Storm Chasers

Dedicated To: Victoria N. Magallanes

Hidden in the anvil of a late April storm
Beats the whistles of a whirlwind, Mother Nature has just born

It spins its deadly fingers, while growing stronger in its wake
Turning downwards toward the prairie, in search of victims to make a name

We drive our tattered wagon, along this dusty road
Seeking answers to the secrets which the Twister holds inside

The knowledge which we gather, in our chase of spring time storms
Will lead one day to learning, how to tame their wicked turns

As we watch this swirling mass, venting anger with each embrace
This evil wrath of blackness, sets its funnel upon the land

The darkness in the sky, seems to be drawing ever closer
Leaving little time to check our instruments, which gives us insight
To many questions left unanswered, by the coming of the storms

Amazingly the devil wind begins to plow, into the dryness of the ground
Turning trees into splinters, as it cuts a slithered path, along the edges of the field

With just three quarter mile between us, we gaze towards the vortex
Whom very few have ever seen, or will ever see again

For we're Tornado Hunters, a job which breathes pure fear
In this magnificence of nature, rarely seen by mortal man

Leaves me totally in awe, of the many splendid wonders
Mother Nature keeps within

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz

The Maze

Dedicated To: Ursula Steinhauser

In this turnaround called life to many known as fate
Lies two hands directing traffic, thru a maze called sin
As we shift and turn in our trek to another world
Goodness and evil stand side by side watching all who pass

With no movement by either side, they wait till we decide
To whom we'll turn and face, a choice we'll need to make
Towards the light towards the dark, there is no other choice
As I go forwards pondering, as to which direction to take

A decision I'll need to make before the judgment day
What hands shall I reach out, which choice should I make
My soul with free will given by the powers of the light
To render what I think is just within these ruthless walls

I'll ask the hands of righteousness to seal this heart with love
To bring me to the brilliance which lies within his globe
For in the powers of his love will guide me to the end
Opening the door to paradise, for the rest of eternity

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
May' 2006

My Everlasting Love

Dedicated To: Evangeline, my Valentine

Have you ever tried to put a meaning to everlasting love?
You could almost say it's like a rainbow, bending across the sky

The ebbs and flows, the ups and downs which carries us at times
Reminds me of the many memories we hold so deep inside

And like the multiple of colors, which sparkles after a morning rain
Love is ever smiling, radiating a special glow, which shines upon your face

I truly believe, I've found the answer to the question, I've stated above
And you're the meaning, I've searched to find, no need to seek any further

For you and I bound together, will share sweet dreams, as only lovers can
And we'll watch our rainbows brighten each day, as no other has done before

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
May 10, 2006

D-Day, A Soldier Remembers

Dedicated To: All those who fought and died on Normandy Beach, so many years ago.....

As I walk into this field of valor, in the early morning hours
I think of the many fine and brave soldiers, who lie beneath the ground
With multitudes of painted crosses, to mark their sacred graves
Thoughts slowly fill my mind, June 6, 1944, I remember only so well
The scare and terror of that day remains etched within my heart
I try to forget the screams of death, that passed before my eyes
But the scenes remain so vivid and clear, even after all these years
D-Day resides so deep in me, their's nothing I can do
To rid me of the dreams, which haunts me, in the twilight of my years
The sand, the water, the blood, mixed with the sounds of death
Caused me to pray to God, to forgive my mortal sins

I remember following my sarge, into the water, on that early misty morn
Just as we reached Utah Beach a bullet struck his helmet, spinning him around
Showing me a bloody stump, that used to be his head
To this young innocent country boy, who just turned 19 two days before
Within seconds, leaving me no other choice, I suddenly became a man

As I raced past his lifeless shell, knowing at any moment
My life could end as well, somehow I survived thru this violent hell
And went on to fight in other battles, until the bitter end
Every so often I make this trip, to see my fallen comrades
And each time as I return, I leave a piece of me, between the blood soaked sands

As I approach my eighty first year, I know this will be my last trip
To see my fallen friends, so I'll walk slowly thru this hollowed field
And say a final goodbye to all these gallant soldiers
Who gave their lives for God and country, as only heroes can

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz

Rainbow Soldiers

Dedicated to: Army T/Sgt. Thomas M. Hankins, a brave soldier who lost his life in Vietnam, and Marilyn, the wife he left behind......

Have you ever gazed towards a rainbow?
After a morning rain

And wondered what lies within the colored sparkles
Between the sunlit clouds

Could it be the thoughts of souls, who left before their time?
With remnants of a lonely past, painted with dreams that will never be

A soldier's life that's lost in battle, can be described this way
The dreams unfilled, as life begins to fade

Resembles the colors of a rainbow
Bending across a fresh washed sky, beneath the risen sun

Often those who are left behind, forget what heroes do
The freedom they loose is ours to gain, so let's not forget their deeds

So whenever a rainbow appears in the sky
Look for the colors between the clouds

For they're a remainder of the gallant troops
Who gave up their hopes for us?

Let's always remember and never forget
The heroes who lost their dreams

And pray for our soldiers, who fight in a war
To live out their dreams in peace

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
April' 2006

Special Friends

Every so often, one meets friends on this electrical medium we call the Internet, and if we're very fortunate, the friendship will last, even when half a world separated the parties involved. I've been fortunate to meet someone who has taken a shine to both me and my loving wife, and I'm very thankful for the new friends, I've gotten know in this short period. I would like to thank Rose DesRochers and her fine staff at Todays-Woman, for allowing a group of writers to share their thoughts and dreams on this wonderful web site. and to you Ursula and your dear husband Hermann, my wife and I send our love, may the rainbow of friendship that exists between our home and yours, be just a heartbeat away.....

Dedicated To: Ursula and Hermann Steinhauser

It's always nice to meet someone, who shares your thoughts and joy

So often in life, people mingle say hello, and go their merry way

But every so often if you're lucky enough, special friends will come along

To bless your life with happiness, even when you've just met them, over the electric waves

It's like you've known them for many years, old friends who'll share their lives with you

From a land so beautiful and far away, where God rested on the seventh day

My wife and I fell so blessed to know these special friends

Who bring so much joy to us, in our modest home

We know they live so far away, we may never really meet

But God moves in mysterious ways, and one will never know

But this I tell you, my far away friends our lives will never be the same again

Since we met you over the Internet, your thoughts are just a heartbeat away

On this beautiful Easter morning, we send our love to you

From a place so far away, in the good old USA

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz

A Good Son

Dedicated To: Maria Cecilia Ruiz (03/10/24)-(03/28/03)

Three years ago today dear Mother, you left to be with God

I lay upon your tombstone, red roses you like so much

I can't help but think of the day you died, in the home that was your life

As we walked into your bedroom on that early foggy morn

To wait for death, which will stop the pain and take your soul from us

I see the color in your eyes, as I approach your crumpled bed

No need to speak dear Mother, for you send volumes with just your look and stare

I think back to a week ago, when it was just the two of us

In this bedroom you slept in, for over 40 years

I remember those very words, you were able to convey

"You've been a good son, for all these years, so think of me when I go, for I will always love you son"

Tears began to well in me, soon the flow ran down my cheeks

I tried to hold them back, even in the pain you bore it was you who comfort me

Now the week has passed us by, the hospice nurse prepared us well

For this very day, the time has come to say goodbye, as we surround your bed

The daughters and sons you've loved so much, circle you with tears of sadness

To say goodbye to the one we love, to the one who gave us life

Sleep dear Mother, go in peace Dad is waiting on the other side

So take his hand, he'll guide you thru, into a peaceful place

Where pain is just an after thought, in the shadows of your mind

I remember that day, only so well the hurt has never left

I try to put it behind me, and forget the pain of death

To the one who carried me inside, and gave me all her love

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz

A Moment In Time

Dedicated To: Jacob Deleon

Have you ever wanted, a moment in time
To return again, and again

As I sit in my chair, with loneliness by my side
I think of the friends, who no longer exist

And I wonder, when my time will end
They say there's advantages to growing old

But as I approach my 95th year
The only advantage, I feel in my bones
Is my death, which is certain to be

The sting of death, has taken its toll
My wife, my kids, my brothers, and sisters

All gone and buried away, as I sit in my chair
Only thoughts, remain of the joy, I remember only so well

My body did leave me 10 years ago
But my mind is still sharp, and as quick as a whip

I cry each night, when my dreams recollect
Of the loves ones, who's gone their way

And I pray to my God, who's taken away
The ones that I loved so much

I feel I've suffered enough, in my life
But Lord, it's your thoughts that count

If you would grant me, the dreams which I pray
And place me in a chair, in your home

Let me rekindle, the joys of my youth
And I'll share all my thoughts with you

Unspoken

Dedicated To: Evangeline M. Ruiz (30th Anniversary Poem)

In the years, since we committed our love and said our holy I do
How many time have I heard you say, " you've forgotten my birthday,
our anniversary, and all the holidays, that means so much to me,
sometimes I wonder, if you've forgotten the love, you claim you have for me"

Well love, I'm here to settle the score, and tell you how I truly feel
About the love, that resides inside my heart, not lost nor misplaced
Just unspoken, now my love, the time has come to express my feelings
To rekindle the flames and desires of the memories, I hold only for you

I thought about how to tell you this, as we approach our 30th anniversary
So I decided to buy a card, and write my dreams, into words
And describe the love, I have for you, which radiates deep, from within my soul

It seems over the years, I've forgotten how it used to be
I remember when we were young, I loved just being together
So eager was I, to share our thoughts, made me quiver with sheer delight

I'm sorry I've hurt you, I know the love you have for me, has never changed
But as we approach our golden years, I want the memories of our youth
To bring us together, the way it used to be, to you my love, I say this

There's no one who can match, what you've done for me
The time has come to tell you this, and bring the dreams we've shared together
Back into our lives

Love always and forever, Roland...........

Daughter Of Your Thoughts

Dedicated To: Chrissy Marie Ruiz

Dear Lord up so high, I question as to why, death is in the air
When a child of your creation, pays a visit every year

Mother Nature is her name, has a will all her own
You pay no favorites Lord, for you give it to one and all

Soon the season will adorn, our beautiful Gulf Coast shore
Along the southern borders, in the good old USA

I recall, oh so well, the memories are still so fresh
Of the loss of life and home, we suffered just last year

The daughter of your thoughts, bore some children, recently
In a season, we'll remember, for all eterntiy

Evil in their sinister ways, much like the ones, who ran away
Katrina and Rita are the names, which will live forever

In the minds of those infected by the storms of last September
Dear Lord, to you so high above, I say a silent prayer

If you would ask your Daughter, to keep her anger down
Let's not repeat the season, that we suffered just months ago

And give us time to heal the pain, that remains with us today

The Next Eternity

Dedicated To: Ursula & Hermann, friends from so far away, but just a heartbeat from our thoughts....


As we walk along this lonely shore, in the twilight of our years
I hold your hand, as a gentle breeze, blows across the wind swept sands

The white tipped waves, which follow us, along the water's edge
Remind me of the dreams, we've shared, along the road of life

I hear the tiredness in your voice
See the trembles in your hands
Feel the worries in your thoughts
As we search our souls for memories
Of better times and sweeter dreams
Which seem to have passed us by

Our eyes have seen the wonders, of a thousand different things
We've shared delights together, that will last the test of time

Have seen the vestige values, of all that we've done
And shared so many tears and smiles, along our traveled life

But this I'll tell you love, with not one single regret
I'll never love another, as much as I love you

There's no one, to hold a candle, for what you've done for me
And now the end is growing short, we've known this for quite sometime

I prayed and hoped, the Doctor was wrong, in the months he gave to you
But now we know, how right he is, oh God, how I wish, this would pass

As I look into your saddened eyes, I feel the pain, you hold so tight
For fifty years we've shared a life of joy, it seems like only yesterday

When I held you in my arms, on our blissful wedding day
Now my darling, I say to you, with all the love in my heart

You're soon to leave, these earthly bounds, and I need you to remember this
You'll leave a son and daughter, who'll always cherish you

And most of all, you'll leave a partner, but for just a little while
So take heart, my love, you'll see me soon, let not your eyes weep for me

For we're a set, that belongs together, in the next eternity

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
February' 2006

Tortured Eyes

Dedicated To: Sabrina Ruiz

In between my tortured eyes, deep within my troubled soul
I see a heart full of hurt, left there by the one I love

Who's gone to fight in a war, so far away from home
A soldier's wife I've learned to be, but the clouds of doubt my Mother knew
Has been passed on to me, for off to war my father went in 1973

He did not get to see my birth, for Vietnam bound was he
And now the fears my Mother knew, has come to haunt me so

For in a jungle he did fight, a congressional medal was won by him
But at what price, the life he gave
Meant much more, then the medal he won that day

So their I grew in a world, without a Father to comfort me
To see me grow, into the woman I turned out to be
Oh, how I miss what he gave up, to defend a land across the sea

Now the circle has come around, my beloved, whom I love so much
Has gone to war, across the sea, to fight an enemy who knows no fear of death

I pray each day, to God above, to bring him home to me
To keep him safe, from the perils of death, which follows his every step

And break this cycle, I know so well, so our child, will know a Dad
For my tortured eyes will weep no more, when my husband comes back to me

The Demon In The Bottle

Like the silence in a endless night
In the windmills of my mind
Lies fate, which acts as a stepping stone
Back to another place and time
In search of hope, to ease the pain
And heal my tormented soul

Six months have passed, since I tasted
The contents of the bottle in front of me
I keep it on the night stand
To remind me of my yesteryears
Of what was lost, and the hurt I've caused
Along the road of a shattered life
Which unfortunately belongs to me

I blame the demon in the bottle
That sits in front of me
I try to convince myself of this
But in reality, the blame belongs to me

I have a wife, who loves me so
Along with a son and daughter
They think the world of me
Why I threw all this away
I'll never really know

I know that now, just wish I knew
One year ago, this month
That's when I woke from a drunk
To find my wife and kids had left
With only the demon to comfort me
We toasted the night away

For six long months it went that way
I worked all day, came home at night
To drink my pain away
Then one morning a phone call came
From my wife, between the tears, she says to me

Little Danny is very sick, he's in a coma
The doctors say, he may not last the night
As I drove into the mist, to seek the son I love
I reached out with a prayer, to God above

I know I've been a sinner, have hurt the ones I love
If you would please help my son, and bring him back to us
In return, I'll make this promise, to never drink again

When I reached the hospital, early in the morn
My wife and daughter, where standing down the hall
When they saw me, our eyes began to weep
We hugged and kissed, between the tears
They let me know the score

Danny is in the operating room
Its been two hours, no news yet
But the operation is his only hope
So, the doctors say

Within the hour, the doctors came out
To let us know, our son pulled thru all right
It was touch and go, for awhile
but he's young and strong, has a will to live

So be at ease, the doctor said
He's in the recovery room
It wont be long, you'll see him soon
I shook their hands, to thank them
As they turned towards the door

In that moment of turmoil, caused my life to change
Since that day, the bottle, has been left unopened
The demon remains inside, on the night stand next to me

One thought, I need to remember, since I've turned my life around
I am an alcoholic, that I'll always be
With help from wife and family, and God, from high above

I'll be a husband and Father, for they deserve no less from me

Sleeping Tiger

Dedicated To: The Veterans Of Pearl Harbor

In the venues of the painted sea, lies the thunder of infamy
Which soon will sweep down upon a pearl, a paradise of destiny
Hidden in the vastness of the blue Pacific Sea, lies a tiger sleeping lightly
Who's soon to be awaken, by the lightning from the sky

Have you ever wondered what its like, on the other side of life
Where pain is just a memory, in the recess of your thoughts
In between the bouts of pain, I try and shut my eyes
To dream of how it used to be, in the corridors of my mind

As I turn towards the window, in this army ward
Memories of when I was young, fill my heart with joy
I think back to the days, when I met a girl, who soon would be my wife
It was the summer of '39, and I remember, how hot it got that year

How lucky was I to find a girl, who would love me, for who I am
We shared a life, full of joy, how the memories come back to me
If only these thoughts could last, the rest of eternity
But that was not to be, for the pains of war, were looming
The signs were their to see, for the news we read together, make it clear to one and all, that death was taking its toll, on our friends across the sea

It wasn't long before a precious little girl, came to share our life
What a joy she brought to us in the summer of '41
But soon I received my orders, to report to Hickam Field
When she drove me to the dock, on that chilly foggy morn, how the tears did flow, from the women I loved so much, so many others felt the same, on that cold November day

I watched them standing on the dock, as the ship moved silently away, and I waved until the fog made them disappear, I remember passing beneath the bridge, of San Francisco Bay
Wondering what God has in store for me, as we headed out to sea
Would I ever see my wife and child, as the bridge faded into the fog, a silent prayer was said by me, in the early frosty morn

Within the week the Island of Hawaii, a paradise of the Pacific, appeared before our eyes
I remember the mountain called Diamond Head, how the name did fit, so awesome was the view, from the blueness of the sea

As we entered Pearl Harbor, my eyes could hardly imagine, all the ships at bay
For what a mighty Navy was gathered, for all of us to see
It was the 5th of December, when we departed from the ship
Headed towards the barracks, on the post at Hickam Field

By the time we got unpacked and settled, into our new abode, the weekend had started, it was the 6th of December, oh, if we only knew
As my thoughts got interupted, from the pain that jolted me, a shot from the nurse, sent me back into a sleepy trance

It was the 7th of December, I was sleeping soundly on that early Sunday morn, when the bombs began to fall, it threw me from my cot
I thought it was a dream, but the blood I saw from my friends, convince me it was real
I tried to find some cover, but that was hard to do, for the bombs and bullets which rained on us caused the ones, who were healthy, to help the ones who were hurt

I remember holding a stretcher, carrying one of my friends, when an explosion to the right of me, made my lights go dim
Not much else I remember of that God awful day, when I woke up in a ward, I was surrounded by my buddies, to the right and left of me
In between the bouts of pain, I asked the nurse, what happened, she said the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, along with Hickam Field, many died Sunday morning, and many more are hurt

As she checked my chart, I could see the hurt, deep within her eyes
She said its Tuesday morning, the Japanese have not come back, its safe for now, she thinks
I saw her scurry to a sailor, down the multitudes of beds, as I fell back into a sleep, to take the pain away

And now its Thursday morning, the pain remains the same, between the shots of dope, they pour into my veins, I know my days are numbered
As I look beneath the sheets, for my legs are gone and missing, their back at Hickam Field

For me the war is over, it becomes so clear to see, if God decides to let me live, I'll be with wife and child, if God decides to take my life, my pain will cease to be

Northern Lights

Dedicated To: Sarah Cardona

In the silence of a winter's night
Lies a stillness of lasting thought
That gives a feeling of pure delight
To one who's seen the golden orb
In the shadow of the Northern Lights

As I drift upon the sea, without a soul to comfort me
I see the stars above the waves, that rock me to and fro

I wonder how I found myself, alone and far from home
Somewhere between Land's End, and the coast of Newfoundland

Its been two weeks, since we left the harbor of St. John's Bay
In search of oil which drives us forth, to catch the majestic whale

During the coldness of the tenth night, a gale pitched its eye on us
We rode the storm, as best we could, but in the end, the storm won out, as the ship began to crack

I heard the Captain yell, abandon ship, save yourselves
As the lifeboats were cut away

So quick the ship began to sink, I hardly had time to think
I remember jumping into the sea, reaching to grab the side

Of a lifeboat floating by, with all my strength
I pushed myself to get inside the boat

Oh, how the waves did dance, between the cresting swells
When I looked out, from the shell, which protected me

In the coldness of the raging storm, the ship had slipped beneath the waves
Claiming the Captain and the crew, in the blackness of the night

I find myself all alone, with only a prayer to remember them by
I lay back in exhaustion, in wait of the fate, that lies ahead of me

Two nights have passed, since I boarded this craft
The gale that blew, has gone its way, but the waves still crest with awe

I fear my time is closing in, as the cold sets in my bones
As I look towards the northerly sky, a prayer forms in my heart

To God, I ask, please preserve my soul, from the swirls, of this relentless wake
With only the brilliance of the Northern Lights, to break the silence of the night

I peer in search of a ship, to save my mortal soul
I ask dear God, to rescue me, from the ravages of this domain
Or take me to your golden orb, the one you call your home

Cold Steel Bars

Dedicated To: Veronica Magallanes

Have you ever wondered, how life would be, if you could alter the past
How many of us, would go back in time, to turn our lives around

I've had dreams of doing that, when I feel so down and out
When life is going bad and all not right with me
The whispers of what I did, still haunt my inner thoughts

Four years have passed, since the grizzly deed, that put me here to stay
In this place, that's become a hell, wishing I could be anywhere else

I killed a man, that deserved to die, but the jury did not agree
So when I stood before the judge, and stared into his hazel eyes

I knew the moment he looked at me, death was in the air
And when he said those dreaded words, may God have mercy on your soul

It began to sink deep within, that my number would soon be up
Now I sit in my lonely cell, with a bible to comfort me

My Mother, Father, and brother, paid a visit just yesterday
But my sister refused to come, for it was her husband, I shot to death
Four years ago, last month, and I'm not sorry for what I did
For he gave her such a beating, the scars remain today

Now I wait, until the hour, that the state has set for me
To pay a price, with my life, so justice can be satisfied

I sit and wait for my death, with a bible to comfort me
Wishing I could go back in time, and start all over again

I wonder when the needle is inserted, in my shallow vein
Will I feel the cold set in, as the juice starts to flow
Will death be quick and easy, as my heart begins to fade

Will I shed tears, for the folks, that came to see me die
Or will my heart be cold as steel, when I look them in the eye

I need to make my choice now, for the warden will soon be here
He'll bring a priest, that for sure, another choice, I'll have to make

Will I ask God to take my soul, and forgive my many sins
How I wish I could go back in time, and forget the pain I'm in

I need to make my mind up quick, for the warden footsteps are closing in
And I know, he's not alone, I place the bible between my hands
As the cell door opens wide, the warden and the priest walk in

With a letter from the state, that reads, I'm to die promptly at 6PM
Without further delay, may God have mercy on your soul, I heard the warden say

He asked if I had anything to say, as I stood up to face my fate
I looked the priest in the eye, as tears began to well
I asked him, will God forgive all my sins, I've made along the way

He said my son, God will cleanse your soul today, if you truly believe in him
So go in peace, have no fear, he's waiting on the other side
He'll wash your sins clean as snow, I heard him clearly say

As we walked thru the cold steel bars, that have imprisoned me
I looked on with a different view, when we entered the lighted room

I could see people behind the glass, that came to see me die
As they laid me down on the hardened bed, my legs the first to strap

I turned toward the priest, with the warden next to his side
And handed him the bible, with a look of serenity on my aged face
For I knew right then, what he had said, just a little while ago

That God was waiting on the other side, and would clean my soul of sin
So I settled back to enjoy the ride, with a smile on my haggard face
Knowing their's a better life, awaiting me, just around the bend

Orders Given

Dedicated To: Melissa Martinez

As I sit in my easy chair, looking thru the window pane
The hazy day begins to fade, above the maple trees

My son and daughter, brought me here two years before this June
Its been a home away from home, but for me its not the same

For just last night, I lost a friend, who shared this room with me
And now I wonder, how much time, God will grant to me

As I rest in my easy chair, with not much else to do
I sit and think of better times, that filled my life with joy

My wife, my kids, the good, and bad, that made my life complete
The thoughts that I remember most, lie deep within my dreams

April, of 1942, comes clearly into view, I remember being on a ship at sea
That rolled, and pitched, and swayed

The aircraft carrier, USS Hornet was the name, painted proudly on her bow
With rows of planes, B-25's bolted tightly to her deck

With squadron leader, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, a pilot of world renown
He trained our group long and hard, for a mission, only he knows just where

Soon we'll learn to what degree, the targets will turn out to be
I remember the date, 18th of April, in the early morning dew

Orders were given, targets reviewed, time for departure, just hours away
As I sit back in my easy chair, memories flood back to me

The roar of engines, lit up the dawn, in the pitch black open sea
I recall saying a prayer, as Jimmy's engines began to quake

One by one they left the ship, second to last was I
The fear I held within my chest, I left on the carrier's deck

For war does things I cannot explain, orders are what I know
When they arrive, I snap right up, for my duty is ever so clear

A mission has been ordered, and death will ride our wake
I pray, the sting of death, will not touch us today

The ocean blue, beneath my wings, has turned to solid ground
As I fly along a path, I've never seen before

To drop a bomb upon a building, that holds the enemy
Why this plant and the people inside, are to be bombed today

Is not for me to question why, just complete the task
War is hell for those who fight, and for those who'll die today

The stench of death is in the air, it flies along with me
As I wake up, from my easy chair, it all comes back so clear

And now I know my time is near, as I look thru the window pane
The haze has gone, to be replaced, by the coolness of the evening stars

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
October 25, 2005

Flight Of Beauty

Dedicated To: Xavier Rene Magallanes

Along a lonesome corridor, between tall mountain pines
I ride a current of surreal air in my glider, flying high

I look below, between the flow of air that cushions me
To see the wonders of this land, that God has made for me

As I surge above the clouds, that gleam with misty dew
I glide this craft with breathless thoughts, as mountains come in view

The snow that caps the mountain peaks, makes me wonder even more
How special we must truly be, for God's splendor is so abound

It's there for all of us to see, just open heart, and soul
So take his beauty deep within, for he gives it free to all

Enjoy the gift he leaves for us, the choice is ours to make
And come along, and fly the air, your joy will never end

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
October 22, 2005

Men In Blue

Dedicated To: Michael Ray Gonzalez

I walked a beat, when I was young
With a partner at my side
Who was older, wiser, and ever so kind
To this rookie by his side

He taught me much of what I know
About the shady parts of town

I'm glad I listened to what he said
For he had much to tell
Of the times he came so close
To losing life and limb

I look back, and remember well
The times I walked the street
Now the circle, has come complete
And it is I, who shows the rope

To a youngster, who strolls the street with me
And listens so attentively, to all I have to say
I look at him, and see myself, when I was very young

I think back to my partner, and all the years between
As we walk down, the crowded street
In the shady part of town

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz

The Rail Man

Dedicated To: Mario H. Magallanes

On a lonely trek of land, so far away from home
Beneath the tons of steel so blue, beats a sound
I've known so well, and heard for many years

The sound of rails, is in my blood, I know of nothing else
For in my youth, both day and night, I worked the yard so hard
With callouses on my hands and feet, and sweat upon my brow
I did what any man would do, to keep his family fed

I worked and dreamed for a better life, for wife and child I slaved
I knew deep down, within my soul, time was all that I would need
To make my dream come true

And now, I sit and guide this train, down this lonely track
I thank you God for all you've done, to keep me safe and sound