Author Archives: Roy W. Backes

Dust in the Dark Lonely Marionette hangs Suspended above the earth In a dark dry attic. Under a deep layer of dust Lay trunks, Filled with forgotten memories. A wooden rocker stands silent, It’s cane broken by time. In the corner, Behind an empty loom Lay his dreams, Collecting dust in the dark. Roy W.Continue reading “Words of Art – Day 14 – Dust in the Dark (L.M.)”

The ‘City of Love’ Paris. They call it the ‘City of Love’. The place you go to fall in love. The place you go with your lover. The place where love abounds. Wait a minute……. We all can’t go to Paris To fall in love. So, why not Des Moines Or Pittsburgh? People fall inContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 13 – The ‘City of Love’”

One for the Road His head down staring at The remnants of his drink He lifts his hand to Gain the attention of the Keep. He’s been sitting here for hours Unwilling and unable to face The prospect of going home. The work day was long and brutal Full of the same shit as yesterday.Continue reading “Words of Art – Day 12 – One for the Road”

The Heart The heart. It is more than a muscle. It beats, yes, But it also breaks, It also aches. A broken heart is not the same As a heart that is not working. Heartache is not the same As chest pains. The heart. This muscle is more emotional. It breaks without being broken. ItContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 11 – The Heart”

Strength I consider myself a strong person. Someone with fortitude and grit. Someone who can deal with whatever Life has to throw at me. However, There is this guy Who lives in my neighborhood. He doesn’t have an address. He lives on the street. For the past fifteen years I have Passed this guy onContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 10 – Strength”

Sister No taller than 5’ 2” Wrapped in a black and white habit, Sister Camella Mary taught My eighth-grade class. She was tough but fair, Not one of those knuckle busters. One day, a ‘Brother’ came And spoke to our class. He was recruiting young kids Into ‘The Life’. I was thirteen, naïve and VeryContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 9 – Sister”

Long Time Gone It’s been a long time; Your perfume no longer Lingers on your pillow. Your side of the closet Is still half empty. It’s been a long time; The heat from your body Has turned ice cold. The noise you used to make Is still silent. It’s been a long time; The photoContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 8 – Long Time Gone”

Lonely Marionette – Footprints in the Grass Lonely Marionette hangs Suspended above the earth Watching frost form On the trembling grass And marble tombstones. The graveyard begins to shimmer In the moonlight As cold takes over the night. He hangs alone, His breath forming clouds In the frozen air, Watching his future haunt the graveyard,Continue reading “Words of Art – Day 7 – Lonely Marionette – Footprints in the Grass”

California Dreaming Dreaming of California I check the oil, Confirm the pressure in my tires And fill up my tank. I’m finally ready to Begin my journey west. I look forward to the drive, The mountains, The plains, The desert, The mountains again, On my way to the crystal blue Water and colorful sunsets OfContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 6 – California Dreaming”

Like Eternity Growing up on the “Wrong Side of the Tracks” You learned to live with certain things. Just going outside for a walk Was an adventure. No forested hills full of shady paths And trails to hike along. Just concrete, asphalt and abandoned lots. Living close to the tracks, A mere block away YouContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 5 – Like Eternity”