Lilies will be magnificent and Tulips will be grand. Posies by the dozens, those I can understand. So why so many Roses, they are too complicated. With sticky thorns and so many colors. I get confused just thinking about them. So bring me a Coronation or a bouquet of Violets if you must. Anything but Roses, I have seen them quiet enough.

Lipstick comes in many colors as do my moods. If I am wearing Rose Pink then you know that I am content. If you see me wearing Blood Red then beware because I am frustrated. If I am wearing Yellow then I am feeling lighthearted and would love to be shopping. If I am wearing black then I am angry at the world. If I have on Sliver then I am feeling mysterious and I am ready to play. If I wear Blue then I am moody and unsure of what I want next. If you should see me wearing White then I am ready for a break. There are many colors of lipstick, I am not sure which one I will wear today?

Caw caw caw cries a black bird in a tree. From a like high up in a weathered lifeless oak, the bird stares at me. A cold wind blows by and a chill runs down my spine. Caw caw cries the black bird as it takes flight. Down the bird descends beneath dark and dreary skies, landing on a solitary Grey rock caw caw caw it calls to me. I stop and stare into the dark messengers eyes. Now I understand the Ravens purpose and why the Ravens cries. Come come come is what it says to those who are about to die.

I adorned my house with Pink seashells because they let me hear the waves roar. I planted my yard full of wild flowers so I could have bouquets all around me. I made my windows out of the bottoms of colored bottles because I wanted to be bathed in rainbows when the sun rises in the morning. I made my front steps out of tea cups and marbles because they glisten when the light hits them. I built a walk way of sand, so I could feel the beach between my toes when I walk outside. I built my home to suit my personality, because I want it to be unique like me.

I am filled with faults and I was born in sin. I make mistakes, but I still try again. I give to help others that they may come to know, that there is a better way. I live with my mortal failings each and everyday. It is not that I am perfect you see, but it is because of one who died for me. So I walk in imperfections until I see his face, because despite my imperfections, I am redeemed by his saving grace.

Looking out over Emerald waters, standing on the edge of a jagged cliff. I try to muster my courage for this is the moment, this is it. Months of training and preparation for this one point in my life. I am about to plunge into the ocean, I am about to take a dive. High as a sky scraper into the crashing waves below. Into the Emerald green water one step and then I go. The air whips by me and my heart skips a beat. For a few seconds I am trapped in silence then I awaken to the thunder roar of the crashing surf. I settle into a green universe that lies beneath the waves and then I begin to ascend. Thought I make jump a hundred more times, I cannot repeat the first dive again.

A gun needs a bullet and a hand to hold it, the gun never killed anyone on it's own. Only when we pick it up in anger or as a means to an end does a gun become lethal. It is not the gun but the user that actually kills.

Tick tock tick tock goes the clock. With each movement, it marks the passing of time. We are born under it's shadow, we live by it's call. Rare are the few who can ignore it and even rarer are those who master their time. In all things we are measured by the ticking sound. It is a rhythm by which life is formed. All things must face the passage of time. Some clocks move slower than others. Some are numbered in years and some only in days, but all succumb to the relentless ticking away of the moments. Tick tock Tick tock all things move forward, so measures the clock.

Buildings set still like barren mountains in a dry wasteland. Impoverished people wander through the ***** streets like a nomad in a foreign desert. The skyline in the distance is filled with bright lights, similar to the stars that fill a clear desert sky. The decay and death of a neighborhood has a similar feel to a dying forest. The tall light poles look like barren petrified trees and the drainage ditches resemble dried up rivers. Empty beer cans resemble long forgotten fossils. The picture of blight is the same, the desert just goes by a different name. It is surrounded by a prosperous city instead of mountains and rivers that would flow around a desert place.

Let me live as I see fit as long as I do not deprive you of what you believe. Care about what happens to me, even if we do not always agree. Remember that we are all humans and children of humanity. Even if we live separate lives, at let us live in peace. Do not oppress me and I will not learn to hate you. Do not impose what you believe on me and I will try not to preach to you. Perhaps if we can do these things, then we can begin to see, that we are not different after then maybe you can abide with me.

When I enter through the gates of Pearl and walk upon streets of God, I will no more have any sorrow. I will see the wonders of Heaven and behold the angels band. I will see the ageless saints and Son of Man. Around the throne of eternity where the lamb shall reign, I will join the redeemed in singing his praises with no end. Despite all of the wonder and the streets made of Gold, it is their maker that I cannot wait to behold.

True friends are not made in one day, weaving a relationship takes years. True friends become a part of each others lives. They are willing to sacrifice and help at a moments notice.  They do not judge our faults but accepts us for who we are. They are all ways willing to just listen and not offer their advice. When we are successful, they rejoice with us and when we fail they will lift us up. In life to have a true friend is to hold a priceless treasure, for true friendship is a rare gift indeed.

Everything is one thing and all things must be equal. No thing can maintain an unequal state for long, until something else comes along to restore balance.

There once was a man who was called to war. He had never served in an earthly army. He was a man of a simple trade. Born a carpenter and raised to work with his hands. He stood for a short time to fight for his fellow man. Then one day, the mortal battle was lost. They captured him and nailed him to a cross. On the tree between two criminals he gave up his last courageous breath. He forgave the enemy, even at his death. Then a miraculous thing happened after the lay him in the grave. On the 3rd day he arose from solider to commander our mortal souls to save. He is now crowned the captain of the armies of the heavenly host. He will come again in power and glory filled with the holy ghost. Who is this simple solider you might want ask, why it is Jesus of course, the first and the last.

The rock that was cast aside has been laid as the corner of the foundation. Rock of ages that changes not, let me build upon thee. Be the strength upon which I stand when the storm does violent rage, give me refuge oh eternal rock, let me set my building sure on thee.

Reach out to those who are lost and confused. Give to the poor and forgotten. Give help where it is needed and wanted. Speak words of peace to any who will hear them. Stand up for what you believe and do not compromise your principals. Honor God in all things and seek him humbly every day. In these things you will give hope to others and prepare yourself for battle. For evil does not rest, and wants to steal the joy from life. When you are the light in the darkness, you are being a blessing to someone, even if you are not aware of it.

A loaf of bread takes a lot of effort to make. Finding the grains and crushing each seed to release what lies within. Then sifting the meal that comes from the grain, until it is refined. Depending on what kind of bread you want, you may blend many types of meal from many different types of grains. Once this is done, you can begin to make bread. Adding water and yeast to the meal more commonly known as flower begins the process. The doe is kneaded and tossed until it reaches the right consistency. The doe must then be given a chance to sit until the yeast has become active and makes the doe rise. Once this is accomplished, the doe is placed on or in a pan and put into a very hot oven. There the doe cooks until it is done and the bread is made. What seems to be a simple thing takes a great many steps to create something that is enjoyable and delicious. Why do we expect life to be any less complicated than making bread? Why can't we all be more like the bread and have so much in common as we all come from the basic seeds of humanity, we are just different in some ways, but can blend ourselves to make something wonderful?

In heels that click as I walk, and legs that are firm and long. In a dress that is cut up to my well tanned thighs. I prowl looking for my next lover, perhaps you will catch my eye. My breast heave out of my top, just enough to give you a taste of what you might enjoy, if you play your cards right. My lips are painted just right, not too dark or not too bright. Unless I change my mood, then you will know what is on my mind. If they are bright red, then I am passionate, if they are dark black then I am showing my bad side. You know you want to feel my nails across your back as you look into my deep blue eyes. If you beg enough, I just might let you inside. I am a woman with many layers, I can be a blond or a redhead if you like. I will make you feel like a man, or break the little boy hide inside inside. So when you think you are chasing me, you will be in for a surprise. By the time you realize that I am hunting you, my trap will be sprung and you will be mine.

The world moves around me and time marches on. The conflicts of life are abundantly clear. The turmoil of my emotions wants to overflow the walls of my soul. The forces of nature are all against me. While I am tempted to run away, I must not fear. In certain times, I must plant my feet firmly on the rock and watch as I stand still. It is in this hour when God will come to move. Though I might not see his hand, it will be there. Then just as quickly as the storms of live overtook me, a ray of light will pierce the dark clouds and all will be well, because I had the faith to wait on God, as I stand still.

When my humanity is forgotten and I don't seem to mind doing what feels good. When I lose my inhibitions and forget the teachings of wrong and right. When I forsake what is moral for what is wanted. When I give the devil his chance to play. When I become something wickedly playful, or uncaringly cruel. That is the darker side of me.

When things go wrong, try to make them right. When people fail you fall back on faith. When you are prosperous, be generous to others. When you reach a goal, set a new one. When you feel sorrow, find a way to be joyful. When a friend rejects you, forgive them and show kindness to someone new. When one path is closed, turn around and find a new one. When you feel like you have gone too far, stop and listen quietly, God will be giving you a new direction.

Hair thin lines are engraved into my skin. Paper thin slivers travel over me again and again. Emotional tears break open and wounds bleed my sentiment. The Ravens gather as they wait for me to fall into my grave. Your words slice me only on the surface, my inner soul is buried already beneath a heart of stone. Try as you might you only slightly wound me, but with enough attacks I may be undone. Instead of grievously striking me with an open attack, you slice and cut me from all directions. You leave small wounds that culminate in my weakening. Finally I see the shadows gathering around me as the light begins to dim, the Ravens caw as they await my demise. Slowly I feel my emotional life slipping further away as I am dying from a thousand cuts your words have made in me.

On a barren hill surrounded by on lookers and soldiers, a rough tree was raised on a dark and gloomy day. Between two thieves, a man with out guilt was hanged for all to see. With weeping and the shedding of blood, he forgave those who persecuted him. On the old tree cut of rough lumber, he crossed me out. No more would I be written in the book of sin, but I was added to the book of life. In a moment when the most precious blood stained the wood, he crossed me out from damnation and added me to the his saints and gave me forgiveness, when he crossed me out from sin on Calvary.

I see what I want and I take it. I do not care about the consequences of my actions. I would rather be feared than loved. I do as I please and revel in the satisfaction of making gains. I walk around politely and appear normal, but inside I am a menacing form with little in the way of remorse. I do not act with reason but in self interest alone. I prey on the weak and the unsuspecting. I leave broken and shattered lives and destruction where ever I go. I wear a mask of illusion for I need no reason at all.

I writhed in my bed, powerful visions stirring in my head. I broke out in a feverish sweat. My bed covers were soaking wet. I felt the passionate kisses, I wanted it to fulfill all of my ****** wishes. I felt it move from my feet to my face, I had to wake up and see my lovers face. Just as I was about to look into my lovers eyes, I felt the touch of a cold nose. I awoke to find that my dog had been licking me and has slobbered all over my bed and clothes.

At what point is life worth while? When does life hold value? Must a tragedy occur for life to be considered sacred? Does an unborn soul have the right to be called worthwhile. What has to be done for a life to be held in high regard. How many must needlessly die before we come to our senses and realize that all lives matter.

Playing with fire in a literal sense. Taunting a magnificent creature with wings wide spread. Scales that glisten in the light a hue of red like Rubies or embers of a coal pit. Yellow eyes fixed on your gaze, as you wave about your steely blade. Hiding behind a mortal forged shield, praying that your quarry will yield. With a bellowing roar, and a swish of it's mighty tail, the would be knight is torn from his mail. Left lying on the ground with a shattered sword and wounded pride. The cleaver beast steps forward and bears it's teeth. It then growls and takes flight leaving the warrior in his briefs. Let this be a lesson learned for those who would quest to make a name. Never tempt a dragon unless your sure you can win the game.

In a grey foggy mist with showers pouring down, I hold your hands and we dance without music. The thundering droplets soak us to the bone, but this is how we met many years ago. We were both caught in the nightmare of a cold winter rain. A storm so fierce that we thought the world was coming an end. Instead of finding death, we found each others arms. Our warmth pushed away the cold as we became entwined in each others embrace. Now so many years have passed since the cold rain day and when ever we steal a chance, we come out and dance in what brought us together, loving each other in the rain.

The Autum leaves are falling as I watch the children play, I hear their joyful laughter and I have to turn away. for a moment of sweet pleasure becomes a heart filled with pain as I slowly remember one year ago today.
One year ago today I looked into your eyes. You said it was over, then you said goodbye.
I saw an end to our perfect love as you left me dying inside. I cried as you were leaving and still you went away and left me with a broke heart one year ago today.
I sit in our empty bedroom and look at our pictures sitting on a dusty shelf. I try to remember how happy we were before you went away, before you left me crying one year ago today.
I pull myself together like every other day. I wipe away the tears that run down my face. I put your memory away. and in my heart I pray that time will heal my pain that doesn't seem to go away, the pain of your leaving me, one year ago today.

Take a needle and some thread, put two lives together and begin to heal a wound. It doesn't matter which lives they are, any two will do. Once the stiches are in place, each one filled with love and understanding. Then you can begin to mend the tattered world a few lives at a time.

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.

On calm green waters, under clear blue skies. I see broad white canvas stretched by the pull of the wind. Gentle white breakers lap at the hull of my vessel as I run through the trades seeking a favorable current to take me to a quiet harbor just outside of paradise. In a quiet cove the sun begins to set, its golden rays highlighting the form of a love that I have not known yet. Lost in a vision of what I hope will come, I awake from sailing in a dream back into the reality that fate has chosen for me.

The answer to all of my problems. The thing that makes my pain go away. The genie in the bottle of colored pills, that I use everyday. Just one in the morning and my day becomes fine, just another one before dinner to keep me in line. A last one before I go to sleep to make the bad dreams stay away. Automatic therapy is what I take everyday. No doctors needed to talk at me, just give me what I crave. The genie in the bottle of colored pills is all that I need. With just a few doses a day, I can be normal just like you. Do not ever let me miss one dose or I will go on a trip or two. Under the care of these potions, life is wonderful everyday. If they were to go away, then I would have to face reality. That is something I couldn't abide, the pain would be to great, so I will just find life's solutions in a bottle, just one pill is all it takes.

I wanted to speak what was on my mind, I turned my prose inside out and inverted my verbs. I reversed my pronouns and skewed my adjectives in an attempt to express myself. I turned my a sentence backwards, then upside down until nothing made any sense. It was only when I looked at it all in a mirror, that I was able to express my thoughts.

Why did there have to be a rugged tree? Why did he have to die that way you see? Why did innocent blood have to pay the cost? Why did they have to nail him to an Old Rugged Cross? God our creator loves everyone, but because of sin something had to be done. The covenants he made, We're Never Enough. Man would always find a way to become corrupt. In our  weakness, in our Foolish Pride, God needed a way to bridge The Divide. So he went and ask Heavens Holy One, the captain of the Heavenly Host to be the one begotten. Giving up his title and His glory, he obeyed the father's will. To become the perfect sacrifice, and die on a lonely Hill. Between two thieves, he paid the final cost. The perfect lamb was slain and victory was won but at terrible loss . So great was our Father's Love, that there had to be a cross.

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.

Massive monuments arise from the landscape. Arches and grand structures are cut from stone. A mortal presence conceives a plan to live forever and in an instance, their memory is gone from remembrance. Treasure is amassed and wealth beyond measure is laid out before princes and kings, only to be looted by another when they expire. Folly is the way of man, seeking grandeur and self importance. Try as we might as mortals are toils are in vain. From generation to generation we learn nothing and the lessons still remain. Looking back into history the here and now lends itself to instruction but never hearing or seeing we learn nothing. History is a broken record of repeated attempts at immortality that fail miserably. Books are written and names are carved in stone only to be eaten by moths and eroded by the winds of change. Despite all of our achievements, it is still amazing what we fail to learn.

Your smile warms the day and makes flowers bloom. When I kiss you I can withstand the coldest night. When your heart was made, God filled it with sunshine. When I am with you I feel as I have stolen a small piece of it away.

Specters fly through old cemeteries, and tree limbs creak and moan. Old houses become haunting places for the forgotten and the dammed. Ancient tales are told that send shivers down children's spines. The aged caretaker walks with his lamp near the witching hour. A full yellow moon cast a spooky haze, over the forest and lay shadows through window panes. Ghost haunt halls and closets in the night as old specters rise again.

Setting up the display took me all night. I had to get every single firework just right. Covering them with a tarp to keep them from getting wet, from the possible rain storm or an unruly pet. Nearing the zero hour, so close to midnight. That's when it all went bad from a single cigarette I think . We suppose Grand Maw was the culprit, but we can't be sure just yet. What a spectacular display it was though not how I had planned, but the trailer park will never forget the fireworks New Years night. When they started in the middle and blew things out of sight. First the Roman candles fired off out of sync, they hit howling **** dogs and cans of gasoline. Then bottle rockets chased away chickens and stray cats, in a patriotic salute, can you imagine that. Then the middle came but it was supposed to be last. The largest firework missile took off with a blast, but instead of launching into the sky, it turned left at the stop sign and hung in the power lines. The arcing and the sparking was quiet a sight. So many random sparks that it set the rest of the fireworks alight. So in no particular order they all fired off. What an uncoordinated mess some of you might scoff, but it made everybody come awake, and what wonderful coverage we all did get. We are now famous on YouTube and the views haven't stopped coming yet. So in a blaze of glory went my fireworks display. The volunteer fire department were still putting out the flames on New Years day. So when next year comes if I am out of jail, no more fire works will I attempt to display. I will just watch football and drink a few beers to celebrate New Years day.

Pour the ale and raise my glass! Crack the goblet and buy another round!My sorrow is a wretched thing that haunts me into misery, but just a few more toast and I shall have won! A victory purchased at the cost of my sanity, and tomorrow I will pay the bill, but for tonight I have won the battle as I finish drinking my sorrow into submission!

I know that you have walked alone for a while, but I promise I will not be a bother. I know that you have a place that you need to be, but I will not get in the way of your destiny. I just want to stand by your side while you go on your path. Can I walk with you for a while?

Covered in the darkest silk robes with lace gloves and silver chains adorning her face. Walking with footsteps that quietly echo like the brushing of stone from a sweeping broom. Her presence elicits both awe and fear! Her form moves beneath her dark veil , every motion is an inviting temptation to seduction. Her pail skin and dark lips offer a sense of foreboding. Her piercing eyes are full of longing, and the thoughts of wicked pleasures yet unknown. Many long to feel the sharpness of her Ebony nails, but few dare to try. For she is a dark mistress bound to a cruel and unforgiving lord, who does not like to share such peculiar treasures filled with other worldly delights.

Born out of a larva, set for a purpose. Only knowing what it must do. No freedom of thought for itself. Living a short span while avoiding being swatted or squashed under someone's shoe. A bug is often resented and called ugly. Much disdain is held for the lowly insect, but for the set purpose the bug is important. For without the insect, many things would not be possible. Fishing would be boring without the joy of watching a child trying to hook a cricket. Flowers would not bloom unless a bug pollinated them. Then you could not give your wife Roses when you forgot your anniversary. So though the life of bug may seem short lived and mundane. It is a very important life indeed.

Colorful umbrellas and waders as little ones splash in puddles. Little streams flow down sidewalks where leaves are used as boats to race down to the mighty ocean. Sprinkles fall down and laughter abounds, what a joy to see children in the rain.

Two souls bound as one. Two bodies as one flesh. Two lives woven to each other, separated only by death. Strings that bind with passion and commonality. All things joined and apart. Love, life and laughter intricate parts of the same puzzle. Lovers, friends and individuals each part of the other. A relationship complex and yet simple. Two people intertwined.

Emotionally wounded, but not bereft of compassion. Tired but not defeated. I have seen the setbacks come and have walked through the drudgery of life. Things are not always clear and the path can sometimes be mired down with problems. Despite the afflictions, I know that there is always hope. For when I am at my lowest, I seek to pass on kindness to another. In doing so I restore hope to myself and prove that I am still human and that I am not empty as one might think.

Taught to hustle at an early age. Learned the code of silence and a gangsters ways. Making money as fast as I can. You got to have a gun to become a man. Hoping not to die before I reach seventeen. Trying to forget some of the things I have seen. Living my life by the hustlers code, giving nothing and taking what ever I want. Let others sacrifice for the state, getting what I want cannot wait. Learning hard lessons just to survive, having to grow up street wise.

Each day I try to be perfect, but each time I fail. Each day I hope to do better, but each time I fall short. In desperation, I read the books and try to find the answers. Looking through the text and seeking to unravel the complicated reason for what is. Then in utter frustration I through up my hands and fall to my knees. With a guttural cry I ask why, can anyone ever do enough. Then in stark silence, love washes over me and I realize that all human effort is in vain. That only by living with God can I achieve what he wants me to accomplish and become what he wants me to be.

Life is a puzzle that we have to put together. The pieces do not always fit the way they think they should. One part seems to go one way, then a different piece comes from somewhere else to take it's place. Try as we might, we cannot figure out the whole picture. Only in bits and pieces do we get to put a life together. Sometimes we must take the puzzle apart and try to fit the pieces together again. The only thing of which we can be sure, is that we can only put life's puzzle together one piece at a time.