The world is a happy place filled with smiling faces, I see all as friendly to me. I am happy with myself and I like who I am, nothing bad can ever phase me. I have a life as prescribed by the things I see on T.V. . Just a few pills from that bottle and a swallow of this and I am upbeat and full of happiness. In a world that sees things as dark and bleak, it is nice to always be positive and if I'm not, then there is a pill for that too.

My eyes are so heavy with sleep, but I fight to stay awake. If I fail then the nightmares will take me away. I am on the edge of sanity as I writhe in my bed. I look over the edge and I see the floor a thousand feet below me. The needle is near to me, but I don't want to reach for it, I dare not take that trip again. So I wrestle with my demons as my heart beats in my chest until I think it will burst. I am not sure how long I can fight this battle, I am so tired I just want to sleep. I roll over and come crashing down to the earth, I lie broken and ****** on the floor. I ache but at  least the pain revives me, yet the weariness comes quickly and I am losing the fight. So in one last vain attempt to resolve my crisis, I succumb to the fate that awaits me. Now all that I have left is one question, can I now really sleep?

An all powerful being on a radiant throne, how dare he judge me! A malicious and cruel being who dictates my life, what gives him the right? The truth is a simple one for some and complicated for others, we have a choice, to believe or not, to obey or not, to love or not. The answer is yes or no for us and he judges because he loves us and we are reluctant to judge ourselves.

I will do this; you can depend on me for that. We use promises as easily as we drink water. Gone are the days when the mere word was a bond, now it is a casual thing. A firm handshake has been replaced with contracts and lawyers. The gentleman's agreement has gone the way of many ancient tomes and animals. It can now only be seen in nostalgic movies and museums.  What would it take to return to such a way of living, to once again keep the promises we make?

I want my life to flow like a wellspring , I want to put forth rejuvenating waters of hope. I want to be a fountain of knowledge. I want to be a stream of encouragement. I want to be a river of strength. I want to become an ocean of caring. I want to be a endless help to others. I want to water those around me and watch them grow.

Not everyday will be a good one and not every person is a friend. There will be potholes in the road you travel and things will not always go your way. Some days there will be clouds and rain, but not all cloudy days are bad and sometimes rain is a good thing Life will test our resolve through all of these things, there is no pass or fail just a multiple choice test. We must sometimes take test over, until we get the answer right. It takes some longer than others, but in the end we all must pass for ourselves.

On a steed as black as night, a lone soul rides out from the vaulted walls of the citadel to which he is assigned. Onward into the mist of the coming morning he rides. The heart of the horse and rider race in time with one another, onward the rider goes. Jumping over ditches instead of following well known roads, the message of such an urgent nature must get through. Beyond fields filled with herds of sheep and swine that have been released from their pens, on goes the rider into the coming dawn. Driving the steed until it's heart might break, through blurry eyes the messenger goes on. Finally the camp fires are seen on the line, as the rider approaches the sentry, the sign is given and passage is allowed quickly. As the rider jumps from the exhausted steed covered in a white froth from galloping across rough land, with legs numbed by the ride, the messenger collapses before the captain, with message in hand. Tearing the envelope asunder the young captain sees the news, to him a son has been born. With rejoicing he is elated as the messenger fades away.

While walking on a path that I had chose, I came to a split in the way. To choose or not to choose was the question that perplexed me to this day. I could not go back the way I had came, for the doors had closed behind me. I could only go forward, but which path to choose. I sat for a while and pondered the decision, weighing each option carefully. Finally I walked down the way that seemed to fit my life's plan only to have a some regret. Then at the next juncture of my life, I looked back over both paths and found they both lead me to the same place.

If happiness fades and sorry takes over, then why go on? If we are all going to die, then why live at all? If you can never obtain the things you see on t.v. and in magazines, then why even try. If there will always be hunger and war, then why even help others? If there are diseases for which there are no cures, then why waste the time trying to cure them? If doing good is it's own reward, then why not do evil and receive personal gain? If money can't buy happiness, then why work so hard for it? If you should only live for the moment, then what is the point of life anyway?

Shades wander aimlessly here and there looking for a place to exist. The ghostly forms of lives once lived without meaning. The only thing that concerned them was themselves. Now as wisp of what was they wander between the lines of reality, not having a form or purpose, simply wanting to exist again, so that they might undo the selfish things that lead them to their current state of existence .

The tears have been shed and the ground has been packed firm. The solemn words have been spoken and the bereaved have gone their way. Now in silence the departed waits for the eternal day. As the last person has faded into the distance. The last flower is presented and brings new life to the grave. The Rose of Sharon has come forth and with a touch of the divine, the departed soul ascends into the eternity leaving the buried past behind.

Speaking with dissent and objection, turmoil erupts among the masses. The tides of public opinion are swayed by pundits and spin doctors that twist the facts to suit a narrative. Until the people are worked up into a froth, the hidden agendas are not satisfied. Only when the power brokers get what they want by deception and misdirection will they be content, but only for a little while, at least until they trouble the waters of society again.

Stepping into the heights of heaven, I walk along the misty ways. Where Eagles fly and the sun shines just a little brighter. From on a high peak where few will ever walk, I look back on the problems I left below. In quiet solitude I travel in contemplation of things that I want to know. I search for answers in the sky and the land around me. As I watch nature, I see that my footprints fade with each step, as I travel through the mountain mist, and leave no footprints in the clouds.

Will you watch me when I sleep, will you my heart keep? Can I count on you to order my steps? Will you stay by me and never leave? Will you protect me from the storm? Oh say that you will watch over me, will you be my angel please?

You left me broken hearted and in shock at the way you left, but for now we are parted and I will not let it get to me. Tonight I am going to drink and celebrate what I have left, perhaps a good red wine or something stronger if I feel daring. Until the morning light I will forget my sorrow for good cheer, I will not weep for the breaking of my heart because you have gone from here. So let the music play and let the drinks flow, I want mirth and not sorrow. I will not worry about what comes tonight, though I will cry tomorrow.

The light from the Strawberry sun shimmered on the sky creating a Cherry hue as it blended with the Pink atmosphere. The Blue clouds floated on by with Silver linings around their frayed edges. I lay in the Golden grass looking up into the heavens waiting for Lemon-aid to come falling down.

To each of us there is a refuge, for each of us there is a safe harbor. To others it is not always obvious, but in a quiet place we find comfort. To some it may be faith, to others a good book. To some their labors for the good of others is a gateway to peace, while others may seek to do nothing but reflect on their inner selves. What ever your refuge, each of us has a place where we find hidden solace from our troubles.

Wrinkled with ten fingers and ten toes you came into the world with not even a cry. With new eyes that sparkle when you laugh, you are a  clean slate upon which a story will be written. A new mystery to be unraveled and a new chance at life. You have yet to experience the wonders and tragedies that await us all. For now, I will simply cherish a few stolen moments as I hold a new born treasure in my arms.

The snow has lost it's luster and the winter has stayed too long. That which was beauty is now cold and uninviting. Oh how I miss the song birds and the soft gentle breezes, for now is the season that the grip of sleep must relent on the earth and the new life must come forth. So I will sit idly by my window and watch the sun cast an even longer shadow as the ice melts drip by drip from the trees. Until I can see the ground again, I will be waiting on the Clover to let me know it is spring.

I have many imperfections and faults to my credit. I have little in the way of perfection. I am often temperamental and judgmental. I put on airs but I am really insecure. Despite what I may accomplish, I am sometimes unsure of myself. I want to do better, I just don't know where to start? What I should work on first is an utter mystery to me. I can be moody and often times insufferable. If I do form a true friendship, I will likely find a way to mess it up. Despite all that I am not, I am a work in progress. I am human.

On a barren hill, lay shattered pieces of wood. They were weather worn and aged. In the broken boards I found three nails, they were rusted and stained . I picked up the boards and I felt such pain, I dropped them in shock and fear. Then I touched one nail and I felt such grief that I wept as I fell to my knees. With a broken heart I lay in the dirt wondering why this had to be. What horrible thing could have happened here and why did it bother me? Then a peace came over me and I looked at the things before me, I picked up the wood and nails and turned around to see a man behind me, he was dressed in common clothes all white and clean. He took boards and nails from me and said I have been looking for these, thank you for finding them for me. In stunned silence with an empty heart I felt all of my fear and pain wash away. I asked him what he wanted with two boards and three nails, he said just wait and you will see. He push them back together and as if they had never been torn apart, I saw they formed a cross and at that moment I knew what the nails were for and let God come into my heart.

Lay a blanket of emotions over me, and envelope me with the secrets of your heart and I will open up my soul and let you come in. Share with me the most intimate parts of your life and I will knit my heart to yours. Surround me with your affections and I will immerse you in mine. We shall walk a path of emotional strength and be joined for all time. In the deepest part of the night, beneath the starry skies above, embrace me and hold me tight, cover me with your love.

The wicked and the fearful will spite you, they will lie on you and tell false tales. The truth is not always easy, but it is the right way. Doing what is right is not always popular, but it is a better way to live. Working to make things better has it's own reward. Though you may not obtain wealth and prominence, to see peace in your time is a good thing. Hold fast to your beliefs and seek to walk the right path. Though you are persecuted, you will never go wrong doing the right thing.

Comforts surround us as we walk through an illusion. We believe that we need the things we have acquired, but in truth they mean little. Material things fade as dust and blow away. At the end of the day when twilight calls, what do they really matter. Photographs are but memories that will fade. Soft blankets and good food are all part of the illusion. When the mortal shell begins to wither as a flower at the end of a summers day, and we travel from our short piece of time. Our place in the sun goes to another and all that we have achieved will be put down in one blip of time. As things go, stars and mountains will be here long after we have faded into the dust from which we came. So why do we fight so hard against the inevitable, when it is time to leave this world?

We look but we do not see, what is in front of us. We walk through life with narrow vision, and we do not see the worth in others that are not like us. We cannot view other people as more than they are, we are blind to new ideas and yet we have perfect sight. Our own ignorance gets in the way of our seeing many evident truths. Our intolerance causes us to walk as a blind man in broad daylight. Try as we might we cannot pluck the obstruction from our soul that causes to be judgmental of others.

Fiery darts fall all around you as arrows fly at you. Slings with stones of innuendo are flung at you, yet you remain calm. Trouble seeks to undermine you at every turn, as land mines of hate explode with each misstep. Through it all you hold your resolve, under the microscope you remain undaunted. A heart of bold intent and a resilient spirit that cannot be shattered, this is courage under fire.

Whiskey clear as water served in Mason jars. Dimly lit dance halls with a neon glow. Beer served by girls in barely there clothes. The twang of a steel guitar and shut your mouth. Welcome to the ***** south.

We can put a man on the moon and grow food in the freezing cold. We can make fuel out of grass and light up the darkest night. We can clean up water and shield ourselves from the sun. We can talk to each other in a few seconds of time and share ideas around the world. We can give back lost limbs and cure that which could not be cured.  With all that we can do, why can't we get along?

Is Chivalry truly dead, has honor been lost? Where is the round table and where are the chargers in plated mail glistening in the sun? Where are the cries for justice and where have the songs of valor faded to? Are there no more hero's to ride to the rescue, not for gold or glory but for the sake of nobility and doing what is right. Where are all of the Knights now that there is no Camelot?

I am strong and not weak. I am determined and  I will succeed. You will not take what is mine and my spirit will not be broken. Though I am bloodied and beaten I will rise again. I can accomplish what I set out to do. It may take me longer than it does some others, but I will not be deterred. I am empowered and I will prevail.

Rising up like an unsure Eagle testing the wind for the first time, children walk on unsteady legs of youth. Leaping out into life's currents they may jump back to the safety of their nest unsure if they are ready for a solo flight. Little by little they will step forward until like the Eagle they are soaring on the wind, sometimes they will encounter turbulence but eventually they will soar free and in time they will watch their own progeny follow on as they did, at first unsure when spreading their own wings.

To find another who's heart is in sync with yours is to hold a precious gem. To find a soul knit to yours is to hold a peculiar treasure. To experience complete bliss in the comfort of another's love is to know what a treasure love is.

When you see me do good, do not praise me. When you see me reach out to a friend in need, do not reward me. When you watch my life and see the things I do, do not honor me. Consider me not but to God give the glory, for what am I without him.

Over sparsely trodden paths I walk seeking the road less traveled. Looking always to the next horizon my souls finds no settled peace. I must walk on for adventure awaits and the unknown beckons. So on I will wander until I find what will give me peace.

I watched a storm rage on t.v. and saw people crying for help and in the midst of the turmoil, I saw a stranger swimming to save a child. Down on mission street I walked by a shelter and I looked in to see a woman leading the hopeless in prayer. The other day I saw a mother and child broken down on a deserted road. I stopped to help them change a tire and the woman said she had on money to pay me, so I gave her what I had. When I woke up this morning I looked in the mirror and suddenly it hit me, each time I saw love and kindness being given freely, I saw Jesus in you and me.

I met a stranger and I asked her what she knew. I asked about where she was from and how she lived. It seemed odd that I would want to know, but I told her I wanted to learn, so she sat a while and told me of her life. I met a young lad that was just starting school, I asked him what he knew. He looked at my white beard and asked what I meant? I asked him what have you learned that is new? He sat down and talked a while, he told me of all of the amazing things that he had learned. I walked on my journey and came upon a family from another country and I conversed with them for a while. I asked them to tell me what they knew, I listened and tried to learn their speech. They told me of where they were from and of how they had lived before they came to be where I am. I thanked them and I moved on, each step of the way learning something from each person I met. Though it would seem that this is pointless, it is never too late to learn something new.

If I could fly like superman I would soar through the sky, I would fly towards the sun, then turn around and soar through some clouds. I would chase the sunset and view each and every one until 24 hours of the day was done. I would take photographs and post them on my favorite place. I would want the world to see what I see and enjoy it with me. I would shoot up towards the moon and give the flag a salute. If I could truly fly like that, it would be quite a hoot.

Up before the sun filling a chest with ice. Drinks and sandwiches all neatly packed. Out to the lake, wait I forget my bait, turn around and find an open store. Back to the lake and put the boat in the water, head out onto the elusive monster fish. Settling into a quiet cove and begin to drown a worm, only to have the sun rise and blind you. Turn your boat around and reset to fish again. Then a power boat roars by from the lake party of the night before. The birds squawk as they are driven from their morning repose the waves rock your bass boat and churn up the water. You bite your tongue as not to curse, as you wait for the fish to decide to bite. Hours pass and still nothing, perhaps you are in the wrong place. You pull up anchor and move down the way only to find a pontoon boat in your usual spot. Two gorgeous women are laying out in the morning rays, then an old hairy fat man lumbers around the deck. On you go to another quiet cove and settle in again. Then you realize that the fishing time has passed and the sun is high and hot. So you set up an umbrella and settle down to eat and take a small nap. Time passes and the sun moves and you awake to a sun burn. So you amble around and pull your gear together as you begin decide where to throw out a line. As the sun moves toward the west, you finally get a bite as you set the hook and real your first fish in. Behind you the sound of another boat and you turn to begin to curse. You see the fish and game warden smiling as he takes his ruler out, he grins that its too small and you have to throw it back. After a thorough inspection and a look at your license, he bids you a good day. Meanwhile another hour has passed and you are tired but resolve to fish anyway. So as twilight falls, you have three or four good sized catches as the mosquitos begin to swarm. So you decide to call it a day as you head back in, but your motor dies because your out of gas. So with your wooden paddle in hand you head back towards your boat slip that seems miles away and you begin to contemplate the lies you will tell about how your day went and the one that got away.

I am not sure why people look at me different? I am not sure if this is how it is supposed to be? I only know what I feel, I only know that this is the real me. What I like does not fit a social norm, it is frowned upon, but I do not feel right any other way. So I will keep living what I feel is right and let other people just fade away.

As I lay in the chair my arm  begins to go numb. My vision is fading as each drip hits the floor. Spatter, spatter goes each drop as it plops and pools onto the floor. Each sound is amplified as life runs from my veins. The warmth slips away as I begin to lose conciseness. With each passing second I slip further away, as my last thoughts race as to how much longer it will take, all goes black.

Lay me in the earth and cover me over deep. Surround me with Rose bushes as I quietly sleep. Let the running vine of the Flowering Cherokee rose grow over me. Surround me with beauty as I lay and wait. Perhaps when they bloom, I will be part of something great. So cry not for me, for I will be in good company, I will be sleeping among the Roses you see.

Wrapped in ignorance I am held back from becoming a better person. Sitting with a heart that is blinded by intolerance I am fastened to the inability to relate to others. Imprisoned by a condition of my own making, the key of acceptance and love are all that can truly set me free.

Oh how I wish you could see what I see. Oh how I ask the divine to show you mercy. Oh how I weep for you and yet you do not know that you are in need. Oh how I plead with God to show you a better way. Oh how I long to see your eyes opened. I wait patiently everyday as I ask for help to come for you. I am humbled by the way you show kindness and smile, even though I know you need so much more than I can give. I pray often that your eyes will be opened and that you will receive Gods gift and live.

I am smoke that rises and disappears into the air. I am the dried straw that lays on the ground. I am little and not much to see. I came and went as if I were nothing. I am a phantom before you, I am invisible in the light of day. I am part of the background when you are near. Oh how I wish you could see me.

What is the essence of a man? Is physical strength and bravado the makings of a man? Does courage in the face of danger define who a man is? Is it better for a man to show emotion or to hide it? Perhaps the best answer lies in some of all of these things. Having strength to show courage and to show emotions when it is necessary with little thought for what others think is a true definition of what makes a man what he needs to be.

Oh to dance on Green meadows and bask in the sun while my silver mane blows in the wind. My mighty horn proclaiming my dominion over all that I survey, in a kingdom full of fairies and elves. The trees full of sprites playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers while I run as fast as my hooves will carry me. In a place where the water is clear and taste like Strawberries one day and honey the next. Oh how I would love to be a Unicorn living in such a mystic land.

Trees that have seen generations pass are cut down and the lakes are black with death. Rivers are muddied by runoff from what we call progress and the sky is Grey with pollution that makes the rain acidic. People walk in waste lands that used to be lush and Green and children play among trash that we have no where to put. People have too much while others have not even enough and that is taken away too. When one people hold some land and another finds a thing of worth, it is taken away and they are given nothing for their lost heritage. The ground quakes and the mountains echo with natures displeasure. One place is arid, then runs with an abundance of water. The mountains tremble and rocks fall down as if we are trying to be told something. Not until the rivers dry up and the sea turns red with poison do we see what happens when the earth cries.

On a rugged cross atop a barren hill, forsaken by all, in anguish he looked on. Crying out a battle cry that resounds through all time, all of creation was made aware that day that salvation had finally found a way. Completing the will of the one who sent him, an innocent man bore the sins of all. In three words, it is finished all was accomplished in accordance with the fathers will and God and man were joined together again.

Down a cobble stone way over a bridge that arches over a clear cool stream, I met my future in your eyes. Way laid from my journey because you had a flat tire on a bicycle, I took a few moments out of my day to mend what was broken, the whole time entranced by your pure dark eyes. What should have been a quick trip became a life time journey, when I was capture by a magical creature who wrapped me in her web of love, one day on a stony road.

Anguish fills the heart and love is broken into pieces. The eyes glaze over and the tears flow freely. The ground is covered with the salty remnants of a broken heart as it grieves for the love that has been ripped away. Not all things are of human doing, sometimes the fates are cruel. In the instances when love is suddenly lost, the bereaved can only mourn what might have been and let tears fall until they become upon the ground like the rain of a cold and lonely day.