When hope is lost
Heavy darkness comes
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down
Like we are stuck

When hope is lost
People lose their north
They lose their sense of purpose
Seeking any sliver of light to lift them
To show them the way
Seeking anything to inspire
Once again

When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
Desperation enters
We long for hope
We need it

It’s early morning
The city is still somewhat quiet
Not much traffic yet
The sun is out, but not fully
Another day is just beginning
Time for coffee and tea
To catch up on the news
And the world
Breakfast is needed
So many choices
Still time to rest
Before starting up the day
The coolness of the air
Refreshes after a hot day
Cleansing the body
It’s time for stillness
To calm the spirit

Music lifts one up
It expresses what we feel
Fills our heart and soul
It can touch the world
Connect all of us
Together
Communicate our story
Tell our history and future
Express pain or joy
It can paint a picture
With sound
It can calm or excite
Causing us to dance
It inspires
Lifting us up
Sometimes makes us laugh
It’s a mirror into the best of us
Into all humanity
It’s healing and powerful
We need it
Without it
We are truly lost
It is magic

It was wintertime
On the border between Colorado and Wyoming
The area was empty
No people for miles
It was lightly snowing
Large flakes slowly coming down
They were by a forest
The trees were bare

He stepped out of the car
Walked towards the trees
He was hungry for the quiet and solitude

A skidoo was put on the ground for him to use
It was gleaming white and matched the snow on the ground
He turned it on to get ready to disappear
He would ride into the trees seeking nature

He started driving
The further he went the quieter it got
He was amongst the trees now
Totally alone
He felt peaceful and still
This was what he wanted
He stepped off the Skidoo and walked into the trees

He smelled the air which was clean and fresh
He took deep breaths to cleanse his lungs and spirit
He was free
He was calm
As he turned he saw a rabbit
It was still hoping he didn’t see it
They both froze for a moment
Then the rabbit ran off into the trees

He kept walking deeper into the forest as the snow fell
Flakes onto his face but he wasn’t cold
He was home and at peace

As the sun drops for the night
The streets clear of cars and people
The emptiness is soothing in a way
Cats are the only creatures out
Seeking something to eat
Night quiet
As the sky grows darker
A black velvet blanket covers the sky
The stars start to appear along with a sliver of moon
Decorative lights are shining on a nearby building
Beautiful colors of pink and blue
Stillness is in the air
It is peaceful
It is calming
Sleep will be calling
With dreams
Taking one to magical places
Night quiet has arrived

I have a sweater
It’s used
But it offers warmth
It’s a favorite
On a cold day

I have glasses
To read with
And see
They have scratches
But they still work

I have food to eat
A bed to sleep in
A place to live
I am safe

There are people that care
About me
Family and others

So in a world of measures
I consider myself
Wealthy

Bring comfort
Feel like home
Offer calm
Instead of chaos
Give one a sense of belonging
Help one feel centered
They are important
They are most needed
During times of trouble
We all have them
Without them
We feel lost
We can’t find our way
They are like a lighthouse
Steering a ship to port
They clear out the fog
Erasing darkness
Bringing in the light
They are everything