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

It first came in the winter
Of last year
Slowly
It was a hidden enemy
Not visible
But it left its mark
It would move across a country
Touching people one by one
Parts of the world watched
Assuming it would not reach them
Unfortunately they were wrong

The virus

We had been warned about this before
That something like this could happen
One day just like history
Things would repeat
This came true last year
It brought illness and death
It crushed countries
New heroes emerged
They were the new warriors
We were in a different war
All of humanity

The virus

It slowly moved from Asia to Europe
Then on to other places
Soon the entire world
Some places were hit harder than others
Borders closed down
Travel ended
People stopped going out
A new normal was created
The world waited
For science to understand
For science to learn
For a solution
For a vaccine

The virus

At first not much was known
Over time that changed
But the cost was high
In suffering and death
Economies were devastated
No one still knows how this happened
Where did it come from


The virus

Now we are in a new year
2021
Hope was for a fresh start
For an end to this
But things are still pretty much the same
Though there are some treatments
And vaccines are now available
Help is coming slowly
After a long difficult wait
But it’s going to take time

The virus

Doctors, nurses and front line people are heroes
Same for scientists and teachers
People standing up for each other
Neighbors
Families

The virus

Cities shut down
It has changed the world
How we interact with each other
Video chat
Zoom
Online classes
Tours, concerts and movies
Delivery services

The virus

We wait
For the vaccines
For the virus to diminish
For it to end
For another new normal to come
We hope an end is on the horizon
Perhaps by year end
We hope and wait

The virus

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

It was as if a transparent shield covered her
When she went out
When she was with others
While she slept
Like a shield

Whatever she needed
Came
When there was hurt and pain
She healed
When there was peril and danger
She was safe
Like a shield

It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there
Covering her
Protecting her
Like a shield

It would never leave her
It would be there till the end
Like a shield
A force of protection

After so much time
With great storms and turbulence
Where people have been waiting such a long time
Things are slowly changing
A calm has come

After so much division and sour feelings
After so much pain and illness
Possibilities and hope have arrived
A calm has come

After heavy darkness
Light has shined through
It shines bright through the clouds
Bringing blue sky
Pushing the darkness away
A calm has come

After great sadness
Heavy hearts
Tears and angst
Joy has arrived
Life has gotten a bit better
Smiles starting to return
A calm has come

After people gave up
After too much stress
They want  to try again
To begin again
Together
A calm has come

You are sitting in a desert with no one around.
The sky is blue, with a scattering of clouds.  
The sand is white but very fine.
It’s soft to the touch like fine silk.
There is a slight breeze which is not too hot or cold.
It brushes against your face ever so gently.
There is no noise.
It is quiet and still.
You can hear your breathing.
Over the top of you sits a translucent umbrella of light.
It’s made of peace, love, and protection.
As you start to walk, the umbrella follows you.
It will be with you forever.

It has been dark for so long
The air has been heavy and oppressive
It’s been difficult to hold ones head high
Every day negativity oozed everywhere
Like a heavy weight
Everything became hard

Possibilities

In spite of it
People kept trying
People kept helping
People kept caring
Though they were tired
But hope was diminishing
Getting fainter

Possibilities

But, after some time
A small sliver of light shone through
In the darkness, it seemed even brighter
People began to focus on it
Watch it
Fascinated
They then started walking towards it
The closer they came, the brighter it became
Almost like a lighthouse beacon
The light was soothing
It was also healing

Possibilities

Eventually the light increased
Shining down everywhere
Causing the darkness to finally recede
Hope grew
Faith grew
The heaviness lifted

Possibilities

For the first time in a long time
People saw possibilities
They actually started to see the people around them
Their neighbors, friends, co-workers
And they were also seen
They talked and were heard
They listened and understood
Empathy started to grow
Care for one another grew
It was a brand new day

Possibilities

Snow gently falling and blowing around like cotton candy strands
Eventually gently nesting on the ground or other surfaces
It is the coming of winter and the start a new season
Cold is easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces
Taking the place of the warm heat of the summer
Temperatures dropping outside bringing a frigid feel
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready ready to put
on its nightcap and pajamas for the sleep that is coming

The Coming of Winter

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and mind
When holiday lights and decorations appear everywhere

Magical times

Holiday tunes are played on the radio
Shoppers abound on the streets, searching for that perfect gift
People take on more hustle and bustle

Magical times

Light snow flakes dance through the air
Coffee shops full of hungry diners
Smells  of hot chocolate fill the air

Magical times

Cities come alive with a different feel
It’s that time of year
When magic comes alive
Once again

Magical times

Smells of fur trees fill the air
Doors decorated with festive wreaths
Ornaments glisten as they are hung on trees
Red, silver, gold, green and blue
Houses adorned with lights
Make the streets look bright
Smells of cookies being baked
Hot chocolate filled mugs with marshmallows
Choirs singing carols
People running to and fro shopping
Cities and towns decorated up in their holiday best
It’s the time to celebrate the season

Streets bustle with huge crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday
Street corners impassable because of the large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast, making the city look like a giant mosh pit
Light snow gently falling to set the mood
Coffee shops full of shoppers seeking a quick cup or snack
Trees are brightly light for the season, some decorated.
Store windows adorned with beautiful holiday decorations
Holiday carolers and musicians can be heard singing along the streets
Giant nutcrackers adorn a building on 6th Avenue along with a selection of. giant red ornaments and strings of lights
Street vendors sell their wares up and down the streets from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price
Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades
to move the crowds
Hotel bar areas are filled to capacity with thirsty customers needing a refreshment or a comfortable seat
Nothing like Christmas time in the big city

They have held
While other things have weakened
They remained strong
Like a dam

While pushed and threatened
While others spun stories
Trying to change reality
They stood firm
Holding the rushing waters back
Waves frequently breaking  against their wall
Yet it held
Like a dam

The more water that came
The fiercer it was
They held
They stood firm
They did not buckle
Yet it held
Like a dam

While there was an onslaught
Day after day
Never stopping
They stood firm
Never bending
Like a dam

Strong
Unbending
Like a dam
A true warrior for justice

At a time of negativity
Be positive
Be thankful
For loved ones, family and friends
For the life you have

Gratitude

At a time of great strife
Be thankful
For the many blessings that have graced you

Gratitude

At a time of darkness
Reach for the light
Let it lift you
Let it inspire you
Be thankful

Gratitude

At a time of difficulty
Reach
Persevere
Believe
Achieve
Inspire
Be thankful

Gratitude

Look around you
See what there’s to see
Experience life to the fullest
Give love
Offer care
Make someone smile
Offer light instead of darkness
Lift up someone
Then the world
Be thankful

Gratitude

Fall breezes gently blowing
Dark skies overhead
Muted clouds paint the sky
Fresh crisp air
Cleansing to the lungs
Bright colored leaves decorating the landscape
Red, orange and yellow
Rustling in the wind to their own melody
Offering their scent as perfume
Others hugging the branches ever so tightly
Chimes softly ringing
Playing their own muted tune

Once again the weekend is over
They go so fast
Like lightning
Yet the week drags on
Now it’s time to get up and get ready for work
It’s so hard to get up
The comfort of the bed keeps calling

Monday blues

Traffic is heavy for the regular drive
Coffee is on and the odor fills the room
Offering a welcoming smell
A favorite mug is out to receive the brew
Clothes are ready to put on
Keys on the table ready to grab
As one gently slides into the Monday blues

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

If you see someone with a frown, smile
Choose laughter over tears
If someone needs help, reach out
Offer kindness instead of harshness and cruelty
Heal don’t hurt
Love instead of hate
Don’t judge, accept
Walk towards 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
Remember we are all human

Light up the world
Lift someone up today
Bring a smile to a stranger
Be grateful for each day and moment

It’s getting to be pumpkin time
The time of magic and fun
A time when there’s a chill in the air
Apples abound along with scents of cinnamon
Carved jack o lanterns
Faces etched creatively
Candles lit


It’s getting to be pumpkin time
The beginning of the holiday season
When cookies are baked
Pies made
Children dress up in costumes
Seeking a reward of candy and other goodies

It’s getting to be pumpkin time
A time of celebration
A time of remembering
Good friends
Families
And traditions
Where turkeys are roasted
Sweet potatoes baked
Cranberries served

It’s getting to be pumpkin time
A time of holiday cheer
Hot chocolate
Apple cider
Herbal tea
And peppermint

It’s getting to be pumpkin time
A time of snow falls
Sledding
Snowball fights
Laughter and glee
Trees decorated

It’s getting to be pumpkin time

Life is not about perfection; it is about growth and development. Growth comes from pushing through challenges and obstacles that happen. Whatever you do to consistently will shape your life will determine whether you meet your challenges with courage, faith and determination or if you allow them to overcome you with fear, and frustration.

Never give up
Always believe in your own potential for greatness
You are your own best coach
Believe
Light up the world

Stand up
Show you matter
Bring your best to the world
Offer kindness
Open up your heart
Do the right thing
Accept everyone
We all want the same thing
We are all human
No matter where we are from
No matter where we live

Offer light instead of darkness
Inspire
Lift
Light up the world
Believe

Red maples surround the empty road
The emptiness is calming
The color of the trees is so brilliant it almost looks false
The black asphalt road is a contrast to their color
Hints of bright green highlight the red
Almost like a painting
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

There once was a tiger
Beautiful and perfect in every way
It was the top of its game
Respected everywhere
It was a guardian of the world
It kept darkness at bay for eons
Then one day darkness found its way
It seeped into everything
Turning good to evil
Sweetness to sour
Helpful to selfish
Tolerant to judgmental
Kind to cruel

The tiger felt trapped
There wasn’t much it could do
Though it tried
It asked for help
For the light to come
Nothing happened for some time

Then one day
A warrior came
He was gentle
Smart and kind
He brought the light with him
Everywhere he went
Things began to change
He looked at the tiger
As if giving an order
The tiger nodded
He went where the darkness was heaviest
The tiger knew what to do
It showed its teeth and claws
And whipped its powerful tail around
Sending the darkness away
As he did this the light grew brighter
He looked at the warrior who smiled
And said thank you
Now, let’s begin

Where are you?
Where have you gone?
I don't recognize you these days
At times you bring tears to my eyes, and a deep ache in my heart
Why has hate replaced love?
Why has intolerance replaced tolerance?
Love with harshness and cruelty?
Dreams replaced with nightmares?
Smiles vanquished
Less joy
Where is the tolerance, kindness and goodness we are known for?
Where is love thy neighbor and look out for each other?
This isn't about red states, blue states or purple states
It isn't about white, black, Asian or brown
Or old, young, gay or straight
It's about all of us
It isn't about our differences, but what we are together
Someone recently said  we are an idea
The great experiment
Where has it gone?

I miss you and so long to see you once again
Please come back
Please stand up and walk away from the darkness towards the light once more
Please stand and say no more hate
Please stand and say no more
Enough
Please say not here, not now, not ever
Please come back  and do the right thing
Not just for now but forever
I am counting on you, and so is the world

Shes a small baby bird
She’s been quite ill
Got hit with more than one thing
Little by little she’s healing
Taking small steps
One at a time
Trying small activities
She’s spreading her wings
Ever so slowly
Like a baby bird

As each day passes
She gets stronger
Less symptoms
More time feeling better
The feeling lifts her up
Her spirits want to fly
She wants to try to do something
Step to the edge of the nest
Explore
Like a baby bird

Burning embers sitting amongst the wood
From time to time a gold blue flame emerges
The wood crackles against the heat
The glow is calming to the spirit and
enticing like a natural perfume
It is hypnotic to watch
As the wood burns,
the embers glow a red orange color
There’s slight stream of white grey smoke
The smoke reaches up towards the sky
In some ways they look like a work of art

Burning embers

I am slowly coming back from the brink
The edge we get pushed to by illness
It felt like being hit by a two by four
It’s a place where we may not feel ourselves
Where we may feel subhuman
The things we used to do become hard to do
Every nuance in our bodies gets serious attention
Wondering what does it mean?
We wait hoping, following doctors orders, our bodies to finally turn the corner
It’s a slow process
Sometimes two steps forward and one step back
It’s frustrating
Then one day, things seem to be turning around, though slowly
You begin to feel more like yourself
Energy starts to return
Appetite increases
It’s almost like you can feel the healing going on
It’s like magic

Finally, you step back from the brink into the light
You are becoming well

You are in my heart
You live in my soul and spirit
You have always been a part of me

My heart

Since I first met you
You glimmer like gold and precious jewels
You fill me with hope and love

My heart

You have touched me like an artist
You are in my heart

You are my heart
You are the best of me
Always

Dreaming of moonlight nights
Light hypnotic breezes
Trees gently swaying
Wind chimes playing
Scents of lilac in the air
Dreaming of moonlight nights
Walks along the beach
Sounds of waves hitting the shore
Gulls flying by
Holding hands
Dreaming of moonlight nights
Dinner by candlelight
Romantic music playing
Slow dancing
Perfumed air
Dreaming of moonlight nights
Soft touches
Gentle smiles
Bright laughter
Heart’s beating
Sweet kisses
Dreaming of moonlight nights
Hidden places
Cherished moments
Dreaming of moonlight nights
With you

The Dream

It was dark outside-- almost a grey dark
There was a hint of mist in the air
I was in another country
Your country -- searching
For you
We had lost each other for a long time
We had been torn apart
Like Romeo and Juliet
I was trying to find you
I was told to come here
I was out in the country somewhere
I came upon a cave
Very large and dark
I entered it
And walked towards the back of it
There were shadows of flames dancing on the walls
The air was cool but dank
As I approached the fire I saw you sitting beside it
Wearing a brown fabric robe
After so long you were there
I couldn’t believe it
You did not speak
You held your hands by the fire
I asked you where you had been, how you were
Instead of answering
And in an instant you disappeared back into the night
All that remained was the remnants of the burning fire
I called out your name but you did not answer
Once again I was alone without you

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
When full of despair
Seek the light
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

Light

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through

Light

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures

Light

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Let it lift you up

Light

When you feel alone
Help another

Light

Man of wonder, man of light

Where did you come from? The stars or the clouds?
The heavens?
How long have you been here? Forever?
How did you find me after all this time?
Have you always been there, waiting?
You are truly a man of wonder and a man of light

Where does your kindness come from?
Your heart, your spirit?
Is it from the heavens above?
Were you constructed just for me?
Sometimes it seems as such
Man of wonder, man of light
I am in awe of you

Every time you smile, it is as if the sun has come into the world
Everything glitters
Your smile brightens not only those who stand before you
but the world with all the darkness before it and beyond

Your heart helps to lighten, heal and soothe
Your voice reaches into ones heart and leaves a gift of love
Each time you speak and listener melts just a little bit
You speak truth and kindness

Man of wonder, man of light

Warm hypnotic breezes gently blow
Bright green plants bend to and fro
Leaves gleaming in the bright sun
Welcoming the light as a faithful friend
The sky is a full blue with a scattering of cotton white clouds
The air is a perfect comforting temperature lulling one into a state of peace
Wind chimes play their melody in the background
What a perfect day if only it could go on forever
Magical chimes

I've got Paris on my mind
The Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame
The Seine
River boats along the river
Louvre and Orsay and so much more
The ambiance of it
The lights at night
Bakeries early in the morning
Smell of fresh bread
Fine cheeses and wine
Great food
And so much more
I've got Paris on my mind...

My heart hurts a bitter song
It craves what it cannot have
It misses more than words can say

My heart craves a bitter song

It needs its home so far away
It wants to go home

My heart craves a bitter song

Where it feels whole
And a  part of something greater

My heart hurts a bitter song

In a far off distance stands a man
He is alone
He is dressed in all white linen garb
On a desert plane surrounded by sand and sun
The brightness is almost blinding

In the sky burns a deep yellow sun against a
brilliant blue sky,  no clouds can be seen

On his face is a big smile
Surrounding him is a circle of white light
It appeared out of nowhere
As he moves forward
the light follows him step by step
to his next destiny

A summer wind whips through the air and the trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush
Creating a Monet like painting
Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them

The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through
The air fills with the sound of thunder
Tapping its drums and cymbals
The sky turns a greenish color
Trouble is coming

A summer storm is fast approaching
Playing the wind chimes outside like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth to the rhythm of the wind

Announcing the arrival of the storm
Heavy rain starts offering a soothing drink to the earth

Summer wind

When I feel lost I will rise up
I will reach out towards the stars
To find my way back

When I can’t find my way
I will rise up and see the light
I will follow it back to my path

When I have no words
I will rise up and let you inspire me
I will let you guide me

When I am full of despair
I will rise up towards the sky
Letting it carry me on to my destiny

When I am full of darkness
I will up towards the sun
Letting it fill me with light

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look up towards the moon
Notice its white glimmer
Feast upon the beauty of it

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Think about the good things you have
Think about how precious life it

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you off to sleep
And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start
Treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

A dim light shines across the waters a far distance away
Shining in the dark and gray mist
The light reflects off the waves of the water
Creating a path through the waves

In the distance is a ship which has been gone for a long time
The ship lost its way years ago and has been searching for home
Going port to port
Never finding home
Constantly searching

On this particular night, as the ship gets closer to land a light can be seen
The ship turns and aims for it
Moving quickly through the water
It’s a lighthouse
Its a welcome sight
As the ship gets closer, the light becomes brighter illuminating the land by it
Somehow the land looks familiar now after so long
The ship picks up speed anxious to reach land
The ship is coming home

Hot Burning Days

Green palm trees trying to keep their green
Bright blue skies without a hint of white clouds
Steaming sidewalks
Hot to the touch
Searing sun
The signs of summer

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

Flowers and flowering 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 arriving late into the night
Offering a soothing reprieve
The signs of summer

Hot heavy air fills the sky
It sits like a weight
No breeze to feel
Wind chimes silent in the wind
People down on the street seeking relief

Windows open searching for something, anything light and breezy
Something to cool to refresh after the searing heat of the day
Nighttime starting to come against a gray dark sky
Bright lights turned on to attract customers
Blues, reds, yellows and greens

Temperatures hopefully will start to drop
Doors open hoping to cool the air
Terraces full of people enjoying the view

Things start to slow down in preparation for the shift of the day
People waiting hoping to feel coolness against the skin as night finally comes

Sayonara
Good bye
Adios
See you later
Sometimes it’s the best thing to do
Friends grow apart
Needs change
Have differing interests
That shift like the sand

Sayonara
Good bye
Adios

Sometimes the best thing is to walk away
No need to explain
No need to discuss
Just let things fade away
Like the mist of fog

Sayonara

It was quiet and still. A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance
The trees created a rich green carpet covering the grass
The sky was a pale blue gray with fluffy pillows of clouds scattered about
They broke up the sky with their placement and artistic strokes
It looked like an impressionistic painting
The sky was also highlighted by a background light which created a shadow

As I watched the clouds, they became brighter, and started to turn to a light pink color ever so slightly

Mother Nature making magic

It is an early summer’s day
The sun is out
The sky is a perfect bright blue
There are a few white clouds scattered through the sky like a thin white veil
There is a slight breeze -- not too warm, not too cold
You are sitting in a field of tall grass
The grass is a light sand color
The grass sways gently to the breeze and makes a soft rustling sound
As you sit in the field
A cloud of butterflies  start to surround you
They are all colors -- purple, blue, yellow, red, and gold
As you put out your hands, they light onto your hand
Then, in the distance a humming bird appears
It is beautiful
Bright green with just a touch of pink
It’s feathers almost shimmer in the light
It is so small it could fit in the palm of your hand
As you watch it, its movements slow down
You can almost see the wings beat
Your heart starts beating at the same rhythm
As you close your eyes and listen to the breeze
The hummingbird gently touches your face before flying away

You are in a moment of truth bliss and peace

When feeling lost
Go to the forest
Smell the trees
Take in the freshness

When feeling unease
Go to the forest
Feast upon nature
Walk amongst the trees
Listen to the wind

When feeling confused
Go to the forest
Sit amongst the beauty
Let it calm your soul
Let the beauty fill your heart

When not sure what to do
Go to the forest
Listen to answers
Let it inspire you

Imagine walking into a forest full of pine and other trees
They are all colors and sizes

As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the deep silence
and the sound of your boots as you walk along on the dirt path

A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs
as the branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze

It is pleasant and calming
There is a scent of freshness in the air
It is invigorating

The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the sun gently hitting the path ahead
As you look up through the trees, the sun seems to shimmer

You keep walking
At the end of the path, is a small log cabin with
a fire burning in the fireplace, waiting quietly for its owner to return
You can smell something baking in the oven

It’s a perfect summer day

My country is on fire
It’s burning from the inside out
Hate and division are eating it alive
My city is on fire
People are screaming for help
People are screaming for justice
Peace for justice

My country is on fire
It is being ravaged by hate
It is being crushed by cruelty
My city is on fire
One of my homes is burning
People are hurting
People are screaming
People need and want justice
It’s time
It’s way past  time
We are all one
We are human

My country is on fire
I feel helpless watching
I want to do something
It’s time for change
The same thing won’t work
Words aren’t enough
Actions matter
We need to understand
We need compassion and empathy
We all want and need the same thing


My country is on fire

There are cliques everywhere
Some are in school
Others at work and life
Some people belong
They are part of it
Others are on the outside
Perhaps by their choice
Perhaps not
Some accept others
Some don’t
Some are exclusive
Some are intended
Some are not

Cliques

Others are on the outside
Perhaps by their choice
Perhaps not

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

She always stood in the shadows
Quiet and invisible
Yet watching and listening
Looking at the sky, the people
Everything
Observing

Wherever she went she noticed things
Little details
Colors
Smells
She watched how people moved
How they talked
Observing

Sometimes something would strike her
Trigger an idea or a poem
Other times, she would store it away for another time
She almost lived in two worlds
One as a participant
The other, observing

When she sat in a cafe she usually sat alone
She preferred it that way
It was her time just for her
To watch, create, ponder
Write
Observing

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