You are sitting in a desert with no one around.
The sky is blue, with a scattering of clouds.  
The sand is white but very fine.
It’s soft to the touch like fine silk.
There is a slight breeze which is not too hot or cold.
It brushes against your face ever so gently.
There is no noise.
It is quiet and still.
You can hear your breathing.
Over the top of you sits a translucent umbrella of light.
It’s made of peace, love, and protection.
As you start to walk, the umbrella follows you.
It will be with you forever.

It has been dark for so long
The air has been heavy and oppressive
It’s been difficult to hold ones head high
Every day negativity oozed everywhere
Like a heavy weight
Everything became hard

Possibilities

In spite of it
People kept trying
People kept helping
People kept caring
Though they were tired
But hope was diminishing
Getting fainter

Possibilities

But, after some time
A small sliver of light shone through
In the darkness, it seemed even brighter
People began to focus on it
Watch it
Fascinated
They then started walking towards it
The closer they came, the brighter it became
Almost like a lighthouse beacon
The light was soothing
It was also healing

Possibilities

Eventually the light increased
Shining down everywhere
Causing the darkness to finally recede
Hope grew
Faith grew
The heaviness lifted

Possibilities

For the first time in a long time
People saw possibilities
They actually started to see the people around them
Their neighbors, friends, co-workers
And they were also seen
They talked and were heard
They listened and understood
Empathy started to grow
Care for one another grew
It was a brand new day

Possibilities

Snow gently falling and blowing around like cotton candy strands
Eventually gently nesting on the ground or other surfaces
It is the coming of winter and the start a new season
Cold is easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces
Taking the place of the warm heat of the summer
Temperatures dropping outside bringing a frigid feel
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready ready to put
on its nightcap and pajamas for the sleep that is coming

The Coming of Winter

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and mind
When holiday lights and decorations appear everywhere

Magical times

Holiday tunes are played on the radio
Shoppers abound on the streets, searching for that perfect gift
People take on more hustle and bustle

Magical times

Light snow flakes dance through the air
Coffee shops full of hungry diners
Smells  of hot chocolate fill the air

Magical times

Cities come alive with a different feel
It’s that time of year
When magic comes alive
Once again

Magical times

Smells of fur trees fill the air
Doors decorated with festive wreaths
Ornaments glisten as they are hung on trees
Red, silver, gold, green and blue
Houses adorned with lights
Make the streets look bright
Smells of cookies being baked
Hot chocolate filled mugs with marshmallows
Choirs singing carols
People running to and fro shopping
Cities and towns decorated up in their holiday best
It’s the time to celebrate the season

Streets bustle with huge crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday
Street corners impassable because of the large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast, making the city look like a giant mosh pit
Light snow gently falling to set the mood
Coffee shops full of shoppers seeking a quick cup or snack
Trees are brightly light for the season, some decorated.
Store windows adorned with beautiful holiday decorations
Holiday carolers and musicians can be heard singing along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn a building on 6th Avenue along with a selection of. giant red ornaments and strings of lights
Street vendors sell their wares up and down the streets from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price
Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades
to move the crowds
Hotel bar areas are filled to capacity with thirsty customers needing a refreshment or a comfortable seat
Nothing like Christmas time in the big city

They have held
While other things have weakened
They remained strong
Like a dam

While pushed and threatened
While others spun stories
Trying to change reality
They stood firm
Holding the rushing waters back
Waves frequently breaking  against their wall
Yet it held
Like a dam

The more water that came
The fiercer it was
They held
They stood firm
They did not buckle
Yet it held
Like a dam

While there was an onslaught
Day after day
Never stopping
They stood firm
Never bending
Like a dam

Strong
Unbending
Like a dam
A true warrior for justice