After searching for so long, I am convinced love has a heavenly source
emanating from my heart's chambers, but more powerful than any force
and when you share it with another, instead of having less, you have more
finding yourself with these emotions, and an imagination looking to explore

It's true, absence makes the heart grow fonder, another way that love shows
but I would sooner send a dozen roses, because this message every girl knows
escaping the loneliness troubling your mind, allowing a captured heart to love
then happiness will reign, worries disappear as you find yourself flying above

Love, a divine magic when reaching earth, creates a longing for another to be near
maybe a way for the heavenly world helping man to adjust, removing his earthly fear
humans are the most sensitive of G-d's creations, a few misplaced words and egos hurt
but love holds that power to repair, once again being able to reassure and bring comfort

So where must this love come from, acknowledging indeed that it emanates from heaven alone
but how can this be, having this power to heal, love must forever remain in a place of the unknown
perhaps then this is what it means when we say that someone is out of sight, but not out of mind
true feelings of love must exists deep down, a special love mixed with the divine, one of a kind

Feelings of the heart really emanate from our mind, it is the true place where all of our desires reside
so it comes as no surprise, why we'll never fully understand, because this love we seek is really inside
as the wind blows, and the sun sets, so too, love must forever remain a mystery of life never to know
Love is His greatest gift, unending happiness with us to share, G-d to beloved mankind did He bestow

On Par for Divorce?**

Where does he go and what can he do, this wife he married is not the same
words of love have been replaced by abusive words, bent on giving him shame
the sun has turned into rain; you’re trapped, with nowhere to avoid getting wet
now caught in the web of her discontent, and holding your head down with regret

You look toward compromise, hoping to work things out and make it right
only to encounter resistance, she wants nothing less than you out of her sight
as words fall on deaf ears reality sets in, you are full of contrition and remorse
no it gets worse, she's on the warpath and solely focused on threatening divorce

Looking at your young children, with tears in their eyes, what they must now see
a crushed father, withdrawn from the world, only wanting to take them and flee
while wisdom falters and silence overcomes, still dumbstruck on what you can do
remembering a love that once was, but no longer, realizing your marriage is through

Surviving the pains and turmoil of divorce, a challenge sought by many before
only too often leading some to those bitter waters, transfixed on evening the score
but children become the true victims suffering the most, unperceived by those in pain
only in adulthood will those scars surface, on future relationships they leave their stain

Trying to mitigate emotional scars in any divorce requires sheltering children from your hurt
their emotional well-being is of paramount importance, their exposure to anger you must avert
while difficult to accept, divorce can sometimes be for the better, perhaps you will yet come to see
your door to emotional stability was never locked, search deep within for only there lies its key

Adam & Eve, originally, had all their needs provided for until the snake (embodiment of the Evil Inclination, an outside force) caused them to Sin (through Eve). The snake was the second most important creature after Adam. He actually had legs and walked upright which is a sign of dominance and importance. His punishment was that he would now lose his legs and crawl on his belly. So displeased was G-d with him that he made sure the snake's food would be plentiful so that He would have no need to ever again deal with him (directly). Remember, the snake slandered G-d, His Creator--just about the greatest sin one can do in this world! Perhaps, this is where the statement, "the bigger (greater) they are, the harder (lower) they fall," came from.

**Eve made from Adam
first sin causes them to fall
men now fend alone

Reflections of the raindrops falling, and birds flying overhead taking cover
your soft hand against my face, and your love waiting for me to discover

Reflections of the rainbow, magnificent colors bending as if taking a bow
never realizing how much you mean to me, until you're not here, like now

Reflections of the falling snow, glistening in the warm sunlight, so bright
how I admired your true beauty, my eyes upon you having laid there sight

Reflections of the moon, how it had paled in comparison to your lovely smile
how my feelings then became known, as I held you in my arms for just a while

Reflections of the waves pounding against the shore, as the sun began to set
having been overcome by fear of the thought, what if we would never have met

Reflections of my everlasting love for you, with shared feelings and hearts full of bliss
love for you having never diminished, since the first time you gave me that tender kiss

Reflections of the reality of life, as we age beauty withers but true love will remain unscathed
two souls sharing a lifetime of joy and happiness, hoping with each other to forever be enslaved

Reflections of love, something for all to acquire, needing only a heart that dares to fall in love
a love that will be found, but only when true feelings become unmasked and together rise above

Sacrifices don't always have to come at the expense of pain. How often we recognize, after the fact, that had we done things correctly the first time it would have certainly come out right from the outset. Then again, how many of us learn this lesson and put it into practice? However, when we look at things through a more spiritual light, our questions become more precise. We are then forced to consider the deeper meaning of our existence and what it all means.

Everything In Life Has a Price

Pain and suffering which we are often forced to endure
are an anguish of the mind which we cannot ignore
at times we have tried to help someone in need
only to receive in return greater troubles to heed

To lose the power to do that which is right
nothing worse other than the greatest slight
while the more we might struggle to be set free
the more these troubles increase in their intensity

As we contemplate what the end will bring
sometimes seeing nothing but sorrow for everything
then our friends bare witness, what have we become
a confused conscience is all that we have won

As time goes by, left is but a single memory to recall
when this too is gone, what remains but our own downfall
so we seek an escape, some refuge, anywhere to run
but we find it is too late, our web has already been spun

Everything in life has a price, only sometimes we realize to late
how much precious time we wasted, as we approach our final gate
while the clock ticks away, and with the inevitable growing near
sorrowfully reflecting on our past, for in the end who would care

A smart man learns from his own mistakes, this he will never repeat
while a wise man learns from the mistakes of others, and becomes complete
why continue to waste time, why suffer from that which cannot be made straight
there is great benefit in choosing wisely to avoid pain, and avert that terrible fate

Reconcile yourself with the facts of life, real happiness comes only with sacrifice
it is foolishness for one to think, you can have both worlds living a life of vice
just weigh the temporal pleasures you so much sought, and what they really cost
in the world of truth we will find, only righteousness is ours, all else will be lost

Utopia Must Be An Invention of the Mind**

I have searched long and hard, trying to find that place
where peace and serenity, in our world may yet grace
a chance to meet a dream come true, if only for a few
where pain and suffering are gone, and will never renew

Then I realized, this Utopia I seek, on a map will not be found
still an undiscovered world, whose contemplation will confound
finding some comfort, the thought of my soul ascending on high
no longer to be troubled, suffering on earth never again to decry

A world exists but not for the living, to experience this garden of delight
a place where the happiness of life's dreams, will satiate your appetite
where fear and worries cease, hope and desire now become your reality
trials and tribulations throughout life, ending with that long awaited finality

Maybe Utopia really does exists, but only with extreme effort can you hope to say, it you have acquired
but most people refuse to commit, unwilling to put in the time and effort that is unquestionably required
how mistaken we often are, thinking we can still remain happy, giving up by settling for that much less
only up to the point we are once again challenged, and our daily events again cause us all of our stress

To understand why so many people never seem to be satisfied, no matter what they have, it is never enough
first we must acknowledge the answer might be found in the lies people believe, but most of them are a bluff
Utopia must be an invention of the mind, convincing itself that feelings of joy and happiness are close at hand
seemingly it might then be prudent to maintain this self-deception, since this is what our egos really demand

Although it has been stated time and again that Utopia does not and can not exist, yet we still continue to dream
coming to teach us this great lesson in human psychology, how much for happiness' sake, we're willing to scheme
yet we can take note to the fact that despite our varying differences, this human condition remains constant in us all
our primary need for true happiness is why we can rest assured, invisible Utopia we will forever continue to recall

A Loving Friend, You Were Always There**

Secrets are never spoken, but my tears with you have I shared
hesitating because your feelings were true, but you were scared
no one has ever told you, to you alone my love I have declared
your reaction was nothing short of surprise, you were unprepared

Love an ageless vehicle, capable of rejuvenating a soul once abused
having been caught off guard, unsure how to react, you were confused
when you left that day, deep emotions you never realized you had arose
the hurt that I felt that day, upon you I would not have allowed to impose

That warm embrace, that was our pillar of friendship, something that we always shared
as a loving friend you were always there, knowing you loved me, because you cared
now that it has been two months without you, I can't live on in my world, the unknown
return to me, and share with me once again your love, or forever will I remain alone

Do not ignore my love, it longs for your tenderness, a time when body and soul will unite
this love that was first kindled when we were both young and naive, to once again ignite
let the world grow old and let her seas dry out, my heart pines for your love at every turn
forever hoping to find this love in your happiness, and your closeness never again to yearn

Who will be my friend**, because no one really understands
this poem is just a device, from which my broken heart stems
with these words I now articulate, does my soul seek to take cover
looking for a real friend to have, willing to share the pain of another

Perhaps you too, having been made numb dealing with your concerns
subconsciously focused on healing your own pain, before it burns
then how can I earnestly ask of you, thinking I would be able to find
someone with the ability to help, maybe I myself am just blind

One who is a prisoner, is not free, nor himself in a position
he's trapped in that continuum, caused by his own condition
so I cry out in the only way I know how, this now my mission
hoping to be shown some light, these feelings need definition

Maybe I am delusional, not wishing to accept the fact
that there does not exist a friend, I could ever attract
then what prosperity awaits me, what are my hopes really worth
perhaps the truth I will find, when I am resting deep in the earth

How I must be a paradox, bold and yet full of contrition
thinking long and hard, I nevertheless came to this decision
yes I said what I have to say, but I know this pain is not my own
many of you reading this, whether you'll admit it, you too are alone

An answer exists, but only the strong-willed can discern
the weakness of the human ego, how easy for it to spurn
come off your high horse, for many it is too late
they lack the courage, that independent mind to concentrate

When all is said and done, loneliness of spirit is not exclusively mine
so I submit this proof, to you my dear reader, and let this be a sign
next time you feel on top of the world, where things couldn't be better
count the days that go by, before you too will be writing this same letter

Death Is Not The End, But A New Beginning**

It is not the end, but a new beginning
a place that is the ultimate in giving
but a lifetime of attachment down here
clouds our minds, thinking of it with fear

The body replanted, with your soul finally released
a new way of living, part of a group called deceased
even though mentioning the word death causes fright
it's a place promised to be a delight, yes, for the upright

You're thinking how I can dare, mentioning death as a kindness
but your fear is natural, and perhaps caused by your own blindness
how would G-d, your Loving Creator, bring death upon you for naught
perhaps it has a benefit for you, but something you were never taught

The body is purged from sin, because our earth has this power to cleanse
so by burying the body in the earth, we will then enable it to make amends
if the soul is found worthy, after the day of judgement it will be redeemed
to be reunited with a pure body, something you would never have dreamed

Death, for the righteous, is then only the beginning, a harbinger for the ultimate bliss
an indescribable happiness beginning with G-d, taking his loved ones with a Divine kiss
thinking of death you no longer fear, because living a virtuous life you are now committed
the greatest happiness awaits for you to experience, knowing you will surely be admitted

Hate is an Evil Within

You have feelings of hate for someone or something. Sometimes you don't even know why. Even against your will, you might not know it, or even understand it, but it plagues you. It controls you. It eats you up inside. You want to come to terms with it. Desperately you seek to put your finger at what it is that is making you feel so unhappy inside. Then, you realize it's a feeling of having "no control" over something that brings you pain. Perhaps subconsciously you're afraid that if you cannot control it then it will continue to bring you pain and /or suffering. Your ego needs a balance and this fact is causing an internal chaos you so much need to repair. To HATE, it is the most bitter of pills that we all, at one point or another, are forced to come to terms with.

Nevertheless, hope exists!

The secret to that equanimity you so need and desire is in knowing how to control, direct, or redirect this hate to make it work for you--Not eat you up alive. The best way is acknowledge that it serves no great positive purpose to hold on to it. Since anger and hatred are first cousins (never removed), it could be that there is an element of fear or the unknown is a contributory factor. If you want to overcome your hatred or dislike for someone, the best way to do so is to attach yourself to them. Give them something, or do a favor for them. Even by saying hello with sincerity and focusing on giving that hello or smile from your heart will necessarily affect that person and you as well. In fact, don't be surprised if you actually start to have misgivings and realize that the hatred and negativity was, not only misplaced, but perhaps even wholly unjustified from the outset.

Hatred is ugly, and we, as human beings, must learn how to remove it from our character traits in toto. It has even been suggested that anger leads to heart disease and shortens a persons life in general. I hope we never have to find out!

**consumes like desire
devours everything like fire
death will you acquire

There is a time in a person's life when that internal clock will ring
when a higher force will wake us from our slumber with a sting
having been given individual trials, we hope we'll do our best
but we are insensitive, overcome with laziness, a desire for rest

The little things in life, how so often we take them for granted
quickly losing touch with reality, and becoming disenchanted
thinking we can forge relationships, with the blinking of an eye
failing to feel the hurt we cause others, with our final good-bye

We, as human beings, must first come to acknowledge the truth
the problems we all hide in our closet, they started in our youth
but the error of our thinking, is clear and can only be addressed
when we're willing to accept the fact, that this life is only a test

Attempts at self denial are truly futile, because you remain unchanged
accomplishing nothing, only from yourself will you become estranged
an endless light of healing must be released, to that location unknown
thereby removing that which blocks our thinking, our heart of stone

Your mind is your cage, only if you desire, you can set yourself free
don't believe in the lies you're told, you can be what you want to be
if you never give up, you alone will be able to preserve the true way
by choosing your destiny, no one else will, because this is your day

Liberate yourself from the enslavement, transitory passions of the day
either stand up to the pressures, or you'll just find yourself blown away
you must trust your heart as it knows the truth, and it alone will succeed
choosing the only real path, that path from where the light shall proceed

When plagued by doubt, hold on to certainties.....

I sit alone in the silence, because this is how I grieve
time becomes my sole companion, thoughts will not leave
what has brought me here, the answer is a book of its own
only to be reminded once again, my death will not postpone

Just how long I have waited, maybe for that sincere friend to find
someone as real to others as he is to himself, someone one of a kind
but as the future fades into the past, I am forced to finally admit
giving up hope of ever finding that friend, a true friend to commit

A heart without borders is trapped within, the true essence of my being
my feelings are silenced, hidden within words of poetry, yet foreseeing
where deep insights and profound thoughts, are conveyed as silent bells
masked in pearls of wisdom, for those adept at unraveling mythical shells

While we have the freedom to choose, yet will we make the right move
no one will grieve for you, ultimately leaving you with nothing to prove
because your choices in this world are your own, you alone will decide
either pursue that which is noble, or err by surrendering to your evil side

Wherever you find yourself plagued by doubt, hold on to certainties, yes
there is only one beginning and one end, ultimately we will all confess
our lives are really one long movie, being watched by those no longer here
hoping we choose wisely while we still can, before we too will disappear

Caring and Sharing Is What Love Is All About**

Love can never be negotiated, because it has no immunity
by its merit the world exists, in an atmosphere of continuity
while war kills and spreads tragedy, love rescues to repair
healing broken hearts, removing all forms of grief and despair

Love can never be underestimated, its power is generated by a higher source
just when you think it's over, unity and hope are at the center driving this force
loneliness, despair, unhappiness, these sad feelings always seem to renew
until love once again comes to the rescue, in healing you through and through

Love can never be something more than you want it to be, because it cannot survive alone
if you think that it can be controlled, you'll ultimately find yourself lost in the twilight zone
here lies the caveat, despite your attempts, love cannot be tailor made it defies definition
in pursuing love your selfish character traits you must discard, a necessary precondition

Love can never be more than it is, being the only way to live a life that's worth living
but only when you cultivate this trait of sharing, because you can't love without giving
when you mature, right and wrong becomes your focus, selfishness begins to crumble
interacting with people your heart now stirs, feelings of happiness found in being humble

Unknowingly you've taken one step closer, in preparation to become one with another
finally reaching that maturity needed, focusing from I to we, finding your one true lover
love, that until now you held for yourself, finally giving it the only true fulfillment in your life
the ultimate expression of love and happiness is now yours, as a caring mother and loving wife

Recording My Feelings For You In A Poem**

Although I met you only once, you probably don't even remember my name
although we didn't talk for very long, you really did impress me all the same
unable to stop thinking of you, a rose in your hair, or the color of your dress
I've fallen for you, your picture is now framed in my mind, your new address

It's not only your appearance, although your beauty is quite stunning
wondering if due to this fact, I too have let my hope of love running
fear stops me from approaching you, since I could not live with defeat
the thought of being rejected by you, and being left with no retreat

Uncontrollably drawn to your presence, a grace I cannot explain
seeking a way to see you again, because otherwise I will go insane
my heart tears at my mind, when a prize possession is about to go lost
love that could have been, had I made my move when our paths crossed

Even if only having met you once, that was enough for me to know
my love is paining my soul, and on my face it is beginning to show
so now I have made my decision, whether for better or for worse
recording my feelings for you in a poem, to be read verse by verse

You're on my mind both day and night, I just can't get you out of my sight
when I walk outside I think of you, to be near you is like a glowing light
since having met you that one day, now compelled with this truth to face
knowing then what I know now, together with you is my only true place

Slipping this poem under your door, for your response I do patiently await
asking for your honesty, by letting your true feelings share with me my fate
if you feel the same way, then don't let time steal the way, let love not abate
withhold not your feelings from a heart of love, this night is not yet that late

The world turns bright when the mind is filled with happiness from the heart
my love awaits your closeness, a tender love burning bright from the very start
the sweet fragrance of the rose, and the chance to chase love while still young
soft whispers of love to never depart, my song to you alone, forever to be sung

A profound insight of truth have I acquired, but only by choosing to be isolated
accepting my suffering, because my quest for Truth is unwilling to be violated
where and when one finds the truth, the path of life will undoubtedly find light
but whenever falsehood is accepted, chaos will ensue and order will take flight

There is a high price to be paid, we no longer accept what others take for granted
only the real truth has meaning, what we read in newspapers is most often slanted
so where does one find the truth, this is something that mystifies the minds of most
but it can't be found in places of deceit, where beer and women cause men to boast

Lies and deceit are a true poison in life, a poison whose capacity for ruination takes root
by associating with those who perpetually lie, in time you too will also acquire their soot
attempting to remove yourself from this evil, having no choice, flee to a region unknown
more than sacrifice and self deprivation, you will need to commit yourself to being alone

Telling lies and utilizing deceit is a learned behavior, we know G-d didn't plant this in us when young
evil doesn't take hold of a person until they acquire understanding, children don't have a lying tongue
heavenly expectations are for us to seek this wisdom, thereby fortifying ourselves in order to believe
knowledge and understanding to perceive good and evil, choosing good that we will forever achieve

A way to truly liberate yourself from deceit, a disease so rampant in this world we live, affecting all but few
is by being cautious, and making sure to selectively choose those friends that seek this same wisdom as you
to find an eternal reminder for this truth I state, you need not go far, human history from Creation is this very proof
lies of the snake and the deceit he spread, causing death for us all, is the reason why a lie is the furthest from truth

Now could be your last chance to send out an S.O.S, you're in spiritual danger, your soul begs for an eternal existence
so keep yourself far from future suffering, by removing yourself from evil, and seeking after wisdom with a persistence
we live in a world with much good and many pleasures at hand, but don't fool yourself, the day of death slowly nears
prepare for this final journey, and choose your destiny, because your only saving grace might just be these very fears

Hope Still Exists Because You Are Alive

With eyes tightly shut, existence takes on a different dimension
mentally exploring my hidden world, communicating my intention
my soul has begun to take charge, my body must patiently wait
as mind and heart connect, lips and tears unify in order to relate

Solitude and serenity, love and security, are as clouds of blue
impossible to explain, knowing and feeling G-d is before you
silently petitioning the one source in the world with the power
where your hopes and dreams can become reality in an hour

As tears slowly flow, focused on before whom you stand
nothing exists for the moment, G-d is all you understand
I was talking because he was listening, my tears did declare
with complete dependence on him, with no cause for despair

Oblivious to my surroundings, nothing external had any effect
standing in silence, in deep thought, with my heart alone to reflect
requesting G-d to open my lips, my mouth to acknowledge his praise
drawn with a burning desire, my soul on fire, an uncontrollable blaze

What can I give you, only prayer from my heart with some tears
a lonely creature, flesh and blood, with an existence for a few years
throughout life ever dependent on you, you alone hold the key to life
an unending kindness, keeping this world from total chaos and strife

As time passes and reality sets in, the end of my journey slowly nears
unwilling to confide in others, beseeching you alone to allay my fears
help me to deal with the unknown, that fork in the road will I soon greet
either my soul to be bound in endless light, or flames of purgatory to meet

While the strength of life is still within, remaining is my one request I humbly now make
wishing to repent for the sins I've done, and replacing them with my tears for you to take
G-d, you are above all earthly dimensions, thereby being unrestricted by time and space
you have the power to remove sins, even making them as if they have never taken place

Imploring You to grant the request of my prayers, not having withheld any of my tears
my human weaknesses testify before you, revealed as is the sun, naked with their fears
no longer to continue denying the facts, because true judgement will you soon consider
whether I am deserving of heaven, or to be forever banished as an unrepentant sinner

My prayers and tears beg mercy from the G-d of Truth, of Heaven and Earth
what vanity can I hold, having been created in your image is my only true worth
taking three steps back, I temporarily depart from your glory, returning to be Man
this world is about repenting, becoming one with you, by achieving your Master Plan

Eternity awaits for those summing up the courage, having conquered the evil from within
in the next world a movie of our life patiently waits to play, having arrived they now begin
what can be said on this day of truth as all is revealed, our thoughts and actions will attest
G-d gave us his commandments to earn a place in heaven, but we failed and transgressed

Hope still exists in life so long as the candle is still lit, time yet remains allowing to repair
realize while alive and free will is still yours, you must consider wisely and with much care
G-d wants to give you good, but you must first seek to earnestly change your evil ways
ultimately you will succeed, choosing life, and finding G-d singing to you eternal praise

A Friend With No End**

What exactly is a friend, another mystery in life
how many have we had, until ending with strife
then picking up one more, you think you're there
only to be saddened, realizing, they do not care

Friendship has a formula, a bond of mutual affection
where two hearts and a mind, are the only connection
when personal considerations for gain, reside no more
a relationship with another, with pure caring as its core

Your respect and honor, are as dear to him as his own
continuously sacrificing much for you, time has shown
he can be compared to no one, a true friend that is rare
an unending friendship and love, with you does he share

How to tell a friend what words just can't describe, they fall short
holding you together all these years, was his never ending support
his time, experience, knowledge, and advice, he has never withheld
fears, anxieties, pains and anguish, so often, he alone has dispelled

Where his move to action is not just his credo, using humility to go about
helping others from the heart, pursuing kindness, is his continuous route
while thinking to take instruction from others, clueless to what he has done
having become our model to draw upon, this eternal kindness has he spun

An eternal friend, selflessly giving to others what they need, giving us this hope
throughout his life helping those in need, unknowingly, teaching us how to cope
may G-d grant Blessings of long life, to him, his family, and to his very kind wife
bestowing upon them the ultimate inheritance, eternal happiness in the afterlife

Haiku Poetry is a very short poem with poetic images that can transcend the limitation imposed by the usual language and thinking. What if we took that imagery into the realm of human nature? While attempting to do this I tried to stay within the bounds of contemplative poetry that indicates a moment, sensation, impression or drama of a specific moment in nature. However, I broadened this framework to at times include moral, historical, scientific, legal, social, etc., issues as well. I believe, by doing this, we are introduced to a unique and creative imagery that paints a mental picture where you the reader can find much deeper meanings to personally relate.



**Cute little test mouse
caged for scientists to share
waits death, for health care

Resident Evil Always Lurking**

Transcend the world of darkness, beyond where human senses can go
perceive the existence of this reality, you would otherwise never know
waiting for you is your destiny, preordained, you alone have this control
preparations for the future, by casting off the body, elevating the soul

Transcend all physical boundaries, limitations are a figment of the mind
close your eyes and you'll see, following others is what keeps you blind
achievements are within your abilities, only others try and hold you back
hoping for you to stumble, harboring hidden jealousies, waiting to attack

Transcend the pettiness of an egotistical world, where the center of all is Me
until your life changes, until you become a giver, the truth you will never see
a world without is connected to our world within, bound by words and actions
another paradox of human existence, finding unity among conflicting factions

Transcend the selfishness of your surroundings, none of us are really fully immune
witnessing people with two faces, feigning kindness, wanting us to play their tune
surviving instability of an ever changing world, seek comfort in things of purpose
find consolation in this truth, the world is not what it appears to be on the surface

Transcend the resident evil clouding your thinking, and you'll free yourself to finally live
escaping from those pitfalls of hatred and bigotry, realizing the ultimate good is to give
now having come full circle in your life, you will understand the jewel you have found
spreading goodness to others, with an endless light of happiness, will you be crowned

It's All About Perception**
No one can understand you, because you're not your typical run of the mill
it's all due to your philosophy, a mind that thinks but a tongue that sits still
years quickly pass you by, finding yourself alone and in a world of your own
as you learn the value of pen and paper, finding refuge in a place unknown

Like being trapped in a bubble, peering out upon the world as a screen
watching everyone going about their business, while you remain unseen
transfixed on your reality you close your eyes, wishing it were but a dream
unable to fathom the depths of emotions, waiting to take you to the extreme

The reality of who you are can no longer be ignored, facing each day from anew
accepting the fact that you have no control, from others, forced to take your cue
this world is all about rising above, as it starts at the very moment of conception
it follows us throughout life, as we learn the rules, mastering the art of deception

The external images you portray, a needed smokescreen, to maintain the perception
your moves are well planned, the primary focus of your attention, without exception
failing to have considered the matter, you realize you haven't made the connection
your insecurities have misdirected your behavior, demanding the world's affection

There's no denying this fact; life is nothing more than a continuous act of deception
while the true level of your mastery of it, your ability to advance without aggression
at the end of the journey, despite what we went through, it might come as a surprise
realizing that happiness was always there, only hidden from us by our own disguise

Why continue living the life of lies, playing the games people play, there is yet hope
break the bonds of self-deception, because this vanity has really become your dope
be who you really are, a genuine beauty to behold, and in you will someone admire
your hidden love now freed, surrendered to someone true, to build that endless fire

When I was young looking for some fun, a mistake, boy did I make
I remember the store, the mask that I wore, and words the owner did take;
"Someone's going to pay for what happened here, I sure as hell know
no way you will get away with this, if you think you can just go"....

So now I did my time and took what's mine, that crime was long ago
I paid my dime and let that be a sign, for society to finally let go
No more running and no more hiding, I'm just going to stop right in here
I made mistakes and suffered my aches, now leave me to drown in my beer

I'm out, no longer so stout, and just happy to breathe some fresh air
but as I walk down the street a free man, I still seem to get that stare
As an older man now, I don't know how, I will never be able to adjust
then my inner soul told me so, for my sole mission I know I now must

Doing that crime was never fine, and I'm ashamed for all that took place
but now I'm free, wanting to truly be, an upright member of society's race
I'll get a job and rap with those kids and beg them to always remember
nothing in this world has any meaning, if you're not going to be a member

Although the day is short, and the hour is late, but suffice it for me to say
that fatal mistake you're about to make, the rest of your life you shall pay
The one way out, perhaps your last bout, may still be found if you can cope
find a true friend, to give you his hand, to teach you this prayer called HOPE.....

Memories of Love**

Drowning in emotions, as your heart pines
you study her like a book, seeing the signs
what could you do, by chance you met her
unable to foresee, your heart she would stir

Waiting was killing me, deciding this is my stance
a game of nerves, there won't be another chance
with all my prayers, preparing for this special day
having spent so much time, thinking of what to say

So stunningly beautiful, my imagination did rise
now if she would look my way, my greatest prize
how to bring it about, to let her know how I feel
perhaps she won't believe me, her heart to steal

A love waits to be found, although its owner is lost
what I would not do for this love, whatever its cost
I've been imprisoned, and my emotions are on trial
love now at the mercy of another, there is no denial

Approaching from behind, placing my hands over her eyes
as I whispered "guess who" in her ear, but it was no surprise
she suspected who it was, finding out she too felt something
my heart was ready to burst, my blood pressure was jumping

My life was at a turning point, and feelings of love were at a stage
a love with depth and meaning, captured in a book on every page
as I look back to that time in my life, longing again for this feeling
in youth this love, fueling this happiness, was the ultimate healing

Coming to the end of my book, memories of past love have faded
reliving this happiness and serenity, can no longer be anticipated
yet, while you are still young find this love, for in your heart it sets
memories fade, but love remains, because the heart never forgets

Haiku Poetry is a very short poem with poetic images that can transcend the limitation imposed by the usual language and thinking. What if we took that imagery into the realm of human nature? While attempting to do this I tried to stay within the bounds of contemplative poetry that indicates a moment, sensation, impression or drama of a specific moment in nature. However, I broadened this framework to at times include moral, historical, scientific, legal, social, etc., issues as well. I believe, by doing this, we are introduced to a unique and creative imagery that paints a mental picture where you the reader can find much deeper meanings to personally relate.

**Aging leaf, detached
spiraling downward, dispatched
withering, no more

A short poem for all of you Special People that don't want to belong. I am a true radical. I am different. No one really knows who I am. Perhaps, this is the way I want it. Perhaps, this is "the real me."

While growing up, I too didn't "belong" and still don't. Freedom is the right to choose. Often others want to impose their will on you. Too often, it seems that external pressures force us to do things which are not always necessarily in our better interests. Peer pressure, social pressures entrap us, and we end up "going with the flow."

I went through my early education with very few friends. They were what I would define as friends of the moment. Sound advice, have many "friends," but find yourself one "true friend." This is the one to call friend for your entire life. With this true friend, you are going to grow in this world. Growing in confidence, in wisdom, in knowledge, in security and in realizing who you really are. They will be the "Real Mirror" whose reflection, in time, you will honestly be able to call your own.

**For all you radicals, there is a time to stand up and shout
refuse to belong to those that choose the easy way out
For what purpose would he decree, when G-D granted us life
if not to stand firm and avoid all forms of strife

I'm a radical, to this I must admit
always looked upon differently, as if I'm unfit
But why follow others who think they suffice
to control everyone else with the roll of their dice

Having gone through a lot, one begins to discern
there's a time for discipline, and a time for concern
Stand up and be counted, you alone have begun
to realize you can be different, and still be as one

All you radicals, to you alone do I salute
your ways may be different, but none could refute
Imagine our world, without you, what it would be
a place where individuality could never ever be Free....