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

Sitting in a bakery sipping coffee
Watching the wait staff moving to and fro
People eating weekend breakfast
Talking and smiling
Streets full of people

Bakery heaven

Precious baked goods for sale
Beautiful to see
The scent of them like perfume
Intoxicating to the senses

Bakery heaven

Even in darkness there will be a lit candle to show the way
We just have to believe

It’s light will be enough to light the world
We just have to believe

Even in times of hardship things will work out
Even when there’s hate love will win
We just have to believe

When darkness is all around
In the end light will prevail
We just have to believe

Light a candle and help light up the world
Be the light
Lift up the world
Take away the darkness
Candlelight

Gold is precious
Some treasure it
Instead of money
However it’s value
Is not as high as water
Nothing is
Water is life
For everything
Plants
Animals
Fish
And humans
The planet
Without it
There’s devastation
And death
It is natures true gold
Real gold
Worth more than
Money, jewels or
Power
It can enhance
Or destroy
Let’s protect it
Value it
Not waste it

Fall breezes blowing
Dark gray skies
Decorate
The sun hides for a late entrance
Bright colored leaves
Red, orange and yellow
Tease the senses
Smells of fallen leaves abound
Rustling in the wind
Some clinging to their branches

Chimes ringing in the wind faintly
Playing their own muted tune
Warming up the heart

Tea and apple cider brewing
Pies in the oven

As the temperature drops winter is not far behind

He was asleep dreaming
Yet he still felt her hand in his
It was as if she was really there
It wasn’t
He felt the warmth of the touch
It gave him comfort and peace
Sometimes reality isn’t everything
Dreams and memories are
The power of care and love

Sometimes we need quiet
A time to be still
To stop the chaos
To listen to the nothing
It calms the mind and spirit
Allows us to refocus later

The world is so busy
Fast moving
Never stopping
Noisy
Sometimes it’s hard to keep up
Stillness can reset us to a better place
It can enhance creativity
Allow the mind to wander
Aimlessly
Slow down the body
Lift up the mood
Sharpen the mind
Go to a higher place

Dark purple sky outside
my window
Offering hints of muted pink
Offering calming influences
Painting the sky
A piece of art
The view is hypnotic to the eye

Dark purple sky welcoming the
night as a close friend
Darkness is not too far behind
Announcing that evening
is about to begin

I am a human being.
I am of the spirit.
Experiencing life.
As it comes.
Mostly in the present.
Somewhere along the road,
I realized that I was a spiritual being.
Within a human body.
I celebrate both.
They are part of the same.
They are one.
When I connect to both.
I remember.
While I was born alone and will die alone.
I am truly not alone.
I am of the spirit.
I am part of the greater whole.
The universe is my home.
I am of the spirit.

The wind chimes are clanging outside the window
Making their own type of music

The wind is whipping through the trees at such a furious pace the large weeping willow outside is bending and swaying to its own dance
Branches moving like the conductor of an orchestra

The clouds have turned dark and menacing dropping lower to the ground
The sky is color changing to match

A storm and rain is on the horizon
Get ready

Memories

Slide in and out of the
recesses of our mind
Like clouds floating by
Some stay a while
Others rush past
Some make us smile
Some make us frown
Some make us laugh
Some seem so real
it is as if we can touch
them once again....

I am a person
I am alive
I have feelings
I have needs and desires
I am no different than another
I can be hurt
I can cry
I can mourn
I can and need love
I need care, a home, sustenance
I need to belong
I want to walk free
To live my life without pain or hurt
At times I am alone
At other times, not
I am no different
For I am human

Hot burning days
Green palm trees trying to keep their green
Bright blue skies with no hint of white clouds
Steaming sidewalks
The signs of summer

Warm sultry breezes at night
Blow across my face
Gently seducing me
Black velvet night skies
Decorated with sparkling diamond stars
The signs of summer

Flowers and plants craving water
Reaching towards the light
Wind chimes churning in the breeze
Animals searching for a slice of shade
The signs of summer

Women dressed in light flowing dresses
Bright colors and patterns
Making them look like butterflies when they move
The signs of summer

Men wearing straw hats
Sunglasses
Light shirts
Linen pants with sandals
The signs of summer

Cool breezes coming late into the night offering a soothing touch to the sleeping
The signs of summer
It’s on its way

The magic room is a special place
Wonderful things are created
Beautiful things
They dazzle the taste buds
They are created from nothing
Special
Delicious
Each one different but good

Every house has one
Along with a magician
An artist
They create magic every day
Waving their wand
Tantalizing their families
With goodies to delight
Heavenly meals
Offering new tastes
There’s nothing like it

The magic room

We all have a daily life
Jobs and careers
Errands we run
Household chores
Meals we make
Other things
The rhythm of our day

Our lives are separate
Yet similar in what we do
Our needs are separate
Yet also similar

Restaurants even have a rhythm
Cafes, shops and stores
Streets and traffic
Everything has a rhythm
Different but also similar

No matter what part of the world
Everyone has a daily life
Whatever that may be
Each has their own rhythm
Whatever the beat
Whatever the music

While our separateness defines us
Makes us unique
Our humanity ties us together
For in the end
We are all one
On this planet
Living our lives
Separate yet together
Living our daily life

I can breathe

After feeling pulled underwater for several months
I can breathe
After feeling uncomfortable
I can breathe
My shackles have been released
I can breathe
My troubles have passed
I can breathe
And like a whale swimming to the surface for air
Once again I can breathe

It was a cool day
Felt like winter
The sky was crystal clear
The color was pure blue
It had rained the night before
The cool air seeped into ones bones leaving a dull ache
The cafe had mobile heaters lit
People were sitting in the café
Many seats were empty
Due to the cold
The atmosphere was muted
It made one long for the freshness of spring
Muted day

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
We have changed
Not as once I remember

I fear that we have lost our way
The direction has changed
Not my choice nor idea
I don’t recognize things anymore
It’s not what I was taught
It’s not what I stand for
Things seem upside down

I fear that we have lost our way
We are mired down in muck and darkness
Struggling to find the light
Struggling to find our way back

I fear that we have lost our way
We have lost that special essence
It made us unique
Unusual
One of a kind

We were dreamers
We were hopers
Anything was possible
At any time

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
I hope we will find our way back

In between the noise of life
There can be quiet times
Time to still ones being
Both body and soul
Time to calm things down
Time to center oneself
Time to remember
Our true self
What is truly important
Time to listen to the calm
Before the noise of life
Starts up once again

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.

Light the World

Love lifts us up
It can power the world
With its energy
With its light
Whereas hate puts down

Cruelty destroys our spirit
It minimizes us
Pushes us down
Kindness soothes and inspires

Small mindedness shrinks
Tolerance opens up
It  helps us spread our wings
To open up our heart to others

Start every day start smiling
With the pure joy of being alive
Offer kindness and laughter
Especially in difficult times

Let’s makes a difference
Push away darkness
To help light up the world
To heal our wounds

In our own special way
Light up the world

Early in the morning, on a crisp bright day, seagulls soar high against a clear blue sky

High above the ocean, they swirl around so fast you can barely see them

They almost look unreal

Quickly without warning, the gulls turn and aim towards the sun reaching higher and higher in their flight before disappearing

All the while, the dark blue ocean pounds the shore offering a pungent smell of salt as the waves hit

Onlookers stop to watch the dance of nature once again as it hypnotizes them into a state of calm

It’s a beautiful day.
Bright white fluffy clouds in the sky.
A slight cool breeze is blowing.
The air is clear and fresh.
Off in a distance, a horse has jumped the gate of a corral.
He’s a beautiful horse.
Chestnut colored.
He’d been planning for months.

Now, he’s running free towards the mountains.
Moving faster and faster.
Till he finally disappears into the distance.
Like a mirage.
After all this time.
Freedom

The sun is out
Showing its face
After a dark storm
With lots of pouring rain
Heaviness
High winds
Dark gray skies
When the sun finally comes
Like a welcome friend
Bright, golden, warm
Enticing
Blue sky returns
Set against marshmallow white clouds
Sunshine bliss

Everything is clean
Washed by nature
The city takes on a new look
Streets look better
Windows shine
Flower colors are striking
Trees stand taller
Reaching up towards the sky
Grass is greener
Sunshine bliss

Moods brighten
Smiles are bigger
People feel lighter
If freed from something
Laughter is louder

Sunshine bliss

When the rain comes
It cleans everything
Streets are washed
Thirsty plants turn greener
Flowers flourish
Grass grows taller
The air is fresher
Everything looks new

When the rain comes
It slows down the world
The sound is calming
Almost hypnotic
Animals seek shelter
Watching
As each drop comes
Knowing the earth is being replenished

When the rain comes
Life comes

At a time of great strife
The world doesn’t need war
Nor aggression
Hate or division
It needs peace
Light
Care
Not hate
This is a time of difficulty
A time of uncertainty
Fear and stress
Yet from the flames
A leader has risen
Others have come together
Perhaps for the first time
Yet there is darkness
Heaviness
And struggle
It’s hard to watch
Waiting
Hoping for an end
Wondering
Why now
Does this happen
When there’s already
So much in the world
All we can do is pray
Standing in the light
Standing up for the truth
Hoping it ends
War

It was snowing
The flakes were large and fragile
They looked like Queen Anne’s lace
The trees were covered with a white blanket
It created a canopy

The air was crisp and cool
In the distance was a cabin
It had been there for years
It was made out of wood
Handmade by the owner
Snow was piling up on the roof

Inside a fire was burning to combat the cold
Smoke was rising gently from the chimney
A kettle was on the stove to make tea
It was a good night for it
A dog was sleeping by the fireplace comforted by the warmth

Outside the snow continued to fall
Creating a postcard view
Not a sound could be heard on this peaceful night

Canopy of white

It was quiet and still
A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance
That was the only sound
The silence was deafening

The trees laid out a dark rich green carpet underneath the trees
The color was luxurious
Enticing

The sky was a pale blue gray with pillows of clouds scattered across
They broke up the sky with their placement and streaks

The sky was also highlighted by light which created a shadow like effect similar to a renaissance painting

As I looked at the clouds, they became brighter, and started to turn to a light pink
The longer I looked the deeper the color became
It was pure magic

Sunset Mother Nature’s jewel

The scent of her perfume permeated the room
Her room
It was decorated in muted rose colors

The perfume had a scent like delicate flowers
It was unforgettable
A bottle of it sat on her dresser
It had a unique look to it
Classic and sophisticated
It was a gift from her husband
She always wore it
It was her perfume
Chanel No 5

Now when I think about it I can almost smell it again
That unforgettable scent
That was part of who she was
It helped define her

Nowadays if I see the perfume in stores or get a whiff of it
I always remember memories of her

They are both sweet and bittersweet

When you look at me
What do you see?
Do you see me as I am or how you wish I were?
When you look at me
Can you see the depths of my soul?
When you look at me
Do you see my heart aching for you ?
When you look at me
Do you see how perfect you
are to me in my eyes?
When you look at me
What do you see ?

Do you see all of me?
As I see all of you

Look through the darkness
Into the light
It may be hard to see
At first
But it’s there
It’s always been there
Since the beginning
It offers comfort
It offers healing
Each time you do this
Darkness lifts

Close your eyes
Smell the air
The freshness
Notice the slight aroma in the air
The flowers
Their sweet perfume
It flavors the world
With their scent
Each time you do this
Darkness lifts

Listen to the birds
Singing their songs
Notice their beauty
Their grace
As they fly through the air
With such ease
Each time you do this
Darkness lifts

I’ve got the sleepy time blues
I am drawn to sleep and dream land

My body fights waking up
Preferring to rest in bed
The blues are dragging me down
Like a hypnotic drug

Craving for the warmth of blankets and the comfort of bed
Sleep has control over me
It won’t let go

My muscles don’t want to move
My mind is quiet
Thinking is hard
Muddled thoughts

When will sleep let me go today and set me free ?

I can stand in darkness
I can be consumed by the sheer heaviness of it
How it over powers and takes over

Or I can walk towards and stand in the light
Letting its brilliance soothe and heal me
Letting the warmth massage my soul and body
Giving me much needed relief

I can stand in the darkness and be alone
No one around only silence
Where heavy clouds abound

Or I can stand in the light and be surrounded by love
Bathed in its beauty

Letting the light open and fill my heart and all corners of my life

It’s winter time
It’s lightly snowing
The pine trees are getting covered with a white blanket
It’s fresh looking outside

The snow glitters like diamonds
A fire is burning in the fireplace
The smell of the wood permeates the air like perfume

You are snuggled in bed wrapped
up in warm blankets like a cocoon

You are comfortable and safe
As sleep approaches you surrender to it without a struggle

You are cocooned

Ocean breezes fill up my lungs
Their air cleansing and healing
Invigorating me
The sound of the waves is hypnotic and calming
Almost like meditation
The turquoise color of the water is mesmerizing
My eyes are transfixed on it
Like a impressionist painting
Walking along the shore is like coming home
Picking up shells and exploring
Seeing the white foam of the waves
The cries of seagulls makes me smile
The feeling of warm sand on my feet
Makes me feel at home

Ocean memories

She comes from the street
She’s white
With gray and black
She has a beautiful face
Her eyes are green
With black lining
It’s hypnotic
The cat

She’s a sweetheart
She wanted a home
She asked for help
Her heart is full
Of love
She’s gentle
She has a home
The cat

She loves to play
And be by her people
Her cry is quiet
She never hurts


There’s just something about her
In her face is there’s an innocence
That has captured me

The little cat

We all start life the same way
But once we arrive
We all have our own journey
Some call it a path
Others our destiny
As we each start out
We encounter experiences
Both good and bad
Some are beautiful
Beyond words to describe
Others are dark, painful and ugly
But they are all part of our journey
Along the way we meet people
Many of them
Some become husbands
Or wives
Relatives
Friends
Coworkers
Others are just in passing
But they are all part of our journey
We may go to different places
In and out of our country
We may speak different languages
Dress differently
Look different
But in the end
Our journeys
All take us to the same place
Because we may think we are different
But we really aren’t
We all share something
Humanity

Light of My Life
In the dark of the night I think of you
And it warms me
You are my light

In the hardest of times
I think of you and it gives me strength
You are my light
In times when I feel alone
I think of you and I am not
You are my light
In the happiest of times
I think of you and it brings me joy
You are my light
In a storm I think of you
And it brings me comfort

In times of insanity
I think of you
And the world seems right
You are my light
You are my universe

Come dance with me
Let’s dance up in the stars
Let’s tickle the moon

Come dance with me
Let’s dance until sunrise
Let’s visit Mars and Venus

Come dance with me
Into our future
Hold my hand and walk along the beach

Come dance with me
Let’s walk by the Seine
Visit the Tower of London

Come dance with me
Forever

Red Velvet Blues

He’s got the red velvet blues
He loves the feeling of the fabric
Smooth and silky to the touch
Intoxicating in its beauty

Red Velvet Blues

He once saw a girl wearing one
He was mesmerized
He’d never seen anyone like her
Nor the dress
Together they were beyond belief

Red Velvet Blues

She looked like an angel
Almost not human
So beautiful and fresh
The dress was stunning
So was she

Red Velvet Blues

He asked her to dance
Held her close
The red velvet dress soft to his touch
He never wanted to let go

Red Velvet Blues

Even to this day
Many years later
He remembers the girl and that dress
He never forgot
She was embedded in his soul

Red Velvet Blues

After the rain
When the sun shines
And the sky is blue
The city is cleaned
It looks anew
The plants are greener
Brighter


It’s as if Mother Nature
Gave the city a bath
Just as a mother would
Putting on new clothes
Making sure everything
Is as it should be
Cleansing

It was you
That I first met
That entranced me
That I first danced with
That I kissed
Touched
Laughed with
It was you I never forgot
That I always loved
Thought about
Thirsted for
Prayed for
It was you
That I wanted not just for a moment but forever
It was you
My beloved

Ever since she was a child
She was protected
Something was always there
To keep her safe
Like a shield
It was invisible

When she went out
When she was with others
While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain
She healed
When there was peril and danger
She was safe

It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there
Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end
Like a shield
A force of protection

As you go into the night, look at the sky and remember
Look at the moon in all its glory
See the light and how it shines
Feel the energy which is part
of everything
It’s part of you
Remember where you come from
And what you truly are
Let your spirit lift from your body and fly
Fly with the wind, both
warm and cold
Soar like an eagle through the universe
As you pass planets, circle
around and gaze at the wonder
of them and all that is there
Then look at yourself, a spirit of pure white light
As you fly and pick up speed, look at how light and free you are
Realize that you are a part of the universe
You are everything, and everything touches you
Close your eyes
Notice you don’t feel cold nor pain
Only peace to be in the place where
you are truly loved for what you are
Feel comfort and acceptance
You are loved
The air is still and you can hear the planets turning in the silence
Let the waters of the universe cleanse your soul
Remember that you are a child of the universe

It is wintertime.
You are deep in the forest. There are pine trees and other trees all around.
Snow and pine cones are scattered on the ground.
There is a strong scent of pine.
It is refreshing.
It is gently snowing. Large size flakes start falling.
As they hit the ground they melt.
As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees softly chirping.
It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall.
You feel your heartbeat.
You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the stillness of the moment.
Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold.
There is total peace around you.
Harmony with nature.
When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you.
It is sublime.
Still, quiet and peaceful.

Music and memories go together
Like salt and pepper
One complements the other
One triggers the other
Listening to a song can easily transport one back to a memory or time
A certain memory can bring back a certain feeling
It’s as if one stepped into a time machine to relive that moment
Music can also inspire, ignite and calm the soul
It can heal ones wounds and evoke strong feelings
Music can take me back to a sweet memory of my father shoveling the snow outside during a winter storm
Or my father taking my hand as a small girl to enter a Brazilian ceremony many decades ago
Or to remember a colleague playing a song by the Temptations in the office one Friday morning to help start the day
Music and memories inspire our lives to be so much more like an artists’ painting

In the end
Light wins over dark
Love over hate
Goodness over evil
Freedom over oppression
Truth over lies
Integrity over corruption
Right over wrong
Kindness over cruelty
Healing over pain
Love is powerful energy
It can change the world
In an instant
Light up the world
With one small act
It can make a difference

Balance

Sometimes I feel like my life is surreal
That it’s not real
When I look back on my life I can’t believe my age
Have I really lived this long?
Where did the years go
They just flew by
Yet I remember things as if they just happened
And deep inside I still feel like me
Even if I don’t look the same
My hopes are still there
So are my dreams
Yet I am at the last third or so of my journey now instead of the beginning
How did that happen
Is this all a dream and I will wake up some day

Cold and dark winters night
Raining outside
Sky a deep black velvet
Temperatures cooling off
Hard to feel comfortable outside
Bones starting to ache

My heart, soul and body hunger for the sun
Just a glimpse of it through the clouds

I snuggle into my bed with warm blankets
Enjoying their warmth and comfort as the time passes into nighttime

My cat is by my feet seeking warmth for her body
I enjoy the sound of her purr as she falls asleep
Letting the sound calm me

Whispering winds blow across my face
Soothing my troubled soul

Whispering winds blow across my face
Bringing sweet scents of flowers

Whispering winds blow across my face
Lifting me up

Whispering winds blow across my face
Healing my pain

Whispering winds blow across my face
Reminding me of you