Folks drinking coffee in a cafe
Surrounded by red cushions that adorn bright white walls

Music playing with a loud hypnotic beat
News playing in the background on a TV
Red cushions cover the seats as well
Tables set with clear dark red glasses

Professional waiters moving to and fro
People sitting outside under red umbrellas offering welcomed shade

On the start to another hot steamy day

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

It was a cool day
Felt like winter
The sky was crystal clear
The color was pure blue
It had rained the night before
The cool air seeped into ones bones leaving a dull ache
The cafe had mobile heaters lit
People were sitting in the café
Many seats were empty
Due to the cold
The atmosphere was muted
It made one long for the freshness of spring
Muted day

They had been together for almost a year
Their time was ending
They had gone out to dinner
In the big city
One last time
Spent time walking around enjoying their time together
They were with her parents
It was spring
The weather was perfect
She wore a lilac colored dress
It was a perfect night
The city was full of magic

Soon they would have to leave
To head back home north
They didn’t want to leave
They didn’t want the night to end
But it had to
They had no choice

When the car came around
They sat in the back
Her parents were in front
As her father drove
They were quiet
Then his hand reached out to her hand
Touching it ever so gently
They sat holding hands the entire drive
Quiet
Together

Snow lightly falling and blowing around outside
Barren trees with branches moving to the wind
Windows clattering with frost beginning to appear
People dressed in heavy coats with gloves and boots
It is the coming of the  winter season and the start of a new cycle in the
weather for the year
Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces replacing
the warmth of summer with a new found friend
Temperatures dropping outside
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready ready to put
on its heavy blanket in preparation for what is coming

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
Before the heat of summer

Tourists were coming back
After a slight hiatus
People were out sitting at cafe
Coffee and goodies
Some seats were empty
The atmosphere was somewhat muted
It made one long for the coming of spring
It’s just around the corner

We have a choice every day
How we will relate with people
And the world
We can be kind or unkind
We can bring light or darkness
The choice is ours
We own the after effects
Either positive or negative

If we focus on the positive
We can light up the world

Believe

There were two stones that had been together
They had never been apart
They sat in the bottom of a river
Peaceful
Sublime

Then all of a sudden one day they were separated by storms and rough waters
They ended up being pushed into different parts of the sea
Settling eventually on to the floor where they each sat alone

After several decades and stormy weather one day they were moved  close to each other once again

Like magnets they were uncontrollably drawn to the other and somehow managed to lock together as if made only for each other
Over time they became one piece
Destiny had arrived in all its glory

It’s magic

They walk among us
They have always been here
They are the ancient ones
Teachers
They are everywhere
They are part of the earth
Quiet
Listening
Watching
Protecting
They are of the spirit
More than the body
Their faces reflect light
They have seen things
Back to the beginning
Of all things
They understand
Our purpose
They carry peace
Harmony
In their hearts

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

When we forget our roots
We lose our humanity
We are all one
When we forget our roots
We lose who we are
We are all one
When we forget those that helped us We lose our history
We are all one
When we don’t respect others
We lose respect
We are all one
When we are cruel
We diminish ourselves
We are all one
When we lift up one
We lift up the world
We are all one
We are the same

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
We wish for something familiar
Something we can cling to
Something we know
We will do anything for it
It’s precious

When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
The flowers
The trees
The landscape
The people and the food
The feeling of it

It becomes an intoxicating perfume
For the soul and heart
To comfort and calm
When we are away or leave
We hunger for the scent of home
It never leaves us
It’s in our heart

Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Soft yellow light shining down on me
Lights of the city dimmed by its beauty
Sounds of the city in the background
Turquoise lights shine on a building close by
Creating an artful look to the coming night
Mother Nature at her best
Half moon hovering in the dark velvet sky
Another day passes as a new one begins
Half moon

We are all makers of it
With an action
Or a sharp word
We can bring darkness
Hurt and pain
We can also lift up
Inspire
Create great beauty
Art
Dance
Music
Wonderful things
In an instant
We can bring despair
Hopelessness
Deep pain
Or tremendous light
It’s all about choices
Each and every day
We have the power
To light up the world
If we want
Let’s try

Sometimes to help someone else we care about,  we may have to sacrifice something we wanted

Sacrifice

That’s what care is, putting someone above yourself and your needs
Unconditional care

Sacrifice

Lift up and light the world with kindness
You will also be lifted
Higher than you can imagine

Sacrifice

I am elusive
Transparent
Hard to find
Sometimes I disappear into the night
Sometimes I look like a ghost
A vapor barely there
I can be the light mist in the wind
Touching your cheek
I am truly invisible

I can be a shadow on the wall
A faint outline of a person
Almost disappearing
Almost not there
But there

I am elusive
Hard to pin down
Always moving to and fro
I am a phantom
A ghost
I am the dream that is not real
That disappears when you wake
The butterfly you cannot keep
The sunset that leaves
A moment in time that passes

I am elusive
Never really there
At all

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

Summertime Moments

When in December
In one of the most wondrous places
Paris
The city of light
The skies can be painted gray
Rain is in the air
A hint of snow perhaps
Apartments have a cold feel
Yet the streets are adorned
With holiday decorations
Shops show their prettiest wares
Chocolates and goodies
Churches offer holiday programs
Stores busy with shoppers
Downtown lights decorated with pink
Stores regaled in gold and silver
Cafes full of people sipping coffee
Hiding from the cold
It’s Paris in December
A special magical time

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

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

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
There’s nothing like it

The magic room

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

I would follow you anywhere
To the ends of the earth

I would follow you to the moon
To the sun and back

I would follow you to the end of the stars
To Mars, Venus and the rest

I would follow you to the end of the universe
I would follow you anywhere
Anytime

Sometimes the way we lift ourselves up is to lift up another

Even if it’s hard to do

It’s the best thing we can do not only for others, but for ourselves

By doing this we go towards the light not darkness

Take the time to give someone a smile It matters

Offer kindness instead of hate
Inspire by how you choose to live

Follow your heart and destiny
Stay with peace and harmony
Always

Light of My Life
In the dark of the night I think of you
And it warms me
You are my light

In the hardest of times
I think of you and it gives me strength
You are my light
In times when I feel alone
I think of you and I am not
You are my light
In the happiest of times
I think of you and it brings me joy
You are my light
In a storm I think of you
And it brings me comfort

In times of insanity
I think of you
And the world seems right
You are my light
You are my universe

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a sunny day.
The sky is a bright blue. Like a painting.  
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
It’s like a sweet perfume but not overwhelming.
The water is a deep blue with hints of white as the waves roll in and out.
As the sun hits the water.
The appearance of diamonds show up.
Glistening against the light and the water.
It is magic.
A sweet moment of peace.
A time of pure bliss.

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

I used to think that people
and their feelings were like
china plates
Beautiful
Unique
Fragile and delicate
Easily broken

When we are born
Our plates are flawless
No cracks or chips
They are new and perfect

As we go through life
They can get hurt
They get chips
And cracks
And sometimes they break
or a piece of them breaks off

Life does that
The ups and downs
The good and the bad
Relationships can do that
Hearts can break
Bodies can get hurt or age
And our plates reflect it

Life is like a china plate
Delicate
Fragile in some ways
Something to be treasured

Show you matter
Bring your best to the world
Offer kindness
Open up your heart
Love
Do the right thing
Accept everyone
We all want the same thing
We are all human
No matter where we are from
No matter where we live
Offer light instead of darkness
Inspire
Lift
Light up the world
Stand up
Believe

Dark cloudy gray day
Coolness to the air
Dankness permeates
Birds on the roof eating
Chirping sounds in the air
Creates stillness and quiet
A cat cozied up sleeping
Looks like rain is possible
Good day for coffee or tea
Inside
Doing quiet things

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

A warm summer wind whips through the air and the trees
Causing them to shake to the rhythm and the beat
Lightning dabbles the sky like the quick stroke of a paint brush
Tree limbs bend as the wind darts through them
The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through the sky
The air fills with the sound of loud thunder
A summer storm is fast approaching
Playing the wind chimes outside like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth to the rhythm of the wind

It’s a beautiful night
The beginning of winter
New snow has just fallen
In the moonlight it glitters
It looks like small diamonds
There’s a house near a forest
One of several nearby
The road is snow covered
Inside the fireplace is burning
The flames are orange and yellow
There is a scent of pine in the air
Mountains are in the background
Covered with snow
Small hills are around
Pine trees are scattered about
The cabin is brightly lit inside
Stew simmers on the stove
Giving off a delicious perfume
Coffee is on the stove
Ready to drink
The radio is playing jazz music
While the dog sleeps by the fire
A cat is perched on a chair nearby
It’s a comfortable place
It’s a perfect winters night

Mornings
When it’s quiet
Peaceful
Are sacred
Times of stillness
When the soul
Is most present
It’s those times
When we find
Our true self
When the chaos of life
Subsides
Music is also a key
So is nature
To sacred times
They are precious
Like a jewel
Treasured
Always

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

Hints of apple cider were wafting through the air

A beautiful beige pottery mug was sitting on a table awaiting it
Cider was heating on the stove
Steam rising from the pan spreading the scent

A cinnamon stick sat next to the mug
It would add the extra touch
Hints of apple cider

It was that time of year again
Apple cider time
Time for the smells and scents of fall
Apples
Cider
Stews and soups
Freshly baked bread
Pies
Hot chocolate

The mug was impatiently waiting to be filled
The cider was almost ready
Once done it would be gently poured into the mug

A cinnamon stick would be placed inside the mug with the cider
The smell was intoxicating and inviting
Hints of apple cider

It was a special treat to close ones eyes and smell it
It almost had a calming effect

It was almost to good to drink

Once ready, the man picked up the mug full of cider
Perfectly prepared
He walked over to his favorite chair
A rocking chair

He sat down by the fireplace
A fire was burning
The wood was crackling as it burned

He gently sipped the cider
Closing his eyes
Savoring every drink
Hints of apple cider

As he drank the cider
He watched the fire
The radio softly played music in the background

Outside the wind was blowing
Leaves were flying through the air
Landing in different places
Light snow had begun to fall

It was going to be a perfect fall night
Hints of apple cider

Once done with the cider the man returned his mug to the kitchen and cleaned the dishes

He then went to the bedroom to get ready for bed

He changed his clothes
Put on his pajamas and folded down the bed

The man could still smell hints of apple cider in the house

His black and white cat jumped onto the bed to get ready to sleep

The man climbed into bed and picked up the newspaper

He started to read when sleep overcame him

He set the newspaper down along with his spectacles and settled in for a long sleep

At the other end of the bed his cat was curled up fast asleep purring

The fire was slowly burning in the fireplace

As they both slept another night rolled in bringing peace and quiet

Hints of apple cider

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

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

When hope is lost
Heavy darkness settles in
Light diminishes
The idea of tomorrow fades
We feel mired down in muck
We are paralyzed
People lose their north
They lose their sense of purpose
Seeking any sliver of light to lift them
To show them the way
Seeking anything to inspire
When hope is lost and darkness comes
We hunger for the light
We tire of the heaviness
We long for hope
Anything
When hope returns
We lift ourselves up
We seek the light
Want to stand in the sun
And never leave
Let the light and warmth heal
When hope returns
We have a can do feeling
We believe once again
We are willing to try
We offer a hand
We smile brightly
Laughter can be heard
We are inspired
We can create
Music gets louder
People dance
Hope is everything

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

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.

Hot burning days
Green palm trees trying to keep their green
Bright blue skies with no hint of white clouds
Steaming sidewalks
The signs of summer

Warm sultry breezes at night
Blow across my face
Gently seducing me
Black velvet night skies
Decorated with sparkling diamond stars
The signs of summer

Flowers and plants craving water
Reaching towards the light
Wind chimes churning in the breeze
Animals searching for a slice of shade
The signs of summer

Women dressed in light flowing dresses
Bright colors and patterns
Making them look like butterflies when they move
The signs of summer

Men wearing straw hats
Sunglasses
Light shirts
Linen pants with sandals
The signs of summer

Cool breezes coming late into the night offering a soothing touch to the sleeping
The signs of summer
It’s on its way

I used to think that people and their feelings were like china plates
Beautiful
Unique
Fragile and delicate
Easily broken

When we are born
Our plates are flawless
No cracks or chips
They are new and perfect

As we go through life
They can get hurt
They get chips
And cracks
And sometimes they break
Or a piece breaks off

Life does that
The ups and downs
The good and the bad
Relationships can do that
Hearts can break
Bodies can get hurt or age
And our plates reflect it

Life is like a china plate
Delicate
Fragile in some ways
Something to be treasured

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

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

Imagine walking through the snow into a forest full of pine trees.

As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the deep silence
and the crunch of your boots as you walk through the snow.

A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs as the branches sway
back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze.

Snow left on the branches gently falls down slowly, as small flakes
as they hit your coat and face, they sit for a moment before leaving.

An owl sits up high on one of the branches looking down at you and the world all around.

The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the moon lighting the path ahead.

And, at the end of the path, is a log cabin with a light on in the window and a fire burning in the
fireplace, waiting quietly for its owner to return.

It’s a perfect winter night.

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

There is a grey colored mist floating through the air almost like a haze in the air

The sun is starting to come up over the horizon – a hot pink ball slowly rising over the sea

A man is standing on the beach facing out to the water, bare feet buried in the sand

He lets the ocean waves gently wash across his feet

The water is neither too hot nor cold, it is just right

He is wearing a muted grey colored sweater

Standing with his hands in his pockets, he is facing the water, watching, listening to the pounding of the

waves as a soothing drum beat ever so slowly

He closes his eyes to listen and smell the salt in the air like perfume

The sounds and smells calm him – leave him with a sense of peace

He then opens his eyes and looks off to the right, down the beach

He sees a woman slowly approaching him from a distance

She is walking slowly to the beat of the waves

He closes his eyes once again, waiting for her

Then he opens his eyes and sees her standing by him now watching and listening to the roar of the raspy

They smile to each other, grasp hands, turn and continue walking down the beach together....

A new year is coming
Soon
This is the last Friday of the year
On New Year’s Eve
At midnight
All over the world
We will turn a new page
One by one
A new year is coming
We can’t stop it
It’s running towards us
Like a horse
It’s will be a new day
To start anew
Fresh
Create a new beginning
It’s not hard
Just one step
At a time
We can all remake ourselves
To whatever we want
Just have hope
Just believe
Just light up the world
A new day is coming

In the background playing at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
There is a faint, hypnotic rhythm
It is both entrancing and calming

In the background playing at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
They draw me into memories

My heart starts to slow
Matching the beat
My imagination wanders

In the background at the cafe
Drums beat ever so slightly
Like a meditative dance

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?