Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ringing The Bell


Alone in the cold…from morning to night
The soldier of God …they fight the good fight
Ringing the bell…ringing the bell

They give of their time…for others who hurt
Their duty is clear….the mission overt             
Ringing the bell…ringing the bell

Making no judgment…they guard the red pot                 
Some stop to give…and others do not
Ringing the bell…ringing the bell

Their motto the same for many a year
Doing the most good..a  lone vollunteer
Ringing the bell…ringing the bell


Copyright © 2011 Jon Arno



Sunday, December 11, 2011

Nicole

Her tender kisses on my ear
They wake me from my sleep
My eyes they open to her smile
Hey you… she gently greets

We look into each other’s eyes
A moment for our souls
I love you very much she says
I love you too Nicole

How beautiful you look right now
An angel from above
I'm really glad I'm here with you
She whispers...let's make love




Copyright © 2011 Jon Arno

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Fork In The Road


All of us from time to time come to the proverbial fork in the road in our lives. A time to think about the course we are about to embark on and to consider the consequences of our choices past and present.

We try to weigh out the choices and options hoping what we decide will make us happy and have a positive outcome. The problem is…..We don’t really know what the future will be until we make our choice and begin to walk the path of that choice.

Sometimes our choices are very good ones. They set the tone for our future and we benefit greatly from them.

Other times our choices are very bad and we suffer greatly as a result. We are left feeling empty and discouraged and years may pass before we recover.

There are no guarantees what we choose will work out for us. Sometimes it just gets down to…… will we follow our head or our heart?

Sometimes our choices are filled with great risk that can either work out or not. One thing I have learned in this world is.....without risk, many times there is not a reward.

I hope all your choices are good ones and that you benefit greatly from them.

The following poem is entitled ……The Fork In The Road.

So here I am... once again... at the fork in the road
A sure defining moment…a choice that I must make
I have to be most careful... to wisely choose this time
The careless choices from my past…they wounded for so long


So what path do I follow? What choices do I make?
Once things are set in motion... there is no turning back
Oh how can I be certain... of things I cannot see?
The future doesn’t share its light... can’t know what lies ahead


So how can I be certain... that I have chosen well?
My mind it tells me one thing... my heart says something else
It’s time to make decisions... and live with what I choose
I’ve thought about it long enough...I’ll follow with my heart


Copyright © 2011 Jon Arno

Monday, November 21, 2011

I'm Never Very Far Away

A friend of mind lost her dear sister several years back. They were very close and would speak with each other by phone almost every day.

The sister who passed would always start their conversation with " Design On A Dime!" ( She had taken this from TV program with the same title.)

Not long after she passed, the surviving sister started noticing that dimes would appear from time to time at very important moments in her life. She came to believe that her deceased sister was placing these to let her know she was there watching over her and to let her know that she loved her.

The following poem came to me as I was driving to work knowing I would see the surviving sister. I passed it on to her and as you can imagine, it was a very emotional moment.  I hope you enjoy the poem.

There’s not a day that ever ends
That I don’t think of you
We’ve shared so very much in life
Our souls are knit its true

I’ve known you from so long ago
We’re sisters and best friends
We always tried to stay in touch
Until the very end

Today I wanted you to know
That I am there with you
I’m never very far away
You’re always on my mind

So just to let you know I’m there
You know what I will do
From time to time I’ll leave a dime
To say that I love you

© Jon Arno

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Regrets


The years, they now go rushing by
My future is assured
The window closes ever more
The thief is clothed in time

So much more I should have done
Deceived by selfishness
What markers have I left behind?
For those who follow on

Some days there were investments made
With offerings of my time
When measured by the length of years
The failure most profound

© Jon Arno

Seasons Change


A few weeks ago I left my office and as I walked outside I was greeted with a strong cool breeze. I couldn't help but notice that something new was in the air. Fall had arrived.

I looked at the trees in the parking lot and was surprised to see that many of the leaves were starting to show signs of change in color. I had not even noticed. Life's cares had totally consumed me to the point I was not aware that change was occurring all around me.

The strong breeze felt so good on my face. I just stood there alowing the wind to soothe me and I closed my eyes to take in the moment to it's fullest.

I began to think of friends I had not thought of for so long. My mind drifted to my hometown and a flood of memories filled my mind. I could hear their voices and I could see smiles upon their faces.

As I looked upon the faces of those I had not seen for so many years, I began to think of a lover I had lost so many years ago. I tried to focus in harder to a time and place when we shared beautiful days filled with laughter and so much joy.

So much came to me in such a short time. Those few moments standing in the parking lot were a wonderful gift to me and reminded me that I needed to slow down and enjoy people and events all around me.

I hope you will enjoy the following poem...The title is Seasons Change


The autumn winds begin to blow
I pause to take it in
The trees arrayed in colors new
The change it now begins

The winter season soon will come
Our summer ran away
I know the leaves will soon be gone
The message now conveyed

Why do the season’s change renew
Sweet memories… long ago?
Of simple times and good ole friends
And of a love I lost

I close my eyes and face the wind
My thoughts they now run free
I quickly find myself with you
My dearest love, it's me!

Today I’ll choose to ride the wind
Again I’m there with you
We’ll dance and sing and laugh out loud
Beneath the sky so blue

© Jon Arno

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Candle

I was thinking of life the other day and of how short it is. As I thought about my life, the image of a candle came to my mind. In some ways, my life can be compared to that of a candle.

At first, when I was young, I felt invincible. I looked strong and vibrant. The possibility that my life would end never came into my mind. Days would pass slowly. It seemed that Fridays would take forever to arrive. I could run forever and never tire. The candle started burning

As I grew into my 20s, I struggled to figure out what the course of my life would be. Which path do I take? What will be my niche?  I wondered if I would ever be of any use to anyone in this world. I never felt I could ever equal the achievemtnets of my father and those who had gone before me. I hoped for great things that seemed far beyond my reach but at times I felt like giving up or settling for less. The candle was certainly burning bright.

When I arrived at my 30s, I found my calling. I came to understand what I would be and now I knew the course for my life. Along with that came an occaisional thought that I might actually die one day. Time began to move faster. The candle kept on burning.

My 40s were a time of working very hard. I enjoyed what I was doing. I felt useful and that I was making a difference in the lives of people who were not as fortunate as me. The candle started showing signs of wear yet still kept burning bright.

As I go further down the road of life, I'm sure many wonderful revelations on life will come. Beautiful friendships and life changing moments will occur. I now know that there is a power much greater than I who is ever leading me along life's journey. Though I know that one day I will die, I am determined to give it all and to be the best person I can be for those I serve and for myself. I am determined to let my candle burn brightly until the light is gone.

I hope you enjoy the poem I wrote. It's called The Candle....It's a metaphor



The candle burns so strong and bright
My days go slowly by
The future beckons  "follow me"
I know… I’ll never die

The candle weeps yet shares it’s light
I try to find my way
The journey now begins for me
I’m strong… I’ll never die

The candle now is worn and tired
Lifes troubles show the wear
My paths are short and measured now
I’m scared… that I might die

The candle now is small and frail
The light grows very dim
My days are surely numbered now
I know… that I will die

The candle flickers on and off
The Usher at the door
My loved ones gather round my bed
Today… I’ll surely die


A puff of smoke is all that's left 
My life was far too short
But yet in spite of what I was  
I now... am more alive


We do not die as many think
We simply change our form
The test of life is over now
"Well done... and welcome home"


© Jon Arno

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

You Walked Away



The morning sun lights up the room
My thoughts run straight to you
Your face displayed within my mind
My soul is torn in two

You once proclaimed your love for me
But then you walked away
The love I carried in my heart
It could not make you stay

The phone beside my bed it rings
My hopes again renewed
The voice that greets me as I speak
Again...It is not you

Why can't you see I'm all you need?
Why can't you be with me?
These thoughts replayed a thousand times
Oh how do I get free?

© Jon Arno

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Blind Date

I went to Carrabas for dinner last night
Nice little restaurant… an eating delight
My friends had arranged… a blind date for me
They said that I’d love her… “Just wait and you’ll see”

I arrived a bit early and asked for a booth
Sat down and ordered... a martini vermouth
I anxiously fiddled and gazed towards the door
Then looked at the walls… at the restaurant decor

Suddenly standing with the hostess named Dee
A vision of beauty and she’s pointing towards me
She walks up beside me… and says “Are you Pete?”
“Why yes” I did answer… “Won't you please have a seat”.

Her eyes they sparkle… she enchants with her smile
Oh she is lovely!….Has class and great style
Her laugh is contagious …she moves with great grace
Her pleasant complexion… her bangs cross her face

"Who is this woman?" "And where is she from?"
So over powering I know I’d succumb
Stunning in beauty perfection achieved
I must win her over... before we do leave

We had a great time and our dinner was great
She gave me her number and we set our next date
I can’t wait to see her... I’ve found my true love
Sometimes a blind date... is a gift from above.

© Jon Arno

Monday, May 30, 2011

Emily


So who is this beauty?  I’m snared by her charm   
She's smiling while holding  another man’s arm 
She is so amazing I can’t look away                    
I have but one moment, oh what shall I say?   

She sits at the table across from my view   
My heart pounds within me, she hasn’t a clue 
I’ll try to be cool but I’m out of control 
If I don’t do something I won’t be consoled

She catches me staring and turns with a smile 
Will she accept me? Or see me as vile?   
She looks back towards me, and stares for a while 
I try not to flinch, but I know I am on trial   

She excuses herself and walks from her friends     
I follow behind… opportunity lends   
We walk down the hallway just past the wall phone   
She stops and then turns to address me alone

"I’m here with my cousin”, “He brought me tonight" 
The words that are spoken a splendid delight!   
"Please call me tomorrow sometime around three"   
"I'll meet you for dinner. You think  you’ll be free?"   

She hands me a napkin and then walks away 
I want to go with her  I know I must stay  
Her name and her number are written for me 
“I can’t wait to see you”…and signed…Emily 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Three Little Roses


A long ways from home and I’m missing her so
I look out the window the rain turns to snow
I think of her smile and her soft gentle touch
She’s all that I've wanted... I love her so much

I called up the florist in our little town
“Take Leslie some roses when out on your rounds!”
The Florist was sorry he only had three
“If you’ll pay the shipment...the roses are free”

I asked for a card and a brief little note
“Sweet Leslie  I miss you” is all that I wrote
The driver delivered the roses at noon
He added a vase... and a yellow balloon

She smiled when she opened the living room door
“Oh my!""They are lovely!"" That man I adore."
She sat on the chair and stared for a while
Three little roses... and many little smiles

© Jon Arno

Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Beautiful Mind

The Serial Killer

He lurks in the shadows while watching his prey
Waiting and hoping their death be today
They don’t know the monster... has them in sight
The victim soon down by his power and might

The news said another... had just lost her life
Found by the river… her death by his knife
The doors are now locked and fear seizing all
Police asking questions… please give us a call

Mary Jo Sharpe was another one sought
She fought for her life but she also got caught
Her mother was called a quarter to 10
The killer is loose, will soon strike again

Where is the monster and when will he strike?
Walk with your friends please stay in the light
The stalker is out there he might look for you
If you are his victim he’ll not leave a clue

Bring in the psychics the people do cry!
Maybe they’ll find him… they have a third eye
The monster is laughing he’s taunting the law
Another night out… he’ll strike with his claw

The Killer was caught by Detective Malone
He staked out the alley….he caught him alone
“How did you find me? I never left clues!”
You thought you were clever...I... never lose


© Jon Arno

Monday, April 11, 2011

When will you come home?


Sitting in the corner of the room so dark
Silence grips my soul …why are we apart?
My mind replays the moment that you walked away
Why did we let this happen? I wanted you to stay

The clock on the wall sets the tone for the night
The rhythm and the sound they compete with my plight
Tick.. Tock.. Tick.. Tock.. Oh how I feel alone!
Tick..Tock…Tick..Tock…When will you come home?

© Jon Arno

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Angeles


Oh what beauty bright and fair
Swirling locks of golden hair
Graceful strides and pleasant smile
I stood and stared for quite a while

Couldn’t speak when first beheld
Heart was racing overwhelmed
Palms were sweaty face was flushed
Hidden thoughts could not be hushed

Won her heart and took her hand
Bought a house on fertile land
Time went by with all demands
Children came and then the grands

Sitting on the porch last night
Held Angeles very tight
Thinking how it all began
Yes, I'd do it once again

© Jon Arno

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Mr. Billy Harcan



There is an old man down by the Town Hall oak
He wears a yellow cap and a long dark coat
People say that trouble caught him by surprise
His name is Billy Harcan from Oceanside

Billy sleeps on the park bench under the stars
Ask you for a dollar then head for the bars
Drinking out the trouble is a way of life
Cost him everything he had even his wife

His daughter comes to see him on Saturdays
Tells him all about her life and Jesus saves
She asks every time won’t you please come home
I don’t need your help please leave me alone

Billy welcomes his ghosts to the park at night
He toasts to their health it’s really quite a sight
Dancing with his friends for an hour or two
The night always ends with...Mary where are you?

© Jon Arno

Saturday, April 2, 2011

I Still Think Of You


Oh what thoughts do fill my mind
Your face displayed and locked in time
I hear your voice inside my heart
What went wrong… so long apart?

Throughout the years I’ve thought of you
Times we shared..what we went through
The memories flow in random paths
Your gentle touch… and how you laughed

So much time has come and gone
Still your presence… lingers on
What if time could now be changed?
What would life be… re-arranged?

Nothing ever stays the same
Can’t go back and love reclaim
I hope your dreams they all came true
some did for me, but not with you

© Jon Arno


The Whisper Of The Wind



The leaves they dance…The leaves they fall      
The whisper of the wind 
One more season… One more year           
The change it now begins  

For many years…Your presence felt  
The trees prepare to sleep 
A heightened sense…within the air
Of something I must seek 

The trees they bow…As you approach       
Your power now displayed
I close my eyes…and drift away
My thoughts of her replayed   

Then breaking through…the whistling wind
Another I do hear
A voice I knew…from long ago
Whose memories I hold dear

It’s me my love…I heard your thoughts
I sought and found a way
couldn't wait…a moment more
To be with you today

I rode the wind…to come to you
To see you one more time
To let you know…It’s all ok
That everything is fine 

The wind it blows…I must now leave
But hear these words I say
Enjoy your life…do all you can
For each and every day

Don’t be afraid…We’ll meet again
Of this I surely know
I’ll wait for you…With open arms
You’ll never be alone

The leaves they dance…The leaves they fall      
The whisper of the wind 
One more season… One more year          
The change it now begins  


All Rights Reserved Jon Arno 2012