This is my first poem,
And it may be my last,
But since I was named for Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas,
To go with Howell which is Welsh,
I want to use this venue
To send doggie kisses to the folks

How the good to estimate,
when we take a little
time out to appreciate;
to notice what other
writers are about;
to offer a few kind words.

A life can be turned around,

Looking up at trees

While lying on my back

Presents an interesting view;

They seem more majestic to me

Than they usually do.

But any way I choose

To look at one of these --

Stay near, o moon so bright;

Do not go behind that cloud;

A little longer stay in sight.

You will be gone all too soon.

But while you're here,

Woodland creatures will bask

After God's chastening is over

When then for one is left?

Many things, worth more than gold.

And crowning them all must be

The dawing, "He did what He did

Out of love for me."

(A scene somewhere in Tennessee)

Golden harp standing

Alone in autumn meadow,

God's winds performing.

Okay, so the other guy started it,

And you're going to finish it.

While giving it right back to him

May be satisfying, for a time,

Don't do it.

Returning evil for evil

"How do you grow such flowers?"

My neighbors would ask.

I used to say, "feeding and watering?"

Lest they think I'm a bit odd.

But now I come right out and say,

"I talk to them,

How one can prefer society's noise

To solitude's tranquillity

Is more than the true lover

Of nature can comprehend.

For how can such infinite beauty

We never expected to see

The amazing creativity

Of the people down here.

(I say "down" being we

came from Boston).

Such diverse talent!

Behind every rock and tree

Too many people

Need chemical substances

To face each day,

To feel any joy at all.

Not I.

Just give me sunrise or sunset,

Exquisitely-painted sky;

One of the best things about coming home,

Besides loving to be there,

Is driving up and seeing

Our dog's expectant face at the window.

No matter how long we're away,

You know how it is,

Much that one sees on tv

Fades from thought

(If it ever made an

impression initially.)

But this, this scene

I can see to this day,

And feel vividly.

What is the one thing

In the natural world

I most yearn to see?

The eyes of one of

God's most thrilling works --

A wolf in the wild --

Staring wonderfully

Back at me.

Peach and rose and gold,

And cream and baby-blue,

And rimmed in fire,

Clouds of slate.

A spectacular sky just now.

I know I'm late,

But how can I be expected to drive