The Storm That Binds

The Storm That Binds

(stories from the town of Lincolnville, Maine about the experiences of neighbors helping neighbors in a small, New England town after "The Ice Storm of 2013 - December 23-28, 2013)

The ice and snow froze all below

The heavens sending signs

That Lincolnville had a choice to make;

To yield or face the storm that binds.

The power out, the sun went down

On a quiet, frosty eve.

As people stirred, awoke and became

A town proving they believe.

Doors were opened, fires stoked

Against the bitter cold

Neighbors called their neighbors

Creating wonders to behold;

The Best Christmas Ever at the Shutes,

Lisa’s wood stove warm,

A classic scent; Maine Balsam,

Protecting all from the storm.

Lindsey rescued Leo

No 911 call needed.

The Spirit of Christmas present

Was welcome here and heeded.

Victoria packed her love in snow

Driving roads that froze that night

To spread her joy to family

And warm them with candlelight.

There are many more stories out there

Just waiting to tell the time

When Lincolnville rose up in arms

To embrace the storm that binds.

Tom Crowley, 12/29/13

Lincolnville Beach

Double Rainbow in Dedham

We worry about the earth but then God kicks out a double rainbow on the way home from work.  Grandson Sammy smiled at me.  Son Tom, Melody, and other Grandson Lochlan announced a new, first granddaughter! Life IS good

Thank You and I'm Sorry

Before you die, give thanks and apologize.
Give thanks to those teachers who inspired you
and believed in you, and taught you, anything.

Don't just think it. Do it.
If they are still alive, call them.
If you can't or will not call them,
write them a letter.

When I was 10 or 11, Officer Paul Claffey came to talk
to the young Boy Scouts in my home town.
He said "Be good, be careful and don't get into trouble.
You are young now, but as soon as you turn 16,
you will have a permanent, criminal record that will stay
with you for life"

I was arrested 2 months before my 16th birthday, on May 13, 1964
for Grand Theft Auto.  It was not my first time.
I survived the juvenile detention center and solitary confinement
and went on to do well, marry, have great jobs, a great family,
and then I decided it was time to make the call...

I called Officer Paul Claffey. His wife answered and said he had retired.
I asked to speak with him.
We talked. I said "Thank you for trying to help us kids and thank you
for helping me.  I am sorry for the trouble I caused in town. I am doing
fine now and I wanted to call and say thank you.

He thanked me for calling and we said goodbye.
I could not have done that if I waited too long
to call and was told that he was dead.

The Red Line to Ashmont

There was a time

When I saw the ring

That attracted me

To much bigger things.

It may have been

A building tall

With corporate names

On marble walls,

Or a bigger ship

In port that day

One that would take me

Far, far away.

I grabbed that ring

And held it tight

I rode that train

Through darkest night

I wore the clothes

I walked the walk

I took the money

And I talked the talk.

Now years later

I see I was blind

To better things

And simpler times

I needed it then

I do not now

But there was a time

When I would not bow.

I am a better man

Though I rationalize

I believe in myself

And that’s the surprise.

The ego’s gone

The man remains

A better man

With growing pains

But still…at night

While I ride the “T”

I think of that time

When I was him, not me.

Then I remember…

There was a time.

F.Thomas Crowley, Jr.

11/14/2012

On the Red Line to Ashmont

Poetry Month_April, 2012

April, 2012

Poetry Month - Write A Poem a Day! - Keep a Poem in Your Pocket!

Gak in Pain - Medications: Oxycodone, Gabbapenten, Lorazepam

The results?

Sunday, 4/1/12

Young man's dream

Made real as a man

No doubts, no fear

Spring forward!

Monday, 4/2/12

Pain can kill

Dreams die young

Forced smiles

A grimace covered.

Tuesday, 4/3/12

Share a Life

Make it longer

Alone we wither

Avoiding others.

That was all I did.  Pain injection on 4/25/2012, second on 5/9/12

FTC

Proud Black Woman

I found this painting in our home in Maine.  It is a striking, inspiring image of a proud, young, black woman.  The artist signed the painting "E JAXON" .  I would like more people to see this painting.

Penn State's Shame_Joe Paterno's Blame

No one who was involved with even ONE incident like these should escape responsibility.  I don’t care who he is.  This is disgusting and an outrage.  I hope that when Sandusky gets to prison he is welcomed appropriately...  If Joe Paterno knew anything, at any time, he should have reported it to the school, the police, and fired Sandusky on the spot.  This may be a sad end to Joe Paterno’s career, but just imagine how bad it will be if the media finds that 10 year old boy who was in the shower.  There is no comparison.  Joe must go.