Author Archives: Roy W. Backes

Searching He joined book clubs and health clubs, He volunteered his time To help those in need. He hung out at bars till 2:00am Too many times to mention. He walked the streets Both day and night, Mile after mile All the while searching. Searching for her. Searching for someone. No matter where he looked.Continue reading “Words of Art – Day 134 – Searching”

Into My Past I head west into the setting sun. One hand shading my eyes from the glare, The other hand planted firmly on the wheel Keeping me on the straight and narrow. I glance at my rear-view mirror and See my past following closely behind. I mentally edit the bucket list Of things IContinue reading “Words 0f Art – Day 133 – Into My Past”

The Train West I’m standing on the East Coast Waiting to board a West Coast train. Who knows how long the trip will be. No matter. I look forward to the long luxurious ride. I look forward to the clack, clack of the wheels On the track, Hypnotic music to my ears. I look forwardContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 132 – The Train West”

A Random Act of Kindness There is a reason they call it random. These acts come from the Most unexpected places. Mine came the day the Corporation left me high and dry. Left my 45 minutes from a Replacement rental with No hint of help. They left me on the side of the road, TrucksContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 131 – A Random Act of Kindness”

I Never Get Tired of That Sound I can sit on the deck for hours on end, Or work in the yard all day long, As long as I have the sound of the surf Playing behind me like a natural symphony. No matter how long I sit. No matter how long I work, IContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 130 – I Never Get Tired of That Sound”

Not Tonight Deep in the middle of the night The phone rings. She answers, Knowing that it could only be bad news. She sits in the bright light of her bedroom, In tears, in pain, In need of her lover. She calls his number Needing to hear his voice….. Instead, she hears his wife’s. NotContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 129 – Not Tonight”

Peace and Quiet I walk this path In search of some peace and quiet. I’ve managed to find the quiet. Nature’s quiet. The gentle breeze blowing through the trees. The distant sound of a stream. The chatter and movement of small creatures. No sounds of man To be heard anywhere. I continue my walk deeperContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 128 – Peace and Quiet”

Reflection The morning sun reflects Off of the gray-blue lake Like an emptied bag of diamonds On black velvet. It calms my mind and Allows me to reflect. Staring at the sparkling light Is a form of meditation Taking me deeper and deeper Into the present, Allowing me to access the past. A past withContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 127 – Reflection”

When Panic Attacks When panic attacks It attacks with a vengeance. Like a Medieval army it comes in waves. It will take your breath away Forcing you to gulp for air. It will pump your heart Like a triple shot of espresso. It will blind your eyes So you can’t see. It will blur yourContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 126 – When Panic Attacks”

Alibis and Lies Her deceit came ever so Slowly into focus. Her touch came less often, And when it did it felt Like a lie. More nights away at ‘work’. The faint aroma of Soap and cologne when she Walked through the door. Slowly he collected The alibis and lies. He catalogued them. He filedContinue reading “Words of Art – Day 125 – Alibis and Lies”