Mike Cohen, poet, story teller, and novelist, returns to the 
NESTER with a poem he describes as “ . . . perhaps a country western ballad in search of music”. Mike adds, “I like it.” We also like it and so will you. Although this is the first “country western ballad” included in the NESTER, we do have avid country music fans receiving this email. So, this is for you!
Mike’s poems, short stories and novel excerpts have appeared in several literary magazines. In addition to writing award winning short stories selected for publication, his stories have been anthologized and reviewed. Mike also authored a coming of age, legal thriller, RIVERTOWN HEROES, set in the Northwest.
A UW graduate, Mike practiced law for over fifty years and lives in the Northwest with his family. While practicing law, Mike has continued to write, and told me he plans to write for “as long as he lives”.
You will find Mike’s poem “Arise” in the FAVORITES category on the homepage.
Lorelie & Tim
BACK WHERE I BELONG
Mike Cohen
It’s been a long long journey,
Can’t remember when it began,
Those lights, those songs, the wine, they drew me on.
But I’m older, maybe wiser now,
Can’t fool myself again,
It’s so nice to be back where I belong.
It’s so nice to be back where I belong,
It’s so nice to hear your voice and see your smile,
You seem so pleased to greet me,
Whether I was right or wrong,
It’s so nice I think I’ll stop and stay awhile.
How could I forget your beauty,
you look so fine to me,
How could I have ever been so blind?
There’s a sweetness in your laughter,
I know honey fills your soul,
How could I leave your kisses far behind?
It’s so nice to be back where I belong,
It’s so nice to hear your voice and see your smile,
You never did mistreat me,
Whether I was weak or strong,
It’s so nice I think I’ll stop and stay awhile.
I’ve dropped my traveling guitar,
Next to the parlor door,
I’ve shed my worn out boots and breathe a sigh.
That rocking chair is calling over by the fireplace,
It’s so nice I know I’ll never say goodbye
It’s so nice to be back where I belong
It’s so nice to hear your voice and see your smile
You seem to want to please me
The bedroom drapes are drawn
You are so nice I think I’ll stop and stay awhile.
To read Mike Cohen’s previous poemm. “ARISE” – click here
