All the hard
times prepared me
for this.
The hopeless
times, black sun
sadness.
The long seasons of
madness.
Starving, like a
winter tomcat.

The hospital stays.
Jails and psych wards.
The fist fights under
bridges.
Midnight swims, drunk in
the Iowa River,
not drowned, only out
of spite.
All of this, and
much more got
me ready for this.

I’m sitting up in bed.
It’s 5:00 AM.
My three cats chase
each other, like
lovers in spring.
I’ve been sober
for almost two years.
I even quit smoking
cigarettes.
I’m writing regularly,
and publishing much
of it.
It’s mostly well received
worldwide.
I’m sipping a hot cup
of coffee.
It’s from Sumatra and has
notes of herbs and earth.

I look at the pictures of
Van Gogh and
Hemingway above my
antique maple desk,
as I listen to Mozart.
A writer needs four walls.
I have so much more,
children
wisdom
cats
and gratitude, the most
important thing I
found.

Accepting the moment in which we find ourselves
Allow reason and meaning to regather as we turn away
From the unacceptable things we find we are sinking in
Reconnecting to the truthful, to the beautiful.
Aspects of goodness you saw once in others.  
Aspects you know are deeply embedded within you.

Reconnect to the good in others we know is there
To find some heart recover yours in the shining glow
Of love, of goodness, of that which you've known
Tarnish must be polished away from other heart
Cleanse own's own heart if we are to be of any use
Have the courage to live another day.  

Enjoy what you can as you can.
The healing will come from those regions
Which the core foundation remains and can never erode.
How did you learn to love?  Who initially gave you hope?
You did when you decided to love, to be loved, to reach higher.
Trust that a higher power unseen will guide and will lead.

Follow the breadcrumbs that you know were laid for you.

I write
but never claim
to be right
nor to seek fame

only as a keen observer
of the myriad manifestations of life
a humble truth- seeker  and curious wanderer
amid  its doubts and uncertainties that run rife

I am reduced to a category
in the digital lifestyle.
The big giants govern me
Try tricks to entice me
To make it seems savoury
Feed me with bits that will modify me.
AI, advertisements and data,
they'll come together for business
Reduce me to a row of my criteria
They will see they can manipulate
with the day and time of my play.
They know exactly how I will simulate
At the least they have me ready
with the sentiment and numbers to calculate,
And it is only starting to be integrated.
Soon, the super intelligence would rule,
Being omniscient and omnipresent,
A new god on cue.

Oh, hearts so close, yet worlds apart,
Thoughts whispered softly, a work of art.
Differing views, like stars that shine,
Each soul unique, a treasure mine.

To share my thoughts, a leap of faith,
A vulnerable soul, in nature's wraith.
Your words so casual, yet meanings deep,
A hidden sorrow, a silent weep.

I filter words, with care and grace,
To mend the world, and find my place.
Yet minds may differ, like distant shores,
Each soul a mystery, forevermore.

A frequency gap, a silent plea,
To connect with hearts, wild and free.
Beneath the surface, a hidden strife,
Are we as saintly as we claim our life?