It’s early morning
The city is still somewhat quiet
Not much traffic yet
The sun is out, but not fully
Another day is just beginning
Time for coffee and tea
To catch up on the news
And the world
Breakfast is needed
So many choices
Still time to rest
Before starting up the day
The coolness of the air
Refreshes after a hot day
Cleansing the body
It’s time for stillness
To calm the spirit

Street Scene

Sitting in a café
Facing the street
On a sunny day
Watching the traffic pass
People on the street
All shapes and sizes
Different colors of clothing
A Coke truck across the street
Horns honking
It’s life
In the city
The café has plants
Large green ones
They offer a slice
Of nature and calm

Music lifts one up
It can express what we feel
Fills our heart and soul
It can touch the world
Connect all of us
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

Set against a pale blue sky
Fluffy with their light pink color
Looking almost appetizing
Dotted with white streaks
Set a distance apart
With birds soaring high
Spreading their wings
In concentric circles
Over the city
As the sun gets ready to set
One more time
Ushering in another evening

I am a survivor
Many of us are
From the last year or so
We have battle scars
From fear, loss, illness
Overall stress from the times
But, we are still here
Still standing
Broken perhaps
But we made it through
To the other side
Though so many did not
Such loss and pain
The war is not over yet
It’s still going on
In so many places
The danger is still there
Muted only by vaccines
For that we are grateful
Yet we must remain vigilant
More battles may be coming
Yet we have made it to this point
We are survivors
We too are warriors
I am thankful

Words are just words
It’s what comes with them
That’s important
Just because one speaks another language
Does not mean they understand the culture
Words are only one part
The rest is nuanced
Smiles, laughter, kindness
Relationship building
Without those
Words are just hollow and empty

Bring comfort
Offer calm
Give one a sense of belonging
Help one feel centered
They are important
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
Bringing in the light

He had been a professional player
A linebacker
They were built tough
And big
When he left, he created something new
Something different
A business
And a non profit to help kids
One day unexpectedly
A woman came to work for him
Her background was different
She had stepped out of her field
To try something new
She had never been this close to a celebrity
It’s a different world
He had never known someone with her background
They decided to try and make it work
Using the strengths of each
She became his chief of staff
Surprisingly it worked
They both grew from the experience
The linebacker

She had been in hell
Things had been impossible
Nothing worked
Things were hard
She didn’t fit
Everything hurt
Physical and emotional
There was no peace
Nor harmony
Finally one day
She had a chance to leave
To change things for the better
So she headed East
Driving through rain
Big storms and darkness
When she arrived
The rain had stopped
The air was fresh
With the scent of sweet flowers
All she felt was comfort
Peace and harmony
She belonged
She had come home
To her east coast heaven

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

When you left
I missed that
Like being withdrawn
From a drug
Things felt hollow
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

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
To lift up the soul
And light up the world

She had a hard time sleeping
Tossing and turning
Morning came too soon
Sleep had left her
Though tired, she gave up
It was still early
Birds were chirping outside
The streets were quiet from the night
A cool breeze was blowing
Moving the branches of the plants
Colored bags hung outside moved
It was refreshing after the heat of the day
The cat was sleeping on a chair outside
It was peaceful and serene
A stillness was in the air
The sun had not fully risen
City noises had not fully started
Early morning rise

She had gone to see the Sahara
She had never been before
She wanted to see the sun rise
Over the desert
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
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
A bright red ball
Lifting high
It was incredible
Almost indescribable
Natures art
She felt her spirit lift
Towards the heavens
Just as the sun finally came up
Sahara Dream

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 pure 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

The nuances are ever so slight and almost hidden, just a slight difference, or way of being, perhaps even thinking or feeling. Sometimes it seems that they are not even there, invisible to the touch and senses.
From one familiar land to another that is somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar. There is a chemistry to a place, and a rhythm which one needs to fit into and the melody may not be exactly the same. Similar to an orchestra, one needs to find the right instrument and music to play.
The dance of the nuances can happen. Between people, between worlds, between almost anything.
What seemed so sure so many times before may seem unsure now. Steps feel a bit uneven as one moves out onto new terrain and unchartered territory. Like a baby bird gathering it’s courage to leave the nest.
But, through each step, learned and accustomed, the unfamiliar starts to become more familiar.
The music to the dance is one of patience, time and learning.

When I look at you
I get lost in your face
I disappear
It’s as if I am looking at a piece of art
I study it
Slowly
Every detail
Every curve
Every nuance
Everything about it
I become mesmerized
That’s all I see
Your face
I am frozen
Unable to move
Time seems to stop
And over the years
Your face hasn’t changed
It’s the same
As the first time I saw you
When I first became lost

You are my joy
My light and happiness
When you smile
Light enters a room
Your laughter lifts up the world
Your energy is pure warmth
When you walk, it’s pure melody
You are unique
There’s no one else quite like you
When you are gone
There’s darkness
Emptiness
No colors
Life is dismal
Only gray

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
Hope is everything

I move into the mist
The sky is a gray black
The moon is out shining
bright through the mist
I have lost my way
I struggle to find you
But I can’t
I searched everywhere
I came across a fire
Burning  bright
Amongst the mist and gray
Surrounding it are spirits
Dancing in the shadows of the night
They have always been there
Hidden by time
Figures are highlighted by the fire
I look around
Finally I see you
Shadow dancing with the others
I take a deep breath and
Realize  I am now free
I start dancing in the shadows
Like you
I became one of them

Warm spring breezes move through the air
Wind chimes gently playing a quiet tune
Branches gently swaying
Birds out singing their song
Building nests
Sun shining down on flowers and flowering trees
A fragrant scent of spring in the air
The season has changed

After my Freedom Day
The day I went out to a cafe
After very long lockdown
I cannot forget to have gratitude
For the doctors, front line workers
Scientists, developers
Researchers
I would not be free without them
The vaccine has helped
To stem my fears and anxiety
My worry
About the virus
I am grateful and in awe
Of what was done
In such a short time
To be able to create it
To administer it
I can go out now
Carefully
It’s not over yet
But in a way I am free
For the first time in more than a year
I am grateful

After a long hard year
Frightening at times
Waiting
Hoping
It’s Freedom day
Time to go out
Time to sit in a cafe
Time to watch the world
Time to explore
It’s been a long time
It feels good but strange
I made it to the other side
I am finally free

Dark cloudy gray day
Coolness to the air
Dankness permeates
Birds on the roof eating
Chirping sounds in the air
Creates stillness and quiet
A cat cozied up sleeping
Looks like rain is possible
Good day for coffee or tea
Inside
Doing quiet things

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

You are standing on a beach
The waves move rhythmically
Back and forth.
The sound is soothing to the ear.
The sun is out, the sky is a clear crystal 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 breeze.
As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances as it moves-- looking like diamonds.
As you walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as that of the water.
As you walk further into the water, your shape
and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.
You are finally back home.
You are at peace and safe.
Finally.

When one is surrounded by clouds of darkness
When the burden feels to much to handle
When life is crushing you down
Seek the small light shining in a distance
It will guide your way
It is destiny waiting
It is these small slivers of light that give us hope
They help us try again
They help us begin again
To look for better days
They help to lift us up
Believe

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
They are everywhere
Quiet
Listening
Watching
Protecting
They are of the spirit
More than the body
Their faces reflect light
They have seen things
Most have not
They carry peace
In their hearts

After the vaccine
Now what?
A new normal
What is it?
Are we safe?
Can we go back in time
Or are things now different
Forever

After the vaccine
Will we wear masks
No hugging
No hand shakes
Keeping our distance
Limited travel

After the vaccine
What does it mean
Can we see friends
Can we see family
Can we go home
Can we go back to our life
After the vaccine

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

After the storm
When the winds stop
When the rain ceases
When the skies finally clear
In the morning
A new day comes
It looks brand new
It brings bright blue skies
Fluffy white clouds
Clean, fresh air
It’s invigorating

After the storm
The trees seem taller
The streets are cleaner
The plants are greener
Flower colors brighter
Rivers run higher

After the storm
Animals come out
Seeking a needed drink
Gardens grow a bit more
People come out from the shadows
Smiling
Laughing
From the gift
Mother Nature brought

Appreciate each new morning
Marvel at it
The start of a new day
Notice the beauty of the moment
At you being there to enjoy it
Look around
Notice your surroundings
Take note
Remember
Use the day as best you can
In the end, it’s a gift

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

You are standing tall like a warrior in the desert
There is a path before you
Going in two directions
One to the left
One to the right
They look the same
Yet each will go a different way
The choice is hard
So much to think about
You  stand at the fork
Not knowing what to do
Thinking
To the right?
To the left?
The air is clear
You can see for miles
There is complete silence
Only stillness
The sky is blue
The sun is bright
All of a sudden a wind picks up
It erases one of the paths
Leaving only one for you to follow
It will take you towards your destiny

What happens after the new normal
When we try to become just normal
When we try to put life back
Can we recreate some semblance of order
When is it the right time to even try
Or do we continue as we have been
Until the hidden enemy is at bay

What happens after the new normal
Is there yet another one
Do we continue to wait
For the rescue
Or does patience get the best of us
Does the world take on another new look
Does it become a quieter, more solitary time

What happens to the new normal
When it becomes just normal

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

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 inside 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.

Sunday morning
It’s special
A quiet time
Family time for many
The last day before work
End of a week
A big newspaper day
Time to slow down
Catch a breath
Before Monday
Sunday Bliss

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

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

Memories
Slide in and out of the recesses of our mind
Some are buried deep
Others replay on a regular basis
Like a video
Others are like clouds
That gently float by
Some bring a smile
Some make us sad
Some bring laughter
Some inspire
Some seem so real
Its as if we can touch them

Memories are a catalog of our life
They help to define us
Just like a good book
They are there to pick up
To read again
They are always with us
Like an old friend
Memories

You are my light
My sun, moon and stars
My heart
You are life
When you smile, light shines
Like a sunbeam
Since I first saw you
You became part of me
You took over my heart
You have always been there
You are the best of me
The best of the world
You bring life and happiness
Calm and peace
You are the world

A new normal is coming
One of these days
Hopefully soon
The old one is long gone
We have to find new ways
To live and be
Ways to relate
Communicate
Different ways
We shouldn’t be afraid
We should have hope
Better ways

A new normal is coming
All across the world
In every corner
One of these days
A different way to live
A different way to be
We have to build back
Heal
Learn
Move forward together
The past is gone

A new normal is coming

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

The magic room

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

The magic room

They work on their own or in groups
They are brilliant
They are miracle workers
They hunt an enemy we can’t see
It’s changed the world
Like a war
They are miracle workers
They are trying to stop it
All day and night they watch it
They are miracle workers
They study it
They begin to understand it
They work for labs
They work for universities
They work for companies or governments
They are miracle workers
They all want the same thing
To find a cure
To find a vaccine or treatment
They are miracle workers
The world waits hoping
Praying that something is coming
To turn the tide
To bring things back to normal
They are miracle workers
The scientists and doctors

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

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

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

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
Daily Life

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
Daily Life

After feeling pulled underwater
For some time

I can breathe

After feeling uncomfortable

I can breathe

My shackles have been released

I can breathe

I can move without effort

I can breathe

My troubles have passed
They are behind me
The sun is out
No more stormy days
I feel peace and harmony

I can breathe

Like a whale or dolphin
Swimming to the surface
For air
Leaping into the air
Exhaling strongly
Once again I can breathe


Breathe

It’s December
In one of the most wondrous places
Paris
The skies are painted gray
Rain is in the air
A hint of snow perhaps
Apartments have a cold feel

Paris

Yet the streets are adorned
With holiday decorations
Shops show their prettiest wares
Chocolates and goodies

Paris

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

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.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.

Hundreds of brilliant white seagulls soaring
High above the dark blue ocean

Seagulls

Swirling around so fast they are hard to distinguish
They are just a blur

Seagulls

Suddenly they turn, aiming towards the sun
Flying higher and higher

Seagulls

So  that they can no longer be seen
But their faint cries can still be heard

Seagulls
As they disappear into the clouds
Watching their flight is majestic

Seagulls

The movements and speed
Like witnessing something being created
Part of the artistry of Mother Nature

Seagulls

It’s a beautiful day.
Bright white fluffy clouds in the sky.
A slight cool breeze is gently blowing.
The air is clear and fresh.
Off in a distance, a horse has jumped the gate of a corral.
It’s running free towards the mountains.
Moving faster and faster.
Till it finally disappears into the distance.
Like a mirage.
Freedom

The sun is out!
After a dark storm
With lots of pouring rain
Heaviness
High winds
Dark gray skies
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