Often my mind takes chaotic turns,
every thought in a frantic whirlwind;
Engaged in memories which seem unreal,
and futuristic images casting spells unkind.

The piercing voices provide awkward relief,
with their influential yet boisterous tones;
At times I'm afraid they'll turn into whispers,
on their path through the maze of the unknown.

Songs are soothing but some seem reckless,
a vortex of broken wishes once recalled;
Slithering sites cast upon the remnants,
of fragmented night time dreams unfulfilled.

The darkness envelops my inner being,
while through the mirror of life I'm scattered;
Daylight will rescue me from this--I'm certain,
yet wondering if my dusky visions mattered.

The sting of useless, empty-headed comments,
from someone you have always cherished;
Brings forth a sudden sense of insecurity,
and rattles the beliefs you once had treasured.

I tried not to listen to her rantings,
she had been under a great deal of stress;
But the more her words stuck to me like magnets,
and led to a state of confusion and duress.

This person who promised to be my friend,
now wound up and attacking me with shards;
Of glass-like pieces cutting like a knife,
and woeful stories that I needed to discard.

Using reason seemed out of the question,
so I followed my heart to save my soul;
No matter how long you've known someone,
there's still a place for compassion and control.

I feel relieved now that I've escaped this pain,
unsolicited and unworthy of time together;
Being true to oneself takes strong self-assurance,
which I came to know despite the 'stormy weather'

The ever pervasive thoughts within my mind,
have scrambled images which appear unkind;
Where ghosts of yesterday's haunting power,
can fuel one's fears each day from hour to hour.

As breezes blow through all the trees outdoors,
shaking leaves and dropping them on nature's floor;
I watch how autumn has arrived with chilly air,
and wrap myself in its vision of captive flair.

Yet with the passage of time the daylight fades,
relentless is the wind which carries each phase;
Of multi-colored life toward new tomorrows,
that still cannot erase my pain and sorrows.

But carried on the wind we find saving grace,
somehow the ghosts of lifetime's past are erased;
I breathe a blessed sigh which seems to calm me,
with the missives carried on the wind beside me.

As we sat together on our porch swing,
lazily watching the golden orb above;
Romantic notions were bewitching us,
as we held hands expressing our love.

The silent world around us tonight,
except for crickets singing their songs;
We felt as if our hearts stood still,
while the whispering wind danced along.

Glowing brightly yet softly was the moon,
igniting emotions within our very souls;
When we kissed, our passion was fulfilled,
under the glancing haze which made us whole.

While caressing one another we were caught,
in a luminous burst of magical light;
With this momentous vision--a gift from the heavens,
we knew deep inside God had blessed this site.

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.

There's a solemn place, so vast, which reeks,
of emptiness and deepened sorrow;
It's a place where no one can envision tomorrow,
for the day has been shattered into tiny pieces;
From the drowning sounds of tears' releases.

Careless missives scratched upon the walls,
of this cavernous cave where dark dissolves;
Into twilight, no matter the hour, and dreams,
evolve into nightmares of ruin and screams.

There's no escape, unless the heart stops beating,
and every soul among the crowd creates;
An unrealistic reason for their destiny, their fate,
yet honor bound they hold onto what's at stake.

Within the caustic reprisal from devil's doom,
a mystic cloud of gray covers up all faces;
The endless swirling of heavy smoke's revival,
sits upon the heads of those who need survival.

They grasp at hope despite its shallow promise,
to reap the benefits of life without the pain;
And when the sunlight's illusive rays diminish,
the dreary sky pours down its acid rain.

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.

I'll often gaze off into the sunset,
thoughts meandering through the night;
The beauty of the world confounds me,
as the stars glow in my sight.

Examining the purpose of life's plans,
in my solitude I care to wonder;
If the world is simply gorgeous light,
not ever dark or dreary to ponder.

Framed in essences of silver and gold,
my days seem to float far away;
I speak softly now that I'm alone,
yet never pause to sleep or pray.

Clashing memories disrupt my soul,
still I'm satisfied to be alone;
Where my emptiness can be fulfilled,
in the heart of my own home.

Once in awhile you sense a mystery,
from all that swirls within the night;
It carries your heart to an open door,
where you can discover a softer light.

This shine will greet your heavy heart,
with shades of golden warmth;
It covers you with twinkling stars,
and elevates your ebbing worth.

This journey brings a certain peace,
which quietly lives inside your soul;
The sparkling heavens then illuminate,
the truest path to your lifelong goal.

It seems the darkness of each night,
inspires that yearning feeling;
A loss of control so frightening,
it sends our emotions reeling.

But if you walk beyond that sunny door,
and bask in its wealth of honor;
Your life will improve with every step,
as dawn arrives in glorious wonder !

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.

Monday mornings bring a new start,
to focus on the most important things;
Looking toward a spirit of renewal,
seeing the path before us begin.

It's in the light of one's own heart,
the love flowing within the soul;
That reaches out to those who need,
to share their trials and their goals.

Hearts beat with a single promise,
one that will show the proper way;
To treat one another with respect,
trying to learn the lessons at play.

Humanity is such a stunning force,
the gift of tomorrows surely resides;
In a world which we can seek to create,
despite temptations to run and hide.

My heart is solid, my feelings emanate from there,
I have everything I need in life, no bad luck, no despair--
Solid as a rock, the rocks that built my reputation,
I've never been so free of pain and sorrow, and desperation.

The wind will never blow my thoughts away from you,
the branches of the trees will reach out in prayer for you--
As if love is an eternal thing, like the ring that is on my finger,
Solid gold, a wish fulfilled--a dream of everlasting life together..

Lord, grant me the strength to remain solid, hopeful, and connected to the Divine...connected to everything spiritual,
for nothing is as solid as LOVE.

Reading between the lines of love,
I recognized this tale of woe;
It sizzled with a panicky voice,
and growled with anger rising slow.

The parchment pages rustled handily,
my fingers framed each word;
Perspiring now my hands were soaked,
in images which propelled the sword.

But no tears arose from mockery or shame,
while reading the familiar flow;
Of my gallant efforts to show the world,
there was more to my work than show.

Yet somehow in the gruesome night,
a thief had coveted my manuscript;
As I stood aghast in the bookstore,
each stolen page I hastily began to rip.

Can anyone else ever possibly know,
how very startling it is to see;
A literary fraud which breaks apart,
the inspiration for a writer's purity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sitting alone in a nearby church,
pondering the life around me;
Wondering why we all seem lost,
in this truly complex society.

Surely I'm not the only one,
who questions the role of man;
Determining how to make amends,
and love one another the best we can.

Lighted candles glow on the altar,
as white roses lay at Mary's feet;
The mother of Christ whose son sacrificed,
His earthly life without defeat.

This lovely place I often visit,
where peace and calm take my hand;
Inspiring visions of a world that's whole,
as we interpret our Lord's own plan.

One moment of grace is all we need,
to give of our hearts each day;
This humble gesture can only prove,
our blessed mission is here to stay.

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.

---of love, and fireside romance,
speak to me of all the things we share,
of passing time's urgency to care;
speak to me of sighs, of kisses, and touches
sweet.

Speak to me of forever love, of the way
we go forward from year to year--
And of all the laughs and tears
shed, as our hearts grow in harmony.

Speak to me of the yesterdays,
and all that has led us here--
to eternal bliss--
All we needed was one kiss,
and somehow the angels sang
with delight---that night,
you spoke of our everlasting bond.

Speak to me---how fortunate are we !
precious gifts have set our hearts with glee.
We've carved our initials into that maple tree--
to last for all eternity--never forget to speak to me.

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.

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.

The waves of years that carry along,
our ocean of thoughts where memories belong;
Compel us all to do our part,
to ignite the passions within our hearts.

How quaintly do our treasures speak,
like stones that fall along the creek;
In mellow moments we sit and stare,
and wondering if we ever cared.

While looking back upon the days,
which sheltered us from sunlight's blaze;
As falling rain disperses each thought,
in cascading drops to cure the drought.

Our hearts and minds can be uplifted,
from spiritual notions which are gifted;
In heaven-sent moonlight from above,
the craving redeemed by eternal love.

And round and round and round we go,
our illusions parting like melting snow;
Life passes by but we've been blessed,
in ways that soulful winds caressed.

A bouquet of jonquils sits gently on a chair,
its colors muted as the lightly scented air;
No longer fresh and lovely as before,
when first arriving at the marble door.

A twist in timely plans had come undone,
a wounded soul flew outward toward the sun;
The wailing captured everyone's attention,
no doubt her heart could use an intervention.

Yet no one could even find the maiden fair,
this gesture had caught her totally unaware;
Her future just destroyed before the altar,
left friends and family startled in the foyer.

Night fell swiftly above the church's steeple,
and bells rang out to calm the worried people;
Hours later while she wiped her tears away,
an angel called her home amidst dismay.

The night had lingered on and as she slept,
the bunch of jonquils carried to her breast;
Became the sign she never could forget,
so jaded were the petals of love's regret.

Climbing up the tree of sanity,
forgetting how I came to be;
A beginning or an ending calls,
between the fanciful purple walls.

Moving onward to reach the top,
looking forward to where I'd stop;
I've seen the mischief behind the walls,
where squabbles twist like little squalls.

Now where could I find my own place,
to start and end this boundless race ?
A step toward home is what I need,
yet wanderlust has been my creed.

It's all a fantasy that sweeps away,
the musky scent of battles at play;
On awakening from this hapless dream,
the world arranges another scheme.

And purple walls come tumbling down,
like violets torn from the underground;
But with the colors they have shown,
at last I've reached my sacred home.

Hazel eyes content to watch the sun,
in morning's light when day has just begun;
No clouds of doubt are painted on his face,
his arms of love I happily embrace.

When romance flourished in the summer sun,
his voice reminded me that we were ONE;
Our treasured moments at the water's edge,
inspired the forming of a lifetime's pledge.

With souls receiving joy from azure skies,
our hearts combined as ONE in spirit's eyes;
His tender touches calling me to home,
as shining eyes aroused the yielding moan.

This vision of eternity brought to mind,
a subtlety announced in reverent rhyme;
And clearly summer gave the best to me,
while frothy waves came crashing from the sea.

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.

Silently the moon glides across the sky,
meeting stars along the way--
A midnight scene we've come to view,
wishing it were here to stay.

Magical dreams that seem so real,
enhanced by a purple velvet sky--
framing a massive sea of teal;

Sailboats float against the horizon,
guided by the stellar light--
Tumbling waves cause them to rise and fall,
as if they were taking flight!

We warmly embrace while watching,
God's vision of eternal love--
The earth, the sea, the moon and sky,
all miracles designed in the heavens above.

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 !

Famous or infamous...a worldly stance,
hungering for that magical dance;
Bereft of love one chases the crown,
but often the planet turns upside down.

While followed by interloping sycophants,
honored with glory and financial status;
You're digging a hole within your heart,
still desperately clinging to sanity's part.

Then watching it all simply disappear,
when those 'hungry' folks retreat to the rear;
An abundance of riches had ruled before,
now there's no path to settle the score.

Gone are all your family and friends,
who would have remained until the end;
But they were cast out by your very hand,
was this the life you truly had planned ?

Well now you can feel the limelight's curse,
depicting how life could grow so terse;
You're shining one day then fading the next,
for sadly, the reign of fame disconnects.

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.

Wrapped in bulky woolen sweaters,
we scampered across the length of the field,
where crisp leaves had begun to fall
from several stalwart trees--
Surrounding our beloved playground like
tall, spare reeds, bending slightly in the wind--
And with the dampened earth beneath our feet,
and the mist-filled air crackling with Fall's breath,
We gazed upward at an ashen-toned sky,
as an early moon carved a lighted path for us
to follow--
Our hands held together tightly, running quickly
with the eagerness of youth,
seeking warmth and comfort at the roaring hearth;
We exhaled, watching the frosty air envelope us--
before falling lovingly into mother's waiting arms.

Today my soul has run away,
to places where my heart can't play--
Devotion lights the thoughts within,
yet still there's something I can't win.

In silence lies the grieving night,
from all the stories of my plight--
The quiet calm and windless air,
are gently stirred without a care.

My deepest feelings rise above,
ideas flourish with endless love--
The evening falls without a sound,
as moonlight shines onto the ground.

Perhaps I've wandered into fairyland,
with children dancing hand in hand--
My fondest wish is coming true,
as my soul's returned to be renewed.

The cerulean ocean sends its tides,
with waves that catch our curious eyes;
In captivation we seem mesmerized,
by the way the ocean touches the skies.

Among blankets laying on the sand,
are buckets and shovels to lend a hand;
In building a castle or digging for clams,
as the sunshine swells with each demand.

Subtle and muted are the water's rhymes,
and blossoms forth from seaside mimes;
Those haunting sounds now fill the air,
from mystics foretelling in poet's lair.

While daylight turns into soft twilight,
the blankets are gathered and set on flight;
With children asleep in their mother's arms,
and young lovers await the charm of stars.

Barren branches reach toward the steel-gray sky,
the air whistles through them as they sway;
Touching each other with a crackling sound,
as moaning calls of winter birds obey.

With each move their tender limbs try,
to hold themselves up with honor;
Yet as gusts snap twigs to solid ground,
this scene appears to us in horror.

Why now is Nature so bold and brave,
while January's resting and nesting starts ?
Its darkness looms with grave concerns,
for every lonesome and solitary heart.

And the whirling frost will paint its pictures,
along the windowsills each night;
The once fiery hearth seems weary and weak,
as the numbing cold begins to bite.

It was quite different when we lived down South,
which seems like years ago;
But now we stumble over icy hills,
and plow through fields of snow.

While the holidays pass with mirth and cheer,
our souls become unsettled;
Knowing that God has future plans,
that would surely test our mettle.

The strong survive the wicked winds,
the remaining folks just fade away;
Yet when we hold each others' hands,
our misery blows far astray.

Remember the elders on the farm,
telling stories of a reckless season;
Their wit and wisdom brightened our world,
for them--life's challenges had their reasons.

Huddled together in woolen shawls,
with my loving family close at hand;
I pray to the Lord that we all survive,
this bleak and brittle land.

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.

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.

To and from the bar in a drunken stupor,
not knowing or caring if I live or die;
My self-worth descends to the lowest level,
while obsessing on the tears I've yet to cry.

Back home again I face an empty page,
no words but my own name and a silly title;
Exhaustion peaks at noon while coffee perks,
but maybe just a touch of scotch to settle .

I feel as If I'm crawling deep within,
an abyss of more self-pity and endless fears;
My senses dulled by alcohol won't revive,
until the soulless spirits disappear.

Looking out the window to the night,
as the harvest moon glows gently in the sky;
And pour my cup of coffee as I gaze,
at this cosmic miracle shining before my eyes.

The darkness seems to halt then dissipate,
bringing hope this stardust scene would last forever;
Then facing scrawls of words which lay before me,
I'm aware the time for change is now or never.

Time is just a transitory journey,
which captivates the moment's eye;
And uplifts all wondering gazes,
toward a sense of spirituality on high.

The seekers we have soon become,
fly endlessly through treasured spaces;
And give joyous meaning to our lives,
despite the clouds' attempts to erase us.

As shadows fall around the stalwart trees,
they beckon to our core of resistance;
And soon our loathsome shells of fear dissolve,
while our souls struggle to go the distance.

The ephemeral notion appears as a quandary,
whenever we tend to question its true value;
In a blink of a eye the mystical moment passes,
yet with serenity and calm we find renewal.

Escape is not the way toward resolution,
a runaway soul needs more than quick solutions;
While mindless measures trample every chance,
to see the changes wrought in tactless glance.

Despite new moves that carry you along,
those shattered scenes create a mellow song;
And when each word of comfort goes awry,
the heart grows restless for sweet lullabies.

In haste the mind's uneasy sense of fate,
renews sad memories than can never wait;
And the lonely waning hours of the evening,
foment all wretched fears upon the grieving.

Reflecting now on visions fraught with terror,
encircling the outer edge of 'now or never';
A sudden burst of life reclaims the soul,
as wisdom takes its place in honor's role.

The sky lights up with sunny smiles,
that shower rays for many miles;
And Nature prospers from its powers,
as gardens bloom with fragrant flowers.

But what still waits in the world beyond ?
a sun that glows can't be undone;
Yet in the darkest hours we see,
the moon replace day's reverie.

In galaxies across the universe,
expanding time repeats its verse;
Of words that gently touch the soul,
while finding truth's commanding role.

So in the space that guides our way,
we seek to live another day;
Beyond the sun where heaven shines,
we'll sit and wait for dreams divine.

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.

They burn intensely in the blackest night,
from bubbling cauldrons of complexities;
Soaring openly into the cavernous skies,
and freely energize their raw abilities.

Destructive through their raging flames,
so far beyond mere mortals' comprehension;
Compounding aching wounds of hearts' lament,
in scorching psalms that bear each raw intention.

Among the massive canopy of fading stars,
entangled and dispersed by sparks of flight;
Soon connect along a wildfire's fearsome pace,
and through the paths of heaven's burnished light.

So fierce a power now set upon release,
The smoking torches quickly gather force;
creating empty spaces scorned and charred,
In history's relenting chase from sins' remorse.

The frenzied pace that fuels expression,
from piercing fragments of confession;
Devours its pace from a common source,
when enduring faith rejects its course.

While losing time to run the race,
resisting visions' one can't erase;
The wicked sins' resurgent fire,
dissolves in devil's blackened ire.

In vivid scenes of starlit skies,
revolving planets gone awry;
Cast brightest signals on display,
reaching spiritual heights along the way.

While communing with enlightened souls,
pursuing paths toward heavenly goals;
Resurgent powers' keen revelations,
will emerge from wonders of creation.

Meandering minds recall their place,
with fraught emotions tangled-
Appearing in a shadowy world,
where words are torn and mangled.

In recesses of profound desire,
when fiery images lose their way-
Through many doors they've wandered,
yet their souls are tossed and frayed.

Again and again this fire deploys,
a fiercely bound intention-
To rise among the smoke and ash,
lifting hope for mass redemption.

So many doors from which to choose,
for the fractured shells of man-
Yet undisturbed they diffuse the flames,
with wild and windswept rain.

Each day we awaken with worried minds,
and hopes that we'll get through--
The troubles that arise before us,
with courage and fortitude.

It's not that we're ungrateful,
for the gifts we've received from above--
Happy times can be overshadowed,
when we've forgotten that we're loved.

It's hard to feel His presence,
in all the things we face--
Afraid and weak our hearts reach out,
for His everlasting grace.

It doesn't matter who you are,
or what name you call your God--
The spirit of life is written on,
each soul that conquers fraud.

The lie is that we're here alone,
with nothing to enhance our faith--
Yet the sun and moon glow peacefully,
then disappear without a trace.

Where did the magic all begin,
and do we question why?
The days move on despite each trial,
while dark nights sing their lullabies.

One foot in front of the other,
is really all that we can do--
Just make a choice to live and learn,
and with God's love you'll begin anew.

He stood so close to me,
I could feel his breath, smelling of crisp apples,
for it was autumn and we walked briskly through
the winds of change.

His long blue-black hair and celadon eyes,
captured me immediately. The slanted sun touched
his face with a coral glow as we gathered our books
and headed to his dorm.

He stopped suddenly, gently brushing his hand
through my hair,
pulling at the longest strands of auburn, then releasing
them quickly as if he'd gone too far.

I waited to see what would happen next;
the wind caressing his charcoal locks, and
swinging my red scarf in the cold, fresh air.

There was a burst of light snow, fluttering down
on us as we said goodbye. He always called me
"sport" as he knew my love was raging within me,
but he was "spoken for" by the girl back home.

Still, I wonder, if it were a different time and place,
would he have been the one. I cherished my time with him,
brief as it may have been...

And now he's with God, after a lifetime of success and joy
with his girl from home. I'll always feel blessed to have
known him; to have laughed, sung, joked, shared lunches, and cried on his shoulder about life's foibles.

Thank you, dear sir, forever. At 21, you were my guiding light !

She washed the dishes and scoured the floor,
the laundry folded and left by the door;
Walking away to head back home,
a voice inside then urged her to roam.

There she was on the street at night,
where old and young must battle the blight;
Her blue-gray eyes began to tear,
since just last week she was living here.

Cold and brittle the sidewalks seemed,
it's not a place where many dare dream;
A saving grace took her from this place,
with thoughts of charity she couldn't erase.

Her most humble work is a daily sign,
that folks can truly be decent and kind;
Though tired and worn her hands may be,
safe and secure her work sets her free !

When life is low and the fire dies,
and blue-black clouds fill up the skies;
My heart grieves in an anguished way,
and sometimes I can't face the day.

My folks live in a world beyond,
they've already played their earthly song;
I hope that they can hear my pleas,
for strength and comfort from stormy seas.

Watch over me and keep me well,
protect my soul from a tortuous hell;
Keep me always in your daily thoughts,
and hold me close when I'm distraught.

You live among the angels now,
your souls are cleansed by holy vows;
If the Lord can't always hear my prayers,
please...intervene with tender care.

At first glance a light appears,
which no one dares to follow;
A tingling feeling through our bones,
and breathing becomes shallow.

One step coaxed along the road,
as words float through the wind;
With clarity of prevailing wonder,
they ignite our hearts within.

While overcoming fearful thoughts,
we're propelled into the void;
In a magnitude of sweeping energy,
our mortal souls could be destroyed.

Yet the boundless reach of eternal life,
can color our hearts' passions;
In surrender to their potent dreams,
then dispersed among the ashes.

But sounds reverberate in golden tones,
from the towering strength of light;
And magically we can touch the clouds,
while melting peacefully into the night.