Music lifts one up
It expresses what we feel
Fills our heart and soul
It can touch the world
Connect all of us
Communicate our story
Tell our history and future
It can paint a picture
With sound
It can calm us or excite
Causing us to dance
It inspires us
Sometimes it can make us laugh
It’s a mirror into the best of us
It’s healing and powerful
We need it
It is magic

When the hot heat burns into your soul and body
Where breathing is labored
When your skin feels on fire
Imagine that you are standing in a river
With cool water running over your feet
The bottom is sandy and smooth
Like satin
It is soothing to the touch
It is calming
Imagine a cool breeze
Gently blowing across your face like butterfly kisses
Your skin feels cool
Your breathing eases
Imagine the scent of pine trees in the air
Nature’s perfume
You are in another place
It is magic

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
Night quiet has arrived

Courage
It can be found
In unexpected moments
When someone rises
Up to meet the challenge
Either through actions
Or words
Or both
It can be someone
That stands up
Even when it’s hard
For what’s right
What we know deeply
In our hearts of hearts
Or someone that walks
Into danger to help
Or a healer helping the ill
Courage is everywhere
In adults and children
Around the world
There are those
That stand up
Speak out
Even when it’s difficult
Unpopular
They do it
At a time of turmoil
In the world
With pandemics
Wars
Unrest and violence
We need the courageous
More than ever
What are you??

Bring comfort
Offer calm
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

Chained

She was in the water
Chained
She was struggling to get to the surface
Fish swam all around her
As she desperately thrashed

She wanted to be free
She felt trapped
She had a hard time breathing

She was in the water
Struggling to get free
She wanted to push through
But couldn’t

Whales started swimming around her
Every now and then going to the surface to break free

As their bodies lifted above the water and dropped down they created a huge splash

She watched with envy wishing she could do the same

Then all of a sudden the chains broke
She was free
Her burdens lifted
She felt light

As she made her way to the surface a whale swam beside her
As if it was guarding her

Then she grabbed its back fin and the whale lifted them both out of the water

She felt joy as she broke free
She lifted her head and looked at the sun

She climbed onto the back of the whale
They swam together towards the shore
She climbed off the whale and walked to the beach
She was free
Her burdens had been lifted
She looked out to the sea and smiled

Sweet moments
Those small moments
Sometimes fleeting
Make life worth living
They can pass quickly
Touching our hearts
Touching our souls
Hard to hold onto
Delicate
Somewhat fragile
Like a butterfly

Sweet moments
Make lasting memories
Taste like honey
Decorating our days and nights
Brightening our lives

Put them together
They form a life

When I first met you
I couldn’t resist touching your face
Or you touching mine
Or running my fingers through your hair
It was devine
During our time together
It was a form of heaven
A form of true bliss
Total happiness

When you left
I missed that
Like being withdrawn
From a wondrous drug
Things felt hollow
Empty
I missed your touch
Or to be able to touch you

Now decades later
We are together
I can reach out
To touch you
Or you can touch me
It’s like being delivered
Back to heaven
I never want to leave

After several hot days
With searing heat
Humid nights
Fitful sleep
The body on fire
Mother Nature granted
A cool reprieve
Of temperatures
And soothing breezes
To lift up the spirit and body
To heal and invigorate
To inspire

After several hot days
Mother Nature
Granted a cool reprieve
To heal the land
Feed the birds and plants
Refresh and give energy
Nurture the body
To lift up the soul
And light up the world

She had gone to see the Sahara
She had never been before
She wanted to see the sun rise
Over the desert
She heard it’s spectacular
The night before
She was in a camp
It was hot at night
Hard to sleep and rest
Before sunrise
She was wakened from her sleep
Time to walk to the top of the dunes
It was hard with the sand shifting
It was almost slippery
Once at the top
She sat down
Her feet dangling over the edge
She waited
Patiently
Quiet and serene
So still
For the moment
That moment
When the sun begins to rise
Over the desert
She was excited, anticipating
The view and experience
After a while
Slowly
The sun began to come up
Greatest show on earth
A bright red ball
Lifting high
It was incredible
Almost indescribable
Natures art
She felt her spirit lift
With the sun
Towards the heavens
Just as the sun finally came up
Sahara Dreams
Nothing like it

The ocean was tranquil
Waves gently flowing
In and out
Hitting the shore
As they did, they left white foam
Their rhythmic sound was hypnotic
The salt smell  was exquisite perfume
The scene was calming
Seductive
Like meditation
As the sun hit the turquoise water
It glistened and glittered
Looking like a sea of diamonds
Turquoise diamonds
The scene was sublime
Absolutely perfect
For a hot summers day

Do you remember when we

First met
First laughed
First danced together
First walked together
First studied together
First cried together

Do you remember when we

First held hands
First hugged
First ate together
First played together

Do you remember when we
First felt the magic between us
First became entranced
First fell in love
First put the other in our heart

Do you remember

At times of darkness
Stand in the light
Let it embrace you

At times of cruelty
Be kind
Let it bathe you
In goodness

At times of hate
Love
Let it fill your heart

At times of judgment
Accept
You will be embraced

At times of wrongdoing
Do right

At times of hardship
Help and give
You will get back

At times of darkness
Stand in the light
It will never leave you
Light up the world
Believe in possibility

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 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
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

I may not be like you
Look like you
Sound like you
But I am also human
I’m just me

My language may be different
My country
My customs
But I am also human
I’m just me

I have hopes and dreams
Wishes and desires
Though I am not of your blood
I am human
I’m just me

Trying to live my best life
In a good way
I am a peaceful person
Also human
I’m just me

I’m a traveler
An artist and writer
No more or less
Than another
I’m also human
From another place
No better or worse
I’m just me

So when you see me
Don’t judge
As I am just human
Walking my destiny
Just like you
I’m just me

When you are sad
Get up and look at the sun
When you are crying
Dry your tears
Get up and look at the stars
When you are hurting
Get up and look at mother nature
When you can't go on
Get up and remember those that went before you
When you want to give up
Get up
Remember you have your own destiny
You are not done
You are special
You have work to do
You are loved
You are not alone

Believe

I came for you
Only you
Nothing else
If you had been
On the North Pole
I would have gone there
Anywhere
It’s not the place
It’s you
When you left
It broke my heart
My soul and body
I felt intolerable pain
So when a chance came
To see you again
After so much time
How could I resist
I am here for one reason
To follow my journey
To you
After all this time
It’s just about you

I’m addicted to you
To your look
Your eyes
Your smile and laugh
The way you walk
Your face
Hands and feet
To everything
I’m addicted
Like a drug
When I’m near you
I need more
It’s never enough
I crave to be near you
It’s painful when I’m not
It’s like a sweet drug
Sending me to paradise
Where everything is right
In the world and with me

Sometimes we may fail
We may even feel like a failure
We may fall down or not meet expectations
Ours or others
But if we try, including new things are we?
As long as we get up and try again
Failure

People judge others all the time
Holding them up to their standards
Whether they are appropriate or not
How can one truly know about another
Without being in their shoes
Failure

If we take a risk and try something
If we reach beyond our means
If we find our own way
Even if different and unique
If we define ourselves based on our choices
Are we a failure
It’s in the eye of the beholder
Especially ours
Failure

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
The beauty of nature
Captivating the soul

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
We wish for something familiar
Something we can cling to
Something we know
We will do anything for it

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
The flowers
The trees
The landscape
The people and the food

It becomes an intoxicating perfume
For the soul and heart
To comfort and calm it
When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home

The sun is about gone for the day
It is that time before nightfall and daytime
A slight warm breeze is blowing
Teasing the face just a little
Seductive to the touch
The branches of the plants are gently moving
Like a slow dance
A touch of sun can still be seen in the distant horizon
The city street below is full of life
Restaurants and cafes are open
People moving about
A drum beat of music can be faintly heard in the background
Voices talking from the restaurant and bar next door
Lights of the city coming on for the night
As the city prepares for nightfall to come

I was dreaming
In a deep sleep
When I heard your voice
So real
Saying “honey”.
I thought you were there
With me
But you weren’t

I was dreaming
In a deep sleep
Body relaxed
Letting go
When I heard your voice
Saying “honey”
I thought you were there
With me
But you weren’t

You were in another place
Not here
Not with me or by me
But in my mind
You were there
In my heart you were there
With me

After the New New Normal

What happens
After another new normal
When we try to become just normal
When we try to put life back
Can we recreate some semblance of order
Like before
Or are things forever changed
What happens after the new new normal
Is there yet another one
Are we safe
Is it over
Or does it return
With more vengeance
What happens to the new normal
When it becomes just normal
Is the time before
Gone forever

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
Reborn

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

Hot baked sun streaming down
Intense bright light all around
Penetrating everything
Wilting flowers fighting to stay alive
Lazy cats and dogs seeking shelter and shade
Streets and sidewalks hot to the touch
Laundry put out dries in a minute

It’s summertime once again

Bright blue skies
Sleeveless tops and dresses
Nothing feels comfortable
Beds too hot
No where to sit in comfort
Cold drinks tempting the mouth
Thoughts go to sandy beaches
And ocean breezes

It’s summertime once again

It’s elusive
But needed
Without it
It’s hard to move forward
It’s hard to function
There’s a heavy feeling
Of darkness and despair
When we are knocked down
Hope lifts us up
To try again
To reach again
To be
Beyond ourselves
And our own limits
Hope inspires us
To new heights
It fills us with light
It gets us to look for better days
To focus on the possible
To open our hearts
Hope is everything

Busy streets where I live
Cafés full
People out and about
Signs of life returning
The quiet leaving
For the sounds of the city
Tourists returning
Daily life returning
Bit by bit
All over the world
In cities and towns
Humanity is restarting
A new normal has arrived
After a long time away
Busy streets

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

I’ve got the gray blues
Been cold and rainy for days
My bones ache to the core
I’ve got the gray blues

Missing the sun
Those warm golden rays
Shining down on my face
Lighting the way to another day
I’ve got the gray blues
Craving when they go away

The beautiful black stallion lived on a ranch by the mountains
He was kept in a stable or corral when not being taken out for a ride by his owners
His coat was a thick black color like velvet
It shimmered in the sun
His mane was long and majestic
His face was kind with big brown eyes
When he ran his tail would bounce some from the movement
He was majestic

Every day he was taken out of the stable to the corral to feed and exercise
He would look beyond the fence towards the green pastures and beyond with longing
He wanted to be free
He felt like he was in a cage

Each day as he went through his routine running around the corral he imagined jumping over the fence and running free
He would even dream of it

One day he decided he couldn’t stay any longer and would have to try and escape
He felt like he so trapped
He was meant to run

He practiced running around and around in the corral going faster each time building up his strength

One night as he went to bed he decided the next day when no one was watching he would free himself
The next morning when he was put out into the corral he waited until everyone left

He then backed up by the fence and started running as fast as he could
His hooves hitting the ground hard with all his strength

He then jumped the fence and kept running towards the open range and mountains

Other horses saw him in the distance and joined him
They all ran fast and hard just for the joy of it
He was so happy
He was out of the cage

He was free

She was well known
Everyone had heard of her
All over the world
Her works were second to none
No other artist could top her
The definition of her pieces
The colors and detail
The choices she made in expression
She was truly the best
She had been around forever
Perhaps since the beginning
Her works were priceless
They were all unique
She was able to touch everything
And everyone
Mother Earth

They were taken captive by surprise
It was an unseen enemy
They had to stay inside
It was everywhere
Unseen

While it looked beautiful outside
There were hidden dangers
Even loved ones might carry it
Innocent children not so innocent
Potentially carriers

It started out slowly
Making its moves across the country
Soon the whole world had it
Seeping into all places
Hidden and seen
Known and unknown

It was as if humanity was handcuffed
Kept as a prisoner
Each held in their own prison cell
Unable to live as they once had
A new normal had arrived
There was before and after

There was no telling when it would end
Everyone was waiting for a change
Yet to come
New heroes were created
Science was on the forefront
As were doctors and nurses
All front line people

At night we used sit with our fears
Afraid to sleep
Not sure what the morning will bring

Now we are on year three
It’s been a long time
Things have improved
Travel is back
Lives are returning
To a new normal
People are moving around
In much of the world
Yet it’s still there
Hidden
Lurking and not yet gone

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

Listen to the music
Let it guide you

Listen to the music
Let it lift you up

Listen to the music
Let it heal you

Listen to the music
Let it touch your heart

Listen to the music
Let it soothe your soul

Listen to the music
Let it make you smile

Listen to the music
Let it show you the world

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 the same

As the semblance of a facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit truly reside
Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest
It will be there
When you need it
Let me feast my eyes upon your heart for a while and see you
See who you really are
Let me listen to your heart and soul as they play the music of you
You are beautiful
You are unique
You are treasured

I will stand by you when you hurt
I will stand by you when you feel joy
I will be there in the good and bad
The hard and the easy
The darkness and the light
I will hold you up when you can’t
When you fall to the ground in pain
I will stand by you and lift you up
I will hold your hand to comfort you
And pull you close to me
I will never let you go
If you feel alone
You are not
Just turn around
And you will see
I am behind you
Standing by you
As I always have been

A red rose is perfect in every way
The blue sky with hints of white clouds is stunning
Oceans with their white capped waves are hypnotizing
Beaches with silky sand cool to the touch
Yet, right now humans are limited
The outside world doesn’t offer much solace
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

How I crave to leave the terrace and walk the streets
To sit at a cafe or bakery for breakfast
To go to the store and not fear what may happen
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

The light breezes blowing across my face
The blooming roses on the terrace
The memories of normality
Haunt me in my memories and dreams
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

Oh how I long for this time to pass
For the ability to come and go
To be free of stress and worry
To feel the stillness and peace again

Poison Beauty

I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not by our choice
We had to
He’s gone
Back where he came from
When I woke in the morning
I had hoped he was still here but he’s not
He left in the murky shadows of darkness
My life left I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
My heart hurts. My soul stings with pain
The brightness has left me
The lightness of being
The humor and fun
He’s gone now
I am here left alone
Searching for him
Always

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
And let those feelings help to lift the world out of this darkness
Keep the faith

In my dreams I see a different time
A time of freedom
A time of no isolation
A time when I can go out
Where there is no disease
Where there’s hope

In my dreams I see a different time
A time when I can walk outside
A time at a local cafe or restaurant
A time to sit with friends
A time of hope

In my dreams I see a different time
A time of renewal
A time of creating a new start
A time of a new destiny
A time of hope

In my dreams I see a different time

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
It’s intoxicating

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

It’s a gray, foggy Sherlock Holmes looking morning outside
The sky is painted in dark muted colors
It resembles a black and white photo
There’s heavy gray mist floating amongst the trees
The streets are barely visible and deserted
There’s an eerie silence outside
It’s almost too quiet
Looks like a mystery movie about to begin
Where’s Sherlock Holmes?

Waking up
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it

They walk among us
They have always been here
They are the ancient ones
Teachers
They are everywhere
They are part of the earth
Quiet
Listening
Watching
Protecting
They are of the spirit
More than the body
Their faces reflect light
They have seen things
Back to the beginning
Of all things
They understand
Our purpose
They carry peace
Harmony
In their hearts

She writes
Poetry and prose
Images come
From deep inside
Sometimes feelings
When they do
She writes
Showing the importance
Of small things
That go unnoticed
Leaves
The smell of the air
The feel of a gentle breeze
Brightness of the sun
Her words are precise
Yet not
Evoking images
Feelings
Taking the reader
On a journey
Their own special one
Shaped by their lives
Precise

There’s darkness outside with a glimmer of light
Slowly the darkness cedes
Traffic is slowly moving
The morning has begun
Coffee and tea being made
The quiet of night being replaced
By familiar noise
The sun starts to rise
A golden ball
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived
As the city wakes up once again

When in December
In one of the most wondrous places
Paris
The city of light
The skies can be painted gray
Rain is in the air
A hint of snow perhaps
Apartments have a cold feel
Yet the streets are adorned
With holiday decorations
Shops show their prettiest wares
Chocolates and goodies
Churches offer holiday programs
Stores busy with shoppers
Downtown lights decorated with pink
Stores regaled in gold and silver
Cafes full of people sipping coffee
Hiding from the cold
It’s Paris in December
A special magical time