Category Archives: Poems

Winter Trek 2018-22

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How many snowstorms have I made in a car, when I wished I WAS home by a fireplace with nothing to worry about what is going on outside. Especially, not having to drive in the white maelstrom, and no worries of myself or others that I love.   BRRRrrrrrrrr!!!!!     It is Feb 27 and winter is on its way to being past, and thought I might post this as part of a winter remembrance.   Actually, wish I DID, still,  have a fireplace in this condo………

Winter Trek   2018-22

Windswept snow

forming sporadic whiteouts;

challenging dim headlights

stabbing through hazy swirls

 

Compressing, confining,

twin valleys of miniature mountains

piled high by metal monsters –stand high

 

Inside the capsule, white knuckles

furrowed brow and squinting eyes

peer at ghosts of whiteness ahead

 

Tenseness filling the air

with quickened breath;

Ice islands, snow covered,

near skids, heartbeats missed

 

Exhalation with thought;

reward of hot chocolate,

blankets and a crackling fireplace

waiting beyond the chill

 

Faint light filtering ahead,

a final turn

familiar beacon shining

home again, home again

journey done; reward to be taken.

Relief!!

 

Den Betts    bettsden@gmail.com

Hunter 2018-21

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I would think that if you have ever hunted, you are still a hunter to a degree. This would be the same as, if once a Marine, always a Marine type analogy.   I did hunt, I dressed and ate what I hunted and killed. I do NOT do so now, but time and age changes many of us. I wrote this when I was an active hunter, living on farmland in Chardon, Oh, area. I was an NRA member, and appreciated this group at the time, but since then, have gotten away from this now political group.

Hunter 2018-21

An honorable sport and
as a meat eater a satisfying one
that goes beyond the kill

The essence of hunting is not in the kill,
but the scouting, stalking, setup, stealthiest,
and mechanics of doing everything correctly

It is the aiming, the controlled breathing, the
the hold of the weapon, and squeeze of the trigger
that is part of the sport of hunting

It is not the actual kill of the game that can
be eaten and enjoyed like those meat eaters that
go to fast food places and eat the meat killed by others

I respect the animals I kill and try hard
to do so with accurate and humane shots
that lessen any suffering by the killed game

When I eat those animals, I commune with nature
as fulfilling an experience that goes back
to primeval times of my forefathers

I am a hunter, not a wanton killer of wildlife, and feel that
what I do is indeed honorable, and I am indeed part of wildlife
management of harvesting nature’s bounty

I respect those that feel different, for whatever reasons,
but also think that what I believe should be also
respected, if not agreed with by others

I am good at what I do in the wildness of the land
for I have the experience, the know-how of doing
that, which I am — I am a Hunter

Den Betts bettsden@gmail.com

Cancer Check/Surgery 2018-19

Posted in Religious, Statement by

Cancer Check/Surgery Done!  2018-19

I write this to allow others to know what I, and some others not just know, but believe.

I had a rather bad case of basal cell carcinoma a couple of years ago and had it taken care of by my doctor, Doctor Garcia. Since then, I have had regular 6-month checkups to make sure I am cancer free.

I had one exam, 7 months ago and had no problem. Last month was my 6-month checkup and the doctor saw two areas that were suspicions of not being correct. A biopsy was taken of both of them and they were analyzed. One came back as basal cell carcinoma.

Today I had it taken care of, with what is called MOHS surgery. This is a specialized surgery that is for cancer removal.

I cannot stress enough that anyone that has a unique, unusual growth on their body, MUST have it checked out to see if it is cancerous.  My latest growth was NOT there 3 months ago.  I knew I was going to have my 6-month checkup and had it early this month, and it was found out.  Basal cell carcinoma is a slow growth cancer, versus the melanoma cancer, which is fast growing and more dangerous to have growing on you.

I implore you to not take some growth for granted and fluff it off. Do NOT be stupid and think you are that smart to ignore something that will kill you in a most unpleasant way.

Enough of that…..   

I thank God for his Presence, the feeling of His being there this morning with me, giving me comfort, for consoling me, and showing He cared for me.  His hands guiding those of my surgeon, who, with his education, training, and experience made my incision small, and complete.  I felt His Presence and appreciated it as I appreciated the doctor doing the surgery.  

Thanks be to God,

Peace,

Den Betts

Lost in Space 2018-17

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When the mind is affected, and the thought processes are involved, we comprehend things in a different way than normal.  That is to be expected, but to experience it is somewhat of a different thing.  Actually, it is interesting to go through this, because, in some ways I was changed, I was different, and with this change I have a perspective in life that is, to me, unique and mine to own.

Lost in Space 2018-17

I look, but do not see

Try to listen, but do not hear

To speak, but cannot talk

 

I am alone with my senses

My mind overflowing

With random thoughts

 

The world spins so fast

Leaving me in a

Whirlwind of wonder

 

How does one follow

Is so common place.

We are, because we are……

 

Den Betts   bettsden@gmail.com

 

Spirits 2018-14

Posted in Contemplation, Poems, Religious type by

We have so many kinds of thingees out there to contemplate, which are of a “spirit” nature, and we can be glad or sad that we experience them.  I wrote this when I was, in fact, getting to know all of them on a personal level. Not bad, just a fact; well, maybe not the ghostly one.

 

Spirits 2018

 

The drinking kind can drive

you out of your mind

or make you sublime

 

The internal mind kind can lift

you to the heights of joy

or dump you on your behind

 

The ghostly kind can create

a kind of terror of the

time or night

 

The religious kind can make you

sing in rhyme, if you’re that

kind or, of that type

 

So tip a few, think good too, say boo

or hoo, and pray the kind of

spirit is the kind you have in mind.

 

Den Betts     bettsden@gmail.com

God’s Gift 2018-07

Posted in Contemplation, Religious type by

How many of us get a second chance in life? How many of us, don’t realize it, when it happens? I would think many of us, but I am not going to include myself in asking this, since I did get a second chance and do appreciate what I received. I was born, I then had two experiences, one physical and the other involving my brain, and in a way, then, was born again, in my mind.

 

God’s Gift  2018-07

 

God’s gift to me was life,

The beginning followed by rebirth

The many past years of living,

Plus, a second chance on earth

From year one, till now, an experience,

Thought of, as one to succeed.

This period to reflect on past times

In ways of thought, words and deed.

For now, my life is renewed with joy

But this time with insight, from today

It’s hard to change to a new lifestyle

From the old archaic way

But with this chance He has given me

I’ll be a better me, than was

Time will tell if I succeed in this

But God’s gift to me is thus.

To start over, renew, and rejoice

To give, to share, and enjoy this life

To look at living as a thing to treasure

And live each day as one with pleasure.

 

Peace,

Den Betts                 bettsden@gmail.com

There MIGHT be a hidden message in the above. It could be about life in general or maybe, about living a Christian life, as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I like to say, either way, but think both ways are/were great……

Blogging Back 2018-05

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Blogging Back!!! 2018-05

I’m Back!, to begin Blogging again!!! Hiatus basically is over, not long gone, just a respite……
The reason for my doing so (blogging) is to get the thoughts out of my mind,
And by blogging, I feel that I will continue to accomplish my goal.
If you do NOT read my blogs, so be it; that is Ok with me!
If you do NOT like or appreciate my blogs, so be it; that is also, OK with me.
If there is an unknown positive outreach to my blogging for you, that would be great.
My blogs will have a message of some sorts, and if you get the message, GREAT; if not, too bad….
I will give thoughts on various religious things, poems from the past, quotes from famous people, etc.
Regardless, may you have a good life, and know I love you as a person regardless.

Den Betts                                    Email at bettsden@gmail.com                      Follow blog at thebettsden.com

I WELCOME any comments, good, bad or indifferent, that you may have. If you desire to do so, you can at Word Press or send an email to me at the above address. I would be interested in hearing from others and in doing so, may be enlightened, change my mind, or maintain my thoughts as they are now

BLOG – Going, Going GONE—- 2018-04

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BLOG – Going, Going, GONE  2018-04

 

After thinking about my blog, I have decided it is time to take a hiatus from blogging. I might blog again or might not do so, in the future.

My blogging did accomplish what I wanted, so it was not a waste of my time. If it was a waste of the readers time, so be it.

I learned much, about myself in the process and many things about one commenter of my blog in particular, and that was good.

I will miss blogging, but doubt that my blogs will be missed by many others, and that is ok.

Maybe, I will take up painting on canvas.

The one thing that I will leave with you is something I have said many times:  God is alive, He is active, He is aware and ALWAYS present around and within us.  Thanks be to God!!!!

Peace,
Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

Heartbeat 2018-02

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In a heartbeat, things change, our lives, our loves, our wishes, all of life, just one beat and we are in a different zone of life.  I wrote this when something happened to me that made me different, made me change my life or, it changed without any effort or inclination of my own. That is the way life is at times, good, bad or indifferent to what we want at times.  Never take life for granted, always realize that who, what and how we are can be changed; in a heartbeat.

Heartbeat  2018-02

They say you never know

a moment in time to see

When you least expect it

it was meant to be

 

It takes an erratic car

an accident with a ladder

A holdup at a market place

or simply wasn’t your day

 

How much we take for granted

this micron time on Earth

Living for tomorrow – not today

Death is but, a heartbeat away.

 

Peace,

Den Betts     bettsden@gmail.com

Coming out of the closet!! 2017-58

Posted in Contemplation, Religious by

Coming out of the closet 2017-58

 

There are MANY closets to come out of, in life.  Each of us, all of us, have something we hold dear to only ourselves, and do NOT share with any others.  When, and if we do, then we take the chance that we will be highly criticized, held in contempt, or other negative thoughts or actions by those others. It is also, a chance for our being able to finally release ourselves of hidden angst, or a release to freedom of expression.

My very best and dear friend, whom I love so very much, came out of the closet, when he let my wife and I know he was gay.  Actually, we sort of knew, just did not have any confirmation by him.  My son is one of the good people in life, and he and his male spouse are examples of how to be and act in life with others on this planet Earth. To any religious leaders, followers of any religion, good ol boys in life or any of that ilk, you can go F— yourselves IF, you have any prejudicial thoughts regarding this subject. I maintain that Jesus Christ, my ultimate teacher in life, loves my son as he is and, also, any others like him. 

Another closet that some live in and deal with in life are those that keep themselves in denial until they admit their problem.

I know someone who I admire, love and respect, who finally came out and made decisions about being an alcoholic.  He joined the AA group and adheres to the 12-step program of living life.  His wife, at that time, did not do so and had drug addiction issues. He is now remarried to a wonderful lady and enjoying life.  He is a distant blood cousin and I look at him as one of the great people that I am fortunate to know.

Another closet dweller that I know is one that might have been a binge eater, but now is an avid exercise person who changed her life style. She is really looking great and is encouraging others to revamp their lifestyles also. She has a wonderful outgoing personality that is so great.

OK, Now Me!!!    First off, I am not gay, not an alcoholic, maybe a little overweight, but not a binge eater in life.  I say, if you know of someone that is one of these, that you give support to them, accept them as they are, and most of all love them; you do not have to understand the situation.  That could be a tall order to do, I realize.

I am 76 years old and for the past and last 1/3 of my life, I have lived with a situation of life. My dear wife and close family, some of my closest friends and a few others know of what I have lived with in my later years of life.

On April 18, 1991, my life was changed forever. Thirty-five feet from my driveway, I ran over a manhole in the street that collapsed from the weight of the van I was driving. The van went up, I went up, the van came down and I was still going up.   I then,ended up in the hospital with a TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury. I was in the hospital and rehabilitation unit for 8 weeks or so; a long time. I will NOT — now make this a diatribe of this episode of life, but will state this:

I still have problems of dealing with the ramifications of having a TBI.  The “IT” of so, now long ago, affects me in certain ways even now.  I do not try to “hide” in a closet and deny how I feel, how the TBI affects me, somewhat “rules me” in life, etc.

When I say or my wife states, “He is not feeling well” it most likely means I am not up to par in doing something or anything.  That is the way it is; period!!!!!!!!!

While I have not tried to hide in my closet with my disability, I have tried to do what I can on a daily existence, and believe this is being honest with others. I will now tell any, that I feel like crap, if I do, and hope they will believe me, and understand. If not, tough crap on them.  I have NEVER, and NEVER will, use my disability as an excuse on purpose to get out of doing something, or in any way take advantage of a situation because of my TBI.  Also, if I say, “I do not remember”, I mean it; period!!!!

I guess this post is somewhat of a “get it off my chest” type thing, but I hope it is not a “in your face” statement, but it might appear so.

I also say this.  If you see someone with ANY disability, either physical or mental, try to have some compassion for them, try to have some empathy, and realize how much or how fortunate you are not walking in their shoes of life.  Closets come in all shapes, styles and configurations; we all have them to a degree, big or small, and sometimes it is better to let it go, and get a release from them.

Peace,

Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com