THE FOUR BY ONE RELAY

I bet you don't remember.
Their names are lost in yore.
Most don't know they lived at all,
The girls that I adore.

Forgotten, I endeavor,
To put their names in rhyme.
So they shall be remembered
Forever, from this time.

It's not so hard recalling
The tears I shed that day,
As they swam against a tide
The Germans sent their way.

It wasn't fair to ask them
To do what they'd not done.
Swim their fastest times of all,
The same for every one.

So it was for each in turn
Against the steroid tide.
Each girl forced to walk the plank,
They had no place to hide.

Kim went first, then Wendy swam,
And each girl did her best.
Both girls swam their fastest time.
But still, they couldn't rest.

In went Jill, then Shirley too,
And both swam faster still.
All the girls gave all they had,
As champions always will.

So when the race was over,
The steroid time was there.
They broke their own world record
But really didn't care.

On the board for all to see,
A time I won't forget.
The U. S. girls amazed them,
A new world record set.

All cheered for Kim and Wendy,
Both Jill and Shirley too.
Those who swam their fastest times.
Their names, I list for you.

I don't think you'll forget them.
You can't just write them off.
It's Peyton, Boglioli,
And Sterkel, Babashoff.

When they stood on the platform,
I wonder how they felt?
The Gods of Mount Olympus,
Most surely must have knelt.

It's sad most have forgotten,
Much to our nation's shame;
The deed that they accomplished,
Much less each Damsel's name.

But now you know their story,
Though written long ago.
The Montreal Olympics,
The German's tainted show.

It makes it much more cherished,
The gold they won that day.
I wonder where they are now,
The four by one relay?


Greenwolfe 1962

THE GARBAGE MAN

Near the window Mary sits
And watches as he nears.
The man she's always waited for
Lo all these many years.

As he stops his truck again
And climbs down from his seat;
Once again, this man she loves,
She surely has to greet.

So she grabs her bag again,
The one she keeps inside.
Hurries out to meet her man
Just like a brand new bride.

I keep my window open
To hear what may be said.
What makes this bride endeavor
To leave her marriage bed?

She asks how he is 'doing? '
He says, he's 'doing fine.'
She tells him she is 'sorry.'
It's much the same ole line.

He says, 'it's good' to see her.
She says she looks 'a fright.'
He says she's 'always lovely
In any morning light.'

I look and see her smiling
Just like she used to do.
I wonder how much longer
A love can stay brand new?

He says he'll see her 'next time.'
She says she'll see him 'then.'
And touches him so gently
As he climbs up and in.

He has no time to linger
It's like this every time.
No meeting of two lovers
Was ever so sublime.

Then I saw it once again,
The look I'd seen before.
The one I wish she gave me
When I walked out the door.

I climb between the covers
And wait for her return.
Pretending is a habit
I've long since had to learn.

Then soon enough she enters,
So quiet and discreet.
And then I feel a tugging,
Her pull upon the sheet.

The bed so gently moving,
Asleep I'd take no note.
She's always been this careful
And does it now by rote.

It's then, when she is settled,
When lying by my side;
She always finds forgiveness
From me down deep inside.

She always moves right over,
Her body close to mine.
And then I hear her sighing,
A sound that's so divine.

Her arms then curl around me,
Her breath upon my neck,
Her hand upon my shoulder,
Her kiss, a gentle peck.

I wonder how much longer?
I guess no one can say.
Perhaps, through my endeavor
There'll be no final day.

If that's so, until the end
I'll do the best I can.
Thankful to be as I am;
Her true love's, garbage man.


Greenwolfe 1962

LORELEI

Let me speak of Lorelei,
Soft green fields, and clear blue sky.

Let me tell my tale of woe
And of love made long ago.

And of that which came to be,
Blessed dreams of her and me.

When taken by her velvet charm,
Her flashing eyes and gentle arm.

We frolicked then and came to spoon.
Sweet Lorelei, and I, in June.

And with our maiden love in tow
We cherished love's made afterglow.

Soon, then it came, as comes what may.
The end of this, or so they say.

When Lorelei, in our green field
Made love again, so life revealed.

And what is more, I was not there
When Lorelei made love so fair.

When told of this, as I first learned;
I wondered why our love was spurned.

So came the day with Lorelei.
My oh sweet love, I asked her why.

But what in truth might lovers say
When clear blue skies, turn dark and grey?

Then Lorelei, with watered eyes
So bravely stood and told no lies.

And she replied as few could do,
Still torn between the loves she knew.

For hurting me, she understood
My hate for her, and said I should.

Twas thus it came, as some loves do.
This bittered end to love brand new.

But as it is, or so it seems,
I love her still in blessed dreams.

And nevermore to question why,
For none loved me as Lorelei.


Greenwolfe 1962

THIS IS BEAUTY

Through the daisies in the sunlight
Peeps a maiden dressed in pure white.
Gently stroking grass and petals.
Patiently she waits and settles.

Hearing frogs, and birds, and crickets;
She now stands and runs the thickets.
Darting home, this blue-eyed rover
Grasping just a single clover.

Cherished, all of this in story.
All such maidens, nature's glory.
Damsel's deeds discounted duty.
Valued here, for this is beauty.


Greenwolfe 1962

PRETTY GREEN EYES

I took her to the prom ,my pretty green eyes .
I was so proud to have her next to me .
I never knew the heart of pretty green eyes .
And that's why I'm so lonely now , you see .


She said that she'd return in just a moment .
And that was long enough for her to stray .
I guess I should have noticed her last lover ,
Had just got into town that fateful day .

And when I asked about my pretty green eyes ,
A friend of mine just whispered in my ear .
He said he saw her last , my pretty green eyes .
When she got in his car and held him near .

So then I left the prom in search of green eyes .
I saw her as he sped his car away .
But I just had to know from pretty green eyes
Just why she went with him that fateful day

I followed in my car pursuing green eyes .
They sped along at quite a torrid pace .
I didn't know it was to be that evening
I'd see both life and death come face to face .

I saw it just before it hit the guardrail .
It sailed , and then turned over out of sight .
I'll never know just why but I felt sorry
For everything that happened on that night .

I parked my car and ran to find my green eyes .
And there she was that dark and fateful night .
Just lying in the field beyond the guardrail
And near the place where they went out of sight .

I guess I'll tell you if you don't repeat it .
It's just between the two of us you see .
What happened , when I reached my pretty green eyes .
When there, I touch her oh so tenderly .

She moaned and then she opened up her green eyes .
They always were so beautiful , you see .
She squeezed my hand and told me she was sorry .
That she just had to know if it could be .

Though I was hurting too ,I never showed it .
I told her not to worry and be strong .
That on the day she finished her recovery ,
We'd have the local rock band play our song .

She squeezed my hand and pulled me to her gently .
Then whispered in my ear to make it clear .
She never really knew how much I loved her .
Or how she cherished having me so near .

Twas then I saw a tear well in my green eyes .
She pulled me closer still and kissed my cheek .
I told her that I loved her more than ever .
Her grip began to loosen and get weak .

I said , "Oh please don't go my pretty green eyes ."
She whispered these few words before her sigh .
"Oh ,I must pay the price for having left you .
So please forgive me darling ,don't you cry ."

And then I saw the light go out of green eyes .
As they stared into Heaven on that night .
I looked to see if I could see my green eyes .
As her soul searched the sky for Heaven's light .

I turned again to look into those green eyes .
A sight that I still see from day to day .
And one I'll surely see that fateful moment .
I join her there in Heaven's bright array .

And so it goes ,the story of my green eyes .
A tragic one you'll know so you can tell
Young lovers as they look into the Heavens .
So they can see those green eyes there as well .


Greenwolfe 1962

THE TIDES OF TIME

The world is made of sand and sea
Like the grains along a beach .
The waters wash each grain away
When the tides of time shall leach .

So do not fret you left no mark
When upon those grains of sand .
For no one really changes them
As they lie upon the land .

The only thing that may be said
Of your time , or you , or me ;
Is that we watched each tide come in
And we did so happily .


Greenwolfe 1962

The Legend ( M V 2 )

Some say they're gone, they lived before,
In days of long ago.
When heroes did their famous deeds
In Troy and Jericho.

But oh my friends I tell you true.
There's one that lingered still.
Who did his deeds on diamond field
On distant northland hill.

There I saw, on a cool grey night,
As winds came howling through;
The Legend that I knew he was
Like none I ever knew.

They cheered and called his name out loud,
As he strolled to the plate.
And though they wanted him to swing,
The first pitch dodged its fate.

And as the Legend watched again;
The umpire called, 'Ball two.'
The catcher waved the next pitch wide,
As cowards often do.

The pitch was wide, the ball was three;
They dared not let him bat.
The catcher laughed and taunted him.
What did he think of that?

The legend smiled and looked away
As though he didn't care.
The fans began to boo and hiss
In cool grey misty air.

The pitcher tossed the fourth ball pitch,
It sailed a little wide;
It never reached the catcher's mitt,
The Legend had his pride.

A line drive such as not was seen
Before that time or since.
And some folks thought it might go out.
Alas! It hit the fence.

And as the fielder got the ball,
The tying run had scored.
The Legend strode his way to third.
The hometown faithful roared.

No sooner had the crowd sat back
Still cheering for the score,
The pitcher thrown his next pitch home;
The Legend ran once more.

The crowd rose up and blocked my view.
And as so many say,
A boy may only catch a glimpse
Of Legends in their day.

But did he score you may well ask,
As some of you might care.
Yes, he was all they said he was
In cool grey misty air.

It's really all that can be said
Of Legends in their day.
Except that I shall not forget
How my dad used to play.

GREENWOLFE 1962

SEVEN SINS

Take her just in leisure .
Hurt her with your guile .
Love is God's creation .
Lie on it awhile .

Close your eyes to beauty .
Hear no sad bird's song .
Raise your voice in laughter .
Just don't lie too long .

Life is death in waiting .
Waste love as you can .
Carved upon her body .
Seven sins of man .


Greenwolfe 1962
Author notes

THE FOUR ETERNALS

Love and Truth eternal .
Beauty so as well .
Gifts for those who know Him .
This is how you tell .



GREENWOLFE 1962

A FAIRY'S PRAYER

I thank thee Lord for all you've done
In having made me so .
But please dear Lord , please set me free .
And let my spirit go .

Please take my wings and let me be
One of your cherished kind .
A human being who lives and dies
And knows and lives their mind .

I cannot love or now be loved
Or cherish love in art .
So take these wings , I yield them for
A fragile human heart .

You know I've cried a million tears
And how it pains my soul .
To only love , and yes , be loved
Has always been my goal .

So , if you Lord would be so kind ,
I've done all that you ask .
Please let me die to know that love
In which your favored bask .

And give my wings to human kind
Who may not know their cost .
So they may come to you as I
In knowledge of what's lost .


GREENWOLFE 1962

Author notes

A BLOSSOM IN SPRINGTIME , A LEAF IN THE FALL

A blossom in springtime ,
A leaf in the fall .
Yes , these are the treasures
I like most of all .

But though these are treasures
I so like to see .
There's nothing more precious
Than you are to me .

For nothing is softer
Than your gentle skin .
The leaves and the blossoms
Just cannot contend .

Your hair is more golden
Than any fall day .
And your cheeks are redder
Than blossoms in May .

But mainly the reason
I hold you so dear .
Your beauty is present
At all times of year .

A blossom in springtime ,
A leaf in the fall .
Yes , you are the one dear
I like most of all .



GREENWOLFE 1962

FRIENDSHIP ONE

Though friendship is the route you take
To true love highway one.
The exits on that blessed road
Are labeled friendship won.

And all such friendships known to man
Though lasting tried and true,
Cannot compare to one true love
Between just me and you.


Greenwolfe 1962
3-31-2008

LAST NIGHT

Last night we had our very first.
Why did it take so long?
It had the works, as I recall.
They even played our song.

Our friends were there as witnesses,
For they had waited too.
It seemed the world just stopped that night;
To tribute, me and you.

We walked together, hand in hand.
You kissed me now and then .
However long they lasted dear,
They seemed like dreams again .

You laughed and smiled and looked at me,
With flashing greenish eyes.
I'd never seen you look at me ;
With love, and no disguise.

We even hugged a time or two,
As my heart then met yours.
It seemed as though, they beat as one.
Such rapture, God adores!

Then as it does such brutal things
So frequently to me,
I then awoke just as I was
And lonely as could be.

But take this from a lonely soul,
Perhaps a heart like yours.
Rejoice in things that dreams may share,
Those things, cruel life, ignores.

Greenwolfe 1962 (3-9-08)

I TOOK MY LOVER BY THE HAND

I took my lover by the hand
And we walked once again .
The forest of our childhood days
Just as it once had been .

We spoke of things we once had known
And classmates that we knew .
I guess the memories of them
Will always be brand new .

And then we talked of her and me ,
The way we lived and died .
I told her that I dreamed of this ,
When she became my bride .




GREENWOLFE 1962

THE OLD MAN

The old man sat beneath the tree
And I sat on a stone .
He told me many years ago
They came up here alone .

She asked for him who knew her well .
She was to be his bride .
As we sat , he told their story .
How , in his arms , she died .

He told how she requested him
To let her rest right here .
Then he said , " Please do the same
For my time now is near .

Now turn the stone , so you can read ."
Her name was clear you see .
Twas then he died , and there I placed
His name with Julie Leigh .


Greenwolfe 1962

LAID TO REST

My daughter took her very first
as my lover took her last .
The sorrow of the blooms of spring
is they come and go so fast .

I took the only thing she wore
and I put it in its case .
A flower blooms and dies once more
in this tomb it has its place .

For soon enough a girl will bloom
and she'll open it with care .
To find my flower laid to rest
with her treasured gift still there .

Greenwolfe 1962

I SAW A CAMEL IN THE DESERT

I saw a camel in the desert
Just before the break of dawn .
And I wondered where it came from
What long journey was it on ?

As there are lights upon the desert ,
Stars to follow give you sight .
So you may journey on forever
On a camel's back at night .

For as the sun beats down upon you ,
You still suffer where you are .
So why not take a camel journey
Guided by the morning star ?

Go see the wonders of the desert .
They're still there from long ago .
Those sights that man throughout the ages ,
Came to love and cherish so .

Yes , I still see that camel standing
In the dawning light of morn .
And I still praise the ones who rode him ,
For they do not live to scorn .

These are the gentle souls of mankind .
Bless the desert sands they toss .
For they cherish so those desert morns
And the vistas that they cross .


Greenwolfe 1962