Warm mellow breezes brush against my face
The sky turns light purple as the sun goes down
Carmel cappuccino sits on the table
Waiting for me
While a candle burns
Bossa nova music plays
In the background

As the sun continues to drop
The breezes increase taking some of the heat away
The smell of the cappuccino fills the air
As the bossa nova plays
It’s a special time
A time of magic

Soft breezes caress my face as the sun drops down for another night leaving a hint of red glowing against the sky. The plants sway back-and-forth gently, as if they’re doing a slow dance with each other. The sound of traffic in the background is a form of music as the city gets ready for another night. The air is clear and refreshing. It feels good to breathe as the heat for the day is gone.

With My cat at my feet lying comfortably on the terrace floor signaling that another evening is coming and it will be time soon for rest and peace.
It’s time to embrace the night in all its glory.

In the darkness
I am there
My hand is on your shoulder
In the darkness
I am there
I am standing behind you

In the darkness
I am there
I am holding your hand

In the darkness
I am there
When you can’t see
I am your eyes
When you can’t walk
I am your legs

In the darkness
I am there
When you can’t go on
I will help you
When you can’t stand
I will for you

In the darkness
I am there
When you cry
I will wipe your tears
When you laugh
I will laugh with you

In the darkness
I am there
I have always been there

It’s sacred
Cherished
Special
Something we look forward to
It helps start the day
Either at home
Or work
Or for the lucky ones
Sitting in a cafe
The smell is heavenly
Better than the taste
Yet many crave it
Many need it
To start their day
It brightens up things
Sharpens
It’s part of a ritual
Usually in the morning
Sometimes at night
Morning coffee
There’s nothing like it

Cooler breezes tempt me
Bring a smile to my face
The summer brightness
Of the sun is almost gone
Darker mornings greet me
There is a crispness in the air
It’s refreshing
The seasons are changing
Ever so slowly
From summer to fall
Time to change the wardrobe
Time for tea and hot chocolate
Time to get ready
Time to think about soups
Time to think about stews
Cooler breezes tempt me
Fall is coming
My season

Believe the rest of your life
Will be the best of your life
Every day is a fresh start
We have opportunities to reinvent ourselves
Wake up every day anew
Looking for ways to savor life
We have a chance to push the positive
Negating the negative
As was told many times
Light pushes out darkness
Be someone’s light
Offer a smile to a stranger
Love instead of hate
It matters
We have the power
To lift up the world
One step at a time

Beautiful jazz music playing
The sound of a saxophone
Heard in the background
Smooth, ****
Soothing
Morning sounds
The sun is out
A cooler day
Coffee sitting on the marble table
A croissant its companion
At one of my favorite cafés
It’s early
The city is still quiet

Beautiful gold purple sky
Mirroring a Monet painting
Rain clouds dotting the sky
Streaks of lightning highlight the clouds
A storm is fast approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
Looks like a work of art
Coming to close out the day
Winds pick up causing the wind chimes to play
A familiar melody
Plants sway to the wind
A storm is approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
No doubt nature is an artist
The sky has a surreal look
It’s  entrancing

I am hiding out
Disappearing
Becoming a phantom
Not seen or heard
Almost not here

I am hiding out
Finding new places
Going back to old ones
Changing my ways
Getting quiet
Calming the spirit
It’s time

I am hiding out
Disappearing like a cloud
Becoming a phantom
Ghostly
Vapor to the wind
See the mist?
It’s me

Ambiance is everything
It can make or break a place
Or a mood
The setting
The decoration
The overall energy

It can be positive or negative
It can bring feelings of great joy
Or sadness

Ambiance is everything
It can set a tone
It can bring people together
It can keep them apart
It can lift them up to a higher place

Ambiance is everything
It can bring peace
It can evoke harmony
It can bring light
Or it can smother
Bringing darkness

Ambiance is everything

Sitting in a hidden corner
Quietly disappearing
Back tight against the wall
Melting into it
Almost oblivious to the world
Trying to become like a vapor
Translucent
Uncomfortable
Watchful
Like a cat
Eyes wide open
Ready to run
Anticipating
Sitting in a hidden corner
Disappearing from the world

There’s darkness outside
With hint of light appearing
It’s still early
Traffic slowly starts moving
Towards their destinations
Ever so slowly
The morning is just beginning
Empty roads in some places
As the full morning rush has not yet started
As 7am approaches,
A golden ball can be seen in the sky The sun is rising
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived
As the city starts to wake up once again

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
Ever so slightly
From summer to fall light
The suns brightness less intense

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The air is crisper
The nights cooler

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The heat of summer is leaving
The beauty of fall is coming

Its that time of year
When leaves start to turn
Orange, yellow and red
Dabbling the landscape
Like a fine painting

It’s that time of year
When colors are bright
There is a special shine to everything
Moods are high
The world puts on its best face

Golden threads tie us together
No matter what the distance
No matter the amount of time
They bind us as one

Golden threads tie us together
No matter the language
No matter the culture
No matter the place
They bind us as one

Golden threads tie us together
They reach across the universe
Never ending
They last forever
Never breaking
They bind us as one
Always

Can’t you feel it?
The change?
The light is different?
Less intense
The air is getting cooler
Calming breezes
Crisp nights
Colors coming
Reds, yellows, oranges and golds
Trees showing their best
Apples abound
Smells of cider and cinnamon
Sweaters in stores
Fall coats
Warm socks
Blankets
Hot chocolate
Soups
Apple pie
Bright colors
Hypnotic scents
The season is upon us
It’s coming

Come dance with me
Let’s touch the stars
Baila conmigo
Let’s listen to romantic music
Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Let’s see all there is to see
Let’s watch the stars dance
Watch the moon watching us
Let’s smell the roses
Vamos oler las rosas
Come laugh with me
Give me one hundred smiles
Come be with me
Ven conmigo
Forever

Wrap me in a blanket of you,
steady, near, unshaken.

Wrap me in a blanket of peace,
soft as night, quiet as breath.

Wrap me in a blanket of lightness,
lifting sorrow, easing weight.

Wrap me in a blanket of protection,
keeping me safe,
holding me whole.

Wrap me in a blanket of love,
warmth that lingers,
a shelter that stays.

And when the morning comes,
let me rise still wrapped,
carrying the threads
of you, of peace, of light,
protection,
and love.

You are a beautiful red maple leaf
Sitting delicately on a branch
You are one of many
The tree is a regal old maple
It has been there for years
With a tall sturdy trunk

The fall season has begun
Leaves are turning to turn colors
This tree has bright crimson red leaves
Some have already fallen to the ground
Others like you are still on branches

There is a slight cool breeze
It causes the leaves to rustle softly
The grasses bend and move to it
The landscape is dabbled in color everywhere

You are part of the landscape
Brightening the yard where you are with your color and shape

Glorious

That’s how crisp, cool air is
Glorious
The changing of the guard
The cleansing feeling
Of a soft breeze
Across the face
Like a tender kiss
The soothing feeling
Of heat dissipating
It’s invigorating
As the season starts to change
The sounds and smells do
Different foods and tastes
Colors change in nature
And fashion
It’s a fresh start
Where one can be brand new
A reinvention
Glorious
It’s a time for new beginnings
And magic
It’s absolutely glorious

We are so fragile
If you really look at us
We are the wisp of something
Like queen anne’s lace
We hunger for care
We hunger for gentility

Oh we may bluster
We may puff out our chests
We may yell
We may stomp our feet
In the end
We are fragile
Like a leaf
Like a flower petal

Our hearts are delicate
Easy to hurt
Easy to break
We seem strong
But we really are not

We are so fragile
Like a leaf
Blowing in the wind
Like a flower petal
Fallen to the ground
We hunger for care
We hunger for gentility
We hunger for harmony
We are fragile
Needing love
Peace
And comfort
And life

You are my light
You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my prince
You are my universe

You touch my heart
You touch my soul
You are perfect
You are my universe

You light my world
With your presence
You bring joy
You bring deep happiness
You calm the waters
You are my universe

You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my prince
You are my everything
Without you there is no light
Without you there is no life
Looking at you
Brings me closer to heaven

Please be kind
Have patience with others
They may not be like you

Please listen
Take time to understand

Please be careful
It’s a difficult time
Your actions may affect others

Please don’t harbor anger
It doesn’t help a situation
Step away if you have to

Please have an open heart
Instead of a closed mind

Please offer love instead of hate
It lifts us all up
Offer someone a smile

Please stand in the light
Instead of the darkness
Lift up the world
With your special light

Every night
Fairies arrive
They come from far away
They are tiny creatures
Almost invisible
They have delicate wings
Beautiful really
Like a hummingbird
They have always existed
Since the beginning
They come to the believers
All over the world
To grant their wishes and dreams
While they sleep
They sprinkle magic dust over them
Made of silver and gold
To bring sweet dreams and protection
As night ends they leave
Returning home
Awaiting the next night
To come once again
Fairy dust magic

Fall breezes gently blowing
Cool to the touch
Refreshing
Dark skies overhead
Gray colored
Bright colored leaves
decorating the landscape
Red, orange and yellow
Rustling in the wind to their
own melody
Offering their scent as perfume
Others hugging the branches
ever so tightly
Knowing what is coming
Chimes softly ringing
Playing their own muted tune
It’s a new season
Mother Nature is creating
Once again
Magic

Burning embers sitting amongst the wood
From time to time a gold blue flame emerges
The wood crackles against the heat
The glow is calming to the spirit
The smell enticing like a natural perfume
As the wood continues to burn
The embers glow a red orange color
With a slight stream of smoke
That reaches up towards the sky
In its own way it’s Heaven

There are times etched in my life that are indelible
Unforgettable
They have always been there
Part of what makes me

They are indelible
Unremovable
They sit in my inner most being
Like old friends

There are times in my life that are indelible
They are part of my being
Always been there
Weaved into my fabric
What makes me, me

There are places that call me
Like an unending echo in my mind
They call tugging on my heart
They are also weaved into my fabric
Sitting in my most inner being

There are indelible times in my life
Unforgettable
They are woven into my fabric
They have always been there
Like old friends
Always there
Like golden threads
In my most inner being and heart
Part of my soul
Never leaving

There is forest and quiet
The trees reach to the sky
Darkness abounds
The air is cool and clear
A cabin sits
Surrounded by snow and trees
Mountains are in the background
A light is burning in the cabin
Smoke coming out the chimney
Scents of pine trees in the air
A dog sits on the steps
He’s a husky
Beautiful white and black
Waiting for it’s owner
A pie is baking in the oven
Apple perhaps
Coffee is on the stove
A fire burns in the fireplace
There is sublime quiet
There is a sense of calm
It is intoxicating
Like a sanctuary

Deep in the woods

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
Protecting
When full of despair
Seek the light
It will warm you
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through
One step at a time

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures
Whatever they may be

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
It doesn’t matter what
When bored
Learn something

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

When you feel alone
Help another
Stand in the light
It will guide you
Always

I do not write for applause.
I write because silence
becomes too heavy.

The words press against me
with a tide that will not be denied.
They arrive in whispers,
in midnight tremors,
in screams and tears and in the soft
ache of a morning sky.

Without them, I am hollow,
an unstruck bell,
a page left blank.
Empty.

So I write to breathe,
to pour out what would drown me,
to plant my sorrow and wonder
and watch them bloom like flowers.

It is not by choice.
It is a pulse.
A compulsion.
A salvation.
An addiction
that makes me whole.
It’s part of who I am.

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

In the background playing at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
There is a faint, hypnotic rhythm
It is both entrancing and calming

In the background playing at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
They draw me into memories

My heart starts to slow
Matching the beat
My imagination wanders

In the background at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
Like a meditative dance

She sat in utter silence
In an unfamiliar place
Everything was new
Never experienced before

She was barely noticed
Almost invisible to the eye
Out of her own element
She tried to melt into the wall
She was an outsider

She sat in silence
Barely noticed
Quiet
Almost invisible
Barely seen and heard

She was from another place
Another time
She had traveled a long distance
To be here

She was not seen nor heard
She was insignificant
She was the unfamiliar one
She did not truly exist in some ways

She is more than fur and purr,
more than the soft weight curled at my feet.
In her green eyes,
lined in nature’s own ink,
is a quiet knowing,
as if she has read the stars
and carries their secrets in her gaze.
Her heart is pure. She loves deeply.

Her presence hums like an old song,
a melody of alleys and warm hands,
of survival and trust hard-won.
She is striking not for her beauty alone,
but for the story she wears
like a second coat.

Look long enough,
and you will see
a soul,
fierce and tender,
choosing me every day.

You are standing on a beach.
The sand is warm and soft to the touch.
The sun is out and the sky is a clear brilliant blue

There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate.
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light soothing breeze.
There is the smell of salt in the air.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances making the waves look like diamonds sparkling in the light.

As you begin to walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as the water.

As you walk further out into the ocean, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.

You are finally home.

When in doubt
About yourself
Or the world
Go somewhere
Safe, quiet
Still yourself
Disappear
Let nature
Brush away your pain
Your tears and concern
Sit for a while
Silent
No need to talk
Nor impress
Just be with your true self
Feel it in your bones
That’s who you really are
By gods grace you are here
Still living, still standing
You are meant to be
Stand tall like a redwood
Know that you are precious
And unique
Believe
Light up the world

When in doubt
About yourself
Or the world
Go somewhere
Safe, quiet
Still yourself
Disappear
Let nature
Brush away your pain
Your tears and concern
Sit for a while
Silent
No need to talk
Nor impress
Just be with your true self
Feel it in your bones
That’s who you really are
By gods grace you are here
Still living, still standing
You are meant to be
Stand tall like a redwood
Know that you are precious
And unique
Believe
Light up the world

Pink cotton candy clouds
Made of sweet spun sugar
Look too good to eat
I want to touch them
As they paint the sky
Against a bright blue sky
It’s stunning look
As they drape  a rose colored city
With an exotic look
It looks unreal
Pink cotton candy clouds
Remind me of pink Necco wafer candies
Bringing back sweet memories

We wear coats of different colors,
stitched by history,
shaped by sun and soil.

We come in endless flavors,
rich and sweet,
bright and bold,
each a taste of something
beautifully unique.

But underneath the coats,
beneath the flavors,
we are all the same—
soft hearts,
warm blood,
souls yearning
to be loved.
Human. Just human.

Different wrappings,
one essence.
One song sung
in many voices.
We are all one.

A Conversation with Myself:

The girl with the small notebook
asks, “Will anyone hear me?”

The woman with the candle replies,
“They already do.”

The elder with the lantern smiles,
“And there is still more to come.”

Three selves at one table,
three books side by side —
fragile, steady, glowing.

Above us, poems form constellations.
Below us, the cat purrs in the quiet.

And I know at last:
I am one long poem,
still being written.

I live among ghosts
Phantoms
They keep calling me
I walk by memories
Old haunts
I touch them ever so slightly
Carved through year’s of life
There are spirits
Vapors of life
I feel them touch me
They hover above
They watch
They listen
They are always there
I see remnants of where they were
I feel them
I can’t escape them
Every where I turn
Everywhere I look
I feel them
Echoes of them embedded
I feel them in the air
I feel them in thoughts
I feel them in faces
I live among ghosts and memories
Of another time

Is where the heart is
That’s what they say
It’s where one’s roots are
From where we come
It helps define us
There’s comfort
Familiarity
Sometimes
We crave it
We need it
To recenter ourselves
To remember
Who we are
We all go
Home
Where the heart is

Tonight there’s a half moon
It’s silvery white
Hanging by a golden thread in a
dark painted sky
Around the moon is a delicate halo
It looks incandescent to the eye
The vision is almost hypnotic

It’s a half moon night
The air is warm
Heavy and thick
Not refreshing

Summer is in the beginning of its final throes
Breathing fire into the day and night
Making it hard to live and concentrate
Fall is waiting in the wings
Eagerly awaited

It’s a half moon night

A storm is coming
Dark clouds are on the horizon
I can feel it in the air
The wind is picking up
There’s a feeling of electricity
The sky is a light muted gray
The clouds are moving quickly
Some seem to touch the earth

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
I can feel it deep in my bones
There are sounds of thunder
They sound like drums
Lightning strikes dart across the sky

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
Mother Nature is shaking
Change is coming

A storm is coming
Of that I am sure

As you close your eyes, think of the ocean, its color, the smell, and everything about it. Imagine yourself slowly melting into the water. Let yourself become part of it. Feel the coolness on your body. Let it calm and refresh you.
When you are outside take a deep breath and smell the air and let it cleanse you.

Realize once again, as you have always known, that you are a part of all things here and in the universe.

If the sun shines, look at its brightness and realize and remember that is a part of who you are as well. Let your spirit fly free. Your heart and spirit are pure.

When you close your eyes again, let music play in your head, hear the notes and the sounds as they play in your mind and realize that is a gift from the universe.

You are part of the most magnificent orchestra in the universe -- life, and your talent is your instrument.

There’s a small sliver of moon tonight
It hangs in a thick, rich black velvet sky
The moon glimmers a soft white
The sky looks rich enough to touch
In the distance is a glow of the city

Another day closes with a new night beginning
The air has cooled to the breath
The lungs feel refreshed
A slight healing breeze is blowing
It soothes the heat beaten brow

Plants welcome their daily drink
People move on the street enjoying the cool reprieve and coming night

Every now and then someone looks up and smiles at the moon
It’s magic
The moon looks down at the earth and smiles back

I am a person
No more no less
I am alive
I have feelings
I have needs
I am no different than another
I need love
I need care, a home and sustenance
I want to walk free
To be able to live my life without pain or hurt
At times I am alone
Other times I am not
I am no different than another
I am human

It was late fall
Almost time for the holidays
The heart of the city was full
People running to and fro
Taking care of business
The air was cool
Crisp to the feel
The sky painted a light gray
Could mean snow
The piano bar was full
In a well known hotel in midtown
The Hilton
People sitting, waiting and relaxing
The music was familiar jazz
Pleasant to the ear
Slowly one by one snowflakes
Started falling
They were beautiful like lace
Some on the street stopped
To watch the snow transfixed
On the beauty of nature
Eventually the pace picked up
Leaving a beautiful white blanket
Along the sidewalks and streets
For just a moment the city slowed
To admire the handiwork
Of Mother Nature
Once again

Dark blue velvet accented by soft white lights giving off a magical glow
A winding river decorated with pearls
Ducks fishing for their dinner
Light breezes brushing against my face
Quiet all around
It looks like something out of a movie
Too perfect to be real
Magic places are special
They light up the world

The darkness and stillness of the night are comforting
They can be hypnotic
Drawing one towards sleep
As the city noises stop

The feeling of the coolness of the air as the temperature drops
Feels wonderful
After the heat of the day

The sky turns black velvet with a hint of starlight or perhaps a sliver of moon

The warmth  of the bed draws you in
Covered with sheets and blankets wrapped for the night

As you lie there listening to the quiet your body craves sleep as your eyes begin to close

Dreamland awaits