Jerry Chasen's Blog

The warm blessing of love, my family and friends.
The knowledge that truth never changes or bends.
The pleasure of tiredness from hard work been done.
The sweetness of romance, a great love begun.

The blue-green of water, the sparkles, the light.
The warm breath of morning, a day born to night.
The hug of a comrade long  been at my side.
The cradle of confidence in which to confide.

The pain that is mourning, of letting some go.
The joy a new voice can bring bidding “Hello”.
The fear that a bruise is the start of the end.
The fear that group hatred will be next year’s trend.

The sweet pain of muscle pumped full, sore and tired.
The challenge been met by an idea inspired.
The confidence coming from what I’ve been through.
The seeing a somewhere beyond the eye’s view.

The feeling of feelings–elation or sorrow.
The taking for granted that I’ll be here tomorrow.
The chinks in the armor of those I love’s health.
The sound sleep of being at peace with one’s self.

This then is my life at another year’s close.
I’m lucky–I know it–yet still I suppose
that there’s more. Not just time, though no question I’m
thirsty for that. No, superb yields to sublime,

this I’m sure. And my goal and intent now is to
more than endure. To go for the ring and to do
it with grace. Full out, with gusto, filling the space
of my life with bright colors. No, it’s not a race

but a dance. So at year’s end, to all in the ranks
of my corps, I’m taking this chance to say thanks
& what’s more, hope the new year that’s coming will bring
you health, peace, and happiness to make your heart sing.

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