Joe Danner

Derby, Iowa, USA

Joseph Lee Danner, born January 24, 1957 in Osceola, Iowa. Married with four children. I attended Mormon Trail High School at Humeston Iowa. I first began writing poetry in December 1993. I have had two poems published by the National Library of Poetry. The poems are "Illusions" and "The Clearing" I have written 24 poems. "The Clearing" is about a place I go to when I need to be alone. All of my poetry is written reflecting life as I see it. I would like, someday, to have all my poetry published in one form or another.

Clearing

I come to this place- to try and calm my soul
Where peace is the rule- and quiet has control.
It is a place of magic- if you'll take the time
To let the day just be the day-let nature do her rhyme.
Listen to the quiet here-the birds singing in the trees,
The insects making summer sounds, the wind rustling leaves.
I lay back on the ground- and watch the clouds drift by-
They look like giant cotton balls- randomly floating in the sky.
Time passes without measure at least for a little while.
And realize I've spent the day- it causes me to smile.
Once again I realize-what this place does for me
It lets my mind go wandering- and sets my spirits free.
You really ought to try- to find a place like mine
Where you can take a moment-to ease your troubled mind.
It doesn't have to be-the same place every time;
Just someplace where you can be alone
With Mother Nature and a little time.
At first it might not do for you what it always does for me,
But with a little practice you will begin to see.

Illusions

The things in the world that you can change
Are image and looks or even your name.
Time and location are both yours to use
If you choose wisely, you'll never lose.
Don't give much credit to the gossip you hear
'Cause stories get better with each passing ear.
Even things you see aren't always as they seem
There'd be no illusion if the magician had no dream.
And you can't decide what other people think
Even if you could, it would drive you to drink.
The one thing in life on which you can depend
If you like yourself, you'll always have a friend.