Take the time today to gaze upon any mirror.
Truly understand who's gazing back at you.
I see the author of a success story.
A brick layer paving the foundation for a most rewarding future.
I envision a brave vessel setting sail unto destinations unknown,
yet knowing it's potential for journeying beyond the horizon.
Destined to find shore again.
Do you share the same vision?
What will the world see?
What kind of mark will you leave upon her?
What legacy will you leave behind?
You alone hold the answers.
You have journeyed to the threshold,
of the rest of your life.
There's no turning back,
only tomorrow.
This moment has been a long time coming.
It's yours.
Sweat, tears, and sacrifice brought you here.
There are some who have been instrumental in your journey,
but make no mistake about it.
You embarked upon it.
An investment in self,
is worth more than its weight in success.
We bare witness to your evolution unto greatness.
We're proud of you.
Welcome to the beginning of forever.
Congratulations.

- James D. Woods

Life is a series of grueling races,
run it at your own pace.
Life's tracks are cluttered with trials and tribulations,
seemingly immovable objects standing in the way.
It's a far cry from the golden paved roads,
often dreamed of.
You must persevere still.
You must keep striving.
Go around or through,
over or under.
Whatever the situation,
keep moving towards your goal.
Never give up,
but keep running.
Surely there are many races ahead.
The finish line awaits you.

- James D. Woods

The most beautiful creation in all of existence is a mother.
She's surpassed only by the love she feels for her child,
or children.
She's perfect by design,
God's reflection.
She's a gentle touch in the infancy of our being,
the nurturer of adolescence,
wisdom that guides our maturity.
She's the love that fills our hearts,
keeper of our souls,
a fixture within our spirit.
She exhibits incredible strength,
especially those who bare the burden of being fathers as well.
Life is the house in which we all reside,
but a mother is Home,
that amazing.
She's an angel in the guise of woman,
all of humanity are her offspring.
A day isn't nearly enough time to express our gratitude.
It would take all of eternity.
Know that you are loved,
and greatly appreciated mothers.
Without you there would be no us.
Happy Mother's Day.

- James D. Woods

Loneliness is the only existence I've known,
before meeting you.
Bathed by the radiance of sunrise we found one another,
discovering love's warmth.
We embrace the solace hidden deep within our hearts.
As perfection is meant to be,
we are destined.
Two kindred spirits set upon a journey of becoming one,
separate individuals seeking the existence of singularity.
Together shall we make life worth living.
Suddenly the weather changed.
Blue skies are consumed by grey.
Right goes wrong.
Did we salvage love only to throw it away?
Perhaps cupid developed a level of inaccuracy, and missed.
His arrows were never intended to find us.
We simply stepped in the way.
Heaven has closed its gates,
the angels turn us away.
Hell beckons,
there shall we find vacancy.
We've come so close,
but couldn't be any further from the truth.
Vast distances now separates,
that which was bonded.
Darkness consumes the illumination of day.
Love sails beyond the horizon.

- James D. Woods