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A storm descends upon Iceland, a howling beast unleashed. Roaring winds claw at the land, ancient stones tremble. Blustering fury whips across the frozen plains, a white whirlwind. Tempestuous waves crash against the cliffs, a raging titan's fist. A squall carries whispers of Jötunheimr, the giants' frozen realm. The blast of winter's breath chills to the bone, a frost giant's sigh. Gale-force winds tear through valleys, a chorus of the ******. The sea roils, a cauldron of wrath, stirred by unseen hands. Where the land ends, the ocean begins, a battleground of elements. Jagged lightning splits the sky, a god's angry eye. Frost-covered trees groan beneath the weight, their branches like skeletal arms. The raw power of nature is unleashed, a spectacle of destruction. Wrath pours forth from the heavens, a torrent of icy daggers. In this winter's grip, time falters, caught in the storm's embrace. One strains to hear the echoes of Odin's voice in the wind's howl. The spirits of old stir, awakened by the tempest's fury.

Snowflakes dance a frenzied jig, weaving patterns on the frozen air. The mountains bow before the storm's might, humbled giants. Icicles hang like the teeth of a monstrous beast, ready to strike. Each raindrop a tear shed by the sky, a lament for the land. The world is shrouded in white, a canvas of chaos and despair. In the heart of the storm, whispers linger, tales of forgotten ages. Memories of warmth fade, like embers in the face of the blizzard. Yet, even in this chaos, a fierce beauty resides, a primal strength. The light of resilience flickers in distant homes, a beacon in the dark. Tales of giants and gods are shared, binding hearts against the storm. The warmth of the hearth beckons, a refuge from the raging world. Those who brave the tempest wait, their spirits unbroken.

For storms, like the gods themselves, are bound by time. The darkest night yields to the dawn's gentle kiss. Silence returns to the ravaged coast, a fragile peace descends. The wrath subsides, spent, leaving behind a quiet strength. Nature breathes a sigh, a slow release from winter's grip. The old gods watch from Asgard, their wisdom etched in stone. For all storms, however fierce, must eventually pass. Echoes remain, reminders of the power that sleeps within. The world turns once more, beneath a sky that knows both fury and calm. The land remembers, the storm's mark etched into its soul. From the heart of winter, The Howling of Giants echoes still.
From my lesson in Picadilly's Write the Poem

Ok this was supposed to be a poem about a storm.... however, it turned into something else.
In my quest for dreams that soar on wings of light,
You come, a beacon bright, dancing in my sight,
Laughing, singing, painting the canvas of my heart,
Your talent sparks a fire, a flame that will not part.

As I stumble through the labyrinth of my mind,
You illuminate the path I thought impossible to find,
A gentle touch, a whispered kiss upon my soul,
In your presence, I finally feel whole.

New beginnings bloom like flowers in the sun,
Your love like a melody that has just begun,
I learn to embrace the beauty of being me,
To love myself, to set my spirit free.

In this dance of life, you are my guiding star,
In your arms, I forget all scars.
Your laughter is a symphony that fills the air,
Your kindness a balm for every care.

Passion ignites like fireworks in the night sky,
Happiness and hope shine bright in your eye.
In this romance of hearts beating as one,
I bask in the joy of all that you have spun.

So here I stand, grateful for our intertwining fate,
Your presence in my life, a gift so great.
I thank the stars for bringing you near,
My Light of Inspiration, forever dear.
Feb 14 · 359
Dance of Dreams (2024)
In the realm of dreams, we met before,
Not face to face, but soul to soul;
Upon the dance floor, we found our chore,
My hand on your back, making me whole.

Hand in hand, we moved as one,
Gliding to the rhythm of our hearts;
Bodies embraced under the moon and sun,
A dance of love that never departs.

Through the music's whispers and cries,
We waltzed through shadows deep and wide;
In each other's gaze, we found paradise,
In that moment, nowhere left to hide.

Whispers of love in the air so sweet,
Kisses exchanged under starlit sky;
A promise of new beginnings to meet,
As we embraced and let our spirits fly.

Being ourselves was all we needed to do,
For in each other's arms, we found truth;
Loving ourselves as much as we loved two,
A dance of passion set aloof.

With laughter ringing in the night air,
Passion igniting like a burning flame;
Happiness and hope beyond compare,
Kindness and joy our hearts reclaim.

In this Dance of Dreams and romance fair,
We found a love that was truly rare;
Embracing self-love without a care,
Our souls entwined without despair.
Written to my GF, dreams of her, often inspire me, from dream to quill to ink, to paper.
Feb 14 · 166
Aloha Ke Akua (1995)
Eia ka pua o ka ʻōlelo,
Ka pua o ka manaʻo,
Ka pua o ka naʻau,
Ka pua o ka aloha.

He kanaka o ka hau,
He kanaka o ka manua,
He kanaka o ka mālamalama,
He kanaka o ka hoʻomanaʻo.

He wahine o ka wela,
He wahine o ka mālie,
He wahine o ka nani,
He wahine o ka aloha.

Ua hui ʻia lākou,
Ma ke alo o ka ʻāina,
Ma ke alo o ka moana,
Ma ke alo o ka lewa.

Ua ʻike lākou i ke aloha,
Ua ʻike lākou i ka mahalo,
Ua ʻike lākou i ka manaʻo maikaʻi,
Ua ʻike lākou i ka hoʻomanaʻo.
I used to live in Hawai'i, many moons ago.
And I tried this, but never felt I got it right.
Maybe another poet who writes in Hawai'ian can help critique or fix this.

Translation
Here is the flower of speech,
The flower of thought,
The flower of the heart,
The flower of love.

He is a man of snow,
He is a man of the cold,
He is a man of light,
He is a man of memory.

She is a woman of warmth,
She is a woman of peace,
She is a woman of beauty,
She is a woman of love.

They were united,
In the presence of the land,
In the presence of the sea,
In the presence of the sky.

They found love,
They found gratitude,
They found kindness,
They found memory.
Is it the silence that stretches between us,
a chasm carved by unspoken words?
Or the echo of arguments,
reverberating in the empty spaces we inhabit?

Did the rhythm of our lives fall out of sync,
when the new job demanded more than just time?
Or when the baby arrived,
and sleep became a forgotten luxury?

Does the weight of the world,
press down so heavily on your shoulders,
that there's no room left for me?
Or is it my own anxieties,
that build walls between our hearts?

Have we grown in different directions,
like branches reaching for sunlight,
oblivious to the roots entwined beneath the soil?
Or has the fire of intimacy dwindled,
leaving only embers of what once burned bright?

Are there needs I haven't acknowledged,
a yearning for something I can't quite name?
Or is it a weariness of the soul,
a longing for a peace I cannot find?

Could the shadows of depression,
or the whispers of anxiety,
be clouding your perception of our love?
Or is it simply the mundane,
the everyday grind that dulls the senses?

Is this distance a temporary detour,
a bump in the road we can overcome together?
Or a signpost,
pointing towards separate paths?

Is Valentine's Day just a reminder,
of the closeness we once shared?
Or an opportunity,
to rekindle the flame that flickers low?

Is love a constant,
or a fragile bloom,
requiring constant care and attention?
Or is it a choice,
a daily decision to stay,
even when the road gets rough?

And the ultimate question,
hanging heavy in the air tonight,
as the scent of roses mingles with uncertainty:
is this love worth fighting for?
This is a poem, that I never intended on sharing.  My Ex and my Daughter never knew it existed.  I wrote this over two decades ago.  The last Valentine's Day with her, which turned out to be the beginning of the end.  Every fight ended with her threat of "I want a divorce".... So I consulted a lawyer, her friends told her because they found out.  I hadn't filed, just looking at the options.  She filed and went nuclear.  This was penned days before I was served.
A ring, not just metal and stone,
but a whispered promise,
a tangible piece of my heart offered to you,
my Dragon Princess of the East.

It sits before me, a vision taking form,
rose gold warmed by imagined sunlight.
Floral vines, delicate yet strong,
climb and twist, embracing the gems.

Amethyst and moonstones,
blossoms of purple and pearly light,
scattered amongst the leaves,
a garden captured in miniature.

Is it engagement, then wedding,
or a seamless blend of both?
The rings intertwined, inseparable,
a symbol of a love without beginning or end.

Alexandrite, chameleons of light,
nestle beside the Amethyst,
their colors shifting, whispering secrets,
a dance of green and purple, a perfect harmony.

And at the heart of it all,
a trillion-cut diamond,
blazing with an inner fire,
a beacon of unwavering brilliance.

The ring is not alone.
Dangle earrings echo its beauty,
Royal cut Alexandrites cascading,
from small to large, a symphony of color.

Three stones aligned,
a delicate dance of light and shadow,
catching the ear, whispering of magic,
a perfect complement to the ring's embrace.

And then, the necklace,
a tear-shaped Alexandrite pendant,
resting against the alabaster skin,
a single drop of captured starlight.

It hangs suspended,
a breath held, a moment frozen,
a promise whispered against the skin,
a symbol of a love that transcends time.

The entire set, a constellation of dreams,
born from my heart, offered to you,
a testament to a love that blooms eternal,
A Circlet of Dreams, waiting to be worn.
I had a dream, of a proposal, but more of a set of circles, the sparkles and twinkles of light upon the stones.  A vision, of a wedding set, inspired by birthstones united by diamond under the moon.
A box, small and unassuming,
holds more than metal and stone.
Three rings, each a chapter closed,
a story whispered, then silenced.

The first, a Hawaiian sun,
gold warm against my skin,
a maile leaf lei etched in enamel,
a promise of island days,
a love as bright as the tropic bloom.
But the bloom faded, the sun set,
and the lei withered, a memory
of sand and surf, and a love
that sought solace in another's arms.

The second, silver, a simple band,
smooth and cool against my finger.
A barrel, strong and unadorned,
like the love we built, or so I thought.
A quiet strength, a steady hand,
a foundation laid, brick by painful brick.
But the foundation crumbled, the walls fell,
and the silver tarnished, a reflection
of a love that found comfort elsewhere.

The third, titanium, cold and hard,
dragons entwined in gold, a symbol
of power, of a love that burned bright.
A fierce embrace, a passionate fire,
a connection that felt unbreakable.
But the fire dwindled, the dragons slept,
and the titanium grew heavy, a weight
on my hand, a reminder of a love
that sought warmth in another's gaze.

Children grown, their laughter echoes
in the empty rooms of my heart.
Their friends, once my own, now strangers,
their lives moving forward, while I remain
anchored to the past, a silent observer.
A long-distance love, a whispered promise,
a fragile thread connecting two souls,
but the distance stretches, the thread thins,
and the whispers fade into the wind.

I stare at the box, at the rings within,
each a symbol of what was, what could have been.
A new ring beckons, a design forming
in the depths of my mind, a symbol of hope,
of a future yet unwritten.
But doubt whispers, a serpent in my ear,
was it me? Was I not enough?
Or were the circles simply incomplete,
destined to break, to shatter, to fade?
The Weight of Circles, heavy on my soul.
Sapling, a fragile reaching,
towards the sun's insistent call.
Woods cradle the tender green,
leaves unfurling, a soft whisper
against the rough bark.
Greenery spills, a vibrant stain
on the earth's dark canvas.
Roots, tenacious fingers, grasping,
anchoring, a silent conversation
with the soil's hidden depths.

Branches, arms outstretched,
a latticework of shadows,
sheltering secrets whispered
on the wind's breath.
Timber, the heartwood's strength,
a testament to time endured,
seasons weathered, storms survived.
Forest, a living tapestry, woven
with rustling leaves and silent growth.

Leaves, a symphony of color,
shifting with the sun's slow dance.
Gold, crimson, a fiery farewell
before the quiet sleep of winter.
The cycle continues, a rhythm
unfolding, a timeless ballet
of life and death.

Sunlight, a golden cascade,
filtering through the canopy's embrace.
Each ray a promise, a whisper
of renewal, of warmth, of life.
Roots, a tangled embrace,
drawing strength from the earth's core.
Branches, reaching for the heavens,
a silent plea, a quiet prayer.

Twilight descends, a hush falls,
the tree stands sentinel, guardian
of whispered dreams, secrets held
in the rustling leaves.
Forest's heart beats softly,
a symphony of whispers, a chorus
of life, a testament to time.
Timber's strength, roots' embrace,
leaves' gentle sigh, a story told
in the language of the woods.
From my lesson in Picadilly's Write the Poem
A whisper of green, a delicate bloom,
Hemlock's sweet scent, a perfumed tomb.
Innocent petals, so fragile and white,
Concealing a darkness, a final night.

A bitter tang, on the tongue it lies,
A chilling embrace, as the body sighs.
Numbness creeps in, a slow, gentle freeze,
The world fades away, on a chilling breeze.

The limbs grow heavy, the senses grow dim,
A quiet surrender, to fate's cruel whim.
The heartbeats falter, a slowing drum,
As darkness descends, and senses go numb.

The mind still flickers, a fading light,
Aware of the ending, the endless night.
A philosophical question, a final jest,
"I drank what?" he asks, putting fate to the test.
I know it's a bit dark; morbid even.  But it was meant in jest.
I remember this line from somewhere; I do not recall where. But it still strikes a humorous final call from a philosopher who was so adored.
I have no voice, but my song fills your heart.
I have no form, but my presence is an art.
I bloom in silence, a delicate flower,
Nourished by respect, in every shared hour.
I burn with a passion, a gentle warm light,
Reflecting your soul, both morning and night.
I ask for no grand gestures, no jewels, nor gold,
Just a whispered promise, a story untold.
What am I, treasured and precious and true,
A bond between two, me and you?

... Love
Today, 2025.02.12 marks the end of Lunar New Year's celebrations.  The lantern festival in days passed was usually where riddles where written on a lantern, and someone would answer the riddle on lantern.  Here lies the riddle i crafted for the one I truly hold dear to my heart.
Spring, a hesitant touch, like the first unfurling of a fern.  Sunlight, a pale gold wash over new green shoots, mirroring the shy blossoming of our affection.  Stolen glances, quick as the darting of hummingbirds, a shared laugh, light as the breeze whispering through willow branches.  The air thick with the promise of something more, a burgeoning warmth that melts the last frost of doubt.  We walk hand in hand, the earth beneath our feet soft and yielding, a reflection of our hearts opening to each other.  The scent of hyacinth and damp earth, a heady perfume that intoxicates the senses, a prelude to the vibrant summer to come.

Summer, a blaze of color, a riot of sensation.  Days long and languid, stretching out like sun-drenched meadows.  Our love, a sunflower turning its face to the light, bold and unapologetic.  Passionate embraces, as fierce as a summer storm, leaving us breathless and renewed.  We swim in lakes, cool and dark, our bodies slick with water, mirroring the depths of our feelings.  The taste of ripe berries, sweet and ****, lingers on our tongues, a reminder of the sweetness we’ve found in each other.  Fireflies ignite the twilight, tiny sparks of light mirroring the fire that burns between us.

Autumn, a tapestry of russet and gold, a time of mellow reflection.  Our love, a vintage wine, rich and complex, aged to perfection.  Long walks through forests ablaze with color, leaves crunching beneath our feet like whispered secrets.  We gather close, drawn together by the chill in the air, finding warmth in each other’s arms.  The scent of woodsmoke and cinnamon, a comforting aroma that fills our home, a sanctuary built for two.  Our conversations deepen, like the lengthening shadows of late afternoon, exploring the hidden corners of our souls.  We are grateful for the harvest of our love, the bounty of shared experiences.

Winter, a blanket of white, a time of quiet intimacy.  Our love, a flickering candle in a darkened room, a beacon of warmth and light.  Snow falls softly outside, muffling the world, creating a cocoon of peace around us.  We curl up by the fire, wrapped in blankets, sharing stories and dreams.  Hot chocolate, rich and creamy, warms our hands and our hearts.  The silence is filled with unspoken words, a language of love that transcends all others.  Our bond, like the evergreen trees, remains strong and steadfast, enduring the harshest of winters.

And as the seasons turn again, as spring’s first blush returns, I long to walk this path with you once more.  Each bud, each bloom, each ray of sunshine, each falling leaf, each snowflake, a reminder of the beauty we’ve created together.  I want to relive every moment, every touch, every word, every season of our love, again and again, forever.
From my lesson in Picadilly's Write the Poem
Feb 12 · 291
First True Love (2025)
The tenderness of youth often blinds us to the true nature of love.  We chase the flame, relishing the passion, mistaking infatuation for something deeper.  Yearning for connection, we grasp at fleeting moments of enchantment, cherishing the illusion of a love that will last forever.  But first love, more often than not, is a training ground, a place where we learn the language of the heart, even if the words are sometimes mispronounced.  It leaves its mark, a scar both visible and internal, a reminder of the intensity of those early emotions.  We carry these experiences with us, shaping our understanding of what love can be.

Later in life, the landscape of the heart is different.  Scars are visible, stories etched into the lines around our eyes.  The flame of youth may burn a little less brightly, but in its place, a deeper warmth emerges.  We have learned to distinguish between infatuation and true connection, to recognize the difference between fleeting passion and enduring tenderness.  The yearning remains, but it is tempered by experience, a knowing that love is not just a feeling, but a choice.

And then, unexpectedly, it happens.  A connection sparks, a resonance that transcends the years.  It may not be the first love of youthful memory, but it carries a different kind of magic.  It is a love seasoned by life, enriched by shared experiences, and grounded in mutual understanding.  There is a cherishing that comes with knowing the fragility of time, a relish for the present moment, and a passion that burns with a steady, unwavering flame.

This love, found later in life, is a testament to the enduring power of the human heart.  It is a first true love, a love that encompasses all the lessons learned, all the scars endured, and all the yearnings finally fulfilled.  It is a love that whispers, "You are home," a love that promises, "This is forever."  It is a love that proves that first love can happen at any age, and that true love is always worth waiting for.
From my lessons in Picadilly's Write the Poem
Feb 12 · 135
Eastern Names
Just meant as an educational post.
In Asian cultures,  family names are first, then given names.
In western culture, this is the opposite.
English names can follow the pronunciation of the Chinese name.
A woman with the name Ping, may adopt Apple ad her name as ping guo is Apple in Chinese.

When written in calligraphy,  Kanji, or Korean,  it is always written this way.  When using pinyin (romanized) characters it can be written with a space or more formalized with an apostrophe between the surname and given.  So for those who truly would like to know.   You can call me Cal.
Feb 11 · 405
Crimson Silk (2025)
Across the vast expanse of sky and sea,
Two lives unfold, connected by a thread,
Invisible, yet strong in whispered words,
A bond that stretches through both time and place.

A woman in the West, her heart still tied
To distant lands where tales of old reside,
She finds herself in bustling streets unknown,
Yet senses with each step, a pulse within.

A man, with roots in soil of foreign kin,
Bears witness to the world through different eyes.
He walks beneath the weight of history,
Yet feels an echo calling from afar.

In dreams, their paths entwine beneath the stars,
A glimpse of hands held tight, of laughter shared.
While miles and years conspire to divide,
The thread, though fine, resists the pull of fate.

Each letter penned a bridge across the void,
Each conversation, sparks that light the dark,
They navigate through cultures rich and strange,
An atlas drawn in ink of longing love.

At last, a day arrives, the paper falls,
Before a gathering of kindred souls—
An ancient rite, a promise carved in time,
Two hearts, now joined, beneath the endless sky.

And where the little hands reach forth with hope,
Their blessing woven in the tapestry,
The echoes of the past meet present joy,
In laughter, tears, and dreams yet to unfold.

The thread of destiny, so finely spun,
Becomes the fabric of their every day,
A journey shared, a lifetime yet to write,
In love’s embrace, forever intertwined.
"Crimson Silk" is a poem about an invisible thread connecting two souls across cultures and distance. This romantic tale explores themes of longing, destiny, and forever love between individuals from Eastern and Western backgrounds. Through exquisite language and imagery, the poem navigates cultural blending, communication, and the unbreakable bond between two hearts meant to be together.
In the quiet embrace of the vast sky,
A tapestry of white floats gently,
Puffs of vapor, soft as a whisper,
Beneath the sun's golden gaze, they linger.

Mists arise, ethereal and delicate,
Shaping and reshaping, a restless dance,
A blanket of dreams stretched across the blue,
Each fold a story, untold but felt.

Amidst the sky, a billow takes form,
A congregation of thoughts, light and heavy,
Swarming like ideas in the mind's eye,
Connecting, dispersing, then gathering again.

Thunderheads emerge, dark and powerful,
Foreboding yet beautiful in their grandeur,
A nebulous promise of rain to come,
Teasing the earth with a distant echo.

Cumulus clouds drift, sculpted by winds,
Gentle giants, casting shadows below,
They mirror our fleeting moments of joy,
A reminder of time, swiftly passing, yet still.

Each cloud a vessel of possibility,
Carrying whispers from far-off lands,
A gallery of shapes, unique and fleeting,
Chasing the light, forever changing.

In the soft twilight, they blush and fade,
Colors igniting the world in soft hues,
Mundane becomes magical in their presence,
Embracing the stillness of a moment held.

As night falls, they dissolve into dreams,
While stars peek through, twinkling like thoughts,
The clouds' memory lingers in our hearts,
An endless voyage through the infinite sky.
From my lessons in Picadilly's Write the Poem
Feb 10 · 199
In Love (2025)
When you ask, "Are you in love?" it's not the same
As asking if you love, a feeling known and deep.
You love your family, siblings, kin, and name
The bonds you share, the promises you keep.

But being "in love" is something set apart,
A current running, vibrant, wild, and free.
When nearness makes a race within your heart,
A movie scene of yearning, wild to be.

Their touch, a spark that travels through your core,
A craving, dreaming, longing, ever near.
They fill your thoughts and leave you wanting more,
Each sense, each moment, holding them so dear.

A blurring of the lines where you begin
And they conclude, a merging of two souls.
That intertwined connection deep within,
A love that makes you whole, and makes you bold.

When words feel trapped, a lump within your throat,
A thousand phrases dwindle to one sound.
"I love you" echoes, all you can denote,
A simple truth, profound and all around.

You search for ways to say it, deep and true,
In every language whispered on the breeze.
To let them feel the love that flows from you,
A boundless ocean, deeper than the seas.

This is being "in love," a precious flame,
That flickers softly, needing gentle care.
Don't let routine extinguish its bright name,
But fan the embers, always wanting there.

Desire them always, show them, never cease
To nurture passion, keep it burning bright.
Avoid the mundane, seek joy and inner peace,
And hold onto that love with all your might.
I wrote this today, because I was thinking, no..... feeling like I described above.
I know I say "I LOVE YOU" all the time to my GF, and I strive to tell her things in Chinese'
But I hope you understand.  I don't just LOVE her..... but I am IN LOVE WITH HER.  And I never want that routine, the mundane, the life's chores of family to diminish that aspect..... I want to be "in love" with her for as long as we are together.
I hope that came across correctly.
The sea is a cold and restless entity,
A deep, unending trough of brine and foam.
Its surface reflects the shifting skies,
A field of endless, heaving water.

The waves rise, great mountains of the deep,
Then crash and fall upon the shore.
Their strength a constant, unrelenting force,
That land cannot overcome or ignore.

The open sea holds mystery unseen,
A shadowed place where waves collide and break.
The flux and flow, a ceaseless, silent scene,
A constant dance that nature subtly makes.

The tide comes and goes at measured pace,
An ancient rhythm of ebb and swell.
Its pull a gravitational, powerful grace,
That rules the coasts and where wild things dwell.

The current runs, a river in the sea,
A hidden path where life finds its own way.
A constant shift, a moving tapestry,
Of hidden things it carries night and day.

Beneath the waves, a kingdom dark and strange,
Where creatures swim in depths beyond our ken.
An unknown world, a wonder to exchange
For all the treasures and the toils of men.

The salt spray stings, a bitter, bracing kiss,
Upon the face of those who brave the sea.
A humbling power, wild and full of bliss,
Both beautiful and terrible to decree.

The ocean vast and ever free,
Remains a mystery, both loved and feared.
Its power timeless, for eternity,
A constant presence, ever held revered.
From my lesson in Picadilly's Write the Poem
Feb 9 · 241
Harmony's Dawn (2025)
(Intro - Strings softly, like a gentle breeze)

I. (Flute - Bright and playful)
A sun-kissed park, a whispered jest,
Two souls entwined, no room for rest,
From laughter shared, a joyful start,
A melody of hopeful heart.
No shadows lingered, skies so blue,
A world of dreams, just me and you.

II. (Oboe - Slightly melancholic, but sweet)
A distant hum, a whispered fear,
Of broken dreams, and unshed tears,
A family's weight, a stifling hold,
A future planned, a story told,
That wasn't ours, a path astray,
A different tune, we longed to play.

III. (Clarinet - Rich and warm, a comforting tone)
A quiet talk, a listening ear,
A shared burden, banishing fear,
"I understand," a gentle sigh,
"Let's face the world, you and I."
A kindred spirit, strong and true,
A helping hand, to see us through.

IV. (French Horn - Bold and confident)
The horn proclaims, a vibrant call,
A spirit rising, standing tall,
"No more regrets, no looking back,"
"We'll forge our path, on the right track."
A symphony of courage bold,
A story waiting to unfold.

V. (Flute & Oboe - Intertwined, a duet of understanding)
The flute and oboe softly blend,
A melody of hearts that mend,
"Your pain I feel, your dreams I know,"
"Together we'll help our spirits grow."
A shared compassion, deep and bright,
Guiding us through the darkest night.

VI. (Clarinet & French Horn - Building in strength and harmony)
The clarinet joins, a steady beat,
The French horn's voice, can't be beat,
"We'll face the world, hand in hand,"
"A symphony of love, we'll stand."
A fortress built on trust and care,
A bond unbreakable, beyond compare.

VII. (Strings swell, a crescendo of hope and resilience)
The strings arise, a vibrant surge,
A tapestry of dreams emerge,
"No matter what, we'll find our way,"
"Together we'll greet a brighter day."
A symphony of hope takes flight,
A future painted, bold and bright.

VIII. (All instruments together, a joyous finale)
The music swells, a joyful sound,
A harmony of love profound,
Two souls entwined, forever near,
Conquering doubts, banishing fear.
A symphony of life's sweet song,
Together we'll always belong.

(Outro - Strings fade softly, leaving a sense of peace and optimism)
This is an experiment.
I thought about my last pieces.  How music influences some of my writing.  How my father bought me at an early age a record of "Peter and the Wolf" for children, how it explained the meaning of the music, how each character had an instrument.
In this life, I have had my struggles—
Mankind’s abuse, intolerance, wars, and corruption.
And no different were the personal aspects:
love, home, happiness—
All fleeting, no peace, within or external.

Then, I found you.

At first, I sought tranquility
An ear to bend, a friendship perhaps.
Yet, you needed serenity, a peace within.
So, it was I who lent the ear, the shoulder, the words of understanding.

In this endeavor, I saw in you a trampled blossom—
Damaged, bent, a bit broken, but not a loss.
You just needed someone, anyone, to care,
To show you the light through the dark.

So, I listened, I nurtured,
Shown light, provided warmth,
Fed you, and caressed the soil with tears,
Until you felt whole again.

To be clear, I didn’t fix you;
I didn’t mold you.
You were whole, you were full of worth.
I only let you see what I see in you.

In turn, you saw me, as I saw you—
Someone discarded on the refuse of life.
Imparted, nay, reciprocated, the kindness you had received,
Knowing that I, like you, lay scarred and injured, but not a loss.

Tranquility and Serenity
Words often interchanged,
But both have meanings that aren’t quite the same.
For one is peace in your surroundings, and the other is peace from within.

You cannot seek one
Without discovering and embracing the other.
Two sides of the same coin, like Yin and Yang,
Always seeking balance.

You guided me,
Lighting my way through the darkest moments.
I held steadfast, unwavering—the rock you needed,
A new foundation to build upon.

I confess this truth to you,
As you have given both, reciprocal,
As I have given unto you.

Time will tell.
This story has not ended.
It is still being written—
A journey to destinations unknown.

And all because,
I FOUND YOU.
I see too often these words used where it should be one versus the other.
And then I reflected upon my own relationship.
I struggle, as do most.  I seek the balance, the peace, both inner and external.

Tao as an augmentation to my Catholic upbringing allows me to seek the peace I desire.  Nothing is right, nothing is wrong; search all permutations, and where there is balance, there is peace, where there is peace, there is truth.
Your laughter, a trill of high notes,
cascading like arpeggios across the ivory keys
of my heart.  Each touch, a melody I crave,
a vibrant chord resonating deep within.

Your eyes, the deep bass notes, holding the weight
of unspoken stories, of passions yet to unfold.
I see the rhythm of your soul in their depths,
a slow, deliberate tempo that draws me in.

Your voice, a mezzo-soprano's caress,
weaving tales of joy and sorrow,
a narrative played out on the strings of my being.
Each word, a carefully placed note, building the symphony
of our intertwined lives.

Like the sustain pedal, your presence lingers,
a constant hum beneath the surface,
coloring every phrase, enriching every passage.
Without it, the music feels incomplete, hollow.

There are moments of dissonance, sharp and jarring,
like a wrong note struck in the heat of the moment.
But even these discordant chords contribute
to the complex harmony of our love.

We are a duet, sometimes playing in unison,
our hands moving together in perfect synchronicity.
Other times, we engage in a playful counterpoint,
each voice distinct, yet contributing to the overall composition.

There are movements of loss, a somber adagio,
where the melody falters, and the silence stretches,
heavy and suffocating.  The music fades to a whisper,
a lament for what was, and what might have been.

But then, a crescendo of hope, a triumphant allegro,
rising from the ashes of despair.
Redemption echoes in the vibrant chords,
a promise of renewal, a testament to the enduring power of love.

And as the final notes fade into a peaceful diminuendo,
I realize that our love is a sonata,
a masterpiece composed of passion, vulnerability,
and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of connection.
Feb 6 · 107
I AM FINE (2025)
When a man says "I am fine,"
it's a loaded phrase, a carefully constructed wall.
It's not a declaration of well-being,
but a shield raised against the world,
a silent plea for understanding,
masked as stoic acceptance.

"I am fine" means
the turbulent sea within is best left undisturbed.
The storm rages, the waves crash,
but the surface remains deceptively calm.
To speak of the tempest would be to invite chaos,
to unleash a torrent of emotions best contained.

It's the weight of unspoken words,
the burden of unshared sorrows,
pressing down, a constant, dull ache.
To open the floodgates would be to risk vulnerability,
to expose the fragile heart beneath the armor.

"I am fine" is a fortress built of solitude,
each brick a carefully chosen silence.
It's a refuge, a place to retreat and lick wounds,
away from prying eyes and well-meaning concern.
The world expects strength, resilience,
and "I am fine" is the uniform of the stoic warrior.

It's the fear of being a burden,
the worry that sharing pain will only amplify it.
Better to shoulder the weight alone,
than to inflict it upon those who care.
"I am fine" is a sacrifice, a self-imposed isolation,
born of a desire to protect.

It's the exhaustion of explaining,
the weariness of dissecting every feeling,
every nuance of pain.
Sometimes, silence is the only solace,
the only way to navigate the labyrinth of the mind.

"I am fine" is not a lie,
but a carefully curated truth.
It's the truth of the present moment,
the decision to postpone the unraveling,
to postpone the vulnerability.

It's the hope that the storm will pass,
that the sun will eventually break through the clouds.
"I am fine" is a temporary truce,
a promise to oneself to face the darkness,
eventually.

"I am fine" is a code,
a language spoken in hushed tones.
It's a signal, a request, a boundary.
It's a man saying,
"I am fine,"
for now.
Can you feel the echo of my heart across the miles?
A whisper on the wind, a constant, silent plea.
You are my heaven, a constellation in the dark,
And I, a lonely traveler, forever drawn to thee.
I trace the phantom curves of your face in my dreams,
Aching for the moment our worlds finally align.

Can I hold you tonight, just in the realm of thought?
I conjure the warmth of your skin, the scent of your hair.
Your kiss, a phantom fire, still burns upon my lips,
A memory cherished, a treasure beyond compare.
But doubt, a creeping shadow, whispers in my ear,
"Is this love's sweet promise, or a mirage we chase?"

Sometimes, The Weight of Absence becomes too much to bear,
And I long to vanish, to fade into the gray.
To crawl beneath the covers, shielded from the world,
Where vulnerability's sharp edges can't cut and flay.
Yet, a fragile hope remains, a flickering ember's glow,
That you see the real me, the one I'm afraid to show.

I have loved you fiercely, from the very first spark,
A connection so profound, it transcends space and time.
You whisper your love, a melody sweet and low,
But the distance, a vast ocean, makes your voice seem faint, a chime.
And I'm left adrift, on waves of doubt and fear,
Wondering if my love's reflection is truly clear.

You say I am your one, the moon to your tide,
And I echo the sentiment, with every fiber of my being.
Yet, miles stretch between us, an unyielding divide,
Stealing precious moments, leaving me only yearning and seeing
Your face in photographs, a bittersweet delight,
Fueling the flame of hope, amidst the lonely night.

Oh, to stand upon your shore, to bridge this aching gap,
To feel the solid ground beneath my trembling feet.
To finally silence the whispers of what ifs,
And know, beyond all doubt, our love is truly complete.
Until then, I'll cling to dreams, and whisper your name,
Praying the dawn will break, and banish all the pain.
In a ballroom of dreams, bathed in golden light,
She floated, a vision in shimmering night.
Her gown, a cascade of silk and of lace,
Embraced her soft curves with elegant grace.

He, handsome and poised, with a tender gaze,
Extended his hand, in the ballroom's soft haze.
The orchestra swelled, a waltz took its hold,
As stories unspoken began to unfold.

They glided and turned, a harmonious pair,
Lost in the music, without a care.
His hand on her waist, a gentle embrace,
Her fingers entwined, in time and in space.

The violins sang, a sweet serenade,
As they danced in the shadows, unafraid.
The chandeliers shimmered, casting their gleam,
Reflecting the love in their passionate dream.

Each step was a whisper, a tale to impart,
Of two souls entwined, a work of art.
Their eyes met and lingered, a silent vow,
A love that transcended the here and the now.

The world faded away, as they twirled and they swayed,
In their own private haven, a love that was made
Of stolen glances and whispered sweet nothings,
A dance of devotion, on ethereal wings.

The music reached its crescendo's high peak,
As he spun her around, his love he would speak.
A moment suspended, in time's gentle flow,
A perfect embrace, a radiant glow.

But the ballroom dissolved, the music grew faint,
The grand illusion, a love's sweet constraint.
No orchestra played, no crystal lights shone,
Just a living room's warmth, a love that had grown.

He, barefoot and smiling, held her so near,
She, in soft socks, her love ever clear.
Their children looked on, with hearts full of glee,
As their parents danced, eternally free.
I had a dream
In the vast expanse of the universe, I searched
For the one who would be my soulmate,
My partner in life and love, my guiding light,
And in you, I found all that I had sought.

Time and space could not keep us apart,
For destiny led me to your loving heart.
You are my compass, always pointing true,
Guiding me through stormy seas, bright and blue.

Your presence in my life is a gift,
An inspiration to create, to live, to uplift.
Your words, a melody that sings to my soul,
Your paintings, a canvas of colors that make me whole.

I am the poet, you the painter,
Together we create art that's greater
Than anything we could ever do alone,
A masterpiece of love, forever shone.

You are my muse, my greatest love,
The one I've been dreaming of.
You complete me in ways I never knew,
And I am grateful for the bond we share, so true.

Across the stars, our love will shine,
A beacon of light in the darkest of times.
For you are my soulmate, my heart's desire,
And in your arms, I know I'll never tire.

So here's to us, to our love so pure,
To the bond that will forever endure.
You are my everything, my reason to live,
My soulmate, my partner, my true love, I give.
This is a series of 5 poems - I don't know why, I just started and ended up with a document of a string of poems, some sharing a common thread, different versions, or all new works.  I will let you decide.
You are the lighthouse in the tempest's roar,
A steadfast beacon when hope seems to pour
From empty vessels. Your light, a warm embrace,
Dispels the shadows, leaves no vacant space.

In depths of doubt, when skies are overcast,
Your love, a refuge, where solace is cast.
With you as anchor, I weather any sea,
Your strength, a current that pulls me to thee.

Your touch, a whisper, soft as summer rain,
Erases worries, stills the aching pain.
In your eyes, galaxies of comfort reside,
A universe of love, where I can abide.

Through shifting sands and life's relentless tide,
Our love, a fortress, where souls abide.
Unwavering, steadfast, a promise kept,
In your heart's embrace, my spirit is swept.
This is a series of 5 poems - I don't know why, I just started and ended up with a document of a string of poems, some sharing a common thread, different versions, or all new works.  I will let you decide.
In the darkest night, you are my guiding light,
A beacon in the storm, shining bright.
Through turbulent seas and winds that howl,
You are the one who calms my soul.

Your presence is a source of strength,
A refuge from life’s trials and lengths.
In times of doubt and fear, you stand by,
A steady presence, never questioning why.

We weather the storms together,
Facing whatever challenges may sever.
With you as my anchor, I am safe,
No matter how the waves may chafe.

In your eyes, I find solace and peace,
A sanctuary where all worries cease.
Your touch is a gentle caress,
A reminder of all that we possess.

The world may shift and change,
But our love remains the same.
A bond that is unbreakable and true,
A beacon in the storm, always shining through.

In moments of darkness and despair,
You are the one who is always there.
With your hand in mine, I find strength,
A beacon in the storm, guiding me to a better length.

So thank you for being my beacon,
A light that shines bright, never weaken.
In the storms of life, I know I can always find,
A source of love and peace, in you, I can unwind.
This is a series of 5 poems - I don't know why, I just started and ended up with a document of a string of poems, some sharing a common thread, different versions, or all new works.  I will let you decide.
Within the tempest of a troubled mind,
Your light illuminates the darkest hour.
A soothing balm to calm the raging sea,
You are the steadfast anchor of my soul.

Your faith in me, a mountain strong and sure,
Upholds my spirit when it starts to fail.
In worlds conforming, seeking to endure,
Your authenticity rings pure and clear.

You see beyond the masks that others wear,
Accepting flaws and all that I possess.
A tender heart that always shows it cares,
Your love, a refuge in life’s wilderness.

Your eyes reflect the depths of my despair,
Yet hold a promise of a brighter day.
With you beside me, I can always bear
The heaviest burdens life may send my way.

A calm amidst the chaos of my thoughts,
You are the oasis in a barren land.
Our shared moments, like a treasure sought,
A bond unbreakable, heart to heart and hand.

You’ve seen my triumphs and my bitter falls,
Remaining constant through it all.
Your patience guides me when confusion calls,
Dispelling shadows, answering life’s thrall.

With you as compass, I can find my way
Through labyrinthine mazes of the mind.
Your love, a steadfast beacon, night and day,
Strengthens my spirit, leaves me undefined.
This is a series of 5 poems - I don't know why, I just started and ended up with a document of a string of poems, some sharing a common thread, different versions, or all new works.  I will let you decide.
In the chaos of my mind, you are my light,
Guiding me through the darkest of nights,
Your presence is like a soothing balm,
Calming the storm within my heart.

I find solace in your unyielding support,
Your unwavering belief in me gives me strength,
In a world that demands conformity,
You are the beacon of authenticity.

While others may try to mold me,
Into their idea of what I should be,
You see me for who I truly am,
Embracing my flaws and all.

I am grateful for your understanding,
For the way you hold me close,
In the midst of my turmoil,
You are my anchor, my rock.

I look into your eyes and see,
The reflection of my soul,
You know the depths of my being,
And love me in spite of it all.

In the chaos of my mind, you are my calm,
The peace that settles my restless thoughts,
In a world that often feels unkind,
You are the oasis in the desert.

I cherish the moments we share,
The laughter, the tears, the silence,
Each one a reminder of the bond we share,
A connection that transcends words.

You have seen me at my best,
And at my worst, yet still you stay,
Your love is unwavering,
A constant presence in my life.

I am grateful for your patience,
For the way you listen without judgment,
In the midst of my confusion,
You offer clarity and insight.

In the chaos of my mind, you are my clarity,
The voice of reason in a sea of doubt,
Your wisdom guides me through,
The labyrinth of my thoughts.

I hold onto you fiercely,
Knowing that with you by my side,
I can weather any storm,
And emerge stronger on the other side.

You are my safe haven,
My sanctuary in a world of chaos,
And for that, I am eternally grateful,
For the love and understanding you provide.

In the chaos of my mind, you are my anchor,
Keeping me grounded in times of uncertainty,
Your presence is a beacon of hope,
A reminder that I am never alone.

Thank you for being my rock,
For loving me in all my imperfections,
For understanding the depths of my soul,
In the chaos of my mind, you are my constant.
This is a series of 5 poems - I don't know why, I just started and ended up with a document of a string of poems, some sharing a common thread, different versions, or all new works.  I will let you decide.
Feb 4 · 66
Without You (2024)
WITHOUT YOU,
I find it hard to breathe
I find it hard to dream
I find my heart aches
I find myself awake

WITHOUT YOU,
My life has no purpose
My life seems colorless
My life is void of emotion
My life is full of commotion

WITHOUT YOU,
I wonder of what could be
I wonder of who I would be
I wonder how I should act
I see in the mirror my stoic façade crack

But I realize, though not near
I am with you, in my mind, in my heart
You are not far, but not near
Distant city, but close enough
I need to go, to the one I love

WITH YOU,
My life has meaning
My worries fleeting
My heart sings so loud
My spirit is amongst the clouds

WITH YOU,
I do not wish to leave
I can finally breathe
My heart aches no more
I feel my wings as my soul soars

WITH YOU,
My love is so true
No longer am I blue
Undying devotion
There is no more commotion
Feb 4 · 83
Forevermore (2024)
In the depths of our hearts, a flame of passion burns,
Intimate and forevermore, our love yearns.
With every beat, it grows deeper and stronger,
A bond that will last a lifetime, no longer.

Together we'll face the trials of time,
Our love is a beacon, forever a sublime.
Through laughter and joy, we'll embrace the new dawn,
A future filled with promise, a love so strong.

In your eyes, I see a reflection of our love,
A deep, passionate connection from above.
With you, I feel complete, whole, and free,
Forevermore intertwined, just you and me.

So let's laugh, let's dance, let's sing,
In our love, new beginnings begin to spring.
For in your arms, I've found my home,
A love so deep, it's like never before known.
I saw you from a distance
A beauty with an eye for art
A talent that drew me to you
An interest to know, not hold
I knew this was a distance I needed to close

Captivated by your presence
Learning of your past
The pain and anxiety
Of broken hearts and trust
Kindred spirits with tales of betrayal

We shared this pain
Both broken and abandoned
Was it destiny or fate?
Console each other we did
And with this, a new chapter begins

The walls started to crumble
For me and her
As the friendship grew, I fumbled with feelings
Respect and kindness, mutually given
Stirring a dormant passion, long thought extinct

She didn’t know, I tried to hide it
The volcano of emotions coming to life
Once again, my heart started to pound
Stuck in my throat, silence from my mouth.
Confusion took root, creating self-doubt

I took a step back, a break to discover
Stomach in knots, and introspective look
Love for a friend had been sparked
A fire in my heart had been stoked.
20 years of cold, and now a new warmth

She seems to like me
Though I question why
She seems to love me, I love her more
As she opens my heart, as she opens mine
My words seem to flow as our love grows

I am not handsome, I am not rich
I am honest, I am kind
I have wisdom from my world of pain
But she seems to love me, and I know not why
As questions go unanswered, She says she is mine.

How did I get so lucky, I ponder
This beauty who loves a beast
Self-doubt and worth are heavy in my thoughts
And I pose the question to her
What did I do to deserve her?

Generations apart
Was I born too early
Was she born too late
Love is love, and age but a number
What did I do to deserve her?

Her answer quells my curiosity
Astonishment of a young beauty
Wise beyond her years
My words, my kindness sparked her flame
But it was my respect and actions that fueled the fire

She claims me, forever she says
I claim her, ‘til the end of time
We acknowledge our faults
Aspirations and dreams
Nothing is perfect, but we will sustain

A loving couple lost in each other
Longing and yearning for the one that completes us
Heals our heart, mends our soul
She is my greatest love
And I am hers.

Dedicated to the woman I love
I still don’t deserve you but am happy you chose me
She claimed me, and it spurned this question.  She has answered, and I accepted, and yet the question still remains.
Feb 4 · 54
The Deep (1993)
The sea, so vast and deep
Full of life, abundance to keep
A barrier reef, a hidden gem
Beneath the waves, a colorful hem

The hues of blue, green, and gold
A masterpiece, a sight to behold
The artist's palette, so vibrant and bright
Love upon the canvas, a beautiful sight

Creatures of the deep, swimming free
Dancing in the waves, pure ecstasy
The coral reefs, a sanctuary below
Where life flourishes, a vibrant show

The sea, a place of mystery and wonder
A world of magic, a spell to be under
The waves crash upon the shore
A symphony of love, forevermore

Inspiring artists, poets, and writers alike
To capture the essence, the beauty so ripe
Love permeates the salty air
A feeling of peace, beyond compare

So let us cherish this gift from above
The sea, a symbol of endless love
May we protect and preserve its grace
For future generations to embrace.
I wrote this when stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
I have always had an affinity for the sea.
I learned to sail, to dive, to explore
I saw so many murals of sea life upon the buildings, the museums
Read the poetry of the islands, the spirit....
Feb 4 · 220
The Cycle (2023)
This has all happened before
And will all happen again
Learn from the past we are taught
But the same mistakes made, lessons ignored.
The hate of humanity stings
No common ground found
Yet brothers and sisters we are
Lives taken, persons slandered
Ideology trumps common sense
There is no love, no understanding
Centuries of hate, coveting what the other has
Demonizing beliefs because they are different
No filters, just hurtful words
No compassion, only disdain
No understanding, just demands
No helping, only greed
No forward-thinking, only the here-and-now
Humanity is doomed
Repeating the same mistakes
Unable to break the cycle
This has all happened before
And is happening again
I actually wrote this in the late 1990's before I had children.  And the cycle seems to never end, but only get repeated and worse.  I re-wrote this after news of Syria and Ukraine.
I am not one to play politics, repeat the pundit's rhetoric whether true or false.  I am but an observer - a watcher.  My days of combat are behind me, and yet I cannot turn on the news, follow social media, visit the store without seeing the continued insanity prevail.   and where we are doing it again.
Feb 4 · 94
Beautiful Day (2024)
It’s a beautiful day
Sun crests over the horizon
Spreading warmth to the day
Dew upon the flowers
Awakened by the sun
Stretching their petals in the morning bloom
From flower to flower
Butterflies and bees
Collecting nature’s bounty
Birds in the sky
Soaring with grace
Wind under wing
Wild painted horses
Running, playing
Grazing in the plains
Laughter of children
At one with nature
One with the clan
Sun sets over the horizon
It was a beautiful day
Early 2024 poem, experimenting with form, flow, and meaning
Feb 4 · 342
For the Fallen (1991)
Whirling of blades, clouds of dust
Screaming, suffering, litters of men
Crimson covered deck
Water of red flushing
Rinsing away the horrors of man
His uniform is ***** and wreaks
Dirt that isn’t dirt
He stumbles into the showers
Dazed in a trance, shock
Dropping his rifle, pistol falling to the ground
Standing under the cold rain
Dust and dirt, wash away
Water of crimson
Mud that isn’t mud
Guilt so heavy, he cannot breathe
Death all around him,
Yet he lives Why?
Brothers and sisters, gone
Yet he remains, why?
Guilt overwhelming
Pain, searing pain.
Yet he lives.
Unworthy, full of guilt
Crumped in the shower
Unworthy
He weeps for the fallen
Written as a cathartic outlet - therapy.  Operation Desert Storm - Battle of al-Khafji
Feb 4 · 682
Lanterns (2024)
Autumn Moon rises
Full-faced and bright
Filling the sky
White with hues of orange and red
First of the lunar year

Moonlight dancing
Over the mountains
Beaming through the valley
Reflections on the river
Mountains with the moon above

Amber lights of lanterns
The flicker of candles within
Villagers crowd the banks
Honor, remembrance,
Peace, forgiveness

Riddles light the village streets
Celebrations are in the air
Notes and prayers adorn the water
Prayers for ancestors and luck abound
Tiny lanterns start to glow

The current is gentle
Pulling the gifts from the shore
Drifting downstream
Guided and protected
By the spirit below

Roar of the water
Mist obscures
River falls away
Crashing below
Spirit revealed

Over the edge
Tiny vessels washed away
Updraft catches
Lanterns take flight
Spirit encircles

Spirit soars upwards
Heaven's journey
Serpentine flight
Celestial Guardian
Heaven's palace

Spirit returns
Duty fulfilled
River domain
Benevolent and pure
Slumber awaits as the rain begins to fall
This was an early poem in 2024 that I had forgotten about.  And I may have re-written it, or borrowed from this concept in other poems since.
My future father-in-law is taking his final journey,
A journey we all must take someday,
But it brings me great sorrow
That I never got the chance to know him.

Through tales and stories,
I have pieced together a picture of who he was,
A man of honor, integrity, and love,
A man who raised the woman I adore.

I can see his influence in every smile,
Every kind gesture, every gentle touch,
And I am grateful for the part of him
That lives on in my beloved.

I wish I could have sat with him,
Shared a drink, a laugh, a moment of connection,
But fate had other plans,
And now I must find a way to honor him in his absence.

I love his daughter with all my heart,
She is my rock, my light, my everything,
And I promise to care for her always,
To be the partner she deserves.

I asked for his blessing,
And he gave it with a smile,
A silent approval that means more to me
Than any words ever could.

I know he would have been proud to see us marry,
To see his daughter in her red dress,
Walking down the aisle towards her future,
A future that he had a hand in shaping.

I will miss his presence at our wedding,
His absence a palpable void,
But I know he will be there in spirit,
Watching over us with love and pride.

I wish I could have known him better,
Shared more moments, more conversations,
But I am grateful for the time we did have,
And for the lessons he imparted through his life.

Now, as the oldest, his son-in-law,
It falls to me to shoulder this burden,
To be a source of strength and support
For my grieving bride-to-be.

I will do everything in my power
To ease her pain, to lift her up,
To honor her father's memory
In every moment we share together.

My future father-in-law is taking his final journey,
But his spirit will always be with us,
Guiding us, watching over us,
And reminding us of the love that binds us all.
My 53rd poem of 2024
28JUN2024
Awakened from my dreams, Thoughts of you
A mischievous smile from ear to ear,
A glint of a tear in the corner of my eye,
A deafening thunderous roar from my chest.

The dream, too ****** to retell,
The smile, because I love you,
The tear, again, because I love you,
The pounding in my eardrum, because I love you.

Intense this feeling is,
Consuming me,
A myriad of emotions,
Too many to separate.

These are the Days of February,
A month of emotional turmoil,
Feelings that can overwhelm,
Feelings that can define oneself.

And it has only just begun,
This rollercoaster of love,
Twists and turns,
Ups and downs.

Though cliché,
The words spoken have never been truer,
You are the last thing before I sleep,
You are the thing that guides my dreams,
And you are the first thing I reach for, to see, when I wake.

You are my heart upon the scales,
Lighter than a feather,
Devoted and true,
The Prince of your heart.
In Shanghai's haze, neon lights gleam,
A ghostly beauty, a supreme dream.
My bride, a vision, a porcelain grace,
With raven hair and eyes of amber's embrace.

She blooms like a plum, in winter's cold hand,
A fragile strength, across the vast land.
Jade branches sway, in neon's bright gleam,
A subtle scent, a fleeting, sweet dream.

Shanghai's pulse beats, a vibrant refrain,
While she, my blossom, conquers the rain.
In this coming year, our love will unfold,
A story whispered, brave and bold.

Like plum in spring, defying the chill,
Our love will flourish, against all ill.
Resilient hearts, a future so bright,
We'll walk hand-in-hand, bathed in love's light.

My Shanghai Blossom, a treasure so rare,
A love eternal, beyond all compare.
In this city of dreams, our love will reside,
Forever entwined, side by side.
Where shadows linger, and dawn breaks slow,
Through misty air, a silent flight,
You soared into my heart, a gentle flow,
My angel, my muse, my guiding light.
You are the lifeblood, the rhythm of my soul,
Without your grace, my spirit feels untold.

When doubt and fear, like stormy clouds arise,
And shadows dance, and loneliness takes hold,
Remember this: within my heart resides,
A love that's fierce, a story to be told.
In dreams we meet, a bond forever true,
My angel, my muse, forever seeing you.

Though paths may twist, and stumbling stones abound,
And weary steps may falter and may stray,
Know that my love, a constant, deep profound,
Will guide you back, come what may.
In every thought, a whisper of your name,
My angel, my muse, forever I acclaim.

When tears may fall, and shadows fill the room,
And courage fades, and hope begins to wane,
Remember this: within your heart finds bloom,
A love that's strong, a gentle, sweet refrain.
In dreams we meet, a solace and a guide,
My angel, my muse, forever by your side.

So let us rise, above the earthly fray,
And spread our wings, and soar towards the sun,
Together we'll find a brighter, better way,
Our love a beacon, until our journey's run.
My angel, my muse, my heart forever entwined,
A love eternal, a peace of purest kind.
Feb 2 · 89
My Type (2025)
Do I have a type?
Yes, a phantom limb,
a ghost of desires
haunting my gaze.

A tapestry woven
in the crucible of youth,
where innocence
met the harsh realities
of womanhood.

90%, they said,
a statistic echoing
in the chambers of my heart,
the weight of expectation,
the fear of the unknown.

My Type,
a rebellion against the norm,
a defiance of the gaze
that objectified and
reduced.

It wasn't just the physical,
though the allure
of raven hair,
sun-kissed skin,
eyes like molten gold,
was undeniable.

It was the strength
forged in the fires
of ancient cultures,
the resilience
honed by generations
of survival.

The delicate blossoms
of the Orient,
unfurling in the face
of adversity,
a testament to
inner strength and grace.

Hawaii, New Zealand,
Tahiti, Indonesia,
islands of dreams,
where women
were warriors and healers,
legends whispered
on the wind.

My Type,
a reflection of
the world I yearned for,
a world where beauty
was more than skin deep,
where strength
was celebrated,
and women
were free to bloom.
In the tapestry of time,  
woven with threads of our laughter,  
we embarked on a journey,  
through seasons of whispered dreams.  
From sunlit mornings to moon-kissed nights,  
each moment a brushstroke on our canvas,  
painted in hues of devotion and delight.  

Together we’ve scaled mountains—  
the summit’s air thin, yet intoxicating.  
Love cradled in the altitude,  
as adventure danced beneath our feet.  
Your hand in mine, a compass unyielding,  
guiding us through forests of uncertainty;  
every path igniting sparks in the twilight.  

Years blend into years like colors mixing,  
and what was once a gentle flame,  
now roars with passion against the frost—  
a wild fire that warms our days and nights.  
Each glance a promise whispered with conviction,  
every touch a spell that binds us tighter.  

Can you feel it? The heartbeat of our journey—  
an echo of laughter among the stars.  
You are my map and my wayfinder,  
and with each kiss we plant seeds for tomorrow;  
dreams flourish like vines in sunlight,  
reaching out into futures unknown.  

Let us dream beneath sprawling skies—  
designing lives filled with offspring laughter,  
watching as they leap into their own odyssey.  
With each hug that holds the world together,  
we craft realms where love conquers all fears—  
in every shared breath honoring this deep bond.  

How adeptly we navigate uncharted waters!    
Double sunsets await when shadows chase the day;    
your smile lights up horizons leading forward—    
and still I marvel at how far we’ve climbed!    
The paths may twist through valleys steep and wide,    
yet here we stand—not just content but bursting!    

In every ordinary moment I see magic bloom—  
a testament to companionship forged in fire;    
with gratitude nestled deep within my heart—  
the warmth of your essence wraps around me like cotton.  
So here’s to us—the mapmakers and explorers!    
Let us continue crafting this tale with fervent hearts.    

And when darkness creeps upon our brightest hours,    
let it find us weaving love blankets as soft as whispers;    
for beyond adversity grows an orchard of hope—    
grounded in trust while reaching for evermore.  

Each “I love you” lingers sweet upon your lips,
infinite echo reverberating through lifetimes.
Kisses seal promises under starlit canvases,
as arms embrace infinity folded within spaces,
always ending tenderly—a rhythm eternal,
an ode to this adventure: you and I together.
The first notes, a hesitant tremolo,
a digital dance, a whispered prelude.
Sensuality, a primal current, surged through the ether,
a perversity born of longing,
a digital playground where passion ignited.

Beyond the flesh, a deeper melody,
emotions entwined, a rich harmony.
Doubts, like minor keys, fears, like dissonant chords,
laid bare in the cadences of candid confessions.

I, your haven, a refuge from life's tempest,
a steadfast anchor in the stormy seas.
My declaration, "You are the woman of my life,"
a soaring crescendo, echoing eternally.

No music can capture the essence,
this symphony born of our shared breath.
Your presence, a timeless rhapsody,
a masterpiece forever unfinished,
played by the stars, a celestial orchestra.

Together, we journey,
a rhythmic duet, through time and space,
composing a love song of infinite variations.
One note, a tender caress, one touch,
a passionate fortissimo, one whispered word,
a pianissimo, a symphony of souls, forever entwined.

There is no end, my love, only brief rests,
a pause between the movements,
a breath before the next crescendo.
For in the harmony of our hearts,
the music plays on, eternally.
I dream of a home,
Of the beach,
A white picket fence,
Rockers under the veranda.

I see the view, sunsets filling the sky
Waves rolling in,
Breeze gently kissing your hair,
Cooling the day, blowing the humidity away.

I dream of a future,
Children at play on the beach,
Dashing to the sea,
To only run away from the waves.

I sit in the rocker,
Gently swaying, calming
I reach across,
Holding the hand of the love of my life.

She guides herself to my lap,
Gently cradled in my arms,
Brushing the hair from her face,
Leaning in for the kiss, the sweet lips.

This is a shared dream,
This house with the view,
Of the setting suns,
The calm of the sea, beckons us.

But she finally realizes,
The house, the beach,
The waves, the fence,
Though a house, home is in the heart.
I dreamt of a haven,
A house on the beach,
White picket fence,
A mirage of peace.

Sunsets ablaze,
Painting the sky with fire,
Waves whispering secrets,
A gentle breeze, a sweet desire.

Children's laughter,
Echoes on the sand,
Chasing retreating waves,
A childhood, forever planned.

I saw us there,
Two souls entwined,
Rockers swaying,
A love sublime.

Her hand in mine,
A comforting embrace,
A gentle sigh,
A love's serene space.

But then she awoke,
From this idyllic scene,
The house, a mere shell,
A fleeting, transient dream.

For home, she declared,
Is not a place, a shore,
But a feeling, a heart,
Where love forevermore.
Feb 2 · 177
Chasing Hearts (2025)
Taking my time
is a deliberate pace,
a conscious choice
to savor the moments,
to appreciate the journey.

A flame in my life,
a passion,
a burning desire,
once vibrant and close,
now distant and fading.

Drowning in your arms,
a feeling of overwhelming affection,
a sense of being lost in the depths of your love.

The uncertainty of our pace,
the fear of moving too fast or too slow,
the yearning for certainty,
for a future without doubt.

The absence of your presence,
a void in my thoughts,
a lingering cloud of uncertainty.

The allure of falling into your arms,
the comfort and security it offers,
the realization that it won't alter the path you've chosen.

The pain of knowing you're pursuing a misguided path,
the desire to stay together,
to weather the years side by side.

The struggle to express my longing to return home,
the question of whether the journey is worthwhile,
the desire to alleviate your pain,
even if it means sharing in your suffering.

The paradoxical nature of love,
its capacity for both joy and sorrow,
its power to both uplift and wound.
The air hangs heavy,
a suffocating blanket
of unspoken words.
Your silence, a deafening roar,
echoes through the empty spaces
where your voice used to reside.

I search for meaning in the shadows,
tracing the lines of your absence,
deciphering the unspoken language
of your withdrawal.
Each beat of my heart
a desperate plea for connection.

The world feels muted,
colors drained,
joy a distant memory.
Your laughter, once a melody,
now a haunting refrain
playing on repeat in the emptiness.

I long for the warmth of your gaze,
the touch of your hand,
the rhythm of your breath
against my skin.
But all I receive
is the chilling silence
of your indifference.

This agonizing wait,
this constant ache,
is slowly eroding my resolve.
I'm drowning in a sea of doubt,
desperate for a lifeline,
a single word,
a sign that you still care.

And in the quiet desperation,
I whisper your name
into the void,
hoping against hope
that somehow,
somehow,
you can hear the echo
of my despair.
I feel the distance,
a growing expanse
between where we stand,
and where we used to be.
A little piece of you
slips away each day,
and with it, a part of me.

My words, meant as bridges,
sometimes fall short,
missing the mark,
lost in the vastness.
I try to weave tapestries
of love, comfort, and desire,
but they seem to unravel
before they reach you.

This isn't the final chapter,
but the erosion is real.
It gnaws at the edges
of my being,
a constant reminder
of the space between us.
In the quiet of the night,
the cold and the loneliness
become a heavy blanket.

I search for the light,
the warmth that once flowed freely,
but a cloak of despair
seems to thicken,
obscuring everything.
My voice, it seems,
doesn't carry far enough,
or perhaps it's the wrong melody,
a dissonance
that may have caused hurt.

I tell you that you are seen,
valued, exquisite, complex.
I whisper of my love,
but the voices of anxiety
in your world
seem to drown me out.
I fear my words
are lost in the noise,
unheard, unheeded.

I long for you to see me,
as I see you.
To feel me,
as I feel you.
To bridge this chasm
that stretches between us.
Tell me the truth,
even if it's the hardest truth.
I need to know,
so I can find my way back,
or find my way forward,
without losing myself
completely.
In the still of the night, I sit alone
With nothing but my thoughts to keep me company
The darkness envelopes me like a shroud
And I find myself lost in its depths

I watch as the stars twinkle above
Their light so far away, yet so comforting
But it is the aurora that catches my eye
Dancing across the sky, a beautiful display

But even as I gaze upon its beauty
I can't help but feel a sense of loneliness
For you are the light in my life
Yet the darkness surrounds me, suffocating

I long to reach out to you
To feel your warmth and love so true
But you are far away, out of reach
And I am left here, drowning in my thoughts

I think of all the moments we shared
The laughter, the love, the joy
And I realize how much I miss you
How your absence weighs heavy on my heart

I close my eyes and imagine your face
Your smile, your eyes, your touch
And for a moment, I am at peace
But then the darkness creeps back in

I try to push it away, to banish it for good
But it lingers, like a shadow in the night
And I am left feeling lost and alone
Yearning for the light of your presence

So I sit here, staring into the darkness
Searching for a glimmer of hope
A sign that you are thinking of me too
That I am not alone in this vast emptiness

But until that moment comes
I will continue to fight against the darkness
To hold onto the memory of your light
And to keep you close in my heart forever more.
Feb 1 · 234
Discord (2007)
In the dark depths of Tartarus, where chaos reigns
Eris, the goddess of discord, dwells in eternal pain
Tortured and tormented, she weeps in despair
Her laughter turned to madness, her beauty marred by care

Once a radiant goddess, beloved by all
Now a cursed figure, doomed to fall
Her mischief and schemes, her lies and deceit
Led to her downfall, her ultimate defeat

In her twisted realm, where shadows dance
The sailor ventures, seeking chance
Lost in the labyrinth of her twisted mind
He faces the demons of his own kind

Whispers of betrayal, echoes of fear
A chorus of voices in his ear
Eris watches, with twisted delight
As the sailor succumbs to the endless night

His ship sails on a sea of black
Caught in the web of Eris's attack
His crew whispers of mutiny, of doubt
As discord spreads, inside and out

The sailor's dreams are haunted by strife
His past mistakes, his wasted life
He longs for the light, for a way out
But Eris's grip is strong, there is no doubt

In Tartarus, time stands still
A prison of torment, an endless thrill
Eris laughs, in her twisted glee
As the sailor falls, on bended knee

But in the darkness, a spark ignites
A glimmer of hope, a flicker of light
The sailor rises, with newfound strength
To face the goddess, at any length

He confronts Eris, in her twisted lair
Her eyes gleaming with a malevolent glare
But the sailor stands tall, unyielding and strong
Defiant in the face of all that is wrong

With a roar of defiance, he breaks free
From Eris's grip, from her twisted decree
He sails out of Tartarus, into the light
A hero victorious, in the eternal fight

And Eris, in her twisted domain
Is left to ponder, in her eternal pain
The sailor's courage, his unwavering will
A flicker of hope, in a world so still

For in the darkness, there is always light
In the depths of despair, there is always fight
And the sailor's victory, his triumphant way
Shines brightly in the endless day.
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