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    Just Things
    Just Things
    Just Things
    Ebook269 pages1 hour

    Just Things

    By Roy Paul Shields

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Just my thoughts; Since I was a young boy I have had somewhat poetic thoughts going through my head, or possibly better yet- thoughts that were somewhat poetic. My mom Vivian Shields, was, and there is no doubt, my inspiration to write. So, we would write poetry and things together, to be more honest, my mom did most of the writing and I did the learning! Well, whatever! Somewhere along the line I began putting these thoughts on paper. My life could never be classified as ordinary. I was always on the move, or run, depending on how you perceived it. There was always so much to see, so much to do; and when I ran out of things to do I would write.
    Some things take longer than others; thus, my decision to put all of the poetry and lyrics that I have written through the years into a book. My mom was my mentor; she wrote some great interesting poetry of which I have included in this book.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRoy Paul Shields
    Release dateMay 23, 2018
    ISBN9780463971352
    Just Things
    Author

    Roy Paul Shields

    My name is Roy Paul Shields. I have worn many hats in my life’s journey. I have done everything I set out to do in life; from gold mining to driving race cars and everything in between. I make no pretense at being a writer; I am a dreamer and a story teller with a big imagination.About the AuthorRoy served in the Marine Corps reserve, then joined the Marines.While a military and businessman, owing his own businesses he has been a true Renaissance man, maintaining a strong creative side. He was a professional dancer, owning and operating his own studio In addition to writing literature, he also plays the trumpet and writes music, often in his own recording studio. Roy weaves his own experiences and knowledge in his stories.

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      Book preview

      Just Things - Roy Paul Shields

      JUST THINGS

      By

      Roy Paul Shields

      This material is copyrighted by Roy Paul Shields. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including design, cover and concepts may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means without prior written permission from Roy Paul Shields.

      Copyright © 2018 by Roy Paul Shields

      Smashwords Edition

      Book ISBN 9780463971352

      Cover by Joyce Kay

      JUST THINGS

      Poetry and Other Musings

      Just my thoughts; Since I was a young boy I have had somewhat poetic thoughts going through my head, or possibly better yet- thoughts that were somewhat poetic. My mom Vivian Shields was, and there is no doubt, my inspiration to write.

      So, we would write poetry and things together, to be more honest, my mom did most of the writing and I did the learning! Well, whatever! Somewhere along the line I began putting these thoughts on paper. My life could never be classified as ordinary. I was always on the move, or run, depending on how you perceived it. There was always so much to see, so much to do; and when I ran out of things to do I would write.

      I gave a lot of what I wrote away; I lost a lot of what I wrote moving around like I did. A lot was burned in the fireplace by a departing ex-girlfriend. I salvaged what I could and continued to write as thoughts came to me. I do not consider myself a writer. I simply write whatever and however it comes to my mind. Most of what I have written are just my thoughts the way I understand them.

      I think there is a possibility some of what I have written could be turned into songs. I do not write music. So, if songs are to be, that will be someone else’s department. I have things that I have written scattered from here and back. I finally decided to begin putting them together while I still could. None of this would be possible if it were not for my mom working with me since I was a toddler. She would play different word games with me. She always made learning fun.

      She encouraged me to write as far back as I can remember; in later years, inspiration was important to my writing. Nancy Crago, a dear friend of mine who read the first story that I ever wrote encouraged me to keep writing. That was Love Me Tender A Story. I wrote a few books and another dear friend, Joyce Kay began editing them for me. She not only edited, but she took over the logistics with the publishing companies. Joyce Kay was important enough that I made her a partner and manager of my writing adventures! I never liked English classes when I went to school, Joyce has had her work cut out for her.

      So, Mom, Joyce Kay and Nancy Crago, Thank You for making JUST THINGS possible!

      11/7/2017 "Just Things"

      Some things take longer than others; thus, my decision to put all of the poetry and lyrics that I have written through the years into a book. My mom, Vivian Shields was my mentor; she wrote some great interesting poetry of which I shall include in the book.

      I have the original paper that I wrote what evidently was the first poem I ever wrote, with my mom’s help of course. Seventy-six years is a long time to test anyone’s memory. I am sure it is an original otherwise I don’t know why my mom would have saved it. It is called Dandelions.

      I make no pretense of being a writer. English was my least favorite class all through school. I write the way I see, hear or feel it. One thing for sure, one does not need a dictionary to read and understand that of which I write. I have been told there is no rhythm how I write. Of course not - I am not a one subject writer; I consider myself a story teller.

      I sincerely hope that those that read "Just Things" enjoy it as much as I have putting it all together.

      Dandelions

      There surely is a gold mine

      Somewhere underneath the grass

      For dandelions are popping out

      In every place you pass.

      But if you want to gather some

      you’d better not delay

      For gold will turn to silver soon

      and all will blow away.

      Since I was a little boy

      About 1970 - I wrote this many years ago

      Bad-bad boy; I had smoked a tad of marijuana! The silence was the same as always, except I missed the sound of the pounding surf. I closed my eyes to explore the darkness and found nothing but a void.

      I lit a couple of candles and closed my eyes again; so many thoughts. Good thoughts, but no one to share them with. The candles filled the room with a soft and golden glow, and yet seemed distant. Night sounds filled the room as I opened my eyes again. Everything seemed soft and warm from the glow of the candles. My heart pounded as I found myself wishing that I had a companion that I could share this evening with.

      My chest began to hurt and at this time I realized I felt tears running down my cheeks. My throat became choked as I wiped the tears from my face. Somewhere there must be a lady as lonely as I am. I try to visualize this lady, or woman, and my mind calls out to her; I can almost see her sitting on the floor with me; she may be strumming on a guitar, or softly humming a ballad; or maybe we would just lie on the floor side by side enjoying the silence together, watching the flickering lights of the candles as they danced on the ceiling.

      Or maybe we would sit and draw funny sketches of each other; but then, I would find it difficult to sketch her, as I would not be able to quit looking into her eyes. I would want to touch her with one finger tip.

      One of the candles flickered and went out and brought me back to reality. Once again, my chest and throat hurt from holding back the tears that filled my eyes. If this lady were ever to appear, I would tell her she was the rarest of the rare, and more beautiful than the most beautiful. I would look into her eyes, and yes, touch her with one fingertip as she flowed through. I would tell her that you are my soul and the very essence of my life, and I love you. Someday maybe?

      I lived several years in the little town of Happy Camp which is in the beautiful Siskiyou Mountain range in the far most reaches of northern California. Those majestic Siskiyou Mountains were an inspiration for much that I have written.

      Siskiyou Mountains

      Roy Paul November 8, 1999

      I never put all of my eggs in one basket

      You can count on this for sure

      Nor shall I ever count on one lady

      Or things that never were

      I am pretty doggoned contented now

      And I find myself whistling and singing

      excuse me for just a moment

      I believe that

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