There’s  always a fire
With no flames
When a soul draws near—
A spark that flicker softly,
Yet burning strong and clear.
It kindles warmth within,
Even when in frostbit
A quiet glow, unwavering,
Soft, yet full of light.
A silent force, magnetic,
Unseen but ever true, genuine
Calling out, unspoken,
In a language meant for two.
Compassion like gravity,
A gentle, steady hold,
An endless bond, a quiet flame
That never fades or folds.

Looking at the sky,
From my wide window,
The still fleecy clouds,
With a tinge of grey,
The sun smiling from behind them,
A gentle wind stirring the curtains,
I felt grateful
For the gift of life.
Bouquet of beautiful memories,
Showered with tears of joy,
Flash by,
Of loving family,
And dear, loyal friends,
Who have helped me to grow and live happily.
29/9/2024

Another yellow leaf,
     Another red
Descends like grief on grief.
Another yellow leaf
Whispering, "Life is brief,"
Descends from overhead
Another yellow leaf,
     Another red.

a faded blue and white flannel shirt
long black hair like midnight
and almond shaped eyes

her name was Grace
and she was beautiful

i had long hair
and we sat cross legged
on the grass in the park
smoked a joint

i was 19
the philosopher poet, wise,
and misunderstood

then we walked and talked along the beach
until sunrise

she had to catch the bus at 7 a.m.
back to where it didn't matter

at the bus station we held each other
and kissed

and she was the flower that blooms
once in a lifetime
the tail of the comet passing through the night

grace, what you are will never be again.

Underbelly of seabirds
As
White blue grey sky
Scrolls above.

Feathers frolic on
Thermal waves
Unknown to eyes
On Southend pier.

Rusting legs step out to
Sea
Swell and cresting small
Over silted bed

And creativity gives life to your soul.
17/9/2024

dark cave spiraling up
into jagged spires of silent distances falling
into splintered sunlight

the winds of the river Styx flows  
on a distant shoal and waits
beneath the waxing moon

for the wounded lovers to bloom
into white and blue wild flowers

and into the loving arms
and silken threads of time lost.