When problems surface with complexity,
we often question our humanity;
As challenges to right the wrongs,
can sweep us into angry throngs.

While silence speaks in many words,
in ownership of thoughts unheard;
These fleeting moments are erased,
'till we can build a proper case.

Imagine an outcome that professes,
to sail beyond tragedy's confessions;
Relating each horror put in place,
then judging what we can't embrace.

Yet while the road is ending here,
our hearts decry the wasted fears;
And in the darkness of the night,
true justice follows with its might.

The children played through rainy days,
just so they could see a rainbow;
It didn't happen as they'd hoped,
the sky never put on a show.

A blazing sun peaked through the trees,
and the children forgot their mission;
Turning toward their folks imploring now,
could we please have your permission ?

To take a hike into the nearby woods,
where squirrels and rabbits play;
"We promise that we won't take long",
so their elders gave them an "O.K."

They danced about the swirling fountain,
at the entrance of the jade-green forest;
Then took a trip down to the lake,
where they could lounge and take a rest.

When suddenly a burst of lightning,
carved its way through the maple trees;
Wild thunder pounded with all its might,
the wind blew harder with each breeze.

Well, the children hid inside their tent,
until the raging storm had passed;
And waiting for them in the sky above,
was a precious gift from God at last !

A rainbow carved its way across the sky,
red, yellow, green, and purple light;
Magical moments filled their hearts,
as they laughed and cheered in sheer delight.

Remember, when you least expect it,
a rainbow may come into view;
And somehow the chaos of life relents,
for the world will begin anew.

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

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

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

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

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

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 our time streams fiercely as it glows.

When will we encounter sweet seasons flying high above ?
(the question speaks more of anger than of sorrow)--
When walls close in and crush the ancient flow,
our fleeting days will search for new tomorrows.

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

Then gathering all the rivers to follow me,
wraiths float among the wild and challenging the winds;
How solemn the lonely nights ahead appear,
filling clouds with sights and sounds of angels' wings.

Into the shade of darkness falls,
emotions of fear and sorrow;
Emptiness lingers in the void,
with no purpose for tomorrow.

Yesterdays' ghosts haunt every move,
disturbing all signs of hope;
Confusion casts its cryptic spell,
as anguished hearts attempt to cope.

As if spun into a web of doubt,
the silence bears its weight;
Whatever prospects for the truth,
soon vanished beyond the gate.

Perhaps each soul's' awakening,
penetrates through broken glass;
And scattered remnants of their light,
gently fall within our grasp.

The barriers of thoughtful minds,
recede toward outer space;
And quiet voices thus proclaim,
those words revived with faith.

The arrival of the night on distant shores,
completes the cycle of relentless waning hours;
In circular repeat of day's end glories,
we softly whisper life's reflective stories.

With moonlit skies as constant company,
our feelings caught in wondrous reverie;
And love is but a boastful source of care,
when suddenly the sky grows dark and bare.

But in the swirling essence of the night,
we set about to make our memories right;
In tossing sway the rumbles of the waves,
allow us to submit to what we've craved.

Approaching dawn with sunlight from above,
finally satiated by passion's whirlwind love;
Our shadows fall like twins upon the beach,
as knowing smiles creep gently 'cross our cheeks.

The sunlight awakens us as dawn arrives,
in gentle silence glowing;
We yawn and smile our sleepy smiles,
with joy and wonder showing.

Another day to pass the time,
in lazy summer's shade;
To sit and lounge on the front porch,
with crisp iced tea and lemonade.

The blooming florals permeate the air,
with sweet and scented perfume;
We clip rosebuds for the dining table,
oh, how their beauty lights up the room !

Serene and lovely is our summer's day,
as we share in quiet thoughts;
While memories fill our peaceful hearts,
of our years together--never forgotten.

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 !

The carved words and pictures in the cave,
left by honored ancients bold and brave;
Speak of gods with powers from the sky,
placing glints of admiration in faithful eyes.

Abandoned in cryptic missives on the wall,
these sketches demonstrate the rise and fall;
Of civilizations long past throughout the years,
while portraying their daily hopes and fears.

People weren't really much different then,
from today's authors using a pencil or pen;
With lives which depict work, stress, and play,
through what artists' souls seek to convey.

Finding lost messages that teach us to grow,
from helpless children to those who know;
That ancestral stories stand firm and tall,
from clever carvings left upon these walls.

Floating up into the haze of dawn,
clear words embrace the light above;
Carrying missives that will soon deliver,
their heartfelt sentiments of love.

We follow all the signals there,
the moon, the stars, the coral sun;
Painting pictures that inspire our souls,
like innocent children we begin as one.

Why so high, the calm and stable life ?
with gathering clouds to wash away;
The raging storms which fester inward,
when our thoughts have gone astray.

Look up and see a myriad of stars,
a portrait proclaimed by eager wraiths;
Which hold us in their gossamer hands,
to comfort the hurt and give us faith.

Welcome it, everyone, with open hearts,
from feathery wings of angels;
Its clarity washes away each tear,
and blankets us from all angles.

The evergreens swathed in oyster white,
exquisitely aligned with holly berries;
Which light up the yard in rosy glow,
and comfort us from our worries.

No longer alone the cardinals fly,
and meet their mates high above;
Cheerfully sitting upon the branches,
nestling together with wintry love.

Gracefully floating through the air,
like delicate lace from times long ago;
While we watch this glorious solstice scene,
enchanted by the sight of first snow !

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.

Alone inside this cavernous room,
with torrential rain falling outside;
I watched as seagulls flew away,
racing onward to the raging tides.

Climbing up to reach a poetry book,
in this library that became my home;
My fascination grew stronger still,
as I pulled down a massive tome.

Shakespeare and Tennyson filled my mind,
with words and phrases of delight;
I read aloud till my voice gave out,
and sputtered along into the night.

When a single light glowed from the sky,
I called out to the heavens with tears;
As keen memories of the lessons past,
ignited a yearning from childhood years.

I stood and watched the sullen moon,
then spoke aloud my own soliloquy;
Enlightened once more by literature,
which calms the soul and sets us free.

Glancing outward from my bedroom window,
I can see the old park bench worn with years;
The Autumn leaves have fallen all around it,
some have blanketed the seat like golden tears.

My world inside is filled with warmth and light,
a lovely crystal lamp stands by my bedside;
A few words of love are written to my sweetheart,
then I close my eyes while my heart cries.

The last few days have seemed vague and empty,
no letters have arrived at my front door;
He'd held me close and whispered words of love,
those feelings kept me strong and reassured.

But in this festive multi-colored season,
which usually cheers me through the holidays;
The wonder of it all has vanished quickly,
and sights of amber glow have gone astray.

I guess we sometimes live in a strange reality,
that things will stay the same and love will grow;
Some other time my questions will be answered,
and peace will reign along with winter's snow.

Awakened in a channel of obscurity,
which overflows into a frightening wave;
Reminiscent of a bleeding soul's reunion,
with hungry eyes that glare beyond the grave.

These ghosts will rise from every flooded tunnel,
appearing gaunt and wholly drenched in misery's web;
That spirals 'round and 'round along the river,
into a foggy wasteland's muddy bed.

Through the night awaiting saintly missives,
to rescue all that's blessed from the ground;
Their wailing chants reach up into the cosmos,
voices shrieking in a cacophony of sound.

Somewhere in between a hollow memory,
survives among the mists of dawn's deception;
Another force reacts with ominous power,
against the Will of timely intervention

And soon the beleaguered spirits fill the night,
retracing all their steps which glow in darkness;
Then the final chapter yields a twilight ending,
which falls among the words of lives repressed.

A backwards glance into infinity,
where remnants of memory fill the pages;
Of nightly whistling from trains at the station,
worn and tired yet oddly engaging.

Time seems to move on so slowly,
rearranged but distinct and intense;
We turn over in our bedtime ritual,
as each witching hour eerily descends.

Long ago we could hear in a whisper,
that fearless wraiths send us nightly stories;
And dawn brings us sleepless sunshine,
casting its beams searching for eternity.

Somewhere in the night we closed our eyes,
while spirits provoked by myths and legends;
Were sainted souls projecting cosmic signs,
which swirled 'round about toward the heavens.

Ethereal notions then crossed into darkness,
where nothing can be easily explained;
But in the night our whispers still linger,
along with the screeching of infinity's trains.

So near, so far, then utterly alone--
the wonderment of illusions,
Call out to escape meaning...
without sensing a conclusion.

So far, then near, I feel the fear--
of a never-ending story,
Without the glory seething,
in spiritual repent.

Ruminations wandering--
some have rambled into the brambles,
Where distant hearts live in shambles,
then find their way home.

Nomads all, we seekers fall--
remaining innocent as children,
Lying asleep at night,
our plight--to discover how far,
how near, where magic starts and ends--
Forgives and pretends, but fades away...

Yet..how near, how far, the water's edge--
let me hear your honored pledge,
To be forever bound to lasting love,
watching seagulls up above...so far away.

The perfumed scent of lilacs,
spills across the room;
Dew-drop eyes flutter slightly,
with an air of confidence.
A lace-edged handkerchief falls softly,
beside her wicker chair.
She moves like a ballerina,
in midst of a graceful dance.

I've seen her in the garden,
while the sun is burning bright;
I've seen her in the moonlight,
kissing lovers a fond goodnight.
She radiates a special warmth,
which flows with easy charm;
And tenderly she crosses the floor,
to grasp her partner's arm.

So rare we see such loveliness,
that speaks to all around;
And when she's finally whisked away,
one dares not utter a sound.
For this fine and delicate lady,
is a vision and delight;
Like embers from the fireplace,
that sparkle through the night.

As if in a dream she signifies,
the ideals of true romance;
The way we'd want ourselves to be,
if we only had the chance !

The spirit within us grows and grows,
entering each phase in complex rows;
We're born to succeed in finding peace,
with the heavens blossoming in relief.

But often we stray toward evil ways,
and our spirit rebels against this phase;
So our fight with Satan has just begun,
for somehow we've strayed far from the sun.

In feverish attempts to lend ourselves toward,
a world that's humble not sowing discord;
We say our prayers nightly to God above,
that He show us His pure and eternal love.

We spend our lives trying to evade,
the ghosts which hauntingly conquer grace;
Yet it's often in wonder we watch the sky,
deliver us from evil as the moon passes by.

Reaching far into the frosty night,
our eyes can view the ageless plight;
Of fading hours in chillest air,
pretending life has been most fair.

Captive scenes of authentic fate,
from glossy stars that contemplate;
Their world in utter darkened gloom,
while wandering off to find the moon.

Descending from the Milky Way,
are sparks of luster gone astray;
And fizzled in disastrous mode,
like blazing fireworks' fierce implode.

In fantasies of awakening thought,
and mindful of the spirits' plot;
Our souls deplete essential schemes,
and struggle to maintain their dreams.

---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.

The mists of evening shimmer in solitude,
desolate and cool the night descends;
Alert and alive--a poet's desired dream,
cascading hearts to miraculous ends.

Wading alone in the lake of divinity,
tossing stones which have called my name;
Floating words melt along the waters,
which soon, I must grasp and claim.

Holding my breath as the Muse gently calls,
in rushing sounds of translucent waves;
Waterfalls of life surround me now,
and the poem starts taking shape.

Left spellbound in the crisp autumn air,
I'm dazzled by nature's delight;
And the words which paint this portrait,
soon explode in magnificent light.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Whenever darkened songs of life decry,
a worthless moment glaring in one's eye;
One tries to climb the ladder to success,
but leaves behind its trail to happiness.

A stairway to the heights can be explained,
as something raw and central to life's game;
Yet in the shadows lurking all around;
it tolerates deceit as honor bound.

As if all subjects stop and lay their claim,
across the lacy trellis torn and maimed;
Now captivated by the wretched horror,
betrayal lies along the endless corridors.

Upheaval is the tale no one will tell,
from negligence imposed by Satan's hell;
And following the road professed to prosper,
will only serve to sink us through the quagmire.

As images float before my eyes,
caressing the Autumn's velvet skies;
With multi-colored sparks they shed,
beyond the window beside my bed.

Gossamer angels of light and life,
teach wondrous tales to ease our strife;
While flying high in such a mystical place,
of constellations covering this saintly space.

The wonders of nature run through my mind,
while the opal moon shimmers like a dime;
I lie awake and watch the starlight fantasies,
which embolden my senses--feeling calm and free.

As I pull the covers toward my face,
yet wondering if reality has taken place;
My eyes close as sleep overcomes every care,
while the stars still twinkle in heaven's lair.

They sit alone on the highest mountain,
rejecting the world around;
While nature sings its lovely songs,
they barely hear a sound.

The wind caresses the budding trees,
the summer flowers are in bloom;
But vacant souls and shallow hearts,
comfortably reside within the gloom.

Their motto is to take--not give,
and flaunt their hollow success;
While hurting all they claim to love,
and shedding each honored quest.

Now they're humbled by the night,
in the cold and bitter rain;
These trembling skeletons of regret,
now left alone assessing blame.

If only they'd reach out to God,
where forgiveness lies within;
But with the pride of shattered wills,
they simply turn away in shame.

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'

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.

Was I old enough to understand the reasons,
why God unfurled a myriad of seasons ?
An empty space--a relic--of years gone by,
let loose within my soul a youngster's sigh.

The shallowness that claimed my heart's corruption,
was old and torn like crumbled leaves' destruction;
For through the lens of youth I viewed the wasteland,
and carved the ravaged pathway to the heartland.

Stumbling and tumbling among the crisp evergreens,
searching for answers to questions now foreseen;
In images of light which floundered and faded,
while still holding onto flowers--ripped and jaded.

But then a rainstorm gathered with its power,
in a blast of wild winds with blinding showers;
My road ahead seemed doomed to be obscure,
as I wandered through the trees toward heaven's door.

And there I found the ultimate place of peace,
like a lantern in the darkened night's release;
Where trees of every shape and size grew tall,
and enchantment ruled the day for one and all.

Only the poets feel the pain,
of climbing up the mountains;
Where thoughts and visions are pursued,
and run down the hills like fountains.

Yet often running far too fast,
and under a mystical spell;
At first it seems like heaven's arrived,
then we're burning as if in hell.

Opening our eyes to what's around,
the solemnity and beauty engaged;
Just as the theatrical moment begins,
to set the long sought-for stage.

The words sublime yet subtle too,
in notions of earthly pleasures;
But still the poet seeks the heart,
to burst out loud with treasures.

Where did all the time go ?
with my life in such a whirl;
The daylight mists have worn away,
the moon is red and curled.

Blinking my eyes continually,
in outrageous rhythm to the sounds;
Which perpetuate my lasting frenzy,
and lift my soulless being from the ground.

In twirling amazement the moon changes,
from red, to yellow, then to whitest white;
Inside my heart those colors spark dread,
and fearfully I hide myself from sight.

In blazing fireworks depicting notions,
that came to me inside my mind;
I look out and see a massive darkness,
a blackness seared through humankind.

Then peace becomes a fleeting ideal,
corrupted by the woes and sorrows;
Of everyone who seeks to covet the stars,
stacked against the canvas of bleak tomorrows.

The ephemeral voice of solstice fades,
in solemn hushes from the sky;
While August melts its perfumed air,
and yellowed leaves go floating by.

Summer dreams define our will,
to follow our hearts' desires;
And when each day is briefer still,
we cling to sunlight's fire.

Looking ahead toward Autumn's face,
with wistful sighs of loss;
We spend our evenings under the stars,
feeling an early touch of frost.

And while the ocean dares to play,
its siren's song of love;
The blackest night can never fade,
when mists caress the doves.

In sunshine's rays the flowers bloom and sway,
from warming breezes blessed in sweet array;
The turquoise sky alert with wondrous sheen,
as tiny wisps of clouds float through the scene.

And on the hill a group of maple trees,
show off their velvet green in bundled leaves;
While lilies' solemn dance compels our eyes,
to smooth and gentle grasses where we lie.

A wicker chair of white sits in the meadow,
a parasol of lacy pink creates cool shadow;
And in a basket filled with hearty treats,
are fruitful gems just ready for a feast.

How ever-pleasant are the solstice days,
their moments of delight in cheerful ways;
And when the sun has lowered past the hill,
myriads of twinkling stars embrace us still.

The hours are filled with ecstasy,
with sunlight washing over me;
I've learned to live in harmony,
with all the challenges I see.

It's just a phase from day to day,
to look for answers while I pray;
With what the shining sun provides,
I can lift my hand and touch the skies.

Yet the moonlight's path is wondrous,
it guides us through night's darkness;
The silvery glow can let me ponder,
words and thoughts of heaven's grandeur.

It seems that Nature doth provide,
a focus for the sweeping tide;
Of questions we all have in mind,
with answers of a glorious kind.

While dancing upon the leaves with serenity,
beneath the burgeoning trees of tranquility;
I watch the days settle in anodyne seclusion,
sweeping along the sands of seaside reunion.

Faltering slightly in pronounced expectations,
yet wrestling my inner soul's conflagrations;
At deep water's edge I nudge closer to sanity,
while reaping rewards of my own humanity.

My wounded heart cries despite the epiphany,
that rose amidst the dark world's cacophony;
In plangent roars it tore through reality,
as heavenly stars awakened in ecstasy.

Surrendering now as I touch sacred ground,
my bed of leaves emitting mellifluous sounds;
No words can defy what Nature has wrought,
surreptitiously leading to this holy spot.

Sweet water flows from saintly hills,
each honeyed drop of amber;
Rambling downward in lush cascades,
filling golden pools of nectar.

Those drizzled sounds reverberate,
among the mountains' craggy stones;
As subtle strains of melodies,
infuse love's enchanting tones.

A symphony emanates with flair,
as sparrows join in harmony;
And with their chirping notes of joy,
embodies a touch of fantasy.

The sumptuous springs below the hills,
where all of nature comes to play;
Revive the air in fragrant scents,
yielding life's glorious serenade.

Her long charcoal hair tied in threads
of silken sheen, the ribbons of innocence--
With a peach-cream complexion surrounding
her dancing smile, her luxurious eyes of onyx,
sparkling deeply with wisdom and kindness.
Tammi--a child of Israel--who won the hearts of
those near and far--my glowing friend who chased
away the blues of the day--whose voice was soft and
warm as Springtime.
  She left us long ago in a solemn May, gone off to her
sacred home, as I still ponder what could have been--
mourning for all she's missed, for all I've lost, when I first
watched the joy and peace of true grace shine before me.
                                     Shalom.

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.

Craving essences of inner thoughts
toward picturesque portraits,
to be created by soulful words--
The Artist lets emotions run rampant
through mystical sounds and touches'
delights--
A heartfelt design from a whirling frenzy
of mindful notions,
framed into a mosaic which carries this message:
"As long as life perseveres,
there will be fables following us
leading us out of the darkness."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now is the time of fading light,
when summer's sun has said goodnight;
It swiftly left with changing winds,
erasing heat that burns and stings.

The cooler days are brief and bare,
yet often shine with golden flair;
Despite the warmth that's gone away,
we marvel at Autumn's fine display.

With sweaters keeping chills at bay,
we watch the trees in colorful array;
And silvery skies with scarlet streaks,
are heaven's gifts for us to keep.

While ghosts and goblins come alive,
and scarecrows show their frightening sides;
The pumpkin path is swathed in frost,
as the 'Headless Horseman' rides across !

There's such wonder in these hours brief,
with children gathering up each leaf;
Which change to bronze before their eyes,
in the shortened days of Fall's surprise.

At rest, the motions seem sublime,
as we prepare our circular climb;
The winding 'round of colors' whims,
beneath the rock's exotic gems.

As the tale entrusted to our elders,
life's epic journey starts to smolder;
The planet's rage urges from its core,
and soon our days will be no more.

So moving quickly to escape our fate,
from the destiny of trials and hate;
Now gathering missives from the sun,
no longer fooled by anyone.

We face the climb just as we must,
before our hearts turn into dust;
and cheering on are clouds of rain,
Which spill onto our wounds with pain.

But then we see the course return,
exempting souls from hurt and scorn;
While climbing high yet much too far,
we've failed to capture heaven's star.

It was a day of brilliant sunshine,
one that rarely lasts;
And with a sky of deepest blue,
a wonderment was cast.

Just beside the woodshed,
a garden glowed of Spring;
An awesome sight of color,
urging the birds to sing.

Open air and fields of gold,
that graced our tiny town;
Daisies, lilies, and tulips reigned,
as queens of great renown.

Our eyes would delight in early light,
of sheer delicacy and sustenance;
Fanciful thoughts swirled in our heads,
of pixie dust and angels' dance.

And in a childlike vision formed,
a bright clearing upon the land;
Of cherished moments still calling us,
like the sea always meets the sand.

There go the wild and eerie sounds of zephyrs,
translations stirred by birdsong in the air;
Listening closely for the eager signs of Spring,
where love and beauty take away our cares.

Crushing branches fall without their blossoms,
with cursed winds defying what we seek;
And blushing roses lose their winsome petals,
which float along a dark and dismal creek.

Winter's soul abandoned on frosty evergreens,
a crystalline mix of snowflakes drifting down;
Yet now its Muse reflects the complex corridor,
projecting mirrors of sunshine's brightening crown.

Our hearts combine their deep and wise conclusions,
that every single change shows Nature's way;
To cast its mystic aura throughout the Cosmos,
where sweet innocence and wonder rule the day.

There comes a time in every life,
when shadows form from dust;
And ideals seek to be renewed,
before they fade and rust.

So many feelings left submerged,
like oysters crowded in the bay;
Can profit well from sweet release,
into the mist of ocean's spray.

As voices' resurrected rhymes,
in hymns of Nature's essence;
Their inspiration carries forth,
to hearts seeking spirits' presence.

A coastal chill awakens all,
who gather for the missive;
While dappling stars in amber light,
spell out each truthful vision.

And mindful of the world sublime,
all shadows leave in vain;
As faithful souls' reflections,
revive rhapsodies of falling rain.

Everyone lurked about despite the wind,
which was howling away like a tornado;
Folks displayed their massive rage,
it was reported LIVE on TV and the radio.

Citizens carried flags of dishonor,
our public servants were afraid;
Marching onward with grievous intent,
it was the ugliest of all parades.

No one could predict what would happen,
but the people seemed determine to fight;
Why in the name of God would you ****,
when decency and honor were right ?

Such a sad day for the United States,
while the Capitol was ravaged before us;
Let's stick together with REAL patriots,
as we sing the Hallelujah Chorus !

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.

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

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

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

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

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

She rose from the ocean waters' depths,
her complexion luminous and gleaming;
With salt-sea spray surrounding her face,
and emerald eyes constantly beaming.

Her long lush hair of auburn glow,
was as fresh as an Autumn breeze;
And the silken strands blew softly,
like Fall's tender, tumbling leaves.

As she moved to approach the shoreline,
in a gossamer sense of wonder;
I started to rush towards her image,
but the waves simply pulled me under.

Once back on shore I saw her there,
a diaphanous specter of light;
Her flowing walk captured my heart,
while she danced like a floating kite.

I looked around and no one else,
appeared on the glistening sands;
Then suddenly she waved my way,
and gestured to take her hand.

A wonderful sleep had engulfed me,
in a most magical dream of delight;
But when I awoke no clue remained,
of the enchantress who graced my sight.  

That lovely dream which felt so real,
of a haunting vision now gone astray;
Reminds me always to follow the sea,
for such illusions to enlighten my days !