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
It’s been a long time now
That things have been upside down
It’s been a long time since there was peace
I pray all the time
For peace
For safety
I am waiting
When

Quiet time
When it’s still
When you can hear a pin drop
Peaceful
Sitting with my cat
Hanging out
Listening to her purr
Feeling calm
Enjoying the moment
Watching the news
Looking at things
Working on lunch
Small things
Yet important
They’re part of life
Sometimes forgotten
Quiet time

Life is precious
It’s fragile
Like a wisp of air
Whether a leaf
Or a tiger
Or a human being
It’s delicate
It may appear strong
Perhaps invincible
But underneath
It’s fragile
It’s precious
Valuable
Beyond words
Or material things
There’s no amount
That matches it
For everything
Is unique unto itself
Each has a purpose
Each needs to be treasured
For what it is
Life
Precious

We’ve all known them
Many of us personally
Perhaps at work
Or in our lives
Or in our dreams
They can be harsh
Or cruel
Devoid of much humanity
They seem to get energy from others
Monsters
We hide from them
Run from them
Hoping they will leave
Or not exist
Yet they do
As long as we tolerate them
They will
Yet we know
In the end
Love triumphs evil
Kindness over cruelty
Light over darkness
Let’s spread more love
And light
Each and every day

It’s a new day
A brand new year
A time when we can restart
Reinvent ourselves
Try something new
Explore
A time to hope
For something better
It’s a new day
A brand new year
A time to reflect
On what was
But also what is possible
A time to remember
Those sweet memories
That touch us
Ever so gently
Like butterflies
It’s a new day
It’s a new year
Blessings

A new year is coming
Tomorrow
This is the last day of the year
Tonight
At midnight
All over the world
We turn a new page
One by one
A new year is coming
We can’t stop it
It’s running towards us
Like a horse
It’s a new day
To start anew
Fresh
Create a new beginning
It’s not hard
Just one step
At a time
We can all remake ourselves
To whatever we want
Just have hope
Just believe
Just light up the world
It’s a new day

Today I am wearing a ring
It’s special
It was my mother’s
She got it while in college
When she visited the southwest
It’s turquoise and silver
With a simple setting
It’s over 50 years old
Today I wanted to feel her presence
So I put it on
As I paused at a street light
Just for a moment
I felt her there with me
Treasured memories
Of beloved people
Give us comfort

She comes from afar
She lives overseas
She has for some time
She speaks differently
But that’s okay
She came for a reason
The nazarene

Every morning
She walks up the street
To visit a café
For coffee and croissant
To run errands
The nazarene

While she sits
She writes
Poetry
If the muse are there
She listens to music
She watches the people
She listens
The nazarene

She watches the city
As she walks
She has a strident step
She passes shops
Pharmacies
Bakeries
Hotels
People selling their wares
The nazarene

Soon we can wipe the slate
Get a fresh start
The end of the year is coming
Time to start a new
We have a chance to try again
Learn and grow
This year will be in the past
We can move forward
Hopefully
Things will improve
Over time
We are being given another chance
Let’s count our blessings
Look around at the beauty
Look around at loved ones
Look around at the planet
Be grateful
Love instead of hate
Give instead of take
Use your own light
To light and lift up the world
Fresh start

We’ve been at this over a year
Learn!
We’ve been told what to do
To stem the tide
Yet we go back to old ways
Hoping things will change
We have the power
To turn things around
All we have to do
Is listen and learn
It’s not hard
It just requires a change
But in the end
It will be worth it
Not just for each of us
But
For the world
Let’s lift up the world
One by one
With our own special light
Learn

As Christmas approached everything started to slow down.
It became still and quiet.
One could hear a pin drop.
It’s as if the world stopped.
Just for a minute.
It was still and peaceful.

This feeling comes once a year.
This year it’s important to take time to listen to the silence.

Remember we are all human.
We are all one.

Let the stillness cover you like a warm, soothing blanket.

Look around at all the treasures and goodness in your life.
Peace and joy.

It’s a time of sparkle
Glitter, silver and gold
Rubies, diamonds and emeralds
Beautifully wrapped gifts
Sugar cookies
Gingerbread
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
It’s a magical time
Where wishes are granted
If we just believe and hope
It’s a special time
It only comes once a year
But when it does
It lights up the world
For just a moment
Bringing silence and peace
Silver gold and glitter

Candy cane kisses
Peppermint hugs
Taffy and candies
It’s the holidays
A sign of the times
Sugar cookies
Gingerbread
Hot chocolate
Apple cider
Dressed up trees
A sign of the times
Fancy wreaths
Sleigh rides
Family
Good friends
A sign of the times
Candy cane kisses

Hold on
It won’t be long now
It’s coming
The magic
It’s indescribable
It comes just once a year
At this time
Things change
Becoming softer
Nicer
Spirits lift
Bringing good cheer
Music sounds abound everywhere
Bright lights and decorations
Can be seen
Hints of apple cider and hot chocolate
Scents of pine
It’s coming
Very soon
Wait….

Silver bells
Sweet memories
Of times past
Run through my mind
Like a quiet stream
Hints of cinnamon in the air
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
Beautiful trees and wreaths
Decorated everywhere
Scents of pine trees
Burning wood
In fireplaces
Snow covered ground
Looking like a winter wonderland
Silver bells
Sweet memories
If I close my eyes
They come as dreams
Making me wish they never end

Snow covered pine trees blanketed white
Muted lights outside
Cold air clean to the breath
That hangs in the air
Winter is Here

Slow walking people bundled up
Bright colored scarves
Hats of all shapes and sizes
Mittens and gloves
Winter is here

Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Dogs running through the snow
Fireplaces burning
Winter is here

Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Roasts awaiting the oven
Scents of hot chocolate or cider
Winter is here

Sweaters and boots
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Heavy blankets
Winter is here

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I celebrate both
This awareness is empowering

When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
In the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Light up the world
With your special light

It’s a difficult time
It’s crushing
Heartbreaking
It’s been like this for a while
The world is tired
Frustrated
Frightened
Wondering if it will ever end
Yet it continues
Wave after wave
Variant after variant
But we can help
In our own way
Do our part
Mask up
It’s not hard
It helps
Makes a difference
At this time of year
Of giving
Of charity
Let’s step up
Mask up
Light up the world
With our belief
We each matter
Make a difference
In our own way
Mask up

Brrrr
It’s cold outside
The sky is gray
With a feeling of rain or snow
People are bundled up
In coats, hats and scarves
Brrrr
It’s cold
At home
People hide under blankets
Seeking any kind of warmth
A fireplace is welcome
For both people and animals
Brrr
It’s cold outside
Winter is on its way
The season is changing
Snow, sleet and cold rain
Get ready

It's coming to that time of year
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory
When holiday lights and decorations appear
Outside trees and houses are decorated
Holiday tunes are played both old and new
Shoppers amass on the streets or online searching for that perfect gift
People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Smells of hot chocolate and cider tempt permeate the air
Light snow flakes dance before
landing on the ground as art
A bit of magic appears
Bringing feelings of good cheer
Holiday memories

It is that time of year again
Smells of pine trees
Doors decorated with wreaths
Ornaments glistening as they are hung
Beautiful bright colors
Red, silver , gold , green and blue
Gorgeous garlands
Candy canes and goodies
Houses adorned with lights
Cookies being baked
Hot apple cider and hot chocolate
Choirs singing familiar songs
People running to and fro
Looking for the perfect gift
Shoppers online
Children visiting Santa
Cities and towns decorated
Friends and families coming  together
It’s that time of year

Words can hurt
They can cut into the soul
Leaving deep wounds
Sometimes they remain
Never healing
Words can also uplift
They can heal
Touch one’s spirit
Inspire
Bring hope
Or they can break the spirit
Playing over and over
Bringing darkness
Destroying creativity
Or they can bring light
Inspiring great artwork
Literature and music
They can break hearts
Or mend them
Cause tears
Or stop them
It all depends
Which words are used
Choose carefully
Words

Streets bustle with crowds of people filled with energy and excitement
The holiday is coming
Street corners become impassable
Because of large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast
Trees decorated brightly and lit up for the season
Store windows adorned with holiday decorations
Coffee shops full of customers seeking warmth
Vendors selling coffee, hot chocolate and pretzels
Carolers and musicians out along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn and ornaments adorn a building
Holiday markets full of potential buyers
Street vendors sell their wares up and down the street
From cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price
Radio City Music Hall is open for business
Police line the streets to keep people moving along
Hotel bars and restaurants filled to capacity
Taxis moving to and fro filled with fares
Horse drawn carriages offering rides around Central Park
Nothing like Christmas time in New York

Wind chimes rattling in the wind
Playing their own kind of sound
Clattering and ringing against the metal grate
As the wind whips through them
Trees bending in the wind, void of their foliage
Looking naked and stark
Moving to the rhythm of the moment
Snow lightly falling and blowing around
Looking like cotton candy
Before gently resting on the ground
It is the coming of winter and the season
Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces
Replacing the warm seduction of summer
Temperatures dropping outside
Bringing a frigid feel all around
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city
Winter is arriving
Time to get warm

It’s been almost 2 years
Of lockdowns and isolation
Masks and very little contact
Today I saw a friend
For coffee
We talked and laughed
For hours
It was cathartic
I felt like a kid in a candy store
Wow
Like a release
It was a gift
I will always treasure
Hopefully more outings
Will come
It felt good
After so long
Wow

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one to stay
Seductive
Asking us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
And empty street’s
Cold mornings
Have their own charm

When cold runs through your hands
And your fingers grow numb
And your nose is cold to the touch
It’s arrived
When your toes feel cold
And your body seeks warmth
Anywhere
With jackets, scarves or heat
Trying to seek some comfort
A brief respite
Even a spot of tea
Or hot chocolate
With steam rising
The signs of the season arrived
It’s winter

The sun is out
Against a bright blue sky
With hints of gray
There’s a slight wind
The air is cool
Winter is coming
It’s not far behind
People sit huddled in cafés
With winter coats and scarves
Seeking warmth
The next season is coming
It’s knocking at our door
The year is almost over
Time to reflect

It’s morning
Not early nor late
But as one rises
For the day
Its a time for rituals
Of life
Both of the body
And abode
A time for coffee
Breakfast
Changing clothes
Feeding the pet
A time to get ready
For what is to come
Whether work
Or something else
Errands
House chores
It’s the morning
Time to get going

We all want to be free
To feel we can do and be
As we choose
Without being controlled
We need to be able to find our way
Unencumbered
Whether it’s taking a walk
Or shopping
Or sipping coffee
Or reading a book
Or just living
When freedom is taken away
Or stifled we feel smothered
Creativity ceases
The spirit grows quiet
Our light dims

Fall breezes gently blowing
Dark gray painted skies
Highlighting the trees below
Cool temperatures
Crisp and clean air
Bright colored leaves
Red, orange and yellow
Like precious jewels
Rustling in the breeze
Hugging the branches ever so tightly
Before falling to the ground
Chimes ringing in the wind
Moving back and forth
Playing their own muted tune
Serenading
On another day
Fall Memories

There’s a feeling of discomfort
Uneasiness
It’s hard to know
What’s what
Different messages coming
It’s confusing
To know what to do
To know what’s real
It’s been like this for a long time
Almost two years
Everything feels different
Yet in some ways
It looks the same
The aura is different
My desire to write
Gets stifled sometimes
The muse is still there
But struggles to come out
There’s always a discomfort
In the background
Causing my spirit to stir and churn
Uneasy

Don’t grudge
Like
Don’t hate
Love
Don’t judge
Accept
Don’t isolate
Join
Don’t disbelieve
Believe
Don’t focus on ugliness
Focus on beauty
Don’t disrespect
Respect
Don’t harm
Help
Don’t despair
Hope
Don’t see smallness
See grandness
Don’t offer darkness
Offer light
Light up the world
With your special light
If we each offer light
The darkness will diminish

After a long delay
Of regular daily life
The signs are there
Life is starting to return
Bit by bit
Cafes are busier
Laughter is in the street
Shoppers are out
Musicians performing
It’s been a long time
Lots of starts and stops
Hopefully it will remain
This time
But that remains to be seen
The weather is changing
Colder now
People are going inside
Instead of outside
Life is returning
At least for now

The season
Of holidays
A special time for many
Full of bright colors
Reds, gold, greens and blue
The smells of baking
Cookies, cakes and more
Hot chocolate and apple cider
Hints of snow all around
Store windows dressed for the season
Scents of pine trees wafting through the air
People’s moods improve
Thinking of the common good
Instead of the one
A desire for peace
Stillness
Harmony
It’s coming
The season

Once again the weekend is over
It’s Tuesday already
Days go so fast
Time to get up again
Get dressed and ready for work
Traffic is heavy
Coffee is on and the odor fills the room
It’s a welcoming smell
Like an old friend
A favorite mug is out to receive the brew
Clothes are ready to put on
Coat waiting close by
As one gently slides into the weekday blues

Winter is coming
Gray, dark skies outside
Wet cool air
Rain falling
Sometimes gently
Sometimes harder with vigor
The terrace is being cleaned
Plants are getting nourishment
The sky and streets being cleansed
Once again
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
A good day to nap
Warm under the blankets
It’s a rainy day

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

If you see someone with a frown, smile
Choose laughter over tears
If you see someone that could use a dollar, give
If someone needs help, reach out
Offer kindness instead of harshness and cruelty
Love instead of hate
Don’t judge, accept
Stay in the light instead of darkness
Give instead of taking
Lift up instead of tearing down
Trust instead of distrust
Open ones heart instead of closing it
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

It’s been a long time
Many things have changed
Everything feels strange
Unsettled
Almost new
What was familiar now seems different
Reentry is hard
Cumbersome
Gaining that comfort again
The trust
Finding the rhythm
Knowing what’s what
It’s a new day
In a changed world
Hard to know what to expect
Danger still lurks
It’s not a soft landing
Reentry

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

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

When she walks there’s no noise
She almost floats above the ground
It’s as if she has wings
Like a butterfly
A farasha
When she moves
It’s with grace
Her dresses move with her
Ever so gently
There’s something genteel about her
Different
Sometimes she seems to disappear
Hard to catch or hold
Other times she pauses
Before flitting off
She wears bright colored dresses
With flowers and things
As if she’s part of nature
She’s the farasha girl
The butterfly

Earth
It’s a true miracle
It stands out
Like a precious gem
Offering life
To plants, animals and us
It’s abundance is staggering
The variety of plants and greens
The richness and diversity of life
Both human and not
The beauty of the planet
Oceans, lakes and rivers
Mountains and valleys
Artistic skies
So far, we’ve not found anything like it
It’s unique
It’s our home
It’s a true oasis
A treasure

It started last year
Around winter or early spring
Something unknown invaded our lives
Everything changed
All over the world
Cities closed
Hospitals filled
People battled the unknown
It was painful
It was hell
It hadn’t happened in a very long time
Concerts went online
Tours of famous spots were accessible
New heroes were formed
Revered by the world
People hid themselves away
Hoping things would change
And normal would return
It’s been well over a year now
Yet the journey continues
No one knows where or when it will end
It’s been a long journey

The time before sunrise
Early morning
The air is fresh
The world is sleeping
It’s dark outside
There’s a quiet across the city
It’s still and peaceful
Calm
The noises of life have not started
It’s a time to reflect
On everything
It’s like meditation
Early morning rise

Many talk about a simple life
Especially now
Minimalism is popular
To do more with less
Remove complications
There is beauty in it
Slowing down
Breathing
Uncluttering
Noticing things
Perhaps not really seen before
Focusing on the important
Letting go of the other
Many places are complicated
People rushing to and fro
Lots of energy and tension
No time for the simple
But when one can
Throw off
What’s not really important
There’s a sense of freedom
An art to simplicity
And beauty

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

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