s nothin’ really to lose.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s like a great big slice of heaven here in these sacred Wyoming hills,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Enough warmth to stow a topcoat, for later, layerin’ needs,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If an afternoon breeze brings chills around, ticklin’ the evergreens.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s time to decide where to take a ride,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>In this big wide world of naturalness </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>What shall we see . . . Sugarfoot?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Satin Grass Hollar down yonder</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Or way up top to Timberline Bluff . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We could always flip a coin or simply follow our noses!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Remember Sugarfoot…it’s your turn to be the decider!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72308712023-06-22T16:06:19-07:002023-06-22T16:06:20-07:00A Treehouse Calls to Lily - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>A treehouse calls to Lily -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Climb on up, you’ll see,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>This lofty view awaits you,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We can share good company.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As the day grew warm</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The shady perch felt perfectly . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For friendly talk within the piney wood.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then a woodpeckers knock caught them by surprise,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“I heard your laughs and chatter,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And thought I should say Hi!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Because birds and trees,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Just hang out together naturally -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We can be, down to Earth,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>But, mostly at home here in the sky.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So… the conifer spoke -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“When the wind comes round . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You might say we do the highland jig,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We stretch our hearty torso,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Shake our branches in the breeze,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Exercising all our limbs in swaying dance</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Moves our fine point needles to the twig!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then Lily turned asking . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“I heard a hoot owl hooting,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I hope it was okay,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Right outside my window late last night.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“She was only calling,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For her boyfriend from a neighboring tree,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, they could sit together visiting . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Until sunshine comes to brightly beam again,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Before they both decide it’s finally time for bed!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“That said…Dear Lily,” As the woodpecker spoke.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Owls sleep away the day . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then fly the dark of night, keeping watchful eyes alert,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Listening for little everything’s,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Happening from dusk right through till dawn.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And Lily sang . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“This has been fun, this has been sweet,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Thanks for all your stories and for inviting me . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Into the arms of a handsome evergreen -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>With a delightful woodpecker who speaks with ease</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I’m grateful as I can be – Here’s to friendship, may I come back, please?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Because you made my day!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Okay, okay, okay!” Everyone agreed.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then, Lily climbed down, ran back home with a smile and brand-new memory. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Until they meet again.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72308702023-06-22T16:05:36-07:002023-06-22T16:05:36-07:00The Things the Artists Do - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>When morning came calling</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The sun, the clouds, the sky</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>She steps out to greet this day -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>With easel, pad, and pens</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And a fine array of paint n brushes</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Carefully squirreled away</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>I guess you know what comes next . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The things the artists do</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It is her own impression, of what she really sees</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Roughed in lines fall here and there</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Soon she’ll boost her sketchy framework</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Long before pigments hit her page</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Light and shadow treatment</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Referenced by the Sun of course!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Included in this mixture fest - in color water splash</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>She employs some texture touches</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Enhancing as she brushes through another nature path</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Finishing with her name at last</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The things the artists do</span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72308692023-06-22T16:04:24-07:002023-06-22T16:04:25-07:00Astounding April - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>With only thirty days to present herself</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>April never lets Spring get by without her pleasing, natural wonders, on display</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>At least in the northern hemisphere</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>She is enticingly, bouquet-rich… dressed in alluring colors, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Here in western Oregon . . .</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Our rural landscapes blush handsome shades of greens</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Some spots thanks to the handiwork of farmers</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>While other places beam naturally wild</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>All, are woven seamlessly together as a pastoral Earth quilt,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Causing our eyes to grin with delight </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Perennial bulbs, bushes, and blossoming trees</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Launch fourth from soaking, restoring, rains -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Promising now is yet another, Astounding April!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72122362023-05-19T13:59:03-07:002023-05-19T13:59:03-07:00Tuck Away Some Raindrops - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Tuck away some raindrops</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Like a keepsake while you can</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s up to you to figure out how you’ll undertake your plan</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Surely, I suggest this - as no riddle nor a rhyme</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For if we fail to catch them</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>They will only disappear to form again and pour another time</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The happenstance of blues and greens are most pleasing to the eyes</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When Spring arrives and comes alive again </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Like a wizard wand of colors brushed across this fertile rolling land</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, we breathe a little deeper just to slow our heartbeat down</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Surrounded in the beauty – beaming, boldly, kindly - messing with the mind </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Sunlight kisses everything except in shadowed places</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Brilliant faces looking back adorn</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>From tree nub into blossom, blade to grassy knoll…‘tis represented well’</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Wildflowers rise to hold their ground pedaling their showy dress, impress </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Tuck away some raindrops</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Like a keepsake while you can</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s up to you to figure out how you’ll undertake your plan</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Surely, I suggest this - as no riddle nor a rhyme</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For if we fail to catch them</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>They will only disappear to form again and pour another time</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72122352023-05-19T13:58:28-07:002023-05-19T13:58:28-07:00~ Suppose ~ - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Suppose the Sun spun away on a cosmic holiday,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Never spoke a word - just left us in the fray,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So much for the silence and cool demise</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As we welcome in the deepest, darkest, skies,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Quickly we are frozen in our cryogenic space,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>A different sort of outcome than we factored for this place,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, does it really matter all we meant to do…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When Garden Earth turns forever icy blue </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Suppose we had one single chance…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>To right the wrongs of circumstance</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Boldly act upon the best ideas</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>To remedy the smothering, excessive, heat effects of greenhouse gas </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It’s hard to imagine our global village minds,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> Would ever agree - science could rescue us from the threat that binds…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As time to make decisions is slipping from our hands -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The tipping point is here right now but so few understand!</span><o:p></o:p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72122342023-05-19T13:57:08-07:002023-05-19T13:57:08-07:00Knucklehead Norm - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>The weather prognosticator</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>From our local, locality news</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Recommends – take your best umbrella,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Overcoat and maybe wear your trusty galoshes too!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>There’s a storm on the horizon,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Watch Out, because…it’s comin’ - for sure, it’s rollin’ in</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Unless you got protection it’ll soak you to the skin</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You’ve been warned, you’ve been warned, you’ve been warned!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And then there’s knucklehead Norm</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You see…Norm ain’t afraid of nothing</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Heck, hail has hit his brain</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Too many times to count now</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>He claims, he never feels any pain</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>He may donate his noggin to science</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>But that’s been a waiting game…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For the moment it’s being used says he…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Kind of, like a lightning rod of sorts</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You know, a real </span><i><span>live wire -</span></i><span> conductor </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Crazed with electrified ideas</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>One step away from a thunderstorm doozy upon the soccer field </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Because he’s knucklehead Norm</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>He’s been warned, he’s been warned, he’s been warned! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/72122312023-05-19T13:50:25-07:002023-05-19T13:50:26-07:00Along the Zigzagged River Zee - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>There’s an island in the zigzagged river, Zee,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When you look down from Daisy Point Rest -</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Rugged, pine-encrusted, and wicked steep, it’s often easy to spot,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Unless low hanging weather huddles in…clouding, clogging the gorgeous view,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Into dogged, gray shaded fog…and that’s not okay! It ought to be on display. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>This curiously wild cone shaped place…</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Has it seen explorers yearning to know what’s there? Can’t say. But, hey!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>With magnified glasses you can focus in…discovering an eagle’s nest</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Common sense says – dang, leave it alone, it does not deserve any humanness - </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Especially for the sake of the baby birds</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Right now, it stands as a nursery,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Where eaglets call reciting their avian words</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Mom and Dad, we’re hungry…when will we ever be served!”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The young ones fail to understand,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Fishing takes time, like hunting does too,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We will be back when those tasks are through,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Play charades to pass some time - to while your cares away,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Just listen to the river, listen to the breeze and the cracking limbs of the island’s trees</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Or kick back and rest with ease along the zigzagged river, Zee.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71883862023-04-12T09:45:20-07:002023-04-12T09:45:20-07:00North of the Sun - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>When me and Six-String found the right road</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We’d stitched together a whole routine</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Find a campsite, let the tailgate down</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As close as we could get to a gurglin’ stream</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Buddies sittin’ back, living the dream - until evening came rollin’ around</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>North of the Sun, givin’ how steady we’d go</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Two souls ready for natures next show</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>That glow in-between, day, before night</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When florescent light might surprise the eyes</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>How quickly it fades to bow goodbye</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, stars may take their nautical, nocturnal turn</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And start…passage across the sky</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>There’s a formula I read once; I cannot remember where…</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Should two legs and four legs simply agree</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Forming a friendship - letting it be</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It can last a lifetime and then some too</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If memories count like old photographs do</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Recording a smidgeon of past</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Sure, as shootin’ we both had a blast</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Maybe we should become a trio?</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Six–String wagged his bushy tail</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, I nicknamed my guitar - Dawgster MaGee</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>My ancient blue pick-up responded to Clem</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We camped and drove and camped again</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Wherever music felt good to play</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Folks said they were often carried away</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>From whistles, strums, or accent barks</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>There by the fire with cracklin’ sparks </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Me and Six-String and Dawgster MaGee</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>North of the Sun, givin’ how steady we’d go</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Two souls ready for natures next show</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>That glow in-between, day, before night</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When florescent light might surprise the eyes</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then quickly fades to bow goodbye</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, stars may take their nautical, nocturnal turn</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And start…passage across the sky</span><p></p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71580982023-02-21T15:17:37-07:002023-02-21T15:17:37-07:00Twice as Much as One a Piece of Each - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>Two cents, two shoes, two books</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Equals a lotta stuff</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Twice as much as one a piece of each</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Lucky is the soul who has a shoe to fit left as well as right</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And a penny to spend should the need arise</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Plus, another one for saving, just because, just because…</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> Rainy days will surely come - consult your weathervane</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Unless someone cooks the books away too soon </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>They say… It’s written in the pages – of the tome of good advice</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For those who spare two minutes or more to read </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Two cents, two shoes, two books</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Equals a lotta stuff</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Twice as much as one a piece of each</span><p></p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71580972023-02-21T15:17:01-07:002023-02-21T15:17:01-07:00The Ball Refuses to Fall - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>It happened in Boston one sticky hot night</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>A shot in Fenway under stadium light</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The guy at the plate was Gentleman Ted</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Late as games go…it wasn’t that late</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>No score in the sixth, then the Sox went ahead</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Ted creamed a high fly lofter to deep left centerfield</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Two fielders scrambled eying his smash</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The fans in the stands were certainly lit</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>He rounded one base then rounded three more</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Back at home the concourse still roared</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Cheering the run upping the score</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As everyone rose in pure disbelief </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The announcer exclaiming…</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“The ball refuses to fall</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Above the Green Monster,</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It hangs high above!”</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It must be a stunt, a prank, or a fluke</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“Some say…it’s Malarky as simple as that!”</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“But how does gravity allow such a stat?”</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“All that goes up must surely come down”</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>There was such a commotion - a ghastly delay</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The umpires agreed to finish the game some other day</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Soon headlines erupted in Beantown it read</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>“Leather and Stitches Stall Once and For All </strong></span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>-The Ball Refuses to Fall!” </strong></span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>By, Lois Lane - the Boston Globe</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Mass speculation, mass spectators too</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Scientists flock to settle the stew</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Sure, as shooting that ball rests in mid air</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Like an unmoving globe in Earth’s atmosphere </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>But its orbit has halted somehow</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>As a relic you really ought to see now</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>That froze into history, as…</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>“The Ball That refuses to Fall!”</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>When winter comes it coats in snow</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The spring rain rinses it clean</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Some folks say it’s a perfect perch</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For birds to pause and preen</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>It will not budge in the nastiest winds</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The darndest puzzle unsolved</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Pot shots may wish to shoot it</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>But why make a fuss or that call</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Just let it remain as a known mystery</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>The Ball Refuses to Fall </span><p></p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71580962023-02-21T15:16:10-07:002023-02-21T15:16:11-07:00Nomad’s Shuffle On - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>When the words don’t come</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Do we sound an alarm?</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Has vocabulary ceased, has this well gone dry?</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If word fall is likened to raindrops…</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And storms refuse to storm</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Is this any concern at all?</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Or a hiccup lapse in time</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Perhaps a change of scenery is the best idea</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Yes… something new might do!</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>We all leave a desk at some point</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then, nomad’s shuffle on </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Two hands groan with aching </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Please excuse the writer’s point</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>A respite could be the healthy solution</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, nomad’s shuffle on</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Until new themes and beams arrive</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>After lofted views resign </span><p></p></p><p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71580952023-02-21T15:15:29-07:002023-02-21T15:15:30-07:00Gritty, Bitty, Bites . . . Plus, Saltwater, Sparkling Tears - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>If a pizza went on vacation</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Where would it likely go?</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Probably not to some hot spot</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Like an overactive oven or a barbeque cooking show</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Nor the north or southern pole</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Where there’s any chance of becoming stiff</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Somewhere in between I’d suppose</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Let’s imagine a coastal cliff house retreat</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And maybe a beach filled afternoon</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You know, go skimming over surf and sand</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Like flimsy sorts of wannabe, frisbee’s can</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Then land within the waves as an interesting kind of floater </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Rescued by a lifeguard because of a quick-thinking boater</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>So goes the well-rounded, sinking, non-swimmer guy</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Who suddenly returns to life - resuscitated by CPR</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>And lives on to tell his worried wife</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If all this sounds implausible </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>You are astute beyond your years</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For as far as sandy, soggy, pizzas go</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Their bound to only bring us</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span> Gritty, bitty, bites . . . plus, saltwater, sparkling tears</span><p></p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71580942023-02-21T15:14:41-07:002023-02-21T15:14:41-07:00After All, It Is Our Home! - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align:center;"><span>So, Winters Solstice arrives and . . .</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Autumn slips seamlessly away</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Did she vaporize?</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>No handshake, no hug, no regrets to eye</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Instead, a regulated, mechanized clock ticks</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Finality finalized - where one goes the other stays</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>While most of us two legged creatures</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Exist unaware of such grand proceedings</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Immune to natural happenings on Earth One</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If we dared ourselves to investigate a pinch more…we’d discover</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Societal evidence still exists that our fellow inhabitants </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Recognize the comings and goings of seasonal changes</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Within their hearts and souls, they celebrate such mystifying wonders</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>In fact, it is commonplace to gather, experience and show homage</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For everything this natural world provides us </span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>Do words ever urge us enough to see for ourselves</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>How connected or disconnected we may be within our humanness</span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>After all, it is our home! </span><p></p></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71348072023-01-08T13:38:49-07:002023-01-08T13:38:49-07:00Woodpecker Ravine - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Dear Mister Hotchkiss, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is your door still ripe for knockin’? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All us woodpeckers wanna know </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The wrapper gag made us laugh a lot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As bird brainy pranks will do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A tap, tap here and a rat - a - tat there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Coupled with a swift escape whenever we felt inclined </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Brought us snickers and chuckles and smiles </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On Halloween we did the Bela Lugosi </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But capes were a bit too much we found </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Plus . . . flying in the dim lit night… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’s as hazardous as hazardous gets </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So, we called upon the Owls around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To escort the caped crusaders in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We knocked and knocked and knocked some more </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But no one answered your door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hell, we knocked so much our beaks got sore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well, I suppose we paid our dues </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So, that was the end to that ruse! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">T’was a tricky, assaulting, bird-neuver </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That broke us from sucking eggs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They say the proof rests in the texture now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Your treat, is one truly riveting door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For all who choose to visit your home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And ogle at the woodwork style </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Only an avian or forty-two, can do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What started as a harmless scheme </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Has now become the curiosity spot in all of Woodpecker Ravine</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71348062023-01-08T13:37:46-07:002023-01-08T13:37:46-07:00T ’was Once Such a Lofty Plan - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Nickel plate those rails boys, nickel plate those rails </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then we’ll fix them to the Earth somehow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Did someone mention wood? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Find a bunch of loggers now out in the seas of perfect trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who’ll cut and shape and creosote </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To insure our timbers good </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let’s set the wood in gravel men </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While gandy dancers lay rails upon those bedded ties </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">C’mon pass around the hammer’s lads - drive your spikes that stake the bind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Tis the season for connection so, keep the railroad first in mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are you sure it was a love affair . . . that made the steel wheels roll? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Clean across the countryside from coast to coast and back again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The zigs, the zags, the spurs, the legs, the switches and the more </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That carried us faster forward than ever we’d traveled before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Through good, and bad, and steady press </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Don’t forget the almighty weather too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s written in countless storybooks - just how it all began </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An idea unlike any other, t ‘was once such a lofty plan!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71348052023-01-08T13:36:22-07:002023-01-08T13:36:22-07:00Out On Retirement Road - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Out on retirement road </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where the traffic never goes slow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s the hustle and bustle the same as it’s been </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For countless years in a row </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">No wonder we Seniors plan out our days </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ignoring the purple haze of it all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Small in our putt putt cars </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just so, to get where we wanna go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And grab what we need in a window of time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Carved out quite perfectly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well before the rush hour flows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Heaven, forbid we forget this or that </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A Doctor appointment, to visit a friend or </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Secure every item on the list with no end </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We cautiously keep our wants well defined </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out on retirement road </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where the traffic never goes slow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out on retirement road</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71348042023-01-08T13:35:36-07:002023-01-08T13:35:37-07:00Adelaide and Atticus - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Adelaide and Atticus </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Met they did . . . but no one knows how it came about </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s doubtful we may ever find a solution </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In our time, cause somethings remain pure mystery </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whilst others end in rhyme </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some say they both were wordsmiths </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who put their quills to page </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back when fancy printing was simply all the rage </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A well of India each had and the grandest sets quivers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Calligraphy across page should you catch their point </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On paper more like linen - the likes we seldom ever see </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One of a kind, keep that in mind, as there were no duplicates </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Such fascinating topics to read away and read away again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">More than mesmerizing so . . . one’s tea would turn ceramic cold </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lord - the biscuits could grow stale around the sunporch in the spring </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or any other season once we learned about these writer’s flings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is there a single compendium left for any curious eyes to, ogle or peruse? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Those grandiose works of art, authored and affixed by Adelaide and Atticus </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Higginbotham’s in distant rustic Coventry </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of course not, that’s absurd!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71242602022-12-16T18:52:35-07:002022-12-16T18:52:36-07:00One Garden Globe Within the Cosmosphere - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">There are no Buttercup Snowflakes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That we know of . . . </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or Naturistic Rings around our Moon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nor Cats, that love to do the two step with the next-door Pooch named Spud </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who tends to thud his way across the stage </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Still, we’ve got a lot of Goodness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wafting from our fragrant Kitchens </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">From those who don the Aprons in our Homes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While the River runs and runs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Always headed somewhere else </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Underneath our trusty Sun, a-blazing…from its far-off point of view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until Stars dot the clearest Nighttime Sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So Lucky are the Beings here </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who Cherish this Living Orb in Space </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One Garden Globe within the Cosmosphere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s time to recognize what we hold Dear</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71242592022-12-16T18:51:51-07:002022-12-16T18:51:51-07:00It's Unbelievably Free! - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Under the Moon, under the Sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Days parade…come light…come shade </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">No two are ever alike it seems </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All one offs - we ought to call - one hit wonders </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh, the stories this Earth tries to tell its beings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Through patter of rain, the chatter of birds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">United in something they do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As voyagers exercise flight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With clouds and wind…go detached leaves compelled to compass points elsewhere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Into the ground, water – droplets seep, nourishing as they flow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Seasons burst in grand display surprising those who take the walk </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Under the stars, under the sea </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Feel the pulsating rhythms with senses on high </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where skies, like rivers and landscapes survive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In thriving greens and hueing blues as colors just choose to infuse </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before us rolls this impeccable show moving without motor or wheel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mother Nature invites us to see every reel and admission is always a bargain, friend! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> It’s unbelievably free!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71242582022-12-16T18:50:59-07:002022-12-16T18:50:59-07:00Green Grass Dulcimer Girl - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Summer floral dressed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Green grass dulcimer girl </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Strumming strings, upon a curving wooden box </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The rhythmic frames of flowing chords </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As well as intricate pickings too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She’s a one-woman band </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Singing so angelic while her music goes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Across the meadow and into the woods </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Only those sweet voices swirl around us </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before they lift forever to blue places </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Green grass dulcimer girl </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Your wild gift glows inside </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Each song its…own love tune </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unique as the authoress herself </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One with every sweet thing she exhales </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The beauty, the rapture…so grounded in nature </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This Good Earth invites you back </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Again, and again and again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Green grass dulcimer girl</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71009802022-11-12T10:21:06-07:002022-11-12T10:21:06-07:00Dan'l~isms Talking Baseball - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">The old baseball spot is all but forgot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Overgrown in sunflower bloom </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the players who spat a lot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On the field they used to groom </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Down in the count…ahead or behind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One pitcher, one batter </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Both seeking answers for what’s on their mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Heaven forbid if the Ump should go blind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or the ball unravels and travels amiss </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cause the kiss of termites bore through the tools </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That hanker to settle the matter with swat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In one ship and two Ruthless bands of fools </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ready the boys for October then </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The hitters, the swingers - those gentlemen </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The uniformed diamond dandy few </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who catch and throw and stare into the blue getting paid to play for you!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71009792022-11-12T10:20:07-07:002022-11-12T10:20:07-07:00Folks Say the Alabama Moon - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Folks say the Alabama Moon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Loves to hug these Tuscaloosa trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You got to see it . . . to believe it </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A glow rests within the branches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before it lifts to bright the sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Any kind of Southern night </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Likes to dance beneath the spotlight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As though this beam that’s streaming down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lights softly on our ground dressing up all Earthly things around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just long enough to leave a silver screen impression </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Showing magic of the moment from some distant lunar sphere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Owl voices asking – ‘who goes there!’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dogs howl, but who knows why? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Perhaps, they’re singing with the crickets </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Or scared of fleeting firefly’s </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Folks say the Alabama Moon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Loves to hug these Tuscaloosa trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You got to see it . . . to believe it </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A glow rests within the branches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before it lifts to bright the sky</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71009782022-11-12T10:18:14-07:002022-11-12T10:18:15-07:00As Dinner Comes, As Dinner Goes - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">As dinner comes, as dinner goes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s a space in between </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where pleasantry streams </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sharing tidbits with slices of life </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At every place setting </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sits . . . the spoon, the fork, the knife </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fine implements close on hand </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Beautiful plates of wonderful food </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One can taste through affectionate eyes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And - water flows freely, the liquid, elixir DeVine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Beside the Host select, favorite wine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The sips, the chews, the laughs, the sighs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The tears of joy and on-point replies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Friends together again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Baked and napkin tucked </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dinner comes, lingers awhile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like smiles and surprises just do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then dinner bows and hugs goodbye . . . adieu</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/71009772022-11-12T10:17:15-07:002022-11-12T10:17:15-07:00Angel Networks - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Angels in leather, Angels in lace </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wings and motors navigate winds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Always headed in earnest somewhere for life’s an exciting race </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Chasing and gracing their lofty ideals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At home in the air or upon spinning wheels </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Teddy Bears, Tattoos, Stories n Scars </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Belonging and longing to fit in as kin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not all blemishes reside in roughed skin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sure, as an apple seems destined for fall </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pickers sort out the good from bad </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Glad for the work, the fruit, and the trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Carefully handled from field to stand </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By the lug, the crate, or the sack </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Labeled, Logoed, and Liberated </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whether their heroes or villains </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Most often just misunderstood </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Gang’s verses Clubs opposite Chains verses Hugs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like flipping a coin neath the sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Angels of leather, Angels of lace…faces with destinies </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70831202022-10-17T12:18:25-07:002022-10-17T12:18:25-07:00Unsolved Mysteries Galore - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Forget about waxing friends, <br>Set aside all waning too <br>Be ready for the moment <br>September 10th’s…the Harvest Moon <br>Switched-on fully bright above us <br>One spotlight floods our Earth night sky <br>Like a Silver Screen, black and white <br>You know those old-time, drive-in shows <br>Leaving twelve days before the Equinox <br>You feel some soothing cooler air <br>When Autumn’s change comes calling <br>Apples pouring in from orchards <br>And Summer dances her fancy days to dust <br>September 10th’s…the Harvest Moon <br>A hint of something farmer’s trust</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70831192022-10-17T12:17:45-07:002022-10-17T12:17:46-07:00September 10th... the Harvest Moon - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Forget about waxing friends, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Set aside all waning too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Be ready for the moment </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">September 10th’s…the Harvest Moon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Switched-on fully bright above us </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One spotlight floods our Earth night sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like a Silver Screen, black and white </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You know those old-time, drive-in shows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leaving twelve days before the Equinox </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You feel some soothing cooler air </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When Autumn’s change comes calling </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Apples pouring in from orchards </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And Summer dances her fancy days to dust </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">September 10th’s…the Harvest Moon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A hint of something farmer’s trust</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70831182022-10-17T12:17:04-07:002022-10-17T12:17:04-07:00Fall in Love with America's Countryside - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Ain’t nothin’ in this world like hittin’ the road . . . travelin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Miles unravelin’ under your feet </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While you’re hoofin’ it, for a bite to eat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But the real cool deal is sittin’ behind the wheel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Forever movin’ ahead…then, findin’ a place fit for your weary head </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz deep sleep is a transforming treat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before, startin’ all over again! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle the day with copious rays of sunshine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let the clouds have a good time horsing around in the sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Consider yourself the luckiest guy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who ever earned a license to drive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And… fall in love with America’s countryside </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Walter Mitty, Conway Twitty, Charles Kuralt - “On the Road” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> All gave it a mighty run - they chis-crossed long before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Christopher Cross ever sung his beautiful “Sailing” Song! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle the day with copious rays of sunshine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let the clouds have a good time horsing around in the sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Consider yourself the luckiest kid </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whoever earned a license to drive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And . . . fall in love with America’s countryside</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70831172022-10-17T12:16:06-07:002022-10-17T12:16:07-07:00All Gussied Up - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>Hey girl, there’s somethin’ ‘bout…Natural beauty </p>
<p>Start your heart, let it out…Natural beauty </p>
<p>You don’t have to get all gussied up </p>
<p>No, no, no. no, no, no, no, no! </p>
<p>You don’t have to get all gussied up </p>
<p>You don’t have to get all gussied up </p>
<p>‘Cuz I love you Darlin’ just the way you are and that’s - natural! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Folks say there’s nothin’ wrong </p>
<p>With the money machine…tellin’ you what to wear </p>
<p>The shoes to choose, the prints, the hues, and how not to lose if you dare </p>
<p>You know, you own - the final say in this – to dismiss, resist, or just…agree, </p>
<p>Stand and deliver your chemistry ~ who you hug and who you kiss </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Oh yes, there’s somethin’ ‘bout…Natural beauty </p>
<p>Start your heart, let it out…Natural beauty </p>
<p>You don’t have to get all gussied up </p>
<p>No, no, no. no, no, no, no, no! </p>
<p>You don’t have to get all gussied up </p>
<p>You don’t have to get all gussied up </p>
<p>‘Cuz we love you Darlin’ just the way you are and that’s - natural!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70595972022-09-13T14:35:36-07:002022-09-13T14:35:37-07:00Velvet Meet Satin - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Thread count, eye appeal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Feel, fragrance, color…show off </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As senses go wild </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Two dozen roses </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ferried home - finding vases </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And glorious drink </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nature strolls inside </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Something new resides a while </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pleasing more than verses </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like honored guests do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Seated for their point of view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And rare distinction </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Burgundy pedals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Magnificent white - beneath </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A striking couplet </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Breathtaking blooms </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Open, enlarge – still, delight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In evolving pose </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">RSVP – Yes! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We chose…them, mind etching so </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Velvet meet Satin</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70378172022-08-14T14:40:16-07:002022-08-14T14:40:16-07:00My ’53 Belair ~ Coupe Du Jour - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Kept it stock for the shock of what used be </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mid-century Michigan technology </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My ’53 Belair ~ Coupe du jour </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is hidden behind the scenes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like my first pair of holey blue jeans </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s nonthin’ as great as a short block V8 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Purrs like perfection outta the gate </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My ’53 Belair Coupe du jour </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The prize of the hood she’s lookin’ good </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As spiffy as spiffy should </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I thank my Pappy for passin’ her down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She still draws attention all over town </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This doll’s a contender straight as they come </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With whitewalls and moon caps and then some </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And…show after show we blush as she scores </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This Beauty by Fisher two door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ease down your windows and watch as she rolls </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Look at that dash and those handsome controls </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My ’53 Belair Coupe du jour </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">From buttercream top down to metallic green skin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shiny as ever while we take a spin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">ACDelco if you’re listenin’- </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">GM is holding the line </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Ready to order the best from you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The rest of assembly’s fine! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I thank my Pappy for passin’ her down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She still draws attention all over town </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This doll’s a contender straight as they come </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With whitewalls and moon caps and then some </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And…show after show we blush as she scores </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This Beauty by Fisher two door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I thank my Pappy for passin’ her down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She still draws attention all over town </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This doll’s a contender straight as they come </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With whitewalls and moon caps and then some </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And…show after show we blush as she scores </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This Beauty by Fisher two door </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70378162022-08-14T14:39:34-07:002022-08-14T14:39:35-07:00Fog Dogs - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Some call this Pea Soup </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not chance, my companions do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hide and seek anyone? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Senses go sonar </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unleashed, seems like… “No RULES-ville” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just voice commands prompt </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waves crash roll then hiss </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Misty cold wraps around us </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Haunting, refreshing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Heavy breathing comes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dashing footfalls pound the sand </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sounds that peak then fade </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Would a ball or stick? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Muddle this mix loyal friends… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Will scent, sound prevail? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Damn blind trust ignores </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unraveling ticks of time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Danger “please” resign </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Retethered, we retreat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Passing near misses conclude </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Home good Fog Dogs home!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70378152022-08-14T14:37:28-07:002022-08-14T14:37:28-07:00Let Us Speak of This Another Time - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Let us speak of this another time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And worry about that right now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We know this and that get confusing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They need not be intertwined </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Neither one of us must throw in the towel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And concede our point for view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If we could douse this fire out somehow…that would be simply good </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Do it for the neighborhood, keep the big picture in mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All that I’m really contending is – </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let us speak of this another time! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And in the impending doom… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stubborn is as stubborn does </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So, they lost their Rumpus Room</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70378142022-08-14T14:34:18-07:002022-08-14T14:34:18-07:00Nomad's Shuffle On - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">When the words don’t come </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Do we sound an alarm? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Has vocabulary ceased, has this well gone dry? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If word fall is likened to raindrops… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And storms refuse to storm </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is this any concern at all? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or a hiccup lapse in time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Perhaps a change of scenery is the best idea </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yes… something new might do! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We all leave a desk at some point </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then, nomad’s shuffle on </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Two hands groan with aching </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the writer’s point </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A respite could be the healthy solution </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So, nomad’s shuffle on </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until new themes and beams arrive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After lofted views resign </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70378132022-08-14T14:31:16-07:002022-08-14T14:31:17-07:00The Great Country Shadow Race - By Dan'l McLlhenny<p style="text-align: center;">“Let’s dare ‘em to…wake-up with the Sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Race us just for fun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Run up old Doolittle hill and right back down” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Wait, with longer legs than ours </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They’ll beat us to the top!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“No Biggie! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’ll lose ‘em in the drop </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then dash flat out nonstop </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hooray, okay, to Wins Ville, amen!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“I don’t know, Joe? They’re wicked spry guys - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Those silent treatment twins </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ve never heard ‘em, huff, and puff </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like we do every time!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Don’t be silly Scooter…we got the solar edge </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not so, in the climb though </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our thrill is all part two </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we…spill ahead like thoroughbreds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Straight into the shine!”</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70377952022-08-14T14:29:55-07:002022-08-14T14:29:55-07:00We Bask, We Float, We Glow - By Dan'l Mcllhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Yesterday’s Sun burned steadfastly hot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Why not, it’s got a job to do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dissolving clouds invite more heat in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let Summer come tan us again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bring back those transistor radios </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Beach bum days when everyone shows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Coppertone skin, frisbee grins - by splash-happy waves galore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where sizzlin’ sand embraces untamed sea </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Tenderfoot souls dash for the wet </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To reduce their mercury ouch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then hesitate right at Fahrenheit’s cold </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where the shock of the ocean unfolds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cooling degrees chill to the knees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But submerging the torso’s one difficult thing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unless you’re, all in ~ with a dolphin dive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Decisions not meant for the wimpy, fraidy-cat kind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Only for those brave hearty crew </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who, drench down well from head to toes! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mr. Melville knows it’s stem to stern stuff </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Terms that waltz with ceaseless tides </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Most sea going folks agree </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Its bake, then dip and roast some more… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back into the water who's keeping score </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Soaking wet cool or unabashedly parched </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We bask, we float, we glow</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70116832022-07-10T10:56:42-07:002022-07-10T17:37:11-07:00Calls - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">One male Goldfinch uncharacteristically sits solo, atop a bare branch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">His cry bordering shrill, minor keyed, mournful… yet clear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Will he attract a mate to be or summon back lost parents? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Off a dust-kicker country lane, leafing grapevines somehow invite a respectable flock in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">250 Goldfinches delightedly deliver their enticing, melodic, choral voicings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where eye catching yellows flit about irresistible twisting greens </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Along urban arteries deliberate, emerging sirens - blare their steadfast warnings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">These urgencies: fire, accidents, bad guys… where life and limb await speedy response </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Manmade alerting sounds created to move cognizant drivers aside, Help Is Coming! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Even car stopping, transient, trains rumble through chiming barricade crossings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Their straight-line approaches defined by partially muted trombone shouts </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So, unlike those romantic whistles of bygone passing parades </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And may we not forget our own vocal gyrations for ~ breakfast, lunch, or dinner </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cueing cat, dog, or human counterparts to come prancing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or simply reminding your partner “CBS Sunday Morning - Moment of Nature is next!”</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70116822022-07-10T10:55:31-07:002022-07-10T10:55:31-07:00Night Grin - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">A waning crescent Moon escapes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Untethered pointy sideways smile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With miles, of miles, of miles to run </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Footless as its…forever been </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> A lit balloon dots spatial atmosphere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Naked eyes may spot this one rise </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before the Summer Sun arrives </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As stronger rays simply blot away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Night Grin after fine sightseeing view</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70116812022-07-10T10:54:35-07:002022-07-10T17:37:11-07:00Outside, Outside, Outside - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">“We should fix the fence this Spring </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When the snowmelt disappears </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And with it calm our worried fears, My Boy! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Remember that it’s up to us </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To make this handy bit of fuss </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before the wild days ----- of Summer come </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We can smile at our job well done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Consider the task some wholesome fun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Do it together like Father and Son </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While we have the chance to be </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Outside, outside, outside ----- you and me” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He never was a Father though </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It was not so…if you, care to know </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just unwritten pages of lengthy history </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dusty old as time itself </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An empty space still waits upon a shelf </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But he fixed the fence ahead of time and</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Drank his full of pure sunshine-outside, outside, outside thankfully</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70116802022-07-10T10:53:55-07:002022-07-10T10:53:55-07:00Overheard Conversation - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Mister Sun wore a wetsuit of oversized gray </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Assuming Fridays are causal dress </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some say… he’s above it, that’s all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just waiting for raindrops to fall </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Below on Earth One he looks so subdued </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Confusing, amusing, faithlessly rude </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Taunting and flaunting his high attitude </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or have we got him confoundingly wrong! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Did someone mention there’s thunder planned… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Conspiring with hot wind and cool </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s out of our hands for the moment kids </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We have yet to perfect such a tool </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Patiently promise, you’ll do your best </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then learn the rest… it’s like school</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/70116792022-07-10T10:52:42-07:002022-07-10T10:52:42-07:00The Old Strawberry Moon - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">And the Farmer said… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Ya know, the old Strawberry Moon shows its ripe face in June </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While the stars decorate the nights sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a two-view cosmic happening, like having pie and eating it too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You may call me a romanticist if you wish kids or simply a nature eyed guy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Don’t hold your breath for the rosy, red color </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To catch it, it first must be flung </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You won’t hear the strings of violins vibrate </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unless some kindly fiddlers come </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Remember this month’s a seasoned game changer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As Spring gracefully bows… then bounces away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When Summer wins back center stage </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And age closely resembles resilience again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All hearts are asked out to play </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The old Strawberry Moon says it’s okay!”</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69677282022-05-10T07:49:37-07:002022-05-10T07:49:37-07:00Muire ... Golden Hour - By Dan'l MclLhenny <p style="text-align: center;">We traveled out a dirt rut road </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Amid throws of golden hour </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">September woods rapt a glow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Showing off this Sunday evenings blend </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where nature shares her fertile luscious goods </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Along a winding half a mile drive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Every turn another snapshot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Squeezed into our willing minds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Beauty… carpe diem finds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A lucky guess, we confess, wearing sunset smiles </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then before us, rests a rustic home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So familiar – could it be? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The very one the singer spoke of </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While his lifetime set the scene </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not a dream at all… but real </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our footsteps crunch brittle leaves </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Autumn discards dot the path </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leading to a covered porch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Part of a crafter’s aftermath </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Designed from hand hewn log </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">More spacious through aging windowpanes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then the mind may first allow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Latched tight to bar intrusion </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We resign, we sit and share a bit of time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bent wood chairs offer rest </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Near the door a treasure chest </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Little notes begging to be read </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Admiring everything a family… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thought to do all through their life </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For the sake of nature’s living things </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Meadow after meadow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The forest spans thick between </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Grasslands, trees, then jagged, granite peaks - above </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There in blushing daylight's end </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As if ‘tis understood… unsaid </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Upon this vibrant, thriving, rooted, peaceful ground</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69677192022-05-10T07:39:40-07:002022-05-10T07:39:40-07:00Looking East from My Second Story View - By Dan'l MclLhenny <p style="text-align: center;">Overhead, a giant comforter rests snugly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You’ve no doubt guessed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s sporting several shades of gray… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And it’s okay, it’s full of rain - ready to empty </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As near as I can tell - all is well and that’s swell </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Looking east from my second story view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The sky is always looking at Earth differently </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then it seems it was a little while ago </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Light and shadow, dark and bright </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stars and planets dot the night </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Surprising us - as far as we can see </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Looking east from my second story view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Today the sunrise hides itself away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Playing… a backlit, backstage, supporting, fill-in role </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Because science tell us, nature, gets her way </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But maybe the wind might jinx the plan aloft </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like it ruffles feather edges of passing clouds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Looking east from my second story view</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69677182022-05-10T07:38:47-07:002022-05-10T07:38:47-07:00Stick, Not Stones - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">A toy, a tool, a weapon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Begins one hearty living thing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Crackling fire mind ideas </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Drawing wet sand sketches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Earn bucks by the score </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fiddle, whittle something </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Grow your very own </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Help splint a broken leg </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Inspect, explore… seek reason </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Judge a chunk of distance </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Keeping life alive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Left alone as sacred </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Marvelously strong </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nestled in the network </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One link leading somewhere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pointers revealing details </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Quick for grasping foods </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ripe for supple bending </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Swinging for the fences </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Trusted though thick or thin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Useful - count the ways </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Vital living tissues </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Walking companion friends </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Xylem transport system </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yards in feet or inches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Zeal within the whole</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69461532022-04-11T17:42:53-07:002022-04-11T17:42:53-07:00Stir Those Lucky Souls - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Morning waits on no one kid </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You must learn to muster you - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out of that - snoozers bed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For the Sun’s a comin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sure, as the skyline signifies so </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And take your shadow when you go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">May thickets draw your curious eyes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While rivulets race down mountainsides </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As snowmelt weeps its trials of tears </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Searching for perfect pooling grounds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where sounds of nature sing and ring </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Of all things this good Earth brings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Springs, designed to…stir those lucky souls </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69461522022-04-11T17:41:51-07:002022-04-11T17:41:51-07:00Back in the Day... - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Would you happen to remember? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where I may have left the Sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It was here a while ago, shining all a glow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now it seems as though it’s gone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maybe if I whistled…like I used to hail a cab </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I could grab old Yellow curbside </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then ride to who knows where </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just to say I’ve been there, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of course, to brag I’ve done that too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back in the day – back in the day… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Assuming that’s okay with you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shall we fetch the midnight sky? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In case the Sun has gone for good </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Something tells me don’t be silly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Take your hat and coat and cane </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What’s another word for nippy? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That spans six letters wide </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Starts with ch, plus a filler </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And finally ends with y </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s not so far to Nathan’s </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Down this wooded Brownstone Road </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let’s get a hotdog - that’s a dilly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And a sip of root beer on the side</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69461512022-04-11T17:35:58-07:002022-04-11T17:35:58-07:00Upstairs - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Upstairs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where birds fly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Likewise… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sky gets blue </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">April surprises, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wets us clear through </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As sensitive passers-by </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Have their good cry </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Doing sometimes, what clouds do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When heavy shows confounding gray </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mr. Sun heads forever west </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Does his peekaboo best to play! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Upstairs in that loose-fitting space </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where there’s no place for rest</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69147442022-03-05T14:03:44-07:002022-03-05T14:03:44-07:00Atlantic Schooner Blue - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">You can Valentine this and Valentine that… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To endear yourself as a thoughtful cat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But never forget the card, the flowers, the chocolaty sweets </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or the words bound to make her swoon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You won’t have to give the moon per say </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dinner out, dancing, sometimes a movie’s okay </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As long as romance takes center stage </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And if you wine her, remind her… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She’s the best lover ever to be found </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When February 14th rolls around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Try to avoid this one… a Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Piecaken.! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This funky Frankenstein of a dessert is a mashup of red velvet cake, vanilla cheesecake, and chocolate pecan pie, with strawberry champagne buttercream to round it all off.</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69147432022-03-05T14:03:08-07:002022-03-05T14:03:08-07:00A Message to Self - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">You can Valentine this and Valentine that… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To endear yourself as a thoughtful cat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But never forget the card, the flowers, the chocolaty sweets </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or the words bound to make her swoon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You won’t have to give the moon per say </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dinner out, dancing, sometimes a movie’s okay </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As long as romance takes center stage </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And if you wine her, remind her… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She’s the best lover ever to be found </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When February 14th rolls around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Try to avoid this one… a Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Piecaken.! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This funky Frankenstein of a dessert is a mashup of red velvet cake, vanilla cheesecake, and chocolate pecan pie, with strawberry champagne buttercream to round it all off.</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69147412022-03-05T14:01:00-07:002022-03-05T14:01:00-07:00Grand Tetons If You Only Knew - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Forest of aspen and deep green, blue spruce </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Climb-up the mountains </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dance beside meadows with sparkling clear streams </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where highland grasses </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Give colorful flowers chances to pop out in eye-catching bloom </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">May, wilderness host - the finest broods of wee, little critters </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">…Along with larger four-legged kind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let a symphony of songbirds reside as they wish </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Their music’s so pleasing, plus…hard to resist </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Keep variety foremost, forever in mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Invite Mother Nature to take her sweet time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Allow every good season to do what they do best </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then, top with jagged, steeped, granite peaks </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Offering breathtaking views </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Grand Tetons if you only knew </p>
<p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69147402022-03-05T14:00:15-07:002022-03-05T14:00:15-07:00The Naturalist and The Boxer - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Story by story </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The word count climbs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Often so befitting </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It blows the mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Practice punches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">From the boxer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who rhyme’s sublime </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Long before his . . . </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rounds arrive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She speaks softly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Call me when </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Your rage is done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’m out exploring </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Happy finding fun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A relationship </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Discovered </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thanks to one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Over reliable Sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Go on banging </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Those keyboard keys </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Knock out another </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leave ‘em </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Begging please </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Show no mercy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a disease </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With nothin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At all to prove </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While she see’s </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Skies awaken </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where light </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And shadow play </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As sunshine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dances on water </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Steals breath away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like curtain call sunset </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bids a day . . . adieu </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He tells her… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ballet begins </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In the ring Doll </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where a writer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">defends or dies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Line after staggering line </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where phrases seldom align </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If wordsmith’s truly hunger </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s asking for more time</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69147382022-03-05T13:58:57-07:002022-03-05T13:58:57-07:00The Things Bacon Lovin', Dreamweaver's Do - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Larry hugged his pillow drifting straight into deep sleep </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Exhaustion plays that card on weary souls </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Suddenly in dreamscape he found himself alone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The surroundings looked nothing like his home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Was this native Nebraska - before they paved the roads, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or someplace completely new, unknown? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’ll have to ask him when his rest is through </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Shaman told the dreamer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When he mystically appeared </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You’ve fallen from the clouds and landed safely here </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Do not fear the newness - it only takes a pinch of time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before the big Sunshine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Climbs to claim the sky again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s okay to yodel like the coyotes do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let the stars above fascinate your brain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As the campfire crackles down to coals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Spread out that trusty, ragged old bedroll </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And find the peace of mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You’ve hungered for so long </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Charlotte hangs a painting in the window of her shop </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Known as The One Stop Antiquer’s Paradise </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Along the hardscrabble pickers path </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">These curio’s make her laugh… she sighs - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“How funny, the oddball things these shoppers love to buy!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Alas, another day finally falls for darkness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Snug in bed her eyes decide it’s time to close </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where a Shaman consoles the weaver </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As he magically appears </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You’ve fallen from the clouds and landed safely Dear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Do not fear the newness - it only takes a pinch of time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before the big Sunshine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Climbs to claim the sky again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s okay to yodel like the coyotes do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And let the stars above fascinate your brain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As the campfire crackles down to coals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Spread out your comfy, faded gold bedroll </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And find the peace of mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You’ve hungered for so long </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He serves her bacon in the morning…She stirs bacon in their evenin’ stew </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I guess that’s the thing Bacon Lovin’, Dreamweaver’s do</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69147372022-03-05T13:58:07-07:002022-03-05T13:58:07-07:00Where Going Out Is Really Going In - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">You know those woods close to home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Today’s an invitation, care to roam? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yes, take the dog so you are not alone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or ask a neighbor friend </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I promise you there’s always beauty there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Half a zillion living things - you have never seen before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nature charms us with her open door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where going out is really going in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dismiss the routines…untie the bond of constant din </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Embrace your wild child next of kin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fill up your senses…enjoy the feel upon your skin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Found on any given day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I promise you there’s always beauty there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Half a zillion living things - you have never seen before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nature charms us with her open door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where going out is really going in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Remember one step followed by another </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leads to places unlike every single other </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Take a trail, seek, and find your kind Earth Mother </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who cares more, than people seldom ever understand </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I promise you there’s always beauty there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Half a zillion living things - you have never seen before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nature charms us with her open door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where going out is really going in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When obligations stack-up like nag-nasty, to-do’s do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Escape a while simply choose your slice of day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If not those friendly, welcome woods, I am sure the hillside holds the goods </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Revealing views to change the mood that chase your grays away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s amazing how a nearby stream turns reflection into dream </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And stitches us again as peaceful partners with this world </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I promise you there’s always beauty there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Half a zillion living things - you have never seen before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nature charms us with her open door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where going out is really going in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nature charms us with her open door </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where going out is really going in </p>
<p> </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69147362022-03-05T13:57:02-07:002022-03-05T13:57:02-07:00The Parent Puzzle Game - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">On a hell bound runaway train </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Her memory vanishes fast </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We cried, we tired, we reached out </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Doubtful tough love eases pain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She caught a hell bound runaway train </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So, we agonize through heartache </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The kind that mortifies the soul </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What caused this wall of discontent? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How it all evolved, is too difficult to solve </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For players of the Parent Puzzle Game </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We watched our share of Disney </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And Mister Rogers Neighborhood </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh…the meals at our dinner table </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where things always felt so good </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now, we are the bad ones…on the Parent Puzzle Game </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Detachment came wicked swiftly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At sixteen she knew it all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She broke her ties, found comfortable lies and </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Followed her sweet-talkin’ guy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leaving us just victims…of the Parent Puzzle Game </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On a hell bound runaway train </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Her memory vanishes fast </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We cried, we tired, we reached out </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Doubtful tough love eases pain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When you take a hell bound runaway train </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Knowing, never knowing hurts in such unspeakable ways </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And forever, lasts forever in confounding white noise haze </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But when a distant whistling sounds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hope rushes in again ~ then rushes out like pounding ocean waves </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On a hell bound runaway train </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Her memory vanishes fast </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We cried, we tired, we reached out </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Doubtful tough love eases pain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When you take a hell bound runaway train</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/69146952022-03-05T12:14:00-07:002022-03-05T12:14:00-07:00Sharing Stories of the Muries with the World - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>Each and every day Dan McIlhenny sat on the porch where the Wilderness Act of 1964 was envisioned. </p>
<p>“My favorite picture growing up was the one that Ansel Adams took of the Snake River Overlook,” McIlhenny said. “As a little kid I saw that picture and I said, ‘God, I gotta go there.’ Those mountains just haunt me. So, in a way, I’ve been swooning all my life just like John D. Rockefeller Jr. was about how beautiful these mountains are.” </p>
<p>As the wind ripples through the aspens and the Grand Teton peeks out from behind a tall forest, McIlhenny tells the stories of beloved conservationists Olaus and Mardy Murie to visitors from around the country, and the world, as the docent at Teton Science Schools’ Murie Ranch. </p>
<p>“Docent Dan” shares the Muries’ history, and their achievements, all day long. But he’s more reserved when it comes to talking about himself. </p>
<p>“A lot of people enjoy that, but I usually don’t talk about myself,” McIlhenny said. “I kind of feel like I’m a conduit here where I’m sharing this story.” </p>
<p>McIlhenny, 67, always loved the mountains. </p>
<p>“One of the reasons I’m here is because I love nature,” he said. “As a kid I grew up in the city in Southern California, but what I was longing for was to be in nature.” </p>
<p>As a young man McIlhenny was a student of John Muir, a famous author, naturalist and conservationist whose writings contributed to the creation of many national parks, including Yosemite. </p>
<p>“It’s like the Muries pick up where John Muir left off,” McIlhenny said. </p>
<p>Every summer, McIlhenny said, his father took him out into the wilderness. </p>
<p>“When you take a young person and you can give them the gift of going out into nature like that — the younger, the better — it really sticks with them,” McIlhenny said. </p>
<p>But he didn’t make it to the Tetons until he was a grown man. After a four-year stint in the military, he saved enough money to put a down payment on property in the northern Sierras. He lived there for years. </p>
<p>During that time he learned to be a singer and a songwriter. </p>
<p>“I’ve been writing songs and singing for over 45 years,” McIlhenny said. “It’s been my passion. Even though I’ve had a lot of other jobs besides music during lean times, when other things had to be done to keep food on the table and so forth, music has always been a gift that I could give. I wrote a lot of songs about nature.” </p>
<p>Like “Wyoming Why,” a song McIlhenny composed in 1982 when he and his wife traveled around the country — making it as close to Wyoming as Boise, Idaho. He </p>
<p>Finally, in 2013, McIlhenny and his wife, Valerie Crawford, came to Jackson on a “dream vacation.” </p>
<p>“We were just traveling around the park, and we came down here to the visitors center,” he recalled. “We just saw this gravel road, and my curiosity was peaked and I said, ‘What’s down at the end of this gravel road?’” </p>
<p>The Murie Center was at the end of that gravel road, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of summer traffic. McIlhenny instantly recognized the house because of John Denver, a close friend of Mardy Murie who’d produced TV segments showing the house. </p>
<p>“I said to my wife, ‘I know where I am,’” McIlhenny said. </p>
<p>They sat on the porch for about an hour as the sun dipped low in the sky, coming back the next day for a tour. McIlhenny told the folks at the time that he’d love to get involved in doing fundraising through his music and signed up for a newsletter. </p>
<p>Little did he know the impact that writing his name down on that mailing list would have. A year later his wife happened to see a job listing for an intern/docent. </p>
<p>“And I thought immediately, ‘Intern — they probably want a young college person. They don’t want an old geezer,’ you know?” he recalled. </p>
<p>Despite McIlhenny’s poo-pooing, he finally called at the urging of his wife. The director, Jon Mobeck, told McIlhenny the job was “not age-exclusive. We just need somebody who can tell the stories.” </p>
<p>“And I said, ‘I think I could tell the story,’” McIlhenny said. “So in any case, when we hang up, he said to the staff — I learned this later on — ‘I think we’ve got our docent.’ So I’ve been here for five years since then.” </p>
<p>In those five years McIlhenny has found his calling. </p>
<p>“When you retire, sometimes you’re looking for some kind of purpose in your life,” McIlhenny said. “Personally, I feel like everything I did in my life before was a rehearsal for this.” </p>
<p>He speaks with his hands, drawing in curious people of all ages from all around the world. </p>
<p>“Had you come here when Mardy was alive she would have invited you into her home,” he tells visitors. “She’d connect with you in the heart.” </p>
<p>Although McIlhenny never met either Murie in the flesh, he speaks lovingly of them. </p>
<p>“She was as humble as the day is long,” he said of Mardy Murie. </p>
<p>If you’d come to the Murie Ranch while she was there, he told a family congregated on the porch, she would’ve made a hot pot of tea for adults, lemonade for the children and her “secret weapon,” ginger “cry baby” cookies for all. </p>
<p>Something McIlhenny loves about the legacy of the Muries is that people here in Jackson Hole knew them personally. </p>
<p>“What I find that’s fun about this is that Mardy and Olaus lived in this community a long time, Mardy a lot more,” he said. </p>
<p>“She only died in 2003. In reality, that’s not so long ago. So there’s many people in the community that knew her. And I keep getting these little tidbits of ways they crossed paths.” </p>
<p>Near the end of Mardy Murie’s life, McIlhenny said, the community really rallied around her so she could die in her own home. </p>
<p>“They volunteered their time or they brought money into the equation so that she could fulfill this wish,” he said. “It was a beautiful story of community outreach to her. It was kind of a returned favor, in a way.” </p>
<p>Sometimes family members will translate McIlhenny’s stories for each other. This gets McIlhenny choked up. </p>
<p>“To see, suddenly, a mother from another nationality who doesn’t know what you’re talking about, through the translation, burst into tears because she’s endeared to what Mardy did . . .” he trailed off. </p>
<p>“Do you know what that does to me? It’s so special. I get these rewards all the time. I love my work, I really love it. I’m so honored to be here.” </p>
<p>The docent job includes living on the Murie Ranch for six months. The rest of the time McIlhenny and his wife live in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. </p>
<p>In the fall, bears wander through McIlhenny’s backyard to munch on hawthorne bushes. </p>
<p>“It’s a good, wild place,” he said. “This just satisfies everything. I’m just on a constant good vibe about nature and wildlife. It addresses all my means and loves and so forth.” </p>
<p>When he wants to get musical, McIlhenny pulls out his guitar and heads down the road to Dornan’s to play at the Hootenanny. </p>
<p>Whether he’s playing music in front of the mountains, explaining Olaus Murie’s research as an elk biologist to children or describing how Grand Teton National Park came to be, McIlhenny is living out his childhood dream. </p>
<p>“One of my favorite things is to wake up to a blue sky Wyoming day,” he said. “When I go outside I like to look up at the tips of the trees where they are reaching up to the blue sky. It’s one of my favorite things.”</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68959862022-02-12T11:14:35-07:002022-02-12T11:14:35-07:00Welcome 2022 - By Dan'l McILhenny<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A history book peddler </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Must be busy this day </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>As 2022 snaps into place ,2021 vanishes </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Except for pen-master notes </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Today our ever-reliable Sun shows brightly with promise </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>We make new plans </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>While splashing waves roll in …sending hissing foam ashore </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Leaving sand moist in a watery sheen </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Then characteristically retreating only to lap again, again, again </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>What a wonderful , elevated view </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Here at lands’ end </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Where the Pacific begins , an ocean never rests</em></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68959852022-02-12T11:12:59-07:002022-02-12T11:13:00-07:00Surprise Finale - By Dan'l McILhenny<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/398237/30ab30b7c5d657391eb45095a6d56650579cdb79/original/picture1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">January 7th shown lockingly gray all day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Clouds, sky and ocean carefully colluded dismissing other colors their comeuppance </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Even Mister Sun himself was sequestered out of view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Relegated to a support role strictly, backlit duties…behind the scenes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The descriptive result landing in the Dismal Zone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On coastal days like these onlookers fairly expect a shutout for sunset </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">However, Nature had a different ending in mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In subtle gradient bliss the water glowed center stage </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Drinking in and displaying subdued yet radiant tones galore</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68959822022-02-12T11:06:17-07:002022-02-12T11:06:17-07:00As Unique As It Gets Factor - By Dan'l McILhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Upon close inspection </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our natural world amazes us </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not a given day passes without </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s very own one of a kindness displayed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yet our humanness misses so much </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We assume a Sun bright day anywhere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Registers equally to yesterday’s Sunfest </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Often these differences go unnoticed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Because natures changes are so subtle </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Take anything Mother Nature offers as your mentor </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It may be ocean waves or focused study of a certain neighborhood bird </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Noting what’s happening with plants and trees near you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If the real world is working overtime, for we the people </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shouldn’t we each assume a personal role in life preservation </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In these defined times of rapid global warming our garden planet needs help </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Earth requires everyone’s concerted efforts now… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dialing back in the As Unique As It Gets Factor</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68959812022-02-12T11:05:18-07:002022-02-12T11:05:18-07:00Argyle Smile - By Dan'l McILhenny<p style="text-align: center;">He never asked her to surrender her name </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh, what a shame - to carry that blame </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All he remembers in elephant style </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is the girl wore an argyle smile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Trust me… I know what I saw… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For I am no fibber Magee!” said he - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sure, as I’m Clancy the Cardigan King </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I swear on the truth lads… ya know that’s my thing!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cable knit, cashmere, all knits Galore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here to be found at Clancy’s Fine Sweater Store </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The slogan’s his Trademark…the owner proclaims </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“What’s Good for the Bucks is Good for the Dames!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It rained for a month but not a drop more </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leaving our hills chilled on down to the shore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And Clancy was hellbent to settle the score </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz the town folks laughed and teased him like never before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oddly it was great for business though </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Proving you reap all that ye sew </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">His knitters were smitten with raises and praise </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As shipments came in - right out they’d go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shamrocks, leprechauns, and Mulligan stew </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The story grew crazy as some tall tales do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When he saw her again and asked her name </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She grinned and proudly - said Sue </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“And we fell in love I’m telling you… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I swear on the truth lads, ‘tis true, ‘tis true </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz she knocks me socks off like they’d gone outta style </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The girl with the Argyle Smile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> The girl with the Argyle Smile</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68959802022-02-12T11:04:18-07:002022-02-12T11:04:18-07:00Almost Robbed at Sunset - By Dan'l McILhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Almost robbed at sunset </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A gray cloak hangs unforgivingly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Overhead and deeply west </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Horizon characters lurk out there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where old man sea and dull-draped sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Zip their lips together </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mashing up, in undefined murk </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Days like these…hold sunrays captive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waves of goodbyes seem pointless </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">No snap happy photographers appear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nor hopeful romantics </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As though the deals done, ‘nothing to see here folks!’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So, we turn tail, walk away…muttering discontent </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not five minutes later </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The sky blushes red with embarrassment </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Revealing unbelievable magical hues </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If we catch this Winken, Blinken – Nod moment </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We stand awestruck in wonderment </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thinking, how is this possible?</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68959792022-02-12T11:01:08-07:002022-02-12T11:01:08-07:00Aftermath Messages - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>Under a contrailian sky </p>
<p>Passenger jets exhausting </p>
<p>Sketch their impressions </p>
<p>Broad stroke white puffers </p>
<p>These visible remains </p>
<p>Linger becoming clouds </p>
<p>Eventually pushing on </p>
<p>Under other commands </p>
<p>Naturally occurring </p>
<p>High altitude winds </p>
<p>Seem to silently say . . . </p>
<p>“You must go now” </p>
<p>Clearing the slate </p>
<p>Pale blue again </p>
<p>Clean for future </p>
<p>Aftermath Messages</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68768912022-01-22T10:11:29-07:002022-01-22T10:11:29-07:00Rinse Cycles - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">A splashing week </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Left buckets of rain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Replenishing this soil </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A good long drink </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Was had by all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The benefit water brings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Adios to arid ground…’it said!’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until the Sun rolls round </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Free to shine, beaming fine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While waiting for more rinse cycles </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Partnering with gray clouds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To start-up Winter again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mother Nature if you’re listening ~ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">California enjoys the sip! </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68768902022-01-22T10:10:16-07:002022-01-22T10:10:16-07:00Rinehart's Whalebone Xylophone - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">What’ll we do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With the beached blue whale </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Washed up along the shore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Seems he’s all about stillness now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where he was swimming alive before </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A similar fate befalls us all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we’ll be still as he </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rinehart thought for the longest time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until an idea arrived </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ll turn his bones into a giant xylophone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And they’ll ring in memory </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He wasted no time undressing that whale </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Right down to the skeletal frame </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Carefully dealing with the assorted remains </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a very eco-friendly way </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Letting the bones bake in the sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Throughout the summer days </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He built a seaside auditorium </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A fine stage with a place to play </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then entertained away most weekend nights </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For folks who’d heard the news </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">About Rinehart’s whalebone xylophone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dedications that honor the blues </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blue water, Blue whale, Blue tunes… galore</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68768892022-01-22T10:06:47-07:002022-01-22T10:06:47-07:00Doubleday Dreams - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Out in the corner of centerfield </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s not really a corner at all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A kid can run like the dickens fast </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After a well hit ball </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where sometime a fielder’s the hero </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And a villain at the very same time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like a snapshot, an instant perspective </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An alias dream or crime </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where else can you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Swing for the outfield fences </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With a club they call a bat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some fail to endure the dangerous curve </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And they’re out for the count that’s, that! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The game’s a mammoth organ recital </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Accompanied by grandstands of fans </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who wave away in more ways than one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Be it, good or bad, happy or sad </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reacting to every outcome </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Li’l Abner never doubled this day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz Sandy threw his Koufax way </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">King of dirty pulpit mound </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Another incredible southpaw round </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For the record books…Vin Scully would say… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Delivered on Cooperstown’s hallowed ground</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68768882022-01-22T10:04:43-07:002022-01-22T10:04:43-07:00Her Brush and Color End the Wacky Ruse - By Dan'l MclLhenny and Kay Stratman<p>My dear friend, Dan McIlhenny, who is a very talented writer, poet and musician, just emailed this poem to me, as I had this painting drying on my painting table. The timing seemed psychic and he says he had me in mind when he wrote it. That nearly brought tears to my eyes, fused the two together. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy.....Kay Stratman</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/398237/e1d46bd49677f7445be861593727f1d0a8ab1e76/original/screenshot-2022-01-22-090246.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68493602021-12-22T14:33:01-07:002021-12-22T14:33:01-07:00... Lest We Forget - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>Outside an ocean roar </p>
<p>Constantly remind us </p>
<p>Journeys likely end here </p>
<p>Waves form, crest then crash </p>
<p>Water bound occupants </p>
<p>Are tossed ashore </p>
<p>Probably not resembling </p>
<p>Anything like they were before </p>
<p>Just soggy, rag dollish remnants </p>
<p>Unless they vessel tumble in </p>
<p>As a bottled-up message </p>
<p>If not curiously alluring </p>
<p>Most beachcombers leave </p>
<p>Well enough alone </p>
<p>Shorebirds might dig </p>
<p>This smelling muck </p>
<p>Searching for the prize inside </p>
<p>Handsomely rewarded </p>
<p>For their American picker effort </p>
<p>What’s the old saying? </p>
<p>‘You snooze, you lose’ </p>
<p>…Lest we forget ~ </p>
<p>One powerful wave may snatch </p>
<p>These random heaps back </p>
<p>Into its briny bath again </p>
<p>For more agitation cycles</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68493592021-12-22T14:32:27-07:002021-12-22T14:32:27-07:00Until We Look Around - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Shall we search for a rabbit spout </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out in the sea of sage or if you doubt </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We can scan the ocean for a whale’s cotton tail </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If the notion to discover that, exists or not </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We know so little…until we look around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like which way is up and which way is down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is this really water, is that really ground </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s puzzling as can be…until we look around</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68484752021-12-21T18:07:58-07:002021-12-21T18:07:58-07:00'Cuz Perfection is a Wordy-Gig-Bouquet - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">If your gonna send a letter </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You better address your address </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Outside on the envelope </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where you try to print your level best </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Don’t forget the zip code </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To avoid RETURN TO SENDER </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And remember please to stamp it </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Upper corner right as legal tender </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a well lit room a creation comes to life </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As a letter, a note or as a greeting card </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s just a smidgeon of your day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz perfection is a wordy-gig-bouquet </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Decoration really isn’t required per say </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But certainly it takes away the drab </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So let the cover be your canvas </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And color be your guide </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Go grab your inner kidlike artist and decide </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then off First Class it goes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where only a reliable carrier knows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like a feather lifted gently on the wind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Intended sure to make a smile appear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And perhaps the beauty of a sentimental tear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a well lit room a creation comes to life </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As a letter, a note or as a greeting card </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s just a smidgeon of your day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz perfection is a wordy-gig-bouquet </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/68070672021-11-12T10:47:05-07:002021-11-12T10:47:05-07:00When Autumn Colours Called - By Dan MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Sally never swept her well-weathered front porch when Autumn colours called </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It wasn't some form of rebellion; she just really loved the Fall </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And all the leaves that touched down became her natural wall to wall patchwork </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some nights she’d step outside stocking-clad or in bare feet </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There she’d push the leaves around and around with her toes in childish fun . . . </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Feeling, some were brittle, loaded with crackle while . . . others felt silky smooth </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She’d even bend sometime’s to collect them and carry each kind inside </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Under the light of a magnifying glass she’s study their structure well </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">. . . Thinking what kind of story they'd tell! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She’d sprinkle leaves over her sofa and maybe a few in her car </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And of course she’d create different designs and make her favorite a maple leaf star </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Her neighbors couldn’t wait to rake them away or bag them for the dump </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Another sack of sadness carelessly carried, burned and buried as rubbish lump </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Don’t they see the beauty here? Instead they make leaves disappear! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So . . . Now we must wait yet another year to watch this leafy show. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This seasons a marvel of magic, so fleeting we have just a smidgeon of days </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To witness the beauty unravel from whence a tree each came </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ah the bold and beautiful presence when attached or sent in flight release </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some go cartwheeling across the pavement finding a pleasant resting spot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sally never swept her well-weathered front porch when Autumn colours called.</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67772632021-10-15T12:58:30-07:002021-10-16T17:11:52-07:00 The Place We All Try Once Again - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Harry had an ache in his hands </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where it had come from . . . </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He was not aware, it was just there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Right now, holy cow, right now and how! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The ache was in Harry’s hands </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A fiddler fiddles, a whittler whittles, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A scribbler scribbles according to Muir </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pure expression can pour out in passion </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Once all the practicing study is done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One note follows another as . . . </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The knife to the wood makes the image appear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Clear and concise inking a letter, better remember </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘I’ve used glorious twice - Ahh, but . . . ‘tis such a nice word!’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fiddlesticks, whittle chips and wadded-up paper </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Broken strings, dullish things and wordslinger flings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lead to the place we all try once again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until it becomes a gift for a friend </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Harry had an ache in his hands </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where it had come from . . . </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He was not aware, it was just there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Right now, holy cow, right now and how! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The ache was in Harry’s hands</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67772622021-10-15T12:57:28-07:002021-10-16T17:12:33-07:00 My Life Was Nothin' But Fun - By Dan MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Bought this cowboy hat back at age sixteen </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ve had it for the rest of my days </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Never the wind lifted it from me </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To set it flyin’ into the sea of sage </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s never fallen off in a barroom brawl </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz I steer clear of those lively gents </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And arguments in general </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I reckon I’m that level headed that’s all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Contentment is being up in the saddle </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Riddin’ my ‘ol tabbiano Tim </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out for mornin’s sunbreak awakin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When them rays come peekin’ through </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As shadows stretch wicked long and thin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And coolness on Earth bites at my leathery skin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ya know . . . I’d do it all over again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Everything I’ve ever done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yep, I’d do it all over again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ya see . . . the first time around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My life was nothin’ but fun! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Got me this harp when I turned twenty </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So we’ve been a trio forever of three </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It settles us down at our nightly campfires </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How it stays in tune is a mystery </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It sure is a goodin’ - a great compadre to my horse n me </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where a cracklin’ fire and blanket of stars fit so perfectly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ya know . . . I’d do it all over again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Everything I’ve ever done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yep, I’d do it all over again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ya see . . . the first time around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My life was nothin’ but fun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I may teach Tim how to whistle </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s the brightest horse I’ve known </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s really fond of my harmonica </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And the songs that yearn for home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That would sure be somethin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A whistlin’ steed and harp playin’ man </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We could tryout for the circus </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ya know . . . I’d do it all over again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Everything I’ve ever done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yep, I’d do it all over again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ya see . . . the first time around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My life was nothin’ but fun</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67772522021-10-15T12:38:18-07:002021-10-16T17:13:54-07:00 Sharing stories of the Muries with the world - By Kylie Mohr<p style="text-align: center;">‘Docent Dan’ is a natural fit for telling historical stories. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Kylie Mohr </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Each and every day Dan McIlhenny sat on the porch where the Wilderness Act of 1964 was envisioned. </p>
<p>“My favorite picture growing up was the one that Ansel Adams took of the Snake River Overlook,” McIlhenny said. “As a little kid I saw that picture and I said, ‘God, I gotta go there.’ Those mountains just haunt me. So, in a way, I’ve been swooning all my life just like John D. Rockefeller Jr. was about how beautiful these mountains are.” </p>
<p>As the wind ripples through the aspens and the Grand Teton peeks out from behind a tall forest, McIlhenny tells the stories of beloved conservationists Olaus and Mardy Murie to visitors from around the country, and the world, as the docent at Teton Science Schools’ Murie Ranch. </p>
<p>“Docent Dan” shares the Muries’ history, and their achievements, all day long. But he’s more reserved when it comes to talking about himself. </p>
<p>“A lot of people enjoy that, but I usually don’t talk about myself,” McIlhenny said. “I kind of feel like I’m a conduit here where I’m sharing this story.” </p>
<p>McIlhenny, 67, always loved the mountains. </p>
<p>“One of the reasons I’m here is because I love nature,” he said. “As a kid I grew up in the city in Southern California, but what I was longing for was to be in nature.” </p>
<p>As a young man McIlhenny was a student of John Muir, a famous author, naturalist and conservationist whose writings contributed to the creation of many national parks, including Yosemite. </p>
<p>“It’s like the Muries pick up where John Muir left off,” McIlhenny said. </p>
<p>Every summer, McIlhenny said, his father took him out into the wilderness. </p>
<p>“When you take a young person and you can give them the gift of going out into nature like that — the younger, the better — it really sticks with them,” McIlhenny said. </p>
<p>But he didn’t make it to the Tetons until he was a grown man. After a four-year stint in the military, he saved enough money to put a down payment on property in the northern Sierras. He lived there for years. </p>
<p>During that time he learned to be a singer and a songwriter. </p>
<p>“I’ve been writing songs and singing for over 45 years,” McIlhenny said. “It’s been my passion. Even though I’ve had a lot of other jobs besides music during lean times, when other things had to be done to keep food on the table and so forth, music has always been a gift that I could give. I wrote a lot of songs about nature.” </p>
<p>Like “Wyoming Why,” a song McIlhenny composed in 1982 when he and his wife traveled around the country — making it as close to Wyoming as Boise, Idaho. He </p>
<p>Finally, in 2013, McIlhenny and his wife, Valerie Crawford, came to Jackson on a “dream vacation.” </p>
<p>“We were just traveling around the park, and we came down here to the visitors center,” he recalled. “We just saw this gravel road, and my curiosity was peaked and I said, ‘What’s down at the end of this gravel road?’” </p>
<p>The Murie Center was at the end of that gravel road, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of summer traffic. McIlhenny instantly recognized the house because of John Denver, a close friend of Mardy Murie who’d produced TV segments showing the house. </p>
<p>“I said to my wife, ‘I know where I am,’” McIlhenny said. </p>
<p>They sat on the porch for about an hour as the sun dipped low in the sky, coming back the next day for a tour. McIlhenny told the folks at the time that he’d love to get involved in doing fundraising through his music and signed up for a newsletter. </p>
<p>Little did he know the impact that writing his name down on that mailing list would have. A year later his wife happened to see a job listing for an intern/docent. </p>
<p>“And I thought immediately, ‘Intern — they probably want a young college person. They don’t want an old geezer,’ you know?” he recalled. </p>
<p>Despite McIlhenny’s poo-pooing, he finally called at the urging of his wife. The director, Jon Mobeck, told McIlhenny the job was “not age-exclusive. We just need somebody who can tell the stories.” </p>
<p>“And I said, ‘I think I could tell the story,’” McIlhenny said. “So in any case, when we hang up, he said to the staff — I learned this later on — ‘I think we’ve got our docent.’ So I’ve been here for five years since then.” </p>
<p>In those five years McIlhenny has found his calling. </p>
<p>“When you retire, sometimes you’re looking for some kind of purpose in your life,” McIlhenny said. “Personally, I feel like everything I did in my life before was a rehearsal for this.” </p>
<p>He speaks with his hands, drawing in curious people of all ages from all around the world. </p>
<p>“Had you come here when Mardy was alive she would have invited you into her home,” he tells visitors. “She’d connect with you in the heart.” </p>
<p>Although McIlhenny never met either Murie in the flesh, he speaks lovingly of them. </p>
<p>“She was as humble as the day is long,” he said of Mardy Murie. </p>
<p>If you’d come to the Murie Ranch while she was there, he told a family congregated on the porch, she would’ve made a hot pot of tea for adults, lemonade for the children and her “secret weapon,” ginger “cry baby” cookies for all. </p>
<p>Something McIlhenny loves about the legacy of the Muries is that people here in Jackson Hole knew them personally. </p>
<p>“What I find that’s fun about this is that Mardy and Olaus lived in this community a long time, Mardy a lot more,” he said. </p>
<p>“She only died in 2003. In reality, that’s not so long ago. So there’s many people in the community that knew her. And I keep getting these little tidbits of ways they crossed paths.” </p>
<p>Near the end of Mardy Murie’s life, McIlhenny said, the community really rallied around her so she could die in her own home. </p>
<p>“They volunteered their time or they brought money into the equation so that she could fulfill this wish,” he said. “It was a beautiful story of community outreach to her. It was kind of a returned favor, in a way.” </p>
<p>Sometimes family members will translate McIlhenny’s stories for each other. This gets McIlhenny choked up. </p>
<p>“To see, suddenly, a mother from another nationality who doesn’t know what you’re talking about, through the translation, burst into tears because she’s endeared to what Mardy did . . .” he trailed off. </p>
<p>“Do you know what that does to me? It’s so special. I get these rewards all the time. I love my work, I really love it. I’m so honored to be here.” </p>
<p>The docent job includes living on the Murie Ranch for six months. The rest of the time McIlhenny and his wife live in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. </p>
<p>In the fall, bears wander through McIlhenny’s backyard to munch on hawthorne bushes. </p>
<p>“It’s a good, wild place,” he said. “This just satisfies everything. I’m just on a constant good vibe about nature and wildlife. It addresses all my means and loves and so forth.” </p>
<p>When he wants to get musical, McIlhenny pulls out his guitar and heads down the road to Dornan’s to play at the Hootenanny. </p>
<p>Whether he’s playing music in front of the mountains, explaining Olaus Murie’s research as an elk biologist to children or describing how Grand Teton National Park came to be, McIlhenny is living out his childhood dream. </p>
<p>“One of my favorite things is to wake up to a blue sky Wyoming day,” he said. “When I go outside I like to look up at the tips of the trees where they are reaching up to the blue sky. It’s one of my favorite things.”</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67432082021-09-11T10:14:23-07:002021-09-11T10:14:23-07:00There's A Dog On the Roof - By Dan MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">There’s a dog on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s a dog on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’d like to tell he’s bulletproof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s not to imply this hound is aloof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s just stuck up on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maybe we should call Carole King and James Taylor </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’d betcha they’d know what to do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How to rescue a pup indeed in need </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a puzzler I'm tellin’ you! ...'Cuz </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s a dog on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s a dog on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’d like to tell he’s bulletproof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s not to imply this hound is aloof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s just stuck up on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Will the duo arrive when it’s dark </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To save the canine on a lark </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Will the trio howl at the rising moon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then huddle and cuddle and bark </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Life gives us a strange bunch of circumstances </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some more difficult than others to solve </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness we have great singer heroes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who help our stories evolve </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With a folk tune here and a pop song there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here a pop, there a tune everywhere song, song </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We hear them so much they feel like friends </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So we ask ‘em c’mon play ‘em again! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s a dog on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s a dog on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’d like to tell he’s bulletproof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s not to imply this hound is aloof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s just stuck up on the roof </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s just stuck up on the roof</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67432072021-09-11T10:13:34-07:002021-09-11T10:13:34-07:00The Shadowman - By Dan MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Is the shadowman wavin’ hello or goodbye? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nobody knows... but the shadowman knows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He shows up early - goes home well before dark </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s the quietest dude, ‘tis so, ‘tis so </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reckon he’d be an asset in the orchard - Gwen </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...He could grab all the fruit way up top </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We wouldn’t hav’tah buy a new ladder - Ben </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And that’d help our slim budget a lot, a lot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’d help our slim budget a lot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is the shadowman coming or going away? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s tall as the dickens the chickens all say </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We oughta recruit him without further delay </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And get the pickin’ outta the way…okay? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Heck ya, get it outta the way! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Next day the gray skies came </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Insisting it rain, drop after drop </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It poured and poured and poured </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then finally dropped to a stop </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We never saw the giant guy again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or even had time to become his friend </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Funny how life just sends what it sends </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then suddenly splits like the hurried breeze </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To still these ripened apple trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leaving us a hefty score of work to be done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Beneath the warm Washington Sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While we wonder and wonder... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Was the shadowman wavin’ hello or goodbye? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nobody knows... but the shadowman knows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He shows up early - goes home well before dark </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’s the quietest dude, ‘tis so, ‘tis so </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67432062021-09-11T10:12:46-07:002021-09-11T10:12:46-07:00Busy Rain - By Dan MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Carried away with words </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Attached to the insides </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of random assorted cards </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lightning flashed, thunder roared </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Causing the miracle of </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Busy Rain” to quench an already deeply </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Moistened soil </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In these lavish waterfalls </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Trees, their leaves...glisten </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In the muted gray tones </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Squelching out </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The brightness of a </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Masterful Sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In its blurred absence </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Busy Rain, Busy Rain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Takes control </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of a heavenly storm</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67116742021-08-09T18:12:14-07:002021-08-09T18:12:14-07:00Howdy, The Red Headed Cowboy and His Horse Named Fred - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Most folks called him Howdy this red headed feller </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wore a red hat, red chaps and a pair of red boots too! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of course his horse was brown but almost red and Howdy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Named him Fred… short for Fredrico because Fred </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Understood Spanish & English he was an equine Bi-lingual </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When folks greeted Howdy they said, “ howdy, Howdy” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Which started to bug him for quite a long spell </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He’d say back to ‘em… yes, my name is Howdy, and… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You don’t have to wear it out!” To which they muttered… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> under their breath, “he’s a moody sort of cuss don’t- cha think?” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He rode the river valleys along the rutts of wagon roads </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Way off in the mountains like a bonafide buckeroo would do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He had a thing for whiskey but we won’t discuss that now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mostly, Howdy was a cowboy since he left the farm and plow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He whistled and he sang some as he traveled with the boys </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Busy punchin’ cattle on the trail all the way from Texas </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Up to the High Wyoming ground livin’ by the credo… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Good - Cowpokes seldom ever fail </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ol’ Howdy was a crack shot he had two eagle eyes and </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Two red handled forty fives holstered above his thighs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At the campfire he sipped whiskey and said… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> “May this brew never go outta style!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While his mostly toothless cowboys friends laughed... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> and tried their best to smile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This kind of life ain’t for everyone our bodies ache </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> when the ridin’s done baked to a crisp by the danged old Sun - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> then we freeze beneath the stars but proudly show our scars </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> to the pretty ladies at the bars </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When the trail rides done yeah, thats big fun for everyone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until it's time to ride again with my ugly cowboy friends... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And my trusty amigo Fred </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let the cattle cries make music for the sunset skies ahead </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">May I say thank-you Lord for the occasional perfumed feather bed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where I settle down as the man I’m truly meant to be with… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Annabelle Lee, whoopee! Whose a red head just like me! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If ya gotta hoot, you ought to holler a little bit too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When that pebble in your red boot feels like a boulders buggin’ you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Never shoot an unarmed cowboy unless he cheats at playin’ cards </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or steals your girl and whiskey away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then you kin wrestle him down on main street no need to be discrete </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where a pair of red metallic spurs become a legend of the west... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And it seems Howdy’s better than the rest! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And it seems Howdy’s better than the rest! </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/67116732021-08-09T18:10:39-07:002021-08-09T18:10:39-07:00Being the Brilliant Souls We Are! - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">In the dark, dress, coolish mornin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The rain came pourin’ in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The rat a tat sped to a drum roll </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like Buddy Rich was at it again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As the tin roof made nature music </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How could you not grow a beautiful grin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s been a long hot span of summer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With barely a drop to the skin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a worrisome thing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When the mercury runs high </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And the clouds vaporize </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Over Wyoming skies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As our land goes dry </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When the wild craves rain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some search for solutions </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Most deal with the strain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are we all a ship of fools... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So blind we fail to see </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our garden of Eden is vanishing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And with it goes humanity </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maybe we get what we deserve </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Being the brilliant souls we are!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66850532021-07-11T16:27:08-07:002021-07-11T16:27:08-07:00At Conservations Home - By Dan'l McLlhenny<p style="text-align: center;">On a typical day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Once Spring sets in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A higher elevation </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of forest ground </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where meadows grow lush </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In Murie greens </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The prettiest shades </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ve ever seen </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Amongst the trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The birds are singing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whilst the sky above </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hangs spectacular blue </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s not a great view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of our majestic mountains </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But Mardy’s front porch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Offers you the crest of the Grand </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mornin’s always peaceful here </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With regular visits from Moose and deer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Uinta, squirrels and ravens too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Doin what they’re meant to do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Being wildly free </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At Conservations Home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let’s discuss the antlers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Propped up and standing still </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Waiting for their picture </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In the hands of family ones </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A simple pose, one moment </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Brings a keepsake for the rest of time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stuck inside a dresser drawer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lost, completely out of mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And when it’s rediscovered </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You find your face a smile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Remembering the pleasantness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In Grand Teton for awhile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Outside is alive in awesomeness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Only nature can provide </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The invitation’s waiting </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we walk or take a drive </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Straight into the natural world </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where we all came from </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In our long family line </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just flip your phone to silent friend </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And make the day you choose... up close </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The magic Earth delivers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As we willingly approach the specialness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> At Conservations Home</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66529452021-06-08T10:28:22-07:002021-06-08T10:28:22-07:00"Harrison's Reel" - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">“Harrison’s Reel” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“We Hope That Agrees With You!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Dan’ l McILhenny </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mollie and Ryan have some really Great News </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's a whole lot better than a new pair of shoes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They did some consultatin’ with the Birds n Bees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Gave a nod and wink to Mother Natures trees - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And nine months later as pretty as you please </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Their reward was a baby boy, Oh Boy! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Their reward was a baby boy! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What should you do about a name </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes choosin’ is a puzzlers game </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It has to be perfect as well as right </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not too long or short or trite </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Somethin’ their son might really like </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Instead of Mike or Ike. Zackariah or Jason Lee </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They decided Harrison, would do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And said... “we hope that agrees with you!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With a newborn dude there’s much to do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To get him outfitted in the color blue </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And a few others equally tried and true </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The complimentary one’s that blush his hue </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That happen when a child smiles </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And let me tell ya this kids in style </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“we hope that agrees with you!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mollie and Ryan have some really Great News </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's a whole lot better than a new pair of shoes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They did some consultatin’ with the Birds n Bees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Gave a nod and wink to Mother Natures trees - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And nine months later as pretty as you please </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Their reward was a baby boy, Oh Boy! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Their reward was a baby boy!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66529442021-06-08T10:26:54-07:002021-06-08T10:26:54-07:00Aspen Newborn Babes - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Hello mid - May </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Said a host of waking Aspen </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Without any hesitation </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unleashing this years new leaves </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Glossy topped, under-bellied, satin-like newborn babes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Honest to goodness attachery </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">These chartreuse fledglings gleaming, sun-splashed Individuals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are going bonkers confirming…There is life here! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Look at us... they silently say ~ look as us! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And how can we not </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">These spectacular branching green community kinder </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Coax us from our cozy inside nests </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Outdoors to share their spring greeting </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Networked scarified white trunk, deeply-rooted trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Transfixing our gaze by budding-blushing gesture alone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Using hypnosis and eye-popish, natural bliss </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To expound upon graceful beginnings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Standing like color-enriched, country flags </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Only larger, grander, more breathtaking </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...Dimensionally speaking that is </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A beautiful addition to our highland wildness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">@ The Murie Ranch, Jackson Hole </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66529432021-06-08T10:26:15-07:002021-06-08T10:26:15-07:00Grand Teton Dormancy - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Scattered snow patches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Still decorate forest and meadow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Often typical in early May </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leafless Cottonwood and Aspen </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stand remarkably naked </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Next to verdant green needled Pine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Look closer though... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You’ll find those skeletal beige bare trees </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are readying to expose their sooning colors </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One could almost bet now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On when their eye catchy show will begin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Are secret deals being made behind the scene? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With the Sun, Moon and Stars - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or perhaps a perfect signaling wind, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maybe a particular returning birdsong ~ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whatever the trigger-switch is </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Spring is already well underway </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Doing its trusted Earth & Wood groundwork </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Allowing Grand Teton Dormancy to step aside </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Giving Vibrancy her chance to impress us again.</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66260502021-05-09T16:22:30-07:002021-05-09T16:22:30-07:00We Love The Commotion - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of the wind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">White caps are back in vogue </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Crazed Bay water acts disturbed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rambunctious fits </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For those who’d label it </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">These are Pacific seas </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Part of Earth's largest ocean </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reacting, riled and ruffled </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A gale warning flag </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Forgets how to sag </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In gusts like these </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here on the bluff’s flat top </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Matured conifers and </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Eucalyptus trees dance </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Uncontrollably wild </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Nearby their decorative kin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blush almost embarrassed in April bloom </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Even though today’s show reveals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">No sign of letting up </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The trees and raging sea may say… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Don’t worry pilgrim </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We can handle this!” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Truth be told... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We love the commotion </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It reminds us we’re alive!”</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66260492021-05-09T16:21:33-07:002021-05-09T16:21:58-07:00So Then Came The Night - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">So then came the night </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our Sun flew away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Goodbye ~ clean out of sight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’s when busy daytime do’ers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Settle down to hug their pillows tight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And ask their teddy bears to kindly calm the light </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Go on now dream, drift off and dream </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let puppies run in pasture grass </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So tall it’s effortless to hide </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And as you call to draw them in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They stumble to your side </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Suddenly you all fall down to rumble </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like only kids and little doggies do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Discovering in the tussle </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s stink riding on your shoe...ooh! P. U. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Go on now dream, drift off and dream </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Old Dad’ll clean your sneaker </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of that dismal discard crud </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hey, this is only mud - dodged a bullet there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whew… another close one! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So then came the night </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our Sun flew away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Goodbye ~ clean out of sight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’s when busy daytime do’ers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Settle down to hug their pillows tight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And ask their teddy bears to kindly calm the light </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They, ask their teddy bears to kindly calm the light</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66260482021-05-09T16:20:54-07:002021-05-09T16:20:54-07:00Make An Occasional Wish - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">I’ve heard stars </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Give humans names </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Because they have lots of time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While drifting through space </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s curiously amusing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Imagining we’d even register </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That realm of thought </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We can see them </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On clear, dark nights </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sparkling bright </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hung upon the contrasting curtain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of other worldliness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How well do they see us in return? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who knows… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But don’t you wonder like me </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What they chose to call you? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of course in reversology </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wise earthlings might say... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(To any number of interested individuals), </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“There are infinite numbers of stars </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For us to gaze upon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Why not choose one to follow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Through your life, name it what you will </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And make an occasional wish too!”</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66260472021-05-09T16:20:06-07:002021-05-09T16:20:06-07:00Anonomuss Hipopawnomuss - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>She was lonely in the morning </p>
<p>She was lonely every nite </p>
<p>It made his heart wonder </p>
<p>If she ever caught the light of day </p>
<p>Before it rolled away </p>
<p>She never had a letter come </p>
<p>Seldom ever took a call </p>
<p>Although her phone rang forever off the wall </p>
<p>While passing seasons played out </p>
<p>From winter on to fall </p>
<p>So Nelson wrote a little card </p>
<p>And picked a wildflower bouquet </p>
<p>He left them on her doormat, knocked </p>
<p>Then swiftly dashed and hid </p>
<p>Exactly like a kid might sometime do </p>
<p>For someone who he recognized was blue </p>
<p>His words were fraught with errors </p>
<p>Loosely scribbled pencil to the page </p>
<p>But his message muddled through enough to say... </p>
<p>r you ocay missus apaltree i hope so . iam fine allmost nine </p>
<p>luv > anonomuss hipopawnomuss </p>
<p>She did not know this wiry boy </p>
<p>Cutting her scraggly bermuda grass </p>
<p>Who planted daisies up the path </p>
<p>Winding to her rustic front porch </p>
<p>What a funny, odd-size wagon he pulls! </p>
<p>Loaded with assorted gardeners tools </p>
<p>Sporting a flaking yellow painted watering can </p>
<p>Most certainly well used </p>
<p>Nelson found some milk and cookies </p>
<p>With a handsome note attached </p>
<p>In perfect cursive penmanship it read… </p>
<p>Hello Mr. Hippopotamus, </p>
<p>May I thank-you for your lovely note? </p>
<p>I’m a retired school teacher who is sad to say I had forgotten how to dote. </p>
<p>So let this little snack of mine let you know you are welcomed back whenever you have time. </p>
<p>You brought some sunshine home to me that’s been missing far too long. </p>
<p>My yard is perking up again thanks for working here so hard. </p>
<p>You must have two of the greenest thumbs nature’s ever seen! </p>
<p>I’m happy to pay you something Anonymous for...the wonderful things you have done. </p>
<p>Most of all I’m happiest about this friendship that’s begun. </p>
<p>With Sincere Gratitude, Mrs. Lillian E. Appletree </p>
<p>PS: I am about to be 73 but until then, I’m still 72 and a half! </p>
<p>Hey, is your name really Anonymous or are you joshing me? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Friendships blossom like gardens do </p>
<p>Young boys and former teachers can start anew </p>
<p>All it takes is a thoughtful soul to get the whole thing growing. </p>
<p>Footnote: Lillian gave Nelson some grammar, spelling and writing tips. </p>
<p>He handily helped her the rest of her life because as they say… </p>
<p>kindness begets kindness in immeasurable ways!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66003132021-04-10T11:49:33-07:002021-04-10T11:49:33-07:00Dorothy's Not In Kansas Anymore - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">In her motorcar she waves goodbye </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Driving for the gold pacific shore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With little Figeroe right beside her </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who goes wherever his partner goes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s really such a doggone shame that nasty twister came </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To tear down every shred of homestead history </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The last one in her family line she rolls away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And leaves the seeds of hard times far behind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in the rubble she found a ruby slipper </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now she tosses it for Figeroe to fetch for exercise </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You guessed it...Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh- Eee- Oh all the way they go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">O’er the rugged Rocky Mountain range </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh- Eee- Oh all the way they go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If that’s not weird yet this story gets more strange </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Silver state sits straight ahead </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where highway 50’s the loneliest road </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Through the desert west to Tonapah </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before she’ll reach the motherlode </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh- Eee- Oh all the way they go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">O’er the mighty Sierra Nevada range </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh- Eee- Oh all the way they go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Figeroe, Figeroe, Figeroe please don’t catch the mange </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He scratches in the front seat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Flat deplores the ride in back a lot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They stop to swim in Tahoe Lake </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When they step out they start to shake </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you must rely on sound advice </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Listen to your hound and don’t think twice </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...here’s what Figeroe spoke to her that day... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>There may be munchkins in the cafe </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>But no tinmen stalk these woods </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Scarecrows watch some backyards </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>In random neighborhoods </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>As for witches they’ve just flown the coop </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Swept away by brooms they say </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>At least that’s the latest scoop in USA Today </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>There are no smoke or mirrors here </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>On this grade use a lower gear! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Said her handsome brilliant pooch named Mister Figeroe </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who coaches her on the things she ought to know </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Old midwest roots used to tie you down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until one rogue wind changed her score </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So...Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Findly on to San Francisco bay </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Discovering what’s new for she and Figeroe too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/66003082021-04-10T11:44:59-07:002021-04-10T11:44:59-07:00It's A Guessers Game - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">She’s bought daffodil’s to brighten-up her kitchen </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Look...you can see ‘em sittin’ on the window sill </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When sun rays come beamin’ in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The yellow takes on a rather nifty neon glow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But the show’s not long before the thrill is gone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fiddle on the back porch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whistle in the woods </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Take another breath of sea blown salty air right in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reacquaint your eyes with midnight starry skies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dance out in the wind and rain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When a storm starts pourin’ down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While your life is vibrantly around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a guessers game </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where we go from here </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Three cheers for the braveheart </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That rests and thrives in you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cause there’s a lot of livin’ left to do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cacti from the garden store she grabbed the other day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The handsomest assortment brings shapeliness galore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A planter bowl resides outside in close proximity </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ravaged by a coastal squirrel now it sits so sadly bare </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Perhaps there, her batch of succulents may be the perfect remedy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fiddle on the back porch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whistle in the woods </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Take another breath of sea blown salty air right in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reacquaint your eyes with midnight starry skies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dance out in the wind and rain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When a storm starts pourin’ down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While your life is vibrantly around </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a guessers game </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where we go from here </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Three cheers for the braveheart </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That rests and thrives in you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cause there’s a lot of livin’ left to do</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65685662021-03-08T20:11:37-07:002021-03-08T20:11:37-07:00Swanson - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">I ain’t heard from Swanson </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a long time... not a word, none </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They used to be my go to TV meal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Real aluminium trays were all the rave </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back in them good ‘ol days son </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When Swanson rode the wave as # one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yep, you could say prime time, wasn’t prime time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until you devoured every bite </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’d buy ‘em by the stack at the grocery store </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Chicken pot pies and Hungry Man </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It maybe sounds real silly now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> But then... that meal meant a whole lot more </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I ain’t heard from Swanson </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a long time... not a word, none </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They used to be my go to TV meal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Real aluminium trays were all the rave </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back in them good ‘ol days son </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When Swanson rode the wave as # one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Heck, I couldn’t wait to stay up late for those </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Black & white and super bright in living color shows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And some of ‘em were sponsored by Sawnson too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It was the darndest thing with the oven ring </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> It put us on the run, sayin’... I’ll’ be, dinners already done! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then - off for family room for food n fun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I ain’t heard from Swanson </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a long time... not a word, none </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They used to be my go to TV meal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Real aluminium trays were all the rave </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back in them good ‘ol days son </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When Swanson rode the wave as # one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They say in life you ought to learn </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To feel the burn and pay taxes as you earn </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And when it comes to trusting in someone </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Trust Swanson every time </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I ain’t heard from Swanson </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a long time... not a word, none </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They used to be my go to TV meal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Real aluminium trays were all the rave </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back in them good ‘ol days son </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When Swanson rode the wave as # one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I ain’t heard from Swanson </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a long time... not a word, none </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They used to be my go to TV meal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Real aluminium trays were all the rave </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back in them good ‘ol days son </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When Swanson rode the wave as # one</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65685652021-03-08T20:08:44-07:002021-03-08T20:08:44-07:00Sundays Eucalyptus Walk - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Over halfway through winter </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The smell of green eucalyptus </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Accents our February air </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We breathe in its freshness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not because of some weird want </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Instead... this natural aromatic pleasures us </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As olfactories go... it seasons our walk </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Beneath our feet strands of discarded bark crunch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unless disturbed by a passers random steps </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That grounded tree epidermis would lay silent </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What a thrill having this forest so close </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Watching how it sways from influential winds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The stroll out and back represents less than a mile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">However the appeal to saunter along entices </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Twenty five minutes have flown by </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As we step back inside our home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That scent of eucalyptus lingers on our shoes</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65420222021-02-07T11:26:34-07:002021-02-07T11:26:34-07:00Next - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>On papyrus </p>
<p>Words fall </p>
<p>Unrehearsed </p>
<p>Free association </p>
<p>Scribed in stack </p>
<p>Leaving tracks </p>
<p>Eyes may follow </p>
<p>Only interested </p>
<p>Need apply </p>
<p>Some might </p>
<p>Most will not </p>
<p>Bother their day </p>
<p>Thus unrewarded </p>
<p>Whilst others </p>
<p>Scan for traces </p>
<p>Nourishment justified </p>
<p>A resolution </p>
<p>Worth their time </p>
<p>Profundity </p>
<p>2021 has arrived </p>
<p>What shall we </p>
<p>Tackle and solve </p>
<p>Next?</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65420212021-02-07T11:25:12-07:002021-02-07T11:25:12-07:00Can Nostrils Be Envious? - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Can nostrils be envious? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Tis a sly question I ask. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Because she chose rye. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Toasted of course! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Slathered in melting butter. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh... the intoxication~ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Imagine my smell o’ meter peaking. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The needle sprung in a full tilt boogie, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pegged as they say… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Enticed into a slice of my own. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So lavishly prepared by she </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My partner of 43 years. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If only my tastebuds dated hers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They’d get high on Rye together </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In lovely yums. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Care to share those crumbs?</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65420202021-02-07T11:24:07-07:002021-02-07T11:24:07-07:00Rucksack - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Hey, Rucksack here’s </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My compass, biscuits </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Plus... an apple or two </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Water for our trail hike </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Needed because we do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Matches for sparkin’ a campfire </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Should we spend the night </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ya know… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Light creeps into darkness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As sunshine fades, then quits </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Leaving dotted points we ponder </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yonder stars across the sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Assuming clouds don’t interfere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In nature’s atmosphere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rucksack - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maybe we’re luckier than we know </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To hang out like companions </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who’ve seen our share of canyons </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After climbing higher and higher </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where peaks give just rewards </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Switchback after switchback </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Down this path we firmly go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Retracing sets of footsteps </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yet to be disturbed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Shall we take a breather </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Have a sip of H2O </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before we dash for home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rucksack… </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wasn’t that a journey! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I think we’re the perfect team </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A canine and his kiddo </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who realize what they dream</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65118452021-01-01T16:23:32-07:002021-01-01T16:23:32-07:00Wilbur Snoddgrass and Petey Boy Dejoy Abscond With Moon - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>That’s exactly what the front page read... </p>
<p>Wilbur Snoddgrass and Petey Boy Dejoy Abscond With Moon </p>
<p>October 31st, 1951 Mount Beesly, Vermont ~ </p>
<p>Home of the Mount Beesly Decrepit Press Newspaper </p>
<p>Happy Halloween you houligans! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Most of us who hail from northern Vermont </p>
<p>Know this trouble seeking duo </p>
<p>As a couple of juvenile aches in the county’s side </p>
<p>Not to forget all their out and about after school antics </p>
<p>Around our otherwise peaceful town </p>
<p>Sure some of the elders laugh at their </p>
<p>Right of passage tomfoolery vicariously revisiting </p>
<p>Their own unsettled youth lived many decades ago But… </p>
<p>The vast majority Beeslites remain discombobulated and downright annoyed </p>
<p>Wondering why don’t their parents reel these pranksters in </p>
<p>A few nights in the hoosegow should loosen the devil's grip </p>
<p>And steady sunday attendance... buckled into a pew wouldn’t hurt either </p>
<p>at a local house for wholesome heaven sake worship </p>
<p>To their high school chums they were known as Burr and P.boy </p>
<p>Farmboys who grew up together just beyond the town limits </p>
<p>Where rolling hills stretch out as green pastures that </p>
<p>Eventually linger with woods thicked of mature maple and conifer trees </p>
<p>Excellent cow country where kids learn the value of hands to work chores </p>
<p>That sort of dogged daily due diligence would ruffle any family kept kid to </p>
<p>Wonder what freedom might feel and taste like </p>
<p>School and learning from teachers and books was a given and they complied with that too but… </p>
<p>Both boys were wound up tighter than a wasps nest lacking in the subtleties of acceptable behavior </p>
<p>For an average vermontonian in a township like Mount Beesly </p>
<p>There were fist fights and adolescent scraps galore </p>
<p>These out of towners seldom abstained from call outs from beesly Brats to… </p>
<p>Put up your dukes you doofus bumpkins </p>
<p>Not dissimilar to enraged alley cats challenged by rabid yard dogs </p>
<p>These scuffles nearly were legendary amongst their peers </p>
<p>Carefully broken-up by teachers or janitorial staff always on the lookout for the latest hubbub </p>
<p>At the aftermath meeting of the minds </p>
<p>Principal Armstrong would demand - these needless ruckus’s will cease, gentlemen! </p>
<p>And then thought provoking threatening words were flung loudly into the air such as; </p>
<p> Detention, suspension, expulsion and juvenile hall </p>
<p>Or these wannabe pugilists could pick an appropriate bendable green switch and take </p>
<p>an agreeable batch of Lashes upon their respective posteriors </p>
<p> before the entire student body for their indiscretions and reckless misdeeds </p>
<p>Rather than suffer the civil humiliation of an old fashioned public spanking </p>
<p> Detention, suspension, expulsion and juvenile hall became their go to solutions </p>
<p>Fortunately for everyone’s benefit the extreme conclusion of sending them to juvie never happened </p>
<p>Nor did the other hauntingly horrific resolution of terminal expulsion </p>
<p>Come to rest within their student records ...after all boys will be boys! </p>
<p>So Halloween arrived as it always did but this night was regaled by </p>
<p>Not only a full moon but also a blue one </p>
<p>And to purify this day and night as if it were not enough… </p>
<p>The entire spooky ordeal fell on Saturday and although it was vermont cool and crispy cold </p>
<p>The sky was clear for all goblins and ghouls to be out for the trifecta of haunted happenings </p>
<p>Even in small town America Vermont this would be worth its salt and syrup </p>
<p>Considering how fraught with variables October could be - it just aligned like some cosmic cluster </p>
<p>Burr and P. boy hassled some younger kids in Beesly and were unceremoniously rewarded with a few </p>
<p>Choice pickin’s from their treat bags but those encounters came and went as a sting operation </p>
<p>Soon the dressed up youngsters would be headed back home to drool over the porch loot </p>
<p>For now our street bandit bad boys were headed out of town for a rocky peak locals knew as coogan’s </p>
<p>The Blue moon was easing down on the horizon while looming large as an orbiting beacon </p>
<p>Inside Burr’s dad’s ‘39 studebaker pick-up they laughed and sipped on bottles of beer </p>
<p>Within mere weeks each would turn eighteen uncertain about their future although </p>
<p>Contented in the moment of long lived friendship </p>
<p>Up at Coogan’s peak where the gravel road ends there’s an outcropping of rugged granite rock </p>
<p>Rimming the viewpoint like a natural stronghold sporting near 360 degree views of the countryside </p>
<p>Day or night it was a magical place for necking, stargazing when things were clear as this night happened to be and lucky for them for the moment it was theirs to behold </p>
<p>From this vantage place the moon seemed closer than ever </p>
<p>Almost as though two light headed lads could touch the lunar orb </p>
<p>Burr cut the engine and chuckled as it sputtered and desieilled to a gashpy stop </p>
<p>As their doors squeaked then thumped open they dismounted beer’s in hand </p>
<p>Astonished by the night sky </p>
<p>P. boy grabbed a fishing net he found in the back of the pick-up </p>
<p>Remarking how sout the seven foot handle was as he foolheartedly fished at the low hanging moon </p>
<p>And then it happened the net fell seamlessly around it </p>
<p>And p.boy tugged the lite ball closer but it was not easy so he said Burr how about some help here! </p>
<p>Burr responded in disbelief though curious enough to join in the tug o war </p>
<p>With the two tugging the moon came without much resistance </p>
<p>To the farmboys earnest efforts and they were baffled by the almost weightlessness of the symbolic </p>
<p>Heavenly body ornament… so they hauled it in and set it to rest in the back of the trucks bed </p>
<p>Holy moly Burr exclaimed what have we done, do you believe this? </p>
<p>P.boy was just as dumbfounded </p>
<p>The glow was mesmerizing so much so they reached for a rolled up canvas tarp to cover the moon </p>
<p>The first one was not enough to mask the brightness </p>
<p>So a second tarp was enlisted and although it was muting the light more </p>
<p>They keenly decided a third tarp would be necessary and upon securing number 3 </p>
<p>The night was certifiably pitch black and darkness reigned supreme </p>
<p>It was then the locals said that the boys made their second fatal mistake </p>
<p>Burr and P.boy decided to keep the moon under wraps of course </p>
<p>Youthful thinking can often be shortsighted and this plan was loosely bound </p>
<p>Back in the studee they drove home and pulled into the barn </p>
<p>Carefully unwrapped their successful catch after securing the barn doors </p>
<p>Then hoisted the bright moonbeam via the netted grasp and secured the pole </p>
<p>On some wall mounted fasteners used to hang farm implements </p>
<p>While jockeying the spaceball into place the entire barn beamed brighter than daylight </p>
<p>That illumination shot out the old barns cracks and although without the aid of sound </p>
<p>Those brilliant points of random light splash caused Burr’s parents to notice the profound oddity </p>
<p>As quick as the boys could... realizing what this unveiling did worked feverishly retarding the light </p>
<p>Once the tarps were resecurred the darkness of night held court again </p>
<p>For a moment or two they felt victorious until the backdoor slammed shut and mister snoddgrass’s </p>
<p>Quickened footsteps could be heard marching toward the barn </p>
<p>The boys hid while ditching the beer bottles under a crate but the commotion was too much </p>
<p>Farmer Snoddgrass was on them almost instantly after throwing the barn door wide open </p>
<p>With flashlight in hand he found their not so well thought out hiding spots and said… </p>
<p>Boys what the hell is going on in here? </p>
<p>Tell me what that bright flashing was now, before I tear you both limb from limb! </p>
<p>It’s a sobering effect when your innocent, childish actions swoosh you back to reality </p>
<p>And the authority of parenthood causes kids to shake in their boots </p>
<p>Burr had learned long ago to never cross his father </p>
<p>So right there with their faces lit-up like jackolanterns the boys fessed up… </p>
<p>their otherworldly tale sounded unhinged at best </p>
<p>causing old man snoddgrass to doubt what he was being told </p>
<p>However the boys untarped the captive moon </p>
<p>Allowing the night’s darkness to vacate the keepings of the barn </p>
<p>Fairly bowling over the farmers ability to reason anything swirled </p>
<p>Finally he gathered his wits and said boys we have to fix this mishap tonight </p>
<p>In other words right now! </p>
<p>P.boy go call your dad and get him over here as soon as you can </p>
<p>Burr and I will load the moon back into the pick-up and cover it up </p>
<p>By now Mrs. snoddgrass was up along with Burr’s brother and sister all wondering </p>
<p>What’s up out in the barn? </p>
<p>Farmer Dejoy was sound asleep when the phone rang and he was not happy when P.boy spoke </p>
<p>Within the course of twenty minutes both dad’s were steeped in talk </p>
<p>Trying to figure out how to place moon back into orbit </p>
<p>Growing up on the farm you learn how to repair and fix about everything in your stronghold </p>
<p>It was an idea they agreed might work so behind the trusty studebaker the men hitched-up an </p>
<p>Oversized homemade catapult they used typically after Halloween to hurl old pumpkins </p>
<p>Hundreds of feet out into the pasture mostly for fall sport and laughs </p>
<p>Naturally this middle of the night occurrence became an adventure unlike non other </p>
<p>A few neighbors caught wind of the dark night caravan and followed along to </p>
<p>see what they could see… would the task be bold enough to right the night? </p>
<p> Both farmer’s realized they may only have a single shot to put the moon back on track </p>
<p>They consulted the farmers almanac and made reference to a handy window box barometer </p>
<p>And even took a chance at asking a couple amature astronomers to join them at coogan’s peak </p>
<p>By the time everyone arrived, the sheriff and his graveyard staff had pulled in along with a reporter from the Decrepit Press from Mout Beesly </p>
<p>The catapult was lined up with the orbit path and secured and now the removal of the canvas covers came off one by one the moons brightening re-zoomed for all to witness </p>
<p>The talk was two tiered innocent onlookers staring in awe and the words of confidence </p>
<p>Amongst the farmers, backyard scientists and the sheriff’s team plus Burr and P.boy </p>
<p>Both worried with teenage angst blushing their faces </p>
<p>Some bystanders told others not to look directly at the moon since it was so blindingly close </p>
<p>Mothers with younger ones held them close trying to hide their faces away </p>
<p>The men made quick work of placing the moon into the fold of the catapults heaving saddleworks </p>
<p>A last minute spert of calculations and the Moon was drawn back carefully as </p>
<p>Masterfully as any pumpkin might be prior to launch </p>
<p>And the countdown began from 10 down to 1- then liftoff </p>
<p>Everyone joined in on the countdown children too </p>
<p>When the high tiled release came the moon sailed like a bullet into the black sky </p>
<p>Lighting its path almost comet like </p>
<p>Everyone held their breath hoping for the best and the best happened in one perfect toss </p>
<p>To cheers of joy and honking horns our fabled moon went back to work </p>
<p>The next day the town awoke to the weird headline and the remarkable story </p>
<p>Most of Mount Beesly’s citizenry thought the story was Halloween fiction </p>
<p>But for the few who knew this tale of tales would rattle around northern Vermont </p>
<p>For decades and decades to come </p>
<p>Both Burr and P.boy now referred to as petey would eventually settle down, </p>
<p>Get married, raise kids of their own and continue their family legacy as productive Farmers </p>
<p>Maybe old George bailey really did lasso that moon after all! </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65118422021-01-01T16:20:20-07:002021-01-01T16:20:20-07:00What's All the Commotion About? - By Dan'l MclLenny<p style="text-align: center;">With pumping wings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s follow the leader </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One, two, then three redtails ascend </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Into the invisibility of a thermal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We suppose they are family </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Taking to the sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Right next to our residence </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A townhouse above Monterey Bay </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The cliff that falls immediately </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">150 feet down to sandy beach below </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stands like a promontory should </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Allowing onshore seabreezes to waft-up </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Creating any number of anomalies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In this case for us, the lucky dogs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who get to witness beginnings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The upward current of warming air </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hawks like these... love to master </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As nature gifts a spiraling ride </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Soaring toward loftier places </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65118412021-01-01T16:18:11-07:002021-01-01T16:18:11-07:00Soaring Toward Loftier Places - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">With pumping wings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s follow the leader </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One, two, then three redtails ascend </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Into the invisibility of a thermal </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We suppose they are family </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Taking to the sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Right next to our residence </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A townhouse above Monterey Bay </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The cliff that falls immediately </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">150 feet down to sandy beach below </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stands like a promontory should </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Allowing onshore seabreezes to waft-up </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Creating any number of anomalies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In this case for us, the lucky dogs </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who get to witness beginnings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The upward current of warming air </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hawks like these... love to master </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As nature gifts a spiraling ride </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Soaring toward loftier places </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65118392021-01-01T16:15:57-07:002021-01-01T16:15:57-07:00If I Had Something To Say - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Guess she forgot again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">About the stars tonight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Just like she’s done for so long </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Right or wrong, in fleeting light </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The sun always bows, before it goes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As darkness comes she hides inside </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A desert girl readies </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To curl-up cozy in her desert bed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where pages unfurl from a book she reads </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The imagery lives in her head </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then she says... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I ought to write my own novel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If I had something to say... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maybe a lover in Tucson </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who hails from Santa Fe </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blind is this man </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who sees what he hears </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And tastes what he touches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Alive in the clutches of feelings </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Revealing the subtlest truths </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I never was the beautiful one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That drew the fairest straw </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or turned a single glance this way </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blind is this man </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who adores my song voice </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And knows my heartbeat better than me </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In ecstasy, in poetry and fathomless prose </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To him I’m his wild sunkissed Rose </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blind is this man </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who desires my kindly, womanly soul </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For everything I appear to be for him </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh... the reverie of togetherness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Discovering as we go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’ll sow whatever garden we choose to grow </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blind is this man </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who weeps with me and smiles from deep within </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sharing each new found horizon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If I had something to say </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65118332021-01-01T16:00:10-07:002021-01-01T16:00:10-07:00Go Santa, Go Santa, Go - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Go Santa, Go Santa, Go Santa... GO! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Go Santa, Go Santa... GO! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Santa’s got a rowboat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With an outboard motor </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That never seems to fail </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or ever runs out of gas </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a miracle of science </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The storied tall tale </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Much too hard to explain </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s Classified TOP SECRET </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now ain’t that a shame - Oh no... Ho ho! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A thermos of hot choco </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ready to guzzle down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The puzzle master knows and goes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Seashore addresses one than another </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Makin’ waves wherever water flows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Amazing confusion for those who hold doubt </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">About his Christmas Cheer every year </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Even if the weather’s unclear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> He’s busy all night only to disappear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Go Santa, Go Santa, Go Santa... GO! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Go Santa, Go Santa... GO! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Go Santa, Go Santa, Go Santa... GO! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Go Santa, Go Santa... GO!</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65118242021-01-01T15:58:29-07:002021-01-01T15:58:29-07:00Solong Perky Solong - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>The day you arrived </p>
<p>You’d risen handily </p>
<p>What a lofty chap </p>
<p>Towering above us </p>
<p>Polite, quiet, yet colorful </p>
<p>A good listener certainly </p>
<p>An awful conversationalist </p>
<p>Ever present though </p>
<p>Unassuming of course </p>
<p>Adding ambiance </p>
<p>Able to react but mostly still </p>
<p>Forever the messenger </p>
<p>Sporting a floral garland </p>
<p>Here just to hangout </p>
<p>Never asking for a crumb </p>
<p>Or even a sip of anything </p>
<p>More of a bobber than dancer </p>
<p>An honored guest </p>
<p>Who stayed and stayed </p>
<p>Well over 3 months </p>
<p>Finally tuckering out </p>
<p>Helium and Mylar do that </p>
<p>A floating two worder </p>
<p>Mixed font saying… </p>
<p>Happy Birthday ~ </p>
<p>Thanks ‘Ol Nobel Global One! </p>
<p>Solong Perky Solong! </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/65118232021-01-01T15:57:31-07:002021-01-01T15:57:31-07:00Aftermath Messages - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Under a contrailian sky </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Passenger jets exhausting </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sketch their impressions </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Broad stroke white puffers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">These visible remains </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Linger becoming clouds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Eventually pushing on </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Under other commands </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Naturally occurring </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">High altitude winds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Seem to silently say... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“You must go now” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Clearing the slate </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pale blue again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Clean for future </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Aftermath Messages</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64948002020-12-08T18:52:04-07:002020-12-08T18:52:04-07:00Well Hello Number 6 - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">It happened yesterday afternoon </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Outback, ever so slightly beyond the redwood deck </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where coyote brush grows in low profile misshapen clumps </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As an after 4pm October sun shone bright </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I detected a butterfly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It curiously fluttered down to rest </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Exercising its wings then basking like a solar panel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not moving a bit myself </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I used my eyeglassed eyes to focus </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Noticing this creature was quite unique </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Enough to observe the number 6 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a sort of Papyrus font </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Naturally imprinted upon its heavenly wing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As with any flying insect sporting such exotic design </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I was disheartened to discover the other wing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Which should be so equally beautiful was damaged </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Some of the corresponding 6 was torn away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mystifyingly though this wee ornamental being </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Was still able to fly quite well </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">From bush to bush with earnest delight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> tasting something at every pause </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or maybe... depositing eggs to christen a new generation </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After I watched for twenty plus minutes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Number 6 ventured north out of sight</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64947992020-12-08T18:51:19-07:002020-12-08T18:51:19-07:00Stubborn Little Nickel - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Remember that stubborn little nickel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That rolled under the bed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It may as well be lost </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or stuck inside the mattress </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Long gone from memory </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How would you have used it </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you knew just where it was </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To buy some penny stocks </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or pay tax on argyle socks </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">C’mon it’s just five cents </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Missing from a child’s hand </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who tossed it in a pool </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then dove down to retrieve </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That very gift you gave one day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It surfaced with a smile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Worth a million more </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Instead the stubborn little nickel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rests beside a dust bunny </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Known as Filthy Fred</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64947982020-12-08T18:50:36-07:002020-12-08T18:50:36-07:00Mine Eyes - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>How shimmering the sea </p>
<p>Sparkling like a cocktail dress </p>
<p>Jeweled in uncountable sequins </p>
<p>Equally as mystifying are </p>
<p>Smoothed distant views </p>
<p>Of samesake ocean </p>
<p>Appearing eerily-ghostly white </p>
<p>Mirrored from low flung clouds </p>
<p>Where boats navigate north </p>
<p>Through whitewashed saltwater </p>
<p>Seem too surreal to watch </p>
<p>Is this a mirage or mistaken identity? </p>
<p>Playing... laughable, curious tricks </p>
<p>Before mine eyes</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64947972020-12-08T18:47:56-07:002020-12-08T18:47:56-07:00Dreamer Douglas Rolls On - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Just outside Hiccup Springs, Manitoba, CANADA </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Douglas Dayton dreams of the olde leaded gas dinosaurs of yesteryear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Studebakers, Desoto’s, Hudsons and Packards mostly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They had their run but now so few of us offer up their makes or models in conversation </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All these remarkable autos saw their share of assembly line magic </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Each becoming their own refined powerhouse, roadworthy - machine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Back in those Canadian days when gasoline was sold for pennies a gallon instead of dollars </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Teenagers like Douglas remember well when two bits could get a fellers jalopy up and Runnin’ at the fillin’ station well enough to putter on back home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Seatbelts were not even a safety consideration then </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Radios were an upgrade not standard issue yet </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And whitewalls were the way to go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And most provinces required operators to make hand signals out the drivers window </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Douglas who turns a lively 85 next week has a treasure chest of sorts </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out back in his relic of a barn you’d be amazed at what you’d find </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One of each of the aforementioned cars lovingly restored and sporting original paint </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blanketed under canvas tarps he purchased from the army surplus store way back when </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Amazingly - all four are patiently maintained and religiously driven </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Douglas who still takes out his old chariots at least once a week </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Funny to see this life well lived - where an interest, became his dream so vibrantly enjoyed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As time marches on... these wheels keep turning </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While the seasons certainly come then faithfully go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And... Dreamer Douglas Rolls On</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64947962020-12-08T18:47:14-07:002020-12-08T18:47:14-07:00Hyrum wins - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p>It’s been decades and decades since Tom and Huck </p>
<p>Roamed these quiet streets of Hannibal </p>
<p>WW1, the Great depression and WW2 </p>
<p>Each came through and left their indelible marks </p>
<p>Eventually though after each unbelievable, unfortunate experience </p>
<p> our river town found some time to heal </p>
<p>Hyrum gibowski is on the verge of becoming ten </p>
<p>He was cross eyed at birth but sees okay now </p>
<p>With the assistance of glasses </p>
<p>The kids of course tease him </p>
<p>You guessed it…’Four Eyes’ </p>
<p>Hyrum does about average in school </p>
<p>His citizenship and willingness </p>
<p>To get along with others garners </p>
<p>Outstanding status on his report cards </p>
<p>And recess... is the very best hunk of school day </p>
<p>Especially being outside, Sez Hy… is his favorite! </p>
<p>It’s hard to recall when he first </p>
<p>Began collecting marbles </p>
<p>He found them intoxicating </p>
<p>If you could call it that </p>
<p>Over time his collection grew </p>
<p>Puries, aggies, Peewee’s, cats eyes, Steelie’s </p>
<p>And big old JawBreakers </p>
<p>He had ‘em all </p>
<p>Kept together in a Paul Parrot show box </p>
<p>With matching lid too - one with Parrot Logo on it </p>
<p>And this hand printed warning… </p>
<p>Hy’s prized shooters and glassy rollers - KEEP OUT!!! </p>
<p>When he wasn't doin’ his chores or </p>
<p>Finishing his homework, his freetime was spent playing </p>
<p>Marbles, Marbles, marbles… in the kitchen, </p>
<p>In the bathtub, on the carpet, rough surfaces, smooth places </p>
<p>On tables, in bed, and absolutely outdoors </p>
<p>He was a natural sharp shooter who studied the angles and memorized </p>
<p>Each piece light vs heavy and the best time to use them </p>
<p> he probably mastered the artform in his sleep </p>
<p> .It was nearing the end of may and the days were stunningly sunny at that </p>
<p>With little to no rain for a string of days </p>
<p>Hy’s teacher, Mrs Applebaum organized a contest </p>
<p>She called it... ”Marble Mania ~ The Great Rolling shootout” </p>
<p>Each player would ante in four marbles to the circle center </p>
<p>Shooters could neal or lay belly down while taking their shots </p>
<p>However they all must be at least 2 inches back from the circle’s chalkline </p>
<p>The competition was fierce for the time being </p>
<p>If you didn’t know any better you’d swear this was Marbletown USA </p>
<p>Marbles went careening everywhere for almost an hour </p>
<p>And the unfortunate ones who shot and missed were out </p>
<p>The final battle fell to Hy and Happy Boy Simpson </p>
<p>Both boys had shown remarkable skill </p>
<p>Happy Boy lined-up for what could be the final shot </p>
<p>Assuming lady luck was with him </p>
<p>When his marble flicked from his thumb lock hold </p>
<p>It went airborne and bounced out of bounds </p>
<p>Happy Boy cursed at himself at missing - x#*! Barely audible though </p>
<p>Two marbles rested side by side, one colorful Aggie, the other a pale blue cats eye </p>
<p>Hy laid down for this shot, his shooter a tad heavier than the remaining pieces </p>
<p>Steadily he lined-up and shot a zinging blow dead center on target </p>
<p>The marbles exited the circle at high speed in almost opposite directions </p>
<p>And Hy’s shooter held fast at point of impact </p>
<p>To which Mrs Applebaum exclaimed… It’s Official Hyrum Gibowski Wins! </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64947952020-12-08T18:46:35-07:002020-12-08T18:46:35-07:00The Gales of Gustavson - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Monterey Bay basks Sun enriched </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Watery surface wrinkling’, moving, reacting </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Invisibly influenced passing forces induce dance </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Single modifyers called into action </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Attempt to tell all… but do they? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Blustery </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Windswept </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Prevailing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Tempestuous </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Howling </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Turbulent </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Menacing </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Such descriptives might heighten expression </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For shut-ins or castaways elsewhere </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not for us... in its midst </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An unseen clipper is rushing the dickens now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Across this fabled body of ocean </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Causing the Gales of Gustavson to go bold n brash</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64505512020-10-06T17:48:04-07:002020-10-06T17:48:04-07:00Pancake Conversations - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Pancake Conversations </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By: Dan’l McILhenny </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As a Birthday wish she agreed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To heat the griddle, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To bother with the batch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And to become my personal chef </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All for the sake of pancake conversations </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before we get talking here’s my gift </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ve never made them </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ve made a goodly share of meals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ve never shied away from gally duties ever </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This I confess before our pancake conversations </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">However . . . I’m not here to expound </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We gather to discuss flapjacks, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Griddle-cakes, prairie plops </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And an assorted array of so—appetizing, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Broadly identifiable names meaning the same morsel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It usually here we stumble in our talk </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Other tidbits bubble up golden </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Other subjects crepe in, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Other galette gobs gadzukes! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Trying to bombard these pancake conversations </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fortunately, the group steers handily back </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And our main course arrives </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Landing center plate quite undressed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Grand as any food stuff should craving decoration </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The personal touches anointed, pancake conversations begin</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64505502020-10-06T17:47:09-07:002020-12-08T18:45:22-07:00Banners Above the Bluff - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Banners Above the Bluff </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By: Dan’l McILhenny </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pampas grass flags </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stand erect </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ruffled by the breeze </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Appearing as guardian figures </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Clumped together waiting </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ready - to take their </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Battle stations </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Banners above the bluff </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">From this vantage point </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not a word is sounded </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Although closer proximity </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">May reveal frawn voices </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Singing wind messages </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Such language unfamiliar </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To mere human ears </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Banners above the bluff </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Down along the beach </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An excited dog barks </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out on a bayside run </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At play with owner near </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By active sand and surf </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Commingling au naturel </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unlulled ebb and flow beneath </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Banners above the bluff</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64505492020-10-06T17:46:07-07:002020-10-06T17:46:07-07:00Argue - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">The Giant E. Verses the Little Bitty B. Debacle </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or…Two Arguing Argue-nots </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By: Dan’l McILhenny </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“We shouldn’t argue!” said the red billed bird </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...We’re different as any true friends ought to be </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You’re an elephant with your own point of view, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A marvel of nature made perfectly </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And I can see you're troubled too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Perhaps if I fly away ~ we can work this out another day” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“No...please stay!” the elephant sighed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...Don’t you see the tears welling in my eyes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s not that I’m so sensitive beneath my thickened skin, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But, how can an elephant ever win?” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Debate, debate, debate, debate - that’s all we seem to do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Since we joined the Argue-nots </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The jokes on me and you” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“So let us agree” the red billed bird replied </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’ll toss our unhappiness into the fray </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We’ll quit the darned Argue-nots - who needs ‘em anyway?” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Yeah, let them stack their pro’s and con’s on someone else's turf </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let’s head for the ocean - I’d really love to surf” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/398237/33af370d29134b6a7509a59e3e89f6798510aeae/original/picture1.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" />The red-billed Oxpecker</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64505482020-10-06T17:43:45-07:002020-10-06T17:43:45-07:00Allofasudden - By Dan'l MclLhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Allofasudden </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(The Cat Was On The Ball) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By Dan’l McILhenny </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An untied shoelace </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My eyes got a tip </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While doin’ window shoppin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Along the Sunset Strip </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh what a hazardous trip </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Might befall her - if she only knew </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is why I called you - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What should a bystander do? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our feet can’t speak </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But what if they could </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">How would they remedy this? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With some toe tappin’ code - like </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Morse or Rogers or the Nicholas Brothers did </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dancin’ down the rescue road </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I ought to decide…to run away or - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">delight at the sound of my own two feet in the street </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then allofasudden, allofasudden, </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The emergency‘s quelled </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now there’s no need for worry and fear </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My mystery is solved like that! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When a cat appears near her shoes </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And she notices what’s loose </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A feline saves her caboose! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Well, thanks for takin’ </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My pondering call </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I really thought the worst of it all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It felt like the writing was there on the wall </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then allofasudden, allofasudden </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That cat was on the ball! </p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64346032020-09-15T18:18:21-07:002020-09-15T18:18:21-07:00May We have Your Promise Roy - By Dan'l Mcllhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Don’t toss a pebble in the pond boy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Show a little restraint, behave...okay! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s assumed you could </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But why would you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On this special day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Kindly direct </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Your interest some other constructive way </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Quick - without delay </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Life’s a tug o’ war...of this and that </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Good vs evil my Dear Son </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To breach the lid </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On the Granddad’s honey vat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Play catch with your dog </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or tease Mom’s innocent cat </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Remember angels don’t tussle with fire </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For most they tend to inspire </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A bit of argy-bargy goes...a long way lad </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until the saint returns to you </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The very one who seeks a classic read </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And does his chores without a fuss </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Exceeds expected deeds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Instead of Abel raisin’ cane </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">While actin’ half insane </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Have ya lost your brain? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There will be no punishment today...this is our decree </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you’ll agree to take a break </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And set your demons free </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let ‘em go on holiday </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Put those thugs to rest </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Have some turkey dinner now </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bring us pride and joy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">May we have your promise Roy?</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64346022020-09-15T18:17:37-07:002020-09-15T18:17:37-07:00A Green Thumb Up For Sure - By Dan'l Mcllhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Ronny was a different kid </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A self imposed loner some say </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">No profile really </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Though tall, frightfully lean - but agile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ronny kept his smile </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Forever away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Locked tight - outta sight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He'd never crack a grin at all </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An outdoors boy was he </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Who wilfully ogled nature’s gifts </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sure as the sun rose </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Trees n bees, ants n flowers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’s where fascination </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Began and retired </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">His buds of bliss lingered there </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Tis no wonder his first garden </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Gave rise to every seed he sowed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fertile soil behind a woodshed </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fresh turned earth's musty fragrant scent </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Generous water splashes plus blanket fine sunshine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yields produce by the basket </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz Ronny grew a business </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And a green thumbs-up for sure</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64345852020-09-15T18:15:21-07:002020-09-15T18:16:35-07:00The Skidmore Up and Down - By Dan'l Mcllhenny<p style="text-align: center;">You can Skidmore East or Skidmore West </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In either direction you decide what’s best </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s all part of the Alameda heart of town </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’s called... the Skidmore Up and Down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Breezin’ through the avenue’s </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Checkin’ out home after home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Most of em’ been </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Around these blocks </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Long before this boy was born </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is that my Taxi blowin’ his horn? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Keep your shirt on Pappy </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ll be there lickiddee-split </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I got a date and can’t be late </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here’s my guitar daddy let’s git! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can Skidmore East or Skidmore West </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In either direction you decide what’s best </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s all part of the Alameda heart of town </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’s called... the Skidmore Up and Down </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There’s this new gate off of 22nd </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Built by a friend of mine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dang, groovy, beautiful man! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Can’t tell if it’s redwood, cedar or pine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But look at Howard’s craftsmanship </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘tis really finer than fine </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Into the courtyard </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Latchin’ the latch </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I‘m feelin’ the music bloom </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You see Rich and Jim </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Have this incredible place </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Where happiness perfumes the room </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Tell me how’d we get so lucky - to find such an awesome space </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let’s give ‘em somethin’ to sing about... before it’s time to go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can Skidmore East or Skidmore West </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In either direction you decide what’s best </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s all part of the Alameda heart of town </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That’s called... the Skidmore Up and Down</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64073182020-08-11T11:52:12-07:002020-09-15T18:16:27-07:00Stitching Souls With Humble Earth - By Dan'l McIlhenny <p style="text-align: center;">Hasten up twilight </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Invite speechless nightfall in </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wind wrap cool around us </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let sunset please begin </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sun the brightest, mighty one </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Must bid at last adieu </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Slow the glows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Those pastel shows </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Tis dusk we seek again </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Above wooded mountain valley </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">O’er crashing wave-strewn seas </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Across growing fields of sustenance </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Every living garden birth </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Stitching souls with humble Earth</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64073172020-08-11T11:51:26-07:002020-08-11T11:51:26-07:00A Remedy - By Dan'l Mcllhenny<p style="text-align: center;">Shoes of another </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bought by my Mother </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Found at a secondhand store </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A Pearl of a girl is she - </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bein’ poor’s an illusion </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you’ll choose it to be </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Cuz there’s some cushion </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Between earth and me </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Liftin’ the soreness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s startin’ to flee </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Her gift gives </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A remedy</p>spearpointpub.comtag:spearpointpub.com,2005:Post/64073162020-08-11T11:49:17-07:002020-08-11T11:49:17-07:00Me and Alaska Joe - By Dan’l McIlhenny<p style="text-align: center;">I got a friend named Alaska Joe </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We go fishin’ every day or so </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A couple of kids you probably don’t know </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Me and Alaska Joe </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bait in the bucket, tackle and pole </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Come hell or high water we go </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We roll on our stingrays we do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Down to our fishin’ hole </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s a contest of who's the fastest—who plunks their line in first </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The ride always makes us thirsty—for Pepsi and liverwurst </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But fritos are really neato and so are burritos too </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Followed by a round of snickers </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then it’s time for settlin’ back to do what fisher dudes do </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Watchin’ the river run away—under the Arctic Sun </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Losin’ track of everything . . . gettin’ the fishin’ done </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A whistle, a gunshot, a wild reminder </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Brings things back into view </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mister wind’s kickin’ up good </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The clouds are startin’ to spew </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When the referee sky says . . . surrender boys </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Whether we like it or not </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s back on our bikes we go peddlin’ home </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With whatever we’ve caught at our spot </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I got a friend named Alaska Joe </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We go fishin’ every day or so </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A couple of kids you probably don’t know </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> That’s . . . Me and Alaska Joe</p>spearpointpub.com