BEFORE WINTER COMES

one possible cover for a book

A boy soprano I could sing, 

Unknown to me, this was my Spring. 

When my fam-ly was all and I was young
And my whole life was still a song unsung. 

My childhood was easy and bright and new

And boyhood concerns were extreme-ly few. 

Content with little I was happy then

Not knowing I could not feel this again.

To work I was a newcomer,

Did not think this was my Summer.

I graduated and I dated her,

Then marriage and children a seeming blur,

A home of our own and stability

Made fam-ly life one of tranquillity.

A fulfilling career sped by so fast

Before I knew it, four decades had passed.

Told myself I’d not hit bottom,

This was a blast, this was Autumn.

As coloured leaves fell and cooler winds blew,

Formal work wound down and leisure tasks grew,

My focus was canvas, brushes and paint,

another cover option, front & back panels & my original painting

Even an artist can live like a saint.

My remaining thin hair turned white with age,

Paintings sales replaced a regular wage.

Poem done, on goes the printer

Must be ready, here comes Winter.

Must finish my books, my fam-ly hist-ry,

What follows next is still a mystery.

My entire life long I have lived in trust

That God will be near when my shell is dust.

Be patient with me as my mem-ry fades

Know I loved you when death pulls down the shades.

© Ron Unruh, May 2019

SUMMER SOLSTICE AT THE BEACH

It was the 21st of June this past Saturday, and it was the longest day of the year. With the setting of the sun and the turn of the clock each day hereafter is progressively briefer once again. Christine and I drove in that rich Pacific air to Crescent Beach and parked our Miata on the Beach. We took out our lawn chairs, binoculars and Squires coffee to await the sunset.

A couple of yachts anchored in the Bay with friends aboard sitting, chatting and sipping vino on the water. Over our heads the periodic flight of aircraft made their arc toward the distant Vancouver airport, talking them over the ring of mountains that silhouetted the distant Burnaby skyscrapers at the skyline.

Sometimes we bring a novel to the beach and other times, like this one, we write our own. In front of us a young couple with a small child and a professional photographer and his assistant made memories. A well-chosen moment and location. Standing at a wood rail fence, they were profiled dramatically against the sea and the sunset sky. She was young and lovely and very slim, and we surmised their story. These were pre-marriage or wedding shots and this was a second marriage for him because her body had never experienced childbirth. As they moved their photo session further to the right and away from us they joined their party of friends and family.

The sky was now transformed into a canvas of sweeping theatrical brilliance as distant clouds reflected the yellows, oranges and reds. We waited, we walked, we talked and we appreciated the three-hour light display. Then packed up we drove to tomorrow and a shorter daylight. The circle of life.

FOUR BOYS OF SUMMER

FOUR BOYS OF SUMMER

Summer days and bikes and slingshots

Boyhood memories I choose to tell 

Beach and barefoot, hikes and slipknots

Retirement and grandboys partner well.

Four of us at unique stages

Two boys, a pre-teen, and older gent

Three live lively while one ages

They have forever while mine seems spent.

Then time spent with them blesses both

I’m inspired by their crisp touch on time

My tales and values nurture growth

All four assisted to make the climb.

by Ron Unruh, July 2013

HOMEMADE SLINGSHOT MADE FROM CLOTHES HANGER
ONE FOR EACH BOY