Imagine a
prolonged
day of work
culminated
with a hot
scented bath
to sooth and
relax your
mind, body
and soul
As your limp
brain ponders
an eminent
peace &
slumber
You slip into
600 count
freshly
laundered
CRISP LINEN
sheets that
caress and
stimulate
your senses
from shoulder
to toes and
back again
Eyes closed
and mind
totally cleared
of the days
grime
You fall
deep to
an ultimate
REM state...
Goodnight.

Our understanding of
the fairer *** is fleeting
of this we cannot deny

Try as we may we remain
vexed and perplexed
although we press on

Just once and only once
please take our words
for what they simply are

Never attempt to think
for us or change our
words to what you think

Take it on faith that we are
not trying to confuse you
or play with your mind

Yes we are different yet
our love and passion are
the common binder

We can hopefully agree
to disagree without fear
of retribution over time

Emotions may run high
and tears may flow but
perspective must be kept

We all make mistakes and
either is perfect in our ways
so mindful we should be

Take heart and know for
fact that we adore you
until the end of time.

We are all a bit tough on the outside

however it takes the complete

EXTERNAL GRIT to crack on

Bolstering ourselves to always be

more and assist when necessary

is a key element to having what

it seriously takes

Constantly judged how tough we

are inside, we tend to be judges

the interior incorrectly for the

benefit of external beauty, as

our roll models share our view

points.  A do what it takes

attitude helps to shine.

I need to take it back
to my youth in those
parched and humid
summer days

With my summer job
money or begging mom
for some spare change...
we all did it

Hit the local
convenience store
and line up for the
slushy machine

Obviously my choice
of concoction was the
cherry and banana
frozen slushy

What follows is the
most grand of errors
any kids can make
and you pay for the sin

Being stupid hot outside
you cool yourself with
a quick deep **** from
the wide body straw

Oh snap... you've done it
BRAAAAAIN FREEEEEZE!
the pain is all too real and
nothing can stop head rush

Like your corotted artery
was cut off and frozen
thus rushing migraine
symptoms to your brain

Your eyes closed and you
might even stomp your foot
or clutch your head,
keeping it from popping off

You are so smooth
and rhythmic
cool and playful
deep and dark

Your haunting
chords can move
me to tear or lift
me to places of glory

I need you to fill me
and make me dream
of places never seen
and loves of the past

Close your eyes and
listen
feel it from head to toe
listen in a quiet place

Play it proudly
without reservation
feel it from head to toe
listen to that JAZZ.

We all should live life
as if we had just one week
not texting old friends
yet calling to speak

We all should live life
and dispense with the past
reconnecting with family
as the bonds will ever last

We all should live life
and love till the end
while being of good faith
until the day we ascend.

Since the inception of time
we have offered up
credible options to swap
everything from
spices
food
fabrics
etc.
Some items were
of par and other...
not so much
yet commerce
was made prevalent
Even as children
we would swap
marbles
bubble gum cards
matchbox cars
etc.
The concept of
TRADE
will never depart us
as it is a means
to satisfy both parties
We TRADE to live
We TRADE to connect
We TRADE for peace.

Don't open it
as the stench
is totally raw
and can bring
the strongest
man down to
his knees
A BASKET OF
DISPOSABLES
with a tiny whiff
Eyes covered with
a possible tear
present from the
chemical munitions
from a soggy diaper.

Designing my life
was by choice
and the BLUEPRINT
was obscurely lost

Is this what I
decided to be
the changes are many
with highs and lows

Blood spilled,
sweat drenched
with crocodile tears
yet I press on

My BLUEPRINT
was rewritten and
destroyed several times over
yet I press on

Pages will turn in the
new chapters of my life
and this remains key...
don't be afraid to fail

Sometime you need to
walk through open doors
and often times
they need to be kicked in.

This year I'm set free
as far too long
I've delayed the inevitable
to move forward
Bearing witness
to my ability to prosper
I claim back myself
New fruits blossom
and life continually cycles
I can breathe with
the piano lifted away
I can see with
my focus readjusted
I can love
as I am able to live.

I said it out loud
for all the world
to take note

EXCLAIMATION

I spoke it into
existence for me
to act upon

EXCLAIMATION

My dreams and
aspirations of
future endeavors

EXCLAIMATION

My time to shine
on a global stage
w/ no reservations

EXCLAIMATION

Seeking the path
to fulfill a destiny
sought from the past

EXCLAIMATION

Seeking not to malign
my future with ill will
I grow in spiritual faith

EXCLAIMATION

Weeping for humanity
my heart is heavy, yet
hopeful for redemption

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Like an insomniacs
blood shot weary eyes
on a true ******
I get NO SLEEP
Try as I may, no single
remedy known to man
can alleviate my condition
Virtually zombie like
I stumble about in a
semi-sleep walking
stupor that pushes me
to my limits
Counting sheep is not
a viable option and yet
sleep medicines have
no effect on my soul
I challenge myself to
a mental game of chess
testing my resolve and
surrender my brain
function to peaceful slumber.

ACTIVATE...
your self worth
your kind spirit to your fellow man
your spirituality

ACTIVATE...
your heart
your senses
your desire to travel the world

ACTIVATE...
your brain
your love for family
your poetry skills

By how a fragrance can melt a man
by the human will to survive
by genius
by the combo of red hair & grey eyes
by how emotions control us
by clear blue Caribbean waters
by the senselessness of war
by the creative mind
by love and hate
by my love of pizza
by my fears
by the mercy of God
I'm so AMAZED by life.

A page turns in time
as it brings forth
another chapter
A full rotation around
the Sun yields a
magical 365
A new year
full of hope
and promise
A chance to be and
do all things
differently
A new love a new
friend an opportunity
repair what's broken
A bridge too far
is close enough
to see the other side
A call or composed
letter of outreach
mending old fences
A brighter day ahead
seeking peace and
blessings from above.

Love Making
Music
County Fairs
Road Trips
Jazz Concerts
Sports
BF Phone Calls
Family Reunions
Binge Watching
Pool Parties
Buffets
Massages
and Excursions.

I am a father, boyfriend and ex
I am a brother, son, uncle and great uncle
I am a business man, officer and marketer
I am a designer, insurance agent and friend
that is just the tip...
I am a coach, teacher and board member
I am a manager, salesman and CMO
that is just the tip...
I am multi cultural not to be defined
I am skilled professionally
with simple tastes yet tastefully refined
I am a Christian first with that in mind
I am often seeking yet yearn to find
I am more than you may know
I am more that I tend to show
I am a private soul
I am a lover of life
I am a passionate male
with a passionate wife
I am more than you may know

How can I share
  myself with the world
   How can I make it
    understand my thoughts
     Can love and respect be
      translated internationally
       Can I touch hearts and minds
        as well as lift up spirits
         Do I have powers to end war
          and begin a peace dialogues
        Do I believe that a higher
       power make all possible
     Will I seek guidance to begin
    the quest to change the world
   Will I do what I say and not
  give lip service to my dreams?

On that rare occasion
some friends and
lovers come and go

Reluctantly at times
or quietly into
the lonely night

Advantages are
often taken without
plausible merit

Mistaken kindness
for shallow weakness
reveals resolute truth

SEVERED TIES
may reclaim ones
dignity to self

The peace of
letting go may
reclaim self-worth.

You have rendered us lazy in
the eyes of all who know you
Our legs have become useless
with the couch potato effect
sinking into our conscience
Alas we recall the times of old
when pushing buttons was
far to difficult, now the simple
capability to speak into the
REMOTE which can control
all commands from A to Z
Yes... I use you as if there
were no other alternative
and the crown jewel of
the REMOTE'S mystique
to turn off the television
without delay...
dead triple A batteries.

You were kneaded
covered and risen
with loving hands
I caught hint of you
and my anticipation
heightened without delay
The time it took to
prepare you seems
great for something
so diminutive
I spied at you from
across the room
rolled into tiny
spheres of three
Your top was lightly
braised with
clarified butter
and slowly baked
What follows is
an aroma that
encapsulates the
entire house with
the most glorious
scent of less than
complex ingredients
Words tend not to
do this aroma
justice so I will
not try
We all know it
and can't resist
you fresh out of
the over
cracked open
to reveal the
steam of life
Tenderly buttered
as to not collapse
your fragile frame
I take you into
my mouth and
exhale with a
euphoric sigh.

I remind myself to listen
   and look her deep within
      those sensual blue eyes

Slightly leaning in to gain
   a connected perspective
      drinking in her thoughts

Reaching out I touch her
   hand and place it in mine
      never losing eye contact

Her head gently falls upon
   my chest as a small stream
      of tears soaks my shirt

My arms enclose around
   her frame as I feel her melt
      completely into my soul

Looking up at me our lips
   caress and explore a slow
      sweet moment in time.

Possessing no real
nutritional value
of substance
we are still in deep
like with you
You little golden
spongy log of cream
filled cake named
TWINKY
we still like you
s  e  c  r  e  t  l  y
You may reside
at the bottom of
the grocery cart
well hidden from
judgmental eyes
A nostalgic cheat
of sorts which
comforts our souls
Some have deep fried
you, covered you
chocolate and flavored
you and yet the nothing
compares to stuffing
making you a two bite
treat revealing the filled
center of goodness
Once in a decade I may
revisit you as a reminder
and still you never change
Still need that cold milk
to take you down.

My resolve has been tested as
this country has segregated
itself due to conflicting views,
speculated opinions and race

The PALPABLE DISCORD
shakes me beyond speech,
yet I am reluctantly asked
to render my idle thoughts

The divide widens daily
as the rhetoric conflict
escalates to childlike spats
resolving no tangible issues

Remain mindful to be clear
and levelheaded with regard
to all things... all things, albeit
large or small in detail.

I've discovered you
and who you are
hiding behind the
computer n claiming
something you are not,
but reality denotes
that you are a poet
Well versed you are
and yet an enigma
you are in many ways
Reading between the
lines I put 2 n 2 together
You follow me close
like a true private eye
I was fooled briefly,
but I KNOW
who YOU are.

Chardonnay nights
blur my thoughts
to a lesser reality
of a long week

Chilled to perfection
slightly sweet for me
room temperature
and extra dry for you

ONE GLASS, only one
to buzz my head
yet my face tingles
on glass two

Tolerance level
achieved to be sure
at home in my space
red & sleepy eyed.

Often we struggle to communicate
without understanding... YES we
listen, but fail to hear one another.
Playing the arrogance game of who
is right or wrong, failing to concede
our position out of boastful pride.
We starve ourselves attempting to
get it accurate, when the process
is simple. Be open and honest,
concede your position now and
then and always listen instantly.

Has the Lord
ever created a scent
aside from stimulating perfumes
that change our brain chemistry

The glorious odor which permeates
your senses in ways that
make you salivate at just
a small hint of this divine food

Oh you pork belly of wonder
you thick cut slice of tenderness
you pair well with any meal
or all by your lonesome

The overwhelming sound of
you in any
skillet, grill or microwave
can wake me from a dead sleep

You are the leader of the BLT
Even your Canadian roots are exquisite
From north to south and smothered
in maple syrup... I love you

You call your people without words
one concentrated whiff of you
in the atmosphere
fosters memories of all things good.

I watched you confidently
    glide across the room and
         you had to know that every
eye
  was up on your every curve

Your hair even flowed behind you
     like some runway model during a
          show with a fan blowing in your
stunning face
  you are unknowingly serving notice

The graceful hip sway and
   dominant stride was enhanced by your
      muscular calf in the 5 inch MK's
scarlet red
  you TEASE ME with a subtle glance

I swear the dress was designed around
   your frame to drive men totally insane
      I can't help but to secretly view all of
you
   peeking over top of my dark sunglasses

You stopped and momentarily posed
   wondering if I would respond in kind
      I froze like the proverbial deer
weakened
   by your beauty, I miss my opportunity.

All that I am
I am
that I choose
my mind to
remain sharp
minus the
short fuse
Creative in
my tasks
and willing
to concede
in taking
steps back
to relinquish
the lead
Conservative
in manner
yet boastful
in pride
Faith to
move mountains
with emotions
to hide.

Be it ever so humble...
a case when size doesn't matter

Be it ever so comforting...
nothing like a stoked fire place

Be it ever so true...
keeper of all thoughts and secrets

Be it ever so loving...
family gatherings and holidays

... HOME.

Filled with preserves
of sweet demure
blended or singular
varieties assured
Jam's, chutney's, jelly's
and beans.  Soups,
veggies, fruits and things.
Heated with pressure
and sealed with a twist
Root cellared for seasons
enjoyed like a sweet kiss.
OLD MASON JAR
picked high from the shelf
spreading goodness to all
with some benefits of health.

I see you in all your glory
refined & clad in fine silk

I see you at your worst
teary eyed, lost and broken

I stand in the gap with you
stronger together than apart

I feel the love emanating
building me to be better

I claim the life we cherish
forever yearning for peace

I thank the Lord for favor
always seeking His glory.

NOBLE
                 is the man
who walks by faith
with the Lord above

NOBLE
                is the man
who's heart is clean
like wings of a dove

NOBLE
                        is the man
who works hard
daily supporting family

NOBLE
                  is the man
who puts others first
forsaking all others

NOBLE
                  is the man
who walks tall in the
face of adversity

NOBLE
                    is the man
who practices peace
with a heart of clergy.

U are not real
so clearly
U can be a
fantasy
in my mind
U exceed all
logic and
comprehension
U shake me
to my core
and challenge
my normal
thinking style
U exploit my
****** sensibility
and
social awareness
U are my
PHAN TACY
U are not real
as I continue to
tell myself
Hoping that
U will vanish
like smoke in
a blowing wind.

To approve or
                        to punish one
for warranted
                        or unauthorized
            actions
                       Another double
meaning verb
                        contrived to confuse
or give meaning
                            so conversely I
have SANCTIONED
                                   this poem...
       right or wrong?

Blessings flow abundantly
as evil is about it's handiwork
Hold true to seeing the signs
signs to keep us on our path
of doing good works
Blessing flow abundantly
as we often fail to give thanks
thanks for all that is good and bad
times of need and fruitfulness
Blessings flow... always be mindful.

Wet, cool and ***** with a slight odor
of Earthy colors
We stomp you, play in you
and some even use as a  beauty mask
The myth of the healing properties
of MUD is real, but don't take my word
for it... discover for  yourself.

Keeping in time you
is essential as the air
I breathe

The rhythm that flows
between us is timeless
as the years we've shared

My heart beats in sync
with yours as we seal
our deep connection

Just as a METRONOME
keeps pace and time, I
aspire to with you.

Like and axe to wood
you cut out my heart
aligning it with yours

APPREHENSIVE I was
yet I succumb to your
keen feminine wiles

I'm all in until time
passes away and I
no longer exist for love.

412 you know who you are
surrounded by 878, 724 and 814
sharing the lime light, although
you have remained strong
and true for many years
A driving force for a city
of champions that is well
respected and loved by all.

The undisputed birth of civilization
and cradle of life, flowing with
precious jewels and the land milk
& honey... you are a queen

Undiscovered species yet to be
determined and mighty rivers
that spring live, you are a regal
king with worthy subjects

AFRICA is tribal, it is civil and raw
It is modern, ancient and sometimes
unforgiving at it's heart
She is the mother land to all.

There is something to say
when it comes to being silent
We exist to evoke our opinions
often without valid thought

We act up and act out
proving nothing but making noise
Ego driven beings of little substance
we reduce ourselves to zero

BE STILL and listen
BE STILL and understanding
BE STILL and quiet
BE STILL and love.