Positive (+)
fresh air and long stem roses
young kittens and new love
breaking bread with family
and the first day of a new job
hot fresh bread and chocolate
the beach and peperoni pizza
birth of a child and weddings.

Negative (-)
evil people and burnt toast
gun tragedy and moldy fruit
cheating lovers and bad movies
broken bones and divorce
missed flights and TSA lines
losing championship games
and cracked cell phone screens.

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.

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.

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

I still believe in you
when many turn
their backs
and lose faith
in you
To jump in
with both feet
is an expression
of confidence
in love
Shouting from
the mountain tops
moving heaven
and earth
surpassing every obstacle
to embrace love
is powerful
I will always be an
ADVOCATE OF LOVE
never swaying
my resolve
I breathe love
like air and will
continue my quest
to achieve one love.

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.

Back in the day
   we all looked forward
      to AFTERNOON RECESS
at time to play
    with friends outside
        in the old school yard
games of tag, duck duck goose,
    red light green light and my
        favorite  of all... dodge ball
grass stained knees & brush burns
     covered our little bodies and
          we never cared as a spray
of bactine or merthiolate cured all
     soaring on swing sets
         playing marbles and trading
cards was always on the list
     throwing a football, baseball
        or frisbee was common
We were allowed to play
     unencumbered and just
          be plain old kids.

Grey and shinny
with an
atomic number of
47
your mass is slightly
greater than
107
and you fashion yourself
as a heavy metal
of distinct value

Argentum in Latin
loved by ladies
and men alike
we design you to
drape from our
necks & wrists
embellished with
precious gems
and stones to
enhance your beauty.

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

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.

By the universe
by the way the wind blows upon my face
by the warmth of the sun
by the depth and darkness of outer space
by the birth of a child
by a mothers loving hand
by technology at it's finest
by a nations common theme
by the way a man loves a woman
by the way we dare to dream
... I am AMAZED.

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.

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.

Sweetest one without concept
your BABBY FACE moves me
essentially to tears.

Not just of your beauty,
but inside

As you proclaim this I claim you
to seek your BABY FACE
all the days of my life

Like a newborn, your beauty
is pure and unspoiled.

I came Back 2 Life
   when I knocked at your door
Startled yet anxious
   I jumped in with one foot
Food for thought
   as the connection was sealed
Passion personified
   exposed we found love
I came Back 2 Life
   beginning again to live
Basking in the glow
   solo no more we are one.

Having the presence of mind
to stand up and speak to issues
for what you know and believe
takes BACKBONE

In the heat of the flames
when persecuted and ridiculed
because you stray from the norm
takes BACKBONE

Loving the one you care
deeply for when all around you
take the low road of discontent
takes BACKBONE

Living your life and accepting
your faith without reservation
and pre conceived condition
take BACKBONE.

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.

Ladies love you
no denying it
Many try to
emulate your
style and you
still don't give
a ****t
Bucking the
system and
doing it without
regard, you
poses an edge
No suit and tie
on you, casual
and relaxed
is your game
Pushing the
envelope of life
I am not you
and you not I.

Hot and fresh
steam exposed
center when
the crisp shell
is hand cracked
or gently sliced
Lox, cream cheese,
butter or jam
Sides of bacon,
sausage or egg
adorn the soft
middle in
sandwich form
From Poland to N.Y.
with all your
varieties, you truly
hold your own.

Is the wool still being
pulled over our eyes
Can we still afford to
swallow the conspiracy
pill of life?
Over the years a continual
status quo of ultimate B.S.
has been force fed to us
and we take it and take it
with little to no reservation
I'm no rebel, but yet my eyes
are open to the facts, the clear
cut dysfunction of things
Contrary to what is written,
what is televised, what is tweeted
or messaged... we need to wake
the hell up before its to late
People are you not tired and
fed up and seeking more?
Do you
NOT
crave justice?
Do you
NOT
require the truth?
Are you
NOT
tired of being
BAMBOOZLED?

Sitting and waiting patiently
partaking in the spirited conversation
where no subject is off limits

Being mindful and yet having
respect for other opinions
I bite my tongue on occasion

My turn to reside in the over
stuffed reclining man throne
of exterior rejuvenation

Clippers cut, taper and edge
piping hot towels & warm cream
for the straight razor finish

Touched up with the burn of
ice blue Barbasol and talc wisk
finished by a crisp towel snap

A slow chair spin with the mirror
for a 360 view of barbers work
and confirm his skilled perfection

Payment rendered with a generous
tip on the DL while biding good day
to all patrons until next time.

Stricken by doldrums
of everyday life
We gather to debate,
solve world problems
& talk general issues
A sanctuary of solitude
with rules that apply
like a Vegas excursion
The original men's social
club & escape of the
mundane to sharpen
ones style and enhance
ones appearance
Tears of joy and sadness
abound within the walls
History & current event
matters echo in the voices
of all who pass through.

True to the fact
that life is far
too short
and my
to do list
is beyond
the common
bucket
My needs
require
a large
wood barrel
to fulfill
the many tasks.

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.

Bathed in Passion
   I see you clearly
Overwrought with
   stress you shutter
Beguiled I remain
   unwilling to flee
Ever drawn near
   to your inner flame
Out paced by you
   I often struggle
Managing my will
   I bleed for you heart
Fallen to carnal lust
   I yearn for your body.

WTFreak... you again
this is my BBQ and I
know that an invitation
was not sent to you and
your tiny little friends

You bug the mess out
of me... no pun intended
and you just have to
touch everything when
no one is looking

Evil as a common fruit fly
I chase you with my swatter,
hand and shoe
Sorry, I had to do it
or did I?

You've flown in my ear,
eyes and nose... yes, you
have even tried my mouth
You fly close about my head
and I dis-like you greatly

You follow me around
like a hungry pet that
needs to be fed
Patience lost, I try to
end you with malice.

Long past are the
days of celebration
and acknowledgment
I take no pride in
showing off for my born day
No cakes, parties or gifts
No cards, dinners or posts
on social media needed
The older I get, the less I
require & essentially need
I've got the blues
The BIRTHDAY BLUES
...*dun dun da da dun.

As the lighthouse
watches over ships by night
I'm charges with your
protection as you grow
You look to me for guidance
and security as I seek to
impart my knowledge so
you become your best you
You entered this world
to be a Beacon of Right
for all to see you shine
as you lead, love and learn
My faith in you is without
question unwavering as you
walk the path ordered by
your heavenly Father.

Drums, bongos, bass
driving sound that
fills the soul & spirit
Bodies in movement
to expressive
BEATS

Africa, Latin, Caribbean
I feel and accept your
offerings of cultural music
designed to up lift in
times of loving peace and
deep spiritual mourning.

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.

When we see racism...
be BIGGER
stand up to the bully
When we witness crime...
be BIGGER
be that snitch and level justice
When we see hunger...
be BIGGER
feed a soul that is in need
When another needs help...
be BIGGER
give what you can in aid
When a child need mentoring...
be BIGGER
give of your knowledge
When your mate needs compassion...
be BIGGER
be silent and give love.

A reboot in life
is warranted
from time to time

The slate gets
wiped clean and
paths change

Another chance
to repaint the
Blank Canvas

Add more color
levels of depth
spice things up

Be more bold
take more chances
live out loud

Clinging to past
playing it safe
ill conceived regrets

Kick down doors
take some risks
step out on faith.

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.

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.

What a splendid
creation that has
been shaped over time

Years in the making
you require controlled care
and special love

Tiny Asian tree
I respect your foundation
and ancient beauty

Your figure is like
no other, tree or plant
every leaf a wonder

BONSI
you are majestic
you are mine.

Locked in my nose
I can't see you, but
I can feel you
O to have my
cool touch PUFFS
to release all of you
Yes you come in
many forms
wet & sloppy
hard & crispy
and long and elastic
I skillfully extract
you on the sly
when no one is looking
Sometime I get caught
in a subtle pick
and I blush
with embarrassment
I flick you
I wipe you, but
never do I taste you
that's gross
Put a little
BOGGIE in your
tissue and
breathe easy.

I admit that I am a man
and with that comes man things
I'm obsessed with the shape
and can't help but stare
when you pass by
Albeit a subtle glance
sometimes it's a full out
ogle
Tight jeans or yes...
the classic yoga pants
can drive a sane man wild
What is it that makes me crazed
why can't I stop?
If there was a 12 step program
to taper me off
I would be in rehab
Even the summer tiny shorts
and beach thongs... why do you
tease me to break my neck
I want and need help, but
a well designed bubble,
apple, onion, aka *****
is a terrible thing to waste
I love and respect all your
feminine parts, ****...

I was
BORN FREE
to live life
and think free

I was
BORN FREE
to see the world
and sail the seas

I was
BORN FREE
to prosper
and be all I can be

I was
BORN FREE
to create
open minded to see

I was
BORN FREE
suffer plights
and lift myself up

I was
BORN FREE
to love
never giving up.

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

Breaking Oppressive Chains
in ones mind can be paradoxical
Holding back ourselves from
moving forward in one accord
We act political and self serving
and yet priorities fall short
A puzzle to be sure and we
take for granted the minute
details to steady the ship.

Gazing into the mirror
I see me for who I am
What do you see in me
who am I to you for today
Am I subdued by ego
Do you see a good friend,
trust me with your life or
see me as an equal
Why am I concerned
I am comfortable with me
I notice a small crack, but
is it symbolic in any way
My BROKEN MIRROR
is just that and no
reflection on me.

Sworn to serve and protect
above all is the mantra

Lives placed on the line daily
not knowing when it's your time

Care, custody and control
while protecting the blue line

Brother and sisterhood of peace
that isn't for everyone

Look up and I am there when needed
your 6 is mine to guard at all times

Public servant of the finest order
keep the faith and the focus.