The Golden Years

For Evangeline

(34th Wedding Anniversary Poem)
(04/24/76)

Across the crimson tides of time
We walk along an ocean shore
Together hand in hand we chime
Marching towards where love is stored

This journey of many years began
When you became my loving wife
In faith and trust we’ve kept our vows
Upon this road of life and strife

Now we approach the golden years
The web of fears we leave behind
The coast is clear, no tears to shed
Along this water line

For in the supple sands beneath our feet
There’s felt the caressing flow of waves
From this total bliss we’ll entwine
Forever we shall rave

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
January 15, 2010

Endless Change

There is a raging sea, deep inside of me

With howling winds which blow consistently
Holding a steady course, having no choice I follow
In search of a calm quailing the rage within the shadows

It lies beyond the realms of time
The bounds of destiny echoing thoughts of lost rhymes
Resounding atop the crest of ocean swells
I sail upon a ghastly ship spurred on by ship’s bells

They chime in the darkness beyond the mist and fog
Along with the taste of the sea spray which enthralls
My senses entranced by the waves that dance
Within this abyss of endless chance

I stand my ground surge towards the blatant starkness
That reveals who I am inside the cloud of doubtless jest
Unknown if this calling will be saintly
With hope this voyage ends gallantly

I’ll spin what’s left of my remaining days
Hoping I’ll fall into the shade
Which holds what I so often prayed?
A bay of containment, where I’ll be saved

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
April 6, 2010

Washed By the Blood

If God's grace lies within his eye's
Does it also abide in the gracious sky?
Which adorns the essence of aimless time?
Reverberating memories played in spiritual chimes

Creating moonlit shadows, in a heavenly song, amid endless stars
Which adorns the horizon, as the sun lights the dawn
Signs of wonder to behold, sung by Angels in gossamer wings
A precious gift to all who believe in his son and the word he brings

God gave his only son in death to save us from our dreadful sins
On that cross he paid the price in his last breath his lips did sing
Father please forgive those souls who know not the ways
By my mortality and resurrection grant them a saving say

A freedom of choice by him was paid
He leaves it up to us to choose the way
Beyond the darkness lies heavenly light
We need only to reach it's within sight

The home the Father made for us paid by the suffering of his son
Endures forever to those who plead to hear his song
For in the forgiveness of sins so tearfully shed
Lies cleansed, soaked by the blood, Christ Jesus bled

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
March 29, 2010

The Texas Blue Bonnet (State Flower of Texas)

In the early days of March in the swirls of the cold north winds
Comes a spark beneath the earth lying dormant from a drought
Energized by warming sunlight charging from a northern spin
Cascading of the Rocky Mountains the sting of cold weaken by its route

Soon a stirring in the ground will make a bloom so rich and blue
Eager to show its glowing growth it breaks the sod with buds that sprout
Into a flower called the Blue Bonnet growing wild along the fields
Painting landscapes with hues of blue matching the sky in the morning dew

A reminder that winter will soon take leave, for spring is on the way
It comes with rains along with storms creating a makeover ever so pleasing
The Texas Blue Bonnet plants itself glittering in the sun rays
For eight weeks it will sparkle and bloom, then seeding concludes the season

Once the seeds enters the ground ensures the future of this flower so proud
The beauty it brings just last awhile but the memories last the year long
Until the next crop comes alive breaking the soil in its rush to please the crowd
Wild flowers lauds the change of a season, for in the twilight between the morning fog

One can hear the State Flower of Texas sing a springtime song

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
March 11, 2010

Unfilled & Unforgiving

A fragile heart is never meant to be turned, ripped and broken
But so often what reflects from fading love we speak of very softly
The years that build this sacred trust at time will be cut short
By failures from the tainted bliss corrupted by our choice

We walk a line so ever fine only noticed when theire's a problem
It's up to us to work it thru, to straighten the pains and sorrows
At moments we're able to pull together, reaching a mutual desire
Other times we pull apart leaving painted promises to expire

What sort of voyage would be taken upon an ocean so mired?
Could togetherness form a cause to keep this hip from floundering?
Or would our drift upon this sea, leave a feeling lonely, dry and barren
A question one should seriously ponder before our sun does set

As we sail forwards seeking a new destiny
Searching the abyss for a different reality
The best will be if we can find that quiet calm
Releasing the torrents of love's abuse

For once the line of no return has been sadly crossed
We lose all the memories of what was and will never be
Sins we cannot escape from seems to flow very swiftly
Beneath the currents thrives our dreams unfilled and unforgiving

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
March 01, 2010

Enticing Sins

Within the deepest pit of night
There lies what I conceal so tight
A part I try to keep untouched
In wait for the moment to be retouched

The feel of memories sadden still
By those departed with hearts so filled
With time captured by the hour glass
The sands in rapture form the past

A never ending collage of what might have been?
Parade inside the distance dreams which beam
Of ever flowing fears cascading into tears
Creating fading sorrows sown thru the years

Forming on a road with curbs which narrows
Enticing the sins which sting like arrows?
I continue to forge towards a goal unknown
Praying my soul is set free from the loams

Which surrounds the very essence of me?
As I approach the end, I'll look for the key
Seeking sinless strife, which comes in the light?
Thus opening the door to a much better life?

Everlasting it glows if one opens the heart
For tears of forgiveness will forever impart?
To receive these gifts reach out towards the hands
Extending from Heaven upon golden sands

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
February 12, 2010

Edge of Never

I've yet to reach the edge of never
In my trek thru life's endeavor
I've yet to find all I seek
From a world in no way is meek

Alas I shall not give up
I'll strive to find this loving cup
Which holds the grace we surely need?
To face the strife within our deeds

It's this goodness we wish to find
To make us kind, which fills our minds?
Floating amidst this eternal bliss
Will steady our ship so not to list

We've learned we are the givers
In our search to find the keepers
Imparting thoughts we hope will soothe
Th lonely and lost along this cruise

I'll continue to seek my final port
Praying my thoughts will not be curt
Beyond this abyss lies the bay
Where tranquil waves, have their say

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
January 03, 2010

Reality

Embroiled within a soothing balm
Into an ocean that once was calm
I seek a long lasting remedy
In my sail towards destiny

Unsure of what the waves will bring
I search for cresting swells which sing
The spiritual songs of serenity
From these lyrics replenish my sanity

Washing over the wooden planks
In it's drift to unknown rocky banks
It is this peace from within the sea
Which releases the pains inside of me?

The storms of life has driven this ship
Across the tides which seem to leap
Beyond a course of no remorse
Holding steady I explore a new source

Within the realms of this foreign port
My ship lays anchor it's time to sort
Between the narrows lays my choice
For in this trek I've found rejoice

Written by; Roland R. Ruiz
January 27, 2010

Sacred Key

Between the shadows of our tomorrow
Lay clouds of peace we long to see
This war has tested the metal within the sadness of our sorrows
Having no end in sight, the door is locked we have no key

Still we search for what eludes us for these many years
Now our track has been modified towards another land
Where solemn regrets are shed along with many tears
Marching to an endless madness, in efforts to stop this band

Who comes to steal our youth away, along with the ones who guide
The horrors we have seen before, from the ghost of another war
Stealing the very best from the Mothers who do provide
The sons and daughters we hold so dear, from those we do deplore

Now we approach the eve of a New Year, what is to come our way?
Will our troops find the bearded one, the leader of this hate?
Or will the tortures of war, come again upon our watery bay
I pray to God no harm shall come, I pray for another fate

Hoping peace will come this year, in bringing our soldiers home
So we can live like once we did, but that can never be
For we're in a holy war, its tentacles stretch and roam
We can only pray our God, holds the sacred key

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
December 11, 2009

Dream Weaver

I am a weaver of sad dreams that are stitched inside my soul
Bringing memories of forgotten pains so starkly yet so bold
Wondering if my written phrases will strike a chord or too
I write to calm the strife in a world we call a zoo

To those who seek contentment in a sea of just repose
I hope to bring containment in the stanzas I compose
Remember the peace we seek, lies inside the written words
For they come within a heart, which beats with an urgent surge

To release the pressure of the day, a price we all must pay
For our Earth is in much trouble totally in dismay
If only words could solve the problems of a globe in disarray
What harmony would we impart to those who have a say

For it's the thoughts from dreamers which are held at bay
You'll find creative answers to the questions existing today
So in the nights that's left to me, I'll continue to weave my dreams
Hoping God will hear the pleas between the tangled seams

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
January 13, 2010

Vow of Love

(In the years to come, he'll remember)

There is a fragrance which flows within the warmness of your glow
Casting shadows of remorse from the winds that swirl and blow
For I've been awaken by the loneliness of despair
From bitterness reflected off the destiny we once shared

It comes in deep vigils in the hollows of a captured heart
Like a scent known but to lovers who promised never to part
Flowing with passions of remembrance sparked by touching lips
I cry to the tune of a lonely melody of long forgotten bliss

In my walk in the dark with only dreams to touch your thoughts
I realize thru tears the fears, I should have never sought
Becoming a part of my foolish ways which lead me to stray
In search of another to please, why I couldn't say

So now I pay the reaper for this broken vow of love
He comes in sordid dreams I try so hard to shove
Bringing tasteless smell in the air not meant to forget
Of all the lingering memories I deeply regret

For in these scarlet ribbons which adorns your auburn hair
Reside the mournful feelings which we will never share
So I'll keep inside of me wherever I will go
The sentiments of one who lost the warmness of your glow

Written by Roland R. Ruiz
January 5, 2010

Serenity

I wake to the hues of the morning sunlight
The moon, the stars, the rising mist
Pass serenely from the shadows which reach into the night
Leaving deep and lasting impressions from the cradle of this abyss

With messages from a guardian I'll soon turn into words
For that how thoughts arrive fading within my dreams
For they bring so many memories bound with many cords
I'll sort what comes my way between the jagged seams

Problems untied I've learned to caress with tender loving care
We who impart with similar thoughts ride a familiar track
A place of calm comprising serenity wee try so hard to share
So to those who ride along this road try never to look back

For the past contains only the history of a long forgotten page
It's what lies ahead that brings the challenge in the hue of a new day
Riding towards oblivion, we seek an opening from this cage
Upon this highway we've come to trek, I hope to find a way

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
December 14, 2009

St. Nick

Into the darkness of the cold north sky
Riding upon the northern winds which cry
Here comes Santa in his sleigh with gifts for one and all
With Rudolph in the lead high above the flying gulls

He steers this vessel of happiness with tender loving care
After all it's a job he does but once a year
Well rested he leads the other reindeer
To children filled with anticipation and cheer

For St. Nick is the patriot saint for those young at heart
He comes to soothe the pains and fears
Which at times drives us so far apart
He's the consciousness which shows we care

Now this is Christmas, a time to reflect
Upon a new dawn we soon to caress
We look for forgiveness for us to ingest
A place of redemption no thought to regress

It's the children of this world that holds the key of peace
For Santa brings more than gifts in the joy of his call
To each of you who share this site with me
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, may God be with you all

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
Dec. 23, 2009

Another Dawn

Dedicated: to a river warrior called, Delta blue

Beyond this path called Delta Blue
Lies the memories known but to few
Lined with fears to greet the dew
We search the river's dirty hue

For signs of terror from the ones
Without remorse we seek to kill
Vengeance echoes from fallen sons
Lost in battles between the hills

Within this place a living hell
We seek the prey, the orders say
With fear we march into a jungle's cell
With hate spitting upon our hearts we'll pray

To see another dawn

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
Dec. 03, 2009

Fair Winds

Fair winds and following seas
Guides a forlorn sailor home
From surging waves ride lasting deeds
Atop the swells which foam

Far and wide we track the world
On oceans cold and wild
A ship which shimmers like a pearl
We pray we'll not defile

In our sail on endless wakes
We search to seek our fine
A place of peace for our sake
Which takes us beyond time?

We hear the calmness between the bells
That rings so loud and clear
Releasing us from this magical spell
From the winds their comes a cheer

Approaching the narrows of St. John's Bay
We survived the price of another voyage
To rest, we pray, towards heaven we say
Thank you Lord, for giving us courage

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
November 27, 2009

Author's Note: During the years 1952-1953 my late
Father was stationed at Pepperrell AFB,
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
I've never forgotten the Narrows of St. John's Bay

Our Nature

Inside the window of time
Within the words we know as rhyme
Lies a love so well defined
It comes in dreams like mystical chimes

To make us dance sometimes pine
Of what was forbidden in what we sought
It's not often one will shine
In the sculptured words we thought were lost

Writing to convey secrets within our hearts
To others who share these thoughts
At times we hit a nerve with what we impart
Impressions can be like grains of salt

Sometimes taken most often mislaid
But we as poets prod on it's our nature
Not worrying if our stanzas will fade
In a poetic sense our words becomes the feature

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
November 12, 2009

The Key

There is a world within my mind
Where I do seldom go
Which come in dreams when I'm asleep
Beneath the painted stars which glow

A haunting place each time I visit
Mystical in every way
But dawn brings me home again
Ending this heavenly stay

It's not often one can feel
The sculptured words of antiquity
If only I could find the key
Unlocking the fate that's sealed

Within the whispering shifting sands
What sights my eyes would see
As I walk towards the silence to pray
What graceful thoughts I hope to convey

Inside the windows of time
Lies a love so well defined
Clasped inside the hands of one so kind
Resides the destiny we hope to find

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
Nov. 20, 2009

Richly Given

In Memory: Poetry Masters of old

There is a quiet wind that blows
Across the vestiges of one's soul
Marching to rhythm so effortlessly it flows
Whispering softly of reality to the zesty and the bold

For desires of engraving, like the poetry masters of old
Who write of stark beauty, in words I'll never know
Throwing caution out the window, I surge into the cold
Taking pen in hand composing, from the caverns of my soul

Caring not if rejected as a writer who knows not rhyme
For I'm a want a be poet, a dreamer of the real
Finding favor in the stanzas emerging from my mind
Posting to a web site, which accepts these words of zeal

Sharing with a gladden heart this gift towards the living
Taking care not to worry, about the currents that surge my way
Thankful for the inner peace which has been richly given
With dreams of being a relic from yonder yesteryear, what thoughts I could convey?

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
November 3, 2009

Real Time

It's not the writings from my yesterdays
That makes me who I am
It's what's to come in my tomorrows
Which reflects in the man I portray?

So I'll take wheat been consigned my way
For the betterment of this life
Will merge to what's yet to come
praying only the good shall follow

There are lessons one can learn from strife
In our remaining days
For those who remember the past
Opens the soul to reality

To all who read between these lines
A solemn creature will emerge
A throw back to real time
Somewhat lost but not forgotten

The time is now my mind is free
It's the way I wish to be
For I've found the key
Which unlocks the door?

Where a peaceful heart resides
It beats with a single purpose
To shine a light into the dark
Which contains the best of me?

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz
October 21, 2009

Devil's Blight

In Memory: The late Hollywood actor Vincent Price & Pop Star legend Michael Jackson

From the darkness of the night

Lies a secret place of fright

Known to us as the devil’s blight

Wakes us to an ugly sight

In dreams we tend to fight

But in the end it flares and bites

Wakes us to a ghastly site

Wishing we could find the light

To make this evil a lesser mite

To send to hell what’s comes tonight

To bring us back too pure delight

I pray to God with all my might

To bring me home and hold me tight

Written by: Roland R. Ruiz

Oct. 18, 2009