Through callous and repressive stand,
life's bitter flow in grains of sand;
Releases powers that project,
their horrid schemes without regret.

In days of watching the hourglass,
the soul's intent is put to rest;
With memories of conscious will,
which carry missives to the hill.

And on that mountain in the sky,
are sandy peaks from which they fly;
Those denizens of humor dim,
in caricature of fading whim.

We pilot through the wanton ways,
that settle scores in master plays;
But when the evening calls our bluff,
all profits gained are not enough.

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 !

Removing doubt from subtle strains,
of musical messages that remain;
Connecting hearts to wondrous themes,
while learning all their plans and schemes.

Recovering from an ancient blast,
in the ruination of the past;
Mere mortals go where they can find,
a place to ease their troubled minds.

Where one hears songs of serenity,
which erase all life's calamities;
The past stays far away from here,
and the present shifts itself in gear.

These haunting voices thus replay,
their tumultuous tunes of disarray;
Yet in the vast and wondrous night,
guardian angels follow us in flight.

Sweet sounds now touch our fearful souls,
as we search to find our faithful role;
In God we place our hopeful prayer,
whenever life seems beyond repair.

There's only one thing in this world,
that sings of destiny;
The soft and steady beating heart,
brings us home to reality.

As mortals we can live our lives,
and often forget that we;
Have a limited time here on this earth,
to live and breathe like the sea.

Each heartbeat creates a certainty,
of living in the here and now;
And what we do with this blessed time,
assumes an awesome vow.

A baby cries for his mother's touch,
a child reaches for a toy;
While lovers touch the face of God,
expressing endless joy.

Hand in hand and hearts with hearts,
we journey through each day;
Spirits' fire burn with intensity,
finding one another along the way.

We can build our very own destiny,
if we so choose to seek;
The wondrous path to the Lord's embrace,
with adoring angels at His feet.

The sadness leaped from her soulful stare,
with worry and deep reflection;
As remnants of a sorrowful past,
flowed through haunting recollections.

While painful memories from childhood years,
still crept within her aching soul;
Determination set her mind to task,
worthy actions to reach her goal.

Challenges met her every movement,
setting pace for efforts designed;
To plan a scheme no other could match,
which she worked harder to define.

The power of the future often rests,
on the willingness to toss aside;
All fearful nights in honor bound,
with clear eyes that no longer cry.

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.

Goodbyes are apt to set the record straight,
as if we've stumbled through an iron gate;
Correctly now we take the hint from above,
there's nothing left for us not even love.

There in the corner lies a quilt,
of dazzling colors and ancient lore;
Through heritage we salute our flag,
from every mountain and every shore.

And this tribute symbolizes our faith,
in people who have lived before;
The honored works of pioneers,
have built castles that we adore.

Yet long before our ancestors came,
courageous folk with skin so dark;
Were huddled together on the plains,
protecting their land from shotgun's spark.

The fights between the White and Red,
spurred on the legacy of hateful minds;
Many years passed before our hearts,
reached out to the first Americans' sign.

And still it goes 'round and 'round,
with refugees suffering at our border;
No way to escape their turbulent lives,
they came to us for some law and order.

We shouldn't shut the doors on them,
compassion rules through our daily bread;
And so just as the Natives have claimed,
we still carry on with hearts of lead.

The clarity of thoughts perform,
a service to the coming storm;
Steady hearts and minds awaken,
before the trees of life are shaken.

As howling winds perpetuate,
resounding forces of nature's fate;
Colossal dreams and visions soar,
from drifting leaves in endless swirl.

How lonely is the purple night,
with hopes of stars in gentle flight;
The willing soul with deep resolve,
reveals relentless grace from love.

Now in the quiet of the sky,
when raging storms have passed us by;
The glorious dawn is in our sight,
with peaceful fortunes shining bright.

The restless waters flow unevenly tonight,
across a path of crowded avenues;
They run in torrents like the stormy seas,
and cover ancient scars of past abuse.

While sleep comes and goes in desperate waves,
disrupting all the massive thoughts and fears;
Yet wanting to behold my mind's illusions,
I toss around and feel the falling tears.

How can you sleep within this quagmire ?
why are you still resisting my touch ?
The sweaty sheets between define a memory,
that years ago we lingered in the field of trust.

But when the soulful ache is finally quenched,
no other thought will dwell inside my heart;
You once held me in the arms of acid rain,
yet sleepless, forever drew our lives apart.

The delicate curl of my favorite flower,
reminds me of days long ago--
When I held you in my arms, a weeping child,
caressed your burning cheek--
and sang a song of innocence, the cadence slow, sweet,
as my own tears fell softly onto your tufts of hair--
I had to say goodbye to you, my precious one, my treasure,
my heart--
We were set apart--by circumstance, never had the chance,
to be the flame of love, forever yours--
I wonder where you are now,
As I plant more hyacinths along the path where you
had vanished, on that tragic day--
so very long ago.

A lowly dawn exposes feelings of regret,
in angst filled notions of hollowness;
I try to conform to what is expected,
but somehow I shut the door to openness.

As the sunlight caresses my weary self,
I still cannot move to today's rhythms;
A daunting task it is to walk the halls,
of a daily life created by cryptic prisms.

If I didn't care I wouldn't be so solemn,
the words seem to tumble from my sorry brain;
Love--a catharsis for many but not for me,
It's a language which can bring such sorrow and pain.

Yet somehow the wounds of the past retreat,
and I'm able to breathe deeply without remorse;
Your tearful face appears briefly before my eyes,
and in salvation I'll avoid this treacherous course.

If only now we'd discover nature's touch,
the earth's boundless gifts so rare and pure;
Our hearts would sing along in open air,
And our days would seem tranquil and secure.

If only now we'd try to honor heaven's vows,
to share in mankind's woes around the world;
How marvelous to ease the pain of humanity,
attempting to destroy what poverty unfurls.

If only now our neighbors would be friends,
bringing joy and love to those who suffer daily;
The smiles of many strangers soon inspire,
each soul to rise and face each other freely.

If only now we'd think about the children,
who'll take our places in the years ahead;
Our vision would add on another dimension,
to cure each callous word that hate could spread.

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.

Mourning the summer solstice as it screams by,
steaming like a freight train racing toward the sun;
Frantic, electric, a furious quest gathering speed,
following an unknown path to a lost memory.

Burning waters beneath the green shade of tall,
winsome trees,
Eternal springs of summer's love, despondent now,
with endless apathy.
Beauty--bound and gagged--captured, held tight
as a fist,
setting its table among tangled, twisted weeds,
awaiting the arrival of forgotten seasons--
Discovering true summer in the tender torture of
gentle souls.

Alongside country roads of brown-red clay,
where wildflowers shrivel, fade and die,
Teardrops stream then melt into Mother Earth,
foretelling the approaching frost, darker and deeper,
than a February night,
Before summer could grasp our hands, pulling us
backward, downward, spiraling into the boiling abyss.

And the freight train bears down, piercing the fog,
roaring forward into the misty horizon;
Heavy walls of moisture daring us to breathe,
finally relenting, a nightmare blown away in ashes.

Drops of glistening sweat dissipate
as knife-bladed breezes bring wintry storms,
white and barren, icy and harsh,
With the trains raging journey exposed--
transcending all emptiness, the hollow desire.

Suddenly, an epiphany amidst the dashed hopes
of mortals,
where mystical tales float within the mind's orbit--
Solemnizing the steady, stinging rain---waiting for an
eternity of sparkling stars--cascading, erupting, exploding
into pieces of dust and stone,
Justifying our existence beneath the heavens.

The separation of God and Man only an illusion,
as the train slows down through sacred hills,
Defying the cluttered search for truth,
now existing as the chosen instrument of change and
ultimate sacrifice--
And one shared moment of clarity among the ruins.

The railway car glides along the line,
bringing us to our fated destiny;
The churning of the wheels below,
screech louder still in close proximity.

With enemies waiting in a starlit station,
I gather my packages with haste;
the family curse biting away at night,
We're captives of the nomadic chase.

They sent for us during winter's storms,
to carry out the duties of a raging war;
Between enduring legends of the countryside,
and those whose thoughts burnt ancient scars.

The frenzied lot coaxed us into wagons,
with cheap wine and women of the street;
Fear engulfed my heavy heart of stone,
and my brothers shouted for a brief retreat.

Corralled into a filthy barn of horses,
and cows who moaned throughout the night;
I hugged the eldest whose eyes were empty,
and climbed onto a horse and took to flight.

Awakening now from the deepest sleep,
I saw a young man from my dreary stare;
who covered me in a blanket of straw,
Which soothed me from the cool night air.

It was then I realized my family was safe,
the fighting and bloodshed never came to pass;
As my brothers had escaped into the woods,
and my dream-like state shattered like an hourglass.

The hallowed halls reflect a certain paradigm,
which tells the tale of reaching creatures' prime;
And casts a shadow on the future of the realm,
with no one left behind to grasp the helm.

Then intuition soon evolves with caustic voices,
that turn in countless ways to make their choices;
Forever lacking from the margins of inequity,
trying to fulfill empty dreams of our divinity.

Designed to chase away the cluttered nightmares,
with the rising and the falling of the breakers;
A seaside image flattens then floats away,
when keeping precious promises at bay.

Overblown egos rise to dispense their justice,
while writing laws that thoroughly disgust us;
No queen or king can shake the hearts of man,
and if they try all creatures will take a stand.

A smile, a song, the waves upon the sand,
we all seek deeper meanings to what we see;
A turquoise sky with streaks of sunny gold,
and the ominous roar of the raging sea.

A vivid painting by Cezanne or Monet,
the dappled canvasses of the natural world;
Their Impressionism is unique and flawless,
creating visions we all watch as they unfurl.

Our very hearts reach out to touch another,
with fervent hopes of conquering the fear;
That somehow a special person is not aware,
of our complex feelings...deep, intense and real.

We all have times when we think we know,
what happens when a hand touches our own;
Often we mistake it for favored friendship,
yet may demonstrate emotions vastly unknown.

As we view our lives through varied lenses,
despite the similarities of experiences we share;
It's up to us to dig further below the surface,
and fully discover the universal truths within our care.

Life floats along through a misty haze,
which rises up like a fiery blaze;
When every home is rattled and torn,
with lies whitewashed in utter scorn.

No one could find the mindless source,
which curved along with endless force;
And fear became quite commonplace,
while raiding hearts of the human race.

We never believed it could happen here,
we've always lived with hope and cheer;
Yet in the night intense with smoke,
the storm that gathered was no joke.

In an instant as the flames rose high,
a heavenly glow encompassed the sky;
It seemed to send a missive to earth,
that we should relish what we're worth.

Then water streamed its magic touch,
onto the fire we feared so much;
And never did we doubt again,
bright spirits will weave their glorious plan.

The night was reflected in yesterdays,
of perilous haunting's sphere;
Which wandered into my current days,
through ominous waves of fear.

While shaking off my deep despair,
forsaking my soul's desire;
Looking forward sent me to the clouds,
erasing the present's ire.

The future seemed an awkward spot,
which never truly saw the past;
While silently watching worlds collide,
sending sparks from nature's blast.

So where now do I go from here ?
The darkest days are done;
I'll close my eyes and wander alone,
as my arms reach toward the sun.

But the captive heart freely understands,
its place within time's plight;
And rising from the ashes brings,
hope which leads me from the night.

The night was reflected in yesterdays,
of perilous haunting's spheres;
Which wandered into my current days,
through ominous waves of fear.

While shaking off my deep despair,
forsaking my soul's desire;
Looking forward sent me into the clouds,
erasing the present's ire.

The future seemed an awkward spot,
that never reckoned with the past;
While intently watching worlds collide,
sending sparks from a cosmic blast.

So where should I go from here?
are the darkest days now gone?
I'll close my eyes and wander alone,
as my arms reach toward the sun.

But the captive heart freely understands,
its place within Time's plight;
In rising above the stormy clouds,
I finally escape from the bleakest night.

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.

Phantoms drawn from the waiting hills,
devoid of notions unfulfilled;
In silence breaks their worrisome thought,
which contaminates every sacred plot.

At ease the dance of dawn alights,
caressing strains of fortune's might;
And with the chill of subsequent fears,
sing softly then slowly disappear.

The mountains shed an early snow,
which captivates in the daylight's show;
Then morning and night become the same,
toward the inner caverns of the waiting game.

As if in a trance the hours slip by,
where no one rests and no one cries;
Forever grieved these phantoms try,
to escape their fate borne from the sky.

In his eyes the secret of my pain,
mirrored softly in the gentle rain;
Knowing very soon my days would die,
within the ghostly shadows of our goodbyes.

The words between us had all been said,
the torment lingered long inside my head;
Our tears had blended with the falling rain,
revealing hearts which sang a lost refrain.

With a childlike innocence our love was born,
as friendship carried us against the storm;
We laughed as if the world was honor bound,
discovering the depths of life's sweet sound.

But somehow in the twilight feelings changed,
our miracle that magically had proclaimed;
Soon faded with the moon and all its stars,
and disappeared like dust among the meteors.

How well I can recall the hours we shared,
the beauty of those days without a care;
And in my aging years the memories stay,
to comfort me--as if you'd never gone away.

The morning casts its light on us,
as we awaken to a brand new day;
You touch my hand and smile sweetly,
I sigh and kiss your shining face.

Tucked under cotton sheets we play,
our game of love 'till we're renewed;
Then gratefully rest upon our hearts,
as time arouses us--right on cue.

How generous is the spiritual life,
the soulful and sensual sights and sounds;
In silence they cast a shadow of faith,
caressing each moment--honor bound.

For love is always something soft,
gently rocking us through the ages;
And quietly whispers blessed words,
from the glow of our story's pages.

Reflections at the water's edge,
paint pictures which indulge;
Cerebral center's multitudes,
of inspiring phrases that evolve.

In simmering scenes of sunsets,
creating wildly impressive views;
Enlighten mindful sparks that fly,
as cryptic words appear on cue.

Shadowy signs in faded hues,
encircle tales of life's lament;
While circadian rhythms bend along,
in sunshine's fiery lambent.

Courting the developed mind,
each word falls from the sky;
Correcting what had come before,
as pure magic before our eyes.

And miracles are performed again,
in mirrored candlelight of love;
Through poetry's profound desire,
to keep following the stars above.

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.

With life's confusion and delusions,
and every day another quandary;
I feel as if I'm flying upward,
to escape all the pain and worry.

It takes a moment to realize,
how truly lovely the world can be;
Within the sky's reflection now,
wonderment is all I can see.

So why would I leave this place,
in order to melt into sadness ?
Why should I return to my home,
when upon me falls such gladness ?

Home is where the heart is,
as the saying surely goes;
But now that I'm up in the clouds,
my happiness is all that shows.

He caught my hand as I began to fall,
the smoky night had deceived me;
In shades of gray the horror struck,
I thought no one would believe me.

The words were stuck inside my throat,
yet somehow I emitted a whimper;
His strong arms drew me close to him,
it couldn't have been any simpler.

But frightened as I seemed to be,
his eyes were a light in the dark;
Like clear and glistening raindrops,
they calmed my ravaged heart.

Memories of how I'd lost my way,
then found in swells of empathy;
He helped me see the truth of life,
I'll be thankful 'till my dying day.

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 the daylight dims its shiny face,
among the sky's exuberant show;
Our hearts are mellowed by the mist,
and once again the moonlight glows.

In the evening when the whispering trees,
tell poignant stories of a summer's love;
We hear their mournful voices crying,
to reach heaven's starlight up above.

The night grows soft in perfumed air,
of sweet jasmine, wisteria, and violets;
The canopy on high becomes a rainbow,
of varied hues from a sumptuous sunset.

A hush soon envelops this welcome scene,
while hearts embrace its wonder and romance;
The porch-swing sways as subtle tunes,
caress us with the joy of Nature's dance.

The dawn-filled meadow always gleams,
like a glistening light upon a stream;
Its daisies yellow, warm and sweet,
with jade-green grass rising up to greet.

As I lie in sunshine's clearest sky,
a golden bird soon catches my eye;
His home sits nestled in the maple tree,
while he chirps a song of purity.

My basket filled with fruit and cheese,
a luncheon that is sure to please;
I spread the quilt my mother made,
and feast on scones and marmalade.

With thirst now quenched by ginger tea,
my soul's replenished most naturally;
And in my heart I'll never leave,
this place of peace and harmony.

In peacefulness my mind floats away,
to places where I'll find;
Those wonders of the Universe,
which will comfort me through time.

I've always known that worlds beyond,
can inspire soulful healing;
They spin around within our hearts,
and grace us with cherished feelings.

While in the sleepy phase of night,
where shadows of clouds cause pain;
I coast along the gloried river banks,
escaping all that grief can claim.

In deep solace I can see the light,
of those who passed before me;
And reminisce through tears of love,
before awakening to joy and serenity.

Haunted faces from past sorrows,
deflect the pain of new tomorrows;
Which build historic ties with vanity,
while exposing dark tales of insanity.

Already feeding emotions' loss,
the timeless urge sustaining cost;
Of shuttered walls closing in on fate,
as their hallowed halls reverberate.

With every reckless movement seen,
our curious eyes caress the dream;
That powers strong and ruthless take,
whatever evil hearts can break.

Take it all in and breathe a sigh,
like children do after they cry;
The world is numb to wanton fears,
along the path which fire sears.

When in totality discovery reigns,
despite the lonely mountain range;
Which towers above in gilded edges,
yet wields the magic of future pledges.

Colder and wetter the evening grew,
with bouts of rain sweeping through;
In darkness were all the colors of night,
an opalescent gleam came into sight.

Worrisome thoughts ruminating still,
I tried to shake off the wintry chill;
Wrapped up inside a blanket of red,
while sitting at the edge of my bed.

The hallway echoed the sounds of fear,
I knew that the end could soon be near;
Fragile and weak my hands gripped tight,
as a child I was always afraid of the night.

I reached for a candle to light my way,
toward the bay window in sheets of gray;
One bolt of lightning disrupted my mind,
I prayed to the Lord that He be most kind.

Suddenly I awakened with sweaty palms,
the room was tranquil with an eerie calm;
Had it been a nightmare that followed me home,
or a memory of childhood when left alone ?

God spared me one more frightening event,
it seemed like this peace was heaven-sent;
An angel must have heard my fervent pleas,
So I dropped to the floor--on grateful knees.

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.

Wherever one finds the light of love,
the soaring force which captures;
A certain truth that once revealed,
explodes in glorious rapture.

Inspired by the moonlit skies,
and wonders of natural sounds;
We cling to one another's touch,
which turns our lives around.

The moment when the waves unfurl,
and catch us in their mist;
A golden time of ecstasy,
arrives within each kiss.

And when the sun dries all our tears,
of elation burning bright;
We'll risk another chance at fate,
pressing on from day to night.

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.

Sensitive meanings from empty words,
reset the subject's perception;
Into the mind in honored time,
becomes reality's connection.

Seeing is believing but trust awaits,
from the pillar of hyperbole;
Amidst the looming lightning strike,
the answers gather openly.

As if a memory passed along,
the river of deep contention;
Each vision proves its worthiness,
while reflecting life's projection.

In eyes which widen with ecstasy,
a costly price is duly paid;
And where the road curves slowly,
we're aghast at what's relayed.

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.

Blossoming from roots beneath the earth,
plants emerge in a chorus of solemnity;
And trees grow full with emerald leaves,
that blow like waves across the cobalt sea.

Both man and woman touch with sensuality,
their bodies hunger for complete connection;
The rapture of the sounds while love entrances,
brings warmth and passion into hearts' obsessions.

When Nature tugs at each season's sleeve,
it prompts the Will of Time's most valued source;
And then each day which passes by in glory,
declares a new-found power and eternal force.

The Final Days will demonstrate the meaning,
of both Mankind's and Nature's illusive ways;
While angelic hosts from Heaven gently gather,
to bless our souls while on our knees we pray.

As the breezes caress the tall and winsome trees,
hearts everywhere feel cherished and blessed;
When spring awakens our souls' better angels,
with calm and peace--and a sense of rest.

Sunshine reveals its awesome power,
as it pours onto daffodils and tulips growing;
A rainbow of flowers sits in the garden bed,
raising their colors like bright smiles glowing.

Serenity--a revelation from which we'll dream,
of puffy white clouds dancing and twirling above;
In an azure sky dappled with pinkish hues,
it speaks gently with softness and eternal love.

With the sky darkening towards twilight,
and the crescent moon lies on her side;
A missive is painted across the milky way,
"It will not rain tomorrow"--it will shine with pride.

While lounging on the grass under the maple tree,
my mind was wandering--ruminating about the past;
When the deepest, sweetest love I'd come to know,
swept me up into a world I wished would last.

A whirlwind of possibilities flew into my life,
the chance to sing along with the wind and sky;
His hands were strong--with eyes cool and bright,
I was no longer alone nor desolate as days rolled by.

The nights were filled with pleasure and romance,
with the passionate way we had grown as one;
I'd never experienced such an emotional ride,
my heart exploded like the rays of the sun.

But here I am as many years passed-- torn apart,
remembering all the beauty of our private moments;
I wonder, too, if he remembers them as I do,
those few months we lived in joy and contentment.

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.

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.

When life's entanglements wear you down,
and chaos seems to reign in every town;
Just breathe a sigh towards heaven's holy face,
and God will wrap you in His warm embrace.

It seems quite simple and most clear to me,
we only have to pray to be set free;
As heartened powers rest within our souls,
encouraging us to reach our spirit's goals.

Take another breath and join with kin,
to move us all away from hateful sin;
And with the sunshine showering its rays,
the flowers bloom toward everlasting grace.

Yet when rain falls the meaning of it lies,
within a world of wonder from the skies;
While cleansing every soul of bad intentions,
brings boundless gratitude for spiritual redemption.

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 !

When troubles brew inside our minds,
thoughts twisted in illusive rhymes;
Our hearts feel weak and powerless,
and even prayer seems merely jest.

But then we look outside ourselves,
discovering others on corner shelves;
While hiding all the pain inside,
ashamed to let us hear their cries.

We know our plight can be the same,
and look to solve in helpful gain;
By reaching out to kindred souls,
while leading them toward hopeful goals.

Inspiring us to take the wheel,
the good Lord's promises thus reveal;
That empathy's connection brings,
a healing voice that longs to sing !

The angels' harps play a sacred tune,
while planets dance around the moon;
In subtle strains our spirits rise,
and leave us grateful and starry-eyed.

Recalling life as it once seemed,
this vision floated inside a dream;
In many days of endless chants,
the angels' harps cause us to dance.

When voices touch each other's hearts,
there's always a sign creating sparks;
And with that strong secure emotion,
then lives connect with pure devotion.

No longer chilled in fears of life,
all folks fly far away from strife;
The added wealth of kinship stands,
as children sing while holding hands.