It was sundown
The sun had just set
The moon was out
A large white ball on the horizon
It almost looked surreal
Just hanging there
As if on a thread
Against a gray blue backdrop
Clouds painted the sky
Fluffy and white
With two openings
From which white bands of light shone down
It’s as if they came from heaven
Natures art
From the master
Of everything

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

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

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

At a time of difficulty
Reach for the easy
Believe
Achieve
Inspire
Be thankful

Look around you
See what there’s to see
Experience life to the fullest
Enjoy every day
Treasure each moment
Give love
Instead of hate
Offer kindness
Instead of cruelty
Make someone smile
Fill your heart with joy
Pass it on to another
Be thankful

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 sun is about gone for the day
It is that time before nightfall and daytime

A slight warm breeze is blowing, teasing the face
The branches of the plants are gently moving

A touch of sun can still be seen in the distant horizon
The city street below is full of life
Restaurants open

People moving about
A drum beat of music can be faintly heard in the background

Voices talking from the restaurant and bar next door
Lights of the city coming on for the night

As the city prepares for nightfall to come one more time

It’s been a long time since I really saw you
Really saw deeply into you

We pass like two ships sometimes
Barely seeing the other
Barely touching the other

It’s been a long time since I really saw you
Really saw deeply into you
Felt you close to me
Felt your spirit

It’s been a long time since I really saw you

I’ve missed you
All that you are to me
I’ve missed you
Where did you go?

It’s been a long time since I really saw you

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

Will you take my hand and walk across the bridge of life with me
Will you sit in the stillness with me and savor the moment
Will you walk the shore of the sea with me picking up seashells

Will you stay with me and watch the moon and the stars

Will you travel the universe with me

Will you stay with me forever

It was a perfect day on the island
It was miles away from the main city


To get there one had to ride the ferry for an hour across the blue waters


The sand on the beach was white and fine to the touch like fine silk
The water at times was turquoise

The beach was little lined with large umbrellas stuck in the sand
They were numerous colors and multi colored


People were sitting under them watching the waves
The waves pounded the shore breaking with bright white foam

The air was warm but not hot with a slight breeze soothing to the touch

Palm trees swayed to the breeze their leaves glistening in the sun
As the sun hit the ocean the surface looked like a million diamonds

Children were running up and down the beach laughing and playing games while parents kept a watchful eye

A man pushed an ice cream cart down the beach selling ice cream treats

A mother and her daughter played in the waves
The daughter eventually sitting in the water letting the waves run over her

It was a perfect day in every way

Everyone was grateful for the perfect day and a little slice of heaven

Streets bustle with crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday
Street corners become impassable because of the large throngs of people trying to get somewhere making the city look like a giant mosh pit
Trees are brightly light up for the season
Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets playing to the beat
Giant nutcrackers adorn one building on 6th Avenue along with giant ornaments and strings of lights
Street vendors sell their wares up and down the street from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry
Hundreds of Santas and elves move throughout the city spreading their holiday cheer
Tourists and residents participate in the 12 bars of Christmas bar crawl while strolling through the city
Lines go around the corner for the Radio City Christmas show waiting for the next show
Cops line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades to move the crowds
The Hilton Hotel bar area is filled to capacity with folks needing refreshment before finishing their shopping
Nothing like Christmas time in New York……………

Step forward instead of backward
Lift up instead of put down
Help instead of hurt
Love instead of hate
Inspire instead of limit
Kindness instead of harshness
Integrity instead of corruption
Lightness instead of darkness
Hope instead of despair
Laughter instead of tears
Creativity instead of bland
Dancing instead of sitting
Tolerance instead of none
Positivity instead of negativity
Possible instead of impossible
Step forward

Where did that 16 year old girl go?
What about the 28 year old?
Where are they?
Life passed so quickly
Where is the strength and freedom of youth?
The excitement of the new?

How do I find her and bring her back ?
Is she in the recesses of my mind and heart ?
Is she hiding ?
Dimmed by life’s travails

Where is that 16 year old girl
Filled with energy and emotion
How can I find her?
Where is she?
Is she in me when I look in the mirror ?
How can I feel free?
To run on the beach or fly like a bird

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

Bright blue skies
A few white clouds
Golden rays
Multi colored flowers everywhere
Green trees swaying
Fragrant scents adorn the air
Like perfume

Sunbeam days
Light calming breezes
Blow across the face
Teasing it ever so slightly
Like gentle butterfly kisses

Sunbeam days
Ocean waves pounding the shore
Turquoise water
Endless sandy beaches
Smooth as silk
Umbrellas everywhere

Sunbeam days
Music in the air
Hints of summer
Fill my mind

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 pink 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

Love comes in all shapes and sizes
It spans oceans, rivers, mountains and deserts
It spans distance and time
Languages and cultures

Loves comes in all shapes and sizes
Young and old
Well and ill
Speaking and silent
Heard and not

Love comes and heals
It lifts up
When nothing else can
It turns darkness into light
Brings brightness to the dull

Love comes in all shapes and sizes
It inspires
It touches our deepest recesses
And melts them like honey
It lights a fire in us
That never goes out

Love comes in all shapes and sizes
Love never ends
It goes on forever
Like burning embers

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

The leaf was attached to a branch for decades
Every year it retuned
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

It was quiet and still.
Not a sound could be heard.
A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance almost invisible.
The trees laid out a rich green carpet underneath the trees.  
It looked luxurious and sublime.
The sky was pale blue gray with pillows of fluffy clouds.
They broke up the sky with their placement and streaks.
The sky was highlighted by a light which had a shadow resembling a renaissance painting.
Perhaps Monet.
As I looked at the clouds, they became brighter, and started to turn to a light pink color.
Eventually the color changed to a deep pink.
It was so beautiful and indescribable.

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

It’s that time of year
Fall crispness is in the air
Trees abound with bright colors
There scents of apples, cider and pies wafting through the air
Oranges, reds and golds are the colors of choice
Sweaters are pulled out
Vests and coats are worn
Boots and warm socks
Thoughts of holidays fill the mind
Light snow tickles the landscape
Piles of leaves in yards
Holiday decorations in stores
The mindset changes
To a holiday mode
Thoughts of sugarplums
Love, care and charity appear
It’s the season

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

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
Refresh and give energy
Nurture the body
To lift up the soul
And light up the world

You are on a Greek isle
There’s a bright blue sky
With a few white clouds
Bright fuchsia flowers
Adorn the area
The ocean is sapphire blue
Nearby is some laundry
Hanging in the wind
Bright white sheets
Just washed
That move to the rhythm
Of the wind
Giving off a scent
Of cleanliness
It’s calming and hypnotic
Magic

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

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

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

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Soft touches
Gentle smiles
Bright laughter

Dreaming of moonbeam nights
Hidden places
Cherished moments

Lying in the dark
16 year old girl
Many years ago
Holding a portable radio
To ones ear
Listening to music
Rocking to the beat
Imagining far away places
Feet moving to the beat
Eyes closed
Letting the clouds of sleep
Approach as I listen to the
radio
Rockin to the beat
In the darkness

Red Velvet Blues

He’s got the red velvet blues
He loves the feeling of the fabric
Smooth and silky to the touch
Intoxicating in its beauty

Red Velvet Blues

He once saw a girl wearing one
He was mesmerized
He’d never seen anyone like her
Nor the dress
Together they were beyond belief

Red Velvet Blues

She looked like an angel
Almost not human
So beautiful and fresh
The dress was stunning
So was she

Red Velvet Blues

He asked her to dance
Held her close
The red velvet dress soft to his touch
He never wanted to let go

Red Velvet Blues

Even to this day
Many years later
He remembers the girl and that dress
He never forgot
She was embedded in his soul

Red Velvet Blues

The children lived near a large field
It was summertime
The grass was brown
Almost a taupe color

Sometimes they would play softball or just run around the entire field
Hoping to take off into the sky like birds

By the field was a forest
It was full of tall pine trees and others
The pines seemed to touch the sky
The children used to climb the trees and sit on the branches looking out on the land
They felt free

One day they decided to build a tree house in one particular pine tree
It was their favorite

They gathered wood and other supplies from their houses to make it
They spent hours building it
It was their secret
They swore an oath to not tell their parents

When finished they climbed inside
Hidden from the world
They stayed for hours
Enjoying the breezes and listening to the branches and leaves rustling
The smell of pine filled the air
It was intoxicating

The children were so happy
They felt on top of the world
They never wanted it to end

For just a little while
For one fleeting moment
I touched home
To a small part of it
I sat and had a cup of coffee
Like times past when I visited a place like this

A small slice of America
Just one tiny sliver in a large pink city
For one moment it felt familiar
I looked around and felt that
I had touched a slice of my country
The look, the feel, the smell all famliar

Oh I know there are problems there now
Severe ones
A lot has to be done and changed
But within me are those threads from there
Those are the ties that bind us
Once in a while they tug at me
Touching my heart with
Memories
Life adventures
Family
Roots

This is true for all of us
We have roots to a place, threads of personal history
Where we began

But, for just a little while
I touched home
Sat in a small slice of America
Drank my coffee
Same as years ago
Ate my cinnamon roll
Savoring the taste
Remembering my voyage through life and all that brought me here

Sometimes when we are delayed
Or slowed down
In doing something
There’s a reason
We may not know it
But there is
We shouldn’t fight it
Those pauses are for protection
To stop us
From doing something
Not really meant for us
Later on as we look back
We will see and understand
When you are delayed
Or stopped
Just become still
The universe is looking out for you
Trust and believe
Light up the world

When you left that night forever part of me died
You were my bright North Star
You glimmered like diamonds
Without you I wasn’t grounded
I had no center
My heart was weeping from the loss

My spirit was trapped in total darkness
I felt like I was slipping away
Lost without an anchor
Like a ship without a port
I was unable to find my way home
Everything was upside down and backwards

I had lost my bright North Star

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

I am lost
In the fog
I pray for guidance
Something to hold on to
As I walk forward
Looking for signs
I feel lost
My guideposts are gone
Or hidden
I reach out my hand
To feel one
Yet nothing is there
I keep walking
Hoping the fog lifts
Then as I walk
A glimmer of light
Down the road appears
Not much but something
As I get closer to it
The light brightens
The guideposts reappear
I reach over to touch one
I feel more secure
That eventually
I won’t feel as lost
The light will shine
Once again

There is a very special place a long, long ways away.....it is thousands of years old with traces back to Spain and before. In the land of a thousand and one nights. It is a city built of light rose pink buildings with turquoise window frames and a feeling of a great pace. Things move slowly here as there is no reason to rush. At night, a calm falls over the city and takes on a lavender hue. People sit in cafes enjoying their coffees and the hypnotic breezes that brush across their faces. Some call this feeling the purple haze. It seeps into buildings, through the walls and windows covering its residents with a soft blanket while they sleep. It has a delicate scent of lilacs and the color is a pale colored lavender with flecks of gold and silver woven through it like a fine tapestry or fabric. As the mist penetrates the air, it brings about a feeling of total peace and tranquility second to none. The origin is a mystery,  though some say it comes from the snow capped Atlas mountains near by.

What is special?
When someone says
You’re not that special
That others have more value
Than you
But what is it to compare
People to people
Relationship to relationship
As we are all unique unto ourselves
No one is the same
So if someone says you’re not special
What are they also saying
About themselves
For how can we judge
A person’s worth
To another
Without being in their skin
We are all unique
Each with our own destiny
Different from another
How can we be anything
But special
For we each are an individual square
On the quilt of humanity
Together making up the whole
That’s special

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

He stands at the shore
The water gently brushes his toes
He is alone
He has done this before
Many times
Across the waters
It’s a cool day
The sky is light gray
No clouds are in sight
The waves are slow and deliberate
Across the waters
He has been standing  for some time looking  west
He is also watching the waves
Their rhythmic movement
It’s hypnotic
Across the waters
He breathes in the air deeply
It has the aroma of salt
It’s refreshing
It has a calming effect
Across the waters
He thinks about what is on the other side of the ocean
He prays this time it will work
He concentrates with all his might
He’s trying to send a message
Across the waters
Will it arrive?
Will they hear him?
Hello, can you hear me?
Please answer back
He waits for a long time
Across the waters
Hoping for an answer
Anything
Once again nothing comes
He is left with emptiness
He turns and walks away
Across the waters
Over the years,  he tried many times
Hoping his message would be received
It traveled thousands of miles
Hello, can you hear me?
I am calling you
Please answer me
Across the waters
Finally after years of nothing
He gets an answer back
He can’t believe it
Is it real?
How is this possible?
Across the waters
Hello is it you?
I heard you calling me
I have tried to find you
But could not
How are you?
I have missed you so
I can’t believe it’s you
Across the waters

She has a honey lemon voice
When she speaks its hypnotic
Her voice sounds like music
To the ear
It has a rich tone like fine wine
Honey lemon voice
She can calm frayed nerves
Elevate someone
Soothe rawness
Just by speaking
Honey lemon voice
She doesn’t have to yell
Or shout or jump up and down
She just has to speak
People smile and listen
Honey lemon voice
It’s as if her voice were gold
With spoonfuls of honey
And just a touch of lemon
Honey lemon voice

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

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

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.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

What’s in a name?
Besides our identity?
Our family?
Roots?
What does it mean?

What’s in a name ?
Does it one carry more weight?
Does it have special meaning?

What’s in a name ?
Is it more than a name?
Does it bring back treasured memories?
Does it represent a time?
Does it evoke feelings?

What’s in a name ?
Why does it matter?
Can someone else own it?

What’s in a name?
Is there hidden meaning?
What’s in a name ?

Besides the obvious ?
Does it have special powers?

You are a beautiful red maple leaf
Sitting delicately on a branch
You are one of many
The tree is a regal old maple
It has been there for years
With a tall sturdy trunk

The fall season has begun
Leaves are turning to turn colors
This tree has bright crimson red leaves
Some have already fallen to the ground
Others like you are still on branches

There is a slight cool breeze
It causes the leaves to rustle softly
The grasses bend and move to it
The landscape is dabbled in color everywhere

You are part of the landscape
Brightening the yard where you are with your color and shape

A quiet time
A time of reflection
Some people sleep in
When things slow down
Before the start of a new week
Some practice their faith
Others spend time with family
Some walk through nature
Cities are emptier
Less traffic and honking horns
There’s a stillness in the air
It’s peaceful

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

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
With your brightness and light

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours

You found a place and never left
You took me to new places

Many many years ago
You lifted up my spirit
You touched my heart with love
You gave me care

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
You showed me the world

You showed me the moon
You gave me the sun
You gave me everything
You touched my heart with yours
You never left

I was standing in the valley
By a mountain
The grass was so green
Like emeralds
The air was clean and fresh
Wildflowers were everywhere
All colors and sizes
Like a Monet painting
I had been waiting
For a long time
It seemed like forever
Then I looked up
And I saw
Slowly walking
A man
It was you
My heart jumped
I started trembling
I couldn’t believe it
After so long
After so many prayers
You were here
Standing in front of me
I reached out my hand
You smiled and took it
We started walking
Disappearing
Into the green valley

I move into the mist slowly
The sky is a gray black
The moon is out shining
bright through the gray
I have lost my way
I struggle to find you
but I can not
I come across a fire
burning bright amongst
the mist and the gray
Surrounding it are spirits
dancing in the shadows of the night
Figures highlighted by the light of the fire moving rhythmically
I look around, and then I see you
Shadow dancing with my heart
I take a breath and I realize I am now free

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

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

When you feel all muddled up go into the forest and sit amongst the green
Let your eyes feat upon the beauty

Inhale the perfume of nature
Let the beauty and stillness of it calm you

Be at peace