It was good times the stillness the silence,
I was under a single tree, leafs fell but in
autumn colours. I was at peace in this
Serene place of my ideal thoughts.
No senses needed but what was around.

Words were silence, I had no need for the
Use of a living phrases in this place.
The leafs were like silk hankies flowing in
The air then evaporate in misty hews.
Peace I felt as I watched endless ones fall.

But then it happened the pulling, it affected
The leafs no longer silk but as they descended
Skeletal remains that screamed as they touched
The ground. My silence was like an echo now
Of before so much noise, I covered my ears.

But I felt, no longer the peace of death, my
Solitude now compromised with a yearning
To go towards the place that I resisted for so long.
Why did I have to leave this place of my yearning?
I was enveloped my serenity now gone.

I was silent, but then I breathed. so long had
I not needed this reaction. But realization
Began to sink in. I was born, I screamed out
Blinded in this moment of rebirth.
"I miss the silence of death, now I am reborn.

First Degree** ~ For the love of good food and drink. I love watching people eat the food that I have prepared and really enjoy it. This time of year is also very special with all the fall aromas in the kitchen and all around. I love mixing fire whiskey with an apple flavored beer Mmm so good.

Second Degree ~ The love of nature and our furry little friends. The unconditional love they have for us is amazing. I love all the euphoric senses of nature.  Watching a beautiful sunset or leaves turning colors, listening to birds sing their hearts out, tasting a snowflake as it falls on our tongue, feeling sand and water on your toes, and smelling the crispness of fall air and the smell of seasoned firewood.

Third Degree ~ For the Love of Poetry. We poets see the world differently.  We choose how we want to see it and our own reality of it. We can see things in fantasy or the factual. The world is our playground and we are constantly at play and being creative.

Fourth Degree ~ The love of family and friends. Having two beautiful wonderful souls as my sisters.  They are my best friends. My son having grandparents and cousins galore who adore him. My friends and family have helped me in so many ways and it's always good to reciprocate when possible. I love the feeling I get when I can help someone.

Fifth Degree ~ The love of a spouse. Your other half. When both people are in tune with each other they can make beautiful music. This is a work in progress for me. We have our good and our bad days but the love is there no doubt.

Sixth Degree ~ The love that I have for my child. This one is the easiest and the best love for me.  I wrote this when my son was born-
The one thing I will never lose touch with is that sweet little face looking up at me. No single word not even Love could possibly be enough for what I feel, nor will it ever be.

Seventh Degree~ The Love of God. I would not be able to experience any of these other degrees without this one first. He has seen me at my lowest and yet has still loved me. The love of god is full of grace and mercy.