Casa de Nuez
by Ted L Glines

Welcome to the Casa

my dear - you will like it here
so much laughing and good cheer

stroll around and feel at ease
if I can help - tell me please

guard towers not meant to make you abide
protect you from the ones who lurk outside

our nurses give you care
and they will always be there

all the doctors love you too
and your nightmares will be few

no more anger or confusion
for life is nothing but illusion

this blue pill makes you smile
no depression for a while

the green one makes you sleep
ever warm and cozy-deep

red and white - when irritated
another one if constipated

that liquid which is yellow
bitter taste - but makes you mellow

no more problems - no more fears
no more sad and lonely tears

as years flow by so fast
each day erasing all your past

your day will come - you will see
when you are doing just like me

as you welcome others to the Casa

Chasms and Bridges
by Ted L Glines

Whether dancing the circle
or sitting in the pews,
the world is full of wonder
and knee-jerk news.

For those full of spite
and woeful complaining,
the world is full of darkness;
no hope remaining.

Diversity spawns
attacking spasms,
elevating hate
and deepening the chasms.

You are who you are,
smart as a fox;
why confine yourself
to a bleak little box?

For those full of love
and compassion caring,
the world is full of brightness
and warmth in sharing.

Diversity spawns
a chance to build bridges,
elevating love
and life privileges.

You are who you are,
smart as a fox;
expressing yourself,
you're outta that box!

We can make this world
a  beautiful place
if we toss away the frown
and put a smile on our face.

Abolish that burden
of complaints you've been lugging;
begin building bridges
and get used to hugging!

Candle
by Ted L Glines

See the darkness in a man
what is it -- how does it scan
how does it -- make the beastly hell
why is it -- chaos does compel?

Is it his imagination
a wildly conjured compilation
which turns his goodness inside out
is that what evil's all about?

Is it the nagging gnawing fear
the little death which lives in here
unknown terror which won't abate
is it fear which turns his love to hate?

Dark is the man whose killing deeds
are done to those with "foreign" creeds
and death must hold a mighty thrill
for  those adjured: "Thou shalt not kill."
No love for creeds -- all evil -- dark
with power as their driving spark,
but -- I eagerly give my heartfelt nod
to the man  who says, "I love God."

There's so much I don't understand
in life  uncharted -- so unplanned
I know the darkness -- fear and fright
will cease when we embrace the Light.

All our lives we've fought this war
and hope glows soft within our core
there is one matter we will handle
for in this dark -- we are the candle.