In Search Of
My Soul
A book of poems about my life with Huntington’s Disease
C 2004
2nd Edition
June 2004
____ of 100
________________________________
Preface
Hello . . . I am John Tatlow. I would just like to thank
you for taking the time to read my book. Bless you and
I hope this book might help, inspire or awaken new
perspectives in your life.
Mathew 5:16
“. . .let your light shine before men, that they may
see your good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven”
Galations 5:22,23
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control
Mathew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will
find; knock and the door will be opened to you”
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Table of Contents
A Poets Testimony pg. 01
Shawnes Cry pg. 07
My First Twenty Years pg. 13
SHAWNE TATLOW
My Angel pg. 24
My Heart Is Free pg. 25
One Dream pg. 26
Sentimental Wooden Box pg. 28
HEAVEN
KING OF KINGS
My Hero pg. 43
My Inspiration pg. 44 SOUL
I Know pg. 45
I See Him pg. 46 Open Your Eyes pg. 78
God Is The One pg. 47 Unconcious Souls pg. 79
Closer pg. 49 Wouldn’t It Be Wonderful pg. 82
Table of Contents Cont:
Father pg. 50
The Source Of Love pg.51
How You Effect My Life pg. 52
I’m Learning pg. 53
Learning My Lessons pg. 54
My Stationmaster pg. 56
Gods Knight pg. 57
It Says pg. 58
Time pg.60
Harsh Reality pg. 61
Sometimes pg. 62
Highs And Lows pg. 63
His Plans pg. 66
On Thin Ice pg. 67
Flight Of The Superplane pg. 68
In My Little World pg. 70
Missing Out pg. 71
Vicious Circles pg.72
Hibernation pg.73
Yeah . . . I’m Lost pg. 74
Underneath My Smile pg. 75
Awaken pg. 76
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
FAMILY
Heroine pg. 95
Dear Friend pg. 96
My Blacksmith pg. 97
Your Just So Special pg. 98
Miss Happyface pg.99
Sunflower pg.100
Miss Butterfly pg. 101
Charmed pg.102
Thievery In The Church pg. 106
Unsent Letters pg. 107
Inside And Out pg. 108
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
VARIOUS
Left to right: Uncle Doug, Grandmother Marion, Each of you together made this all possible . . .
Grandfather Dean and Aunt Bev.— Thanks ever not me. I am ever so thankful for making my goal
so much! and dream come true. . . Thxs Everyone!!
Pg. 160
Ever So Thankful A Poet’s Testimony
This book is dedicated in loving memory to Hello! My name is John
Shawne Gayle Tatlow. My deceased mother who Born on the 24th of March, 1980
came to me in a vision. I know I’ll see her again To my dear mother Shawne
someday . . . and I am sure she is enjoying her bliss Who was such a kind lady
up in the heavens above.
I was very close to her
I would like to thank God for everything. Unclaimed by my father
Especially for giving me the chance, the awesome No sister nor brother
opportunity to share my life, my vision, my soul Just me and my mother
with so many people through poetry. Christ you
are such an inspiration and heavenly Father An unknown disease she had
thanks for the ultimate sacrifice of sending your Huntington’s is now the name
son to die for our sins. It made the family so sad
Decreasing mentally she was never the same
I want to thank my guardians and grandparents
Dean and Marion, my Uncle Doug and Aunt Nelda. I was eight when she passed away
For their constant care and endless love. I would Faithfulness in such a difficult path
like to thank my family and friends. For always Such an example, each and every day
being there. And for encouraging me. Helping me Even through such an aftermath
when things were bad. Passed few a difficult day
When I was in bed
I’d like to thank the reader. For taking time to get I lay and I pray
to know me and my life through each of my poems. Asking why she was dead
Whenever someone reads my poems I feel inspired
and joyful. Then my mother came to me
In the brightest beam
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg.01 Pg.02
Seeming like a telepath mime
I asked if I could stay
Shook her head, no not your time
Then wiped my teardrops away
Pg .09 Pg.10
Let me be On the prowl
Why punish me Listening to the lyrics
Quit using force Nodding my head in time
You just make me worse Of a sweet mix
I feel so high
As I float The DJ jamming
And as I fly A brand new song
The latest hits
Pg. 151 Nothing to long
Dancing Dreamer Pg. 150
I hear is crying
When I’m listening As people are dying
To a slammin’ beat I eagerly await
I find it hard My turn at fate
To still my feet
Left here to die
When I’m hanging I wonder why
With my crew And how all this death
It gives me Will improve my health
Something to do
Why won’t you let me be
After a stiff drink And see John my baby
To set the mood I miss him dearly
I get out there Only visits me yearly
Like a playa’ should
I am losing hope
Dancing dreamer As I try to cope
I feel so high To live one more day
As I float The ordinary way
As I fly
How is this home
Checking out the gals This deathbed tomb
Bust their beats Supposed to be
Girls dancing together Helping me
The temperature heats
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg.11 Pg.12
Held against my will My past is jaded
Overdosed by pill Slowly it’s faded
One night passed on I am fighting my demons
Heartbeat was gone One by one
Tempted was he
Then had to pay the fee
Death and thorns let there be
Pg. 17 Pg.18
Forgive me Father for I have sinned The temple has even more
Help me to reach the lost souls A thick hazy dust
Forgive me Father for any impure thoughts Than after a tremor
Please let me accomplish some more goals Through the earthy crust
Seraphs above
On the left and on the right
Showing humility and love
At this heavenly sight
Holy . . . Holy . . . Holy
Is the Lord Almighty
The whole earth is full
Of His wonderful glory
Went to church
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 21 Pg.22
Being Baptized Love And Hate
Now I be baptized I am love
In all three names I am hate
My souls next step
Never will I be the same I make you cry
I make you mad
To my faith
A public display I bring people together
That I’ve accepted Jesus I tear people apart
For He is the way
Life has no meaning without me
After Baptismal Life would be better without me
Pg.
139 Pg. 138
My Shooting Star Shawne Tatlow
As I look at the clear midnight sky The following poems are dedicated to Shawne
I see a small radiant shining star Tatlow. My sweet and loving mother. Who died of
Quickly soaring . . . far up high Huntington’s Chorea when I was eight. Actually
I wanted to touch it, but it was to far nurses overdosed her where she was staying.
Shooting stars fall rarely ever The second night after her death. She came to me
I wish there were more of these magical beams in a deep vision…releasing me, from tears of
Everyone watches them, will they stop . . . never sorrow to tears of happiness…seeing her there in
A passion filled star on fire or so it seems heaven and in bliss!
I then knew
Pg.2
3 Pg.24
My Angel When it’s near the end of this life
I’ll probably wander some more
My angel came to me Wander back where I first wondered
Wander back where I first wandered
In the brightest beam Wonder back to see
How those little ones have grown
Beautiful was she Wander to old friend or lover
To bring flowers to their burial
Shining in a dream
Wander till I can wander no more . . .
Pg. 27 Pg. 28
Sentimental Wooden Box Life
As I look through Life is but a dream
My mothers old things For the soul to grow
Memories flash A constant adventure
Like emotional stings Every morn a new show
Life is but on odyssey
A wooden box A long journey
Four inch by eight Full of canyons and peaks
Of her special treasures Significant sights we see
The value not great
Life is but a battle
A handful of cheap jewelry Having God’s Word
A brooch, necklaces and earrings A handful of holiness
Bracelet of charms Humility tries to cope
And a few other small things
Life is but a test
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 133
Pg. 132
Seasons Heaven
The mystic magnificence
Such a spectacular show These next poems are a description
The luminous icicles of heaven. You know that perfect place
Sparkling with the snow Far out of sight . . . that only shines
God’s holy light.
The warm drops
Of a spring shower It’s a marvel I am obsessed
The thunderous clouds I just wish to be there once more
Full of great power
Tears of joy
Dreamer’s visions
That’s what I see
Brighter then the sun
Happened to me
Do you ever
Soaring into the heavens Want to be a jockey
Full of ominous love Playing with the team
In all its beauty In a game of hockey
So very far above
Score a hat trick
Do you ever
Win the game
In your dreams
Goalies tremble
See them coming true
When they hear your name
Do you ever
In your dreams Do you ever
See them coming true In your dreams
See them coming true
. . . . . . I do . . . . . .
Do you ever
What is your dream? In your dreams
See them coming true
Pg. 129
Do You Ever Dream Pg. 128
Heavenly Home
Do you ever
Want to be a superstar Spreads his seed
Going on trips Each and every way
Near and far Increasing the harvest
Each and every day
Find a beat
To go along Every moment
Take things you believe Of everyday
And make another song Wanting to rid
His human clay
“THERE IS A CHRIST”
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
“THERE IS A CHRIST”
He would boldly say
Various
“BEEN TO HIS PARADISE”
“I RECALL LIKE YESTERDAY”
The next group of poems is on various subjects.
I have seen the Promised Land They are mostly based on my views of life.
I have been with angels’ grand
I have seen the city of peace
I have been where sin has cease
Here I lay
Wicked earth I roam
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 35 Pg. 36
Gardens Of Creations Searching For My Soulmate
Searching . . . searching
In God’s garden
Maybe I can find
Many miracles bloom
Someone . . . somewhere
For God’s children
True hearted and kind
There will always be room
Stars are shining
In God’s love Their luminous light
The garden of creations A comet soaring
With God above Far out of sight
Up in the heavens
The moon . . . he shines
In God’s garden On this perfect night
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Living my life
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 37 Pg. 38
The Eternal Joy Chasing My Tail
At the age of thirteen Chasing my tail
I accepted the Lord And I never learn
As angels in heaven rejoice When I fail
My emotions just soared Chasing my tail
Cause love is just
For weeks I would smile Another fairytale
People swore I was high
It was easier to forgive I met many doves
The hate inside would die But I was just too shy
Yes I met many loves
In time I will be in heaven That brought me to a high
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
You’re my inspiration
Constantly I yearned Sparkling so bright
To find my fate
I get to concerned You are
For my soul mate Always there
Like an angel
Chasing my tail Full of care
And I never learn
You’re my inspiration
When I fail
Encouraging me to write
Chasing my tail
You’re my inspiration
Cause love is just
A blast of dynamite
Another fairytale
Every time we meet
Now I been woken You blow me away
Rushed by rushes With your shimmering soul
Now I am broken It’s like a heavenly ray
Crushed by crushes Pg. 122
Pg. 123 I Do Believe
An Angel Of Inspiration
You’re my inspiration I never figured out
Day and night The way of living
You’re my inspiration What life is about
Lately been out of sight Precious time we our given
When Jesus
The Son of God
Lay on the cross
Thorns in His head
Pg. It’s called inspiration
43 Pg. 44
My Inspiration Taken
When your heart You are taken
Is true I know
Then something By a special guy
Over you I want you more
Its called inspiration
I am lost
When something In your eyes
In you awakes And you
For a moment Don’t even realize
The flesh breaks
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg.
45 Pg. 46
I See Him Miss Undeniable
I see him Miss undeniable
He’s everywhere Orbiting my mind
I see him Miss undeniable
In every face So sweet and kind
God is the one Who shows your spirit the true finds
Who has such a watchful eye
As a shadow runs from light
As the dancer prances As holiness shines so bright
As the worshiper dances God is the one
God is the one Who we pray to each night
Who gives us lifes chances
As the children play
As the Christians pray
God is the one
Who molds us like clay
As the minds grow
As the souls show
God is the one
Who everything we owe
Pg. 47 Pg. 48
As the rain does pour Eye Of The Hurricane
As the eagle does soar
God is the one There’s a twister
Who I live for Heading this way
She’s one of a kind
As the tree sways What can I say
As the fire blaze
God is the one Whenever you’re around
Who in my heart stays You blow me off my feet
Walking on air
As the soul shines My heart begins to beat
As the sunrise climbs
God is the one You are the eye
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg.1
13 Pg.112
Melissa Closer
You are my drug Closer to God
My natural high Spiritually and peace
You are my wings My friends think I’m acting odd
My ability to fly But the hate and shame cease
Father
You teach me
How to live
Yes, how to be
Pg. 49 Pg.50
Father Will Love
Father Will love
I write this poem Ever pierce thy heart
And I just can’t wait Where two our one
Till I come home And cannot part
Will love
Father Pour down
You are always here In ecstasy
In my soul Until I drown
I have nothing to fear
Will love
Father Suddenly stun
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 51 Pg. 52
How You Effect My Life My Special Friend
Not realizing
Oh my heavenly Father How you assist
I believe . . . yes, I confess You heal me
In the life you lived My special sis’
And your healing holiness
At the time
Oh my God Almighty Of deep despair
One step after another You comfort me
I’m learning from my mistakes With your love and care
And from you Father
Humorous
If there’s ever a wall With your style
All I do is pray You are an angel
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
On a Sunday
My angel came to me
Monday and Tuesday
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Wanting to go faster
From depression and disaster
To happily ever after
With my special Stationmaster
I am And it says
Gods knight Life is like a journey
On earth Take one step at a time
I write The Lord is the key
A holy sword And it says
At temptation You just have to believe
I swing Ask Him in your heart
Defeating thoughts of sin Eternal life you’ll receive
To back me up And it says
In each corner There will be much sin
Are my angels Idolism and desire
At my shoulder In the world we are in
I was presented
Angelic guardians And it says
As I journey In time they’ll be much prancing
Fighting fiends Children all over the globe
Pg. 57 In streets they’ll be dancing
Pg. 58
It Says Great and glorious
And it says God’s gift glows
There is a Lord Girl so gorgeous
There is a God Gravity grows
And this the Holy Word
Heroine so heavenly
And it says Halo of humility
There is another world Hurricanes harmony
A glorious place Healing me heartily
A city of gold
Inspiring illumination
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Life is a journey
For the soul to grow
God’s creations are we
Strengthened by the time to go
Pg.
59 Pg.60
Time Miss Butterfly
Miss butterfly
I sit and wonder
I do pray
On this cold December day
We find ourselves
About how much time we have
In heaven one day
Before it’s time to go away
Past the clouds
Time quickly passes by Past the sky
As we are living To the heavens
Like a blink of an eye So very high
Precious life we were given All I want
Is to fly
We each have goals Far . . . far away
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 61 Pg. 62
Sometimes Miss Happy face
Pg. 97 Pg. 96
Dear Friend Even though people look happy
Often they put on shows
I look at the world new Depressed in good faith
Forward to each beautiful sight Cause theirs both highs and lows
In everything that I do
You make my just so bright Someday in the future
I’m going to climb to the peak
Such a faithful friend Gonna be at that heaven
To your kind care The peaceful place, which I seek
There is no end
While you spread joy everywhere I’m going to grow with the Lord
Stronger then ever before
A sweet smile Going to find the right path
You shimmer and shine And love even more
Sparkle all the while
Dear friend of mine I’ll put it this way
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg.
65 Pg. 66
His Plans Heroine
I was born Just an ordinary girl
Having many brothers She’s a sinner
An only child And quite the saint
Having many sisters And I say to her
“Your such a sister”
I have a disease “In each latest trend”
I have an illness “Your such an angel”
From which I can learn “And a great friend”
To live in faith and bliss
Her joy pours
Blessed is my family Through her smiles
Blessed am I Her flooding good will
My mother in heaven Keeps rippling on for miles
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
“You’re a heroine”
“Inspiration of mine”
“You’re spreading your heart”
“Forever to mankind”
She’s just an ordinary girl
Living out her days
She’s just an ordinary girl
Living in God’s ways
“I try to smile”
“Like you do with me”
“I show my care to everyone”
“Sparkling my soul for others to see”
Pg. 95 Pg. 94
Relationships, Crushes And Love On Thin Ice
Pushing my limits
Hard on me
And my surroundings
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
To feel free
Overflowing love
Continuing to test Joyfully dizzy
Myself and God In clouds above
Family and friends It’s ecstasy
And my epileptic bod’
Heavenly trippin’
Life is my drug
I am shining
Like a firebug
CODE RED . . . . . . CODE RED
Emergency stall
CODE RED . . . . . . CODE RED
Emergency stall
Pg. 67 Pg. 68
Flight Of The Superplane The Cowboy And The Bull
In the sky
Praying for one more good ride
Escaping the pain
Fearless . . . he gets on once more
I’m flying high
“Let’s go” he kicks it’s side
A superplane
Hoping for a ride better than before
Higher then
The moon, the sky A spur in the gut
Yes higher then And the gates open wide
Everyone Then another spur cut
Deep in it’s thick hide
Body and soul
Strong as one It starts to jump and kick
Spiritually whole The bull only thought
Brighter then the sun (C’mon you country hic)
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Wishing my dreams
Would come true
Pg. That me and the kids
93 Would find someone new
The Barbarian Pg. 92
It starts to rain
Married to a cowboy Cloudy it downpours
Who bullies everyone Tears of pain
I have a beautiful daughter As thunder roars
And an older son
What to do
He treats his horses Losing control I dive
So cruelly Just yesterday
Just like I felt so alive
His family
I try to pull
Everybody sees With quite a fight
The tears in my eyes My nose up full
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
I’m fed up
With this universe
This world is so corrupt
I feel I’m cursed
I have to renew
With you Father above
Strengthen me true
And my love
Pg. 69 Pg. 70
In My Little World My Grandfather
Works so hard and honestly
In my little world His love and care
Spreads like an endless sea
Yeah . . . I go hide myself there
I look at
In my little world Goals my fathers done
All their accomplishments
No one to judge or care And how they have shone
Pg. 71 Pg. 72
Vicious Circles My Grandmother
At the schools She’s a grandmother
A riot everyday Of deep feelings
Breaking rules Amazing qualities
Seemed the only way Angel without wings
Yeah . . . I’m lost Family to me are people who will always be there.
In a deep abyss People who will try to help and understand.
Of loneliness People who are loyal and true.
People who will look out for you.
From my heart
Through each vein While I have the chance
Emptiness I just want to thank my family
Begins to rain Being there always for me
For giving me full support
Some days it storms
In a real downpour My family . . . my guardians . . . my grandparents
Where I’m about to give in Dean and Marion
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 87 Pg. 86
The Ripple Underneath My Smile
A strong force Do you realize
Hits the sea This mess
The impact so strong Underneath my skin
And it came to me
Alone . . . I’m hibernating
You are laughing with me
Good will works in ripples
Even the slightest smile My life . . . I’m taking
Effects each person, then goes round You are laughing with me
Making people joyous all the while
Slowly . . . I’m sinking
You can affect people You are laughing with me
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
I am not weak
I am not built Glass mirror
Nor am I average I have found a way
To swim in the peace
I am what I am While in tranquillity I lay
The flesh and the bone Glass mirror
But my spirit makes me whole I am one with everyone
Without it I would be lifeless like stone Love is now a strength
Comparison to this is none
Accepting are bodies
Is what we have to do Glass mirror
They let us communicate I don’t need you anymore
And transport us too Knowing you has been fun
It’s time I left you and just soar
Pg. 85 Pg. 84
Glass Mirror Soul
Glass mirror These poems are written about
I do whatever I can the one thing that makes me . . .me!
But I guess I don’t realize My soul that makes me whole.
It’s what inside that’s broken A lot of people do not believe in God and souls
Glass mirror and I feel for them those Unconscious Souls.
Whenever I go out I wish they would just Open Their Eyes
I come back to you and realize what there is at risk!
Before I go about
Glass mirror
I have come to be one
With my body, spirit and soul
Realized I can shine like the sun
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 77 Pg. 78
Open Your Eyes Want To Show Your Soul
It’s time to get the picture How are we gonna do it
Yes to the boy or to the girl How are we gonna be
It’s time to hear the spirit Find some lost souls
Yes to be one with the world And make the blind see
Pg. 83 Pg.82
Wouldn’t It Be Wonderful Unconscious Souls
Wouldn’t it be wonderful Unconscious souls
Wouldn’t it be grand I see many a day
If Christians stood up everywhere Who haven’t been awaken
And took a stand Many . . . too many I say
Unconscious souls
Sometimes when I dream
They are all around
Sometimes when I wish
I pray for them
That heaven and earth were one
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Unconscious souls
Yeah . . . I used to be one
I have embraced the Lord
With help of another Christian
TIME . . . TIME . . .
in search of my soul! in search of my soul!
Pg. 81