I NEED SOME HAPPIER SONGS BY FRANK BLAKE

Whose upbeat tones and joyful cries
Distract me from your absence

They should summon new loves
Or sooth with the contentment of reunion

Let hearts fold into each other
Whether with bodies at rest or in motion

Calm oceans and clear whole skies
Leave your smiles in my ears

Despite the winding miles
Or the adventures of new partners

I need songs
About holding hands

Played by marching bands
Trumpets growing stronger

All to help me forget
That once you were here

But no longer.

Blake is a Bronze Star decorated U.S. Army Veteran and Pushcart Prize nominated poet. He is a published photographer, traveler, advanced SCUBA diver, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and proud husband and father. His first chapbook, Terminal Leave, is available from Finishing Line Press. For more, visit www.fsblake.com