There’s darkness outside with a glimmer of light
Slowly the darkness cedes
Traffic is slowly moving
The morning has begun
Coffee and tea being made
The quiet of night being replaced
By familiar noise
The sun starts to rise
A golden ball
It’s a glorious sight
Another morning has arrived
As the city wakes up once again

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

Wind chimes rattling in the wind, playing their own kind of tune
Clattering of the bells ringing against the metal grate as the wind
whips through them
Trees bending in the wind, void of their foliage and green moving
to their own kind of rhythm
Snow lightly falling and blowing around like cotton candy strands
before gently nesting on the ground or other surfaces
It is the coming of winter and the start of the a new cycle in the
weather for the year
Cold easing its way into homes, bodies and open spaces replacing
the warm heat of the summer with a new found friend
Temperatures dropping outside like flies bringing a frigid feel to
the day and evening
Nighttime chills and darkness befall the city as it gets ready to put
its nightcap on for the sleep that is slowly 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

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

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?

Hold on
It won’t be long now
It’s coming
The magic
It’s indescribable
It comes just once a year
At this time
Things change
Becoming softer
Nicer
Spirits lift
Bringing good cheer
Music sounds abound everywhere
Bright lights and decorations
Can be seen
Hints of apple cider and hot chocolate
Scents of pine
It’s coming
Very soon
Wait….

Beautiful gold purple sky
Mirroring a Monet painting
Rain clouds dotting the sky
Streaks of lightning highlight the clouds
A storm is fast approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
Looks like a work of art
Coming to close out the day
Winds pick up causing the wind chimes to play
A familiar melody
Plants sway to the wind
A storm is approaching

Beautiful gold purple sky
No doubt nature is an artist
The sky has a surreal look
It’s  entrancing

Bring comfort
Offer calm
Give one a sense of belonging
Help one feel centered
They are important
They are most needed
During times of trouble
We all have them
Without them
We feel lost
We can’t find our way
They are like a lighthouse
Steering a ship to port
They clear out the fog
Erasing darkness
Bringing in the light

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.

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

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look towards the moon

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Slow your heart and think about the good things you have

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you to sleep

And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start

And treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

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

Early Morning Rise

She had a hard time sleeping
Tossing and turning
Morning came too soon
Sleep had left her
Though tired, she gave up
It was still early
Birds were chirping outside
The streets were quiet from the night
A cool breeze was blowing
Moving the branches of the plants
Colored bags hung outside moved
It was refreshing after the heat of the day
The cat was sleeping on a chair outside
It was peaceful and serene
A stillness was in the air
The sun had not fully risen
City noises had not fully started
Early morning rise

Spin a little magic
Offer a little kindness
Bring a smile to someone
Make something happen

Magic

Touch a heart
Help someone in need
Light up a part of the world

Spin a little magic
Be a magician

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

Sometimes we may fail
We may even feel like a failure
We may fall down or not meet expectations
Ours or others
But if we try, including new things are we?
As long as we get up and try again
Failure

People judge others all the time
Holding them up to their standards
Whether they are appropriate or not
How can one truly know about another
Without being in their shoes
Failure

If we take a risk and try something
If we reach beyond our means
If we find our own way
Even if different and unique
If we define ourselves based on our choices
Are we a failure
It’s in the eye of the beholder
Especially ours
Failure

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

In the end
Light wins over dark
Love over hate
Goodness over evil
Freedom over oppression
Truth over lies
Integrity over corruption
Right over wrong
Kindness over cruelty
Healing over pain
Love is powerful energy
It can change the world
In an instant
Light up the world
With one small act
It can make a difference

When one is surrounded by clouds of darkness
When the burden feels to much
From weight and darkness
Look for the small light shining in a distance
It will guide your way
It is your destiny awaiting
It is these small slivers of light that give us hope
Believe
Light up the world

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

It’s the morning of another day
The woman gets dressed
Having finished her brief breakfast
She is going out

Dressed in her red coat and scarf
Ivory colored turtle neck sweater
Blue jean leggings
It’s winter at the end of January
Very cold outside
It gets into your bones
Makes them ache

She is heading out to the store
Afterwards she will stop for coffee at a favorite cafe
Before heading home

She is living her new life
With her high school sweetheart
An unbelievable dream come true

Sitting at home on a cold winters night
Bundled up under blankets with someone you love
Reading a good book or watching a movie
Sipping hot tea or cocoa as the rain or snow gently falls outside
Feeling safe inside
Smells of beef stew cooking on the stove remind one of home as a child
Hot bread baking in the oven
The warmth filling the kitchen
Warm sweaters of bright colors
Fleece lined jackets with mittens and gloves
All bring back feelings of home and comfort

When I feel lost I will rise up
I will reach out towards the stars
To find my way back

When I can’t find my way
I will rise up and see the light
I will follow it back to my path

When I have no words
I will rise up and let you inspire me
I will let you guide me

When I am full of despair
I will rise up towards the sky
Letting it carry me on to my destiny

When I am full of darkness
I will up towards the sun
Letting it fill me with light

I can breathe

After feeling pulled underwater for several months
I can breathe
After feeling uncomfortable
I can breathe
My shackles have been released
I can breathe
My troubles have passed
I can breathe
And like a whale swimming to the surface for air
Once again I can breathe

Hot steamy days
Cool mornings
Breezes at night that tease my face with a touch of coolness

Bright unrelenting sun
Blue skies
Plants hungering for a drink
To quench their thirst
Animals seeking shade

Summer has arrived

Air conditioning on full blast
People adorned with sunglasses
Straw hats in bright colors abound

Summer has arrived

Cravings of cooling pass through people’s mind
Beaches and beach towns fill up
Umbrellas everywhere

Summer has arrived

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

I move into the mist
The sky is grey black
The moon is out shining brightly
I have lost my way
I struggle to find you but cannot
I come across a fire burning bright
In the gray darkness and mist
Surrounding the fire are spirits
Dancing in the shadows
They are highlighted by the light of the flames
I look around and then I see you
Shadow dancing with my heart
I take a breath
And realize that I am now free

We’ve all known them
Many of us personally
Perhaps at work
Or in our lives
Or in our dreams
They can be harsh
Or cruel
Devoid of much humanity
They seem to get energy from others
Monsters
We hide from them
Run from them
Hoping they will leave
Or not exist
Yet they do
As long as we tolerate them
They will
Yet we know
In the end
Love triumphs evil
Kindness over cruelty
Light over darkness
Let’s spread more love
And light
Each and every day

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

You are in the desert
You are kneeling
Your eyes are closed
You are all alone
The sun is out
It’s a bright day but not hot
It is quiet

The desert

It starts to rain
A translucent umbrella appears
It opens over you
It is bathed in light

The desert

As the rain falls
The water doesn’t touch you
It rolls off the umbrella
As it hits the ground it dries

The desert

You feel safe and calm
You know you are not alone
You are protected

The desert

Candy cane kisses
Peppermint hugs
Taffy and candies
It’s the holidays
A sign of the times
Sugar cookies
Gingerbread
Hot chocolate
Apple cider
Dressed up trees
A sign of the times
Fancy wreaths
Sleigh rides
Family
Good friends
A sign of the times
Candy cane kisses

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

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

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

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

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

Soon we can wipe the slate
Get a fresh start
The end of the year is coming
Time to start a new
We have a chance to try again
Learn and grow
This year will be in the past
We can move forward
Hopefully
Things will improve
Over time
We are being given another chance
Let’s count our blessings
Look around at the beauty
Look around at loved ones
Look around at the planet
Be grateful
Love instead of hate
Give instead of take
Use your own light
To light and lift up the world
Fresh start

Misty mornings wake me with their beauty
From my deep within my slumber they greet me
They cover the earth like a warm blanket

Glimmers of sun can be seen from underneath the mist as it struggles to get free
Green trees pop up their heads
searching for the sun

Misty mornings wakes me
From my deep slumber
Where dreams rule over me
Imagination is king and logic takes a break

Hypnotic mist rises up
Covering the ground with a thick blanket
Like a Sherlock Holmes movie
Entrancing me with its beauty

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

The Coming Holidays

It's coming to that time of year again
When familiar sights, sounds and smells seep into the memory and the mind
Putting up the tree
Decorating
Scents of pine
Pies and cookies baking
Cards and letters being
When holiday lights and decorations appear
And holiday tunes are playing
Shoppers  crowding the streets, looking for the perfect gift
People take on the holiday hustle and bustle
Light snowflakes dance through the air to their own rhythm

Holiday memories make everything special

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

Soft summer breezes gently blowing across my face
Hypnotic to the touch
Gently teasing me to ask for more
Never wanting it to end
The sun going down on another day
Bringing cooler temperatures for the night
Pink flowered branches gently swaying back and forth

City lights illuminating all that is around
Night is coming and all that it brings
People sitting in cafes along the streets for a brief respite

Voices can be heard from below
Shops are open hoping for that one final customer

A pink faint hue paints the sky before the blackness of night fully emerges
Plants look like shadows and silhouettes of themselves with the absence of light

A ceiling fan spins to ward off the heat
Magical white lights highlight a grill and terrace
Ah, the sounds and sensations of summer once again in the big city

Once an elderly gentleman
Very wise
Similar to Indiana Jones
Gave me a bit of advice

Life and living

He said live life
Savor each moment
Don’t worry
Minimize stress
Go for comfort

Life and living

Life’s hard and unfair at times
But, it’s an adventure
Never be afraid
Things work out for the best

Life and living

True joy comes from the adventure
All the experiences
What is learned

That’s life and living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moonlit night

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

A summer wind quickly whips through the air and the trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush stroke

Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them shaking the branches and leaves

The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through
The air fills with the sound of loud crushing thunder

A summer storm is fast approaching
Causing the wind chimes outside to play like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth to the rhythm of the wind

The summer wind has arrived

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

Christmas jazz fills the air
Scents of pine and cinnamon
Beats pounding in the background
Elton John
Trees sitting on display
Christmas jazz fills the air
Holiday trappings all around
Silver, gold and red
Shops showing their best
People walking and looking
Warm coats, hats and scarves
Christmas jazz fills the air
Bright lights glimmer everywhere
Music spins through the air
Bright paper and ribbons
Christmas jazz fills the air
American rock music plays softly
The street scene comes alive
Cafés full of people sipping coffee

Christmas jazz fills the air

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