It was the holidays once again
The air was electric with anticipation
Everything was decorated for the season
People were  jubilant
Bright colors and lights were scattered around
The trains were running between two large cities on their usual run

This particular train was at the station
It was waiting for its passengers to board
It would be traveling north
To the next large city
It was early evening — around 6
The trip would take about 3 hours

For the season, the bar area was brightly decorated
Lights were even put on the outside of the train
The look was very festive

Passengers started to board
Dressed for the weather
In winter coats and hats
Many carrying packages
Some wrapped in beautiful paper

It was brisk outside
The air was crisp and fresh
Breath hung in the air like vapor

The train was readying to leave
Steam began rising
The whistle blew as the doors closed
Warning that the train was about to leave
Ever so slightly the train started moving away from the station

As the train made its way north
It started to pick up speed
The rhythm of its travel pounding
like a faint drumbeat to the ear
It was hypnotic and calming
Calling sleep to the listener

Faint music played in the background to set the mood

People were happy in their seats
Talking, some sleeping, some reading or on their phones
Others just watched the sights
Everyone glad to be heading north

Some were going home
Some only visiting
Every one excited about the trip
Anxious to arrive

After three hours or so, the train started to slow
It was arriving at its next stop

Passengers put on their coats and hats
They gathered up their belongings
As the train pulled into the station
the passengers lined up to leave

As people filed into the station they made their way out
Either to another train or to exit
Hundreds of people walked onto the street above
Creating a momentary crowd

Taxis arrived to take people to their homes or locations

Others decided to walk or catch a subway

Hotels were brimming with guests
Decorated in their best

The streets were filled with people
Coming and going
The air smelled of the holidays
Stores were crowded as shoppers reviewed their wares

A street fair was going on nearby selling homemade crafts from local artists
Coffee shops were brewing fresh coffee

The city was alive
Decorated in its best
Colors everywhere
Red, green, blues, gold, and silver

Street were vendors selling hot pretzels
Others with apple cider or hot chocolate

It was a beautiful sight to behold
This was New York at its best

People are like puzzle pieces
Each one a different shape and size

It takes the perfect piece to fit
Into a space made for it
Others just won’t fit

People are like puzzle pieces
All different sizes and shapes
It takes the right one to fit
Others may try but the fit won’t work

People are like puzzle pieces
Going through life looking
For their one perfect piece
The one made just for them
It fits on all sides
As if cut from the same pattern

People are like puzzle pieces
Searching their whole lives
for that one perfect piece
Some are lucky and find it
Others never do

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Just as ships at sea
They look for the lighthouse
The shining light guides them

When you feel scattered
Follow the light
Back to your path
Look to your lighthouse

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Let the beam of light guide you
Back to your path
Let the light comfort you
If you are out to sea
Look for the lighthouse
Shining it’s beam of light
Guiding you back to safety

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
When full of despair
Seek the light
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Let it lift you up

When you feel alone
Help another

Lightness

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path

I can be like a feather
Blowing in the wind
Untethered
Light to the touch
Almost invisible

I can be like a bird
Soaring high in the sky
Enjoying the glory of flying

I can be like a cat
Quiet and watching
The world go by

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am on a path and journey
There have been twists and turns
That’s what took me here
At this place and time

I am elusive
Transparent
Hard to find
Sometimes I disappear into the night
Sometimes I look like a ghost
A vapor barely there
I can be the light mist in the wind
Touching your cheek
I am truly invisible

I can be a shadow on the wall
A faint outline of a person
Almost disappearing
Almost not there
But there

I am elusive
Hard to pin down
Always moving to and fro
I am a phantom
A ghost
I am the dream that is not real
That disappears when you wake
The butterfly you cannot keep
The sunset that leaves
A moment in time that passes

I am elusive
Never really there
At all

Cool balmy breezes brush against my face
Caressing
Soothing my spirit and body
Calming my mind
I focus on the moment
Taking it all in
Slowly
Deep purple colors the sky
As night sets in for the city
Lights twinkle in the background like glistening pearls and diamonds
Traffic sounds play their tune from below
Plants sway to and fro to the breeze
As if they were dancing
A cool respite fast approaches
To heal from the blistering heat
Of the day
Once again nighttime is coming
Bringing a gift of coolness
And peace