I have cried the tears of disappointment. I have wept through the long night. I have been wounded and I carry the scars. Through all of the anguish, your hand has been with me. Even when I thought I was alone, I was being guided by the unseen love that you feel for me. Now after the long journey, I have come through to the other side. The burdens have been lifted and the pain is fading. I see the new day dawning and now I realize what true love is. For despite my mistakes, you have been faithful. You kept your promises and did not forsake me. Always you were present with loving kindness and the strength of the nail scared hands.

Dressed in the finest clothes, with the best looks, money and prestige in abundance. Only when the serpent has beguiled you into submission, do you see it's fangs too late. Taking up a banner in the name of righteousness, only to commit atrocities that would make God turn his head. Singing for joy of holiness, when the actions are anything but that. Hiding in a crowd, appearing plain and normal, while underneath the façade, a raving wolf waits to pounce. Whether with a serpents beguiling tongue or the appearance of self righteousness, evil has many faces of which one must be aware.

I sit in a cold sweat, I am shaking like a leaf in the wind. My mind is racing and my heart feels as if it will explode. I can't go there again, I can't let it win. I can smell the scent of my what approaches and it excites me to no end! I can't allow the demons to fill my head, I must resist the voices. I hear a soft voice as she approaches. I am suddenly still, as though I have become a stone. My eyes focus and my ears are keen to the slightest sound! The intensity of the urges are overwhelming! I try to scream out, but my voice is muted from deep with in me! My sanity has been lost and my rational man has given in! The dark thing that lives with in me is  now in control and all I can do is watch helplessly as it satisfies it's appetites!

Just before sunrise beyond the sandy beaches of a never ending shore. I put out on a board and listen to the waves churn about me. I go out to the point where the horizon seems to join the sun. I turn my board towards the land and sit quietly and wait. Gulls fly overhead as I sit surrounded by others like myself, yet I am still alone. In one instance, the ocean begins to rise up. I paddle forward into the morning spray. The wave catches me and takes me forward. I am caught in the first curl of the day, as I try to become the master of myself while embracing the power of an ocean wave. I let it carry me and simply guide my board on the path it sets. Until the breaker subsides and I float into calmer waters. I settle into a lull and catch my breath, as I come off of an emotional high. Then I draw together my strength, and turn my board once more to the horizon, hoping to catch another wave before the day comes to an end.

I took a moment to look around and see what was wrong in the world. I took out a shovel and began to dig through the confusion and the lies. I broke ground on a new path that no one had dared take. I cleared away the debris and smoothed out the rough patches. Along the way, I fell into a few potholes and got blocked at some critical turns. Despite the set backs and obstacles, I walked forward anyway. After years of struggling to clear a path, I looked back and saw that I had only gone a few yards. The ground beneath my feet was hard and the way ahead was filled with a lot of clutter. What I hadn't noticed, was that I was no longer alone. Behind me were more people who saw what I had done. One by one they came up and joined me. Finally I was bent over with age and weary from the fight, but many more were willing to continue on. I handed my shovel to someone I thought I could trust and found a place to sit down for a while. It was then that I realized what I had accomplished. I saw the path I had made, both wide and smooth. Though the ground was still hard ,the way had been made clear. Now that others could see the direction that needed to be taken, many were willing to help me build a road.

He came in great humility, not having a name of prominence. His family was of a simple kind, or to the the world it seemed. Yet his father had a kingdom waiting for him to return. He gave up all he had to walk on dusty roads, from Bethlehem to Egypt, then again in Nazareth. All he did with in sacrifice, and for the fathers will. What it cost for him to sacrifice, no one can ever tell. The stories about his great deeds have been written and retold, but to many the truth remains unknown. For what he did wasn't for fame or fortune you see. He was beloved from the beginning, he was the first you see. He came to offer redemption, he came to set the captive free. He came and died a sinners death, because he so loved me.

Stop tempting me, leave me alone. I can live without you, I am fine on my own. I will work through the pain somehow, just let me be, at least for now. I don't need you anymore, I said I have had enough. Our relationship may seem like a good one, but you take too much. You are to demanding of me, some people say you will take my life. I have to stop wanting you, if for my own sanities sake. I am not sure if I really can live without you, but I guess I have to try. So please addiction let me go, I will find another way to get by.

When at last I am at rest, lay me quietly  in the ground. Hold no ceremony for me, let no one make a sound. Simply put in the dirt until the last few handfuls remain, then dig a simple hole and put a few rose bulbs in. Let the roots sink deep into the earth and find my remains. Let me become part of natures cycle of life again. Let my essence of blood and flesh mingle with the roots I suppose, of the bulbs that have been planted that will be come the bush of the white rose.

All things come from the earth and all things go back to the soil from which it came. We are not that much different from all of the other things. We have life and we live. We reproduce our own kind. We need water and air to live as well as sunshine. To think that we are disconnected from our environment is to hold a foolish ideal. Nature has many parts and we are just one piece in the living puzzle that the environment of our planet.

As I look at the face of another person, I see my own reflection. I realize that we are both human and that the basic truth is that we are not different at all. So to be honest with myself is to admit that I should treat any other human just as I treat myself.

When the last shot has been fired and the dead have been lain to rest, the warriors now must sit in silence and wait for the battle to be over. Though the leaders have come to terms, the wounds of battle might never heal. All that is left is to wait and see what comes next. The sound of cannon fire  and the bugle call sounded the battle to rage on. Now in the silence, the soundlessness is deafening. Louder than any shell explosion. It returns the solider to terror in the night. Knowing peace is harder still because the sense of purpose is lost and guidance has stopped. There is a new enemy and it is from with in. A battle that every warrior must fight after the guns have stopped.

An empty hole has formed in my heart. I am torn to pieces with desire and anguish. To want something so bad and to know it doesn't want you, this is the epitome of irony. How long can I go on? What will ease the sense of loss? Perhaps a long journey, to a foreign land where I do not understand their tongue. Then I cannot be reminded of the loss I feel or hear the sound of her name. Alas, I must resolve to go on, knowing that I cannot attain the thing I most desire. I only pray that I do not see her in the arms of another, this would again wound my heart beyond repair. Though there are no physicals scars to show my injury. I feel the pain down to my core. I ask heaven the question that I cannot answer, why does love hurt so much?

I can smile and tell people good morning. I can offer a helping hand. I can give my blood to save another. I can spare a few dollars to help out a cause. I can talk of hope and sacrifice and then live a life that reflects them. I can show kindness and give to others that which has been given to me. I am able to do what many cannot. I am willing to be there when others will not . I understand that my life is a gift and I should be sharing that gift when I can with others.

The sky is many colors and the sun is shining bright. All things are peaceful and all the wars are quiet. Love has replaced hate and tolerance has taken the place of dissent. All people can sit together and talk in the same place. Differences are encouraged and not thought of as something that makes us week. All points of view are listened to and we can agree to disagree. Hunger has been replaced with plenty and children can play instead of having to hide in fear. We are all joined as one humanity under a rainbow sky.

Days without a shave, hair styled by gel. Sandals and old jeans, a style that seems too relaxed. A car that is over due for a wash and a devil may care attitude. Clothes lay piled in the corner of his home, they are sorted by layers that is a fact. Take out and beer are his food groups, it was cool when he was twenty. Now that he is pushing forty, its just kind of sad. Too wild to be tamed, always going to catch you later. Always up for a good time, but can never return the favor. An endangered species if there ever was one, the last of his generation. He is not really being hunted by anyone, he will just go by way of extinction.

A stomach on fire from too many unsavory meals. Eyes that are permanently blood shot.  A narrow field of vision that only allows me to see the task at hand. Selective hearing that tunes out anything I do not like. An addiction to Aspirin and coffee. This must be what they mean when you are burning out.

A shadow of beauty, walking by without a word. A golden haired beauty who disappears into the night then reappears into my dreams. With curves like a winding road and a subtle smile that tempts the spirit and troubles the mind. Mysterious woman, why did you steal my heart with a glance.

Once I was headed home and there was a car that was broken down, it was very hot and one of the two women said she was thirsty. I took a moment to go buy her some water and return to her. I gave her the simple gift and went on my way. One cold afternoon I was buying a coffee and I saw that the person serving me was sad. I asked her if I could help, she said she had lost her wedding ring and could not find them anywhere. I prayed for her and gave her kind words. The next time we happened to meet, she was glowing with happiness, she showed me the ring that had been found and I was happy for her. I went on my way and have done such small things in other instances through out my life. In all of the small things, I now understand that there is no thing to small when giving for God.

All of the people dance around the question and no one can recognize the truth. Life has become distorted into 30 seconds of time on the nightly news. How we have separated ourselves from facts and become facilitators of distortions of reality. What is real is now subjective and open to interpretation by lawyers as we are spoon fed the truth as others wish us to see it.

The wealth of the earth has been plundered by only a few. The many have suffered while others profit from their misery. In all things there are ways to accomplish life without the destruction and scarring of our world. Waste that is produced can be turned into fuel, and used to replenish the ground. Food can be grown in abundance so that no one need starve. If we stand together and demand a change, then we can turn the tide of destruction that has been wrought on us. The many will cease to suffer and the few will have enough, but will live in harmony with the planet that has made them rich. So let us roll up or sleeves and begin to renew our efforts to bring harmony and equilibrium to all life and in doing so, we can begin reclaiming our world.

Sit quietly upon a rock and close your eyes. Hear the sound of the water flowing over stones and around curvy banks. Hear ducks quacking and splashing in the water. Listen to a frog croaking on a Lillie pad. Hear the distant call of a squirrel as it races from tree to tree along the muddy banks as deep cool water flows by. Become part of nature, if just for a little while. Listen to what the river says as the water speaks to you and the different creatures that live because of it tell you their stories, each in their own unique way.

I put on airs and comb my hair. I dress to impress and speak so eloquently. I practice my smile for hours and keep up with the latest styles. I know all of the latest trends and I can listen to nothing intently for hours. I project the perfect appearance of what the world calls success, yet I feel no happiness, no only self pity and regret. Though I have put on the outer shell of what I think will make me happy, the truth is I am only hiding from myself.

If you see someone who has less than you, find out what they need and offer them an opportunity to achieve more for themselves. If you see someone who was born with something that you were not, don't be envious, be happy for them, for all of us have gifts, we must first discover then and make use of them. When someone disagrees with you, do not hate them, simply agree to disagree and try to part as friends. If we try to do our best to help another and to understand our neighbor, then we will go along way towards making things equal.

Look at the sky and see how blue it is. See how it lives in harmony with all of the other colors that exist. The clouds are white, silver, black and grey. They all exist in harmony. See a sunset or a sunrise, the sky can be orange, gold or even red. What a wonder to see no contention between the different hues. So if we can take a lesson from the sky under which we all live, it is that different colors of things or people can live in harmony if they only try.

If we are on opposite sides of an argument, will you still want me to be free? If you see me lying in the gutter, would you just leave me be? If someone wants me dead for no just reason at all, will you stand up for me, will you answer the call? Many have given up all to champion another's rights. They did not question the reason, they just did what's right. So if all you hold dear is threatened, what would be your reply? Regardless of what I beliwve, would you die for me?

I was out walking when I saw an old woman. She was walking with a cane. When I started to speak to her, I saw that as he had a child by the hand . she was comforting the little one and telling them it would be ok. I was looking at the news just the other day,when I saw the most amazing thing. Children were out singing at an old folks home, and took the time to pray. I could swear that in the back ground I saw an old woman but this time she had no cane. She just looked at me and smiled, then in a blink, she was gone from the scene. Though I can't prove it, I'm sure she was an angel, even though I never saw her wings.

Oh I wish I could be a sparrow then I could fly fast and free. I would be able to sit on high wires and look at the world below. I would not need much just a few seed to eat. I could sit perched in a high tree top and spread my wings to the sun. I could dip in a bird bath or a puddle to be clean . I would sing happily to proclaim my freedom from all of the human problems that used to plague me.

The world looks right through me or doesn't see me at all. I disappear easily into the background. It is not that I do not try, I just cast a faint shadow. I want to be part of life, but all I do is blend in. When you hear static in a room, perhaps it is me trying to speak. I am simply drowned out by all of the things around me. For all of my efforts, I am but a shade of an existence.

When I see want, I will do my best to fill the need. Where I see ignorance, I will teach understanding. When I hear of oppression, I will demand justice. Where is sickness, I will offer healing. When I see abuse, I will not stay silent. When no one will stand up, I will become hope.

The ideals of a reasonable mind can be argued and even put into practice. If they have merit, then many will subscribe to them. It is only when it becomes necessary to use violence to get people to see your point of view that you lose the moral high ground and thus go from advocating a philosophy to practicing tyranny .

When the kings and princes stop hoarding wealth and all are willing to work. When the truth is once again taught and we return to the golden rule. It is then that we will return to justice and fairness in our land.

Covered in a crown of Daisy's her smile makes all time stop. Beauty is too poor a word to describe her gentle soul. A nurturing spirit made perfect for a wife and mother. I am speechless at the simple kindness she gives each day. Her hair flows like Dandelions in the wind. She laughs at the simplest things and spreads warmth even when there is no sun. She makes my stomach churn like a swarm of butterflies ascending on the morning breeze.  All things about her make me feel new, like the spring bringing life back to a cold and forgotten earth. It is my hope that the springtime of her love will never end.

Look at the white water that runs over the jagged rocks, follow it through the rapids. See streaks of sliver dashing through the current and settling where the water stills and runs deep. Look into the pool and see the minnows swim about, that were moments ago in rapids up stream. Listen to the splash on the banks as Otters slide down muddy banks in play. Walk quietly on to a sand bar and watch a turtle laying her eggs. Search on a muddy bank and in the shallow pools for arrow heads that show signs of a civilization long forgotten. Watch a Golden Eagle sitting on the cleft of a high rocky face, looking into the water below for a large fish to feed its young. See the sun begin to set and hear the frogs as they croak and groan from the reeds. Such is river life for those who are willing to see it and admire the diversity of nature.

I awake before the sun is up and work until my bones ache. I hone my mind to a razors edge , then sharpen it again. Every movement and muscle must be perfect. Every line has to be graceful and correct. My memory of the steps must be flawless. With each drop of sweat and each sore place, I learn the way of my craft. As a dancer, I am taking shape.

Paper cuts, sun burn, permits and delays. Freezing in the winter and getting wet in a down pour. Spring showers so I can capture the image of a few flowers. Dust in my eyes, sand and pebbles in my shoes. Bug bites and multiple shots to get over what ever they think I may have. Critics and gallery openings where my work sits in the back of the room. If I am next to the snack table, perhaps then I will at least get a mention along with the finger food. Such is the life of an artist, trying to become well known. Often starving and seldom fed, except when there are left overs. A paint brush, canvas and a camera are some of the tools of my trade. It is my hope that good fortune will find me before my suffering debt is fully paid.

I once had a dream that I was in a large field. I was surrounded by Tulips and Daffodils. I tried to move my arms and legs but I had none that I could see. I could only look out over the field in the direction of the sun, slightly turned up to feel it's warmth. I began to contemplate what I had become, then I felt my petals and stems and roots going into the earth. At once an image of myself appeared. I had become a sunflower you see. With a wide Iris and petals of gold. I sat and followed the sun for hours untold. I was content with the warmth of it's rays. I was happy to spend my time there, many a lazy day. As time passed, I watched the others flowers fade, the sun began to set sooner each day. Then birds began to light on me and peck at my Iris. I was upset at first, but then I began to see, they simply wanted to eat out my seed. So one by one my seed went away, until there were none left in me. I awoke suddenly and thought about my dream. I imagined what I might find the next time I sleep. Perhaps one flower has become many and are in many far flung fields, between the Tulips and the Daffodils. I will wait patently until I sleep again, and wake as many sunflowers.

At the end of the day on a stone jetty, I watch the silver break of the waves crest onto the massive stones. I pull my jacket close around me as the gulls dance about on the chilly ocean breeze. I hear the distant blast of a horn on a merchant ship coming from afar to bring her wares to our shores. The sun begins to go through it's transition as it changes colors from yellow to orange to red. At it hits the horizon and gives golden and red hues to the few clouds that begin to form. The ships, and waves becomes shadows silhouetted in the last few rays, as the sun yields to the first stars of the evening. In a few brief moments both are perfectly aligned and both night and day touch on the dark blue horizon of an ocean sunset.

When you see a unpolished stone in a persons life. If you are willing to put in the work and give of your time. You can knock off the dirt and rough edges and make a Jewel shine.

When your guide post disappear and you cannot see the stars for the dark clouds. Just call on me and I will be your compass. I will help you right your ship and trim your sails. I will reach out to you and guide you to safe harbors. Just be patient and I will be there. No matter how far you have strayed off course, I will find you. Set your rudder to the center and just look to the horizon, and soon you will see a light and know that my help is on the way.

Do not hide in the shadows, step into the light. Do not be ashamed of who you are. Be the person you want others to see. Show kindness and love even if you are hated. Stand with grace in the wake of persecution. Be faithful to your ideals, even if others don't like your point of view. Never compromise what you are, be true to yourself. Hold on to those who love you and strengthen those bonds. They will serve you well in the life you choose to live. Always be selfless when you have something to give. Show others what they are missing because the will not see the true you. Just remember to be who you are in what ever you choose to do.

I started hustling when I was only 9. I had to make a way because my dad was doing time. I learned to listen and not speak. I learned not to cry because that meant that you were week. Drug dealers became like big brothers. They showed me how hustle a buck undercover. I had to keep running to hide from the police. I learned to sleep where I could, never really had any peace. Learned how to keep my mouth shut and break bread. Anything to keep the peace and not end up dead. I buried a few friends before I was 15. The streets aren't forgiving they are just plain mean. I was there when 5.0 dropped the hammer. I got away but some of my peeps went to the slammer. I sit back in the shadows listening to their girlfriends and mothers crying. That's just the way it is when you have a hustlers life. I finally graduated to the big time, making all of the money I will need. I sometimes wonder how much I have lost being raised by the streets.

Stately but weathered stone, high arches and sunken walkways filled with worn cobble stone. A wrought iron gate that creaks as it moves heavily on it's hinges. Two majestic lions adorning the bars paws reaching for each other in some critical attempt at an embrace. High hedges that protect the view into bay glass windows. Where sunlight shines in at an angle, reflecting off of the polished stone floor dancing to the ceiling and back down again to fill the whole room with light. Such is the life of a stone manor from an era of more refined living and mannerisms.

Oh Lemon Tree with golden fruit that hangs heavy in the summer sun. Oh bitter fruit, that grows for natures amusement. So much do you look like an orange, yet you are bitter and cause children to make funny faces. Yet there are things for which you can be quiet useful. Your juices can clean through many a foul thing and properly blended with sugar cane you can make a refreshing drink or a delightful pie. So oh **** fruit with the golden shell, grow faithfully in the bright sun, until some unsuspecting passer by samples you, not knowing of your bitter surprise that is kept beneath a beautiful golden façade .

Say I love you for the first time and watch a smile emerge. See a radiant light come to the face of a special someone. Say I understand to someone who just wants you to listen. See hope be renewed in their eyes. Say that I have the answer to someone's burning question and see the wonder of the want to learn. Say I will help you to someone who doesn't know where to turn and see a life changed forever. Speak the right words and they can be magic to someone who has been waiting to hear them.

Four padded paws and a cold wet nose. An anxious bark and shedding fur. A desire to run and chase a ball. A tail that wags and an apatite for chewing on old shoes. Loyal to a fault and devoted to the end. A neglected dog is mans best friend. So when you see one in a shelter cold and alone, think twice about not taking a dog home. Some just need a little love and attention to become the best friend you will ever see. So when you hear one bark, its likely the dog is saying rescue me.

A life may seem to be a singular thing, on a fixed path. The truth is that no life is singular and we are never on just one road. Whether we isolate ourselves or interact frequently with people, we are always affecting the world around us. We walk on a road of career and one of family. We walk in pursuit of knowledge and of personal gain. We walk on a road of indifference or a road of caring. We travel many of these unknowingly. In the end all things we do take us in many directions and on many roads. The road we travel is just one of many we shall walk upon in  our lives.

I am imperfect, but I will seek to live a better life. I will stumble and fall, but I will get up and keep on trying. I will profess him, even when all reject me. I will give him my praises and do it all for his glory.

When others turn away, I will look to you. When you are written off, I will feed you. When no one want to acknowledge you, I will know you are there. To the hopless, abused and forgotten, I will see you.

Killing is rampant in the streets. Protest are ending in violence. Starvation and poverty are rampant as a divide becomes greater by the day. Life is without answers and we refuse to follow the lessons of history. We will not look back in order to move forward. In all great civilizations, a defining point is reached. At the precipice of growth something must change. When the arch that holds up the foundations of the society finally gives under it's own weight. All that remains is to sift to the ruble and see what is left after the smoke clears. Governments and armies will disappear, while the remnants of those from the edges survive. Who knows what the breaking point will be, but if history is to be are teacher, it will not be long before it comes.

At the falling rain petals of the field are drenched with the watering of the sky. Each flower adorned in glory fills with the moisture that it needs to live, but in a moment when there is more than enough, the water runs from the Iris down the petal to the ground. In that moment the flower is bent and pulled over, as if to weep for what tragedy we may never know. It is just enough to know that even the most beautiful adornments of the field can appear to feel sadness.