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.

How the laughter rang out through the streets,
singing our praises in hopeful song;
We gathered together to raise the flag,
and praise the country where we belong.

Grasping one another's hands,
hugging each other tightly;
As if a dream awakened us to reality,
both daily and nightly.

We were just children but we always knew,
the future would shine for us
Red, white and blue...
Yet now...can we see the light ?
Democracy seems an endless fight.

The need for a promise to be fulfilled,
the need for a love that's cherished;
We will continue to demonstrate,
that there's no room for bigotry and hate.

Our finest hours may have dimmed,
we're paying for all that we've sinned;
But look up to the sky...stop wondering why,
Simply open your heart to a world torn apart.
Perhaps...we'll sing a song of freedom,
amidst the clamor and sorrow,
There will be a tomorrow...for everyone to share !

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.

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.

You're still a child who spends her days,
in the solitude of your tiny nursery;
One doll is all you need for comfort,
like you, she's lonely, but feels free.

Inside your mind you're a princess,
who roams the halls of a palace;
With your pretty doll for company,
there's no sadness and no malice.

Yet whenever the sun floats into view,
your heart fills with some remorse;
Secluded still, beneath an azure sky,
time has followed its natural course.

A child is meant to run and play,
to be outdoors to cheer the daylight;
Katrina, please, put your doll to bed,
then open the door to a world of sunlight !

The loathsome devil living in Hades fire,
casually stoking the embers of wanton desire;
His wanderlust soon carries him away,
to mere mortals weakened and gone astray.

Quite vulnerable as humans oft' can be,
he steers through the smoke of invisibility;
Taking the shape of any common being,
he strikes at gentle hearts without our seeing,

A young lady in distress calls out in pain,
as a hazy shadow looms above the scene;
Her anguished cries are desperate to be heard,
by some kind soul who'll stop and heed her words.

But Satan's shadow transforms into a beast,
a monstrous sign of evil now released;
Roaring viciously and baring gnarled teeth,
approaching the helpless woman mired in grief.

Yet suddenly a sign of peace stirs within,
this beastly savage borne of devil's kin;
A flock of doves released from heaven's bower,
reveals this masked avenger as a coward.

A glorious host of spirits floated downward,
to heal our lady's pain with saintly powers;
In quick retreat the devil had skulked away,
his fiery eyes diminished at the dawn of day.

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 sky is covered with woolly clouds,
for days they hovered above;
So impatient for the sun to shine,
with its gleaming light of love.

Walking toward the river bank,
I pause to toss a stone;
Onto the rippling water's edge,
where gulls fly about and roam.

Cold and chilled I hang my head,
with sadness as company;
I want to run from all my fears,
and blossom whole and free.

But overcast the world remains,
despite my heartfelt prayers;
Now crying till the angels hear,
my wistful words of despair.

Yet when the new day breaks upon,
all the faithful waiting long;
Will bask in heaven's radiant glow,
and sing their own sweet song.

Rejecting thoughts he'd disappear forever,
a phantom glides around the mortal scene;
His earthly voyage takes him many places,
through every nook and corner's vast terrain.

Bewitched by all the different worldly wonders,
he's captivated by sheer delicacy in flight;
And subtle hints from lavender filled pastures,
are scents he's never known before tonight.

Randomly he follows all the children,
while admiring their playfulness and joy;
Soon establishing a feeling of connection,
with every little girl and little boy.

They smelled as honeysuckle would (had he ever known it),
with cheery smiles scampering off to their own homes;
So elated to find the gift of immortality,
through voices of the cherubs' mortal tone.

And soon the time did come for his surrender,
to greater forces from the sky above;
But in his viscous soul he'll still remember,
a world of beauty singing graceful songs.

There's another time before this time,
frequently lost in space;
A kaleidoscope of fears and doubts,
desperately longing to escape.

But in that world of inexplicable time,
worry dominates thought;
The needless, mindless misery,
from a heart that can't be bought.

Wherein lies the answer still,
for moments tossed aside ?
As torment and grief 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 !

Precious time--so evasive and quick, passes by-
Hanging so heavily from a slate-gray sky;
Or will even glow on a warm Spring day,
as the weeks run together from Fall to May.

The hours of the day seem to disappear,
the clock ticks and the day moves on;
Brightening our moments, year to year--
memories recalling the smiles and tears.

Ahead--the unpredictable future days,
when we question our existence, expose
our fears--the wandering mind turns silent,
as we seek comfort from the One Who Knows.

Our Mother-Moon always answers our prayers,
through inspiring emotions, heartfelt signs;
While time relents an aging paradigm,
and wasting it all would surely be a crime.

Mounted high upon his mahogany desk,
those papers lined with embellished words;
Disguised with false echoes of majesty,
which tell the tales of fire and swords.

Forgetting all but one parable designed,
to open up a bleeding heart's wounds;
His inspired thoughts would float away,
in dubious flights of sights and sounds.

While caressing the pages so boldly grasped,
reminding him that words could hold the key;
To rescue the world and solve its weariness,
if only his heart would embrace validity.

Now struggling through these manuscripts,
with haunting visions of malice and grief;
His life torn apart from the wanton spirits,
while flowing cautiously toward a sense of relief.

Since living is heaven's gift to us all,
not just a plaything to scorn and toss;
We must carry the torch to higher ground,
despite our sacrifice and inevitable loss.

The wandering echoes of our minds,
complete the verse in shameful rhyme;
Combining visions of sin's distraction,
while trolling paths of costly actions.

These enemies of thoughts persist,
through varied voices' promised gifts;
Pursuing all the senseless powers,
destroying lives through endless hours.

Then spiritual reign becomes a joke,
if crushed beneath the words we spoke;
Instead of praying for our release,
we wallow in our loathsome grief.

Surrounded then by tainted vows,
our worth diminished in the clouds;
However, then, did we go wrong,
from the shallow lyrics of a song ?

The twilight moods devise a scheme,
beyond all sights in glowing scene;
With dusky gray and molten green,
the hazy night appears serene.

A crescent moon hangs lower still,
in wondrous view beyond steep hills;
And shimmering stars put on a show,
while whispering trees moan soft and low.

Each subtle scent of jasmine flies,
throughout the breezes blown on high;
As honeyed teas are served on sight,
in keeping with the delicate night.

And smiling from my window seat,
I reach out to taste the air so sweet;
Soon drowsy from Nature's gift of peace,
I find comfort in twilight's gentle sleep !

Illusive as the night is long,
the secret wind relays its song;
It cries in echoes of its plight,
and journeys far away from sight.

While carrying all the pains of life,
its music flies toward angels' light;
Where cherubs welcome notes of love,
to share with saints in heaven's cove.

And quickly winds regain their will,
to fly among the sacred hills;
with melodies poured from clouds on high,
which harmonize with the cobalt sky.

Then peace falls over all the land,
when touched by breezes soft as sand;
With open hearts folks greet the day,
as sounds of sorrow float away.

Once there was an endless day,
of shattered wills and broken dreams;
Raging thoughts of anguish pulled,
through hearts left torn at the seams.

It happened when the world stood still,
with its cold and heartless winds;
Sweeping through time with chilling frost,
a glacial torrent of previous sins.

The Lord had left us for awhile,
to see how we would manage;
Would we just give up our values,
or proceed to live up to the challenge ?

Our prayers held fast on varied tongues,
renewing deep faith and adoration;
For the ONE TRUE SPIRIT who 'd save us,
from such a daunting transformation.

At times it seems as we are left,
alone with our pain and torment;
Yet with faith the world recovers from,
the icy shards of sinful moments.

Forgiveness is totally in our blood,
as we vow to treat each other right;
For this one long day could evolve into,
an eternally bleak and fearsome night.

From gauzy skies of crimson in their sight,
the masses keen are lost in wistful night;
And while the whispered echoes float away,
their images denounce a world of gray.

As all the seasons colored with desire,
portray their holy visions thus admired;
Upon arrival in most paramount display,
the masses hope for peace to rule the day.

When glimpses of the ever-changing course,
connect with those in merciful resource;
All eyes perceive a vast and open place,
where heavens touch in whirls of cosmic grace.

While nature soothes the soul through fleeting time,
its manner guided by His hands sublime;
Refreshing all the thoughtful glimpses of,
this peace renewed by God's eternal love.

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.

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.

This wretched war of twenty years,
has finally come to an end;
Our soldiers and our pilots know,
coming home is around the bend.

The sacrifices our folks have made,
to bring aid to a foreign land;
With hesitancy they leave this place,
as the U.S. government has planned.

Yet while we save our very own,
many folks are still left behind;
who supported us and fought along,
our forces in this treacherous time.

Please, save the Afghan interpreters,
and those who nursed us when in need;
It's our duty to see they have a place,
of peace and calm--it's in our creed.

Let's cheer them well and bring relief,
from the enemies we've bravely fought;
We're bound by our word, the President said,
or else these heroes will be forgotten.

To higher ground our spirits soar,
when citizens pledge with honor;
For AMERICANS are the fortunate ones,
who live freely each passing hour.

My mirrored reflection begins the story,
that hearkens back to ancient glory;
In the ageless wonder of fantasy,
my face seems smooth with smiles carefree.

If under the sun I call my name,
the wisps of clouds fly away in shame;
Forever the brightest star I'll be,
like the leaf of an autumnal tree.

Slipping back to current reality,
my rugged skin seems foreign to me;
I never thought of growing older,
I only believed in becoming bolder.

So where in the world did my life go ?
is it hiding under the hills of snow ?
Or perhaps a vibrant dance to the sea,
where everything seems wild and free ?

I guess it's such as others proclaim,
the solitary voice which speaks our name;
Is the one which only the Lord God knows,
in a gift of love from so long ago.

Leading minions through their lives,
with tales akin to nursery rhymes;
Borrowing words' suspicious meanings,
with truth upheld in literary leanings.

Escape will often set their minds,
toward phrases of a different kind;
Whatever's lost in fields of dawn,
is soon exposed to missives' frown.

Behind the gates of poets' loss,
the mystic haze of demented toss;
Survives each peek derived in haste,
and burns the emblems' sour taste.

Correct me if perception lacks,
and covers well its tainted tracks;
For beauty reigns within the heart,
against the cursed lines' depart.

Soulful sounds swimming with serenity,
mindful moments avoiding obscenity;
Lyrical language from artists' amenities,
marbled manuscripts exposing antiquity.

Echoing halls of pyramids' solemnity,
ringing carillons' call to spirituality;
Surly bullies' attempts at ferocity,
ladies gloves defining femininity.

Wise words spurning harsh profanity,
wild winds raging with intense velocity;
Sunshine sparkling from the sky's generosity,
raindrops falling randomly with simplicity.

Skies mellowing with autumnal mystery,
stars glowing as is their history;
Hearts opening in full capacity,
love enhancing lives immensely !

Softer is the sparkle of the day,
as hazy evenings turn muted and gray;
And shadows stretch across each noble tree,
with an overwhelming stark reality.

The flowers say goodnight with flourish,
as the sky sheds blue spilling into sage;
Could it be an evening shower awaits us,
while bustling clouds erupt with mighty rage ?

The storm is brief with sudden bursts of rain,
and from the porch our senses are aroused;
To feel the eerie quiet that quickly follows,
in a lonely state that nature has espoused.

The sunshine beams ahead in glorious crimson,
like a velvet cloak to chase away our fears;
And wrapped carefully in solitary splendor,
its mourning message sent without the tears.

Shades of night sweep through this vivid scene,
as kaleidoscopic colors streak the corners of;
The heavens which provide protective layers,
soothing the evanescent evening from above.

And while the evening sounds the night's alarm,
passing through and setting nature's stage;
The galaxies of stars shine through the darkness,
gently spreading the Almighty's holy grace.

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.

As I glance around my corner room,
a place that I call home;
The walls glistening in pearly white,
bringing peace when I'm alone.

My writing desk of hearty oak,
is carved quite intricately;
With books and papers piled high,
all arranged meticulously.

A tiny table sits by the window,
and placed there with supreme delicacy;
Is my collection of porcelain flowers,
imbuing a sense of serenity.

A Queen Anne's chair near the fireplace,
gleams in a vivid, azure blue;
With a comfy quilt of rosy pink,
lay waiting for me at noon.

The flowing diaphanous curtains,
allow rays of pale sunlight today;
While my tea-tray tempts my appetite,
for luscious tastes of scones and Earl Grey.

I could not ask for any finer things,
to set my eager mind at rest;
What a lovely way to face the world,
with a life that's genuinely blessed !

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.

Beyond the salt waters of the sea,
my thoughts roam far and wander free;
They're often dreams in hazy light,
fueled by the darkness of the night.

To sit and watch the cunning waves,
my lonely heart seeks to be saved;
From haunting fears of blazing fire,
dissolving souls in ancient ire.

Yet often I can sense a wraith,
that floats above with timeless faith;
In spirit's game that casts upon,
the carefree promises of the dawn.

As testament to heaven's worth,
and miracles gathered here on earth;
My heart is filled with honored grace,
which shines upon this time and place.

We all believed in miracles,
a candle in the dark;
To light the fire of endless hope,
with its glowing golden spark.

The air was filled with angels,
and reflective wraiths around;
With magic visions everywhere,
which never made a sound.

Quietly the moon dissolved,
within a starry sky;
And silver streams flowed mystically,
along the mountainside.

While all the margins of the earth,
are fading into space;
The Good Lord reaches out to us,
with sweet compassion on His face.

At first there was a gust of wind,
that shattered meager minds;
Forever gone those broken dreams,
now replaced by curious rhymes.

From the essence of a spirit's voice,
the flowing breezes contemplate;
Each thought diminished by the cold,
which freezing rains soon dissipate.

In countless times of pondering,
where a moment starts and ends;
Left demolished in a whirl of smoke,
that shrouds what words intend.

As emptiness creeps within a heart,
which once was filled with bliss;
A stranger walks upon the earth,
to find what he has missed.

With mighty forces at his side,
an icy blast is blown apart;
And destiny arrives to save,
secrets held right from the start.

When moonlight falls upon the scene,
emotions rise in romantic theme;
The music flows within my head,
with tunes erupting beside my bed.

I look up into a starry night,
that poses in a glossy light;
Sounds of summer dwell outside,
with crickets chirping side by side.

But lonely are these moments now,
since you've been gone I don't know how;
To sing these magic melodies,
which float like whispers through the trees.

Yet in my heart I sense a chance,
for your return in wondrous stance;
And when we reconcile our love,
bells will ring from heaven above.

There's a giant lot filled with grassy roots,
and flowers dead and gone;
A lonesome tree stands withered,
with its limbs now meek not strong.

It's an eerie place around the bend,
where we used to run and play;
But now the sunlight never shines,
in this hollow world of gray.

I recall the folks who lived there,
for years ago we often came;
To climb upon the hearty tree,
looking out to far off lands.

The house was a museum piece,
a bit crumpled but still standing;
Until a blizzard tore the roof,
and it crashed upon the landing.

I never knew what happened then,
for these folks moved from the city;
And left this ancient 'house of cards',
to rot away without heartfelt pity.

And so the ghost-like yard still stands,
around the corner where we would wander;
My spirit still resides within the gates,
along with memories of days much kinder.

The instant moment creeps upon,
a solid boundary yet unknown;
Complete with errant loss of time,
this final destination's climb.

And floating upward in the air,
this monument to style and flair;
Recedes into a crowded space,
where every sound of life's erased.

In universal theme of doubt,
connecting pathways north and south;
Each galaxy provides the cost,
which interrupts all trains of thought.

And rising with a powerful roar,
from lightning's speed defiant core;
One precious whirl of thought remains,
invisible now in nature's game.

Perhaps the moon is a prophet,
and the sun its sister;
Perhaps the grass could be greener,
and the clouds are just blisters.
And the rain is devilish in its daring,
and birds don't sing at all;
Perhaps Summer is really winter,
and Spring is really Fall.

'Round goes the carousel of life,
a kaleidoscopic backwards view;
That captures the imagination,
in seeing days and nights askew.

Perhaps we're all invisible,
just wraiths who've lost our way;
Perhaps blue is red and red is blue,
how can we know this isn't a game ?

Yet heaven dwells within us all,
God promised He would deliver;
a sunny day and rainy skies,
and cold that makes us shiver.

The world is ours, the world is His,
that's all we need to know;
Trust in faith for all humankind,
and the smallest hearts will glow...

Perhaps...

The flowing streams of consciousness,
in glorious colors' shine;
Paint portraits that evoke the sense,
of harmony and rhyme.

As flowers bloom with ageless beauty,
in the fresh and vibrant air;
Their petals open silently,
with a tender, quiet flair.

While bluebirds sing their melodies,
which soothe the aching heart;
Their music hums in breathless chants,
recalling how life starts.

In gentle breezes that fulfill,
all the promises we've known;
Life breathes majestic wonder,
from Nature's kindly home.

Placing the welcome mat outside the door,
lighting tapered candles in the windows;
The hearth glistening in expectation,
for it's all about the holidays now.

A chilled breeze shakes the maple tree,
woolen scarves wrapped 'round our faces;
Watching a turbulent sky above us,
returning from the cold to warmer places.

Grandma said we could have some pie,
but Mom said it was too soon before company;
My mouth watered as the cooking continued,
when will these scrumptious scents reach family ?

And then a burst of happiness I'd always known,
as aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews abound;
I shouted "hallelujah" as they sat around the table;
And Grace was said in muted tones of sound.

Whenever paths turn somber and gray,
we'll seek to find a better way;
To share confused and fraught emotions,
and show our hearts with fond devotion.

At times we've been stuck in reverse,
crawling backward through the universe;
Yet moments come that seem quite clear,
despite waning hours which disappear.

The detour sign presents a chance,
to reckon with the devil's dance;
It lights our journey toward finer things,
with hope that blossoms like the Spring.

Now we can stand in all our glory,
to tell the world about our story;
Combining words that can relate,
the spiritual flow of human grace.

At the end of every twisted road,
there's a subtle sense of victory;
Relief in signs of breathless sighs,
restoring our pride and dignity.

Calamitous routes in honored claim,
now reveal a robust history;
For those who've conquered what remains,
from their uncommon curiosity.

In reaching back among the crowd,
we hear the chanting sounds' velocity;
That will grant a waging war of words,
far beyond its sheer ferocity.

While the broken pieces of the day,
are cleverly tossed and scattered;
For winning never seemed to be,
the thing that truly mattered.

Emotions awaken to the sounds of heartache,
the windless days so still and refined;
Telling stories old and bold, but deliberately passive,
yet active within each others' minds' eyes.

Out in the atmosphere lurks a stranger,
with gossamer wings, bleak, aged and dark;
Reaching toward the heights of terror and gloom,
crushing a small voice crying out, like a meadowlark.  

Distracted are we, the many sounds of confusion,
as we kick the can down the road of solitude;
Attempting once more to depart from images,
which feature only cloudy days and weary sighs.

One day the distractions will morph into glory,
and bring profound hope along its mighty trail;
The mind's eye bulges with bright anticipation,
as shadows soon dissipate, sullen and pale.

I stroll along the plateaus of deception,
beneath me lies the valley of rejection;
I can see the distant vistas that proclaim,
their forces which reflect life's secret shame.

The path to righteous ways becomes a myth,
and souls refute each argument that shifts;
To swollen skies of ghosts which envy saints,
then fall into the chasm of their fate.

The dangling stars project ethereal light,
in universal swoon of sheer delight;
From awestruck signals demonstrating power,
rolling thunder throughout each waking hour.

My shadow leaves me all alone to ponder,
this eerie sense of apocalyptic wonder;
And even if one soul evolves toward sanity,
it's quite enough to salvage all humanity.

Slowly the wheel turns 'round and 'round,
defying every superstitious claim;
That only fear surely lies ahead,
as wicked sorcerers have proclaimed.

In a conspiracy of reckless gallantry,
the people appearing restless and tired;
Like the embers flying through the sky,
from a raging, roaring and ceaseless fire.

The clock tells time but no one cares,
to know if the hour has finally come;
When spirits' light or devil's darkness,
will erase the quandaries within their homes.

They sob and pray till their voices falter,
with hopelessness from the perilous days;
Until an angel appears singing out with love,
and a promise their souls will soon be saved.

Feeling worthy now--their emotions quite shaken,
from discovering faith within the realm;
For only charity's gifts can conquer hate,
and horrors dissolve through peace and calm.

Gone now are those we leaned upon,
for wisdom and care throughout out lives;
They've reached their heavenly home above,
where answers are honest and never contrived.

They had been the touchstones of our souls,
the stars shining brightly every day;
Imparting faith, compassion, insight and hope,
in carving out paths to lead the way.

Now they rest--those thoughtful folks,
who had lovingly shared our visions of light;
Sweet memories stir emotions whenever,
we pray--and bid them a fond goodnight.

Always look up to the golden skies,
and you'll feel their presence among us;
The past and present merge together as ONE,
as our hearts overflow with honor and trust.

These quiet words I speak are bright and true,
your warmth and dedication make me smile;
My life has been a treasure chest of joy,
as if you've been here with me all the while.

I'm honor bound to spend my life in love,
this gift I'll cherish more than I can say;
With inspiration guiding our two hearts,
we'll share what we imagined day by day.

I know that luck has played a welcome part,
in finding all the sweetness and the calm;
Which permeates our lives in destined grace,
and keeps us tied together by heaven's song.

The more you love the more is well-returned,
a boomerang of fate that willingly flies;
Around the bend then travels back to you,
to light a lantern's glow within your eyes.

Fragile as a feather or dew-kissed leaf,
the heart can be torn like tattered cloth;
A pearled wedding gown tossed aside,
to be flung away and chewed by moths.

The perils of commitment's mysteries,
with feelings warped into wavering lines;
While damaged goods offend as solace,
but uphold the remnants of intended crimes.

And to the 'maiden fair' our sorrows go,
who waited many years for 'perfect love';
Her pale demeanor in loss portrayed,
as torment from the disavowed betrothed.

Into her bed our gentle lady remains,
while friends wonder if she can ever be;
Released from this false and grim betrayal,
or eternally held captive in solemn grief.

In the midnight sky it blossoms forth,
like a burgeoning bud in Spring;
The moon is wide and wondrous,
showering us with its mystic gleam.

Shimmering like an Autumn opal,
its sheer essence so far--yet full;
This soft light which shines upon us,
yields a strong magnetic pull.

In a song of love and wisdom,
it seems to sing sweet praise;
From heaven's magical melody,
which inspires us as we pray.

And with our souls touched gently,
we settle down into the night;
Cuddling closer now to those we love,
with hearts so pure and bright.

Wherever ethereal sprites abound,
in gossamer testament to the sound;
Of angels' wings in holy flight,
which bring us comfort through the night...

The charcoal dust of midnight's sphere,
confounds the messages that appear;
From all the saints' resurgent fame,
while folks still seek the mighty flame.

Yet far from earth and into white,
they disappear beyond our sight;
With secrets only known to God,
and serve as heaven's lightning rods.

But soon they're sent to ease our pain,
a choir singing the Lord's refrain;
The whitest light overcomes all fear,
and wipes away each mournful tear.

The streets are lined with coal-dust,
the trees stand still and bare;
I wonder if the earth will turn,
it seems no one would care.

Alarming all the citizens,
the trash sits on the curbs;
And people scowl at one another,
whether in the Cities or the 'Burbs.

Is it really worth the struggle,
living days and nights like this ?
Why didn't we listen to experts,
who warned us of the abyss ?

Global warming has taken over,
the sun grows hotter every day;
We swelter in the moonlight,
as the whole world goes astray.

We've yet to learn to make a change,
in how we treat our blessed home;
Overturning the madness before us,
remember--we're not at all alone.

Fervently, we pray for guidance,
from an eternal source of grace;
And if the words are strong enough,
there's a chance we'll rescue this place.

In methods shattered by modern rules,
revising all we've learned before;
When ancestors played dangerous games;
with deceitful manners we abhor.

The future is carried in the wind,
cast off in silence yet needing our aid;
The days are numbered when we can change,
our path to freedom while debts are paid.

Thinking we're 'above it all' destroys our souls,
not yet cleansed from past abominations;
We should strive to follow humanity's purpose,
which tells the tale of hope and reparations.

No wonder children are confused and afraid,
they see the world as a fiery storm;
Let's put out the flames with honor and care,
vowing to keep our progeny forever from harm.

Nearer to the wall I carry this torch of fire,
from beastly growths of toppled weeds to open meadows;
Its flame creates a lightning rod of strength,
and from the earth time rages onward as it glows.

When will we discover the sweet seasons overhead ?
the message speaks more of ferocity than sorrow;
As walls close in and try to crush the ancient flow,
our fleeting thoughts will encounter new tomorrows.

With profound faith and mercy heaven sends,
a prophet with another torch to lead;
And somehow in the darkness I relent,
to wander off and find the open sea.

While beckoning the rivers to follow me,
wraith-like figures float among the willing winds;
How solemn are the starless nights ahead,
filling clouds with sights and sounds of angels' wings.

Running in the eternal race of time,
searching for the roads to easier days;
Never fully knowing what lies ahead,
looking for ourselves within the haze.

Suddenly in mirrored circles do we see,
reflections shared of one another's faults;
Which bear essential words in frosted light,
excavated in spirals from secret vaults.

Forgiving not the spell that's duly cast,
on frequent plots by mystics at the center;
While roundabout lives crumble and unfold,
with endings choked into a careless banter.

This course we navigate is timeless yet,
each soul extending far beyond the sphere;
Of cherished thought indelibly replaced,
by traces of a past no longer feared.