The rustling leaves of golden hue,
tell the story of Autumn's view;
They glimmer and glow like the stars,
which shine in the indigo sky afar.

And when they fall they tell the truth,
of Autumnal descension upon our roof;
Setting the table for cold and frosty air,
that fills our lungs and keeps us aware.

Our hearts rely on Autumn's pleasures,
to assure us all of the Lord's holy treasures;
And when the breezes blow hard and fast,
we realize Summertime could never last.

With memories clear of September smiles,
watching sapphire rain that flows for miles;
And when misty October opens its door,
the luxurious sites of scarlet endure !

The gallant birds sing such lovely tunes,
while resting under the sky and moon;
On autumn days we see them scour,
for bits of crumbs from hour to hour.

And golden are the days before us,
November brings a thankful chorus;
The harvest reaps its fruitful bounty,
of pears and pumpkins across the county.

Each year we find the gifts of autumn,
the falling of the leaves so solemn;
Brisk is the wind tossing them around,
building colorful bunches on the ground.

And in my mind I can hear the song,
of autumn's breezes all night long;
My heart is filled with love and light,
as the moon shines on to say goodnight.

Around us we see faces readily appear,
exuding sadness from their wide-eyed stares;
While trying to preserve the guise of dignity,
as they enter through death's passage unaware.

The day's been long and hours creep ahead,
to moments which extend into the night;
As hugs and handshakes fill the lonely room,
where last goodbyes extinguish every light.

We bow our heads and pray unto the Lord,
with tears that complement surrounding forces;
A covered casket sits in solemn space,
its meaning still withheld by tranquil voices.

While in the church the crying never ceases,
as unsettled folks line up to reach the altar;
Their outward sense of sorrow begs a nod,
from those of us whose loss remains unaltered.

Exhaustion peeks in early dawn's seclusion,
when all alone the mourners dry their tears;
And feast upon the treasured moments past,
which raise faint hopes that quiet inner fears.

Within the curious space of time,
where days overflow in reason and rhyme;
The essence of 'being' seems overcast,
with perilous notions reeling past.

When thoughts appear to ruminate,
in lengthy notions that contemplate;
The mind is often torn and tested,
and hopeful visions can be rejected.

But travelling through are strong ideals,
along life's paths that seem unreal;
And from the heart our spirits soar,
toward thunder's unrelenting roar.

Chances now taken from the soul,
will move us along with principle;
For when the lightning strikes the sun,
clear answers shine for everyone.

In a moment of daily thought,
the words can often say;
For one heart to seek another,
in the magic of the day.

Blissful now yet unaware,
how thoughts turn into love;
When letting all the feelings fly,
like birds following the sun.

A waterfall of golden dreams,
connects with soulful essence;
And once cascading to the heart,
true love reveals its presence.

No longer left in solitude,
the flight of Cupid's stance;
Belongs to someone else who knows,
the warmth of a lover's glance.

On a windless day of wandering egos,
which clash against their imperfections;
No longer steeped in greed and grief,
to seek vacant and useless reflections.

As shadows drift along naked trees,
telling macabre stories of imminent plots;
Aspiring to grasp beyond their motives,
twisting all hearts and minds into knots.

If we could only find some refuge,
from these ghostly images that assail;
Upon the innocence the lies far below,
each strong and soulful attempt to prevail.

Life is never what it appears to be,
when solemn darkness invades the heart;
With ghastly sounds of wrenching pain,
in haunting echoes that will not depart.

But shadows often often know their place,
when faith and courage both awaken;
Dispelling fears with strength of Will,
and the good Lord's divine intervention.

Watching the sky turn misty and gray,
my thoughts wandering to worlds away;
Where the indigo sky streaked with sunlight,
sends me back to my years of eternal daylight.

As a child of summer the world was mine,
the ocean swirled with colors divine;
The soft, warm sand touched my soul,
and the seagulls perched on the rocks would call.

Swept into a daydream that filled my heart,
with family and friends who have since departed;
My parents packed sandwiches for us to munch,
and the chocolate bars--how much fun to crunch !

Wading in the foam at the edge of the shore,
was bliss to me right down to the core;
Now dad and mom are shadows and clouds,
and my friends have moved away from town.

But I'll never forget those days of delight,
which ended in a sunset so colorful and bright;
The rain now caresses the old maple tree,
as my daydreams are floating out to the sea.

Off in the distance the sun is setting,
while here on the porch I sit regretting;
Each moment that slipped through my fingertips,
especially when I last kissed your lips.

I could have begged for you to stay,
letting my love shine in every way;
But off you went in a misty haze,
leaving me stumbling through the maze.

Not knowing what truly pulled us apart,
and wondering why you broke my heart;
Perhaps life's foibles are a mystery,
with answers buried far beneath the sea.

While watching the colors of a summer sky,
I finally decide to say goodbye;
My eyes are moist from latent tears,
as I vow to conquer lingering fears.

Everlasting love seems hard to find,
with someone who'll live inside my mind;
To grow with me as years move on,
and share the setting of the sun.

When lightning bolts of radiant glow,
as unwavering signs that meet;
Their curious and deflective might,
soon mirrored on sullen streets.

In the tangle of minds' disarray,
this vision of brazen motion;
Travels 'round the wicked sky's intent,
where there lies a massive ocean.

Unhinged and unaware they seek,
to dance upon the tumbling waves;
Grabbing onto life's sheer fantasy,
pretending spirits' flight is saved.

Yet when the hosts of hours return,
in their surprising consequence;
All awaken from a dream-like state,
a mere mirage of happenstance.

In solitary stillness wait,
the rambling thoughts of youth;
Where poets' lines caress the page,
with honor, love and truth.

As inspiration flows within,
the barren minds of old;
Each word evokes portrayals,
in colors bright and bold.

The Muse connects the dots between,
the present and the past;
While lightning strikes of intellect,
shatter life's perpetual hourglass.

Yet time can often be a friend,
to all whose fond desire;
Reflects creative forces which,
arise like blazing fire.

Reactions to the mute defeat,
all thoughts in fair design;
Turn blatantly each missive's tale,
toward clear reasoning and rhyme.

Left solitary and bereft among the sounds,
of distraught emotions from the grieving;
Sad goodbyes have been properly displayed,
with sullen and surreptitious smiles receding.

I know not where my mind has finally gone,
and if its crafty echoes breed contempt;
From heartless words expressed--so well-defined,
while emanating sympathy in fraudulent attempts.

Believing I could rescue my own thoughts,
from far-off memories that often live alone;
But still I sit and mourn my current loss,
with tears and recriminations clearly shown.

The onslaught of the gods return in haste,
or are they merely phantoms of my sorrow ?
Bequeathed a link to what the future brings,
allows my soul to sink--still waiting for tomorrow.

The only time I ever shared my dreams,
was when I felt I could trust my love;
To someone who would keep me safe,
and visualize those dreams from up above.

We'd talk into the wee hours of the night,
while eating pancakes and sausage at 3 AM;
I swore to myself to never let him go,
as we melted into one another like winter's snow

For life seemed so protected and fulfilled,
as if my heart was wrapped in cellophane;
The beating of it stirred my aching soul,
I was finally free from all the hurt and pain.

Simplistic it may seem but for many years,
the men I truly thought would treat me well;
Had turned on me as soon as they could fly,
so far away... as if they were under a spell.

But I knew this was quite different at the start,
someone genuine and real appeared before me;
And with his gentle manner and caring ways,
I could see our future lives pass right before me.

Peering through the snow-laced windows,
the world awash in alabaster light;
A frosty sky chills this wintry afternoon,
as the North winds whip onward in flight.

Inside, the gurgling sound of my teapot,
lifts up my spirits toward warm renewal;
As icy shards form quickly from the roof,
and I grab the teacup sitting by my stool.

Wrapped heavily in my flannel blankets,
sipping slowly as I watch the matchstick trees;
Their limbs swathed in feathers of oyster white,
lean together with their branches dangling free.

How picturesque a scene from my own window,
reviving memories of how the seasons change;
Although I've neared the end of my life's journey,
this graceful portrait can never be rearranged.

Overhead the clouds have dimmed,
and sunbursts claim our day;
Each bright new moment comes alive,
with every glowing ray.

It seems a haunting memory,
of loss and troubled times;
Slipped by in lonely rainy days,
till a new world has arrived.

I place my faith in heaven's skies,
the clearest blue that shines;
And brings me hope of better days,
with pleasure on my mind.

It's like a boat has gone off course,
yet finally found its pathway home;
Through open seas of yearning hearts,
where anxious fears have roamed.

Now in the dawn's protective light,
and eyes that open wide;
A fresh new day begins again,
with loving spirits as our guide.

When human hearts are shattered and lost,
and wonder why there's a higher cost;
For wanting lives to be settled along,
the corridors of a streaming song---

The poets ponder deep desires,
as captured souls stick in the mire;
While days diminish through the dark,
of purple nights where fears embark.

What lies beneath in spirits' land,
will comfort all in life's demand;
And when released the hopeful dwell,
on magic dreams that cast their spells.

We'll surely win this race for time,
to see a world which reigns sublime;
By simply looking down below,
where roses climb through winter's snow.

It's written in the vastness of the sky,
heroic signs that glimmer like the stars;
And stories old--and told--that signify,
each fortune won and lost within the hours.

Look closer as the trees lose all their buds,
and wither in a night which never ends;
Autumnal forces energize then wilt,
like shadows of a heart that cannot mend.

Seasons fly with sudden windswept tears,
and revive the days once long--then brief--then long;
We gather strength to fight the weary hours,
recalling summer's breath in perfect dawn.

Come hear the angels singing at the door,
sent by the moon to penetrate our souls;
Sweet freedom flows within their heavenly song,
and creates another place where we are whole,

And with the guiding hand of Nature's Will,
we wander through the lanes of childhood's ways;
An ever-changing world before us now,
releases memories of struggling through the maze.

Just listen to how the winds whisper,
and feel how the air begins to change;
With springtime nearer to our hearts,
calming breezes shift as leaves rearrange.

Colors of jade from the trees above,
their robust fullness since aroused;
And when the sparkling rain arrives,
each leaf is engaged in subtle tosses.

While cool emerald grasses wave hello,
and greet us gently with their wonder;
Sweet are the winds from lilac bushes,
their scent strewn above and yonder.

We welcome the colors of blissful days,
as our hair flies softly toward the skies;
And May's sunlit beauty embellishes the scene,
when we capture each breeze through our eyes.

High above the fluttering breeze,
a whispering voice calls out to me;
It's gentle lilt a subtle force,
which stirs my heart to stay on course.

I've often wondered where to look,
inside my mind or in a book;
For answers to the questions of,
each human's search for purest love.

In flowers' vibrant bloom of Spring,
or in the melting mountain springs;
A precious child's engaging smile,
or meeting friends to chat awhile.

As fresh and lovely winds arose,
emotions pure are soon exposed;
And with them regions of the soul,
are bound in honor's sacred goal.

An arduous journey came to rest,
at the start of eternal wisdom's quest;
Halting and slow it dissolved away,
before my soul could stop and pray.

Then darkness sang its absurd tune,
while traveling far into the gloom;
Before the changing of the guard,
and lightning crashed in broken shards.

Yet mindful of the cautious stance,
a wisp of memory began to dance;
And all the words cascading down,
erased the visions from the ground.

Past remembering I once knew this place,
of shattered hearts from honor debased;
And while the tears fell from my eyes,
the storms of change came racing by.

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.

Walking along the silent road,
thinking of where I've been;
Taking the time to set to rhyme,
all the music flowing within.

Questions have always haunted me,
the answers never seemed to come;
But in the melodies of the night,
I hear the beating of a drum.

Or is it just my lonely heart,
that thumps inside my chest ?
And when the darkness rises full,
will life's purpose come to rest ?

Yet in the moonlit skies above,
my quest seems small and meek;
For soon the rains of autumn fall,
laying kisses upon my cheeks.

The streets covered with snow and sleds,
children no longer lying in cozy beds;
Sleep is a waste when the outdoors calls,
this new season brings merriment to all !

Spinning like tops while skating on ponds,
seeing ourselves mirrored in icy lawns;
Snow-forts built with love and care,
frost nips away in the clean crisp air.

Building a snowman up on the hill,
down feathers fight off the icy chill;
Sharing with friends many Christmas treats,
slipping and sliding to a jolly old beat !

Songs on high from the chirping birds,
cardinals calling out their sweetened words;
As an evergreen sits so majestic and tall,
a welcome wonderland of joy for one and all !

This room became synonymous with death,
while waiting for relief from outside threats;
Hot and bare in wooded forest's scene,
stifling--hardly breathing---from the steam.

Recalling how I came upon this place,
running from the worst of the human race;
Folks who spend their lives in troubled spheres,
intending to cause harm and foster fear.

It wasn't long ago I had some friends,
who seemed willing to reach out and make amends;
But then mistrust and hateful thoughts arose,
which prompted me to gather all my clothes.

In summer's blazing heat I crossed a bridge,
and found this cottage on a mountainous ridge;
With few possessions curled up in a ball,
I lay in wait with hope no one would call.

And finally I heard the people's rants,
with fiery forces calling out in chants;
To surrender in humiliation and dismay,
or they'd drag me out and put me on display.

I must confess while praying to the Lord,
my crime was nothing horrid or abhorrent;
If God would let me live just one more hour,
these cramped quarters would be all I could desire.

And here I'll live in peace and honor still,
and cast no other stranger to the hill;
For every child should know he has a place,
within the bounds of God's amazing grace.

While mysteries surround us in every way,
and we find ourselves wandering every day;
Those eerie voices that subjugate reality,
attack our inner selves with regularity.

A maze of sinister plots begins to appear,
within the galaxy of our cosmic fears;
And no rest or respite from the curse,
leaves a withering light to remain dispersed.

Awareness often brings us to the surface,
of things necessary to pursue our purpose;
But confusion can reign without a doubt,
especially if starkness of mind wins out.

How difficult to master the sullen sphere,
without finding a world beyond our tears;
Releasing the sadness as we try to ascend,
the notions overwhelming us to the end.

Life often brings such ageless quandaries,
confusing each moment with their boundaries;
While emitting sources which seem unsure,
if such puzzles relent to seek a cure.

In these swiftly flying days of ours,
when sun gives way to majestic stars;
And mellowed signs betray our trust,
from floating winds of fairy dust.

We can see the future fall away,
in aging hopes from souls' dismay;
With changes setting out a course,
which beckons in bittersweet remorse.

Life takes its turns and spirals far,
from countless dreams filled in a jar;
That promised we would rise in place,
beyond the sorrows we can't erase.

Yet in the bank of treasured memories,
our lonely thoughts turn light and free;
Recalling when the world was young,
as beating hearts blended into one.

Love always defies the ancient rules,
which smother us and make us fools;
Forever in our souls we'll strive,
to carry on throughout our lives.

The autumn of our years lament,
but somehow we remain content;
On seeing all the cherished smiles,
who've lived and loved across the miles.

My dear friend, the chaos is finally diminished,
the frantic hours of pain and conflict have finished;
Awaken to the easy, open breath of life today,
knowing the darkest clouds have now blown away.

You've suffered silently for so long this year,
never asking anyone else to quell your fears;
The urgent need to be respected and accepted,
you kept within your heart, afraid to be rejected.

But those scary moments that corrupted your mind,
were coming from a world of a much different kind;
The messages you received were jumbled and cruel,
they brought you far away from the 'golden rule'.

Now there's truly peace within these garden walls,
as if a mystical aura has enveloped and enthralled;
Your quiet prayers toward heaven were received;
so dry your tears, your soulful words brought sweet relief.

The days are somber in this realm,
and hope disappears like dust;
Arranging lives and loves profound,
seems fraught with waning trust.

How do we keep our heads above,
the clouds we seek to chase ?
And when our minds turn melancholy,
how do we ever win the race ?

Facing chances to be inspired,
running from the stormy past;
A smoky sky looks down upon,
a world which cannot last.

Meek and mild with troubled hearts,
we lie on the sands of time;
And sadness brings a lonely call,
for words to save mankind.

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.

These times apart seem such a strain,
a heartfelt emotional loss;
But now we must think of the common good,
and fulfill a worthwhile cause.

People wracked with pain and suffering,
an ominous sign for retreat;
Yet just when we most need intimacy,
this intensity bears repeating.

The smartest move is not to move,
and remain inside for awhile;
We'll see one another soon enough,
when powerful sources quash the fire.

Still our minds take a daily route,
through webs of life's complexities;
And wonderment will fill the ache,
if hope can set our spirits free.

As I felt the kisses of the flowers,
your sweet temptations urging me on;
With the heavenly scent of your auburn hair,
stirring my heart to the promised land.

With one embrace the air was fragrant,
the sand was fresh and soft with rain;
You held me close to your aching body,
as joy followed passion's exquisite pain.

Somehow it all seems as in a haze,
of sharing languid summers by the bay;
When eager cries grew soft and mellow,
then heartsick--I learned you'd gone away.

When we're young we can feel intensely,
the burning desires within our souls;
Reaching out--if only to faintly touch,
a chance to shed the fear of becoming whole.

Foolishly we can forget ourselves,
and let life's notions float high above;
Experiencing romance for the first time,
with emotions lifted up toward truest love.

Yet recalling all those youthful memories,
not changing one brief moment in time;
Believing a foolish heart is better than none,
we discovered how the lyrics finally rhymed.

Annoying thoughts can color dreams,
which proselytize their wanton schemes;
Intriguing worlds come into play,
while clouds of perception waste away.

The doldrums of this mournful scene,
can shatter hopes of a life serene;
A struggle lasts beyond the days,
in melancholy moments here to stay.

How do the clouds relieve our pain,
in subtle spaces which shall remain ?
Among the woolly white of fluff,
destructive signals call our bluff.

How soon the notions that perceive,
a chance to grow, a chance to grieve;
For when the night calls to the clouds,
it wraps the daylight in its shroud.

I walked along the desert in burning winds,
the sand was hot as coal on my bare feet;
Each step I took reminded me of summer,
when the sizzling sun would cause me to retreat.

Just knowing you were far away I wondered,
if you ever stopped to think of happy times;
When troubles disappeared as we embraced,
and each moment was a gift of love sublime.

If I continued trudging onward it may happen,
that mirage of wondrous miracles from my mind;
As thirst began to overtake my wounded body,
a respite from this hellish  journey would be kind.

While collapsing in a heap upon the ground,
my body soaked in sweat and lingering dust;
An eerie vision formed before my swollen eyes,
with a face I deemed too difficult to trust.

Next thing I knew the water readily poured,
upon my parched red lips and crusty limbs;
It was you who came to save me from myself,
this selfish soul who'd left you on a whim.

And now we're free to love as we once did,
the sands have cooled beneath us as we lie;
We'll talk about the time we surely wasted,
when last we kissed in haste and said goodbye.

As autumn breezes contemplate,
the stirrings of the heart;
They boast each complex movement,
in gradual notions from the start.

Like pushing air in contrast,
within the waving trees;
Encircling life's momentous change,
which autumn aims to please.

Spiraling forth in colors grand,
the amber leaves unfurl;
And violet skies retain their hue,
despite clouds' darkening swirls.

The forever winds exhale their way,
into the waiting hills;
With blustery force creating,
the essence of winter chills.

Whenever lies defeat our purpose,
we search for meaningful ways--
To find the peace and serenity,
we can attain from God's good grace.

Erupting soon within our quest,
volcanoes of truth emerge--
With golden words of prophecy,
which light our hearts with courage.

A disaster once averted with,
the fragments of hope that fly--
Around our heads in sunshine,
peering from the turquoise sky.

Hearing all the frank commotion,
those candid sparks that set us free--
As revelations take the stage,
in purple sunset's rhapsody.

As evening falls about the town,
and silhouettes of trees abound;
A dusky haze surrounds the moon,
as she lifts herself in rhythmic tune.

The sun has faded from our sight,
while making room for sky's delight;
As shadows dancing 'round in play,
dismiss the vivid signs of day.

Lying low on the dampened green,
the crimson sky emits a gleam;
With soft and tender strains of light,
that glow so gently through the night.

Give welcome to the mystic face,
of shining stars and planets' grace;
As the easy flow of nature's way,
now captivates in magical array.

My heart just wants to cry,
on hearing lamentations from distant shores;
Gossamer angels weep and sigh,
waiting for the magical cure.

Sleep eludes the burning masses,
turbulence incessantly rises and swirls;
Brighter horizons must be uncovered;
before the destruction of our hopes fulfilled.

Just imagine we're all floating upward,
above and across the sage-green sea;
Hoping to touch the vulnerable and weak,
then watching them blossom--heavenly !

We'll see the dividing walls tumble down,
and for those who've wept and suffered before;
Awaken to a life refreshed and renewed,
with delicate souls hovering near the shore.

The days linger long when clouds embrace,
the magnetic pull of your eternal face;
Its sweetness shed from a myriad of stars,
with signs of love in miracles from afar.

The brightest lights will shine for me,
when your hopes and dreams call out to me;
In a whirlwind of mystical words and sounds,
appearing softly as if they're heaven-bound.

My heart grows ever fonder with each day,
from the space you've filled along the way;
Could it be that magic has opened wide,
to a welcome world of songs and sighs ?

Not as a stranger you found me at last,
my beating heart drumming like a rocket blast !
Intertwined as one solid life we'll be,
as the waves connect through a luscious sea.

I am too old for this reckoning,
I am too old NOT to reckon
     with past promises,
     Of life outside myself-
The shadows call me home,
yet where exactly do I land ?

Only words define the substance
   of Art, Growth, Humanity itself;
I dare to tell tales of which I know
    very little,
But imagining them is how
   I conquer fears,
   create escapes,
Follow my own footsteps through
a tunnel of RECKONING--and REPOSE.

The ominous waves crash to the shore,
a blazing sun sparkling upon them;
A turbulent ocean cries in ecstasy,
emitting many colors of precious gems.

Blue topaz glistens within its folds,
as cool emeralds land on the beach;
The pearly white of swirling foam,
bubbles and bursts in swift retreat.

But as sailboats float in the distance,
distinct in their parallel scheme;
Our eyes are met with diamonds,
a royal tribute to the dazzling scene.

Soon the afternoon sun begins to set,
spreading all its natural gleam;
And violet streaks reflect upon,
the undulating surface of the sea.

Follow scores of dancing sapphires,
cool and rich as an autumn sky;
Faithfully cruise against the horizon,
capturing starlight within their sighs.

Raucous laughter would permeate the air,
as we rode along in Papa's old jalopy;
Pretending we're in Cinderella's carriage,
wearing silken gowns and jewelry aplenty.

A 'pumpkin's fantasy' coach drove us away,
our makeup pressed against the autumn breeze;
And bouncing far along the darkened roadway,
our 'carriage' turned then coasted down with ease.

We happily arrived at the prom's destination,
with eager smiles we floated through the door;
Boys with drinks in hand watched as we giggled,
while they made their way across the tile floor.

The magic of the music brought us closer,
awakening me to rainbow colors all around;
As if in a dream we wound up in the moonlight,
sharing champagne beneath its shine upon the ground

Then somewhere in the night a stolen kiss,
with all my intimate passions softly glowing;
Beyond the former world of make believe,
a love for life in future days was growing.

The maple trees turning to amber and bronze,
cool, brisk winds running through my hair;
Skies of blue changing to purple and gold,
as Autumn brings us her loving care.

Summer is gone now--we can't go back,
to the lazy sounds and warmth of the sea;
Standing near the beach on the eve of Fall,
ocean waves start to crash with ferocity.

Children skip off to school in sweaters,
and can soon see their breath in the air;
Pumpkins grow round and full in the garden,
ripe and ready for this year's County Fair.

Cornstalks emerge, tall and graceful are they,
the new harvest is about to begin;
With its honeyed apples, pears, and walnuts,
filling straw baskets to carry within.

There's never a time when Autumn fails,
its storms bring refreshing rains;
And the moon is golden and frosty at night,
after a crimson sunset of fiery flames.

This transition time between seasons,
is something we can all taste and touch;
It brings with it great hopes for tomorrow,
which we'll welcome and cherish so much.

I'd been washed up on foreign shores,
for several hours, breathing shallow;
My hands swollen from the heat,
salt-water and sand I surely swallowed.

With no memory of how this occurred,
I then crawled onto the barren beach;
And lay there alone just hoping for,
someone to come and bring relief.

The sun was setting in crimson and gold,
and around me gulls had taken flight;
I shivered with the cool ocean's breeze,
then softly cried well into the night.

By dawn came the heat of a simmering sun,
my clothes still damp but nearly dry;
I sat up and watched the tide roll in,
and again I heard seagulls' mournful cries.

But suddenly appeared an angelic mist,
and with tender words did comfort me;
My aching head and sunburned limbs,
were wrapped in grace and sweet company.

It was then I knew that heaven was real,
(though often entertaining cynical doubts);
Of ever looking into the face of God,
but somehow was welcomed to His Holy House.

Beyond the creamy ice-milk sky,
where snow-topped mountains reign;
A world of alabaster white,
proudly shimmers in its domain.

The howling winds whirl overhead,
where wintry birds proclaim;
In glorious voices from above,
as they chirp their sweetest refrain.

Within a sphere of crystal wonder,
reflecting mirrored shadows from afar;
The whispering sounds of angels' breath,
shower peace from a new snowfall.

A palace shaped by dangling icicles,
where frosty tales of winter's light;
Are coveted in the gentle words,
of poets' profound delight.

Way beyond the hills in the summer's sun,
where linden trees shine like new pennies;
A glittering lake invites young and old,
as boats set out to leave the harbor's levy.

The meadowlark sings a sultry tune,
while he sits and watches the weather;
Pink clouds float along in the aqua sky,
forming a wondrous scene we share together.

With jade-green grasses' soft caress,
we casually lie in wait for the wind;
Which will burn us with its eagerness,
fueling our passionate hearts once again.

This lovely panorama of nature's gifts,
a soothing landscape for our restless minds;
Portrays what makes a difference in our lives,
gently painted by Heaven's most masterful eye.

There's another time before this time,
frequently lost in space--
A kaleidoscope of fears and doubts,
we desperately long to erase.

But in that world of time unexplained,
worry dominates thought--
Needless, mindless misery,
from a heart that can't be bought.

Wherein lies the answer still,
for moments tossed aside?
As grief and sorrow curve into waves,
roaming aimlessly through the tides.

We may never know from where it comes,
the substantive relief--
But perhaps one day the ebb and flow,
will rescue our beliefs.

Connecting all the wires within,
adjusting every private whim;
While managing the frequent ache,
resulting from my grave mistakes.

For until now my leisure days,
were lost inside a gossamer haze;
A wealth of guilt engulfed my soul,
with emerging doubt of destiny's role.

And through the fire I walk alone,
to banish fears from worlds unknown;
When as my burning flesh revealed,
the heavy scars beneath the shield.

Taught by the Master of Disguise,
to moan and cry for caution's prize;
I know not how I've come to be,
this hollow shell which no one sees.

The luminous sky of velvety red,
hangs high above beyond my bed;
And from the window I can see,
a scarlet rose that wanders free.

It floats along in silent grace,
this captive flower of outer space;
Against the moon its color gleams,
like tiny flecks of summer's schemes.

Yet here we are in autumn's night,
with streaks of golden comets' flight;
Creating such a wondrous scene,
from rosy sky's romantic theme.

A canopy of darkness looms,
erasing brightness from my room;
And gone are streaming rays of red,
which lift my heart above my head.

But in the splendor of the sky,
a flower waits for stars to fly;
Against its silken petals pure,
that weave their magic and allure.

Growing in the side-yard of our house in Villa Park,
were mint leaves basking in the summer sun--
Sitting in the kitchen with windows opened wide,
the ruffled curtains fluttering in the warm breeze--
I could taste the scented air as I drank my lemonade,
poured from my grandmother Mary's heavy glass pitcher,
artfully embossed with floral etchings.


A porcelain cookie jar shaped like a happy homemaker,
sat quaintly in the corner of our green kitchen counter--
The cotton tablecloth swirled with bright colored birds,
partially shaded by the lowering of the evening sun.
Kneeling at the window I saw a bounty of honeysuckles,
which enhanced the sweetness of summer's breath.


Mom would dish out bowls of butter-almond ice cream,
a delicious treat brought earlier by her cousin Jean--
And often we'd play Scrabble long into the night,
(Mom was the brightest of us all, a winner in every way);
then we'd head outside toward the backyard pool
To watch lightning bugs flitting in delight around
our giant maple tree, catching a few as they floated past us.


Later, from my room, I'd hear the humming of the pool's filter,
and Daddy's reassuring voice practically in rhythm with the sound--
My younger siblings would grab hold of me as we chased our
playful pup down the stairs and onto the front porch--
There, we sat in the twilight watching Dad survey the moon,
with Mom commenting on the twinkling stars above--
And we knew, wholeheartedly, that love surrounded us,
before bedtime arrived and engulfed us in peaceful sleep.

They reach beyond in spiritual glance,
contented souls who take a chance;
To chase their dreams with strong intent,
never conceding to sorrowful lament.

Where do they find the peace within,
to follow courses that often begin;
In shadows covering every word,
when hopeful voices can't be heard ?

Hiding fears from others around,
they pray but barely make a sound;
Yet heaven is not far from here,
to calm the aching, worrisome fears.

So on they march into the night,
in search for what will make things right;
A goal to reach when strength abides,
and softly ripples among the tides.

The streets were barren and quiet,
not a hush or whisper of sound;
The moon disappeared beyond the hills,
so there was little light on the ground.

I awakened to chords of laughter,
their ethereal voices taunting me;
My pillow was wet with solitary tears,
as anxiety washed over me like the sea.

Maple trees growing outside my room,
their leaves swaying in the haunting breeze;
I tried to call out but no voice projected,
Shuddering like an icicle about to freeze.

Aroused by the sound of horses' hoofs,
a carriage stopped right outside my home;
I looked down from the prominent bay window,
somewhat relieved at what I was shown.

Now waving upward toward my room,
a smooth gentle hand displayed its desire;
And soon I was captivated by my own soul,
which finally returned to fuel my heart with fire.