Assured and calm the summer rose,
along the bold and steamy land;
With burning rays of sunlight's heat,
the sultry nights of love abandoned.

Sweat poured from my face easily,
as I sat on the wrap-around porch;
With a large tumbler of mint iced tea,
refreshing briefly as the night air scorched.

It was then I recalled the sweet sea air,
where I could run down to the shore;
And with a shout I'd dive into waves,
that cooled my fever to the core.

My mind wandered to that very place,
which brought me peaceful hours;
I'd lie on the sandy beach alone,
with no worries or cares to ponder.

But reality has a way of catching up,
to imagined dreams of heavenly tides;
Taking one last sip of the now warmed tea,
the restless night brought me inside.

And there my lonely bed lay in wait,
no one around to soothe my brow;
The heat brought on a sobering sleep,
escaping visions from the here and now.

The day seems to float like wind-song,
its music carries my heart along;
Today blends wearily into yesterday,
and tomorrow I fear will fade away.

Inside my mind the whistling starts,
a tune which smothers and tears apart;
The waking stream of consciousness,
through mystic strains we all possess.

"Back to basics" seems a somber line,
for the hours spent assuaging time;
Learning how to play life's game,
while sharing moments--all the same.

Admitting things have gone awry,
one kiss and then we say goodbye;
Across the mellow fields of lavender,
we close our eyes and dance forever.

Living in a city devoid of nature's gifts,
I'd escape to the country for a respite;
Here the air was supple and fresh,
lingering softly through the sunset.

I'd skip stones into the lake of emeralds,
where the fish were at home to swim;
And deer would gather for a sweet drink,
before the afternoon daylight became dim.

A long trek to mountains ahead of me,
rescued my mind through mystical places;
It's as if I were miles away from the city,
while I visited these heavenly spaces.

Rushing waters from a nearby waterfall,
awakened me to the wonders of nature;
Their sparkle jumped from stone to stone,
and I watched like a curious wanderer.

This entire adventure made clear to me,
as I rolled out my bedding to sleep;
These picturesque visions would remain alive,
as treasured memories I would always keep.

I've pondered all the dreams that heaven sent me,
and wandered far away to find my home;
It seems my mind is taking me through darkness,
but never do I fear I'll be alone.

The world is such a wonder to behold,
it casts a giant shadow but still remains;
A window to our hearts and souls together,
where nothing fails when hopefulness is gained.

I can feel the tender grasp of windswept rain,
showering me with gems of universal calm;
The sweetness of the water shines within me,
for outside its softness clings like a gentle balm.

Alone I've been--yet never, ever wanting,
for material things which many have desired;
For my walk through life has always been a pleasure,
while inside my bones there burns a raging fire.

It stirs my steady focus through the quandaries,
and the boundaries set by those who stake their claims;
Wilder than the beasts that live among us,
are scores of spiritual yearnings which remain.

Burning high above the clouds,
a late-summer moon on display;
Warns us that our days are few,
'till the solstice will fly away.

In August the moon is wistful,
despite its white hot light;
Reminding us that Autumn's near,
leaving behind a summer's delight.

The nights are still warm and balmy,
as we lie upon the golden sands;
And count the rings around the moon,
while cuddling, hand in hand.

The moon shares all its secrets,
of enduring love and bright romance;
This August moon defines our feelings,
and leads us toward our wedding dance !

I've spent so many hours in this room,
my mother's private place to rest;
She'd read, write, and drink coffee alone,
it gave her time to be at her best.

I know how much she adored her spot,
a cozy chair sitting by the window;
Where she could observe Nature's Glory,
the snow, the rain, the sun's magic glow.

It seemed to inspire her inner self,
the one who was truly literate and wise;
She'd light a cigarette and wistfully recall,
the moments which lingered within her sighs.

Mother's intellect was greatly admired,
as a librarian she was both kind and helpful;
Thank goodness she was always our mentor,
as we struggled with our assignments from school.

This tiny room was her only refuge,
from the noise and chaos of a large clan;
I close my eyes to see her in that chair,
for this is where living and learning began.