This page is a sample collection of poems written by Ryan's dad.
They are Copy Protected and "MAY NOT " be reprinted for profit in any manner.

You may copy for personal pleasure if you so desire,
Please include authors name and date. Thank you

If Tomorrow…

If tomorrow never comes it would mean that I have died,
But that just means one less day that I have cried.
If tomorrow never comes how joyful I will be,
Because there is someone special that I need to see.
If tomorrow never comes it won’t be soon enough for me,
I need to hold him close as he possibly could be.
If tomorrow never comes I hope I am in a better place,
One that lets me look upon his youthful face.
If tomorrow never comes pray for me to be set free,
So I may fly home to him wherever he may be.
If tomorrow never comes hold my loved ones near,
Know that up above I will find him with no fear.
If tomorrow never comes I will no longer be sad,
For once again I will get to hear him call me dad.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
01/21/2004

Let Me Come Home

How high will I fly when I leave from this place,
Will I have lived a good enough life to look into God's face.
With all of the evil around us each day,
Did I ask for forgiveness in just the right way.
Was my life in the right order to serve the Lord,
Will I live in His Glory or die by the sword.
Satan is with me as I have pen in my hand,
I pray those are God's footprints I see in the sand.
From the path to His house I have stumbled for sure,
Through His Son I am seeking to find a cure.
O' Merciful Lord it's just little I,
Please let me come home on the day that I die.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
03/13/2000

Free Gifts

Walk over to the canyon side and give a yell below,
You will hear nature's way of trying to say hello.
Birds, trees and butterflies are around you everyday,
Take the time to see them as you pass along the way.
Flowers, streams and even grass give beauty to us too,
They ask for nothing in return for doing that for you.
How wonderful the day is when the sun is shining bright,
Nothing can compare to a fully moon lit night.
Whenever you may think you just can't afford no more,
There are always God's free gifts to you just outside your door.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
06/03/1997

Knocking On Heaven's Door

I knocked upon Heaven's door today and what did my wondering eyes see,
St. Peter with the book of life and all my sins staring back at me.
I thought that I would walk right in and he would show me where to go,
Until I answered him correctly the only word he spoke was no.
He needed answers to the questions of all the wrong I did throughout the years,
I tried to say the right things to him while holding back the tears.
When I had finished speaking he wanted to know more,
Of what I expected to find when I stepped into the door.
I told him of some wonderful things like no sin or hate or pain,
He asked if there was more than that inside for me to gain.
I mentioned everlasting life and of course God's only Son,
He said there was still one thing more before I could be done.
I thought for just a moment then said there was only one thing I needed most,
To be forgiven of my sins by the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
St. Peter stepped aside just then and showed me the right way,
He said I think you finally understand that's all you had to say.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
03/14/2000

Simple Thoughts

May flowers bloom on a gloomy day,
When nothing seems to go your way.
Hold the simple things in life close to your heart,
For those are the ones with which you shouldn't part.
Always remember to say thank you and please,
Don't forget to bless the little ones when they sneeze.
Life's little pleasures cannot be bought or sold,
For God has placed them within reach for us to hold.
A smile or wave can go a long way,
So with that in mind have a nice day.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
09/10/1996

Remember Me

    Remember no tears on the day that I'm gone,
    Just fill all your hearts with wine and good song.
    Remember a smile or the blue in my eyes,
    Don't forget we're all human and everyone dies.
    Remember the good times along with the bad,
    Look after my little ones for they'll need a dad.
    Remember the times that brought us such joy,
    Think of them often like an old favorite toy.
    Remember the others who need a guiding light,
    Tell them all is ok there is no need to fight.
    Remember all good things must come to an end,
    Hug all your loved ones and cherish your friends.
    Remember me often in all that you do,
    I'll be alright now remembering you.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
09/10/1996

Don't Cry Little One

Don't cry little one it will be alright,
There are no monsters here tonight.
Don't cry little one daddy is here,
I will fend away all your fear.
Don't cry little one it's only a scratch,
Everything will be better with a kiss and a patch.
Don't cry little one you're still number one,
Bullies come and go like the morning sun.
Don't cry little one there's always next time,
If you won every game it would be a crime.
Don't cry little one it will still get you quite far,
Oh how I laughed when I got my first car.
Don't cry little one she will be yours to the end,
Now that you're married she will still be your friend.
Don't cry little one a new day will dawn,
It's your turn to console the tears now that I'm gone.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
10/22/1997
For Derek

Colored Forest

The moss is gleaming slightly on the north side of the tree,
A walk in the forest in Autumn is quite beautiful to see.
You make your way along a path cut out from the deer,
Pausing for a brief moment for every sound you hear.
Squirrels, chipmunks even snakes crawl along the ground,
You can not always see the life that is all around.
The sun acts like a laser cutting through the tree tops,
The pallet of colored beauty makes you wish it never stops.
You can see the critters planning for a winters rest,
Making beds for their heads while hiding food their best.
God must have created this time as a curtain call,
Giving nature an encore before the leaves begin to fall.
Remember as you walk alone or even with someone,
Enjoy your life to the fullest and try to have some fun.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
04/09/1997

 Weeping Willow

I start to feel like ashes from a freshly laden fire,
Not really caring to go on no more just lacking all desire.
I understand there are things to do each and every day,
But do not care if they get done no matter what they say.
My soul bleeds from within now and life does not seem to grow,
There are no more tears inside only anger left to show.
The path I walk along each day I laid the stones myself,
Only I'm to blame for this; the final chapter is on the shelf.
Do not look upon me now with any pity or disgrace,
Your thoughts no longer matter in this thing they call life's race.
The time has come to lay my head upon the silken pillow,
May God forgive the things I've done as I forever rest beneath.......
The weeping willow.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/31/1997

Spiritual Feeling

Feel the empty space beside you whenever no ones there,
Look behind you in the mirror when you comb your hair.
Hear the weird noises of the house dark late at night,
Pay attention to those ghostly touches that give us all a fright.
Listen to the silence of the phone when no one seems to call,
Be careful to take notice of the things that make you fall.
Are you really home alone when no one is with you,
Something could be thinking that just the way you do.
For every little bump in the night that makes you look it's way,
Could it be a spiritual being trying to contact you today.
It may be a loved one or a friend you really miss quite bad,
Maybe they too are lonely or feeling very sad.
We cannot control the outcome of life whether it be short or long,
The spirit that is within us has a duty when it hears it's final song.
No matter what it is that makes us all feel that certain way,
Remember you're the one who is alive and God wanted it this way.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
01/27/1998

Welcome - Grow - Care

Welcome to King of kings we're glad you did arrive,
We want to share Gods Grace with you and let you know His sons alive.
We welcome you with open arms to let you know we care,
Gods Love for everyone of you is what we want to share.
We grow with one another and learn from day to day,
How Jesus is our Savior through whom which we should pray.
We have a special choir and an all live Christian band,
There's even a place for the children we like to call Promise Land.
There is an early worship service for the traditional at heart,
Then followed by two contemporaries for those who prefer a later start.
The early bird gets the Word so there is a  service on Saturday,
For those whose schedule clash with these may come on Monday night to pray.
The one who leads us is someone special that God has sent for you,
He's known as Reverend Dr. Louis Forney but you can call him Pastor Lou.
There are many small group ministries in which you can take part,
Just ask the Lord above for help to show you where to start.
The next time you come to visit us a greeter will be there,
Asking you to join our mission to: Welcome, Grow &  Care.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/28/2000
For Pastor Lou & King of kings Lutheran Church

Mr. Bill

Just when I thought no more tears could fall I hear about Mr. Bill,
How he has left us here on earth because he was so ill.
My heart is saddened for your loss of the man to whom you wed,
May God place a comforting hand upon you each day when you rise from bed.
May all your Angels up in Heaven come down to make you strong,
I pray you hear their message to you as they sing your song.
Very few among us will ever know the sorrow in your heart,
Although he is not with you now his love for you will never part.
Bill was such a courageous man always giving while others take,
I do believe of these things that a Saint will make.
In closing I must say to you that I stand and cheer,
Sending my family's love to you to help and dry a tear.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
01/22/2000
For Mary In Loving Memory of Bill

Hung-over Birthday   

You're another year older which is a big surprise,
    All those hung-over mornings with bloodshot eyes.
    You party all night and sleep all day,
    So I hope you're awake to hear what I say.
    When things in our lives start to lead us astray,
    You never stood along side...you just helped block the way.
    I'll forget most things that you say and do,
    But my life is much richer having known you.
    You're the worlds greatest friend which is quite hard to find.
    Happy Birthday to you....you're one of a kind.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
09/10/1996

Good times

Oh how I yearn for the days of old,
Remembering stories and the ones I have told.
Times seem much better when done in the past,
Not many worries or living too fast.
You could walk your dog alone at night,
Without even thinking about any fright.
Movies were cheap and drive-ins quite cool,
You even looked forward to going to school. 
You found that special someone and stayed to the end,
You never slept around with your lovers best friend.
Aids were people who would lend help to others,
Not some disease that could kill you or your brothers.
The stars and the moon will always remain,
Don't you wish there were things that would stay the same.
Play life to the fullest but watch what you spend,
For good over evil is what will win in the end.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
09/10/1996

Youthful Tomorrow

The city streets are burning as if no one is around,
People look the other way trying not to hear a sound.
It is not my turn to lend a helping hand today,
Just don't move in next to me is what you have to say.
You run away from a problem and blame it on your fear,
I have done all I can it's time to move away from here.
The elderly are dying in a place they try to call a home,
In the city alleyways are where the homeless roam.
There are solutions to be found without government intervention,
Educate the youthful ones about drug and crime prevention.
Do not look down upon them for they really do not know,
Survival of the fittest is what they're trying to show.
Sit and take the time to listen to what they have to say,
Do your best to understand and help in any way.
It will not take the masses to turn around tomorrow's power,
You only have to germinate one seed to make a living flower.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
10/22/1997

Untitled Guidance

Take a little time today,
To sit and watch the children play.
Hold the hand of the one you love,
Gentle though like a new born dove.
Reach on out to help the new,
Speak softly to them when you do.
Say a prayer at the end of each day,
Your life will be richer in every way.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
09/19/1996

LIFE

Life is short is what they all say,
But life is what you must do everyday.
You get out of bed and head out the door,
Not really knowing if you'll return anymore.
Some kind of fate sees you through each day,
How can I go on sometimes is what we all say.
There are things in our lives that we can't explain,
No matter how bad we just live through the pain.
You try to alter the ones that are bad,
And turn frowns into smiles whenever we're sad.
Hold your chin up hold your head high,
Do all that you can before the day that you die.
Don't worry about others or the things that they say,
Just bring them along if they stand in your way.
Be the best that you can in whatever you do,
It's time to carry on now.....Life's waiting for you.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/31/1997

Friend

Did you ever sit and wonder,
    What creates the sound of thunder.
    Could it be Mother Nature hurt by love,
    Or is it really just a cloud above.
    It rumbles low and sounds like war,
    And makes you wish there'd be no more.
    But with a crack from its friend lightning,
    There comes a sound that's sometimes frightening.
    The damage is done before the sound goes away,
    and no one gets hurt is what we all pray.
    It's the things in life that sting like a bee.
    That hurt the most I'm sure you'll agree.
    But when all is said and done in the end,
    You can count on me to be a friend.
    So try not to fear the things you can't see,
    And always stay strong as you can be.

Your friend for life.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
09/10/1996

Feelings Of Joy

    Walking alone on a winter's night,
    Can bring peace within of such delight.
    Holding hands with someone you love,
    Can make clear skies of the clouds above.
    A puppy's warmth when held so dear,
    Can make your heart begin to cheer.
    A picture of rose petals filled with the morning dew,
    Can brighten one's day when they're feeling blue.
    But there's only one thing that tops all the rest,
    Is to hear I love you....that's really the best.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
09/10/1996

Inner Emotion

Can you feel the sorrow when you see a tear fall,
Do you really know how someone feels at all.
The pains of emotion cannot be measured on a scale,
Sometimes your heart is caught in irons like the wind from a sail.
Each soul that's within us is different from each other,
God made it that way to tell you apart from your brother.
Good times and bad times is the coaster we ride,
Being better than the other is a matter of pride.
Material things can measure ones egotistical pain,
The faith in your heart will provide the most valuable gain.
Will you be ready for Him when it's the last curtain call,
Can you feel the sorrow when you see a tear fall.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
10/22/1997

New Beginning

It's that time of year again when flowers bloom,
For some it's time to have their hay fever zoom.
The rivers are overflowing with Spring's waking call,
Bringing life to the low lands making trees grow tall.
Birds are a chirping like tuning in a new song,
Wildlife's newborn creatures will soon be along.
It's a time for Mother Nature to put on a show,
Unveiling her art work that's beneath winter's snow.
There's something in the air that you cannot see,
That gives energy to all I'm sure you'll agree.
Take a moment today to look all around,
There is something of beauty that will be found.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
04/09/1997