To see the world
It opens your eyes
Experiencing cultures
And their way of life

No words can explain
The emotions can be much
To gain something new
And have a fresh outlook

Constant learning of different ways
Broaden your being
It grows you as a person
Humbled, grounded & joyous

Heat and dryness of the desert
The openness of the ocean
The world so vast and extraordinary
With so many things to offer

Music, food, traditions
So different yet the same
Benefitting worldly wisdom
With a great deal still to wander

Eyes tired, mind exhausted
8-4 or 9-5
Put in the time
Count down the days
Wake up and repeat

Lov-ing Support
Teach-ing of Life
Help-ing Understand
Grow-ing as a Whole
Develop-ing as a Person

Laugh-ing as a Pair
Cry-ing with the Bad
Smil-ing with the Good
Comfort-ing when Frightened
Sooth-ing when Hurt

Nurtur-ing Love
Cherish-ing Memories
Create-ing a Bond
that is
Everlast-ing

Physically strong and healthy, mentally lost and confused
Prideful and independent, but can no longer live in your home
Trying to remember your past, mixing up the memories
Scared and befuddled, please know we are here

To feel alone and in the dark, in someone else’s space
Thinking the people on film you have met on the street
Certain you are in the town of where you were raised
Never realizing you are not really in that place

I wish I could make this ugly disease disappear
The pills are a preventative they are no cure
I wish you could come back to us and have no fear
This disease takes a toll and it is unfair

You are a great person who was always there
You nurtured and encouraged for all of whom you cared
The tables have turned its time to not resist
The ones who love you will care for you best

Sitting in wonderment awaiting your fate
Repeating your words time and time again
Not remembering certain persons places or things
In your own universe so distant, slowly fading away

To see the decline and the empty look on your face
It has gotten the best of you and what you held dear
It is more than unbearable; it's a true heart break
I'm so sorry that this will be the end to your story

Forget me not, Grandma

Darkness without a sound,
Until I hear that door creak
Sweating under the covers,
Until chills of fear creep

Is it all a cruel prank?
Is someone in this room?
Is it all in my head,
or is this figure standing in loom?

Heart is in my throat
Tears are in my eyes
I hold my breath
I gasp a soft cry

Wake up, wake up
This is not a dream
Open your eyes sit up
It is what it seems

Someone is here
I am not alone
I try to move, I can’t
Sound erupts a low drone

In Brazil the pisadeira  (she who steps)
Known as different names
By all cultures
Whom have wept

To me she is the old hag
Stealer of my breath
I hope she will not be my taker
The reason for my death

The ocean crashes; waves above shore
Its peace, beauty, excitement & freedom in one
Water foams with the angry thrusts
Generate a swirling tunnel
Pulling me into its wide open gullet
Now mystified at all its power and allure

Raindrops glistening
In the springtime air
Blossoming tulips
Resurrect life

Magnificent sound echoes
A song so pure
Its rhythm infectious
Dancing off leaves

Red amongst the trees,
Gentle verses
Sway with the wind
Clarity sets when inhaled

Anticipation of sunrise
With pleasant melodies
Melodic phrases by the pair
More elaborate sung by she

Dedicated to the young
A brief hymn
Tweet with accents
Communicate a need

Attractive calls
Set a dulcet tone
Admired by all
Of whom hear


For the cardinal sings the sweetest tune.

Flowers wilt and they will wither
I long for the nights when you used to make me quiver
Under and out over and above
You were the one; my only true love

Efforts were seamless
Your smile was timeless
Why did we put it all behind us?
In hopes for something better

I hope you are happy
I hope you are true
I will always remember our time spent
I will always remember you