The last long weekend of the summer has now come and gone

My early mornings are now delayed because of the later dawn

The last major heat wave we experienced is definitely the last

The summer once again seems to always go too fast

Just another couple of weeks and we will officially be into fall

It is going to be my ambition to get out and enjoy it all

The leaves are still green but the colour red is creeping in

How much longer will it be before the leaf raking will begin?

The nights are getting longer and daylight is shorter with each day

This is just another harbinger that winter is on its way

So best take advantage of every day we have remaining

Soon winter will arrive and so will our complaining

The weekend was great and the temperatures were just right

Of course they are dipping quite a bit overnight

Still not below zero like our northern neighbours had

All in all, these past few days haven’t been all that bad

Hoping that this trend continues and we delay the cold

We have no way of knowing what the future will unfold

Can we drag this summer out and continue with a late fall?

Let this trend continue and benefit us all?

Have Thanksgiving dinner served outside in the fresh air

Not have to be confined indoors with everybody there

Let it continue and the kids wear sandals as they “trick or treat”

Having to wear light costumes because they can’t handle all that heat

Let not one flake of snow fall until it’s “Christmas” eve

Let it stay till “Boxing” day and then it all can leave

Not have to use a snow shovel until well into the new year

Then by the end of March it, all of it has disappeared

I know I’ve gone a little overboard and I’ve gone too far

The things  that I am wishing for all sound so bizarre

Just enjoy what we have left of summer and the coming fall

We all know as “northerners” , winter is a long haul

Usually I talk about corrupt politicians south of our border

But our own Ontario “Premier” has to get things in order

It’s being called the “Greenbelt Scandal” and it is yet to be resolved

From all the reports I’m reading, “Doug Ford” is heavily involved

The “OPP” and “RCMP” are busily looking into this situation

It might be just a matter of days before they haul “Doug” into their station

He is orchestrating everything but appearing very dense

It certainly had me hoodwinked because he never seemed to make any sense

Let’s get the facts together and finally get things right

This is no revelation, “Doug Ford” isn’t all that bright!

“I’ll carve up the Greenbelt” he said on a video five years past

Then he just swore off of it, obviously his promise didn’t last

The integrity commission report shows he ordered “Clark” to go with plan”A”

He proclaimed this in public and that’s where we are today

“Ford” wouldn’t fess up, while “Clark” blamed his rookie chief of staff

This is so much criminality that has to make you laugh

Was setting up his “Municipal Affairs” minister part of “Ford’s” design?

“Steve Clark” who holds this post, has now chosen to resign

There has always been crooked politicians but catching them was rare

The parties used to do their due diligence and just threw them out of there

Now it’s just another day in politics for you and I

These parties now seem to protect their girl or guy

Big money runs the show and the rich get richer still

Running for election doesn’t require any special skill

They don’t seem to work together, it’s just constant dividing

They are more concerned about the party than their local riding

This isn’t just “Provincial”, it’s “Federal” as well

The whole political scene has gone all to hell

You need a bankroll if you want to start a campaign

All they seem to do now is just bitch and complain

There seems to be no benefit to the people they are supposed to represent

They wouldn’t even be there if they didn’t get our assent

This fiasco at “Queen’s Park” is only going to go from bad to worse

This in no way will benefit any of us of course

 Us common folk should campaign for office on “Twitter” or “Facebook” instead

Maybe this is the only way that any of us will ever get ahead

Here’s the latest news: “Donald Trump” has been indicted once more

If you haven’t been able to keep track, this is now “four”

The felony charges against him now total “ninety one”

Who knows how many he will accumulate before this year is done?

“Donald” is going down to Georgia, but he has no soul to steal

Unfortunately, as his charges continue to increase, so does his appeal

The Republican party is still supporting this guy

They seem to believe “The Big Lie”

So no matter what he does, most of them have his back

They haven’t left his side since the “January attack”

To all his “MAGA” supporters he has done no wrong

They have been contributing their undying support all along

Millions of dollars spent for lawyers to defend him in all his cases

Not to mention the jet fuel required to get to all these places

So keep on sending in your cash because he really needs the funds

Who knows how much will be needed to finance his “Presidential” run

There seems to be no “Republican” challengers at any rate

He may be their candidate without participating in any debate

This party is totally dependent on his “MAGA” base

“Trump” should be their man in the “Presidential” race

He wants to delay the court cases so he can campaign

His party is supporting him, it all seems so insane!

“Joe” is totally responsible for the dilemma that he is in

That’s the story he is selling because “Biden” didn’t win

His disciples believe everything that comes from the mouth of this buffoon

Here’s hoping that we will see a court case happening soon!

Trump has a had a “mug shot” taken which is a “Presidential” first

Only minutes after it was taken, it was widely dispersed

Of course, being the con artist, “Trump” came up with a plan

In order to scam more money he’ll do everything he can

So next time he has a rally and is looking for support

His fan base can say: “Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt”

I spent most of my past Saturday at “King’s Landing” by the lake

It was an adventure that my daughter and I chose to undertake

We both decided that we would see the talent that were performing on this day

We sat through the first three acts and then went on our way

All through the day, the crowd was pretty thin

Perhaps the final act was the one that would really bring them in?

What we saw was entertaining and they all put on a great show

I can’t speak for everyone, but not one of these performers did I know

They kept us all amused and gave it with all their hearts

I have to commend them, because the crowd was very sparse

I realize this city is trying to get things right

They also offer concerts each and every Wednesday night

They feature local talent for everyone to see

These concerts are available to everyone for free

We saw kids playing while these acts were performing on the stage

My daughter remembered doing the same things when she was their age

I recalled back some years ago when the “Heritage Festival” used to rule the “Bay”

There were lots of attractions to see all night and day

“Lee Park” used to be packed with vendors and booths were everywhere

Friends that you haven’t seen in years, soon could be found there

There was such a range of foods out there for you to try

Also quite a variety of merchandise to buy

They had the annual “country music contest” that was at this park too

There were countless things available for everyone to do

This was free to everyone and you could come and go

You could go the whole weekend without spending any “dough”

There were always bands that you waited at the end of the day to see

This part of the festival however wasn’t free

You would have to purchase a “wrist band” to see this event

Thirty five dollars for this accessory was the most that I ever spent

Kids under the age of ten still could attend them for free

These are just some of the recollections that came back to me

We would look forward to this long weekend each and every year

We truly were excited when the “Civic Holiday” was getting near

Now for many years, this city hasn’t brought in even one big name

All we have are memories, it really is a shame

Are any of you looking forward to the new shows coming this fall?

The way things are going, we aren’t going to see anything at all

The writers are still on strike and have been since the start of May

This was the first instance of causing some delay

I am missing the late night talk shows and the ones in the afternoon

From what I have been reading, this strike won’t be finishing anytime soon

The Hollywood actors are now fighting for their rights as well

The entire entertainment business has gone all to hell

The stage actors reached a last minute agreement so you can still go see a play

As far as it goes for new shows and movies, it’s really hard to say

They have saturated us with the big summer blockbuster advertising once again

Hell, even I am getting excited to see “Barbie” and “Ken”

The big issues are with the streaming services who are raking in the dough

The actors aren’t making enough in residuals for the episodes they show

Protection against “artificial intelligence” is another hurdle that has to be addressed

This is definitely a hindrance for every performer’s road to success

Star actors fear they will lose control of their likeness as a whole

This would also make it harder for the up and comers to even get a role

Writers feel they will have to share credit or lose credit to machines

This is what is happening to this industry behind the scenes

Will you be that upset if your precious shows are all put on hold?

Not have the chance to see how their story lines will unfold?

How do you defend these actors that look to you for support?

Just sit and watch the nightly news and perhaps your favourite sport?

Events might get you so frustrated that you might want to scream!

So don’t rush to your television to watch your beloved stream

Remember these services are the enemy so you must not give in

Perhaps read a good book just to begin?

If you need some video to watch and want to succeed

 Look around the  house for a player and dust off an old DVD

Go to an even older version of escape

Fire up the old VCR and insert a video tape!

In the case of an extreme emergency, you can hook up an antenna to your TV

To be honest, I don’t really know if there is anything out there to see

I have prepared for this tragedy many years in advance!

This is my one opportunity and perhaps my final chance!

My basement is full of record albums that people always told me to throw away

If you don’t mind me saying, I’m looking pretty good today!

The DVD and videos that are products of yesteryear

I have been wondering when they would reappear

So scurry to your storage space and root them out

If you can’t find them, may I suggest taking a different route

I happen to have thousands presently for rent and are easy to find

For those who chose to view my tapes, “Please be kind, rewind”

The NHL draft is over and my “Blackhawks” got their man

It was the first piece of “Kyle Davidson’s” plan

Luck was certainly with us when we ended up with the first selection

This should be the start of my team’s resurrection

In case you didn’t know, “Connor Bedard” was the cherished prize

He can’t do it all himself, we still need other guys

There is no more “Toews” and “Kane”, the last of their championship teams

Hopefully we will be adding more pennants to the “United Center” beams

They now have so many young players in their system eager to play

I am really looking forward to opening day

Last year was hard for me because I wanted them to tank the season

It was in the interest of the team, so you can’t charge me with treason

We now have a major cornerstone to build on to form a strong foundation

This will help to alleviate the past few years we suffered in frustration

They have to spend some money just to reach the cap floor

That is why we have the leeway to experiment some more

“Taylor Hall”, “Nick Foligno” and “Corey Perry” are all ready to take the ice

This year the funds are flexible and they can afford the extra price

If history repeats itself, things can only get better from here

They will have to prove it by getting better every year

I am not getting too excited, I know that it will take some time

Have some good team mates in place when “Bedard” reaches his prime

It reminds me when “Toews” and “Kane” first donned the “Blackhawks” sweater

From that time on, “Chicago” was destined to get better

It’s like a jigsaw puzzle where every piece has to fit in the right space

I will be satisfied enough if they manage to stay out of last place

There are a lot of teams in this league that this season is make or break

They have spent millions of dollars every year and their reputation is at stake

They have “tanked” in every opportunity they got

So much is dependent on your draft picks and the free agents you bought

So many franchises have tried for years to get to that final bout

Now they are at the point when they know their time is running out

I see a lot of them just giving in and going for broke

Teams have the chemistry but always seem to choke

This is their final year for them to win the crown

Next year my team will be rising while they will be falling down

It’s nice to see my “Blackhawks” finally sticking to a plan

They have stood behind this “General Manager” and “Davidson” is their man

Here’s hoping that “Bedard” lives up to all his fame

As for me I am planning on watching each and every game

Every morning I take my daily walk

Head up the same street on this old city block

Continue my course with the leash in hand

I felt there was something missing that I didn’t understand

I’ve lived at this house now twenty years or more

There was something lacking that I couldn’t seem to ignore

This routine seemed to have something that I seemed to lack

Then realization finally kicked in and it was “JACK”!!!

You see, no matter what time of morning when I walked by

If Jack was around, he would always yell hi!!

He actually wasn’t yelling, it was his normal tone

Sometimes he would startle me, and I wear headphones!

Spring was his favourite time of the year

That’s when he would put his gardening expertise into gear

He loved his flowers and he cared for his lawn

It’s so hard to believe that this man is gone

He was a friend to everyone who lives on this street

He was someone who was always a pleasure to meet

He had a sense of humour and would help you in any way

In summer you would find him outside for the entire day

He’d putter in his garden and gave free advice

Let’s just make it simple, this man was nice!

Jack was a  person that his whole neighbourhood knew

It’s so sad that his time on this earth is now through

The cancer finally took him, but he put up a fight

I figured he would defeat it once again and come out alright

He battled this demon right to the end

This man to so many, was a true friend

There is a “for sale” sign now on his lawn where he lived most of his life

Raised his six children with “Elsie” his wife

There will come someone who will eventually occupy this space

There is certainly no one who will be able to take his place!

I am in a rut of late which I can’t seem to shake

I’ve gotten into a habit that has been very hard to break

You know I walk my dog when I first arise

To those who have read my poems before, this isn’t a surprise

Weather permitting I get our jaunt finished well before nine

When I arrive at home, I try to exercise this brain of mine

I am a sucker for the word games, I certainly like them a lot

I take my tablet in my hand and head out to my favourite spot

There is quite a variety of them when you peruse the app store

Some of them are very challenging which means I like them more

Of course, like everyone else, “Wordle” is one I like to play

I make a point of trying to solve it each and every day

There are so many out there, I certainly play more than one

It’s no telling how many of these games are played before my day is done

I don’t care so much about the points, it’s the streak I want to maintain

I don’t worry about how many guesses, it’s another link on the chain

Then there are some variants which number two, four, eight and sixteen

I am surprised that my fingers haven’t worn down the glass on my screen

These games are one and done whether I get them right or not

There is another game that is occupying most of the time I got

It’s just a kind of crossword puzzle that has blocks for you to fill in

You are given only six or seven letters when it begins

Just a few vowels and consonants are all that you possess

I am playing this game so much, I feel that I am beginning to obsess

The trick is to get them and try to stay on a run

The maximum is five points a word, but miss and you are back to one

You stay on five as long as you keep on the streak

Since I got hooked on this, it takes up most of my week

It’s the competition that has me hooked on this game

As a result of this I only have myself to blame

There are tournaments you can participate if you wish

For some reason, I can’t tear myself away from this

I am not very happy if I don’t finish first

This is just the tip of the iceberg, things just get worse

They rank you on your daily points that you get each week

The upper echelon is the position that I sorely seek

They also keep a running total of every player that has played

So with every single point I get, it’s a position that I gained

Right now I am only two hundred thousand points out of the top spot

You can rest assured that I am giving it all I got

Every chance I get I am playing this stupid game

It’s occupying all my free time, it is a total shame

It has taken over my life, and I play it to the max

Isn’t it ironic that this game is called “Word Relax”

We all long for summer each and every year

Our excitement heightens the more the snow disappears

The long months that we are bundled up through winter and most of the fall

It’s the most highly anticipated season that is cherished by one and all

It was once again a long spring for us here in the north

At long last, the summer has finally burst forth

The winter boots are now in storage with the mittens and gloves

Time to break out the t-shirts and shorts and enjoy this time we all love

We have just passed the equinox which is our longest day

So no need to panic because these temperatures are here to stay

We now can get out and enjoy the outdoors

Walk through the parks and along our lake shores

Probably the first summer in a while we can safely meet and greet

Instead of having to avoid all the crowds and crossing the street

I have been out as usual enjoying my daily walk

It’s so nice to be able to just stop and talk

Nothing really has prevented me from heading out

I have still been able to get out and about

I’m glad to continue and I still can’t complain

This year I have even been out in the pouring rain

So I just figured I am finally safe and able to roam wherever I please

Nothing to impair me, not even that dreaded Covid disease

I have kept up this attitude without even a care

Rising up early in the morning to take in the fresh air

This however came to a stop this past Sunday when I awoke

The room that I was sleeping in somehow smelled like smoke

I got up and walked around our space

The smell of burnt wood was all over the place

It could have been a whole lot worse in our humble hut

Thank goodness for air conditioning because all our windows were shut

Smelling isn’t exactly my greatest sense

When I put the dog out, the air was very dense

My whole neighbourhood was enveloped with this thick smoke

When it came time to let him in, it made me choke

We have been getting air quality warnings every single day

Somehow the winds just didn’t seem to blow our way

So I guess our luck finally ran out because we got hit hard

I didn’t dare venture into our back yard

It’s now early evening and this stench persists

We continue to be surrounded by this suffocating mist

They are calling for rain tonight and throughout next week

This could be the relief that these firefighters sorely seek

It’s just the first day that I have had to suffer through

If I was in their boots, I don’t know what I would do

With every drop, these firefighters will gain

Here’s hoping “Mother Nature” will let it rain

Give these heroes a reprieve from their fiery hell

This way they can enjoy their summer as well

I have to admit that I have written a lot about former president “Donald Trump”

Now I can relate to him every time I decide to take a dump

His diatribes about water pressure never resonated with me

Now though I hate to admit it, I think I have to agree

He wasn’t happy on how little the water flowed

The paper he was flushing, remained in the bottom of his commode

We play Russian roulette with ours now, every single day

This contraption decides whether are daily samples can go or stay

We go week to week with our daily wipe

Then comes the time when you eventually plug the pipe

We all know it happens when someone drops a deuce

Then we proceed down the basement and put our toilet snake to use

We have become pretty adept at doing this weekly chore

Then came the day we decided we don’t want to do this anymore

We decided to put an end to this continuing aggravation

That’s when we called a plumber to assess our situation

He couldn’t find any problems with any of the pipes

He suggested a new toilet and showed us different types

The model was installed later on that day

We thanked him for his work and he went on his way

It didn’t take long and this new toilet also would not drain

We called the plumber and they listened to us complain

They said they had a high flowing toilet that they could install

Should be here this Thursday and there will be no charge at all

This toilet’s flush is powerful enough to make a bag full of golf balls disappear

I can hardly wait for this new product to make its way to here

Can I retire that snake for good and be worry free?

I am still not convinced and will have to wait and see

A more powerful crapper!! Donald might have something there

This is a major complaint that both of us now share

Have I acquired some respect for this man? Not one single bit

Like the waste in my toilet, he is still a piece of shit