.

How did this happen,
amidst words, phrases,
stones skipped on poetic ponds
Not looking for or expecting
a touch to the heart, a caress,
yet it came

I fell, head first into a joy,
a blissful feeling
I had not felt before
You said the same,
wishes made on coins tossed
had finally come true

Holding hands without touching,
kissing over counted miles
and borderlines of snow flurries
We sang together, harmonies,
lyrics of love from our hearts,
melodic compositions formed of dreams

Picked flowers, daisies, tulips
from the gardens of pure affection
blooming all around us
It seemed no walls,
barriers could hold us back
as we ran towards each other

Then appeared a river, wide, deep
A chasm of worry and fear
was flowing across our paths
Now a deluge of falling tears
filling, overflowing its banks
making footing uneasy, difficult

And we sit on opposite sides
staring at each other, reaching
for something that seems so far out of reach
Dark clouds roll in, threatening
but we stay, standing on the muddy shores
wondering what will become of us in this flooding

I shout, “I will swim to you!”
But your eyes are too wet
and your heart is a breaking levee
Diving in anyway I am swept away,
pulled under, unable to breathe, choking
watching you fade in the distance

Hope is gone, fears have overshadowed desires
drowning in what is lost,
trapped in the rapids of disappointment
When a hand grabs me, lifts me, saves me…
I open my eyes now on the other side to see,
it is yours

I'll wait for you forever
till stars forget to shine,
and oceans become puddles,
words no longer rhyme

Till deserts turn to gardens
where flowers go to bloom,
the grass is red, the skies are green,
the dawn brings out the moon

Till rain is something very dry
and butterflies drive trucks,
when every pond is chocolate sauce
with candy coated ducks

Till basements have a penthouse view
with windows three floors high
and stairways are a place to swim
no matter how you fly

Till mountains are a level path
that you will go to walk
and silence now becomes a way
for every one to talk

Till everything we've ever known
is gone and disappeared
The world does end, there's nothing more
just like we always feared

Till broken hearts are happy,
tears a welcome site
Night comes at the break of day
and daytime looks like night

I'll wait for you forever
until the end of time
It matters not how long it takes
if I can call you mine

.

Why does the heart
have to dance in the silence
wishing the music
would somehow not end

Long distance dance floors
of love you are missing
Changing the station
to songs you now send

Still with a worry
that rips at your tap shoes
Laced up and knotted,
reflect on the sole

Harder decisions
now not so melodic
Chasing your dreams
running out of control

There is a place
where you sit now just thinking
a nice quiet corner,
the volume turned down

Feeling the tears
as they drip to the sawdust
pulling away
as you're wearing a frown

Still there's a step
while the last song is playing
Held in his arms
as your world starts to spin

Kiss him good night
knowing all will be perfect
It's meant to be
you'll be dancing again

.

To what do we owe
this canvas knapsack of fears
draped heavily upon our back,
bringing shoulders to a tipping point
Weighted of decisions to be made and
thoughts which haunt when we are alone

Straps cut into tender flesh,
scars build where smooth skin once slept
now bedded down by burdens
in an uncomforting fabric,
warm but dark and painful
as nighttime brings a solitude of tears

Wishes find four wall deterrents,
though from a southern facing window
a light penetrates the anguished fog,
illuminating this room of desperation,
inviting glances to find
that of which smiles are born

Now as we find our hearts migrating
past curtained weeping patterns,
reaching for the glowing affection
whispering on blissful breezes,
soothing longings of safe arms
to hold us in this time of need

Run with every speed to this view,
calling of moonbeams and star dust
careful not to trip over the worries
cast aside to the floor beneath your bed
where they shall remain hidden
behind a door now locked by love

To what do we owe
this canvas knapsack of fears?
Only ourselves if we continue
to look behind at what was instead of
casting our eyes forward on what is now offered
just outside that southern facing window of opportunity

.

Whispering apricot beams shine upon frilly sheers,
lazy shadows dance in daffodil dawn colours,
pirouettes of pleasured moments,
silently flowing on smooth brush stroke walls

You breathe, softly, the sweetest sonnet,
rhythmically exhaling beneath satin sheets
symphonic…bringing a grin to the sunrise,
blushing clouds hide behind a bashful horizon

Placing a gentle kiss upon rose petal shoulders,
you stir ever so slightly…eyes flutter, chiffon wings
hugging the pillow wistfully, floating within,
cascading between dreams of us

Exploring the mesmerizing curves of your body,
my lips touch warm porcelain skin,
the faintest sigh escapes, a smile appears
as your wispy fingers seek my own

A purr escapes, whispered desires sooth,
tranquil thighs twitch as they part slightly,
the sweetest scent tempts me, awash in dewdrop bliss,
glistening beads of summer rain memories

Probing gentle folds, serene recesses of silken slivers
sipping the morns perfect elixir, ambrosia,
seeing your eyes wide open now
and falling once more deeply into their hypnotic beauty

Maple sugar cravings, slippery pearlescent glimmers,
tasting your flavors as methodical moans sift dawns hush,
drippings linger my lips…nectarous indulgence,
essence of honeysuckle breezes

Hands ****** my hair, wavy lengths, grasping  
tickling heated embraces, melting into the morning
reaching beneath arching form…pulling nearer, closer
quilted comfort massages

Sunshine illumines the room with sparkled effervescence,
writhing deep into the blue sky destinations,
azure visions of springtime promises kept
and green grass wanderings

I rise with you, fall with you…with this perfect time,  
mirroring movements in reflective crescendos, rapidly,
as your voice sings my name, feathered pillow melodies,
ending in an ovation in hummingbird quivers

And you collapse, tethered breaths, tiny giggles
pulling the sheets tight to your chin playfully
I peer up, cinnamon eyes gleam, twinkle
*rejoicing as brand new day begins…in love

When is it ever fair to point a finger at a man with no hands?
Claiming to be an interested party but only shaking what needs to be shaken, proud as a peacock in one of those pieces about sand dunes and afterlife
And you clap, loud applause trying to prove a point…that you can, sneering at those who can’t
But what if they try, is that enough for you, making an attempt to be like you?
Or should they just close that door and draw the blinds
spending their days watching reruns of Ironside, wondering why it is okay for him to wheel around like nothing is wrong while they have to hide as you wave and snicker?

People are people, for the most part. Maybe different, but who isn’t?
Are you like the next guy or gal, the neighbor kid up the street
or the deli owner with the ketchup stained apron? Or are you different? I would hope you are you, with your own plethora of bumps and bruises, shattered egos and happy moments which you too want to share
We are all here, every one of us, if you weren’t you wouldn’t see this
and have the ability to act like you don’t

When is it fair to point a finger at a man with no hands?
I’ll leave that up to you, but don’t expect me to buy your shoes
when you have no feet.

.

A fog this night has settled in
Among the chiseled stones
With dates now carved of ending years
and places so alone

Shadows weave in dense display
Each noise our skin it crawls
The squeaking of the rusty gate
Like footsteps in the halls

Shaded in its own dark beauty
Garden glows 'neath half hidden moon
A rose's thorns prickle the night
Trembling winds carry somber tune

Voices loom behind the walls
Whispers of secrets rushed
Cries of anguish simmering ready
Betrayals are quickly hushed

And still we walk with eyes so wide
Shivering our hands we hold
Bound by fear this wicked night
Lost among the gravesites cold

It's my fault this nightmare eve
A shortcut sought, a new way home
And now we wander, careful steps
Deeper than the eerie roam

Finger nails against blackboard scrape
The whistle of a boiling kettle
Sounds that make me shiver and cringe
Maddening and unsettled

I imagine a band of ghostly beasts
Play upon our organs this night
Stealing our hearts, tortured minds
Now I'm clinging to you in fright

Hold me tight I’ll find an exit
Somewhere down this crooked path
Lined of shrubs with broken branches
Beating hearts the aftermath

Not much further, there’s a clearing
Just a few more steps to go
I’ll let nothing come and harm you
Because I do love you so

.

Here upon this silent wind
a longing it does call
Fated feelings splash the sound
of answers soon to fall

Of what I do imagine
the truth shall somehow be
If after all is said and done
your love remains with me

My arms they fade the emptiness,
a smile I do bare
From each delivered promise
that I intend to share

Come to me my blossom,
a perfect night is due
For this shall be my only need
to spend my life with you

Cradled tightly in this fashion,
swept from on your feet
Candy coated kisses sent
upon your lips to meet

These dreams are for believers,
eyes that peer the sky
Watching so intently,
moon beams soaring high

Casting forth decisions
of wisdom ever true
To offer up my wanting hand
*and say that I love you

.


The wind, it gusts upon my face
Across my lips the breeze does trace
In images I can’t replace
The perfect love of you

The rain, is wet upon my skin
So precious as it does begin
Bringing to my mind again
The perfect love of you

The sun, now bright within my eyes
Aglow across these April skies
Once again I realize
The perfect love of you

The moon, does shine this springtime night
Sending forth its wondrous light
Floating me in pristine flight
The perfect love of you

For everyday these sights I see
Affection formed of destiny
Whispered thoughts for only me
*The perfect love of you

.

Wandering among the lonely
Searching for the smile I lost
Rain still follows my endeavor
Spending clouds to heed my cost

Flowers bloom though fragile petals
Hide behind the thorned abyss
Reaching in my skin is tattered
Of this one my heart does miss

Tired muscles burn of Mondays
Breathing hard against the wind
Falling stone an endless detour
Still I make my way again

When a light of soft temptations
Glows of warmer summer days
Sending forth a sense of meaning
In the beams it now displays

What is this now towards me runs
Blurry eyes on silhouette
As a voice of angel’s singing
One I shall not soon forget

It is her my one desire
Reaching out to take my hand
Tears recede, my smile returning
Neath the fruits of love I stand

On my knees I fall of weakness
Can this be my dream come true
As she whisper, soft endearing
“Hear these words I say to you”

“Have no fear, I shall not leave”
“Come with me my soul is yours”
“Never more shall love evade us”
“Every step this heart endures”

When on wings of silver satin
I am lifted from the ground
Wrapped within her arms forever
I was lost but now am found

I landed on the fairway
Down the center it did go
Oh wait that's someone else's ball
You'd think by now I'd know

Out here on the green
Cloudy skies above
Don't care if I sink this ball
Because I am in love

Riding in a golf cart
Putting down a beer
I'd be having much more fun
If only you were here

Please know that I miss you
I hope I will survive
Talk to you again real soon
It's now my turn to drive.

.

I’m making my way through the crowded aisles on worn carpeting
dodging the throngs of shoppers and chrome plated display racks,
even the escalators are overflowing here at Hudson's Bay, but it is Saturday, I guess everyone decided to shop today, I hate shopping

Hard to believe how quickly fashions change, short skirts, long skirts
Wide ties, narrow ties, last month's style now out of style
Maybe the mannequins get bored with what they are wearing,
they certainly look like the type. I smile thinking about it

“Excuse me, can you help me?” I turn at the tug on my sleeve
and I am face to face with the most beautiful woman I have ever seen
Brown hair, eyes a shade lighter and a smile that takes my breath away
“Um sure, how can I help?” I ask feeling like I might step on my tongue

She holds up a blue sundress with black belt, “I found this over there,”
Pointing to the shoe department “Do you have this in green, it’s so cute
and green is my favorite colour?” As I think, it is my favorite colour too
So many colours, rack after rack, it's making me dizzy or is it her?

I see them, beneath a non-bored looking mannequin in a green one
“Yes, right over here.” She follows with the look of a child happily anticipating a two scoop ice cream cone on a hot humid summer day.
“Here they are,” I say, her eyes glow as we arrive at the dresses

‘I hope you have my size,” she sighs moving from one to another
“Yes here it is,” she flashes that smile.  My heart skips a beat
“Great, is there anything else I can help you with?” I offer nervously
“A fitting room?” she asks with the cutest giggle.

They're easy enough to find but I'm helping, “Sure thing, over here,”
She makes her way behind the paisley curtains and I hang around,
she might need something else, you just never know
A minute later she steps out, she looks absolutely gorgeous in that dress

Standing at the three sided mirror, she sees me staring.
“What do you think?” she spins around, mesmerizing me as she does
“It looks beautiful, that dress was made for you,” I say and I mean it
“Good, I will take it!” she says excitedly “Wait here, I’ll be right back”

She bounces out of the fitting room and hands me the dress, then noticing the blank look on my face she asks, “Can you check me out?”  
Now this is awkward as I stutter, “Um, uh…I don’t work here.”
“Oh my god,” she laughs touching my arm, “You poor man, I am so sorry”

“That’s okay, any day I can help a beautiful woman is a good day”
“I feel dumb, I thought you...can I make it up to you,” she offers
“That won’t be ness.”  She cuts me off mid sentence, “Are you hungry, can I buy you lunch?” I am dumbstruck momentarily…

”Sure, lunch sounds great.” “Good, let me pay for this and we will go.”
As we leave the store she says,
“That’s funny, most men don’t like shopping”
“Not me, I love shopping…now”

_

Upon this elevated perch I sit
Jagged rock and nature’s bleed
Looking out beyond my sight
Knees and hands of weathered seed

Straddling an outward view
Clinging tight to breathless cries
Clouds now form of smoky fill
Cracks evolve of southern skies

Down below the valley sleeps
Curtains closed and bolted doors
Green between the acreage spills
Crumbs are swept from hollow floors

When an anguished howl is heard
Bounding far and chilling wide
Makes me stand, unsure of foot
Destinations run and hide

Dark precedes a warning moon
When two eyes of crimson glare
Break the glass in shards of fear
As my aching eyes do stare

Razor quick and fired flames
Out of breath my thoughts to run
Lightening strikes at where I cringe
Burning skin of tortured sun

Death does come, but eyes still see
Weary as of this forlorn
Tattered dreams long past their prime
When deep beyond a reason born

Still I sit on broken stone
High above the slumbered lanes
So frightened of horizon’s fall
And the light delivered pains

Now many nights and many days
Have crawled amidst my destiny
For when embarks a moon so full
This anguished howl now heard is me

-

Amidst the changing scenery
as faces come and go
Names reflect the differences
of those we’ve come to know

Along a winding avenue
where store fronts sell their wares
Traffic lights of red and green
change too among the stares

Where sunshine breaks the foggy mist
and clear as any bell
A ringing forms about my ears,
a song I know so well

I look around and hope I see
this beauty I desire
A butterfly upon the wind
keeps soaring ever higher

And as I reach to grab a hold
with wings of pastel gleam
She flutters just beyond my reach
as if some kind of dream

I hang my head in misery,
another wasted day
The love that I was longing for
has somehow got away

Clouds now build in grey design
my smile has run aground
Happiness is not on sale
not anywhere I’ve found  

Now trudging narrow sidewalks
quite keen to every crack
My focus finds a forward view
I just can not look back

When there upon the door step
these tear filled eyes they spy
Waiting near the welcome mat
my perfect butterfly

And suddenly the bluest skies
appear high up above
This day might not be bad at all
*I’ve found my one true love

-

Crazed beyond this fragile manuscript
  ink now bled out in caustic flow
emptying my mind of the clutter
  pouring from a heart beat’s mechanism
grinding gears of rusted thoughts
  handwriting illegibly unrecognizable
scratched into burned edge parchment
  pleading for destinations
across borderlines and wastelands
  calloused fingers write…poetry
between broken dishes and *** luck cuss words
  folded, creased and left lying on the desk
gathering defiant dust particles
  behind the barricaded door
of cranial creativity
                                     seeping

.

Down this pathway lush and green
Along a winding brook
Dragonflies on cattails play
Come on, let’s take a look

I heard it’s just around the bend
Take my hand, we’ll see
The place where fairies sing at night
Beneath an old oak tree

Sometimes I wonder,
When the wee fairies blink
Do they twinkle like stars
What do you think?

There! Do you see?!
Upon the pad of a lily
A fraggle of fairies
All acting silly!

I see, I see, right over there
With wings of precious gold
Dancing now the sun has set
I guess the truth was told

How many are there, can you see?
It looks to me like eight
I wonder when they’ll start to sing
It’s getting kind of late

I hear the sound of wind chimes
The song is about to start
There upon her lily stage
A fairy opens her heart

The sound of sweet enchantment
A love charm and a spell
I think this song is meant for us
I don't know how, but I can tell

You’re right, I hear her singing
A precious fairy tune
I feel the same way you do
Out here beneath the moon

You must know what this means
It's time I had that kiss
Under stars and moon, in forest Green
*Magic and love, abundant bliss

.

I have noticed her for weeks now,
this same coffee shop,
the same table, the same time each day

I am taken by her beauty, the way she smiles
and sips her coffee, Irish cream I believe,
reading her ipad intently, enjoying herself it seems

I have found myself daydreaming about her,
her wonderful brown hair, not really knowing what
has come over me, there is just something about her

I have wanted to approach her, but I’m not sure how
So I decided today I would write a poem on one of these napkins
and leave it on the table before she walks in, hoping she finds it

This is what I wrote:

For the girl with chocolate brown hair

Far of lonely breaths I breathe
Upon yon smile enchanting so
O’er these moments to believe
Gazing soft enchanting aglow

Of this chance I long to feel
Soft the touch of feathered lips
For my love can not conceal
Lo' the brush of fingertips

Take these words which I have penned
‘pon this paper meant for you
Keep them close as they do send
My poetic feelings true

It’s almost time, here she comes…
My god she is beautiful, I can feel my heart racing,
it is about to beat out of my chest, I’m shaking

She sits down and takes a sip of coffee, turns on her ipad…
come on…it’s right there, in front, wait, she sees it, she sees the poem
She is reading it and that gorgeous smile appears again

Scanning the shop, she notices me watching, smiling at her
Nodding at me she folds the napkin and places it in her purse
then motions for me to join her, my nerves are going crazy

‘Hi, did you write this poem for me?” she asks. “I did,” I answer
“I love it, it is so beautiful.” Then she removes a napkin from her purse
and hands it to me saying, “I wrote this for you.” I unfold it...

She has handed me the most beautiful poem I have ever seen
and then whispers, “I have noticed you for weeks, the same table,
the same time…I just didn’t know how to approach you, so I…”

.

In the wind
Shimmering
Soft the sunlight caresses your hair
In golden beams
Of breathlessness
Blended sure and sensual
A touch of love
Upon my face
To leave but this, and endless trace
I cry my dreams
Of often spent
In days my eyes do find

Love invades this longing
Of gentle soft lips
Upon my own
It is my heart that calls
Comforts
Craves you with eternal flame
If only to speak your name
I breathe, my breath
Is because of you
Tenderly I want
I need, I require
Your love is my desire

Dreams
Sifting on a twilight breeze
Calmly, silently
Whispers on a clouded mist
Formed beyond my window
As I peer
Desperately
For but a glimpse of the beauty
Captured within
My visions of you
Eternal
My view

Take this man
Of lonely means
Wandering of sorted roads
For this I offer
Undying love
With each beat of my heart
More rapidly so
Steadily
Of true affection which showers
Upon you forever
Nourishing
My destiny
You and me

.

Lately I have lost time…
minutes and hours,
moments of the day pass by
without notice

I arrive at places not knowing
how I got there
I have held conversations
but can’t recall speaking

Watched the sun rise in the morning
and then set again that afternoon,  
unable to remember
anything in between

Found myself wondering
where has the day gone,
what have I been doing,
it seems like nothing

Except constantly thinking about us,
these wonderful daydreams
of you and me…
what we could be doing

Days at the beach, candle lit dinners
walks in the park, quiet nights at home,
holding hands in the moonlight,
skipping stones at the lake

Dancing until dawn, morning coffee,
kissing on the veranda, sleeping in,
making love in the rain, counting stars,
falling for each other over and over again…

There, you see, it has happened again,
I just wrote this poem, I think  
and my only recollection is
another moment lost in thoughts of you