The Dream

by Rick Williams


I looked in the mirror
and saw a flat ocean
all the way to infinity
instead of me.

I stared hard for something
or some kind of meaning
but colorless distance
was all I could see.

I reached with my hand
for the smoothness of glass
but instead I found air
where the mirror should be.

I felt I was falling
and was suddenly scared
I cried out, but in vain
for no one heard my plea.

I awoke in my bed
my heart beating loudly
my mind was still there
though it tried hard to flee.

Our Silent Classmates

by Rick Williams


Years of life have come and gone
since days we laughed in class.
Fewer of our friends remain
as sadly--some have passed.

Some were known by everyone,
and others: known by few,
but popularity aside
still missed by all they knew.

Though each reunion that we have
brings news of classmates lost,
the news brings welcome memories
of times our paths had crossed.

During time they spent on earth
through good times and through bad
they shared portions of themselves with us
and we treasure the times we had.

For Mom on Mother's Day

By Rick Williams


Thanks for all the times we shared
and thanks for all the wounds repaired.

Thanks for meals we always had
and healing us when we felt bad.

Thanks for all the times you pretended
and for all the broken hearts you mended.

Thanks for all the sleep you traded
when we were sick and felt deflated.

Thanks for giving us the space
to learn things and to find our place.

Thanks for coming to concerts and plays
even though they were bad most days.

Thanks for times you drove me around
on my paper route when the rains would pound.

Thanks for keeping us together
through thick and thin and stormy weather.

Thanks for being the best mom ever.
I love you now and I'll love you forever!

Class Outside

By Rick Williams


Working in a building here
far from window, far from door
so much is missed when days are clear
the air is stale and semi-poor.

I remember school days, back
when springtime sun would shine;
we'd have a nice day "sun-attack"
and have outdoor class divine.

I loved those days we sat outside
with sun, and birds, and bees;
it made the classroom big and wide
with grass, and clouds, and breeze!