Lessons engraved into the mind and heart.

Life is learning to be wiser and kinder.

                                Lessons engraved into the mind and the heart.

The hollow hour leave me alone with my thoughts.
Hidden guilt and despair ascent when the faces of people gone appear.
Ancient memories changed direction of my life and song.

After years of running toward a road with dead-ends only.
I found out why I should of been kinder, knew forgiveness and held love
over my dreams and priorities.

Today I look at my  life filled with many victories and
the gift of love wasn't one of them.
Today I wished I truly knew the people who needed kindness.
I wished I knew what their skin deep pain and fear was .
Instead of demanding strength and purpose.

I understood too late for my brothers to listen instead of lecture.
I learn not all people desire wealth and power.
I didn't see my brother sinking into the quicksand of disappointment.

Today I have become kinder.
I tried to stay positive. Follow the advice of my wise Grandfather.
"Nothing good to say. Say nothing. Words and action can create permanent separation."

The memories of three boys still dance in my head.
I can hear my brother's laughter.
I can envision two young men with big hearts and strong hands but not equip to handle
the battle of daily life.

Now my two brothers are just ashes. Just salt upon open wounds  of life and death.
There is no forgiveness for some deeds and action done. You must repent and walk the
proper road.

Today I know I must stop other from giving up. I must listen and be kind.
Like my kind Parent. Keep the door wide open for our kids. Better to be the
safe house and quiet place to regain hope and strength than the negative voice in
in a cold world.

Lessons engraved into the mind and heart leave us with rage or if we are lucky?
A soft voice in a heartless world.

                              Coyote
                         written in 1989/rewrote in 2013

Author's Note

Old poetry with a re-write.

Reviews

[sivan]

again your writing never disappoints. i don't believe in regrets and yet i always end up somehow when looking back wondering what if i had done it differently how different things may have turned out... love these lines
"I understood too late for my brothers to listen instead of lecture.
I learn not all people desire wealth and power.
I didn't see my brother sinking into the quicksand of disappointment."

[Coyote Poetry]

Most of us will learn the hard way. I listen and speak with a softer tone today. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[Ken Simm.]

you show that experience does not come to late and with it brings understanding. Remarkable poem true,whenever it was written.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Ken for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.

[Muse]

Today I know I must stop other from giving up.

correction "others" add an S my dear

btw...your poetry always has been a beautiful soft voice in a heartless world.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Muse. I appreciate the kind words and help.

[Tate Morgan]

Oh bravo. You have learned the great lesson of time . However i believe you above the rest have known it for a long time .

[Coyote Poetry]

I learn in 1988. Better to listen and be kind. I'm far from perfect. All we can do is our best. Thank you for reading. I do appreciate.

[Tate Morgan]

You my friend epitomize the good soul.

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you for sharing those moments and the great inspiring words for later generations and leaders of the future to learn about life , humanity and share the benefits with others to lift them up...Bravo

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Sami. Most of us must learn the hard way.

[Sami Khalil]

Thatis true...You are welcome...:)................

[Tom]

You grandfather ( like my great uncle Bill ), was a very worldly wise man Coyote, just as you have become !

A soulful, heartfelt, biographical poem !

[Coyote Poetry]

We need people with life experiences to show us the proper way to live. Thank you for the comment.

[Ruth]

So many things happen, CAN happen in life...your poetry has always given me courage dear Coyote...

You have witnessed so many things, it can only give the reader solace to read you :)

xx

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend. We learn by living and making mistakes.

[KAin]

This is an amazing piece.
There's so much weight behind each stanza, and lessons for all of us in the wisdom conveyed!
Thank you for the excellent poem!

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Landred. I appreciate the comment.

[Lydia Shutter]

When you write, you share your heart....and your wisdom. Thank you for sharing your experiences and the lessons you have learned. Walking the right road in life is not always easy, but the rewards are worth it. Wonderful poem. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Lydia for the kind words. A good writer write from the heart.

[Coyote Poetry]

My friend, you've learned so much in life, from traveling, the army, the roads you walked everywhere, from Europe to where you've been, and know, life is a path, to learn, a never ending road, to walk, there not exsists "perfection" at least what you say here, is rich, and the richest a man or woman can live on, and to. Wonderful inspiring piece of work, with your selfless heart, in the center of it. I loved this piece you always have so much wisdom to share. Thank you.

- Elisa

[Coyote Poetry]

Most of must fall down often to learn true wisdom. Life is simple. We need love and family near. No easy road for anyone. Thank you for reading and the comment.

So true, and I live such a simple life, I'm ever grateful, for it.... you're so welcome, your writings, always give us something we can take with us in our pockets.... ;)