Finally
By Larry Stromberg
My fear is starting to cease as the darkness is fading away
An illuminated path calls for my steps
Courage controls my heart as I'm guided by a divine presence
For the first time in my life, I finally feel free
Round & Round
By Larry Stromberg
I remember riding big wheels with my baby sister as a child
We'd ride round and around for hours
Having the time of our young lives, as time seem to stand still
Those memories with my baby sister, I'll cherish forever
Life is round and round
The lesson I've learned with my many decades on earth
At times, people change
Locations may differ
Sometimes reaching the same ground at the end of the day
The safe haven known as home
Still, some days call for different dwellings
Some places and things we'd wish we've never seen or experienced
But, the heart is always searching for something bigger than ourselves
Looking for hope in this changing world
Unless the mind becomes broken in two
Chose the right path in the round and round
For one day, home will find you
In this life and the resting next
Hybrid
By Larry Stromberg
Half husky, half wolf- Torn between the wild wilderness and the domestic way
I'm not sure who I really am?
Hand picked from my Mother's nipple
Humans of four, protects and provides for my every need
Raised in a suburban community
A strange sensation is taking over me
Bloodlust is consuming me as I fantasize to run free, like my ancestors
Giving in, who I really am
Impulses
By Larry Stromberg
Why does a trigger thought cause a crazy response?
The things we know we shouldn't do
Mischievous impulses that's to strong to deny
Rehabilitation may be the answer to help overcome the waves of sin
Is it the power in us from the Creator to win this mental battle in the brain?
It's a ongoing struggle till the day we die
Temptation will always be there in multiple forms
Fight off the impulses that want to destroy us, one by one
A little victory leads to winning the war
Hospice Behind Bars
By Larry Stromberg
Hospice is one of my job's behind bars
I sit with the dying, those condemned by society
Giving them an compassionate hand
Each day the disease slowly fading them away
A shell of the person they use to be
One by one, carried out in a body bag
A true portrait of death by incarceration
Their soul set free from governmental judgement by an angel from above
I realize, that could be me one day, dying in prison
Laying in an infirmary bed motionless, with painful bed sores
So, I comfort the hurting ones, praying for them all,
Hoping for another shot of daylight for myself
Even though the guilt holds me back
Hospice behind bars, my four-hour shift is tonight
My Favorite Show
By Larry Stromberg
Every episode of "Game of thrones" captivated me
From Winter fell to King's Landing
Castle Black and the Targaryen Mother of dragons
I experienced the embracing of family, love, loss, greed, death, betrayal and war to break the wheel, to become the ruler of all
This during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in a prison cell
It's become my favorite show of all time
Thank you "Game of Thrones"
I can't wait to relive the journey all over again and again
It will never grow old in my heart
The Wind
By Larry Stromberg
Every turn of life is like the wind
Times of stillness capturing the moment
A calm breeze to soothe the soul
Strong winds moving life from destination to destination
Howling air destroying everything in its path
Here, there, everywhere and then the silence
Life resembles the wind
Roads we all travel with every heartbeat
Changing our lives from day to day
Lost Love
By Larry Stromberg
I did love a woman once
Adoration beyond measure
Now, she's gone forever
It's called lost love
Only the memories remain
Will I ever love again?
Guilt pushes that thought away
Age is slowly consuming my life
I'm left to live in the magnificent pain
Everything else is forever changed
Loyal Friends
By Larry Stromberg
I was blessed to have many four-legged furry friends in my youth
Every one of them loved me unconditionally
My dogs and cats brought me so much joy into my life
I think about all my furry friends as I endure this incarceration
All those memories walking, running and resting by my side
I love and miss every one of them
I see their happy faces in my dreams
Dogs and cats have to be in heaven too
Running on the clouds of eternity
That day is coming when I will see them all again in that great reunion
My loving and loyal friends
Prison Mind
By Larry Stromberg
Captive as a child by the sickness of abuse- Incarcerated by tremendous fear
My mind controlled by an unseen force
The demons are truly real- Welcome to the Prison Mind
My thoughts wrapped around the razor wire
I'm lost in the fog that never ends
There is no escape, no freedom at the horizon
The past suffocates me
The images play over and over again in my head
My blood pressure rising to a boiling point
Hypertension pushes for a stroke
Regret wants to take my life
Only falling to my knees relieves the torment
I surrender to a peaceful prayer, that moment of clarity
When I stand back on my feet, the battles rages on!
The reality of my brain
The Magical Forest of Old
By Larry Stromberg
Part 1
Inhale the Magical Forest of Old. What history does it all hold? Its stories need to be told. This Magical Forest of Old.
Me and my faithful friends (Spartacus and Bandit) entered the dense wilderness on Christmas eve off of Kelly Drive back in 1995.
We were filled with appreciation and adoration for the Forest of Old- I was dressed for the occasion and the adventure at hand.
Hence, we began our travels on the endless trail of gravel, stone and dirt that was covered with a fresh thick layer of snow.
Footprints were visible along the trail from the creatures of the forest. Loud sounds of ice cracking was heard in the distance. We knew we were not alone.
Icicles that seemed to be carved from the hand of God hung high above from the monstrous trees of old. These historical trees stood tall. They were known as the Ancients.
It seemed like they were alive and watching us as we passed each one bye. Perhaps, they were protecting us; leading us on our destination on this wonderful Christmas eve.
I took a deep breath. Exhaled and seen my breath in the Winter chill.
Then two travelers passed us bye and they said to me with jubilation, "Merry Christmas to you, sir!"
I responded back with great jubilation, " Merry Christmas to you too, my friends! It is a White Christmas!"
Then they said to me in unison with greater jubilation, "It is indeed, sir! It is indeed!"
And off they went vanishing, drifting and disappearing into the White Magical Forest of Old. Were they two travelers angels from above showing me a sign of love? " I pondered the thought."
A deer moves in the distance. A glimpse of magnificence. In curiosity, my faithful friends want to run and have some fun. But, they stay by my side. My loyal and loving friends. My faithful dogs.
Part 2
A light snow begins to fall. Snowflakes begin to gently fall on my face. Each snowflake is unique in it's own created design. A bright revelation to behold.
Then I begin to dwell on memories of Christmas past.
Beautiful memories with my Mother and Father, who I adore.
With my brother and my sisters. My amazing siblings.
With my loving Grandparents.
Other family members and dear friends.
With my family now, (my wife and child) and with my faithful friends, (Spartacus and Bandit.) Tears drop from my eyes with gratitude. I finally realized, that I have loved and I have been loved.
This is the gift I received at the Magical Forest of Old on that Christmas eve back in 1995. The gift of love. Not to feel sorry for myself.
I looked up to the heavens above and I say, "Thank you, Lord!" and I begin to sing so softly to the Magical Forest of Old.
I look up upon the monstrous trees of old and I see the sun coming down.
The night is falling. But, the snow had a glow to light our way back homeward for me and my faithful friends.
For it is Christmas eve. We have our family awaiting us. Hot Coco to drink, cookies to eat and Christmas presents to wrap. For tomorrow is Christmas day! Rejoice! I say, "Rejoice!"- So, me and my faithful friends travel back homeward safely.
Maybe, one day we'll return and travel these endless woods on and on and on.
So, I inhale the Magical Forest of Old. What history does it all hold? It's stories and tales need to be told. This Magical Forest of Old.
Merry Christmas, Magical Forest.
I pray we meet again.
Disappointment
By Larry Stromberg
Sometimes my hopes reach sky high
I'm floating on cloud nine
Dreams seem to rise up like a Phoenix
Only to come crashing down with destruction
A vast wasteland of ashes left in the ruins
It's difficult to recover from the emotional distress
Each fall causes more damage to the heart
But, the fighter in me seems to keep pressing on
I've been to hell and back and then some
Guided by faith and hope alone
I'll follow the light in the darkness-
Enlightenment is the pathway to glory
Movie Covid-19 Junkie
By Larry Stromberg
I've watched movie after movie during this Covid-19 prison lockdown
I've laughed my ass off
Cried like a baby
Fascinated by high adventure
Rode the wild west
Been to space and beyond
Battled monsters and faced pure evil
Living in the drama
Now, I've been writing my own screenplays
Maybe, one will be made into a film someday
They say dreams do come true
The Bunyan
By Larry Stromberg
I hate this thing
It's hideous
Simply grotesque!
A gristly pest!
It's embarrassing!
It sticks the hell out!
It's always there!
Smiling at me!
Laughing at me!
Mocking me!
I try to hide this thing!
How the hell did I get this thing?
No bare feet for me!
It's sock city!
At the beach and the swimming pool
Even in the bedroom
I gotta buy wide shoes!
It's a pain in the ass!
My freaking Bunyan!
I need to cut you the hell off!
Discipline
By Larry Stromberg
If you got a dream deep in your soul
Strive each day to fulfill it
Discipline yourself to be the best you can be
Don't let anyone or anything discourage you
The haters will always be there
So will the angels guiding you to never give up
By reaching your goal, your life has so much more meaning
The day you stop dreaming, is the day you die
So, dream!
Discipline yourself and dream big!
Prison World
By Larry Stromberg
Trapped in the bars of my mind
Addiction has feasted on my soul
Obsession controlling my thoughts
Incarcerated within my world
A dark cloud hovers over me
I'm searching for the light
My prefrontal cortex is on lockdown
Welcome to Prison World
I gotta break free, plan my escape
Release myself from the bondage
Riot my emotions
Next step, death row, if I don't break the chains of oppression
I must look into the eyes of reality
Accept rehabilitation and embrace my recovery
Learn to forgive all, including myself
Accountability and responsibility is my motto of truth
Atonement lays at my fee
Freedom calls my name
The Entry
By Larry Stromberg
There are multiple doors upon me
Which one do I open and enter in?
Curiosity pushing the nerve
An entry with different outcomes
The door of confusion and the unknown
The door of grimace and of death
The door of hope and embracing peace
Which door do I open?
It may decide my future and my fate
A question one must ask themselves
Knowing one door is the entrance of life and the other to the grave
The consequences are real
The joy, shame or pain
I hope we all decide to choose the correct door
History shows what doors chosen from generation from generation
The harmony and horror
Please, chose wisely
Take it from me, one who chose foolishly decades ago
Now, I'm striving for the entry of redemption
Grace is my latitude for evermore
Teddy's Pain
A Play By Larry Stromberg
A large male teenager steps onto the stage and he speaks to the audience. His name is Teddy.
Teddy: My name is Teddy. I'm a Senior in High School. (Beat) My Pop was abusive to me. My Mama left my father for his abusive ways towards her. Mama couldn't take it. (Emotional pause) She left me alone with that monster. (Beat) Pop would drink and punch me around in his drunken mess. He gave me many black eyes. When the teachers and my friends at school asked me about my black eyes, I'd tell them it was from sports and fighting. (beat) What was happening time doesn't give me the right to bully someone else around. I would bully the weak. Boys and girls. It didn't matter to me. Call them freaks and chumps! Take their lunch money and punch them right in the face, just like my Pop would do to me. (Beat) I knew it was wrong. I guess, I was just shifting my pain. (Emotional pause) Then, one day, a guy named "Johnny" kicked my ass in the school hallway for bullying his sister. He beat the shit out of me and he told me to leave his little sister alone. To leave everybody alone and to stop with my bullshit. (Pause) I did just that. I did horrible things to those kids. I was so damn wrong. I became just like my Pop. (In tears) A monster. (Beat) My Mama finally came and got me away from my Pop. I'm in therapy now and dealing with my issues. I don't hurt anybody no more. I'm happy about that. (Beat) I see my Pop once a week. He's been sober and attending drug alcohol programs to stay clean. I know he's hurting from the demons from his past. He knows his past doesn't give him the right to hurt anybody. He seems remorseful. He's doing better. I'm doing better. (Beat) It's a good place to be at in my life. (Beat) Doing better.
{Teddy smiles and exits stage right.}
The end.
Transparent
By Larry Stromberg
I've given my life to the light
I'm an open book for the world to see
A horrible past and whatever goodness I've done
My future belongs to a higher calling
It's a blessing to be transparent- I got nothing to hide anymore
Movie Memory
By Larry Stromberg
My life is a series of flashbacks
Memories of people and places from my life
Those I love and those that caused me pain
Things done, the good and the bad
Even all my dogs and cats flash through my mind
Through all the seasons
Travels I soared
A life long story that's told
Is life like a movie?
A short film, low budject feature or a big Hollywood blockbuster?
Then suddenly, the end comes
And the credits roll
Followed by, the everlasting production
Brave Soul
By Larry Stromberg
You stood in the gap of danger
Fought to protect what you love
Gave your life for the precious one
A Mother's love is unfailing
Brave Soul
You will never be forgotten
My remorse is never-ending
The bravest person I've ever met
Stop!
By Larry Stromberg
Society has had enough!
No more racial profiling
No more African Americans murdered by hands of the police
The blood spilled in the streets of the United States
Doesn't it break your heart when George Floyd cried for his "Mama" just before he died?
All officers must be accountable for the injustice done
Stop the death!
Change should have been long ago
Thank you, Johnny
A Short Play by Larry Stromberg
A young girl stands at center stage and speaks. Her name is Sally.
Sally: My name is Sally. I was bullied at school. A boy named Teddy was picking on me. Calling me horrible names, he took my lunch money and called me ugly. (Tears flow from her eyes). Then, all the other boys and girls started teasing me. One girl punched me in the face. Teddy stood there laughing. I didn't want to go to school anymore. I hated it.
(Beat)
My grades started to fail. My teachers were concerned about me. My parents wanted to know what was wrong with me. I was thinking about suicide.
(Beat)
That's when my big brother Johnny came into my room to talk to me. He looked at me eye to eye and told me he loves me. That I was beautiful and I was the best little sister in the world. He said, "Nobody was gonna bully me anymore. Everything is gonna be alright, baby sister."
(Beat)
Johnny stepped to Teddy the next day at school, in front of the other kids and told Teddy to leave his little sister alone. Johnny punched Teddy right in the face and put the beat down on him.
(Beat)
After the day, all the bullies disappeared. (Sally smiles) In fact, everybody is nice to me now.
(Beat)
I love going to school now. My grades are now straight A's! I have some good friends now and my life is so much better now. (She smiles even more) I have the best big brother in the world. Johnny saved my life. I love my big brother and I know he loves me. Johnny is my guardian angel.
(Beat) Thank you, Johnny. You are the best. (Sally stands with a beautiful smile on her face.)
The end.
Daylight
By Larry Stromberg
I miss the sunlight
Punishment for my transgressions
This hopeless cell darkens the soul
Dreaming for another day of daylight
Day by day, month after month
The years go bye and the painful decades follow
Only the strong endure, if their lucky
So, I do my push-up's and pretend to be the warrior I'm not
Long Suffering
By Larry Stromberg
Things beyond my control has backed me against a wall
Caught in the cement
My mind racing without mercy
Where do I go from here?
Patience must be the answer
Take it all one step at a time, breath by breath
Praying that things get better
If not, salvation comes through death
With each weary moment, that seems to be the solution
Melt the pain, given mercy
Some things are deeper than others
It's impossible to let it go
Life ruined with senseless actions
Bright exposes reality
Illuminated in the blood
Living in the shit
The dark star finds rest
Crash and Burn
By Larry Stromberg
The virus is among us like a demoniac force
Spreading like a fatal wildfire
It could come for you and me
The Apocalypse of our time, crash and burn
Panic, confusion and sorrow throughout the land
Tomorrow may be our last day
Trust the Holy one to defeat the pandemic
The New Normal
By Larry Stromberg
Welcome to the New Normal
Social distancing must be practiced
Life will never be the same again
The reason: Covid-19
A relentless virus in it's assault
The infection doesn't discriminate
City streets around the world are deserted
The economy is at a stand still
Thousands and thousands are dying everywhere
What is the future for the human race? The unknown is the answer
Welcome to the New Normal
Distant Fever
By Larry Stromberg
Isolated among the insanity
Trying to keep the darkness away
I have the distant fever
The sickness is consuming the world
Keep me and my loved one's safe in a secret location
Safe in the bubble- Our prayers answered from the distance
Another Way
By Larry Stromberg
My friend died today
COVID-19 took his last breath away
This man was incarcerated for decades and decades
Hoping for his second chance back into society
A resident filled with tremendous remorse
He went home another way
Zipped into a body bag
Rest in peace, my friend
Invisible Enemy
By Larry Stromberg
Seeking a host to infest
The disease takes it's toll on the human soul
Suffocating the lungs
Morgues are filled with the dead
Is this the end of the world?
We still remain
But, the virus lives on
Must avoid it at all cost
This is war against the invisible enemy
We must find the cure!
Survivor
By Larry Stromberg
Sexual abused, like many others in this world
I've worn the face of shame, with so many to blame
Mental health is my stratosphere, tilted among the normal
An actor who wore many faces, never knowing his own
Murderer of madness with retroactive guilt
Wishing my steps had taken another path
Not the destroyer who left ruins
One who adores family, the living and the dead
Alone in the cage of condemnation
Fanasty of second chance, in life or death
Whatever comes first
VIRUS
By Larry Stromberg
THE VIRUS HAS BITTEN ME IN THE ASS
I CAN'T CONTROL MY BOWELS, IT HURTS LIKE HELL
MY HOUSE SMELLS LIKE A SEWER
PEOPLE ARE DYING EVERYWHERE
PANIC AND CHAOS HAS CONSUMED THE WORLD
IS THIS THE APOCALYPSE, BEGINNING OF SORROWS?
I'M READY TO FIGHT TILL THE BITTER END
COME WHAT MAY, DEATH AND DESTRUCTION
MAY FAITH IS IN THE LORD ALONE
The Inmate
By Larry Stromberg
{An elderly incarcerated man stands at center stage and speaks.}
Inmate: I'm just a number. #AM-7777. (Pause) A lifer who's been incarcerated for over 40 years. I killed another by putting a bullet in their brain. I robbed and murdered this person with selfish motives. (Beat) I'm fully responsible for my actions. I can't lie to myself about this truth. I'm sorry for what I've done. But, I can't change my horrible choices. It remains. (Pause) I never knew my father. A drunk who committed suicide. My mother abandoned me and I was sent to foster care. There, I was beaten and raped over and over again as a boy.(Beat) I have a deep ugly anger within me. The pain.(Beat) The pain never goes away. (Beat) I call the penitentiary my home. This is where I became a man.(Pause) All my appeals have been shot done. Every time I file commutation, it's denied. I've done all my programs in this cage. I got a college degree. My diploma hangs on my cell wall collecting dust.( Beat) Cancer is eating me away. I've always prayed for a second chance back into society. It will never be. (Beat) Death is my freedom. I'm looking forward of my demise.(Beat) I'm tired. Truly tired. This inmate is waiting for his second chance. The freedom of death. I pray it comes quickly.
{He lowers his head and then stands there motionless.}
( The End.)
Here For The Ride
By Larry Stromberg
What can I say to God, that hasn't been said before?
The Great Spirit sees everything
Wisdom all knowing
I'm just a mere mortal with many questions
From heartbreak to jubilation
The more you live, the more you lose
A plan of perfection, destiny designed in advance
Guide me with purpose
Footsteps in reflection
Earth and all universes belong to the Creator
Just like everything else
I'm here for the ride
A rollercoaster it has been
Life to death, death to life
I'm ready for my rest
In You
By Larry Stromberg
Be a blessing, make a difference
Let the world see God living through you
Even the unbeliever will notice this grace
Throw away the coldness of heart, war against evil and the blackness of chase
Hold a dying hand and always touch a tear
Can anyone question that love?
This is how the Lord can be seen
Experienced- In You)(Empty Regret
My choices long ago break me
All the people I hurt- Things I've said
What I destroyed
Never to change
They consume my soul
I've learned to live in the loss
A sinking heart
It drives me to help the hurting
I must redeem myself someway
That's my only consultation
Raise a broken vessel by my empty regret
Ruined Kiss
By Larry Stromberg
I still taste her kiss
Like the sweetness of honey
Passionate lips on lips
Devouring love making
Wild appetite
The one I adore
The kiss of a wedding day
Ruined
Happiness consumed dark by sinister addiction
Wicked Warfare
Betrayal becomes tragedy
Gone forever as I taste the bitterness of the cage
Screams
By Larry Stromberg
They torment me in the middle of the night
Punish my mind
Rattle my soul
Bring me to my knees in guilt
My victims' screams- I still hear their agony
Can't forgive myself
I never will
Help me, God!
This is something I have to live with
The screams from he lives I took
Why me?
By Larry Stromberg
I didn't want to be raped as a boy
I didn't want to be hurt that way
I don't want these emotional scars for life
I don't like looking at the world in dark lenses
I don't want to be afraid anymore
I hate being on the edge of madness
I know I'm not the only one
Millions and millions have endured this horror
Many more will from the demons that control the human mind
But, I still ask myself, "Why me?"
Maybe, we all ask that question?
I guess, life at times isn't fair at all
I just have to overcome
And survive and the hurting world the best that I can
Dead Faces
By Larry Stromberg
These faces flash across my mind
Those I've known quickly or in length of time
They told me stories of incarceration
Tired eyes and broken bones
Sickness eating the flesh away
Wanting a friend in the closeness of death
Hands reaching for some comfort
Dead faces in the end
Looking directly into my eyes
Dolls eyes, so still, as the silence takes over
It's life changing to experience
How can I not question immortality?
These dead faces were my friends
My family
What matters most are friendships along the way
Love
Those we've known quickly or in length of time
After all, we'll all be dead faces in the end
But love never dies
Desensitized
By Larry Stromberg
They broke me! Raped me! Made me into the monster I am
Empathy doesn't exist to me
Compassion is gone from my mind
Love has disappeared
Killers don't feel
Only eliminate
I feel nothing
Show no mercy
I am desensitized
I'm lying to myself
I long for love
Weep deep into the night
Want to be forgiven
Maybe, I'm already dead inside
Maze
By Larry Stromberg
Fatal choices put me here
Guilty without mercy
Abandoned among the condemned
This maze has me confused
I'm lost in the darkness
Death at every turn
It's impossible to find a way out
Blockage stops my freedom
Which move takes me to the light
Is this my fate?
I have to endure
Unless a miracle guides me to redemption
Pizza Maker
By Larry Stromberg
The greatest man I've ever known was a simple man
A Honest man who loved his wife and children
A provider who respected his Mother and Father
Protected his brothers and sister
Helped anyone in need
Loved walking his dogs in the rain
Prayed on his knees deep in the night
A silly prankster
Told crazy jokes with a belly laugh
This man was my Father, the pizza maker
How I stood in awe as a boy as my Father threw the pizza dough high in the air at the pizza shop
All in slow motion as time stood still
Till he caught the dough with ease with a beautiful smile on his face. Dad knew I was watching
He knew he was my hero
I miss our conversations about movies and baseball
I long to look into his bright blue eyes once again
I remember how it broke my heart to see him cry when Grandmother and Grandfather died
Yes, he had his imperfections, as we all do
It didn't matter to me, his son
Dad could do no wrong in my eyes
I can't wait to see him again someday in the land that never ends
I dream about that never ending day- But, for now, this is the man I strive to be like
My Father, Larry, Sr, the pizza maker
Mother Warrior
By Larry Stromberg
The strongest person I've ever known is my Mother
A Greek Goddess who sings like an angel
Emotionally and sexually abused as a little girl by a twisted step mother and demented step brothers
Her Father dragged to death by river currents
Then abandoned to the streets by hateful soul
On her own as a child with nowhere to go
Never knowing her Mother's love correctly
Worked on her own to survive
Met a pizza maker, fell in love and then married at the age of 18
Kept her vow to God to stay pure for the love of her life, my Father
She bore four children, loving them all equally with a pure heart
Two died as infants
Devastating for a Mother to endure
Protected the other two with the fight
Defended her husband and children with fury of a warrior
Would not back down to any foe
She recorded a album
Faced heavy trials and tribulations beyond comprehension
Still fighting the good fight of faith
Always praying to the Holy One for guidance, comfort and hope for a better tomorow
My Mother faced the passing of her Father, Mother, Husband and Daughter with heavy tears
Deep sorrow and loss
Her Son incarcerated with a Death by incarceration sentence
Raised her Granddaughter on her own
Proud of the young lady she has become
Never stopped living her own song
My Mother Warrior never stopped loving me, even when the world condemned me
Yes, she made her mistakes in life, as we all have
Rivers of regrets
My Mother and Father are my best friends in this life
I adore my Warrior Mother
I'll love her throughout all eternity
She can do no wrong in my eyes
She's a child of the Most High
She's been there for me even when I fell from grace
Unwavering love is God's love
A Mother's love
I'm thankful for my Warrior Mother, Diane
A gift from the heavens above
Rhythm
By Larry Stromberg
All of life must have a rhythm
Heartbeats pounding, Stars exploding, Whales singing and Children laughing
Like a favorite song to drift away while being Comfortably Numb
Do we fly away with the Song of Angels to eternity when our time is complete?
Reaching the Empire!
Does Hell have a song of agony?
The Torment of a Holy Diver!
Or, do we all become Comatose with the Sound of Silence?
What is the real song of Vengeance?
The Sweetness of Love?
Maybe, it's the rhythm that sets us all free
Makes us all feel alive- Even for just one short moment
God's Timing
By Larry Stromberg
I've learned that nothing happens unless it's sifted through the hands of God
The Good and the Bad
I can't explain why
This is a mystery indeed
I can only trust in God's timing
It's perfect indeed
Whatever comes, there's a reason that will be unfolded
Then I'll be understood as pure Gold
Socket Man
By Larry Stromberg
A simple trash man by trade
Bullied because of his name
Lenny Whanger never got layed
A loser who never got payed
Always drunk, smelling like a skunk
Wanting his world to end, screaming, "Why me?!"
He stuck his rocket in a socket
It was way out of pocket
Lite up like a Christmas tree
Thousands of Volts zipping through his body!
Roaring Raging thunder!
Transforming amazing
Power beyond measure, flashing quickness
A New Superhero, Socket Man is born
Taking down criminals with a jolt
His motto, " Good deeds with lightning speed!"
Superman and Spiderman are nothing compared to him
Wonder Women loves his electric slide
Socket Man isn't a virgin anymore
Streaking across the night protecting all of mankind
When the Weary Rest
By Larry Stromberg
There's a point in life when living becomes a burden
When the weary long for their final resting place
The breathing years have taken it's toll on the human soul
The trials and tribulations are to much and it's time to just fly away
Be thankful for the love moments embedded into the human psyche
Our lives designed with a purpose
We may not understand the sphere of reason
Why we are here for only a season
The time will arrive to travel to our everlasting destination
Where we will experience the archway of true prospective
So, I ask myself, when will my soul take flight?
When will I find my home sweet home that's pure?
I'm Grateful
By Larry Stromberg
I'm grateful for those who have stood by my side all these years, decades, being incarcerated
Grateful for dear family and friends for being there for me through it all
Some loved ones have passed into the next life, others are still here
These are the people who truly love me
There are many who were my friends out in society who have walked away, never to be seen again
They disappeared into the stratosphere
It is said, "The ones who stand by your side, no matter what, are the ones who truly care for you. The ones who vanish are the ones who never cared for you."
Be grateful for the ones who do care
This is a gift from the creator
Blessings from the heavens above
This is what love is all about
Even if only one person was there for you, you are blessed
I'm grateful
Thankful
I'm forever grateful
Dr. Christmas
By Larry Stromberg
{Christmas music is heard in the background as a zany elderly looking man named, "Dr. Christmas" enters the stage from stage left. He's wearing strange glasses, his grey hair sticking out and he walks somewhat bend over as he slowly walks to center stage and begins to speak to the audience with a crazy accent from a far-away land.}
Dr. Christmas: My name is Dr. Christmas, ladies and gentleman. I'm a licensed psychiatrist at the Great North Pole. You may have never heard of me and my very important practice. Yes, I keep everything on the low tip. I'm the one who keeps everything and alive and well for Christmas. (beat) For instance, there's my intense therapy sessions with Santa and Ms. Claus and their marital problems. The parties that couple throws at the Claus mansion puts the Playboy mansion to shame. There's nothing worse than thousands of drunk little elfs causing havoc and chaos at Christmas time at the North Pole. (beat) I spoke to Santa and Ms. Claus about the situation during our therapy sessions. They confined to me about their love life difficulties. I encouraged Santa to try Viagra! Needless to say, things are much better at the Claus mansion nowadays. Santa's Ho ho ho, is much heartier than ever. Another job well done for Dr. Christmas.
{Dr. Christmas pats himself on the shoulder and smiles from grin to grin.}
Dr. Christmas: Then there's Frosty the snowman and his battle with depression. Something that many of us deal with in this thing called life! (beat) Well, I had to stop Frosty from going on a suicide mission to the Virgin Islands! I rushed to the North Pole airport and grabbed Frosty from his wet behind before he boarded that plane and threw his ass in a freezer! (beat) Once, his mind was frozen again, we began our deep intense therapy session. Man to snowman. Snowman to man. Soul to soul.
[Dr. Christmas still in great pride.}
Dr. Christmas: Those with addictive behaviors. The hurting and those who are affected by trauma. It's job. My good given purpose. (Smiles) And here's another gem for you, ladies and gentlemen. To always look at Christmas through the eyes of a child. The wonder and magic of it all! And that Jesus is the reason for the season. (Beat) If anybody here visits the North Pole and needs my assistance, please come visit me for a therapy session at: Dr. Christmas, 777 Christmas lane. I only charge candy canes for my time. (Beat) Santa loves you. {Dr. Christmas does a spin move.} And so does Dr. Christmas. {He exits stage right.}
The end.
Mom and Dad
By Larry Stromberg
Michelle and I were always under a watchful eye
Especially, after Shawn and Diane died
Our brother and sister taken from this world
Mom and Dad blessed us with the best they could afford
We were loved. Happy as children should be
It wasn't their fault we were ravished by the dark souls
Madness beyond our parent's control
Mom and Dad made sure their little ones were never touched again
They protected us even more with the fight
Christmas time was dazzling at our home
I always say, "To look at Christmas through the eyes of a child.
The wonder and magic of it all.
They were more than just my parents. They were my true friends
How time has a way of parting waves
It's a shame we are apart nowadays
Only memories captured deep in my mind
My love stored throughout time
Frozen Time
It is said, "That time stands still for no one. I don't believe that anymore.
All you can do is to endure the pain. Lose your mind or die in the anguish.
You are in Frozen Time, where nothing seems to matter but the grief.
Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer I always watched with my brother