John Yaws

We built on a solid foundation of lies-
And then it all crumbled, much to our surprise.
I know that I loved you, no doubt you loved me-
But the dreams we were building just never could be.
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I guess the most effective-
Of writers, great are small.
Is the one who is objective..
Like a "fly upon the wall".
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When the rose of romance withers,
And the heart is sere and dry-
And you gaze upon the wreckage-
Of your life and wonder why…
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It is the time of year, I guess-
When folks start thinking back.
Evaluating lives they've lived,
A way of keeping track.
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I find as I grow older-
I often contemplate-
My foolish past decisions,
My days of tempting fate.
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I thought I wanted to Fortune-
Then I thought I wanted fame,
For everyone to know me-
My accomplishments proclaim.
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It really doesn't matter-
Just what you think of me.
Of the fear of your opinions-
I'm grateful I am free.
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I was sitting at my desk tonight-
It seems my thoughts took wings,
And flew back down the path I chose…
And showed me many things.
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Sitting in a Starbucks on a rainy winter night-
Half-drunk cup of coffee, and a strong desire to write.
It seems that I lost something, a long, long time ago…
I used to be a poet, and the words just seemed to flow,
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I've done a lot of thinking, but probably too late-
About decisions I have made, so often tempting fate.
About some bridges I have burned, I'd like to cross again-
Alas, as I am aging, I think about... back then.
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I was never one to seek the classic beauty-
I feel that women are a lot like books.
The things that serve to make a person lovely-
Are found inside, not merely in their looks.
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I know that I could love you-
And you could love me, too.
I sense it every single time,
That I am close to you.
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I've been thinking lately-
I had to ask myself...
Is there any hope for us?
Or, what do we have left?
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All the luscious fragrances tend to fill the room-
Lights so bright and cheerful chase away the gloom,
Tree bedecked in tinsel, to children, oh, so dear!
It is the Christmas season, a special time of year.
...

Two frustrated lovers, and one frustrated love-
And yet it's just as certain- as the stars which shine above.
I know that it's impossible, but babe, I love you still-
I did, I do, I always have, and know I always will.
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Hot! My God, the day was hot-
Our throats were caked with dust-
We knew that once we started out-
To take the hill- we must.
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"Beauty and the Beast"

He loved her yet his love was spurned...
Day and night for her he yearned.
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To put emotions into words....
I wish I had that art.
I'd like to write the feelings
Which reside within my heart.
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Forever....such a pretty word
Whenever it's applied.
To something pleasant in our lives
That we wish would abide.....
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Have you ever stood amidst disaster's aftermath
Devastation so complete, you had to clear a path.
Things so shattered and confused you wonder where you're at-
And ask yourself despairingly, "Did I cause all of that"?
...