Progress

That "progress" you see is unbounded hatred toward people of color, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ population, and of course, Muslims.

That "progress" you see are the cries of immigrant children locked in cages, confused as to why their parents abandoned them.

That "progress" you see is a person having no other choice but to hope they don't get sick and have to file for bankruptcy because of medical bills.

That "progress" you see is one political party selling out the country to a hostile, foreign one and you being okay with that.

That "progress" you see is hypocrisy by political and religious leaders intent on keeping power while not giving one iota of concern to you.

That "progress" you see is nature weeping.

That "progress" you see is the usage of a "god" to promote bigotry and hatred toward those who believe differently than you.

That "progress" you see is a mother's concern for her children's future, unsure if they'll even have much of one.

That "progress" you see is the country losing its moral standing in the world because of a slogan: Make America Great Again.

That "progress" you see is unbridled nationalism.

That "progress" you see is the removal of some fine, upstanding people that are actually better Americans than you.

That "progress" you see was never about illegal immigration. It was about bigotry.

That "progress" you see is you rejecting facts because they contradict what you believe to be true.

That "progress" you see is white privilege. You relish it without admitting you benefit from it.

That "progress" you see is the rich getting richer while everyone else gets poorer.

That "progress" you see is not about a difference of opinion. It's about what's right and wrong.

That "progress" you see is an attack on women--all women--just because they're women.

That "progress" you see is a lack of diversity in a governing body that supposedly represents an extremely diverse national population.

That "progress" you see is the sound of people using guns for murder while you do nothing but send "thoughts and prayers."

That "progress" you see is a cult-like adherence to a man who claims only he speaks the truth while at the same time going out of his way to vilify all those who criticize him.

That "progress" you see is fascism.

That "progress" you see, says a lot about you.

Now That You're Gone

The world turns slower

Now that you’re gone,

The stars less brilliant than before.

The oceans still churn

Though not quite as strong,

And the moon leaves tears on the shore.

The forests seem bleak

Now that you’re gone,

The colors subdued and forlorn.

The plants still flourish

Though not quite as long,

And the animals cry and mourn.

Onward time goes

Despite that you’re gone,

A fact we’re unable to change.

But our hearts hold dear

Memories of you,

Memories we’ll always arrange.

Our lives move forward

Though you are gone,

Less complete without you it’s true.

You touched so many

In ninety-three years,

We’re better for just knowing you.

So we say goodbye

Now that you’re gone,

Your journey has come to the end.

In our hearts you’ll ride

With love and a song,

Our family; our ally; our friend.

--Randal D. Anderson

September 13, 2017

We Know

I could drink the Kool-Aid, take the blue pill, or just bury my head in the sand.

Any of those would be the easy thing to do.

But I can't.

And neither should you.

Why, you ask?

Because we're better than this.

We're better than what the man in the White House portrays about Americans.

We know we wouldn't be where we are without science.

So we should not be bashing it or trying to suppress it.

We know we wouldn't be where we are without journalism.

So we should not be trying to create confusion between what is real and what is fake.

We know we all depend on truth and facts.

So we should not be advocating "alternative facts" and "untruths".

We know we wouldn't be here without refugees.

So we should continue to accept them and offer them a safe place from the horrors they flee.

We know we wouldn't be here if there had been walls.

So we should not be building one to separate us from the rest of the world.

We know we wouldn't be here without nature.

So we should be trying to save it, nurture it, and love it instead of trying to destroy it.

We know we wouldn't be here without women.

So we should be embracing them, listening to them, and respecting them.

We know we are all humans on this little blue dot floating through space.

So we should not be trying to create divisions, but instead foster tolerance and inclusiveness.

We know that all any of us ever want is to be loved.

So we should love.

--Randy Anderson
January 28, 2017

I Don't Understand

I've seen the children
Die in the streets.
I've seen
Governments fall.
I've seen a doctor
Die in vain.
What has
Happened to us all?

I've seen the riots
I've seen the wars.
I've seen
Tranquility.
I've seen them murder
Overseas.
Somehow
We just don't believe.

Sometimes, I run.
Sometimes, I hide.
And sometimes,
I wish to Hell I didn't know.
Sometimes, I live.
Other times, I die.
And sometimes,
I just watch the hatred grow.

I've seen the women
Raped in their homes.
I've seen
Babies get sold.
I've seen the children
Just get raped by their own.
These are
Stories of old.

I've seen politicians
Stoke and incite fear.
I've seen
Truth lose to lies.
And God's often used
To justify atrocities,
To control who lives
And pronounce the very next to die.

Sometimes, I run.
Sometimes, I hide.
And sometimes,
I wish to Hell I didn't know.
Sometimes, I live.
Other times, I die.
And sometimes,
I just watch the hatred grow.

I've seen the government
Cater to the rich.
I've seen,
Jane and John Doe.
They live on a street
Where their soul's been sold,
Invisible,
To those that choose not to know.

I've seen the people
Who sell their skin.
I've seen
Sex end time.
I don't understand
This fucking world that I'm in.
But there we go
Crossing another line.

Sometimes, I run.
Sometimes, I hide.
And sometimes,
I wish to Hell I didn't know.
Sometimes, I live.
Other times, I die.
And sometimes,
I just watch the hatred grow.

--Randal D. Anderson
May 6, 2016

Hell Left The Light On

Born with no choice

Yet fights society every day,

He wonders if it’s worth it to go on.

When different on the inside

Than the outer shell does say,

You can see Hell left the light on.

She prays for it to end

But no god finds time to intervene.

She drifts to a world that's far gone.

Violated, humiliated

Her whole self now unclean.

All because Hell left the light on.

His color viewed as “lesser”

By those who find pleasure in hate.

He stays in the shadows, withdrawn.

He goes on with his life

Though the pressure is great.

Always wary, since Hell left the light on.

Her husband and children

Slaughtered before her eyes

She was then raped and sold before dawn.

With God as the government

The devils arise

To make sure that Hell left the light on.

The disease has spread

Poisoning him to his core.

Death is a conclusion foregone.

He’s fighting for life

In a game he can’t score.

And he knows Hell left the light on.

Knelt before the man of God,

Then told he’d be released from sin.

He prayed it wouldn’t take long.

He wipes himself clean,

Looks in the mirror again,

And wonders why Hell left the light on.

Alone with their despondency,

Their world has crashed all throughout.

The loss of their child they dwell on.

They speak of before

When that’s what life was about.

Long before Hell left the light on.

--Randal D. Anderson

June 7, 2016

The Fall of Humanity

"In the beginning…"; Adam and Eve; creationism; the big bang; evolutionism; Darwinism; beliefs; faith; closed mindedness; religion; holiness; the Pope; confession; prayer; spiritualism; struggling; choices; illusions; appearance; utopia; New World Order; totalitarianism; authority; fascism; nationalism; civil rights; equal opportunity; affirmative action; racism; xenophobia; hate crimes; immorality; lewdness; sexual harassment; law suits; injustice; drug tests; surveillance; unconstitutionality; destructiveness; vandalism; disrespect; bigotry; stupidity; egotism; narcissism; self-centeredness; industrialism; oppression; Adolph Hitler; concentration camps; the Holocaust; ethnic cleansing; religious persecution; freedom of religion; Puritanism; doubtfulness; the fountain of youth; beauty; nature; depletion of the rain forests; commercialism; greed; the American Dream; materialism; possessions; slavery; Abraham Lincoln; presidents; legacy; failure; success; George Washington; the American Revolution; the Declaration of Independence; "…all men are created equal…"

Money; financial security; wealth; the one percent; power; corruption; government; national security; The National Security Agency; disinformation; paranoia; conspiracies; ufos; aliens; existence; self-existence; consciousness; free thought; existentialism; responsibility; teen pregnancy; welfare; social classes; sophistication; high society; overindulgence; food; fast food; eating; gluttony; obesity; heart disease; health care; vaccinations; public health; the Surgeon General; World Health Organization; diseases; The Centers for Disease Control; Ebola; flu; AIDS; epidemics; mortality; death; assisted suicide; sympathy; sensitivity; political correctness; prejudices; tolerance; domestic abuse; violence; jihad; religious extremism; terrorism; war; preemptive war; war hawks; the military; international policy; geopolitics; foreign policy; world leaders; public relations; press conferences; spin doctors; pundits; propaganda; news media; conglomerates; information; focus groups; opinions; abortion; The Supreme Court; the judicial system; laws; anarchy; chaos; mathematics; Isaac Newton; physics; Albert Einstein; relativity; science; cloning; ethics; family values; entertainment; Hollywood; movies; movie remakes; movie sequels; soundtracks; music; the RIAA; rock music; classical music; country music; pop music; disco music; soul music; rap music; music television; puberty; teen-agers; high school; public schools; private schools; education; studying; teachers; college; higher education; Universities; research; PHDs; graduation; employment; tenure; job security; income; revenue; corporations; profits; Wall Street; deficits; economies; recession; layoffs; unemployment; outsourcing; minimum wage; skid row; poverty; homelessness; desperation; runaways; prostitution; brothels; sex; adult videos; immodesty; pornography.

Innocence; naiveté; your first kiss; spin the bottle; virginity; intercourse; promiscuity; sexually transmitted diseases; condoms; ejaculation; orgasms; the clitoris; multiple orgasms; sexual awareness; sexuality; erections; masturbation; the sexual revolution; group sex; oral sex; sexual favors; fornication; heterosexuality; bisexuality; homosexuality; sodomy; transvestism; lesbianism; your libido; strip clubs; sex clubs; voyeurism; exhibitionism; inhibitions; BDSM; fetishes; spankings; sadism; rape; sexual slavery; emotional abuse; hopelessness; suicide; questions; queries; answers; tests; knowledge; trivia; games; contests; sports; professional sports; heroes; role models; popularity; adulation; publicity; celebrities; royalty; people; reputations; social lives; friendship; friends; lovers; being single; dating; marriage; husbands; wives; ex-wives; ex-husbands; misogamy; divorce; alimony; debt; loans; credit cards; shopping; consumerism; capitalism; free enterprise; merchandising; importing; exporting; oil companies; oil; dependencies; codependency; dysfunctional relationships; relatives; in-laws; families; children; parenthood; adults; age; youth; admiration; ego; conceit; vanity; modesty; respect; differences; arguments; confrontation; aggression; surrender; losing; winning.

The stock market; technology; the internet; computers; computer programs; Microsoft; Google; Apple; monopolies; oligopolies; loopholes; taxes; tax deductions; the Internal Revenue Service; audits; bookkeeping; finances; financial institutions; banks; interest rates; the Federal Reserve; dictatorships; monarchies; executive orders; actions; the electoral college; voting; Super PACs; polls; the majority; groups; initiations; fraternities; sororities; organizations; activism; animal rights; animal abuse; crush porn; animals; zoos; extinction; Armageddon; population growth; the environment; the EPA; the oceans; the ozone layer; environmentalism; pollution; automobiles; traveling; tourism; vacations; workaholics; overtime; unions; contracts; collective bargaining; legality; interpretations; expressionism; emotions; feelings; fear; books; literature; reading; literacy; illiteracy; ignorance; stubbornness; frustration; aggravation; stress; tension; migraine headaches; concentration; attention deficit disorder; Ritalin; prescription drugs; medicine; doctors; mental hospitals; psychology; psychologists; psychiatrists; self help books; self-esteem; size matters; the penis; breast implants; the Barbie doll; sexism; discrimination; white power; the Confederate flag; segregation; ethnicity; integration; alienation; nationalism; citizenship; immigration; opportunities; happiness; jubilation; Heaven; angels; church; the last supper; atheism.

Hell; directions; editors; news papers; radio; journalism; communication; trust; sophistry; lies; dishonor; integrity; amorality; guidance; counseling; revelations; reformations; born again Christians; Christianity; Judaism; Islamism; Hinduism; Buddhism; Pantheism; Voodooism; Taoism; mysticism; mythology; gullibility; psychics; astrology; the Universe; brilliance; The Seven Natural Wonders of the World; The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; engineers; fiber optics; telecommunication; electricity; e-mail; rumors; gossip; romance; lovelessness; sexlessness; sex changes; change; nonconformity; delinquency; detention; house arrest; apartments; real estate; impracticality; radicals; zealousness; apathy; Americans; egocentrism; individuality; uniqueness; life; surviving; natural disasters; mother nature; climate change; the weather; predictions; guarantees; warranties; documentation; illegal aliens; emigration; migration; paradise; perfection; adoration; idolization; curiosity; philosophy; theology; polytheism; monotheism; ceremonies; sacrifices; loyalty; blindness; handicaps; neutrality; antidepressants; lucidity; intelligence; artificial intelligence; imbecility; the 20^th Century; crimes against humanity; misanthropy; inhumanity; vengefulness; cruelty; evil; morbidity; agony; mercy; therapy; time; deadlines; compensation; wages; CEOs; proletarians; subordination; insubordination; redemption; recruiting; drafts; canon fodder; sudden death; regretfulness; reflection; reunions; memories; honor.

The right to bear arms; guns; mass shootings; weapons; weapons of mass destruction; Hiroshima; nuclear waste; nuclear power; radiation; x-rays; microwaves; cooking; restaurants; waiting in lines; impatience; road rage; air rage; sensibility; moderation; addiction; alcoholism; Alcoholics Anonymous; M.A.D.D.; magazines; satire; sarcasm; irony; confusion; assumptions; accusations; facts; evidence; testimony; interrogation; due process; unreasonableness; cost of living; inflation; deflation; monetary value; business; partnerships; bankruptcy; morality; obscenity; orgies; swingers; passion; lust; prudishness; vulgarity; realism; the Vietnam War; the Iraq War; collateral damage; the War on Terror; oxymorons; the Constitution of the Unites States of America; some assembly required; determination; obsession; justification; statistics; manipulation; persuasion; antagonism; imperialism; detestation; hatred; intolerance; retaliation; rebellion; separatism; independence; internationality; passports; paper work; dialogue; editorials; conservatism; liberalism; debate; discussions; congressional hearings; deliberations; denial; war crimes; illegality; impeachment; obligations; criticism; blackmail; censorship; officialism; discrepancy; cynicism; objectivity; compassion; love.

Gay rights; gay marriage; women’s rights; NOW; misogyny; men; impotence; Viagra; arousal; prurience; lubrication; eroticism; birth control; the pill; pleasure; enjoyment; laughter; zaniness; immaturity; childhood; maturity; social security; pensions; retirement; elderly; false teeth; hearing aides; language; sign language; profanity; prohibition; progress; visionaries; praise; compliments; insults; rejection; lovelorn; romance novels; soap operas; dramas; Shakespeare; tragedies; funerals; fatalism; assistance; generosity; hospitality; inhospitality; first impressions; profiling; entrapment; angst; anxiety; safety; the FDA; inspections; internal affairs; reports; lists; top ten lists; humor; comedy; art; architecture; buildings; concrete; road construction; mass transit; aviation; hijackings; 9/11; panic; revenge; wrath; abductions; kidnappings; guerillas; militias; the police; hand cuffs; restraining orders; stalking; predators; beastiality; fur; baldness; long hair; body piercings; tattoos; parlors; bars; spirit; salvation; conservationism; commitment; associations; advancement; promotions; productivity; laziness; slackers; carelessness; contentedness; the status quo; tradition; attachments; fads; artificialness; artificial coloring; artificial insemination; sperm; ovum; pregnancy; morning sickness; contractions; vaginas; gynecology; menstruation; PMS; penis envy; tastelessness; miracles; inventions; fences; gated communities; trailer parks; theme parks.

Cities; London; Tokyo; Moscow; Paris; Washington D.C.; New York City; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; gambling; lotteries; imagination; Playboy Magazine; breasts; plastic surgery; fashion; fashion models; anorexia; bulimia; bikinis; high heels; neckties; professionalism; dress codes; uniforms; clothes; nudity; nudism; alternative lifestyles; polygamy; monogamy; adultery; temptation; self-indulgence; desire; forbidden fruit; irresistibility; weakness; sin; sloth; exercise; aerobics; body building; gyms; health clubs; nightclubs; meat markets; red meat; slaughter houses; vegetarianism; vegetables; farming; agriculture; rural areas; inner city; gangs; intimidation; harassment; telemarketing; sales people; marketing; advertising; commercials; infomercials; late night television; insomnia; sleep; nightmares; dreams; reality; virtual reality; artificial intelligence; science fiction; the future; insanity; Earth; colonization; space; NASA; the space program; satellites; big brother; snooping; spying; privacy; USA Patriot Act; liberty; free speech; the media; monotony; repetition; suburbia; commuting; rush hour; traffic; certainty; confidence; pride; arrogance; disdain; scorn; Mondays; work; management; empowerment; kings; queens; nobility; aristocracy; elitism; snobbishness; insecurity; jealousy; relationships; companionship; company; visitors; solitude; isolation; loneliness.

Humanity; human nature; phobias; sanitation; rating systems; award shows; reality television; lack of creativity; originality; inspiration; musicians; artists; writers; verbosity; polygraphy; free association; ideas; patents; copyrights; intellectual property; plagiarism; stealing; espionage; classified documents; post-it notes; reminders; to-do lists; preparedness; the boy scouts; the girl scouts; fellowship; camaraderie; communities; societies; civilization; culture; manners; courteousness; rudeness; passiveness; truce; peace; abnormality; polyamory; intimacy; sexual gratification; rewards; acceptance; approval; endorsements; royalties; spokesmanship; agents; insurance; accidents; casualties; victims; fate; destiny; immortality; eternity; meetings; conferences; consultations; councils; clubs; the YMCA; dues; fees; the black market; prices; coupons; tickets; certificates; charity; food stamps; starvation; social issues; pressure; force; coercion; torture; rendition; vindication; excuses; impunity; immunity; HIV; plagues; pandemics; overpopulation; dwindling natural resources; water; necessities; requirements; regulations; rules; edicts; commands; vetoes; insatiableness; stoicism; indifference; biasness; favors; gifts; the Statue of Liberty; symbols; image; security cameras; video recorders; video games; special effects; visuals; sound; waves; light; speed; adventure; relaxation; exploration.

Historiography; Christopher Columbus; the New World; savages; protestors; criminals; jail; prison; punishment; crimes and misdemeanors; homicide; murder; capital punishment; executions; snuff films; sordidness; selfies; social media; smart phones; phones; 911; emergencies; hospitals; surgery; pain; grief; grievances; suffering; cancer; legislation; privileges; seniority; permission; authorization; obedience; order; riots; anger; patience; abstinence; safe sex; vibrators; phallic symbols; remote controls; accessories; over-usage; wi-fi; wireless technology; information technology; the 21st Century; bitterness; pessimism; despondency; depression; holidays; family; maternity leave; mothers; birthing; paternity leave; fathers; posterity; siblings; idiosyncrasies; charisma; personality; self-importance; The United Nations; ideology; communism; socialism; Marxism; democracy; republics; Super PACS; elections; fraudulence; corporations are people; excess; wastefulness; selfishness; possessiveness; ownership; franchising; free markets; competition; cheating; dieting; New Year's resolutions; promises; political conventions; fabrications; deception; lying; perjury; witnesses; trials; jury duty; lawyers; judges; justice.

The Bible; The Torah; The Koran; Mohammed; Jesus; Christ; God; the Anti-Christ; Satan; Satanism; occults; sects; theocracy; orthodoxy; the Christian Coalition; hypocrisy; politics; lobbyists; Capitol Hill; politicians; republicans; democrats; congress; organized crime; drug trafficking; human trafficking; bribery; gun control; the NRA; the ATF; the FBI; the CIA; the Mafia; secrecy; classified information; top secret; Roswell, New Mexico; cover-ups; Area 51; ufology; S.E.T.I.; the paranormal; crop circles; the supernatural; the Bermuda Triangle; the unexplained; the Sumerians; the Aztecs; archeology; theories; history; controversies; skepticism; prophecies; Nostradamus; interpretations; contradictions; explanations; sensationalism; talk shows; tabloids; news; free press; control; brainwashing; television; video streaming; diversions; pop culture; impressionability; children; child care; adoption; child support; child abuse; molestation; incest; pedophilia; sexual abuse; exploitation; women; feminism; equality; optimism; idealism; unity; desegregation; diversity; society; the population; over population; practicality; world dependence; assimilation; conformity; followers; peer pressure; cigarettes; tobacco; drugs; marijuana; legalization; freedom; nonexistence; fantasy; the magic bullet; JFK; MLK; the KKK.

The Bill of Rights; civil liberties; Department of Homeland Security; Amnesty International; ICRC; NATO; WTO; acronyms.

The ACLU; NAACP; AIPAC; the ABA.

Microorganisms; viruses.

Humans.

--Randal D. Anderson

December 2, 2015

All Lives Matter

All lives matter
Except for those you don't like.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Except for those with skin that's non-white.

All lives matter
Except for those our military bombs overseas.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Except for those in non-western countries.

All lives matter
Except for those who are poor.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Except for those you deplore.

All lives matter
Except for those that disagree with you.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Except for those you devalue.

All lives matter
Except for those who are not allies.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Except for those you demonize.

All lives matter
Except for those who are not straight.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Except for those you berate.

All lives matter
Except for those that must flee.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Except for those that are refugee.

All lives matter

Except for those with a different or no god.

Let's be honest. 

All lives matter

As long as they can be ruled with an iron rod.

All lives matter
Except for those tattered and torn.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Until they are born.

All lives matter
Yes, it's easy to say.
Let's be honest.
All lives matter
Is just a fucking cliche.

--Randal D. Anderson
November 30, 2015

Worry

I worry about my wife,
And her daily battle with cancer.
I worry about my mother,
And her minute-by-minute struggle with Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP)
I worry about my oldest son,
His seizures, his learning disabilities, and if he'll ever have the skills to live independently.
I worry about my youngest son,
And if he is being damaged by the struggles we have at home.

I worry about my voice,
And if anyone will ever again hear how I truly sound.
I worry about my heart,
And how each time I get sick could mean my death.
I worry about my friends,
And the struggles they, too, must endure.
I worry about my students,
And the challenges they face trying to get an education.

I worry about my country,
And all the hatred and anger that is so prevalent.
I worry about politics,
And how the truth is whatever one wants it to be.
I worry about the Republican party,
And their espoused hatred toward everyone who is not a rich, straight white male.
Then I worry about all the women, and all the other males,
That continue to vote for them.

I worry about war,
And how so many die just so few can earn a profit.
I worry about terrorism,
And how that ideology can't be defeated by more violence.
I worry about the atrocities,
And how easy it is to motivate people to commit them.
I worry about humanity,
And how some people are more valued than others.

I worry about fear,
And how it is used to foster hatred.
I worry about extremists.
And the ideology they promote.
I worry about retaliation,
And the fear and ignorance that breeds it.
I worry about violence,
And the innocent caught in its wake.

I worry about women worldwide,
And how so many are treated as property.
I worry about children worldwide,
And the horrors so many have been forced to experience.
I worry about slavery,
And how widespread it is still used for sex and labor.
I worry about poverty,
And how so much of the world is in it.

I worry about inequality,

And how so much is owned and controlled by so few.

I worry about society,
And the way many want to keep the chasm of classes.

I worry about capitalism,

And how everything is about the all-mighty dollar.

I worry about socialism,

And how so many prefer societal inequality instead.

I worry about healthcare,
And how some think it is not an inalienable right.
I worry about water,
And how some think the same way.
I worry about the planet,
And the damage we humans have done to it.
I worry about facts,
And how if they don't fit one's opinion, then they can't be true.

I worry about science and mathematics,
And how so few people choose to understand them.
I worry about religion,
And how frequently it is misused and abused throughout the world.
I worry about persecution,
And how religion is used to justify horrors beyond imagination.
I worry about history,
And how some try to rewrite it for their own gain.

I worry about the future,

And the world my children will inherit.

I worry about death,

And how my oldest son will survive once I am gone. 

I worry about love,
And how so few ever find it.
I worry about life,
And wish everyone found all of it worth treasuring.

--Randal D. Anderson
November 15, 2015

I'll Be Lost For Awhile

For now,
I stumble through my existence.

Always

Always

Thinking of you.

I feel you in the soothing temperament of the breeze,

Gently caressing my skin,

Enveloping my soul.

I hear you in the quiet solitude of the night,

Softly whispering my name,

Stirring me from slumber.

For now,

I’ll be lost for awhile.

Always

Always

Thinking of you.

--Randal D. Anderson

June 15, 2015

When Forever Ends

When Forever Ends

When forever ends,

Be there

Holding their hand,

Kissing their lips,

Reminiscing about the life you both shared.

For at that moment,

As you wipe away the dust from faded memories,

Everything else no longer matters.

Hold on to those moments.

Cherish those memories.

Unfortunately,

We have but a short time to create them.

For whether your time together

Is measured in months, years, or decades,

The love you shared will be what’s remembered,

When forever ends.

--Randal D. Anderson
June 19, 2015

Fading Away

My son, I have something to tell you.
Yes it's cancer, please try not to cry.
I have but a few months of still breathing,
So today I begin saying goodbye.

I'll be doing some national drug trials.
Helping them learn from what I go through.
No, there's no pain, I really do feel good.
Yeah, the doctors find that very strange, too.

Mom and I will keep you updated often.
She and I have things to take care of right now.
I need to go but know that I love you.
I'm going to make the most of what time will allow.

Hey son, yes it's dad, how are you now?
Oh, I'm doing well and still there's no pain.
Yes, everything is all taken care of.
I forgot I liked hearing the rain.

We were hoping to visit you all, soon.
But now we're not sure if we can.
We'll know more when I get tested next week.
Yeah, nothing ever goes as you plan.

Well son, another cancer has hit me.
This one so rare there's no name.
I'm now out of the national drug trial.
With all other meds, yes I did do the same.

They now give me a week left to be here.
We'll see how true that turns out to be.
I'm saying my final goodbyes now.
Please try not to find tears for me.

I know that it's hard but stay strong son.
Your wife and your boys need you too.
Your mom will be well taken care of.
I'll talk with you soon. I love you.

Well son, there's a lot going on here.

It's strange knowing that you're going to die.

So many people stop over to visit.

I'm glad I have time to say goodbye.

I really have lived a good life, now

And I'm proud of the man you've become.

Take care of your wife and my grandsons.

I hear the rhythm of my final drum.

Hey son, it's been almost a month now.

Guess those doctors were wrong after all.

Yeah, I'm weak and I tire real easy.

I need to go rest now, I love you all.

Well son, thank you for the videos.

I love those boys so much, yes I do.

It's getting harder to type on my phone now.

Just know how much I love you.

Hey son, I'm getting real weak, now.

I sleep for most of the day.

When awake I feel pain all through me.

I feel I'm starting to fade away.

Well son, I don't ... will ... long now.

It's ... harder ... remember things ... knew.

Need ... go back ... sleep ...

I know ... time ... almost through.

... son, know... love you.

... tired. ... sleep. ... pain.

... love the boys, ... your mom, ... your wife.

I think ... in ... brain.

... son, ... tired ... rest, now.

... what I ... to do.

I've ... good life.

... love you.

...

--Randal D. Anderson
June 13, 2015

It's Time To Go

I've seen my last sunset
Felt my last breeze
Heard my last rainfall
Dance among the trees.

I've walked my last mile
Cried my last tear
Dreamed my last dream
It was beautifully clear.

I've sung my last song
Danced my last dance
Played my last role
In this lifetime of chance.

I've felt your last touch
Tasted your last kiss
Loved your last smile
Now I head to the abyss.

I've written my last story
Starred in my last show
Taken my last breath
It's now time to go.

--Randal D. Anderson
June 5, 2015

And Then The Walls Fell

And then the walls fell.
Obstructing our path,
Ambushing our knees.

Shock.

Anxiety.

Fear.

The future,
So secure just a few days before,
Now an amorphous cloud
Obscured by uncertainty.

But we walk.

With clasped hands,
We walk.

Through the clouds.

Through the rubble.

Through it together.

Well beyond
Where the walls fell.

--Randal D. Anderson
March 21, 2015