Melodies of the Heart

“Melodies of the Heart: The Life and Happenings of Charles J. Stock in poetic verse”. Vivid pictures in rhythmic sounding words, depicting the loves and dreams of a joyous heart. Pondering Deep in thought— Back, back through the years Reminiscing things, as a lad I sought. Climbing a mountain, watching eagles soar by, Or strolling in the evening under a star lit sky. Hunting the woodlands, from spring till fall, From the budding of the maples To the snow flakes in the fall. I was just a callow youth, Having a ball. The honor and respect taught by our parents, allowed young lovers to enjoy: A Wiener Roast: In the cool of the evening, the bonfire lit, around the blaze on logs we sit. Our voices ring out in harmony sound, rising in the air and across the ground. Higher; still higher, young girls did go, the boys sang louder, but way down low. Time for cider and a hot dog or two, sure is better than mulligan stew. I was so happy, swelling with pride, when the prettiest girl, sat down by my side. We stole off to a secluded place and there alone, a lovers’ embrace. My heart is thumping, my head is reeling; I can’t believe, my heart she’s stealing. Truly Rich Lord, Sometimes I wonder, am I rich or poor, can I be any happier, or any more secure? Lord, you have provided every thing, through the riches of your grace, I can think myself happy, when your blessings I retrace. Surveying the road of the past, one thing I can be sure; Of all the friends I have to love, I am truly rich, not poor. Manhood As I lay pondering, I gave wings to my thoughts, Back through the years I soared, it was manhood I sought. I left my childish wanderings; I shouldered a rifle and pack, Without a thought of tomorrow; or if ever I would come back. I lay in my foxhole, night after night, Just waiting for darkness; to give way to light. Days were like months, months like years; The ache in my heart, no longer have tears. The noise of battle has ended; there is a ship in the harbor for me, Queen Elizabeth is now sailing, past Lady Liberty. Lady Liberty When I first saw this lady, I was coming home from the war. Never was I so excited in my whole life before. So majestic was this lady, in the harbor at freedoms shore, Her torch lighting the way; a welcome at freedom’s door. I though of all my buddies, buried across the sea, So all who live in this free land, can live in Liberty. We think not about the battles, we forget all the dead, We loose sight of the brave ones; to free us, their blood was shed. They lived in the freezing cold; their feet left trails of blood, When I think of the cost of liberty, my tears begin to flood. I, too, know just a little, dug in under the trees, With all the latest gear we had, my feet still froze to the knees. Over one and one-half million have died; To perpetuate freedom for you, Why can’t we stop being partisan, Until this war is through? I will not, I cannot forget until I see; That we as a nation remember, The cost of liberty. My Buddies My mind looks back, through pages of time, When I was a GI, on the front line. Old Glory was flying, high on a hill, Where I lost my buddies, they lie there still. Much of the anguish and pain did fade, But not for my buddies, and the price they paid. It’s been 58 years, since I crawled over those rocks, In the stillness of the night, my heart still knocks. My life has been full, over many a decade, But not for my buddies, and the cost they paid. Time Time slipping by at a turtle’s pace, Time so painful, I’d like to erase. Time with its sorrows, I’d like to replace, Time that is Eternal by God’s Loving Grace. Then time seems to slip away and we enjoy the; Rhythm of the Rock There comes a time in an old man’s life, he should sit on the porch and rock. No more should these tired old eyes, be watching the hands on the clock. They are to relax and rummage the past, without the sound, “tick-tock”; Being carried away into yesterday, as he picks up the rhythm of the rock Our Love Story After the loss of his wife of 57 years, excitement came back into his life on the 25th day of August 2004, when an E-mail from Dorothy Reiner came across his computer screen. He had written this poem earlier that morning: Slumbering Slumbering this morning, before daylight, I saw dancing before me, this exquisite sight. This Angelic being, dancing with delight, Inside and out, she was glistening white. As she lifted and twirled, so gracefully by, I saw that sparkle, deep in her eye She twirled once more, I had another peek, Surely it’s her, the lady I seek. A Prize I Have Won Oh special lady Our marriage is about to start, No one else in all the world Can heal my aching heart. I feel I am a king Of the largest domain, My Lord picked you out, To share my life and name. I can hardly wait my darling, To hold you in my arms; Please stand real close, my sweet one, As I survey your many charms. Tonight will be so special; We two will become one. Oh precious, sweetheart lady, You are a prize that I have won.