Poems by Doug William Benson

I stand here staring
at the open lot of an acre full of guilt,
overwhelmed by the selfish weeds and brush,
and mounds of stubborn graveled rock
that have gradually overtaken my life,
and that need to be removed.
Now is the time and this is the place
to build the new me.

The excavating process will be painful;
Ripping out old brush and their habitual roots
tangled deep within the soil of my soul.
And what appears to be immovable boulders,
with their tops exposed like an iceberg,
showing their false facade of selfish pride
while hiding oh so much shame below;
They all have to go!
If I truly want this to be the place of my dreams,
then they absolutely must go!

I'll then be able to start anew
with solid footings and a foundation
that's built on morals and truth;
For, those two principles need to be
the unshakeable elements
upon which everything else is built.

As for the skeleton,
the framing of walls and corridors,
they will be made with only the best quality of materials;
That is individuals who raise me up,
Those who will stand by me,
providing me with essential support and protection.
Critics, superficial friends and those who are quick to flee
are like wood that's already infested with termites,
waiting to collapse and give way at any moment.
For this new house, I will choose to surround myself within the sturdy walls of
devotion, assurance and love.

Next, the inner workings;
The plumbing,
The gas,
The power,
They will course through this new structure with a newfound spirit of self-discipline.
That deep and internal quality alone
will be responsible for quickly recognizing and flushing out waste in all its forms,
and producing a positive atmosphere
full of energy, warmth and light.

Finally, the siding and roof
must be built with the shingles of self-acceptance and unwavering confidence.
This will allow the storms of life to fall upon me,
as there's no escape nor retreat,
but that I'll not only be able to withstand,
but quickly and efficiently shake off and continue forward
as though I had never been beaten upon.
For, I will hold strong!

This new home is possible!
I am the architect of my life.
The blueprint is laid out before me.
I have all the tools and it's time to get to work!

From window sills
To pictured thrills
A life that's now forgotten

A lover's song
Of fate gone wrong
And time brought all that's rotten

Unrealized dreams
And endless streams
Relentless tears keep falling

Of cursed tomorrows
Engulfed with sorrows
This heavenward voice keeps calling

Oh, peace and rest
Abide in my chest
Endure my new endeavor

Faith, keep held high
Hope, dry my eyes
Love, fill my heart forever!

Come, Come and feel crisp air anew
As respirations burn
Discover bark, tall grass and dew
That only touch can learn

Come, Come and see life's tapestry
Of colors every shade
From mossy stones, feathers, leaves,
To those that time has made

Come, Come and hear the peaceful stream
Whence raging rivers start
Then on to thunderous harmony
That waterfalls impart

Come, Come and taste the banquet lain
Prepared by Mother Earth
Your pallet ne'er will be the same
Where sweet and bitter birth

Come, Come and smell the fragrant scents
That fill all space and time
Majestic auras represent
A calming fleur divine

Yes, Come and spend some time with me
I vow you won't forget
For all your senses here will be
Renewed without regret