Kay Combs

See Her Critical Review of Paul Laurence Dunbar

Deutsche Man

From Rotterdam and Amsterdam came a very different man
He did not bring little Holland hats, nor wooden shoes
But he would bring the knowledge
of windmills here to America to use.
And though he spoke not a word of it…
he was called Pennsylvania Dutch just for the heck of it.

Rolling hills and fertile plains
Reminded him of long lost German home terrains
Seeking land and religious freedom, the right to be different
That’s what he thought they needed. No fancy church, no worldly possessions
The simple things would take him to heaven.

Glassworkers, carpenters, saw millwrights, and farmers, too
Would bring great progress to all they do.
Still here today some have changed their ways, become more liberal Lutherans they say.
Mennonites and Amish tradition is too rigid for my position.
Pie and scrapple for breakfast is a tired and forgotten tradition.
But, at least here, it’s my decision.

Strife of the Working Man

Strife comes in all shapes and all sizes
It comes to all colors and all walks of life
Strife comes for a reason
It makes us stronger

Strife would not matter if everything cost the same
If all people need exactly the same thing
If all people desired the same thing
Strife comes for a reason
It makes us stronger

If all people were minorities people would not have to overcome racial issues
If all people were rich we would not need to work harder to get ahead
If all people were perfect height, size, and weight we would not have great athletics
If all people had the same beliefs we would not need Jesus, Martin Luther King or
Bin Laden
Strife comes for a reason
It makes us stronger

Without strife could the working man have cured polio, successfully transplanted a heart,
or struggle with research to cure aids
Without strife could the working man have lighted the skies at night with electricity and
planes or jammed the travelways with automobiles and trains
Without strife could the working man have put a man on the moon or weathered skyscrapers falling and loved ones dying on 911
Strife comes for a reason
It makes us stronger

The working man needs strife to grow, to learn, to prosper
The working man needs strife to measure success, secure his pride, encourage others to Challenge his accomplishments in the future
The working man is a lucky man for he has strife and strife will never desert him
Yes, Strife comes for a reason
It makes us stronger

My Special Place

I say good night my love and close my eyes,
I curl up and snuggle deeply into the covers.
Tossing and turning I reach for you
remembering you are resting in another place.

Today I wake and look up into the dark gray sky
Knowing you are where its hue is golden and glowing
I longingly dream about you, knowing I will someday
Be back in the warmth of your arms, my special place.

True Blue

I do not know which pony to ride.
I’ve thought and thought, but I cannot decide.

True is slow and steady for sure, slightly older and more secure.
He’s not too pretty, but no disgrace . . . a fine stallion from a noble place.

Sometimes he’s head strong and goes his own way
But usually he follows my lead if you get what I say.

I think he sounds like a good choice. What more do I need?
But I find my other pony irresistible, he’s such a fine stead.

He’s a strong and assertive colt which often overpowers me.
Unpredictable and daring, lacking caution you see.

He has a strutting gait and shiny brown hair
Flashy and frisky and ready to rare.

I need a horse that is tried . . . like True
Yet I like the excitement I find in Blue.

I’ve thought and thought, but I cannot decide
I do not know which pony to ride.

I should use good sense and stay with True
But I suspect I’ll falter and go with Blue.

Age or Wisdom?

For nearly half a century I watched life go by
     My head was buried in the sand most of the time.
Oblivious to how fast time was going by.
     Then that thing we all dread happened to someone young, close by.

Ah, momma
Don’t cry!

Now I say to you, life is an adventure, not a book!
     It’s a sport to partake in, it’s for more than just to look!
Life’s a given, that’s what Todd thought.
     Never expected it to be short, but that’s what he got.

Oh, Momma what do you mean?

I’m telling you to venture out, don’t be content to stay the same.
     Stop being remorseful and overly vain.
Listen, listen to me, don’t go and pout, stop staring at me, I’m not insane.
     Hurry, I said, or you’ll miss the plane!

NO, I am afraid to go too far
You always said be careful, don’t want to scar.

No, go, you must not be afraid.
     Forget about the house or where things are mislaid.
Don’t be afraid…go on…step out…be brave…
     Promise to spend your life… riding the wave.

Ok, sooo you say…don’t think twice?
Then I’m out of here…Thanks… for the advice!

Heart of our Home

I remember laughter and happy gatherings
So many happy times

Sometimes alone
Sometimes with crowds

I have seen elegance
I was dressed in lace

And common folks, side by side
I was naked

I have seen lean times
I have seen waste

I have seen sorrow
I have seen haste

I am old now, known as antique, aged by the sun
Not ready to go, my days are not done.

Just a reminder while I’m gone

Shower
Breakfast
Grab the news

Wake up kids
Make lunches
Tie Peggy’s shoes

Feed the cat
Let out the dog
Plan dinner

Head to work
On the way home
      Stop at the store

Pick up kids
Susie to ballet
Tommy to soccer

Supper
Dishes
Baths for all

Hope you’re having fun
Isn’t this a ball
And… most important of all

Don’t
Hit
the snooze!