where is the beacon
that illuminating light of realization  
that says we're living in a world
which is telling of our civilization

the news casts relay
all of the bad events happening
on every inch
of our planet's clay

we're shocked and dumbfounded
by what we see and hear
these horrid occurrences
bring to this world more than one tear

will there ever be a time
when we as citizens of Earth
shall live in harmony's
peaceful rebirth

war and conflicts
in nations close and far
ever the leaders of tyranny
armed and ready to spar

natural disasters ongoing
earthquakes floods and droughts
populations by the score
feel these most terrible of touts

outbreaks of diseases and viruses
seemingly all of them on the rise
Ebola currently affecting
the African continent with demise

our planet is full of worry and woe  
of these articles there's a never ending show
news travels fast around the globe
and little of it tells of a bright strobe

My life story is nothing new
dysfunctional family
with scars upon my heart
mistakes I have made a plenty
still striving to know myself
dreaming dreams
while, not even knowing if dreams
really do come true
learning life lessons
trying to open up my heart
going forward even as I stumble
hoping to live each day
to its fullest
and that tomorrow brings
beauty, laughter, and love
in everything I do

Like I said, my life's story is nothing new
just slugging along trying to make some
dreams come true, aren't you?

"I am not going to be the person
I am expected to be anymore"

I heard this thought and was
kind of blown away
Making me question
all sorts of things
like....

Who do I expect me to be?
Who do others expect me to be?
Am I
   daughter
      wife
         lover
Do I even care?
What do these labels even mean?
Why can I not label me Friend?
Is there anything expected of
    an acquaintance?
I am trying on new labels
    Poet
       Writer
Whatever the label
   poet, daughter, wife; maybe even friend
These masks sit uncomfortably upon me
And
What of the unspoken and often unseen labels
     Broken
          Weird
              Crazy
Do these fit me any better? --
I don't think I have ever been
The person others expected,
Certainly not myself

How extraordinary!
"I am not going to be the person
I am expected to be anymore"

Meditate on the present
And listen to your soul
As it prepares you for future
Breathe in life to rejuvenate
And realize the power within you

In the idleness of the moment
I recollect the beautiful dream
Waves of calmness tide over
Leaving truth along the shore
Once submerged in the depths