The darkness and stillness of the night are comforting
They can be hypnotic
Drawing one towards sleep
As the city noises stop

The feeling of the coolness of the air as the temperature drops
Feels wonderful
After the heat of the day

The sky turns black velvet with a hint of starlight or perhaps a sliver of moon

The warmth  of the bed draws you in
Covered with sheets and blankets wrapped for the night

As you lie there listening to the quiet your body craves sleep as your eyes begin to close

Dreamland awaits

The doorway was full of white lights
It looked exotic
With long burgundy drapes
Darkness ahead
Green plants out on a terrace

The doorway was full of white lights
It looked exotic
With long burgundy drapes
Leading to a magical place
Faraway

The doorway was full of white lights
It looked exotic
With long burgundy drapes

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

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

Throughout our lives we all have many streets by where we live.

We may call them my street or our street or the street I live on.

In my case they have had many names including: Slaterville Road, Mitchell Street, Rua Dona Verdiana, Ellis, Luverne to name a few.

Our streets may just contain residences or may be a mixture of both shops and homes. Some may be older while some are quite new.

Some are tree lined or have flowers and others are quite bare and pristine looking. Almost empty.

My new street is over 70 years old and hosts a cafe right by where I am, with hotels and interesting shops nearby.

It is also decorated with large trees, including orange trees, which offer a lovely bright green canopy from the sun.

Streets host our lives and witness our daily activities. They are a center point for us.

On any given day I can sit at the cafe, sip my coffee and quietly watch the world go by.

Streets ground us to where we are.

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

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

They were taken captive by surprise
It was an unseen enemy
They had to stay inside
It was everywhere
Unseen

While it looked beautiful outside
There were hidden dangers
Even loved ones might carry it
Innocent children not so innocent
They too could bring it

It started out slowly
Making its moves across the country
Soon the whole world had it
Seeping into all places
Hidden and seen
Known and unknown

It was as if humanity was handcuffed
Kept as a prisoner
Each held in their own prison cell
Unable to live as they once had
A new normal had arrived
There was before and after

There was no telling when it would end
Everyone was waiting for a change
Yet to come
There were new heroes then
Science was heralded
As were doctors and nurses
All front line people
They risk every day

At night we sat with our fears
Afraid to sleep
Not sure what the morning will bring

Siege

Summer is here
Arrived with a fury
The sun is intense
Burning
Skies are crystal clear
It’s getting hot
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer much cooler weather
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
I can melt
An egg can fry
Animals seek shade
Anywhere
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown
Wilting
We all want a reprieve
Seeking something cool
Hot as hades

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  a winter wonderland
The holiday lights are out
Houses decorated at their best
Scents of pine waft through the air
Snow is lightly falling
It’s a winter wonderland

Streets are full of people
Running to and fro
Buying their wares
Shops are decorated
Its a winter wonderland
It’s like magic
Once a year
That touches the heart
Deep inside
Making people lighter
Smiles are brighter and bigger
Laughs deeper

It’s a winter wonderland
Believe

He’s gone
I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not by our own choice
We had to
He’s gone
Back where he came from
He disappeared into the night

When I woke in the morning I had hoped he was still here but he’s not
He left in the murky shadows of darkness
It seems so unreal
Like a bad dream
I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
He’s gone

The brightness has left me
My heart has a hole
The lightness is turning dark
The humor and fun
Sour
He’s gone

And I am left here alone searching for him for the rest of my life

The horse was a beautiful black color
He was stunning
He was a proud stallion
Perfect and strong
He looked like black velvet

Sometimes he would run along the shore as fast as he could
His hooves almost lifting off the ground like flying
It was magic to watch

He was so perfect he almost didn’t look real
His coat gleamed against the sun
His favorite time to run was sundown
When the water glimmered like gold dust
As he ran, his mane flew behind him like wings galloping as fast as he could

As he ran people along the way stopped to admire him almost mesmerized by his beauty
They had never seen anything like him

He was special and unique
It was nature’s magic

We have the power to heal
We have the power to touch
Deep inside
We have the power to love
We can lift up ourselves
We can lift up others
We can even lift the whole world
We can warm the coldest night
We can embrace others
We can stand in the light

We have the power to change
We have the power to grow
Beyond ourselves
We have the power to heal

All we have to do is try
Believe
Light up the world

A red rose is perfect in every way
The blue sky with hints of white clouds is stunning
Oceans with their white capped waves are hypnotizing
Beaches with silky sand cool to the touch
Yet, right now humans are limited
The outside world doesn’t offer much solace
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

How I crave to leave the terrace and walk the streets
To sit at a cafe or bakery for breakfast
To go to the store and not fear what may happen
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

The light breezes blowing across my face
The blooming roses on the terrace
The memories of normality
Haunt me in my memories and dreams
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

Oh how I long for this time to pass
For the ability to come and go
To be free of stress and worry
To feel the stillness and peace again

Poison Beauty

The butterfly was a beautiful burnt orange color with black markings
It stood out against the flowers
It had a favorite garden it called home in another land
It likes the variety of flowers and the fountains
It loves peace and stillness

It was known for its gentility and beauty
It’s wings are like tissue paper
Fragile and light
Yet strong enough to carry it anywhere
Every spring it arrived to feast upon the flowers
Late in the fall  it leaves to slumber until the next season

It liked to fly from flower to flower taking in their nectar and perfume
Each flower was different in a special way

When the butterfly spread its wings it can fly quite a distance
Even crossing one state to another
Children always marvel at their beauty
Sometimes it will light on a hand but only for a minute before flying away
They need to be free like the wind or spirit
Not caged

If one is lucky they will touch your cheek with a soft butterfly kiss
Or perch on your shoulder for just a minute before flying away

Chained

She was in the water
Chained
She was struggling to get to the surface
Fish swam all around her
As she desperately thrashed

She wanted to be free
She felt trapped
She had a hard time breathing

She was in the water
Struggling to get free
She wanted to push through
But couldn’t

Whales started swimming around her
Every now and then going to the surface to break free

As their bodies lifted above the water and dropped down they created a huge splash

She watched with envy wishing she could do the same

Then all of a sudden the chains broke
She was free
Her burdens lifted
She felt light

As she made her way to the surface a whale swam beside her
As if it was guarding her

Then she grabbed its back fin and the whale lifted them both out of the water

She felt joy as she broke free
She lifted her head and looked at the sun

She climbed onto the back of the whale
They swam together towards the shore
She climbed off the whale and walked to the beach
She was free
Her burdens had been lifted
She looked out to the sea and smiled

I saw you sitting there
I had never seen anyone like you
You were so sublime
Exotic
So enchanting
Dazzling really
When I heard you speak
And saw your smile
I was memorized
You captured my heart and so much more
I knew then I would love you forever
You are true magic and you dazzled me with your spell

Sitting in a café
Slowly drinking my coffee
Enjoying the light breeze blowing
Teasing me tenderly
Watching the world pass by
Streets full of cars and people
Motorbikes and bicyclists

I’m street watching

Watching the trees swaying
Taking in the scene
Checking out the news
Feeling mellow and calm

I’m street watching

From where I sit I can see several streets, restaurants, cafes and shops
People walking to and fro
Seeking what they need or desire

I’m street watching

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

She was staying at the beach
Her room was on the boardwalk
The beach was beautiful
White sand
Smooth as silk
Turquoise water
Warm sun but not too hot
When the sun hit the water
The reflection looked like shimmering diamonds

One night after dinner she sat on a bench
Facing the ocean
Watching the moon and sea do their dance together
The moon shone brightly down on the waves
Highlighting the white tips of the waves
As the moon continued to shine
The water seemed to move in an almost hypnotic way
Getting stronger and stronger
Drawing her to it

She was entranced
She could not pull herself away
Though time passed and it was time to go
She couldn’t
She was transfixed
By the moment
She watched the dance of the moon and the sea
As they spun their magic together

Know now whenever we see each other, there will be a feeling of great peace

We will feel safe
We will feel cared for

We will remember and continue as if there was never a break in time and space

There will always be the feelings of great care and connection
We will feel as if we have arrived home. We will be home

When we look into each others eyes, we will feel great comfort.
When we laugh, we will feel great joy

And, no matter how far the cord stretches, there will always be a thread between us
That is gold and white light called the universe

We are friends
We are one

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

What is it?
A number?
An address
A password
A birth year?
Expiration date?
A seat on a ticket?
An age?
Of wine
Whiskey
Bourbon
A person
What does it mean?
Aged?
Elderly?
Feeble?
Or is it just a number
Defined by the situation
And person

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

It was a cool gray day
No hint of sun
The sky had a heaviness to it
It had rained the night before
The cool air seeped into ones bones leaving a dull ache

People were sitting in the café having their breakfast
Many seats were empty
The atmosphere was muted

It made one long for the freshness of spring

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

Waiting
Waiting for Paris
To see the glimmering city
See the Eiffel Tower
To walk the streets
Sit at the cafes
Visit the markets
Slowly sip coffee
Savor the food
Take in the history
Admire the beauty
Waiting for Paris ....

As you look out the window as nighttime approaches you see bright pink streaks against a grey blue canvas

The pink color brightens as night approaches, the color becoming more intense and deep

As time clicks by the streaks of pink start to gently pull apart like cotton candy threads

Dusk is approaching bringing a coat of light black

The lipstick pink color disappears replaced by the start of nighttime once again

Whispering winds blow across my face
Soothing my troubled soul

Whispering winds blow across my face
Bringing sweet scents of flowers

Whispering winds blow across my face
Lifting me up

Whispering winds blow across my face
Healing my pain

Whispering winds blow across my face
Reminding me of you

Into the night
Dream sweet and long
May your it heal you
Take away your troubles
Take you to wonderland
Be peaceful and calm
Till morning
When the sun greets you
With its beautiful brightness
Revel in the start of a new day
Once again
A fresh start

Dream on

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 tender kiss
The soothing feeling
Of 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
A reinvention
Glorious
It’s a time for new beginnings
And magic
It’s absolutely glorious

Many years ago a young man traveled to a far away land
He met a young woman while there
They became sweethearts
When Valentines Day came he had never experienced it
But he went and found a gold heart box of chocolates decorated with an orange rose
He put it in a brown paper bag with a card to give to his sweetheart
When he saw her, he handed her the bag and smiled a big, bright smile

He said happy Valentines Day!

The sweetheart box

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
Safety
Peace and harmony
She belonged
She had come home
To her east coast heaven

As the semblance of the facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit reside. Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest and let me feast upon your heart for a while

It’s the season
Of greens and reds
Scents of pine
Apple cider
And hot chocolate
Where glitter
Brings light and magic
It’s the season of
Cheer and good feeling
Where love usurps all
Smiles replace frowns
Laughter instead of tears
Just a touch of glitter
Spread by all
Throughout the land
Can lift up the world
With a little kindness
And magic
It’s the season
Of belief
Light up the world
With your special light

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

When you left
I missed that
Like being withdrawn
From a wondrous drug
Things felt hollow
Empty
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
I never want to leave

She was just 16 years old
Yet she loved like someone older
She met her true love in high school
At a dance
He was handsome and dazzling
She was enchanted
He was her prince

Heartache

All she wanted was to be with him
Forever
Yet life offers us twists and turns
Which we cannot control or change
Even when we want to

Heartache

There was going to come a day when he would leave
She didn't think she could bear it
But she made him a gift so he wouldn't forget
A small book with important dates and photos
It was made with all the love in her heart

Heartache

So at their final time together, she gave him the book which was a small part of her

She knew that we all have to follow our destiny
Even if it hurts
So she watched him leave her
Hoping some day that she  would  be given her dream

Heartache

You are standing on a beach.
The sand is warm and soft to the touch.
The sun is out and the sky is a clear brilliant 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 soothing breeze.
There is the smell of salt in the air.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances making the waves look like diamonds sparkling in the light.

As you begin to walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as the water.

As you walk further out into the ocean, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.

You are finally home.

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

The bond between animals and humans is sacred
To have the trust of an animal is very special
It is hard earned
Whether a pet or wild
When we bond to nature’s creatures
We reach a higher place
The best of ourselves
Our spirits touch on some level
There is communication
Between us
Though not with words
When an animal loves
It’s pure
Like rainwater
There are no ulterior motives
Of money or power
It’s just love
It is sacred
We should treasure it
Always

It’s a cold winters day
Fall is leaving for the year
The sun is out against a bright blue sky
There are a few white clouds

Old man winter is knocking at the door

The wind is whipping through the trees at a frantic pace
The trees are almost bare
Grass has turned brown
Animals are seeking warmth

Old man winter is knocking at the door

The air is  crisp and tickles the nose
It’s bitter, and biting against the skin
There’s a dusting of snow scattered around
People are out dressed in winter coats and hats

Old man winter is knocking on the door once again

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

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

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

Red Ruby lips
Soft touch
Gentle hands
Regal fingers with sensual elegance
Kind wise brown eyes
Bright flashing smile
Full infectious laugh
Melodic strong voice
All inspire the deep purple passion

Butterflies in the forest
Gently flying to and fro
On an early spring day
The sun gently slips through the trees
The air is crisp and clear
The scent of pine trees fills your lungs like expensive perfume
A few white clouds dot the powder blue sky

The butterflies are light pastel colors of blue, white and violet
As you stand silently and watch they fly close to you
Teasing you with a light touch like angels breath before flying away

It was a cool sunny morning
Spring on the horizon
The sky had a crispness to it
Sky was bright blue
The cool air was refreshing

Tourists were coming back
After a hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe having their breakfast
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me
You are in my heart
My soul
What makes up my spirit
The total essence of me
You have always been there
Since time began
You never left

You course through all of me
You are part of everything I touch

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are everywhere
You always have been

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

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

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
We have changed
Not as once I remember

I fear that we have lost our way
The direction has changed
Not my choice nor idea
I don’t recognize things anymore
It’s not what I was taught
It’s not what I stand for
Things seem upside down

I fear that we have lost our way
We are mired down in muck and darkness
Struggling to find the light
Struggling to find our way back

I fear that we have lost our way
We have lost that special essence
It made us unique
Unusual
One of a kind

We were dreamers
We were hopers
Anything was possible
At any time

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
I hope we will find our way back