Side By Side, Together

I often lay and watch you breath,
Ever so gently, while you sleep.
I think about,
The life we've had,
The love we've shared,
How far we've come, together.

As I lay and watch you,
I thank God you're my wife.
I then recount,
The day we met,
And can't forget,
How you've changed my life, forever.

When I lay there with you,
Tears well in my eyes.
I never dreamed,
Life could be,
So worry free,
Wonderful and fun, together.

As we lay side by side,
I think of you with humble pride.
I'm so glad that I'm alive.
To have you to always confide.
I thank God that you're my bride.
It's been a very special ride, together.

As I lay next to you,
Life just seems so right.
The future looks so bright.
Our boys have grown,
They'll soon leave home,
Once again we'll be alone,

To live out life on our own, together.



Copyright © August 2011
Kevin Mooney

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A Unique Eulogy

To all those gathered here...

Please don't mourn for me this day,
Celebrate instead.
Remember all the good times had,
All the things we did.

As I gaze upon the faces,
Of those I won't forget.
I thank God for all His grace,
I have no true regrets.

To all the friends that I hold dear,
Your thoughts now comfort me.
There's no need to shed a tear,
For I've lived life fully.

To my children and to theirs,
I cherish the memories.
I live in you, I'll be there,
To guide you in your dreams.

To my beloved, my one true love,
The one I'll miss the most.
Please be strong for both of us,
Know I'm always close.

Without you by my side,
I'd be an empty frame.
You're my rock, my everything,
I know you feel the same.

Live your life joyfully,
We'll soon reunite.
And be together eternally,
In God's majestic light.


Copyright © July 2011
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
071511

This Man That I Once Knew

This man gave me comfort,
This man gave me life.
This man made me who I am,
Taught me wrong from right.

This man gave me shelter,
Provided clothes and food.
Nurtured me with confidence,
Showed me what to do.

This man gave me values,
Prepared me to survive.
If it were not for this man,
I may not be alive.

This man was my father,
My mentor and best friend.
My soul mate and my confidant,
My comrade, my Godsend.

He's no longer with me,
Standing by my side.
He loved me unconditionally,
Up to the day he died.

Now his spirit guides me,
In everything I do.
He lives deep down inside me,
In both my two sons, too.

This man that I once knew.


Copyright © June 2011
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
061811

Dinner Table Jib Jab

Okay now let's say grace.

Thank you Father for this meal,
And all else you provide.
We would not have anything,
Without you by our side.

May this food give nourishment,
To our bodies and our souls.
Bless us with encouragement,
Through us your truth be told.

Amen.

Now please pass the peas,
Do tell how was school?
Mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes,
The weather's kind of cool.

Father how was work today?
Who needs buttered bread?
How was traffic, by the way?
Want biscuits instead?

Mary had piano lessons,
Honey, how'd it go?
More milk or water anyone?
When's your next school show?

Oh Darling did you see the news?
That actor was found dead.
No drugs involved, no alcohol,
Stroke is what they said.

Father can I borrow the car?
Friday I have a date.
I promise not to take it far,
And not be out too late.

Mother the house sure looks great.
You worked hard today.
What a great meal you've made,
Oh, and by the way,

Grandma called to speak with you,
I wrote the message down.
Seems Uncle Bob and Aunt June,
Are going to be in town.

Can I have some more meatloaf,
And some gravy please?
The mashed potatoes get my vote.
I like mine with peas.

Save some room for dessert,
I made a pecan pie.
I also have cool fresh fruit,
Give them both a try.

When everyone's meal is done,
The women will clean up?
After that we'll have some fun,
Save your coffee cup.

Then lets all gather 'round,
For some songs and games.
There's been enough jib jab now,
Its been a wonderful day.


Copyright © May 2011
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
051411

No Greater Love

 This poem is written to the wonderful accompanying painting by my friend Paul McGehee called "Faithful Companion".  Be sure to check out all of Paul's art.  He is  a very talented local artist...

There's no love like a dog's,
When you're feeling blue.
It wags its tail, licks your hand,
Then cuddles close to you.

It never has a motive,
Mopes or just complains.
Its love is unconditional,
Loyalty remains.

A dog's love is pure love,
Precious, sure and true.
It can tell and understands,
When somethings bothering you.

They never have resentment,
Balk or show dismay.
Their sole source of contentment,
Is attention and want of play.

They never have an objection.
Never hold a grudge.
They vie for your affection.
With a bark or cold nose nudge.

They love you just the way you are,
Stay right by your side.
They treat you like a movie star,
Without a reason why.

And when their time has finally come,
They don't raise a peep.
They wag their tail, look at you,
Then quietly go to sleep.


Copyright © March 2011
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
033011

Two Perfect Chips of Stone

This poem is dedicated to my sons Josh and Jake...

Thank You Lord, You blessed me with,
Two perfect chips of stone.
A pair of sons I never guessed,
I'd ever call my own.
It feels good, I must confess,
To see how nice they've grown.
It brings to mind the joys I missed,
The times I was alone.

I wish my folks had lived to see,
How perfect they've become.
They're different yet much the same,
Adored by everyone.
As children they were challenging,
Please don't get me wrong.
But they've become nice young men,
Found where they belong.

I suppose one can't foresee,
How bless-ed life can be.
In retrospect one can object,
To pain and misery.
As I reflect, I don't regret,
Decisions that I've known.
Lord I praise You helped me raise,
Two perfect chips of stone.


Copyright © March 2011
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
033011

Dear Mom...

I had a friend who was adopted and never knew his biological mother.  He's a Christian with strong, anti-abortion beliefs.  This a letter written by him to her.

Thank you for my birthday,
And all those in between.
I often wonder where I'd be,
If you had not had me.
Though I never knew you,
Or the father that you made,
I think about you all the time,
And the price you paid.

I know I was a burden,
Something you did wrong.
When you're young life's uncertain,
I'm glad that you were strong.
The life you bore and gave me,
Might not have ever been,
If you had never saved me,
And God had not stepped in.

Mother can you hear me,
I wonder if you can.
Though another raised me,
I'm still who I am.
I foster no ill feelings,
Hold no one at fault.
I've learned a valued lesson,
One I was never taught.

I have a new perspective,
How precious life can be.
I am more receptive,
To others just like me.
Mine is a unique view,
Of what life truly means.
Had it not been for you,
I never would have seen...

The beauty of a sunrise,
The solitude of rain.
The innocence in childrens' eyes,
The way the seasons change.
The colors of a rainbow,
The moon and stars at night.
The silhouettes of distant mountains,
Against the day's last light.

Mom, know that I still love you,
And bear no hidden scar.
The children that now call me dad,
Ask me who you are.
I tell them you are special,
The mom I never knew.
That because you made a choice,
I am here for you.


Copyright © October 2010
Kevin Mooney

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Glen Echo Amusement Park

This poem is written for the accompanying new painting of the same name, by the artist Paul McGehee. Paul is a brilliant local artist from the Washington, D.C. area whose forte is creating moments in time on canvass. I encourage everyone to checkout his website and art at http://www.paulmcgeheeart.com/mainframe.shtml. He's also on facebook.  Note the painstaking detail in his paintings. I'm sure you'll find poetic inspiration through his works.


Remember those days,
That twiddled away,
Those days spent with family and friends?
Bright sunny days,
With warm summer rays,
Those days you never wanted to end?

I can recall,
A park near Great Falls,
One with a grand carousel.
With Coaster Dips,
Flying Scooter trips,
And the popcorn they used to sell.

My parents and I,
Before they both died,
Would visit 2 or 3 times a year.
Nestled quaintly,
Outside of D.C.,
Where the Potomac and C&O run near

A post card demo,
Of live Art Deco,
Where artists and bands would appear.
With picnic grounds,
And merry go rounds,
Puppet shows that brought children cheer.

A nostalgic lark,
Lit up after dark,
The musical sounds you would hear.
The Spanish Ballroom,
And Calliope tunes,
And the Wurlitzer Organ-ere.

A century old scene,
Pastoral, serene,
A dream of entertainment and art.
Step back in time,
And magically find,
Glen Echo Amusement Park.


Copyright © October 2010
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
100810

Pet Cementary Epitaphs

As I ponder my lifetime,
I think of those I've left behind.
Ghosts of family and lost friends,
Memories my mind holds in.

But those that seem to haunt me most,
Are those of loved ones I held close.
Ghosts I seem to never forget,
Echoes of all my long lost pets.

George

Here lies George, my dad's old cat,
Pearly White and not too fat.
He always came whenever we'd call,
His favorite game was fetch a ball.

Dominique & Felipe

Dominique & brother Felipe
Toy French Poodles quite unique.
They always fought for mom's affection,
Their love for her beyond exception.

Lady

Lady and mom never got along,
Growling at her was where she went wrong.
She never meant to do any harm,
I think that's why she went to a farm.

Nugget

Named for the color of a Chicken McNugget,
The type of dog that most folks covet.
My best friend since he was a pup,
Together he and I both grew up.

Kimba

Like the cartoon little white lion,
Not too bright but worked hard tryin'.
Loved to run and play out doors,
Faithful friend of mine and yours.

Zachery

Liked to walk and lived to play,
Never balked or ran away.
Warm and friendly were his best traits,
Now he guards the pearly gates.

Cookie

Creamy color, faithful friend,
Warm, sweet nature to the end.
Mom Mom and Henry's loving pet,
One their sure not to forget.

Tiffany

Little princess to you know who,
Cocker Spaniel through and through,
Tracey's savior in hard times,
Always loved her curtain time.

Mack

Beloved pup and devoted friend,
Held chin up until the end.
Loved life full and truly cared,
Died too young, it wasn't fair.

Pets are difficult to lose,
We give our hearts to those we choose.
They're like our children, daughters and sons,
So honor them when their time comes.

RIP.

Copyright © August 2010
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
081810

Like a Norman Rockwell

I want a life, bereft of strife,
Less worries, pain and sorrow.
A picture-perfect, love affair,
That breaches each tomorrow.

Holidays to dream about,
Season's blessed with with songs.
Family get-togethers that,
Last a lifetime long.

Simple scenes that blend together,
That form life's melody.
Pleasant thoughts that last forever,
A sense of certainty.

I want a life, with a wife,
And a family.
A perfect home, to call my own.
Love and prosperity.

Mental scenes of what life means,
Simple yet sincere.
Snapshots pulled from album screens,
That capture all the years.

I'd like to take my memories,
And place them under glass.
Paint laughs and jokes with warm brush strokes,
Sanctify the past.

As waning years are stained by tears,
They'll comfort and sustain.
All that I've so valued dear,
They'll help to ease the pain.

Yes, I want life memorialized,
To ponder and recall.
A painted mural immortalized,
A book upon a wall.

A treasury of what's happened to me,
Framed to both see and tell.
A collection of lifetime's subtleties,
Like those of Norman Rockwell.



Copyright © July 2010
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
073110

I Came Home Today...

I came home today to find my dog had died,
We'd been together such a very long time.
I remembered when I first brought him home,
He was 2 months old, didn't like it alone.
He was full of life, my consummate friend,
He loved to play and take walks now and then.
No matter how often,
Where or when.
He was 12 years old the day he died.
I laid down and quietly cried.

I came home today to find my dad had died,
I had just been with him the previous night.
I remembered fondly the good times we'd had.
He was my mentor, a well thought of man,
He was always there, to chastise and commend,
My trusted advisor, my kindred Godsend,
It happened so fast,
His heart just gave in,
He was 63 the day he died.
I laid down and quietly cried.

I came home today to find my mom had died,
Her zest for life had just withered by,
I remembered how vibrant and beautiful she'd been,
The years posed a fight she just couldn't win.
My collective memories of her loving care,
I loved my mom, I wished I'd been there,
It all seemed surreal,
Unable to feel,
She was 68 the day she died.
I laid down and quietly cried.

I came home today and I realized,
How quickly the years had passed me by,
I remembered all my family and friends,
Who no longer graced this world I'm in.
Phantoms in dreams, cerebral ghosts,
My wife and children now matter most,
I treasured lost memories,
With a subliminal toast,
I'm 49, I subconsciously sighed,
I laid there a moment and quietly cried.


Copyright © August 2009
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
080109

Until The Last Tear Is Shed

My Father died today.
And I wasn't there.
I wish I could have been.
I loved my dad and he loved me,
And I remembered when...

We laughed together,
We mourned together,
We fought a lot it seemed.
We had a lot of good times together,
We were quite a team.
But I never knew how much he cared,
It never crossed my mind,
I never knew how much I cared,
Until the day he died.

My Mother died today.
Again, I wasn't there.
I prayed that she went peacefully,
Her pain was hard to bear.
And I remembered when...

We talked of life and many things,
We were good friends, her and me,
We loved to argue
We loved to cook
We loved all the finer things.
But I never appreciated her full worth,
Never loved her like she loved me.
My mom was there since my birth,
She meant the world you see.

Now I'm the oldest of four children,
My parents are dead and gone.
It's hard to imagine how life has changed,
How we've all moved on.

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like,
If mom and dad weren't dead.
I'm sure I would treasure,
Our moments together,
Until the last tear is shed...


Copyright © June 2009
Kevin Mooney

kmm001
060109

The Silhouettes of Kings

A Father's Day Poem...

Today we honor the Silhouettes of Kings,
Bow to fore fathers' ancestrial strings.
Consider our roots and family trees,
Ponder sur names and what might not be,
Give good tidings to paternal love,
Be truly thankful to the Father above.

A seed was once planted in hopes of you,
A farmer familiar, his crop 9 months due,
He was there at your harvest, to welcome you in,
To provide a foundation, a comfortable den,
Life was less brutal, so much to learn,
Fertiilzed with love, wisdom, discern.

He cultivates his garden, with firm hand and hoe,
His greatest joy realized watching you grow.
A light to guide you, show you the way.
A pillar of strength to counter a sway,
A fortress of truth, an army of one,
A bastian of comfort second to none.

And when life's a struggle, and formidable foe,
He's there to provide you a place to go.
Seek shelter in him from sporadic storms,
The swelter of sin and deviant swarms,
He protects you from pillage, violence and fret,
He's there to console you, share life's regrets.

And when his work's done and he's long gone to bed,
His vision reminds you, a ghost in your head,
Life is no garden that grows on it's own.
It needs to be plowed, painstakingly sewn.
Without nurture and love, compassion and toil,
Life's a quagmire of unfertile soil.
It's fathers who remind us the price we must pay,
So honor your dad this Father's Day.


Copyright © June 2009
Kevin Mooney