The Pickle Jar and Other Poems

By John T. Walsh Jr.

The Pickle Jar

There was a jar without a label
on a mantle on the wall
Care was always taken to 
insure it didn’t fall….
Gramp said it held treasures
that I couldn’t see at all
That night he pulled the sofa out
with a night-light in the hall

 “Lie down by my side and rest
Or sleep here all night long
Dream of schemes on moonbeams
and dance to your own song
Know for now that when you wake
that there is nothing wrong
You put your fears and sorrows
back where they belong”

Morning came and I asked Gramp
for more about the jar…
My interest was in the treasure
we stopped at the car…
He said “The jar holds all the sadness
and the fears you have to fight
And they can never catch you
when the lid is kept on tight”

The Road Home

Big-Rigs and Greyhounds and Trains at the station
I’ve come a long way to reach my destination
It’s been two years – I know you’re tired of waitin’
After a few miles there’ll be no hesitation

I packed up the Martin chasing a dream
To the Delta then Memphis and all points between
Lake Charles, then Austin – those cats were obscene
They handled the guitar like no one I’ve seen

Discouraged and busted I sold the guitar
With what I was paid I wouldn’t get far 
Taking day jobs when they could be found
Then hitching a ride into the next major town

Big-Rigs and Greyhounds and Trains at the station
I’ve come a long way to reach my destination
It’s been two years – I know you’re tired of waitin’
After a few miles there’ll be no hesitation

Finally, I’m home spending my time with you
Thinking of all that we’ll do now my show is through
Perhaps raise a family and they’ll love the arts
But whatever they do, they’ll have our hearts

In Short….

I do not cry about what I don't got
Nor do I brag about having a lot
I’m in the middle and that's where I’ll rot
You say I’m in trouble - I’m not

I’ve put up and stood up and shut up and then
Caught in this cycle I do it again
You say things will change and I wonder when
The pack's been cut loose from the den

Will they survive as I lay down to rest
You say historically some pass the test
You ask me ‘please.... stop being a pest’
I would but you know I’m obsessed

On to the Parade

Living on this satellite
A piece of a big dream
A live collage of faces
A billion it would seem

I am one among them
I blend until I blur
Incredulous of things I’ve seen
That naturally occur

Tied now to the Whipping Post
My blood forms in small pools
And as I fade new life is made
A new parade of fools

A Late Autumn Walk

The leaves now lie decumbent
And the north wind brings a chill
Although it's been a long time
My thoughts drift toward you still

I guess I'm reminiscing
But not to shed a tear
They were the best times
Of my life
And time...it is so dear

The Evergreen stands pristine
In contrast to the grey
And though I walk alone now
I feel you here today

Some Time Away

I took a walk down to the Harbor
The tide was rolling in
You and I would make that walk
I’m wondering how you’ve been
With you the lights were mystical
Now I barely notice them
I wanted just to call you…
But I knew you were with him

It was a warm night for October
There was not a soul in sight
I decided to stay sober…
A thing I struggle with at night
And the biggest reason…
For why we’d fuss and fight
That was then and now you’re gone
I hope he treats you right

By the time I left the Harbor
The tide had rolled away
The time had passed by quickly
I could no longer stay
The rhythm of retreating waves
Sang a warm and welcome tune
That somehow left me feeling
That I’d be back again in June

The Gorge

Over the pool there’s what’s left of a swing
Down by the shore where we all used to sing
No matter the weather we always had fun
Where the two streams merge into one

Migrating southward the geese and the crow
They’ll make their destination before the first snow
But for today I will bask in the sun
Where the two streams merge into one

Pondering questions that make us feel whole
One for our flesh – another our soul
Wondering where all the work had been done
Where the two streams merge into one

Over the pool there’s what’s left of a swing
Down by the shore where we all used to sing
No matter the weather we always had fun
Where the two streams merge into one

When

When the blush appears
On the skin of a peach
When newborn Sea Turtles
Make their way from the beach
And when that peach
Is within my reach
That’s when – I’m thinking of you

The cry of an infant
So precious and frail
A crisp Autumn morning
Out on the trail
And giving it your best shot
Even though you might fail
That’s when – I’m thinking of you

I’m thinking of you
As the day passes by
When I’m with others
Or out on the fly
It wouldn’t be hard
I wouldn’t even have to try
To hold you here in my heart
If you ever tell me good-bye
Please, don’t ever say good-bye

Don’t It Feel Peculiar

Quietly we embrace for the last time and we’re sure

Together we had good times but there will be no more
At least not with each other… no you never were a bore
Don’t it feel peculiar when love limps out the door
Don’t you fret or raise a sweat about being alone

Guys will form a line now that you are on your own
You’re everything a man could want, looks and wit and charm
And I know you’ll find the one to keep you free from harm
Quietly we embrace for the last time and we’re sure

Together we had good times but there will be no more
At least not with each other… no you never were a bore
Don’t it feel peculiar when love limps out the door
We live with peculiarities - life goes by in a flash

And sometimes personalities that differ tend to clash
That doesn’t mean I love you less… we have to let it pass
Take your time and find the love you know is goin’ to last
Quietly we embrace for the last time and we’re sure

Together we had good times but there will be no more
At least not with each other… you never were a bore
Don’t it feel peculiar when love limps out the door

Most of All

I like to share my thoughts
but only when I'm thinking
I'm the type to nod-off even
when my eyes are blinking
And sometimes I need love
when I feel my heart is sinking
Most of all...
I need you here with me

I like to take my time with things
but things just move so fast
So I make a mess sometimes
and it won't be the last...
But that's all behind us now
we'll put it in the past
Most of all...
I need you with me still

I like to take my breakfast
with a cup of warm Chai Tea
Sometimes in the morning
you get the best of me...
Other times I'm just a pest
I just can't leave you be
Most of all...
I need you by my side eternally. 

Getting It Done

So many things to do
Yet I didn't do a thing
I hope that you'll get out there
Just to dance and sing

Come up with something simple
That's not been done before
The reward is in the effort
You might not need for more

Or follow those who've been there
I know you'll get it done
But don't forget along the way
That life's meant to be fun

There are many who adore you
And other's not too much
When times were rough
You pulled through
With no need for a crutch

In time you must forgive
Those that you despise
Time will cease
But you've known peace
It's time to close your eyes

The Note

If prayers were ever answered
if wishes could come true…
I would want for nothing more
than to stay right here with you
                    But….
We’re all so busy 
and time just slips away
There’s room here at my table
you can join me any day
If you have the chance - stop by
If not, I'll understand….
But I’m ready heart and soul
if you need a hand
                   And…. 
If prayers were ever answered
if wishes could come true…
I would want for nothing more
than to stay right here with you