Look for Joy
At times of darkness
Let joy touch you
Let it reach into you
Let it touch your heart
Let it stroke your face gently
Let it hold your hand
Let it lift you up towards the sky
Let it fill your heart with happiness
Let it bring you laughter
Let it bring you the moon
Let it bring love and comfort
Let it make you dream
Let it make you believe
One more time
Let it bring you sweetness
Instead of sour
Let it soothe your soul

Let joy touch you

See what you can see
Feel what you can feel
Touch what you can touch
Take in all the fragrances
See the wonder of life
See me for who and what I am

Open your eyes

Take it all in
Look everywhere
See Mother Nature
In all her glory
See the oceans
See the forests and mountains
See the animals
See me for who and what I am
I am Mother Nature

Feast upon the glory of it all

Controlled Grief

Things are changing
In a new direction
Not expected
My head hurts
My heart is cracked
I feel lost
Not sure what to do
It’s hard

I have always hoped
In some way
Things will improve
The world would
Stand in the light
Darkness would recede
And yet
I am left waiting
Like so many others
Mired down
Seeking relief
Because
In the end
We are all one

Hidden Treasures
We all have hidden treasures
Precious gems that mean
the world to us

Unique things
Special moments
Memories
Family
Friends
Loved ones
Pets

We all have hidden treasures
We may not think about them
But we do
They are always there for us
Each is like a precious jewel
A diamond, ruby or emerald
Each one glistens with its own
special beauty
We all have hidden treasures
It’s important to cherish them
Each and every day

Sitting on the train
In a country not my own
Riding to another city
Casablanca
It’s known for its intrigue
Mystery
History
A famous movie
My husband at my side
As we ride
Listening to the sounds
As we move along
Looking at the scenery
It changes as we go
More greenery north
Some seagulls fly by
We will be close to the sea
The car is quiet
People on their phones
Or sleeping
The rhythm is
Hypnotic
Coaxing sleep
Peaceful
In many ways
It’s no different
Than any other place
With trains
Finally we arrive
Seeking a taxi
To take us to our destination
Once we are done
The mission completed
We will head back
On another train
Happy we finished
Resting as we travel
Tired
But peaceful

The inspiration is gone
Flew like a flash somewhere
The muse has left

The poet is sleeping

Darkness has replaced light
Heaviness is  in the spirit
As I struggle with my thoughts
As I struggle with my feelings
I am stopped cold
I feel lost

The poet is sleeping

The muse has left
No more sounds of sweet music
No more inspirational thoughts
No more magical dreams
I lost my purpose

The poet is sleeping
I am searching for the light
I am searching for my friend
Inspiration

I hope to find it soon
I miss it

Comfort

Comfortable places are wonderful
They feel good to be around
They are calming
They can also energize us

Comfortable places ground us
when we are not centered
They can inspire and lift us

They are some of our most precious
jewels in life
When feeling out of sorts seek
one out and let it soothe you

Believe

I will love you
I will care about you
I will think about you
I will see you in my dreams

No matter what

I will miss you
I will need you
I will treasure you
I will stand by you

No matter what

I will love you
I will care about you
I will remember you
I will keep you in my heart

I will see you in my dreams
No matter what

Gray skies greet me
Quiet streets almost empty
People sitting at cafes huddled together because of the coolness

Cool Sunday morning
Last day of the weekend
People enjoying the moment before the start of another week

Cool Sunday morning

Gray dark skies outside
Wet cool air to the touch
Breath almost visible
Like a fine mist
Rain falling sometimes gently
Sometimes harder
Terrace being cleaned by the water
Plants getting needed nourishment
Turning a brighter green
Sky being cleansed anew
The city being bathed and refreshed
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
Ever so gently
Rainy day

Searching for peace
The special essence
of tranquility
Looking for harmony
At a time of upset
in the world
Hoping for a moment
of pure stillness
Where mind and body
rest
Is there such a thing?
These days there’s such
tumult
Everything moves quickly
No time to stop
Yet for me
Peace
Would be a piece of
Heaven

Dark nights
Cool temperatures
A spooky feeling
At the end of the month
A time for trick or treat
Brightly lit pumpkins
With carved faces
Horror movies
Costumes galore
Fill the streets
Children excited
For the night
Their night in a way
Anticipating their hauls
Of goodies
Who will have more?
What will the costumes be?
A time of fun and togetherness
Halloween memories

My Wish for Today

If you see someone with a frown, smile
Choose laughter over tears
If you see someone that could use a little money, give if you can
If someone needs help, reach out
Offer kindness instead of harshness and cruelty
Love instead of hate
Don’t judge, accept

Walk towards the light instead of darkness
Give instead of taking
Lift up instead of tearing down
There’s too much darkness and hate in the world right now
If we can just light the world a little through kindness and love, it’s a start
Every bit matters

Sanctuary

You are my sanctuary
You bring me peace
Your touch soothes and
takes away the pain

Your smile lightens my day
Your eyes show me wisdom

You are my sanctuary
You bring me peace

You are the strong tree in a storm
The beautiful flower
The unending dream

You are light and warmth
You are my sanctuary
You bring me peace

She arrived some
time ago
From a long distance
She’s been making her way
Bit by bit
There are places she goes
Where she’s a regular
She feels comfortable and safe
Every morning she greets the
the locals
It’s her way to spread some joy
She’s always loved the phrase
Good morning
It helps to set the tone
She walks up the street
In her neighborhood
Along the way
She watches and looks
Sometimes the sky is gray
And the air is cool
Other times it’s bright blue
and warm
She’s made her place
In her own way
In a world different than her own
That’s called life
She belongs
In her own way

Every day we offer slices
of ourselves to the world
Some are quiet and subdued
Some are sweet
Some are loud and boisterous
Some are fun
Some are ****, almost sour
Some are thoughtful and serious

Some are filled with darkness
and heaviness
Others are bursting with
bright light and hope
Some are kind and loving
and others are not
Some are lonely
Others are filled with a
celebration of life

But every slice is a part of us
And together they help
to make up what is us

Slices

Hints of apple cider were wafting through the air

A beautiful beige pottery mug was sitting on a table awaiting it
Cider was heating on the stove
Steam rising from the pan spreading the scent

A cinnamon stick sat next to the mug
It would add the extra touch
Hints of apple cider

It was that time of year again
Apple cider time
Time for the smells and scents of fall
Apples
Cider
Stews and soups
Freshly baked bread
Pies
Hot chocolate

The mug was impatiently waiting to be filled
The cider was almost ready
Once done it would be gently poured into the mug

A cinnamon stick would be placed inside the mug with the cider
The smell was intoxicating and inviting
Hints of apple cider

It was a special treat to close ones eyes and smell it
It almost had a calming effect

It was almost to good to drink

Once ready, the man picked up the mug full of cider
Perfectly prepared
He walked over to his favorite chair
A rocking chair

He sat down by the fireplace
A fire was burning
The wood was crackling as it burned

He gently sipped the cider
Closing his eyes
Savoring every drink
Hints of apple cider

As he drank the cider
He watched the fire
The radio softly played music in the background

Outside the wind was blowing
Leaves were flying through the air
Landing in different places
Light snow had begun to fall

It was going to be a perfect fall night
Hints of apple cider

Once done with the cider the man returned his mug to the kitchen and cleaned the dishes

He then went to the bedroom to get ready for bed

He changed his clothes
Put on his pajamas and folded down the bed

The man could still smell hints of apple cider in the house

His black and white cat jumped onto the bed to get ready to sleep

The man climbed into bed and picked up the newspaper

He started to read when sleep overcame him

He set the newspaper down along with his spectacles and settled in for a long sleep

At the other end of the bed his cat was curled up fast asleep purring

The fire was slowly burning in the fireplace

As they both slept another night rolled in bringing peace and quiet

Hints of apple cider

Whenever I touch your hands
They are warm
Their feeling takes me to a special place
They exude a calmness
Whenever I touch your fingers
They offer kindness and care

Whenever I touch your hands
I am struck by their warmth
As I hold them
They touch my spirit deeply
With care and love

Whenever I touch your hands
I touch my heart
I touch my spirit
With your kindness and care

Memories come flooding back
When I first held your hand
When I first looked into your eyes
When I first hugged you
Hands carry memories
They never forget

Like I never forgot you

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

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Light hypnotic breezes
Trees gently swaying
Wind chimes playing
Scents of lilac in the air

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Walks along the beach
Sounds of waves hitting the shore
Gulls flying by

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Dinner by candlelight
Romantic music playing
Slow dancing

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Soft touches
Gentle smiles
Bright laughter

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Hidden places
Cherished moments

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

You reside in the recesses
of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me
You are in my heart
My soul
What makes up my spirit
The total essence of me
You have always been there
Since time began
You never left

You course through all of me
You are part of everything I touch

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are everywhere
You always have been

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

Red maples surround the empty road
The emptiness is calming
The color of the trees is so brilliant it almost looks false
It’s beautiful
The black asphalt road is a contrast to the color of the leaves
Hints of bright green highlight the red
Almost like a painting
It’s surreal
Even the rain doesn’t dim the leaves
It creates a look like a fairy tale
Or part of a movie set
Yet it’s real
Part of the artistry
Of Mother Nature
Pure magic

Red maple rain

I have known you
For such a long time
For the better part of my life
You have always been there
Since we first met
Remember?

I have known you
For such a long time
Ever since I first saw you
You have been a part of me
I have always loved you
You have dwelled in the deep recesses of my mind and heart
Intertwined in all of me like a never ending thread
Never leaving
You are part of me now
Like my eyes, hands or lungs
You bring light and happiness

Without you there is no real life

It was in the woods
A small cabin
Far from the bustle of the city
Almost buried by trees
In all shapes and sizes
In the fall, it becomes an orchestra of colors
Bright oranges, reds and yellows
The cabin was made out of wood
It had a simple design
Yet it was pure heaven
Comfortable in every way
There was a stillness to it
Which was peaceful and harmonious
The air was always fresh
Especially in autumn
When it became crisp
At night when the wind blew
The leaves would rustle
Making a pleasant sound
It was almost too good to be true
A little bit of heaven
The cabin

Even though you are tired climb
to the top of the mountain
Even though you are worn down --
keep going
Even though you hurt keep living
Climb to the top
See the world
See everything
Climb walk run
Never stop
Even though you are tired
Live
Breathe
See
Feel
Even though you are tired
Take just one more step

Your destiny awaits

If I were no longer here
Would you miss me?
Would it even matter?

Would there be a feeling of emptiness or just nothingness?

If I were no longer here
Would you miss my presence?
That specific essence that makes up me?

Would your heart ache?
Your spirit feel sorrow
Would you want to see me?
Or would it just be a momentary thing?
My being gone

If my presence were no longer here
Would you notice?
Would you miss me?
Would your heart ache?
Would your spirit cry out?

As mine would for you

I woke out of a deep sleep
I was in that place in between reality and dreams
I then heard my fathers voice
It came out of nowhere
Clear as a bell he said “time to go”
He repeated it several times
It was striking as it sounded so clear and real
It felt like he was in the room
Yet he has been gone for several years now
Those words brought back memories of him and I
When we would go out as a family
Or he and I would go out shopping
I remember going to look for that perfect Christmas tree with him
Meeting him for dinner and holiday shopping for my mother
The times I would drive him to the airport to catch a flight
Or pick him up after a trip
When we would go to a ball game together
Or my mother and I waiting in a restaurant in Jamaica while he arranged to get us home
He was always there
Now he’s in my heart

Time to go

The little bird pecks it’s way out
It’s coming out of it’s protected shell
It’s being born into the world
Or a turtle poking its head out
That’s how it feels after lockdown
A stranger in a new land
Setting ones feet on familiar ground
Like an explorer
Looking around at the familiar
Yet unfamiliar
What’s the same
Where are the changes
Still aware that there’s danger
Still needing to be careful
Excited yet nervous
Coming out of the shell
Once again
Into the new normal
Been here before
Not so long ago
Hoping this time
It lasts

It’s is an early fall day
The sun is out
The sky is a bright blue
There are a few clouds scattered across the sky
There is a slight breeze -- not too warm, not too cold — just right
The trees are dressed with their fall colors
You are sitting in a field of tall grasses
The grass is a light beige color
The grass sways gently to the breeze and makes a soft rustling sound as it moves
As you sit down in the field
A cloud of butterflies surround you
They are all colors -- purple, blue, yellow, red, gold and green
As you put out your hands, several light onto your hand before flying away

You close your eyes and take in the moment
You are at peace

After hardship
After pain
It’s important
To seek joy
Even if for a moment
Let it fill your heart
With light and warmth
Let it chase away darkness
Joy can be found
In so many ways
Large and small
It doesn’t matter
It’s the feeling
That’s important
So always
Seek joy
Because
In the end
That’s really
all we have
Use it to
Light up the world
With your own special light
Believe

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

Hello Fall Are You Here?

Hello Fall
Are you here?
Today when I awoke it was cooler
Today the air felt crisp
Today the sky is clear
Today my hopes are high

Hello Fall
Are you back?
Will you stay?
I missed you
Where did you go?

Hello Fall
I miss your colors
I miss the smells
I miss the food
The hot chocolate
The apple cider
The pies

Hello Fall
Are you back?
It feels like you are
I hope you are
I missed you

The colors
The crisp air
The smells
The food

Hello Fall
Please stay

As you go out into the night, look up at the sky and remember

Look at the moon in all its glory
See how the light
shines upon the clouds
Feast upon the stars and pure beauty of the darkness

Gather peace and tranquility from the stillness

Realize we are part of something greater than ourselves
Feel the energy which is part
of everything

Remember where you come from, and what you truly are

Believe

Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold

The air is refreshing
As you breathe you focus on your each breath

There is total peace around you
There is a scent of pine in the air
It reminds you of the coming season

You close your eyes to listen to the quiet
When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you.
Still, quiet and peaceful

In the quiet time I can feel it
It comes over me like a mist
In the stillness of the moment I sense it
It gently caresses me
In the calm I hear it like like a beautiful melody

I am lifted up
I can reach beyond myself
I can go to another world
I can lose myself
I am inspired

In the quiet time I feel it
I go to a special place
Where things are calm and still
Where peace lives
Where there is light
Where there is no darkness

In the stillness I can sense it
I can hear others hearts beating
In the calm I feel it in my soul
I am lifted up
To another place and world
To a place of light
To a place of inspiration
To a place of greatness
To a place unlike anything
In the stillness of the moment

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some good will
Think better than not
Time to extend kindness
Instead of hate
Time to feel love

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some good will
Time to walk towards the light
Away from darkness

In a time of negativity
It’s time to lend a hand
It’s time to lift someone up
Not pull them down
It’s time for some good will

In a time of negativity
It’s time for some softness
Not harshness
It’s time for some good will
Time to show some love
Not hate

It’s time to reach out
To accept
Not hide
Not pull away
It’s time for some good will

Windy Saturday night greets me
As the winds play with the plants and the wind chimes
Causing them to sing and dance
Hopefully the heat has decided to leave after a long hot spell
Fall weather would be welcomed

White lights adorn the main grill door to the terrace giving it a magical feel
The colored lights by the bar move to their own beat

The door is wide open to feast upon the breezes
It has been a long time to feel cooler weather
The cat is outside exploring

The plants can be seen dancing to the wind.
As the music of the weather plays it's tune
It is Saturday night and the show has just begun
I am a captive audience waiting for the next act to begin

It's been too long since
I touched your face
Looked upon your smile
Heard your laugh
Felt your touch
Held your hand

It's been too long
Since we walked the beach
Smelled the sea air
Watched the waves
Wrote our names in the sand

It's been too long
Since we danced
Watched a movie
Ate popcorn
Sat in a cafe
Sipped coffee

It's been too long
Since I felt your presence
Near me

It's been too long...

Longing for the cool
It is the beginning of October
Yet the heat keeps coming
Like an unwelcome visitor
That has overstayed

I am yearning for the feel
Of cool crisp air
Cleansing breezes against my face
Clear skies

I am missing the scents of fall
My body and spirit tire from the heat

I am longing for the cool
Crisp, fresh air
The need for a blanket or sweater

Perhaps tomorrow it will come
I am longing for the cool

Misty mornings wake me with their beauty
From my deep within my slumber they greet me
They cover the earth like a warm blanket

Glimmers of sun can be seen from underneath the mist as it struggles to get free
Green trees pop up their heads
searching for the sun

Misty mornings wakes me
From my deep slumber
Where dreams rule over me
Imagination is king and logic takes a break

Hypnotic mist rises up
Covering the ground with a thick blanket
Like a Sherlock Holmes movie
Entrancing me with its beauty

I offer you a rose
Many of them really
You deserve them
And so much more
I think deep red ones
Would be perfect
As for me
You were perfect
In all ways
You gave me everything
From life to guidance
You were all a person
can be
Mother
Teacher
Guide to life
At troubled times
You offered me comfort
At happy times
You smiled and laughed
You had grace
besides great beauty
You gave me the world
In all ways

When I first saw you I knew
I would cross oceans for you
First
I would climb mountains
for you
First
I would traverse great
distances for you
First
I would give up what
I knew for you
First
I would do anything to see
you once again
First
To look upon your face and
touch your cheek
First
Eventually I did just that
First
Believe anything is possible
Light up the world

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

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

As the sun continues to drop
The breezes increase taking some of the heat
The smell of the cappuccino fills the air
As the bossa nova plays

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

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

It can be overwhelming
Crushing
When we lose a loved one
Someone important to us
The pain is searing
Going to the depths
Of our being
It burns
Our hearts break
We hope the news
Is not true
It’s hard to accept
Surreal

It’s an impossible time
Almost paralyzing
Each day hurts
Sickening
The only remedy
Is time
As it slowly passes