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

She bought it
Not long after arriving
From one of the stores
Something for summer
It gets very hot
Searing heat really
It’s cotton
A rose pink color
With a design
Cotton
The skirt is flared
It’s cool in the heat
Comfortable against the skin
Every season
She pulls it out
Though it is old
It’s a part of her now
She has some others
But this is her favorite
The age is showing now
The color is a bit faded
And there are some small holes
Nevertheless she loves it
Like a security blanket
The dress

Cooler breezes tempt me
The summer brightness of the sun is gone
Darker mornings greet me
There is a crispness in the air

The seasons are changing
From summer to fall
Time to change the wardrobe
Time to get ready

Time to think about soups
Time to think about hot chocolate

Cooler breezes tempt me
Fall is coming....

Beautiful gold purple sky
Mirroring a Monet painting
Rain clouds dotting the sky
Streaks of lightning highlight the clouds
A storm is fast approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
Looks like a work of art
Coming to close out the day
Winds pick up causing the wind chimes to play
A familiar melody
Plants sway to the wind
A storm is approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
No doubt nature is an artist
The sky has a surreal look
It’s  entrancing

I am hiding out
Disappearing
Becoming a phantom of myself
Not seen or heard
Almost not here

I am hiding out
Finding new places
Going back to old ones
Changing my ways
Getting quiet
Calming the spirit

I am hiding out
Disappearing light a cloud
Becoming a phantom
Vapor to the wind

Golden Memories

Golden memories are like gifts
They stay with us for a lifetime
When remembered they
Make us smile
Laugh
Love
Feel joy
Touch us again as if new
They are treasures
Like jewels
Some are rubies
Some are emeralds
Some are sapphires
Some like diamonds
Each one is special in it’s own right
Each one touches our soul
Golden memories are like gifts
They last forever

Where did fall go?
It was just here
It has disappeared into the wind
Summer is back with a vengeance
No more cool mornings
No more fresh air
The days burn hot
The air is heavy with heat

Where did fall go?
It disappeared into the wind
Freshness has been replaced
With bright sun and humidity
Apples with iced drinks
Stews with light salads
Blankets with sheets

Where did fall go?
I miss it

Ambiance is everything
It can make or break a place
Or a mood
The setting
The decoration
The overall energy

It can be positive or negative
It can bring feelings of great joy
Or sadness

Ambiance is everything
It can set a tone
It can bring people together
It can keep them apart
It can lift them up to a higher place

Ambiance is everything
It can bring peace
It can evoke harmony
It can bring light
Or it can smother
Bringing darkness

Ambiance is everything

I am not done yet
I may not be 18 or 20
Or even 30
But I am not done yet
I have things to do
Places to go
Experiences awaiting me

I am not done yet
I have voyages to take
Languages to learn
Dances to dance
Songs to sing
I am not done yet

I have mountains to climb
Oceans to cross
Poetry to write
Laughter to laugh
I am not done yet
The best is yet to come
I have only begun

Sitting in a hidden corner
Quietly disappearing
Back tight against the wall
Melting into it
Almost oblivious to the world
Trying to become like a vapor
Translucent
Uncomfortable
Watchful
Like a cat
Eyes wide open
Ready to run
Anticipating
Sitting in a hidden corner
Disappearing from the world

Darkness outside with a small hint of light coming into the sky
Traffic moving towards their
destinations ever so slowly
The morning has begun
Empty roads in some places as the full morning rush has not yet started
As 7am approaches, a golden ball can be seen in the sky as the sun starts to rise
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived as the city starts to wake up once again

When in Doubt
Look deep inside yourself
Look in your heart
See what is really there
Feel what is there

Trust yourself
Always
Follow your path
Spin up your dreams

Look deep inside yourself
For the answers
You are seeking
They are there

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your destiny
Never doubt
Through it all
You will always persevere

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your heart
Follow your dreams
Reach for the stars

The Season is Coming
Can’t you feel it?
The change?
The light is different?
Less intense
The air is getting cooler
Calming breezes
Crisp nights
Colors coming
Reds, yellows, oranges and golds
Trees showing their best
Apples abound
Smells of cider and cinnamon
Sweaters in stores
Fall coats
Warm socks
Blankets
Hot chocolate
Soups
Apple pie
Bright colors
Hypnotic scents
The season is upon us
It’s coming

Oh how I miss the fall
The crimson time
I miss everything about it
In some ways it is a fresh start
It is my favorite season
I miss the colors
The regal essence of it
The trees dress up in splendor
With reds
Yellows
Oranges and golds

There is a smell of leaves on the ground
The sound of leaves crunching as you walk on them
The sound of raking
Big piles of leaves in yards
The crisp clear air
The cool night
Leaves rustling in the breeze

Smells of pumpkin cookies and pies
Cinnamon, apple cider and
hot chocolate
Halloween decorations and candy corn
Oh how I miss the beauty of the trees and countryside as the colors dabble the landscape like a painting

Come dance with me
Let’s touch the stars
Baila conmigo
Let’s listen to romantic music
Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Let’s see all there is to see
Let’s watch the stars dance
Watch the moon watching us
Let’s smell the roses
Vamos oler las rosas
Come laugh with me
Give me one hundred smiles
Come be with me
Ven conmigo
Forever

We were hidden away
On top of the city
For more than a year
The world had been in turmoil
From many things
It was a dangerous time
Yet we were safe
Living above the city
Watching the world below
Come and go
Leaving when necessary
Hoping things will calm down
That they would get better
But was a see saw
So for then
We lived our lives
Happily
Tucked away together
Claiming lost time
From years past
Feeling blessed
That we were safe and healthy
On top of the city

Soft, lilting sounds
Almost hypnotic in their tone
Laugher rolling down green hills covered with grass
Giggles and the Wizard of Oz
Magic everywhere one looks

Times with a friend playing cards
Traveling down the yellow brick road to other places
Different places, new adventures

Spring is warm and soft like Primavera
Flowers perfume the air with their scent and perfume

The time of season has started where the air is clear
Nights are cool and nature wakes up once again to the start of a new year after the cold dark winter

Primavera
Time of renewal

We all can create magic
We can do amazing things
Impossible things
We can bring wonder
We have the power to change the world
Into a wondrous place
Where anything is possible
For anyone, anywhere
We can bring in light
To chase away the darkness
We just have to believe
And use our own special light
To lift up the world
To new heights
We have the most powerful energy in us
Love
With that we can create
We are magicians
We just have to believe

When possible
Seek joy
It brightens the day
It lifts one up
It brings in the light
It’s fun
It chases away the
darkness

In times of difficulty
It can lighten the load
It can be hard sometimes
When things are difficult
But in the end
It does help us feel better

It’s infectious
Spreading to others
Eventually across the land
And the world
We never know what is coming
But we can control
how much light we let in
So seek joy and laughter
It’s worth it
In all ways
Light up the world
With your own light
Believe

Oh how I miss the fall
The crimson time
I miss everything about it
In some ways it is a fresh start
It is my favorite season
I miss the colors
The regal essence of it
The trees dress up in splendor
With reds
Yellows
Oranges and golds

There is a smell of leaves on the ground
The sound of leaves crunching as you walk on them
The sound of raking
Big piles of leaves in yards

The crisp clear air
The cool night
Leaves rustling in the breeze

Smells of pumpkin cookies and pies

Cinnamon, apple cider and
hot chocolate
Halloween decorations and candy corn

Oh how I miss the beauty of the trees and countryside as the colors dabble the landscape like a painting

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 gentle kiss
The soothing feeling
Of the 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
Glorious
It’s a time for new beginnings
And magic

I was in a deep deep sleep
Almost hypnotic
Dead to the real world
Dreams flowing through my mind
One after another like a fast moving river

Then I had that dream
Again. I've had it many times now

I saw you plain as day
I could have touched you
Your face
Your smile
Those kind eyes

Your face filled up the space of my dream
You were talking to me ever so softly
Almost whispering
With that beautiful voice of yours
I had so longed to hear it again
Saying that you were coming
Coming back

After all this time
You were coming back

Out of the recesses of time and space and distance
You were coming back

Coming back to me after all this time and darkness

The light was once again shining through the darkness
My dream was finally coming true
And I would no longer be alone

You are my light
You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my prince
You are my universe

You touch my heart
You touch my soul
You are perfect
You are my universe

You light my world
With your presence
You bring joy
You bring deep happiness
You calm the waters
You are my universe

You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my prince
You are my everything
Without you there is no light
Without you there is no life
Looking at you
Brings me closer to heaven

Please be kind
Have patience with others
They may not be like you

Please listen
Take time to understand others

Please be careful
It’s a dangerous time
Your actions may affect others

Please don’t harbor anger
It doesn’t help a situation
Step away if you have to

Please have an open heart
Instead of a closed mind

Please offer love instead of hate
It lifts us all up
Offer someone a smile

Please stand in the light
Instead of the darkness
Lift up the world
With your special light

Every night
Fairies arrive
They come from far away
They are tiny creatures
Almost invisible
They have delicate wings
Beautiful really
Like a hummingbird
They have always existed
Since the beginning
They come to the believers
All over the world
To grant their wishes and dreams
While they sleep
They sprinkle magic dust over them
Made of silver and gold
To bring sweet dreams and protection
As night ends they leave
Returning home
Awaiting the next night
To come once again
Fairy dust magic

Fall breezes gently blowing
Cool to the touch
Refreshing
Dark skies overhead
Gray
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
Knowing what is coming
Chimes softly ringing
Playing their own muted tune
It’s a new season
Mother Nature is creating
Once again

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
Ever so slightly
From summer to fall light
The suns brightness less intense

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The air is crisper
The nights cooler

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The heat of summer is leaving
The beauty of fall is coming

Its that time of year
When leaves start to turn
Orange, yellow and red
Dabbling the landscape
Like a fine painting

It’s that time of year
When colors are bright
There is a special shine to everything
Moods are high
The world puts on its best face

The leaf had been attached to a branch for decades
Every year it returned
To the same place
Suddenly one day the branch
was no longer there
It had disappeared
Into nothingness
The leaf lost its anchor
The leaf fell free
As it floated to the ground
It was lost
With no grounding
No home
No protection
It only had
Sweet memories
To offer comfort
The lost leaf

There is forest and quiet
The trees reach to the sky
Darkness abounds
The air is cool and clear
A cabin sits
Surrounded by snow and trees
Mountains are in the background
A light is burning in the cabin
Smoke coming out the chimney
Scents of pine trees in the air
A dog sits on the steps
He’s a husky
Beautiful white and black
Waiting for it’s owner
A pie is baking in the oven
Apple perhaps
Coffee is on the stove
A fire burns in the fireplace
There is sublime quiet
There is a sense of calm
It is intoxicating
Like a sanctuary

Deep in the woods

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Just as ships at sea
They look for the lighthouse
The shining light guides them

When you feel scattered
Follow the light
Back to your path
Look to your lighthouse

When you feel lost
Follow the light
Let the beam of light guide you
Back to your path
Let the light comfort you
If you are out to sea
Look for the lighthouse
Shining it’s beam of light
Guiding you back to safety

It’s early
On a Saturday
The city is quiet
Peaceful
Not many people out
There’s a stillness to it
Refreshing
The air is clear
Shops not open yet
It’s the beginning
Of another day
Soon the quiet will leave
Replaced by people and noise
But for now
There’s a little bit of heaven
In the quiet and peace
Early morning

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

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

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

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

When you feel alone
Help another

Lightness

I Am From a Different Place
I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path

I can be like a feather
Blowing in the wind
Untethered
Light to the touch
Almost invisible

I can be like a bird
Soaring high in the sky
Enjoying the glory of flying

I can be like a cat
Quiet and watching
The world go by

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am on a path and journey
There have been twists and turns
That’s what took me here
At this place and time

Cool balmy breezes brush against my face
Caressing
Soothing my spirit and body
Calming my mind
I focus on the moment
Taking it all in
Slowly
Deep purple colors the sky
As night sets in for the city
Lights twinkle in the background like glistening pearls and diamonds
Traffic sounds play their tune from below
Plants sway to and fro to the breeze
As if they were dancing
A cool respite fast approaches
To heal from the blistering heat
Of the day
Once again nighttime is coming
Bringing a gift of coolness
And peace

She sat in utter silence
In an unfamiliar place
Everything was new
Never experienced before

She was barely noticed
Almost invisible to the eye
Out of her own element
She tried to melt into the wall
She was an outsider

She sat in silence
Barely noticed
Quiet
Almost invisible
Barely seen and heard

She was from another place
Another time
She had traveled a long distance
To be here

She was not seen nor heard
She was insignificant
She was the unfamiliar one
She did not truly exist in some ways

There is a grey colored mist floating through the air almost like a haze in the air
The sun is starting to come up over the horizon – a hot pink ball slowly rising over the sea
A man is standing on the beach facing out to the water, bare feet buried in the sand
He lets the ocean waves gently wash across his feet
The water is neither too hot nor cold, it is just right
His pants are rolled up as to not get wet
He is wearing a muted grey colored sweater
Standing with his hands in his pockets, he is facing the water, watching, listening to the pounding of the waves as a soothing drum beat ever so slowly
He closes his eyes to listen and smell the salt in the air like perfume
The sounds and smells calm him – leave him with a sense of peace
He then opens his eyes and looks off to the right, down the beach
He sees a woman slowly approaching him from a distance
She is walking slowly to the beat of the waves
He closes his eyes once again, waiting for her
Then he opens his eyes and sees her standing by him now watching and listening to the roar of the raspy waves
They smile to each other, grasp hands, turn and continue walking down the beach together

BRM 2012

The rain is finished now
The city is drying out
The sky is painted bright blue
It’s a cool morning
There is a hint of freshness in the air
Breathing is a pleasure

Afterwards
It’s a beautiful perfect day
Enjoy the moment
The artistry of nature
At its best

Some say things just happen
Others say destiny assists and guides
Some say what is meant to be will be
Others say we shape our own path
Some say our futures our pre written
Others say this isn’t so
Some say there’s something called destiny
Some of us choose to dance with it

Some say things just happen with no rime or reason to them
Others say destiny always has a hand
Some of us choose to dance with it
Some say what is for you can’t be stopped no matter what
Some say that isn’t so

All I know is
I am on a path before me
That I believe to be true
Things have happened in my life to ease my traverse down that path
I am dancing with destiny

I am doing the impossible
What is hard is made easy
When the waters ran deep I didn’t falter
When the mountain was high I climbed to the top
When the distance was far I traveled it
I am dancing with destiny

I am living a miracle
That I could not have created on my own
I am where I am supposed to be
If that’s not destiny then what is?

Pink cotton candy clouds
Made of sweet spun sugar
Look too good to eat
As they paint the sky
Against a bright blue sky
Which drape a rose colored city
With an exotic look
Pink cotton candy clouds
Remind me of pink Necco wafer candies
Bringing back sweet memories

I live among ghosts
Phantoms
They keep calling me
I walk by memories
Old haunts
I touch them ever so slightly
Carved through year’s of life
There are spirits
Vapors of life
I feel them touch me
They hover above
They watch
They listen
They are always there
I see remnants of where they were
I feel them
I can’t escape them
Every where I turn
Everywhere I look
I feel them
Echoes of them embedded
I feel them in the air
I feel them in thoughts
I feel them in faces
I live among ghosts and memories
Of another time

May the luck of the wind carry you in times of duress

May the luck of the wind bring you happiness at times of sadness

May the luck of the wind
take you to unexplored places

May the luck of the wind touch
your cheek gently like
butterfly kisses

Let it protect you
Keeping you safe
May it bring you peace and comfort

Sweet memories like melodies that gently play in our minds that help define us as we weave our ways through our lives.

These memories have a sweet perfume of experience and life which touches our cheeks ever so gently each and every day.

As the bright sun poured down on her
With its searing heat
It was unbearable
She needed a reprieve
There was the sound of water nearby
She found a beautiful waterfall
She couldn’t wait
The heat propelled her
She walked into the water
Under the waterfall
Letting the cool water run over her
As the water poured over her
It offered a soothing reprieve from the sun and heat
Eventually a cool breeze came
And gently blew across her face
Leaving a sense of peace and calm
It was so perfect
She never wanted to leave
She had found paradise

It was the morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was. brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was calming to watch them

The sound of the rain was calming
and hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, and orange

As the rain hit the side of the building it made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a hint of the wet leaves like a natural perfume

The entire scene evoked feelings of peace

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

As you close your eyes, think of the ocean, its color, the smell, and everything about it. Imagine yourself slowly melting into the water. Let yourself become part of it. Feel the coolness on your body. Let it calm and refresh you.
When you are outside take a deep breath and smell the air and let it cleanse you.

Realize once again, as you have always known, that you are a part of all things here and in the universe.

If the sun shines, look at its brightness and realize and remember that is a part of who you are as well. Let your spirit fly free. Your heart and spirit are pure.

When you close your eyes again, let music play in your head, hear the notes and the sounds as they play in your mind and realize that is a gift from the universe.

You are part of the most magnificent orchestra in the universe -- life, and your talent is your instrument.

Silver Sliver of a Moon
There’s a small sliver of moon tonight
It hangs in a thick, rich black velvet sky
The moon glimmers a soft white
The sky looks rich enough to touch
In the distance is a glow of the city

Another day closes with a new
night beginning
The air has cooled to the breath
The lungs feel refreshed
A slight healing breeze is blowing
It soothes the heat beaten brow

Plants welcome their daily drink
People move on the street enjoying
the cool reprieve and coming night

Every now and then someone
looks up and smiles at the moon
It’s magic
The moon looks down at the earth
and smiles back

Folks drinking coffee in a cafe
Surrounded by red cushions
That adorn bright white walls
Golden lights
Suspended from the ceiling
Music playing with a soft hypnotic sound
Sometimes jazz
Tables set with clear dark red glasses
Professional waiters moving to and fro
People sitting outside under red umbrellas which offer welcomed shade
Tables adorned with coffee
And other breakfast goodies
On the start to another hot steamy day
In the city

Summertime Moments

Our lives are like books
Divided into chapters
Each one may be a year
or more
Or less
Depending
There’s a beginning when
we are young
A middle
and the then the final stage
when we move towards
older age
Like an artist or writer
We create each chapter
Based on our choices in life
The people we meet
Our experiences
As we move forward in our life
we may change and
adjust our chapters
Each life book is different
from another
Unique unto us only
No more or less value than another
Each life experience helps
to shape us and grow
Adding to the chapter
In our own way
we are each a creator
and artist
Of our life and world

Open your eyes
Abre sus ojos
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

Abre sus ojos
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

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
See the woman before you
See her heart and spirit
Where she has been

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
The world is waiting

Get your groove
Find a rhythm
Beat it loudly
With energy
Let the sound carry
Far and wide
Beat it
For the ill
For the dying
For the suffering
For all the lost souls

Beat the drum

For the living
As loud as you can
March down the street
Proudly
Let others hear you
Let them join you

Beat the drum

For the world
For all of us