Warm hypnotic breezes blow
The air is fresh and clear
Comfortable to breathe
A weeping willow bends to and fro
Its branches reaching towards the sky
The sky is light blue with a scattering of white clouds
Lulling one into a state of peace
Wind chimes play their melody to the rhythm of the wind
The willow tree leaves glisten from the sunlight
What a perfect summer day if only it could go on forever...

As the moon brightens, the waves slow down to a constant rhythm
While it is dark, you can see every detail, including the white caps of the waves as they crash to shore

As the light hits the water like a painters brush, the reflection looks like diamonds glistening

There is no noise, only the sound of stillness and your heart beating
The air is fresh with a hint of salt

As you listen to the quiet, you realize that you are at peace
You are where you are supposed to be
Doing what you are supposed to be doing

Moonlight

For just a moment
The sky is crystal clear
The air is fresh
It’s cool
I can breathe
Without struggle
Or stress
I feel human
For just a moment
Before the searing heat
Returns
Before the heavy air
Returns
Once again
I am grateful
For the reprieve
Even though
Brief

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

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

In the Dark

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

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

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

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

Canopy of White

It was snowing
The flakes were large and fragile
They looked like Queen Anne’s lace
The trees were covered with a white blanket
It created a canopy
The air was crisp and cool
In the distance was a cabin
It had been there for years
It was made out of wood
Handmade by the owner
Snow was piling up on the roof
Inside a fire was burning to combat the cold
Smoke was rising gently from the chimney
A kettle was on the stove to make tea
It was a good night for it
A dog was sleeping by the fireplace comforted by the warmth
Outside the snow continued to fall
Creating a postcard view
Not a sound could be heard on this peaceful night

Canopy of white

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

White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
which are highlighted by the lowering sun giving them an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a special magical hue

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land

The shades of pink change as the sun drops into the horizon

Evening is fast approaching
As the sun continues to drop its
time to relax and slow down

It’s the season
It comes just once a year
It’s special
It brings
Lots of memories
Togetherness
Good cheer
It’s the holiday spell
It’s magical
It’s a time to come together
Bring light not darkness
To reach out
Offering kindness
and glad tidings
To one and all
So free yourself
By letting go
Allowing the
magic to touch you
Lifting you up

Earth
It’s a true miracle
It stands out
Like a precious gem
Offering life
To plants, animals and us
It’s abundance is staggering
The variety of plants and greens
The richness and diversity of life
Both human and not
The beauty of the planet
Oceans, lakes and rivers
Mountains and valleys
Artistic skies
So far, we’ve not found anything like it
It’s unique
It’s our home
It’s a true oasis
A treasure
We need to take care of it

Dream makers make dreams come true

They spin magic
They create
They touch it
They live it
They own it

Dreams take on lives of their own
Like any creation

A dream maker takes an idea
And creates something out of nothing

Like a phoenix rising from flames

It takes true belief
In the dream and oneself
Become one
Make your own dream come true

My body is tired
My soul is tired
My bones ache
I just want to lay down
To rest a little

My body hurts
My soul stings
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My heart hurts
My mind is tired
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My eyes can’t see clearly
My hands can’t grasp
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My ears can’t hear
My nose hurts
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My compass is lost
I don’t know what to do
I don’t know where I am
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My body is tired
My heart hurts
My body aches
My soul stings
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

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 ....

Dreams are what we make
From the ideas, wants and desires
From our minds and spirits
We can take them into reality
At anytime
It just requires will, persistence
And faith
If you believe
Especially in yourself
You can do anything
At anytime, anywhere
Dream big
Watch it grow
Into your reality
We are each an artist
Creating our own worlds

Believe
In yourself
Your abilities
Believe
in others
The possibility for good
Believe
in the impossible
Believe
it will get better
Believe
In light over darkness
Believe
In kindness and love
Believe
In magic
Believe
In your own value
Believe
In possibilities
When you do
You light up the world

Every now and then
When we are away
We need to return
To a little bit of home
Sometimes it’s
Hard to find
But when we do
It can bring a smile
Offering comfort

So when you ache
Deep inside
For something familiar
Try and find a little
bit of home
Let it work it’s magic
Bringing the familiar
For just a moment
It can be magical

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

Snow covered pine trees blanketed with white
Muted lights outside
Cold air clean to the breath
Winter is here

Slow walking people bundled up
Bright colored scarves
Hats of all shapes and sizes
Winter is here

Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Fireplaces burning
Winter is here

Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Roasts awaiting the oven
Winter is here

Sweaters and boots
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Winter is here

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

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

Sometimes the words
Just don’t come
No matter what
There’s no inspiration
Nothing strikes me
Nothing is there
Just a blank page
It’s like a winter white out
It’s painful
The desire is there
The want to write
But nothing comes
It’s frustrating
I want it to end
The inspiration
To once again come
Blank Out

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 large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast, making the city look like a giant mosh pit

Trees are brightly light up for the season, store windows adorned with holiday decorations

Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets playing and singing 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 at a discount price

Radio City has lines around the block of folks waiting to get in for their annual show of the Rockettes

Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades to move the crowds waiting for a performance

The hotel bar areas filled to capacity with folks needing refreshment or a comfortable seat before finishing their
shopping

Nothing like Christmas time in New York

Safe spaces
Loving ones
We all need them
They are sacred
Places we can go
And feel safe
Comfortable
Cared about
Stress free
They are very important
To our well being
They can be anywhere
Anything really
Home
Restaurant
Park
A bar
Cafe
Salon
Store
Forest
Beach
Country
It doesn’t matter
What’s important
Is how we feel
When we are there
They bring comfort
Love and care
They are precious
Invaluable
Safe

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

Pink cotton candy clouds
Made of sweet spun sugar
Look too good to eat
I want to touch them
As they paint the sky
Against a bright blue sky
It’s stunning look
As they drape  a rose colored city
With an exotic look
It looks unreal
Pink cotton candy clouds
Remind me of pink Necco wafer candies
Bringing back sweet memories

Our lives are treasure chests
Filled with memories and experiences
Feelings
Every emotion possible
Images, smells, sensations
Each one is precious
Unique to us

Like a gemstone
Each one helps to define us
Each one helps us grow
To become who we are
Who we are meant to be

Our lives are like treasure chests
Valuable like a diamond or ruby
As time moves on they take on more value
Each one is a thread that helps mold us

Our lives are treasure chests
Beautifully designed
Intricate in every way
Filled with memories
Filled with experiences
Each one precious

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

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

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

Waking up
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it

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

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

It's been too long
Since I touched your face
Looked upon your smile
Heard your laugh
Felt your touch
Held your hand

It's been too long
Since we walked the beach
Smelled the sea air
Watched the waves
Wrote our names in the sand

It's been too long
Since we danced
Watched a movie
Ate popcorn
Sat in a cafe
Sipped coffee

It's been too long
Since I felt your presence
Near me

It's been too long...

If you see someone with a frown, smile
Choose laughter over tears
If you see someone that could use a little money, give if you can
If someone needs help, reach out
Offer kindness instead of harshness and cruelty
Love instead of hate
Don’t judge, accept

Walk towards the 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
Every bit matters

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

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

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
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

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

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 some time
I was trying to find you
I was told to come here
I was out in the land somewhere
I came upon a cave
Very large and dark
I entered it
And walked towards the back
Shadows of flames danced on the walls
The air was cool
As I approached the fire I saw you sitting beside it
Wearing a brown fabric robe
After so long you were there
You did not speak
I asked you where you had been, how you were
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

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

Seagulls

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

Seagulls

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

Seagulls

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

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

Seagulls

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

Seagulls

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

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Time to renew and refresh
Time to reflect
Time to forget and forgive
Time to clear out the cobwebs

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Time to embrace a clean slate
Time to renew
Time to get ready

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

The future is before us
The past is a memory
Time to get going
Time to focus
Time to make plans

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

Anything is possible
The world is our oyster
Time to make things happen

A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon
Get ready

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

People are like puzzle pieces
Each one a different shape and size

It takes the perfect piece to fit
Into a space made for it
Others just won’t fit

People are like puzzle pieces
All different sizes and shapes
It takes the right one to fit
Others may try but the fit won’t work

People are like puzzle pieces
Going through life looking
For their one perfect piece
The one made just for them
It fits on all sides
As if cut from the same pattern

People are like puzzle pieces
Searching their whole lives for that one perfect piece
Some are lucky and find it
Others never do

Rio nights
Beautiful beaches
Regal hotels lining the street
White silky sand
Turquoise water
Sultry breezes
Swaying palm trees

Black and white tiled sidewalks
Umbrellas everywhere
Children running and playing
At night the beach walk outlined with a string of pearl street lights

The sound of Portuguese in the air
Ice cream vendors moving along the beach seeking eager customers
Corcovado in the background

Beautiful bird kites — all colors
Flying high in the air
People wearing their best swimwear

Copacabana Days
Rio nights

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

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