We all have them
They are a part of life
Some are self inflicted
Others are not
Some come from others
Either close to us or not
But they all hurt
Deeply or shallow
They sting and cut us
Either physically
Or emotionally
There can be scars
After healing
But with some
They never entirely heal
But linger in the recesses
Of our minds and spirits
Triggered by something
To be remembered
Once again

It’s sacred
Cherished
Something we look forward to
It helps start the day
Either at home
Or work
Or for the lucky ones
Sitting in a cafe
The smell is heavenly
Better than the taste
Yet many crave it
Many need it
To start their day
It brightens up things
Sharpens
It’s part of a ritual
Usually in the morning
Sometimes at night
Morning coffee
There’s nothing like it

I came for you
Only you
Nothing else
If you had been
On the North Pole
I would have gone there
Anywhere
It’s not the place
It’s you
When you left
It broke my heart
My soul and body
I felt intolerable pain
So when a chance came
To see you again
After so much time
How could I resist
I am here for one reason
To follow my journey
To you
After all this time
It’s just about you

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

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

Mother Nature making magic

Sometimes in our darkest times
We are given a miracle of hope
When we want to give up
A thread to something
Comes
Light shining through
A hand reaching out
In the deepest darkness
We need to have faith
To believe
We should never give up
Even in our toughest times
Light will get through
Eventually
Believe
Let that faith light up the world
In the darkness

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
Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Fireplaces burning
Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Delicious soups
Roasts awaiting the oven
Sweaters and boots
Heavy coats with scarves
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Winter is here

Sometimes we get lost in the wind
When a large gust blows
Our spirit gets caught and taken away
Sometimes we lose our way
The path seems to disappear and
becomes hard to see

We may end up where we didn’t intend doing what we hadn’t planned

We may feel out of place and lost struggling to find our way back
To a time of comfort and safety
To a time of care and love

Sometimes we get lost in the wind
Fighting to find our way home
Eventually though
A new path appears
Leading us to
Our destiny

As the sun goes down
and the eve of Christmas begins
A silence and calm comes across the world
as a soft layer of clouds hovering over the world

Traffic slows down to a snails pace across the land and world
Streets and stores become empty and activity slows down

And as the hours pass and the time to Christmas draws closer
the world takes a breath and the air becomes quiet as a peaceful stillness

Lights glisten with their holiday beauty and splendor
Trees decorated up for the holiday

Families come together for a moment of holiday joy and sharing

And for just a moment in time, the focus is on peace and goodwill and tranquility throughout the land during the Christmas quiet

So, take a moment to listen to the quiet and stillness
To the bells ringing, the snow falling
And let it fill you with peace, joy, and goodwill

At this time of year
Winter is coming
A fresh new start is on the way

At this time of year

Holiday trappings are everywhere
Trees are waiting for a home
Children are anticipating Santa
Presents are wrapped

At this time of year

Choirs are singing
Churches are full
People are feeling good cheer
Smiles are bigger
Special meals being served

At this time of year

Let’s be more kind
Let’s be more positive
Let’s laugh more and criticize less
Let’s be grateful

At this time of year

Let’s remember what’s about
Let’s come together
Let’s love harder
Let’s assume the best
Let’s forgive more

Let’s remember we are all one

At this time of year

Are we going back to normal?
That’s what folks say
But what does that really mean
Will it be the same as before?
Is it safe yet?
Will we take some of the last year and keep it?
Have we learned that we are all one
We need each other to get through this
This is worldwide
Does it feel the same sitting in a cafe?
Does the coffee taste the same?
How do I bring back my old habits?
Will it be comfortable to me
What does comfortable look like now
What will the world look like a year from now?

Nazarene

She comes from afar
She lives overseas
She has for some time
She speaks differently
But that’s okay
She came for a reason
The nazarene

Every morning
She walks up the street
To visit a café
For coffee and croissant
To run errands
To exercise
The nazarene

While she sits
She writes
Poetry
If the muse are there
She listens to music
To inspire
She watches people
She listens
She becomes still
The nazarene

She watches the city
As she walks
She has a strident step
She passes shops
Pharmacies
Bakeries
Hotels
Street vendors
People selling their wares
While she’s different
She’s become
Part of the tapestry
In a way
She belongs
The nazarene

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

The magic room is a special place
Wonderful things are created
Beautiful things
They dazzle the taste buds
They are created from nothing
Special
Delicious
Each one different but good

The magic room

Every house has one
Along with a magician
An artist
They create magic every day
Waving their wand
Tantalizing their families
With goodies to delight
Heavenly meals
Offering new tastes

The magic room

You walk through the entrance of a cave.  At the end of the darkness is a small pool of water. The water is warm, but not too warm, the temperature is perfect and is a beautiful deep turquoise. Some areas are lighter colored than others. You slowly walk into the water and stand in the middle of the water. As you stand there, a waterfall starts to genre pour over you from above. Rays of bright golden light from an opening above the cave start shining making the water sparkle like diamonds.

There is a feeling of total peace and serenity

Bliss

As the sun goes down for the night
Take a moment to clear your mind
Close your eyes and become still
Savor it
Listen to the silence
As the heat calms down
Look up towards the moon
Notice its luminescence

As the world finally slows down
Slow down your heartbeat
Think about the good things you have

As you get ready to rest for the night
Let your body relax and carry you off to sleep
As you wake for the next day
Smile for a chance at a brand new start
Treasure each moment as they are a gift

Are you real?
Are you just a dream?
You seem too good to be true
I can hardly believe it
Imagination
Are you really here?
You are perfect in every way
The way you look
The way you walk
Your handsome face
You seem to good to be true
Imagination
Are you real or a dream?
You are like a melody
The sweetest of music
The finest piece of art
Imagination

They walk among us
They have always been here
They are the ancient ones
They are everywhere
Quiet
Listening
Watching
Protecting
They are of the spirit
More than the body
Their faces reflect light
They have seen things
Most have not
They carry peace
In their hearts

My heart hurts a bitter song
It craves what it cannot have
It misses more than words can say
It needs its home so far away
It wants to go home where it feels whole and a  part of something greater than itself

My heart hurts a bitter song
It craves what it cannot have

After feeling pulled underwater
For some time
I can breathe
After feeling uncomfortable
I can finally breathe
My shackles have been released
I can move without effort
My troubles have passed
They are behind me
The sun is out
No more stormy days
I feel peace and harmony
Like a whale or dolphin
Swimming to the surface
For air
Exhaling strongly
Once again I can breathe
Freely
Enjoying the feeling of freedom

Fresh air

You are a fairytale
Like what is written in books
A true prince in every way
When I look at you I can hardly believe it
That after all this time I am here
With you

When I first met you
I couldn’t believe you were real
You were handsome
You were exotic
You were the epitome of perfection
You dazzled like a gemstone
You are rare like a fine wine

Together we became a miracle
Together we fit
You were my puzzle piece
I was yours

And over time
We became a fairytale
We still are

Cold brisk air
Clear blue skies
Smells of pine
It's the season

Turkey cooking
Filled with special stuffing
Pies being baked
It's the season

Egg nog
Mulled wine
Wreaths on the door
It's the season

Family, friends gather
Kindness abounds
It's the season

Holiday parades
Santa on the move
Decorations everywhere
Trees and cities dressed up
It's the season

Feelings of goodwill
Love and care
Peace fills the air
It's the season

Once upon a choice
I danced with my soul
Rhythm
Once upon a choice
I chose to love you
Rhythm
Once upon a choice
I believed
Rhythm
Once upon a choice
I started anew
Once upon a choice
I danced with the moon
Rhythm
Once upon a choice
I held your hand
Rhythm
Once upon a choice
I lived a miracle
Rhythm
Once upon a choice
I found you

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
The wind is whipping through the trees at a frantic pace
The trees are almost bare
Grass has turned brown
Animals are seeking warmth
Huddled together
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
Cars struggle to start
Breath is visible in the air
Old man winter is knocking on the door once again

I will stand by you when you hurt
I will stand by you when you feel joy
I will be there in the good and bad
The hard and the easy
The darkness and the light
I will hold you up when you can’t
When you fall to the ground in pain
I will stand by you and lift you up
I will hold your hand to comfort you
And pull you close to me
I will never let you go
If you feel alone
You are not
Just turn around
And you will see
I am behind you
Standing by you
As I always have been
I always will
Just believe

Come dance with me
Let’s dance up in the stars
Let’s tickle the moon

Come dance with me
Let’s dance until sunrise
Let’s visit Mars and Venus

Come dance with me
Into our future
Hold my hand and walk along the beach

Come dance with me
Let’s walk by the Seine
Visit the Tower of London

Come dance with me
Forever

After the rain everything is fresh
The city has been given a redo
There is a scent of clean in the air
Plants are greener
Flowers brighter
Streets are washed
Dust is gone

The sky is clear and blue
Bright white clouds decorate the horizon
Mountains are visible
The rain washes away yesterday
Making room for today
It’s the start of a brand new day

Words can hurt
They can cut into the soul
Leaving deep wounds
Sometimes they remain
Never healing
Words can also uplift
They can heal
Touch one’s spirit
Inspire
Bring hope
Or they can break the spirit
Playing over and over
Bringing darkness
Destroying creativity
Or they can bring light
Inspiring great artwork
Literature and music
They can break hearts
Or mend them
Cause tears
Or stop them
It all depends
Which words are used
Choose carefully
Words

It’s a gray, foggy Sherlock Holmes looking morning outside

The sky is painted in dark muted colors
It resembles a black and white photo

There’s heavy gray mist floating amongst the trees
The streets are barely visible and deserted

There’s an eerie silence outside
It’s almost too quiet
Looks like a mystery movie about to begin

The wind chimes are clanging outside the window
Making their own type of music

The wind is whipping through the trees at such a furious pace the large weeping willow outside is bending and swaying to its own dance
Branches moving like the conductor of an orchestra

The clouds have turned dark and menacing dropping lower to the ground
The sky is color changing to match

A storm and rain is on the horizon
Get ready

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.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.

Slowly, quietly, a dark enemy was approaching which would propel us into something neither of us truly wanted. I don’t think anyone intentionally falls into an abyss, where there is only darkness and no light, but we did.

It felt like a black hole of nothingness. He was disappearing, bit by bit. It was as if he was slipping into quicksand and I couldn’t do anything to stop it. It was devastating. I felt helpless and alone.

The ocean was tranquil
Waves gently flowing
In and out
Hitting the shore
As they did, they left white foam
Their rhythmic sound was hypnotic
The salt smell  was exquisite perfume
The scene was calming
Seductive
Like meditation
As the sun hit the turquoise water
It glistened and glittered
Looking like a sea of diamonds
Turquoise diamonds
The scene was sublime
Absolutely perfect
For a hot summers day

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a bright sunny day.
The sky is a bright blue.
The air is warm but not too hot.
There is a slight breeze in the air.
There is a tint of salt in the air like a sweet perfume but the smell is not too heavy. The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out.
As the sun hits the water, diamonds show up and glisten against the light and the water.
It’s a perfect day

We all want to be free
To feel we can do and be
As we choose
Without being controlled
We need to be able to find our way
Unencumbered
Whether it’s taking a walk
Or shopping
Or sipping coffee
Or reading a book
Or just living
When freedom is taken away
Or stifled we feel smothered
Creativity ceases
The spirit grows quiet
Our light dims

Cold and dark winters night
Raining outside
Sky a deep black velvet
Temperatures cooling off
Hard to feel comfortable outside
Bones starting to ache

My heart, soul and body hunger for the sun
Just a glimpse of it through the clouds

I snuggle into my bed with warm blankets
Enjoying their warmth and comfort as the time passes into nighttime

My cat is by my feet seeking warmth for her body
I enjoy the sound of her purr as she falls asleep
Letting the sound calm me

After feeling pulled underwater
For some time

I can breathe

After feeling uncomfortable

I can breathe

My shackles have been released

I can breathe

I can move without effort

I can breathe

My troubles have passed
They are behind me
The sun is out
No more stormy days
I feel peace and harmony

I can breathe

Like a whale or dolphin
Swimming to the surface
For air
Leaping into the air
Exhaling strongly
Once again I can breathe


Breathe

Steamy Night

Hot heavy air fills the sky
No breeze to feel
The air is heavy
It’s steamy
Wind chimes are silent in the wind
Windows open
Searching for something
Anything light and breezy
Nighttime starts to come against the  dark sky
Temperatures hopefully will start to drop
Doors wide open to welcome the cool air
Things starting to slow down in preparation for the night to come
Everyone hoping to feel the coolness against the skin as the day ends and night comes
A slight reprieve from the heat
From nature
For just a moment

We all deserve dignity
To be treated with respect
No matter our situation
It shouldn’t be based on wealth
Nor social status
Skin color
Because we are all human
No matter our country
Language, faith or customs
We all need the same things
We have families
Friends
Homes
Respect should be easily given
Which brings dignity
For in the end
We all come from the same place
Dignity

At a time of great strife
The world doesn’t need war
Nor aggression
Hate or division
It needs peace
Light
Care
Not hate
This is a time of difficulty
A time of uncertainty
Fear and stress
Yet from the flames
A leader has risen
Others have come together
Perhaps for the first time
Yet there is darkness
Heaviness
And struggle
It’s hard to watch
Waiting
Hoping for an end
Wondering
Why now
Does this happen
When there’s already
So much in the world
All we can do is pray
Standing in the light
Standing up for the truth
Hoping it ends
War

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

Slide in and out of the recesses of our minds like clouds gently floating by

Some are older
Others quite recent

Some make us smile
Some make us frown
Some bring laughter
Others peace to the soul

Some seem so real it’s as if we can touch them once again and return to another time

In their own way
They are Magic
Unique to each of us

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

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

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

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

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

Calming

When cold runs through your hands
And your fingers grow numb
And your nose is cold to the touch
It’s arrived
When your toes feel cold
And your body seeks warmth
Anywhere
With jackets, scarves or heat
Trying to seek some comfort
A brief respite
Even a spot of tea
Or hot chocolate
With steam rising
The signs of the season arrived
It’s winter

It was Sunday 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
It was calm

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

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

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 scent of the wet leaves
Like a natural perfume
The entire scene evoked feelings of beatitude

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

We are so fragile
If you really look at us
We are the wisp of something
Like queen anne’s lace
We hunger for care
We hunger for gentility

Oh we may bluster
We may puff out our chests
We may yell
We may stomp our feet
In the end
We are fragile
Like a leaf
Like a flower petal

Our hearts are delicate
Easy to hurt
Easy to break
We seem strong
But we really are not

We are so fragile
Like a leaf
Blowing in the wind
Like a flower petal
Fallen to the ground
We hunger for care
We hunger for gentility
We hunger for harmony
We are fragile
Needing love
Peace
And comfort

We all have puzzle pieces
They are special and
unique Someone that
fits us to a T
They know what we are
thinking
They finish sentences
They fit us in every way
We all have puzzle pieces

It may take a lifetime to find them
Or we may find them early in life
When we are together it is as 1
There is nothing like them
We all have puzzle pieces

They are made just for us
Everything with them is right
We are cut from the same cloth
We all have puzzle pieces

It’s as if we are with a mirror image
All we have to do is find them

Let love embrace you
Let it hold you tight
Let it warm your heart on a cold night
Let it bring smiles to your face

Flames of love

Like a warm blanket
Let it gently touch your face
Let it calm your fears

Flames of love

Let it take you to impossible places
Let it make things possible
Let it bring magic

Flames of love

Let it lift you up
Let it help you soar like a bird
Let it touch the world

Flames of love

Let it burn eternally
Let it heal the world
Let it remove darkness

Flames of love

Summer is coming 
It’s that time of year
The sun is intense 
Almost burning
Skies are clear 
It’s heating up
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer cooler weather 
With calming breezes
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
An egg can fry
Cats seek shade
Anywhere 
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown 
Wilting 
Seeking reprieve
Water becomes valuable
Like gold

Ocean breezes fill up my lungs
Their air cleansing and healing
Invigorating me
The sound of the waves is hypnotic and calming
Almost like meditation
The turquoise color of the water is mesmerizing
My eyes are transfixed on it
Like a impressionist painting
Walking along the shore is like coming home
Picking up shells and exploring
Seeing the white foam of the waves
The cries of seagulls makes me smile
The feeling of warm sand on my feet
Makes me feel at home

Ocean memories

We all have puzzle pieces

They are special and unique Someone that fits us to a T
They know what we are thinking
They finish sentences
They fit us in every way

We all have puzzle pieces

It may take a lifetime to find them
Or we may find them early in life
When we are together it is as 1
There is nothing like them

We all have puzzle pieces

They are made just for us
Everything with them is right
We are cut from the same cloth

We all have puzzle pieces

It’s as if we are with a mirror image
All we have to do is find them