Liǔ Xīn

Chuí liǔ sī sī xì xīyáng,
Yín bō mò mò yìng yuèguāng.
Gēn zhā nítǔ chéng hòuzhòng,
Zhī wǔ fēng zhōng sù zhōngcháng.

Rì nuǎn róu tiáo zhǎn xīnlǜ,
Yè hán xiān yǐng yè qīngjì.
Jiāngshuǐ yōuyōu zài biélí,
Xīnxù wàn qiān jì liǔdí.

Chūn lái huā luò jiē shì kè,
Wéi yǒu liǔ sī qiān húnpò.
Mò dào lí chóu kōng zì rǎo,
Liǔ xīn yī diǎn zhào shānhé.


The Willow's Heart

Silken willow strands bind the setting sun,
Silver ripples softly reflect the moon's spun.
Roots in earth, bearing burdens deep,
Branches dance in wind, secrets to keep.

Warm sun brings tender shoots of vibrant green,
Cold nights, slender shadows, lonely scene.
River flows, carrying partings' sigh,
Myriad heart's thoughts, in willow flute lie.

Spring's blooms and falls, all passing guests,
Only willow threads, the soul invests.
Do not say parting's sorrow is in vain,
Willow's heart single point, illuminates mountain and plain.

The light, a fractured prism, paints a wall,
But what hues dance there, is not for all.
My eyes, a filter, stained by memory's trace,
See crimson where another finds a gentle space.
The scent of rain, to me, a promise kept,
To you, a ghost of tears, a sorrow wept.

The mountain's peak, a triumph, sharp and bold,
To those below, a story yet untold.
The river's flow, a journey, smooth and grand,
To those it floods, a vengeful, grasping hand.
A whispered word, a lover's softest plea,
To jealous ears, a sharp conspiracy.

The canvas vast, of moments spun and frayed,
Each stroke of sense, a different truth displayed.
The taste of wine, a vintage, rich and deep,
To bitter tongues, a poison they will keep.
The touch of skin, a comfort, warm and true,
To those betrayed, a wound they can't undo.

The rustling leaves, a symphony of sound,
To anxious hearts, a threat on hallowed ground.
The city's hum, a vibrant, pulsing beat,
To weary souls, a suffocating heat.
The silent stare, a gaze of pure intent,
To guilty minds, a judgment heaven-sent.

The world unfolds, a tapestry of sight,
Each thread a truth, held in a different light.
Beliefs and values, woven, tight and deep,
Shape how we see, the secrets we will keep.
A half-full glass, a beacon, shining bright,
A half-empty void, consumed by endless night.

The bridge we build, between our separate shores,
Demands a language, that forever explores.
No single map, can chart the human heart,
Each landscape shifts, and tears the world apart.
And so we ask, and listen, and explain,
To find the common ground, to ease the pain.

The silent spaces, where our visions clash,
Require the gentle touch, of understanding's flash.
To share the stories, that our senses weave,
To bridge the gaps, that time can never leave.
To build a world, where empathy can thrive,
Where different eyes, can learn to keep alive.

And in the quiet moments, when we’re alone,
We ponder the foundations, we’ve always known.
We seek the answers, in each other’s gaze,
To navigate the labyrinth, of life’s complex maze.
Though we look at things from a glass half full or half empty – perhaps the question should be - is there a glass?

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

(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)

The city sleeps, a hushed and gentle sigh,
but in my heart, a constant flame burns bright.
For you, my love, my artist of the soul,
whose colors dance across the canvas of my dreams.

The world may spin, a dizzying array of trials,
and shadows lengthen, casting doubt and fear.
But know this, my love, through every storm we face,
my heart remains a steadfast anchor, holding you near.

The weight of the world, it presses down, I know,
the burdens you carry, the battles you fight.
And though distance may stretch between us,
my thoughts, my prayers, they find you in the night.

If ever darkness threatens to consume,
if weariness pulls you into its deep embrace.
Remember this, my love, a whispered promise in the dark,
my love is a constant, a refuge, a safe space.

In the quiet hours, when sleep eludes,
and worries whisper secrets in your ear.
Know that I am here, just a call away,
a comforting presence, banishing all fear.

Through every trial, every tribulation,
through every labor, every tear you cry.
My love, my heart, my very being,
is forever bound to you, until the day I die.

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.

A crooked path, not straight,
life's journey unfolds,
twists and turns, a testing fate,
a story to be told.

Obstacles rise, a daunting sight,
pushing limits, testing might,
unimaginable trials appear,
a challenge to hold dear.

But in the shadows, a guiding light,
love and respect, shining bright,
trust and support, a steady hand,
a refuge in shifting sand.

Through every storm, we find our way,
together we weather the fray,
large or small, the tempest blows,
but steadfast love surely grows.

When the dust settles, calm descends,
the sun's warm embrace extends,
a new dawn breaks, clear and true,
a future built anew.

For in the end, it's love that stays,
the bond that lights our darkest days,
those who lift us, hand in hand,
this is the truth, forever to stand.

I tried,
I struggled,
I succeeded,
I failed.

I supported,
I ridiculed,
I hugged,
I yelled.

I ignored,
I watched,
I comforted,
I taught.

But mostly,
I loved,
I nurtured,
And I was there.

I finally get it,
I am not perfect,
Far from it,
I am my own mistakes.

Lessons taught,
Morals instilled,
Guidance provided,
Of society norms.

And yet, I heard,
A quote that cut me to the core,
And urge you,
Break the mold, be your own.

It was never your part my child,
To teach me who you were,
It was my responsibility,
To learn who you ARE.

I am sorry if I wasn’t enough.

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.

The year Rose turned sixteen,
I was lost in the haze of my own life,
unaware of the world unfolding around me.
I saw her grow taller, her voice deepen,
but I failed to see the woman she was becoming.

With Daisy, at sixteen,
a whirlwind of energy and passion erupted –
a force of nature I couldn't contain or calm.
I saw her dreams taking flight,
but words of encouragement stuck in my throat.

Laurel, at sixteen,
was a quiet observer, a deep thinker –
intelligence and sensitivity shone bright.
Yet, I struggled to connect on her level,
to speak the language of her gentle heart.

And Lilly, sixteen –
a mirror image of her mother, Maggie's beauty –
reminded me of love I'd once held close.
I saw potential blooming, heart full of pride,
but past regrets silenced my voice.

As years passed, daughters blossomed –
each unique petal unfolding –
I witnessed accomplishments, struggles, and strength.
But pride and love remained unspoken –
hidden beneath fear of emotional reckoning.

Now, as life fades, I confront
missed years, words left unspoken,
love I failed to show – heavy regrets weigh.
Can Maggie and our daughters forgive
the father I should have been, the love I withheld?

To Maggie, My Love
In dying light, my heart sees clearly –
your patience, devotion, and gentle soul.
You nurtured our daughters through my haze,
loved them – and me – without condition.

Forgive my silence, my absent heart –
yours was the love that kept our family whole.
Take care of our girls, and know you were
my forever love – the one I should have held closer.

The pill didn’t make you larger
The pill didn’t make you small
The heart lay battered
The heart lay bruised
Images of innocence lost
The pain remains

Turmoil, and pain
Resolute not
Heart lies broken
Colors to canvas
Therapy of brush strokes
Yet the pain remains

Down the rabbit hole
The walls go up
Can’t let them in
Only to be hurt again
Crumpled on the floor
Tears run freely
Still, the pain remains

The images vibrant
The vision clear
The tormented soul
Colors to canvas
The world to see
Embracing the pain that remains

I fell in love, a moment lost to time,
Perhaps a memory, a forgotten rhyme.
A sense of knowing, deeper than the day,
A love that lingered, found its rightful way.

You call me Prince, your anchor in the storm,
The one who showed you, a life reborn.
You found your strength, your peace, your solid ground,
In my embrace, your true self you have found.

And I, in turn, with tender words I call,
My Angel bright, who answers to my thrall.
My Dragon Princess, with a spirit free,
My Muse, inspiring all eternity.

My Sweetest Inspiration, you ignite,
A fire within, that burns ever bright.
My Love, my everything, beneath the sky,
More than the stars that twinkle passing by.

You are the sun, that warms my waking hours,
The moon that guides me, through life's shadowed powers.
You paint my world with colors yet unseen,
A vibrant canvas, where our love has been.

Your laughter echoes, a sweet, melodic sound,
Your gentle touch, where solace can be found.
Your eyes hold worlds, a universe untold,
A story written, in hearts brave and bold.

I found my haven, in your loving gaze,
Through trials faced, and sunlit, peaceful days.
My heart beats only, for your gentle grace,
A sacred space, within your warm embrace.

Our journey weaves, a tapestry of fate,
With threads of gold, where destinies await.
Our love, a beacon, shining through the night,
Guiding our souls, with its unwavering light.

A bond unbreakable, a love so deep and true,
A sanctuary found, between me and you.
Together we rise, on wings of purest white,
Soaring above, in love's eternal light.

My Dragon Princess, fierce and ever strong,
My soul's companion, where we both belong.
In every whisper, every tender sigh,
My love for you, will never truly die.

No fleeting passion, but a timeless vow,
A love eternal, here and ever now.
Exploring depths, of joy and tender bliss,
Sealed with a promise, a soft, loving kiss.

So hand in hand, we'll journey on our way,
Through winding paths, where wild winds gently sway.
Our love's a fortress, standing strong and tall,
My heart's devotion, given once and for all.

And through the ages, our legend will remain,
A love story whispered, through sunshine and through rain.
My Angel, Dragon, Muse, my Love, my life,
A gift from heavens, to end all earthly strife.

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.

The Milky Way, a silver ribbon,
drapes across the velvet night.
Stars, diamonds scattered on black velvet,
twinkle, a celestial cacophony.
We, two amorists, beneath this grand display,
find solace in each other's gaze.

The moon, a pale pearl,
casts an ethereal glow,
illuminating the path
that leads us to this Elysian field.
Here, beneath the ancient oak,
our souls intertwine,
a nexus of love,
born under the watchful gaze of the cosmos.

Comets, with fiery tails,
race across the inky canvas,
leaving trails of stardust
in their wake.
These celestial wanderers,
like our fleeting moments,
burn bright and ephemeral,
leaving behind a trail of memories.

Planets, distant and mysterious,
orbit in silent symphony,
a cosmic ballet
unfolding before our eyes.
In this vast universe,
we find our own orbit,
bound by an invisible force,
a love that transcends the stars.

The universe, a vast and indifferent entity,
yet it conspires
to bring us together.
Under the watchful gaze of the cosmos,
our love story unfolds,
a testament to the enduring power
of human connection.

And as we gaze into each other's eyes,
we know that our love,
like the stars,
will forever shine bright,
a beacon of hope
in the vastness of the universe.

A digital chasm yawns between us, a void that echoes with longing.
A thousand miles stretch, a physical distance mirroring the emotional.
In this absence, I feel a slow descent, a sinking beneath the surface.
The world, once vibrant, is now muted, a canvas devoid of color.
Each passing moment, a grain of sand slipping through an hourglass,
counting down the seconds until I can once again bask in your presence.

Without your radiant smile, the sun loses its warmth.
Your laughter, a melody that once filled my days, now echoes in silence.
In the quiet nights, your absence casts long shadows,
a haunting reminder of the love we share, yet are separated by.

I yearn for your touch, a gentle caress that soothes my soul.
Your voice, a whisper, a lullaby that calms my restless mind.
But now, I am adrift, a solitary vessel on a stormy sea.
The waves crash against my fragile heart, threatening to drown me.

I cling to the memory of your love, a lifeline in this endless night.
It’s a bittersweet comfort, a painful reminder of what I’ve lost.
Yet, hope flickers, a tiny flame in the darkness,
ignited by the promise of a future where we are reunited.

Until that day, I’ll wander through this digital labyrinth,
searching for a glimpse of you, a sign of your love.
A love that transcends distance, a love that defies time,
a love that keeps me tethered to the shore, even as I’m pulled beneath the waves.

As a young artist, I found myself drawn,
To his warmth and wisdom, dawn to dawn.
An older man, with stories etched deep,
A connection formed, a love to keep.

His words, a melody, a guiding light,
Encouraging me to soar so high.
To explore my thoughts, my deepest core,
And express myself, forevermore.

Drawn to him, in ways unknown,
A connection, a love to own.
Beyond age, a bond so true,
A love that grew, a passion new.

Not just admiration, respect alone,
Something more, a love to own.
A connection, transcending norms,
A love that bloomed, a sweet perfume.

I looked forward, with eager heart,
To our meetings, a special part.
His smile, a warmth, a guiding light,
His eyes, a beacon, shining bright.

Seen and understood, a precious gift,
A person, not just an artist, adrift.
Dreams and fears, passions aflame,
A love ignited, a burning flame.

As feelings grew, a love so deep,
I knew I had to give, to keep.
To show him, his presence, a guiding star,
More than mentorship, a bond so far.

A portrait painted, a heartfelt plea,
A reflection of our unity.
In hues of love, gratitude, and grace,
A love so pure, a loving space.

As I presented, his eyes held tears,
A moment of truth, dispelling fears.
Age, just a number, a fleeting sight,
Love has no bounds, a guiding light.

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

In the windmills of my mind
Lies a battle yet to be defined
A constant struggle between heart and mind
Love's challenge, should I tilt or should I withdraw

The windmills turn, creak, and groan
From the force of emotions unknown
Should I take the plunge, embrace the unknown
Or retreat and keep my heart stone

Like a ship caught in a storm
I toss and turn, my thoughts forlorn
Should I let love's flame burn bright
Or douse it out, retreat into the night

The windmills of my mind spin round
A carousel of emotions, leaving me bound
To the whims of love's fickle hand
Should I stay or should I withstand

The winds of change blow fierce and strong
As I navigate the path of right and wrong
Should I follow my heart's sweet song
Or cut ties, bid love so long

The windmills turn, a never-ending dance
Of love's sweet seduction, leaving me in a trance
Should I surrender to its tempting call
Or build walls, protect my heart's fragile wall

The windmills of my mind whisper and sigh
A symphony of doubts, fears, and why
Should I risk it all for love's sweet embrace
Or play it safe, protect my heart's delicate grace

The windmills of my mind
A labyrinth of choices, intertwined
Love's challenge, should I tilt or should I withdraw
Only time will tell, the answer I shall unearth and draw

3-** Earth
The gentle breeze, a murmur soft and deep,
Where loving truths, within his spirit sleep.
A fertile scent, that soothes his troubled mind,
"Follow your heart," her guidance he will find.
The rooted earth, a mirror to his soul,
Where steady growth, will make his spirit whole.
The valley's peace, a map upon his dream,
To guide his steps, where loving virtues gleam.

The Earthen Whisper's Hold, a secret, warm and deep,
"I am the secret in your heart," where gentle shadows sleep.
The earth's embrace, a comfort that endures,
Where love has cleared, the path to her secures.
The summer's breath, a nurturing, soft and kind,
To build a home, where peace he'll always find.
Her whispered words, a promise to be near,
To banish sorrow, and dispel all fear.

The fertile ground, where gentle seeds take root,
Now blossoms forth, her loving absolute.
The ancient stones, of wisdom's steady art,
To build a haven, that will not depart.
The flowing stream, that carries her sweet sound,
Where love's true essence, can at last be found.
Her gentle voice, a promise to embrace,
"Follow your heart," and find her loving space.

The Earthen Whisper's Hold, a beacon in the day,
"I am the secret in your heart," a guiding, loving way.
The earth's soft touch, a comfort and a grace,
To lead him home, to her embracing space.
The dawn arrives, a golden, hopeful hue,
That melts the frost, and makes his spirit new.
Her loving gaze, a promise to be true,
To find his soul, and make his spirit new.

February 2024 (Lunar New Year)

Red envelopes, a digital glow.
Her apartment, a small diaspora.
Dragon dances on a screen,
fireworks muted by time zones.
He sends a photo, plum blossoms,
a scroll with a calligraphic wish.
"Xīnnián kuàilè" she types, fingers flying,
a pang of home, a new year’s echo.

March (International Women's Day)

She speaks of her grandmother,
bound feet, unbound spirit.
He listens, a quiet respect,
a history he seeks to understand.
Emails filled with stories,
feminine strength, ancient wisdom.
He sends her a poem, Li Qingzhao,
translated with care, a delicate offering.

April (Qingming Festival/Easter)

Ancestral graves, a digital visit.
He lights incense, virtual smoke,
a gesture of shared remembrance.
Easter eggs, pastel and bright,
a Western symbol, a gentle contrast.
They discuss life, death, rebirth,
the cycles of nature, the soul’s journey.

May (Mother's Day)

He sends a package, silk scarves,
a teacup painted with peonies.
She calls her mother, a long conversation,
then calls him, a voice soft with gratitude.
He speaks of his own mother,
her simple kindness, her enduring love.
They find common ground, mothers remembered,
a bridge built of shared sentiment.

June (Dragon Boat Festival/Father's Day)

Zongzi, sticky rice, sweet dates,
she makes them from a recipe,
a taste of childhood, a memory shared.
He sends a photo, a dragon boat race,
a vibrant spectacle, a shared experience.
Father's Day, a quiet reflection,
his own father, a man of few words,
but deep, enduring actions.

July (Mid-Year/Independence Day)

Summer heat, a digital escape.
He sends photos of his garden,
lush greenery, a peaceful haven.
She sends photos of her city,
concrete canyons, vibrant energy.
Fireworks across the divide,
a shared moment of light, a distant celebration.

August (Qixi Festival)

The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd,
a celestial love story, told and retold.
He sends a handmade card,
a constellation drawn in silver ink.
She writes a short story,
their own tale, a modern myth.
Longing, distance, a love that persists,
a thread connecting two distant stars.

September (Mid-Autumn Festival)

Mooncakes, round and golden,
shared through a screen, a virtual feast.
He sends a recording, a moonlit poem,
a melody of ancient words.
She sends a painting, a rabbit on the moon,
a whimsical image, a shared smile.
The moon, a silent witness,
a shared sphere, a common sky.

October (Double Ninth Festival/Halloween)

Chrysanthemums, symbols of longevity,
he sends a dried bouquet, a lasting gift.
She sends a photo, her costume,
a playful spirit, a moment of lightness.
Halloween, a night of masks and stories,
a shared fascination with the unseen.
They discuss aging, wisdom, the passage of time,
a conversation deep and meaningful.

November (Thanksgiving)

He cooks a traditional meal,
a table set for two, a place for her in spirit.
She makes Shànghǎi làjiàng miàn,
a fusion feast, a celebration of her heritage.
They express gratitude, for each other,
for the unexpected connection, for the love that blooms.
A shared warmth, a quiet contentment,
a thankfulness that transcends distance.

December (Winter Solstice/Christmas)

Dumplings, a winter tradition,
she makes them with friends, a shared warmth.
He lights candles, a quiet ritual,
a celebration of light in the darkness.
Christmas carols, a familiar melody,
a shared appreciation for the season.
He sends a small, carved wooden box,
an intricate design, a symbol of hope.

January 2025 (New Year's Day)

A new year, a fresh start,
a promise of change, a hope for reunion.
They make plans, tentative and exciting,
a journey across oceans, a meeting of hearts.
He sends a poem, a promise of spring,
a vision of shared days, a future unfolding.

February 2025 (Lunar New Year)

Another dragon dances, brighter this time.
She plans a trip, tickets purchased,
a promise of presence, a physical connection.
He prepares his home, a space for her,
a welcoming embrace, a shared future.
Hope, respect, love, a foundation,
a new year, a new beginning, together.

March 2025 (International Women's Day)

They walk, hand in hand,
through a garden bursting with spring.
Stories shared, faces seen,
the distance collapsed, the journey begun.
A new year, a new chapter,
love, finally, tangible and real.

Future 2025

He proposes on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, a double nine, symbolizing longevity and eternity.  Nine days of introductions to family and friends, a whirlwind of new faces and shared meals, laughter bridging cultures. Nine months of courtship, exploring their adopted city together, discovering hidden corners and shared passions.  A wedding, a blend of East and West, traditions intertwined, vows spoken in two languages.  Nine days of honeymoon, a secluded beach, the ocean a constant rhythm, their love a new melody, echoing into a future filled with promise.

1-02 Wood
Dew glistens, hibiscus blooms,
Sun peeks high, Koko's crest.
Shadows fade, Hanauma's calm,
Ocean sighs, tides gently roll.
Brown hair unbound, a steady sound,
Sun shimmers, on her sleeping face.
Chest rises, falls, in gentle sleep,
Hibiscus adorns, a tranquil scene.

A gentle breath, a moment's peace,
Hibiscus Heartbeat fills the air.
A soft drumbeat, deep within,
Tranquility, a love so fair.
The drum quickens, a thunderous sound,
A sign, a gesture, in slumber deep.
Yet she remains, in peaceful rest,
A longing touch, the heart will keep.

Ear turned, a gesture, a beat divine,
Hand reaches out, a soft caress.
Hand meets hand, a connection found,
Beat so strong, a silent song.
Heavy heart beats, a morning's grace,
Love's pure touch, a heart embraced.
Slumber deep, a dream unfolds,
Connection flows, a story told.

The deafening beat, she cannot hear,
But feels the touch, a blissful sign.
She feels the beat, so strong and near,
Hibiscus Heartbeat, love's design.
A serenade, in morning's light,
Longing for love, to come her way.
Two hearts entwined, in gentle might,
A love so pure, where dreams hold sway.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The year breathes awake,
like the first blush of April.
A tenderness unfurls, slow and deliberate,
mirroring the hesitant green on the branches.
My heart, a landscape softened by spring rain,
finds its echo in your quiet strength.
A love less like a sudden storm,
more like the persistent warmth that coaxes life.

The distance between us, a winter frost receding,
leaving the ground fertile for something new.
Our entwining is not a sudden grasp,
but the gradual weaving of vines reaching for sunlight.
In the unfurling of each leaf, I see a promise,
a resilience reflected in your gaze.
This bond, not brittle, but flexible and deep-rooted,
like the enduring heartwood beneath the blossom.

Each petal that drifts down, a silent offering,
carries a piece of my being, a whispered devotion.
The air itself hums with a gentle longing,
a melody only my soul recognizes as your name.
I trace the delicate veins of a new leaf,
and find there the intricate map of my affection.
This is not a fleeting infatuation,
but a rooted yearning that stretches towards you.

The breeze carries not just air, but my unspoken words,
a soft sigh that journeys across miles.
My heart beats a rhythm that only finds completion
in the imagined cadence of your own.
Until the moment our paths converge again,
I find solace in the enduring promise of spring,
a quiet certainty that this love, like the season's return,
will meet its fullness under a shared sky.

I see the world through your eyes
The brushstrokes on your canvas
Telling the tales of your heart; Joy and sadness
I see you, behind the masks, through the façade you project

I see you, in all your beauty and imperfections
The serpent lay in protection across your arm
The three-toed dragon upon your back, granting you strength
White ribbon, a bow tying back your ebony hair.

The script of your culture lay bare upon your slender neck.
The twinkle in your eyes, as they smile back at me.
The curl of your lips just before you laugh.
The gentle biting of the bottom, enticing mischievous thoughts

You are a friend, who became more.
One whom you allowed to walk in your garden.
One whom you confided in, who let me comfort you with words of encouragement.
You are someone I fell in love with, as I learned you fell for me too.

Can’t you see, my love
You are the one, the one who makes me whole
You are the one, the one that makes me dream again
You are the one, The Shape of My Happiness

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.

Pinpricks in the velvet night,
Stars, your eyes, a guiding light.
Each twinkle, a promise kept,
Your love, a beacon, forever adept.

The moon, a silver crescent, gleams,
Chasing the light, a poet's dream.
Your guidance, a steady hand,
Dispelling darkness, across the land.

The sun, a golden orb, so bright,
Warming the day, with all its might.
Your warmth, a comforting embrace,
Chasing away, the darkest place.

In every star, a piece of you,
In every moonbeam, a love anew.
In every sunrise, a hope untold,
In every sunset, a story old.

Forever present, in my mind,
A love so pure, so truly kind.
Lost without you, I'd surely be,
A wandering soul, adrift at sea.

In memory of the fallen heroes, I stand
A US Marine who bore witness to war's hand
Bravery and sacrifice, are etched in my mind
As I carry the weight of the ones left behind

Medals shine brightly on my chest
But they feel heavy, a constant test
For I did not earn them, not truly
The real heroes are gone, so unruly

Gallantry, Valor, Honor, Hero
These words now feel so hollow
For it was my brothers who truly deserved
To be honored, respected, and preserved

I fought in battles afar, and I survived
While they lay on the battlefield, deprived
Of the chance to come back home
To their families, where they truly belong

I am unworthy of these accolades
For I live, while they lie in their graves
Their memory lives on in my heart
As I carry their legacy, I am never apart

So here lies a US Marine
Proud to have served, yet still unseen
For the real heroes are the ones who fell
Amid the battle, where they dwelled

Rest in peace, my brothers in arms
For you are the true heroes, with all your charms
I will never forget the sacrifices you made
And I will honor you, until my final day.

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 pen unfurling, a lifeline cast into the abyss,
words tumbling forth, raw and unfiltered,
a cathartic release, a soul laid bare.

Pain, a searing ember, ignites the page,
anguish, a tidal wave, threatening to drown,
confusion, a dense fog, obscuring the path ahead.

Betrayal, a venomous serpent, coils around the heart,
abuse, a suffocating weight, crushing the spirit.

But the ink flows, a river of sorrow,
washing away the grime, cleansing the wounds.

Love, a beacon of light, pierces the darkness,
friendship, a sturdy anchor, holding fast in the storm.

Joy, a fleeting butterfly, dances on the fingertips,
life, a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of hope.

Dreams, iridescent bubbles, floating on the breeze,
guiding the way, beckoning towards the horizon.

Observations, like precious gems, scattered across the landscape,
nature's symphony, a harmonious chorus of life.

The cosmos, a vast ocean of stars, twinkling in the inky canvas,
a reminder of our place, a tiny speck in the grand design.

Balance, a delicate dance, between light and shadow,
yin and yang, the ebb and flow of existence.

This wondrous world, a kaleidoscope of colors,
a symphony of sounds, a tapestry of textures.

We, the poets, weavers of stories,
capturing the essence of life,
in every brushstroke, in every verse.

Let it flow, the emotions, the thoughts, the dreams,
unleash the torrent, let it wash over you.

For in the flow, there is healing,
in the flow, there is truth,
in the flow, there is life.

Jiǔzhài Xīnyǔ

Shānsè kōngméng suǒ bì hú,
Fēipù yín liàn wǔ yún qú.
Dié cǎi yáochí yìng tiānjìng,
Qīngliú wǎnzhuǎn sù shǔ dū.

Qiūfēng rǎn lín fēngyè chì,
Dōngxuě fù lǐng yù qióng zhī.
Sìjì lúnhuí jiē shì huà,
Xīn suí liúshuǐ jì xiāngsī.

Céng yì qiāng gē rào cuì gǔ,
Jīnzhāo mènglǐ fǎng yōudú.
Xì tīng Jiǔzhài xīnyǔ sù,
Yī lǚ xiāngchóu rù fèifǔ.

Whispers of Jiǔzhàigōu

Mountain hues, misty, lock jade lakes deep,
Flying waterfalls, silver silk, cloud pathways sweep.
Layered, colorful pools, heaven's mirror gleam,
Clear streams, winding, Chengdu's tales they seem.

Autumn winds paint forests, maple leaves burn red,
Winter snow covers peaks, jade tapestry spread.
Four seasons turn, each a painted scene,
Heart follows flowing water, longing, serene.

Once, Qiang songs echoed in emerald valleys,
Today, in dreams, I seek its lonely alleys.
Listening closely to Jiǔzhàigōu's whispers,
A strand of homesickness, in my heart, I hold.

Souls fill the void, a cosmic dance,
Free orbits spinning, a distant chance.
Yet now and then, two paths collide,
A binary orbit, side by side.

Together, yet apart, a cosmic pair
Hues intertwining, beyond compare.
Love, admiration, joy, respect,
New vessels born, a comic sect.

Separate, yearning for their mate,
Hours to days, a cosmic weight.
Decades to centuries, time's relentless flow,
The cycle endless, a cosmic show.

Yin seeks Yang, across the void,
The sun, the moon, forever employed.
Rarely glimpsed a fleeting sight,
Soul in search of soul, a guiding light.

Different times, across the globe,
Until one day, a chance to probe.
A sparkle in the eyes, a scent so sweet,
Something familiar, a cosmic feat.

The vessels react, a newfound grace,
A cosmic dance, a loving embrace.
Heart bursting, with joy untold,
A millennium of longing, now unrolled.

Across the heavens, beyond time's reach,
Soul finds soul, a cosmic speech.
Eternally united, a cosmic pair,
A love so pure, beyond compare.

I. Moonlit Shadows, Whispered Name

Xiǎo bái lóng, a name soft on the ear,
She dances 'neath the moon, banishing all fear.
Petals, like snow, from her fingertips flow,
A gentle breeze stirs, where soft laughter will grow.
Dawn's tender hue, the twilight's fading grace,
Her laughter etched, in time and shadowed space.
A spirit kind, with dragon's heart so bold,
Fierce yet gentle, a story to be told.

II. Plum Blossoms in the Storm's Waking Dream

The world's weight borne, on shoulders blooming bright,
Like plum blossoms, in the storm's fading light.
Resilient strength, in adversity's harsh reign,
Pain turned to art, a beauty born of pain.
Though shadows creep, and darkness fills the air,
She stands unbowed, with courage beyond compare.

III. Lotus Blooms in Rain's Gentle Aftermath

After soft rain, the lotus finds its grace,
Roots in the mud, it turns to light's embrace.
Each petal speaks, of journeys long and deep,
Survival's beauty, secrets it will keep.
Through currents soft, and edges sharp and keen,
Her own true path, a tranquil, vibrant scene.

IV. Spark of Hope, in Time's Woven Thread

A spark she is, in darkness' deepest hold,
A golden thread, in time's grand, ancient fold.
Each heartbeat's rhythm, hope's enduring light,
A gentle glow, dispelling darkest night.
Xiǎo bái lóng, her spirit's radiant fire,
Compassion's rivers, quenching all desire.

V. Starlight Gaze, Dawn's Gentle Teaching

Her laughter's echo, a sweet, lingering sound,
Deep, knowing eyes, where ancient stars are found.
A smile, a bridge, to dawn's warm, golden ray,
Teaching gentle strength, along life's winding way.
Resilience's grace, and beauty's vibrant art,
The exquisite joy, that lives within the heart.

VI. Treasured Moments, Forever Blooming True

In her sweet presence, moments turn to gold,
A treasure found, a story to unfold.
Wrapped in her spirit, forever blooming fair,
Xiǎo bái lóng, a beauty beyond compare.

The map unfurls,
irrelevant.
Any point touched by your light
becomes the center.

Late nights breathe,
under a sky dusted with stars,
and the pull,
irresistible,
of a gaze that anchors me.

Let them watch,
the curious eyes,
the fleeting judgments.
Within your orbit,
I am home.

No gilded cage,
no borrowed glamour,
just the quiet hum
of two souls entwined,
making the mundane shimmer.

Absence,
a hollow echo.
The world muted,
awaiting the vibrant hue
of your return.

Moonlight spills,
a silent invitation
to a space where only
tenderness resides,
painting moments eternal.

Each shared step,
a soft rhythm against the quiet,
anywhere, everywhere,
soaked in the indelible rain
of this boundless affection.

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.

A palette of blues on white,
Accents of gold that shine bright,
Upon the branch, she lies,
Claws on display,
Flowers surround the Dior Tiger.

Darkly beautiful,
Her body lays back,
Adorned in gold,
Upon a sea of black,
Behold the Gold Vessel.

Sea of gold,
Lions at rest,
A pride of two,
Who protects who,
In The Riches of Love

White Dragon proud and poised,
Upon the mount, coiled and vigilant,
Upon a sky of red, ever-watchful eye,
Once she was broken, but whole once again,
She is what was asked for, the white dragon restored.

Background of Cloud,
Bodies of color,
Deep Periwinkle against Iridescent Gold,
Entwined in a lover's embrace,
Artist meets Bard

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.

In the quiet of the night, a projector's beam,
A canvas painted with memories, a life's supreme.
Ektachrome slides, a flickering show of time,
A journey through the years, a life sublime.

A child's laughter, pure and bright,
A mother's love, a guiding light.
Triumphs and joys, a colorful hue,
But beneath the surface, a darker view.

Defeats and sadness, a somber tone,
Tears that fall, a heart alone.
Loved ones lost, a poignant sight,
A bittersweet echo, fading light.

More people lost than gained, a lonely path,
A heart heavy with grief, a soul's aftermath.
Yet through the shadows, a glimmer of hope,
A resilience that endures, a spirit that soars.

In the quiet of the night, the projector's beam,
A life's reflection, a bittersweet dream.
Ektachrome slides, a testament to time,
A journey through the years, a life divine.

2-02 Fire
Desert blooms, a rose unfolds,
Winds howl, ice and snow descend.
Greyed hair, weathered skin appears,
Jade eyes pierce, a veil is drawn.
Fragrance drifts, on chilling air,
Two hearts beat, a tender touch.
Head rests soft, on aged chest,
Land of fire, and ice entwined.

She, a soul of strength, through trials passed,
Ember and Jade Embrace begins anew.
Hurt and betrayed, yet love remains,
Aloof at times, when love is true.
A rose in bloom, a steadfast heart,
In lands of ice, she finds her way.
He, from this land, of fire's grace,
A captivating scent, where shadows sway.

Hands warm, cradling, shielding form,
Heartbeats merge, a tender sound.
Veil is lifted, love takes hold,
Two souls meet, on hallowed ground.
Ice and fire, a dance begins,
Weathered skin, and blooming rose.
Greyed hair whispers, stories old,
Jade eyes gleam, where passion flows.

She opens wide, her heart's embrace,
To this aged man, with gentle art.
His tender touch, her mind's soft haze,
Ember and Jade Embrace imparts.
Two hearts warmed, in love's sweet hold,
A refuge found, from chilling breeze.
In this embrace, a story told,
Where passion blooms, with gentle ease.

By any other color
My green eyes pierce
Into the soul of my love
Like the Jade Stone

The scent of bamboo
the soft murmur of the pond
Midnight Blooms
A love blossoms as morning looms

My dragon sees me
Drawn to me as I am drawn to her
She is protective and kind
She coils around me, a gentle embrace

My soul and hers
A yin yang
Of white and green jade
A unity of prosperity and love

Two parts as one
Stone is stone
Hues compliment
The stone ring, a bond unbreakable

Breaking the cycle, a new chapter begins,
Two hearts beating as one,
A love so pure, a love so true,
Together, we have overcome.

The past is behind us, a distant memory,
Filled with pain and sorrow,
But here we stand, hand in hand,
No looking back, no more tomorrow.

With each new day, a fresh start,
As we journey on this path,
Side by side, we face the world,
Together, we will laugh and laugh.

Gone are the days of loneliness,
Of heartache and despair,
In your arms, I find solace,
With you, I have no fear.

You are my everything, my rock,
The one who holds me close,
With you, I feel complete,
In your love, I am engrossed.

So here we are, a new beginning,
A chance to start anew,
Breaking the cycle of the past,
A love so strong, so true.

As we walk hand in hand
Towards a brighter tomorrow,
Our love will guide us through,
A new chapter begins, no more sorrow.

Morning sunshine wakes me from my slumber,
The first thing I see is you,
The first things I touch, I feel, I hold...
Is you.

My heart sings with the warmth and joy, a melody of compassion,
A love that you have so generously bestowed upon this old soul,
A smile that fills my face, my eyes wide,
Capturing every beautiful detail of your face.

Sunbeams form rays to light your sleeping form,
Tickling your cheek, sparkling through your hair,
The first thing I reach for is you, caressing your cheek with the back of my fingers,
Brushing the hair from your eyes.

The first thing I smell is the enticing scent of a woman,
Peach blossoms and rose oil fill the air,
The first thing I kiss is your soft pouty lips; blushed and supple,
The first thing I see .... is you.

The canvas of our lives, a year of shades,
Of stormy hues and shadows deeply laid.
But through the tempest, hand in hand we stayed,
Our love a beacon, fear and doubt allayed.

You, my artist, with colors bold and bright,
Painted resilience, bathed our world in light.
Your strokes of courage, turning darkest night,
Into a dawn where hope and love ignited.

My sweetest addiction, your soul, a vibrant hue,
My strongest inspiration, forever seeing you.
There's no mountain high, no challenge we can't subdue.
As long as you are mine, forever and anew.

For you, my love, I'll climb the highest peak,
A loyal guide, the work my heart will speak.
My best friend, my confidante, forever meek,
Whenever you may need me, I will never forsake.

I'll cherish every moment, every whispered phrase,
Your laughter, your tears, the love that softly sways.
Each passing day, my love for you ablaze,
A fire burning brighter in a wondrous haze.

The world may dim, but with you, my love's aflame,
Chasing shadows, whispering your name.
A dream come true, erasing every pain,
My sweetest addiction, forever and again.

I'll hold you close, my love, a tender embrace,
Never letting go, this love with find it's place.
In every sunrise, every moonlit space,
My love for you, a timeless, sacred grace.

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

2-01 Fire
Golden orb, a day's dominion,
Shadows shorten, then lengthen again.
Silver disc, night's silent watcher,
Tides respond, a rhythmic sway.
Pinpricks of light, a cosmic tapestry,
Galaxies swirl, distant and vast.
The world turns, predictable cycles,
Elements dance, in ordered array.

Unseen, yet felt, a constant warmth,
Like a hearth's glow, deep within.
The moon's soft light, a guiding comfort,
In moments of doubt, a steady gleam.
Stars, a reminder of boundless love,
A silent promise, in the sleeping heart.
This enduring presence, a cherished truth,
A love that transcends, all earthly bounds.

Sun's corona, a fiery halo,
Lunar phases, waxing and waning.
Stellar clusters, cosmic nurseries,
Planetary orbits, in measured paths.
Seasons shift, a natural rhythm,
Life unfolds, in intricate patterns.
The universe breathes, a grand expanse,
Time's passage, a flowing stream.

My heart echoes, the sun's warm embrace,
A love ignited, a burning flame.
The moon reflects, my deepest longing,
A quiet devotion, in whispered sighs.
Stars ignite, a boundless admiration,
For a love that shines, eternally bright.
This Celestial Hearth, a constant beacon,
Guiding my soul, through darkest night.

1-01 Wood
Sunlight, a pale wash across the room,
catches the curve of your sleeping shoulder.
A stillness hangs, a moment held in amber,
before the world's clamor breaks the quiet.

My heart, a quiet drumbeat in my chest,
a warmth that spreads, a gentle, rising tide.
This love, a gift you placed within my hands,
an old soul's wonder, found in morning's grace.

Rays of light, like golden threads, entwine
through strands of hair, a halo on your cheek.
The air is thick with the scent of peach and rose,
a fragrance woven from your very being.

I trace the line of your jaw, the soft swell of your lips,
a landscape etched in the memory of touch.
This waking moment, a fragile, precious thing,
the first sight, the first breath, the first, always you.

I find myself, alone this Christmas
My love is a thousand miles away
And they are alone too
Is it too much to ask for a Christmas Miracle?

Through the cold brisk winter night
The freezing rain begins to fall
Too warm for snow, too cold for rain
The season seems to fight against us

I often wonder, is she thinking of me
Or a least thinking as much as I do
The very thoughts linger, like the warmth of her kiss
The feelings fresh in my heart, this longing

I don’t deserve her, don’t know how I got this lucky
She is an angel, no – Celestial Dragon
My benevolent protector, she mends my heart
I’m hers, her Stoic Knight, I rescued her heart

Yet I feel sorrow on this winter’s night
Sleet stinging my face, tears freezing to my cheek
The pain of the distance creeps in, but I maintain hope
The beat of my heart, felt many leagues away.

We share the light of our hearts
We share the warmth of our kisses
We share the comfort of our embraces
We share a love beyond the distance.

I have this overwhelming feeling
A loneliness I can’t escape
Long days, with thoughts of you
I’m falling in love with you again

I don’t know if you will ever know
How it is to have someone forever in your thoughts
You consume my existence
As my heart cries out, hoping you will hear

Morning hues, a sunrise that brings me light
Remind me of you, your palette of choice
Your brushstrokes upon the canvas
Tells the tale of your heart

Can you feel,
The warmth of my heart?
How it beats for you?
The longing that is deeply engraved upon it?

I am so very lonely
Yet my feelings remain unchanged
An overflowing cup that never empties
As I fall in love with you, again, every day anew

The sun sets, the night sky
Your darkened palette
Brushstrokes painted by the pale moonlight
As the end grows near for the long day

You are So Far Away
My feelings are eternal, never letting go
As I wake every morning to your colors
As I retire every evening to darkened skies

My heart yearns for thee
Unchanged feelings
Can you feel my love across this distance?
The quantum entanglement of our souls?

I have fallen in love with you, every day
A year of longing
Ten months of love-filled thoughts
So far away, but always in my heart