The Bench

While in one of my college classes we had to write something from the point of view of an inantimate object.  This was mine;

"The Bench"

By,

J. Rodgers

As I sit here alone

both night and day

everybody using me

not many stay

Under the moon

in the dead of night

and the heat of the sun

the rays so bright

I watch people run

kids and dogs at play

most enjoy life

except the ones who stay

Those who stay

are bound by luck

wishing they could eat

needing just a couple bucks

You see, I'm a bench

sitting in the park

a bed to the homeless

when the sky gets dark

Give me a chance

keep me clean

save your spray paint

and stop being mean

"Reminiscing"

"Reminiscing"




I keep traveling back

To another day

Many years ago

When I walked away




I had a good life

A job that I enjoyed

Yet my smile was scarce

My happiness void




My Mother seen I was unhappy

That I needed to get out and date

But I'm not the type of guy

To find love second rate




 I tried the bar scene

But it wasn't for me

I didn't want a drunk

Or a criminal history




So I posted online

As my Mother had before

She said, "give it a shot"

As I opened a new door




I thought it was a joke

Dating online

Nothing to take serious

Until the stars seemed to align




I logged into the site

With a message or two waiting

One was just the usual

The other one more relating




I read the message

Intrigued at the thought

Of dating a Soldier

I thought I'd give it a shot




More and more messages

Between her and I

Every day on my way to work

I never wanted to say "goodbye"




Then the day came

I was sitting in a Kroger parking space

Des sang to her daughter

In her voice such grace




That moment I felt

My heart skip a beat

Her beautiful voice

I hoped I would soon meet




Later that night

I made my choice

I put in for vacation

I had to meet that beautiful voice




She was coming soon

Only six hours away

She asked if I'd help move

I never thought I'd stay




We got her unpacked

Then started to talk

I didn't know it yet

But I'd never want to walk




It wasn't long

Before I was in love

With a beautiful Soldier

Seemingly sent from above




I never thought

I'd make it there

Genuinely happy

With not a care




Then I met

The beautiful little girl

Who soon called me Daddy

Trin will always me my world




This was six year ago

Yet the feelings are still true

Eight hundred miles apart

Yet my heart stays with you




I meant every word

Til death do us part

With every breath that I breath

I'll love you with all my heart...

"Night Sky"

"Night Sky"

By,

J. Rodgers

Looking up

The moon so bright

Not a star in the sky

As I follow the moonlight

What's the chances

You see it too

That I'm looking at the moonlight

The same time as you

It would seem like we're close

Instead of miles apart

800 miles between us

Yet we still beat as one heart

The love between us

Has remained true

I felt it when you kissed me

There's still nobody but you

Our love will continue

Until our dying day

We can't hide from fate

Our love is here to stay

So just give in

Let me hold you tight

A kiss on your lips

And say goodnight...

"Past is Present"

"Past is Present"

I'm driving forward

into the past

the present behind me

wishing the past was my last

ive still got that feeling

of butterflies when we talk

my love has only grown

next to you i want to forever walk

but it cannot be

for my past mistakes

the price i pay

for the hearts i break

I've hurt you in ways

that cannot be undone

a victim of myself

and a love on the run

the life i lost

when you walked away

showed me my mistakes

why nobody stays

but with you its different

my love is true

there's nobody in this world

that could compare to you

so now what do i do

when I'm sitting in the presence of the past

wishing every day

that you would have been my last

i want to hold you

kiss away your tears

love you like i couldn't

alleviate you fears

but this is just a poem

words written on a page

its not going to bring you back

i should have acted my age

its not about love

that much we've got

but the trust i broke

the chance would take a lot

Im not gonna beg you

or ask you to stay

come thursday afternoon

ill be on my way

im heading back home

but id much rather stay

a baby and school

i know theres no way

we dont have to be together

its just nice to see your face

but its so hard not to kiss you

i feel our love misplaced...

"Afraid"

"Afraid"

the crimes i had committed

i was guilty as sin

a scared little boy

hiding from demons within

i never meant to hurt you

i'm sorry for every tear

my love for you was true

it was me living in fear

you'll always be my love

ill always hold you dear

ill spend my life wishing

i could have kept you near

My love has grown

over time and space

afraid to talk to you

or see your beautiful face

I have a new fear now

that's weighing me down

I'm afraid ill never stop loving you

never stop wanting you around

i'm sorry for the hurt

the pain you felt

i still feel it today

from the pain i dealt

I'm lying in a hotel

after an amazing day

afraid of seeing you again

afraid of what you may say

was it all a mistake

the time we spent

i shudder at the thought

and try to repent

you and trin

hold my heart

with every beat

it pains me to be apart

Maybe I shouldn't have came

made it easier on all

cause when i seen your face

i instantly felt the fall

i'm still madly in love

and i can't help but say

i long to wake up next to you

for the rest of my days

you told me tonight

love never dies

if you ever find yourself single

just look me in the eyes

you'll see the man

that I've become

because the person i used to be

was slowly coming undone

until that time

I'm always here

a victim of my love

no longer living in fear

so keep my heart

and hold it near

think of my love

anytime you feel a tear...

Homeless Hero

Sometime I stop

I sit and think

What all has been given

How many pushed to the brink

How many would give up

The lives they share

For a thankless job

For people who rarely care

One day a year

Some free food and a speech

That’s all we get

As quickly as it came, we’re back on the streets

We fought for a country

Who has left us behind

Living on the streets

Yet our communities are blind

Look at what we've done

You're safe and free

Look out your car window

What your freedom has gotten me

You won’t hear me complain

As I sit here and shake

To cold to sleep

So I sit here awake

I don’t need your money

Or even a warm place to stay

A heartfelt thank you

Would go a long way

You don’t know why I’m here

Most don’t bother to ask

I lost my wife and kids

Innocent victims of my past

I didn't know how to handle it

After coming home from hell

Now I spend my time alone

Living in a cardboard cell

It’s been 10 years

Since I've seen her face

My little girl smiling

In her eyes, such grace

Twelve years old

She turned today

A veteran’s day gift

Washed away

This is the thanks

So may veterans get

Alone and forgotten

I thought we’d never forget

So when you see one

Thank a Vet

They don’t want your money

Just some respect

And for those that care...homelessness among Veterans is a growing epidemic. We all need to support our Veterans so that this growing trend does not continue, as well as get those who have already been left behind the help that they deserve!

"Gone"

(UNFINISHED)                                                                          (UNFINISHED)

Am I wasting my time

By doing what's right

Trying to be a Father

Continuing the fight

I wasn't found guilty

But it's still not enough

Fighting for my daughter

Trying to stay tough

After six days in jail

Money and infame

I'm still looked down upon

Still facing blame

Her mother doesn't care

If Catelyn's heart she breaks

Keeping her from Daddy

Uncaring of the mistakes

Will I ever get the chance

To be her daddy again

Without the fear of reprisal

Will a new chapter begin

I hope one day she'll see

Why daddy wasn't there

Why I missed her firsts

It wasn't because I didn't care

I tried to be her Daddy

The man I was supposed to be

But mommy cut that short

I swear it wasn't me...

"Happy Birthday"

You’ve been on this earth 

For 12 months today

I wouldn't give anything up

Or have it any other way

Your mother and I 

May never get along

But believe me when I say

You’ve never done anything wrong

I wish I could be there

To hold you tight

Your very first birthday

This just doesn't feel right

I was lucky enough to watch

Your very first breath

That day I knew

There was more to life than death

Even though I’ve missed

So many of your firsts

It was never my choice

For you, my heart bursts

I swear to you

When all is done

I’ll be right there

I’ll never run

I’ll make sure you know

My love is true

You’re Daddy’s little angel

And I’ll always love you

So again I say

I love you dear

Happy Birthday baby

I’ll always be here…

"Julia"

I've met someone special

Who deserves more than me

She deserves so much better

Than I could ever be

Thanks to a friend

She's in my life

Yet the time apart cuts

Like a dull edge knife

I hope when I'm home

She's right by my side

My girl and my baby

My joy, and my pride

I feel so close

In the time so small

For the first time in awhile

I feel I have it all

I know it's to soon to tell you

But in my words, you'll know

You've helped me find my smile

I hope you don't let me go

I'm sorry for the drama

That's come your way

If you walk away, I understand

But I'm praying that you stay

I'd like to wake up

You sleeping by my side

Trusting you with everything

My fears won't have to hide

So let me know

If your heart is true

Do you feel about me

as I feel about you...

"Light"

I wake up in bed

Nervous and weak

As my feet hit the floor

My outlook appears bleak

I roll outta bed

Stumbling down the hall

Searching for Catelyn's room

Finding only walls

I ask myself why

How can this be

No other reason

It must be me

Am I in hell

Or a dream so real

What will it take

For my mind to finally heal

I make my way back

The way I came

A doorless hallway

I must be to blame

So where do I go

When there's only walls

Then a light up ahead

The flames grow tall

I run towards the light

Flames darting up the walls

Now I see my destiny

I'm destined to fall

I think to myself

No reason to stop

Pushing myself forward

Towards the flames so hot

As I fall into

Eternal flames

I realize something new

Life's just a game

A game of skill

We have to play

If we want to wake up

To another day

In my eyes

The flames die down

Yet another light

Slowly surrounds

I open my eyes

To the sun so bright

Run to Catelyn's room

Hold her tight

The tunnels end

May not be in sight

But just keep searching

Until you find the light...

"Woman's State"

I'm trying to stay positive

As much as I can

Knowing I'm just

In where I stand

Do I have faith

In the law that I love

That has me locked in a cell

Like someone's pet dove

What are the chances

That they refuse to see

Because I'm a man

It's her who hits me

Do they even care

Who does the crime

As long as a mother

Doesn't do time...

"Domestic Truths"

I woke up in bed

Not alone

Being touched by another

Amanda lay prone

I told her to stop

'Get the fuck out"

Got out from under her

Began to block

Picked up my cell

Went to the hall

Dodged her fist

As it hit the wall

I went to the bedroom

To avoid the fight

Locked the door

Hoping for a better night

After she kicked in

My bedroom door

I dodged the punches

We toppled to the floor

She grabbed my cell

Busted the screen

The number to call

Were all unseen

I grabbed another

Phone to call

She heard me talking

Ran down the hall

I needed help

So I called the Police

Now I sit in jail

Awaiting release

While she sits at home

A smile on her face

My Daughter in her arms

Another guy at my place

I'm not mad

She'll get what's coming

When the scales of justice tilt

You'll see her come running

Running for the help

She lost long ago

I'm no longer there

This hand let go

Now she'll fall

It's a long way down

In memories of lives shattered

Slowly, she'll drown...

"The Past"

There's been much violence

Bloodshed and tears

You and I tried

Year after year

You didn't understand

You were my true love

Everything about you

Sent from above

But I wasn't enough

To quench your thirst

As I marched off to war

My happy bubble burst

You found someone new

When I got on that plane

Only ten days

Unable to refrain

You didn't care then

If I lived or died

Not til I came home

Nothing left inside

That's when you asked me

If I loved you still

After fucking another

Not against your will

So now take a step

Backwards and see

Who's really to blame

Is it you, or me

Who's to blame

For your tears at night

For the hate in your heart

That pushes you to fight

I'm not to blame

For the pain you feel

I walked away

I took time to heal

I urge to you

Do the same

Live your life

Find a better mind frame...

"The Choice"

Laying here alone

Thinking of my Daughter's eyes

Those beautiful baby blues

Like start in the night sky

I hope one day later

You're old enough to know

My love for you was strong

I never wanted to let go

I never wanted to see you

Shed your tears at night

Or live your life as I

An ongoing fight

Thinking, should I leave

Or for my baby, should I stay

\Should I be a Daddy

Or because of your mommy, walk away

I know I shouldn't do it

But walk away I must

Her mother and I

Have lost all sense of trust

I'm hoping that you know

Your Daddy's love was strong

But I couldn't deal with your mother

It's best that I stay gone

It's best if I leave you now

With a smile, not a tear

If your Daddy you never know

Me leaving, you'll never fear

Sitting here alone

Holding back the tears

Wondering where you'll be

In the next twenty years

I hope you find you'll way

Back into your Daddy's arms

Twenty years from now
I'll still protect you from harm

I'll still be your rock

And hold you when you cry

Hoping for that day

Makes me want to try

So here I am, back where I began

Do I walk away

Or for my baby

Do I stay

I think I'll be a man

Do what I gotta do

Nothing will keep me away

I'm your Daddy, and I love you!

"The Game"

I was hoping to see the smile

Of an angel on your face

Instead I saw a frown

Your happiness misplaced

Nothing is as it seems

It takes time for the truth to come

In the end it won't be us

But Amanda who comes undone

Give it time

And you will see

As her lies come spewing out

Justice will be with me

I'm preparing for a jury

A trial by fire

Getting everything ready

I'm taking the road that's higher

No use in getting mad

Slinging insults and blame

To me this is my life

To her it's just a game

The Police just a pawn

The judge merely the Queen

What she fails to understand

Is the evidence is King

So when it finally comes

We're at the trial date

When all is said and done

Smile, and say 'Checkmate'

"Taken"

**WORK IN PROGRESS**

What could I do

to catch your eye

I know that you're taken

but still, should I try

You're very beautiful

and sweet as can be

Would I have a chance

if you found yourself free

Those beautiful eyes

and angel face

what I wouldn't do

to stand in his place

The way I feel

It's been so long

I know you're taken

but it doesn't feel wrong

Should I walk away

let you be

to live your life

with him and not me

I think I will

I'll walk away

You seem to happy

for me to stay

Remember this

my heart is true

If you ever need me

I'm here for you

I'm here as a friend

but wishing more

everything about you

I absolutely adore

So to you I give

another chance to say

You want to stand with me

until our final days

Stand together

until the end

life long lover

and very best friend...

"I'm Here"

Don't let your tears fall

From your child's eyes

They need not know why

Their mommy cries

They need not know

the hits you take

or that your love for daddy

is predominantly fake

Don't put them in the middle

Never let them see

The fights are between you and him

Let them be free

I know it's not my business

and I don't mean to pry

I'm thinking of the children

You really need to try

I'm here for you now

as I'll always be

friends til the end

you and me

I'm here to catch you

before you fall

Your friend to lean on

When your back is against the wall

I'll pick you up

wipe the tears

With me by your side

You have nothing to fear

I'm your shouder

When you need to cry

the voice of solace

when you hope to die

Don't forget

I'm always near

your friend until the end

here to kiss away your tears

When you decide

to walk away

you and the kids

have a safe place to stay...

"Dear Catelyn"

Daddy's little angel

Lighting up my way

Forever in my heart

My little girl will stay

I wish you'd slow down

You're growing up to fast

I wasn't supposed to have kids

You're my first, and last

I'm greeted each morning

by your beautiful smile

Like you, I've been waiting

A very long while

The darkened path

I'd always walked

Came to an end

As our eyes first locked

From that moment

I always knew

My life was worth living

because of you

There is nothing in this world

I would not do

to show my baby girl

Daddy's love is true

Nothing compares

to that very first kiss

or falling down myself

when that first step you miss

But , don't worry Catelyn

I'll never let you fall

Your first lesson in life

I love you above all

So, whenever you feel

like you're losing ground

Your daddy is near

just look around

You can always trust

Daddy is here

You're my baby girl

There is nothing to fear

I no longer have

That long regret

Wishing your mother

I had never met

I know her and I

Will never get along

But this much is true

Our love for you is strong

We'll always be here

to help yuo through

When life is hard

We're here for you

The years may pass

but we'll be right here

Growing with our baby

for many long years

One day late

our time will come

Our time together

will come undone

Don't be sad

and please don't cry

We want to remember the happiness

and smile in your eyes

Even after we're gone

My lessons will live on

Live happy and free

and Always stay strong...