About the Poem

This poem is a dedication to my father Whom I lost to cancer in 1993. As a little boy I have a memory of my father speaking of "Utopia" once. He had such a gleam in his eye as he explained to me about this word I had never heard before, I know in some way it must be a real place for him.

After watching him die the horrid death he suffered, if there's any justice to life at all I have to believe he's found his Utopia now. May peace be with you forever, Dad.

Utopia

by Michael Anderson

Sunrise on the desert.
Golden sands, a red- orange sky.
A shadow cast in darkness-
On the winds subtle cry.
Crossing a painted picture,
A seemingly endless cage.
Facing another day alone,
The cowboy turns the page.

He rides towards the horizon,
Where each night the sunsets hide.
Black Stetson hat, callused hands,
On the white horse he calls Pride.
A face rough and unshaven,
Kabar knife, boots and Levi's.
Never a smile, never a frown,
Just wild, blue staring eyes,

And the desert winds blow harsh,
Dust kicking up in his sight.
But steady on his march,
The man presses on through the plight.
Perseverance leads the way,
On the lonely, sometimes dreadful quest.
Indeed a good man some would say,
But I'd say he's the best.

And the dream seems within reach now,
The tiresome journey nearing its end.
He can see it in the distance,
As the storm seems to suspend.
A land where emotions flourish-
In grandiose euphoria.
A land where pain eases and hearts nourish,
A land he calls "Utopia".

Yes determination, will, and guts,
His three best friends behooved-
Have led him to the crossroads-
Where nothing remains to be proved.
The desert lies behind him,
Prosperity just ahead on the plain.
He slows up just a moment,
Gently pulling back the reign.

Tipping his hat without looking back-
To those he touched on this parade.
He holds his head high, lets out a sigh,
Watching a brilliant sunset fade.
And night comes on the wings of angels,
Calling a billion stars to his side.
Carrying him away to his "Utopia",
The cowboy's final ride.

Want to send the author a private email? If we have a current address, we'll send your message to them for you.

Author

If you especially appreciated this author, we'll be happy to show you where you might find more of their poems

9 Visitor Comments

bea

the poem is a true testiment to the power of emotions, and the journey we all travel. Thank you for allowing us to travel with you.

Tara

Wow that poem was very poignant. It’s good to know that after all the suffering; death can actually be a release. That beyond this world there is another superlative one and more importantly both your father and mine can experience this utopia. Or in my dads words are 'in gods own country'. Take great pride in what you have expressed in what is a very emotive poem, close to both of our hearts.

Becky

This poem is GREAT. The discriptivness of his words, each stanza was perfect. I to lost my father, this describes the ride home to a 'T'.

Amy

This poem really touched my heart. It was so heart felt and emotive and descriptive language was very prominant in this well composed piece. Good imagery is also used.

Louise

i think that you write great poems, i love them, u doe a great job. keep up the great work. i am sorry about the loss of your father.

Happy

GGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD

This is a fabulous poem,this poet is an expert at poetry. I had tears streaming,but I felt happy to know of such a beautiful place we will go when we depart. I thank michael for sharing such a personal poem with us. your father is very proud of you. take care

angelRN2001

I enjoyed reading this poem as I lost my dad in 1999. I am all but 19 years old, and he never saw my 19th birthday. I can really place myself in Michael's shoes. Hope to see more works from you!

Dark

Wonderful imagery I thought the poem acheived its goal well I do believe that the poets cowboy is better off in his utopia as the poem states may we all be as lucky

All Visitor Comments on this poem have been posted by people who wanted to let the author know the poem touched their hearts. If you would like to leave a comment of your own, please Vote for this poem.