When hope is lost
Heavy darkness settles in
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down in muck
Hope

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
Hope

When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
We tire of the heaviness
We long for hope
Hope

When hope returns
We lift ourselves up
We seek the light
Want to stand in the sun
And never leave
Let the light and warmth heal
Hope

When hope returns
We have a can do feeling
We believe once again
We are willing to try
We offer a hand
We smile brightly
Laughter can be heard
Hope

When hope returns
We are inspired
We can create
Music gets louder
People dance

Esperanza

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
Park benches placed around
It looks like something out of a movie
Too perfect to be real
But it is
It’s magic
Pure magic

The start of a new weekend
End of the work week
A new beginning
A fresh start
For some it’s dreaded
For others it’s a look forward
Cities clean up
Streets swept
Getting ready for a new week
Stores replenish their stock
Employees return
It’s time to get busy
And start anew

Ocean waves crashing in as
they hit the shore
Crisp, clear air
Bright blue sky
Sandy colored beaches decorated
with remnants of shells
Faint sounds of birds flying overhead
Calming feelings arrive to soothe
Stillness fills the moment
Peace arrives
The body relaxes
Mother Nature’s art

When will things calm down
When will there be some normality
When will the suffering end
When will calm come
A time of peace
Not turmoil
Not upset
It’s been a long time now
That things have been upside down
It’s been a long time since there was peace
We need more light
Not darkness
I pray all the time
For peace
For safety
I am waiting
When

Sometimes we get lost in the wind
When a large gust blows
Our spirit gets caught and taken away
Sometimes we lose our way
The path seems to disappear and
becomes hard to see

We may end up where we didn’t intend doing what we hadn’t planned

We may feel out of place and lost struggling to find our way back
To a time of comfort and safety
To a time of care and love

Sometimes we get lost in the wind
Fighting to find our way home
Eventually though
A new path appears
Leading us to
Our destiny

Some of us are lucky
To be by a golden bucket of peace
It’s calming
It brings a feeling of beatitude
When we immerse ourselves
We can lose our daily troubles
Slipping into a special place
Of safety
Of belonging
Of familiarity
It’s a place one doesn’t want to leave
Ever
Have you found yours?
Treasure it
It’s precious
It’s rare
Believe
In possibilities
Light up the world

It is gently snowing. Large size white flakes very slowly. Looking like queen Anne’s lace. As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees. It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall. You are aware of your breathing which slows. You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the stillness. You are one with nature.

Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold. There is total peace.When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you. Still, quiet and peaceful. You don’t want to ever leave this moment.

It’s the morning of another day
The woman gets dressed
Having finished her brief breakfast
She is going out

Dressed in her red coat and scarf
Ivory colored turtle neck sweater
Blue jean leggings
It’s winter at the end of January
Very cold outside
It gets into your bones
Makes them ache

She is heading out to the store
Afterwards she will stop for coffee at a favorite cafe
Before heading home

She is living her new life
With her high school sweetheart
An unbelievable dream come true

It’s early
On a Saturday
The city is quiet
Peaceful
Not many people out
There’s a stillness to it
Refreshing
The air is clear
Shops not open yet
It’s the beginning
Of another day
Soon the quiet will leave
Replaced by people and noise
But for now
There’s a little bit of heaven
In the quiet and peace
Early morning

It’s Friday
Almost the weekend
Many people herald it
It’s the end of a work week
Time to rest
Enjoy
It’s Friday
Time to step back
Calm down
Breathe
Time to look forward
To something else
It’s Friday

Come walk with me
Take my hand
Let’s stroll down a path
To see where it takes us
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s go towards the forest
Covered in snow
Let’s listen to the quiet
Enjoy the stillness and peace
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s go towards the beach
Let’s walk along the shore
Enjoy the sound of the waves
Smell the salt laden air
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s walk home
Holding hands along the way
Just like we used to
So many years ago
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s share our journey
Build some more memories
Let’s laugh and joke
Play like children
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
It’s been a long time
I am waiting

Steamy Night

Hot heavy air fills the sky
No breeze to feel
The air is heavy
It’s steamy
Wind chimes are silent in the wind
Windows open
Searching for something
Anything light and breezy
Nighttime starts to come against the  dark sky
Temperatures hopefully will start to drop
Doors wide open to welcome the cool air
Things starting to slow down in preparation for the night to come
Everyone hoping to feel the coolness against the skin as the day ends and night comes
A slight reprieve from the heat
From nature
For just a moment

When I feel lost I will rise up
I will reach towards the stars
To find my way back

When I can’t find my way
I will rise up to see the light
I will follow it back to my path

When I have no words
I will rise up to let you inspire me
I will let you guide me

When I am full of despair
I will rise up towards the sky
Letting it carry me on to my destiny

When I am full of darkness
I will rise up towards the sun
Letting it fill me with light
Pushing the darkness out

Life is like a tree
It has many branches
Over time it grows
There are new avenues and nuances
The roots reach deeper into the soil
Seeking out precious nutrients and water
New leaves appear in the spring
Turning colors in the fall
Eventually falling to the ground
As winter approaches trees sit bare
As if almost asleep
Waiting again for a new season to start anew

Sunday morning
Nothing like it
It’s special
A quiet time
Family time for many
The last day before work
End of a week
A big newspaper day
Time to slow down
Catch a breath
Before Monday
Sunday Bliss

Some go for walks
Others exercise
Others make a large breakfast
Others stay in bed longer
Enjoying the feeling
Sunday Bliss

Big news shows come on
Showing their best
Cafes fill with clients
Enjoying their coffee
Parks fill with children
Sunday Bliss time

White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
Highlighted by the lowering sun
Creating an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a magical hue
It’s almost surreal

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land
The shades of pink change as the sun drops

As the sun continues to drop
It’s time to relax and slowdown
People are gravitating to cafes
For coffee and a chat with friends
Evening is on its’ way

Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Soft yellow light shining down on me
Lights of the city dimmed by its beauty
Sounds of the city in the background
Turquoise lights shine on a building close by
Creating an artful look to the coming night
Mother Nature at her best
Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Another day passes as a new one begins
Half moon

He stood on one side of the grill
She stood on the other
The grill was black wrought iron
Somewhat ornate in the design
There were openings throughout it
That’s all that separated them

As they stood on either side he moved closer to her
They looked at each other
Deep into the others eyes
For a moment they got lost in the moment

It was magic
Then he leaned into her and kissed her gently between the openings in the grill
It lasted only a moment

He then smiled
His eyes twinkling
As he laughed with joy
He turned around to leave

She stood at the grill watching him
leave

Once she could no longer see him she closed the door
Savoring the moment
It was magic

When one is surrounded by clouds of darkness
When the burden feels to much
From weight and darkness
Look for the small light shining in a distance
It will guide your way
It is your destiny awaiting
It is these small slivers of light that give us hope
Believe
Light up the world

Brrrr Tuesday
Baby it’s cold outside
Jackets and scarves required
The air is crisp and clear
The sky is clear gray
The city is awake
Traffic moving
The café is almost empty
Too cold to come out
People huddled with their coffee
The steam offering warmth
Baby it’s cold outside
Hard to go out
Bed sounds nice where it’s warm
Winter has returned
Brrrr Tuesday

It’s another Monday
Sky is bright blue
Air is  cool
But heating up
Going to be warm
Weekends just sail by
In a lightning flash
Then the start
Of another week
But each day
Is a blessing
I am here
It’s time to start
Getting things going
Sitting in a cafe
Feeling the vibe
Trying to write a little ditty
To start
Monday

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Going to and fro
Shopping
Having breakfast
Drinking coffee

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Running errands
Being with friends
Drinking coffee
People watching

It’s Sunday morning
Streets are busy
With people walking
To and fro
Meeting friends
Reading newspapers

It’s Sunday morning
In the city
Time to be mellow
Contemplate
The coming week

A warm summer wind whips through the air and the trees
Causing them to move to the rhythm and the beat
Lightning dabbles the sky
Like the quick stroke of a paint brush
Tree limbs bend as the wind darts through them
The sky lightens up from the electric charge
The air fills with the loud sound of thunder
A summer storm is fast approaching
Playing the wind chimes outside
Like a musical instrument
As they move back and forth
To the rhythm of the wind
Mother Nature has arrived

Marginalization diminishes the spirit
Eventually extinguishing it
Until it no longer exists

Whereas when we uplift someone
We enhance the spirit and life

We create spiritual magic
Lift someone up today and help light the world

Each time we do darkness disappears just a little
Light is always stronger than darkness
Be a keeper of the light and a light worker

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

Memories
Slide in and out of the
recesses of our minds
Like clouds floating by
Some make us smile
Some make us frown
Some make us laugh out loud
Some teach us
Some seem so real it is as if
we can touch them once again
They are part of us
Just like our bodies
Perhaps even more precious
They are a gift
Treasure them
Always

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

Please listen
Take time to understand others

Please be careful
Your actions may affect others

Please don’t harbor anger
It doesn’t help
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

Life is like a tree
It has many branches
Over time it grows
Gets more complicated
There are new avenues and nuances
The roots reach deeper into the soil
Seeking out precious nutrients and water
New leaves appear in the spring
Turning colors in the fall
Eventually falling to the ground
As winter approaches trees sit bare
As if almost asleep
Waiting again for a new season to
start anew

Butterflies in the forest
Gently flying to and fro
On an early spring day
The sun gently slips through the trees
The air is crisp and clear
The scent of pine trees fills your lungs like expensive perfume
A few white clouds dot the powder blue sky

The butterflies are light pastel colors of blue, white and violet
As you stand silently and watch they fly close to you
Teasing you with a light touch like angels breath before flying away

Purple with pink bands streak across the sky

The purple has a hint of gray
It looks like a Monet painting which sets the stage for the coming night

The streaks in the sky create a look that is almost unreal in its beauty

Nature is an absolute artist second to none

Safe spaces
Loving ones
We all need them
They are sacred
Places we can go
And feel safe
Comfortable
Cared about
Stress free
They are very important
To our well being
They can be anywhere
Anything really
Home
Restaurant
Park
A bar
Cafe
Salon
Store
Forest
Beach
Country
It doesn’t matter
What’s important
Is how we feel
When we are there
They bring comfort
Love and care
They are precious
Invaluable
Safe

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

Butterflies, tulips, robins and daffodils
Warm gentle breezes
Leaves beginning to bud
Brown being replaced by rich green
Flowering trees and bushes starting to bloom
Lush grassy lawns coming back
Flowers decorating the streets
Bright blue skies dotted with clouds
Nature's perfume filling the air
All signs that Spring arrived

A Time of Faith

It’s Sunday morning
For some
A time of faith
A time of family
Of belief
Community
Trust
It’s Sunday morning
A time to reflect
On the week
And what’s coming
A time to slow down
It’s Sunday morning
Meditate
Calm oneself
Looking for peace
Stillness
It’s Sunday morning
A time of faith

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will walk away

If you love me
I will love you back

If you offer a chair
I will sit with you

If you offer peace
I will join you

If you hurt me I will not hurt you
I will walk away

If you love me
I will love you back

When feeling lost
Go to the forest
Smell the trees
Take in the freshness

When feeling unease
Go to the forest
Feast upon nature
Walk amongst the trees
Listen to the wind

When feeling confused
Go to the forest
Sit amongst the beauty
Let it calm your soul
Let the beauty fill your heart

When you’re not sure what to do
Go to the forest
Listen to answers
Let it inspire you

When we forget our roots
We lose our humanity
We are all one
When we forget our roots
We lose who we are
We are all one
When we forget those that helped us
We lose our history
We are all one
When we don’t respect others
We lose respect
We are all one
When we are cruel
We diminish ourselves
We are all one
When we lift up one
We lift up the world
We are all one
We are all the same
Believe
Light up the world

Life is like a tree
It has many branches
Over time it grows
There are new avenues and nuances
The roots reach deeper into the soil
Seeking out precious nutrients and water
New leaves appear in the spring
Turning bright colors in the fall
Eventually leaving home
Falling to the ground
As winter approaches trees sit bare
As if almost asleep
Waiting again for a new season
To start anew
Reborn

Looking out the kitchen window
Watching the palm tree move in the breeze
Branches mirroring feathers
A few birds resting on it or seeking food
As I watch a feeling of bliss and calm fill my body
I am at peace
The scene is a form of melody
Hypnotic and meditative
Mother Nature is both composer
and conductor

It’s another Monday
Sky is gray blue
Air is  cool
Weekends just sail by
In a lightning flash
Then the start
Of another week
But each day
Is a blessing
I am here
It’s time to start
Getting things going
Listening to some tunes
Trying to write a little ditty
Monday

A quiet time
A time of reflection
Some people sleep in
When things slow down
Before the start of a new week
Some practice their faith
Others spend time with family
Some walk through nature
Cities are emptier
Less traffic and honking horns
There’s a stillness in the air
It’s peaceful

It’s another Saturday morning
Start of the weekend
Sitting at a cafe
It’s crowded
Waiting on coffee and croissant
People come to and fro
Sun is out to brighten the sky
First Saturday of the month
The city is waking up
Time to get going
Things to do

Build a bridge to the sky
Reach beyond your means
Touch the stars and beyond

Look at all that there is to see
Embrace the true beauty of it
Let it touch your soul

Build a bridge to the sky

Reach for the sun
Touch the edge of the universe
Let it lift you up

Build a bridge to the sky
Believe in the impossible

Kindness

Be a little kinder today
Offer more patience
Give a little more
Love a little deeper
Smile a little bigger
Hug once more
Appreciate what you have
Let those feelings lift the world out of darkness
Keep the faith
Kindness has power
Believe

We all have a choice
Each and every day
Which path to take
One towards the light
Or the darkness
Whichever we take
Determines the energy
Of the day
The light lifts us up
Inspires
Brings good energy
Hope, possibilities
Whereas the other
Only brings negativity
Despair and sadness
So at this time
Of light and hope
Lets walk down the path
To light and hope
By doing this
We help to light up the world
Believe

Come walk with me
Take my hand
Let’s stroll down a path
To see where it takes us
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s go towards the forest
Covered in snow
Let’s listen to the quiet
Enjoy the stillness and peace
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s go towards the beach
Let’s walk along the shore
Enjoy the sound of the waves
Smell the salt laden air
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me

Let’s walk home
Holding hands along the way
Just like we used to
So many years ago
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
Let’s share our journey
Build some more memories
Let’s laugh and joke
Play like children
It’s been a long time
Come walk with me
It’s been a long time
I am waiting

It was a cool sunny morning
Spring on the horizon
The sky had a crispness to it
Sky was bright blue
The cool air was refreshing
Before the heat of summer

Tourists were coming back
After a slight hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe
Coffee and goodies
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring
It’s just around the corner

A quiet time
A time of reflection
Some people sleep in
When things slow down
Before the start of a new week
Some practice their faith
Others spend time with family
Some walk through nature
Cities are emptier
Less traffic and honking horns
There’s a stillness in the air
It’s peaceful

It’s another Saturday
Start of a weekend
Time to reflect
Time to recharge
Time to have fun
Time for the Magic
Time to rest
Time to get refresh
Before another work week
Time to enjoy
Time to meditate
Time to clear the mind
Time to refresh the body
Weekend slowdown