She sat in utter silence
In an unfamiliar place
Everything was new
Never experienced before

She was barely noticed
Almost invisible to the eye
Out of her own element
She tried to melt into the wall
She was an outsider

She sat in silence
Barely noticed
Quiet
Almost invisible
Barely seen and heard

She was from another place
Another time
She had traveled a long distance
To be here

She was not seen nor heard
She was insignificant
She was the unfamiliar one
She did not truly exist in some ways

It’s another slow and easy Sunday
The rhythm is mellow
Slightly Latin
There is a light beat in the air
The city is calm
Quiet
Just getting up for the day

It’s another slow and easy Sunday
The moves are easy
Nothing fast
Folks are digesting the newspaper
Getting all the latest
Fashion, sports, entertainment and news
Breakfasts are big

It’s another slow and easy Sunday

Where did fall go?
It was just here
It has disappeared into the wind
Summer is back with a vengeance
No more cool mornings
No more fresh air
The days burn hot
The air is heavy with heat

Where did fall go?
It disappeared into the wind
Freshness has been replaced
With bright sun and humidity
Apples with iced drinks
Stews with light salads
Blankets with sheets

Where did fall go?
I miss it

I have missed you
Most of my life

I have thought about you
Most of my life

I have needed you
Most of my life

I have missed you

I have had you in my heart
Most of my life

I have craved you
Most of my life

I have missed you
I have wondered about you
Most of my life

Most of my life
I have missed you

I have adored you
Most of my life

I have been enchanted by you
Most of my life

I have missed you

Where are you?
Where have you gone?
I don't recognize you these days
At times you bring tears to my eyes, and a deep ache in my heart
Why has hate replaced love?
Why has intolerance replaced tolerance?
Love with harshness and cruelty?
Dreams replaced with nightmares?
Smiles vanquished
Less joy
Where is the tolerance, kindness and goodness we are known for?
Where is love thy neighbor and look out for each other?
This isn't about red states, blue states or purple states
It isn't about white, black, Asian or brown
Or old, young, gay or straight
It's about all of us
It isn't about our differences, but what we are together
Someone recently said  we are an idea
The great experiment
Where has it gone?

I miss you and so long to see you once again
Please come back
Please stand up and walk away from the darkness towards the light once more
Please stand and say no more hate
Please stand and say no more
Enough
Please say not here, not now, not ever
Please come back  and do the right thing
Not just for now but forever
I am counting on you, and so is the world

In the quiet time I can feel it
It comes over me like a mist
In the stillness of the moment I sense it
It gently caresses me
In the calm I hear it like like a beautiful melody

I am lifted up
I can reach beyond myself
I can go to another world
I can lose myself

In the quiet time I feel it
I go to a special place
Where things are calm and still
Where there is light
Where there is no darkness

In the stillness I can sense it
I can hear others hearts beating
In the calm I feel it in my soul
I am lifted up
To another place and world
To a place of light
To a place of inspiration
To a place of great peace
In the stillness of the moment

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

When I look at you I see the impossible
I see a miracle
I see infinity
When I look at you I see the incredulousness of it
How rare
How unusual
How courageous

When I look at you
I see hope
I see joy
I see the impossible become possible
When I look at you
I see the incredulousness of it

I touch the universe
I touch infinity
I feel the sun on my face
I see the moon and the stars

I see my present and future

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

After my Freedom Day
The day I went out to a cafe
After very long lockdown
I cannot forget to have gratitude
For the doctors, front line workers
Scientists, developers
Researchers
I would not be free without them
The vaccine has helped
To stem my fears and anxiety
My worry
About the virus
I am grateful and in awe
Of what was done
In such a short time
To be able to create it
To administer it
I can go out now
Carefully
It’s not over yet
But in a way I am free
For the first time in more than a year
I am grateful

Many talk about a simple life
Especially now
Minimalism is popular
To do more with less
Remove complications
There is beauty in it
Slowing down
Breathing
Uncluttering
Noticing things
Perhaps not really seen before
Focusing on the important
Letting go of the other
Many places are complicated
People rushing to and fro
Lots of energy and tension
No time for the simple
But when one can
Throw off
What’s not really important
There’s a sense of freedom
An art to simplicity
And beauty

It was a crisp winters day
In the middle of the season
The sun was bright blue with a dotting of a few white clouds

Winter wind

There was a cold wind whipping through the trees
It was bitter to the skin
Branches were bending to it as if they were dancing
Wind chimes could be heard in the distance

Winter wind

The snow was blowing around shifting location creating white dunes like cotton candy

Winter wind

The fireplace was burning with a fresh log creating a hypnotic warmth in the room
The wood gave off a pleasant scent as it burned
It was a good day to be inside

Winter wind

The sun is out against a bright blue sky with a wind whipping through the trees at a frantic pace

Branches rocking back and forth

The air is cold and with the influence of the wind, a bitter, biting cold against the skin. Old man winter is knocking on our door....

He was just 17
He came from a faraway land
Across the ocean
He had been preparing his entire life
To travel
To venture forth
He had studied another language
Other customs and a different way of life

He was chosen to do this
To leave and travel to a distant land
As part of a special program
He was the first in his family
To do this

He was the traveler
He would leave his home and go to a new place
He went by plane flying for a long time
Landing in a very large city where everything was new
He would stay there for several days before moving on to his final destination

He ventured out at night to see the sights
He had never seen anything like this
He was intrigued and curious
He walked and walked exploring
Until he could walk no more
When it was time, he returned to his resting place for a meal and sleep
Because of all the travel and walking he slept well

The next day he went out with his friends to explore more of the city
They had one more day before leaving
They went everywhere
Going into shops
Eating new foods
Observing people
Watching the rhythm of the city
At the end of the day
As the sun went down
They returned to their resting place for dinner and much needed sleep

The next morning they would leave and go to other places
They would be there for a year
The traveler slept well to get
ready for his next adventure
He was excited by what he would see and find
Everything would be new to him

He was the traveler coming from a different land
He came a long distance
To where he was going
He had been chosen
He was special
His future awaited him
The best was yet to be
Destiny was just around the corner

If someone touched your life a long time ago, but you lost touch -- reach out
It’s never too late
If someone touched your heart in a very special way -- reach out
If there is someone you never forgot and wish you were still in touch -- reach out
For all those wished second chances -- try again
For all those lost opportunities, try again
This might be the time
For all the times you lost faith, believe once again
You never know
For every time you received a kindness, a break, or something wonderful happened, be grateful
For all the love you have received, love back harder
Fill your heart with love
It’s the greatest gift we can give
At this difficult time, love, give, to remember, to smile and to reach out
We could all use a hug

Light up the world with your special light

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
Ever so slightly
From summer to fall light
The suns brightness less intense

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The air is crisper
The nights cooler

It’s that time of year
The light has changed
From summer to fall light
The heat of summer is leaving
The beauty of fall is coming

Its that time of year
When leaves start to turn
Orange, yellow and red
Dabbling the landscape
Like a fine painting

It’s that time of year
When colors are bright
There is a special shine to everything
Moods are high
The world puts on its best face

You are my light
You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my prince
You are my universe

You touch my heart
You touch my soul
You are perfect
You are my universe

You light my world
With your presence
You bring joy
You bring deep happiness
You calm the waters
You are my universe

You are my moon
You are my sun
You are my prince
You are my everything
Without you there is no light
Without you there is no life
Looking at you
Brings me closer to heaven

Sitting in a hidden corner
Quietly disappearing
Back tight against the wall
Melting into it
Almost oblivious to the world
Trying to become like a vapor
Translucent
Uncomfortable
Watchful
Like a cat
Eyes wide open
Ready to run
Anticipating
Sitting in a hidden corner
Disappearing from the world

As the sun begins to set
Calm the spirit
Relax the body
Feast upon the beauty of nature
Get ready for the night
When magic happens

As the sun sets

Think about the day
Be grateful for what you have
Anticipate tomorrow
When another adventure begins

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

Believe the rest of your life
Will be the best of your life
Every day is a fresh start
We have opportunities to reinvent ourselves
Wake up every day anew
Looking for ways to savor life
We have a chance to push the positive
Negating the negative
As was told many times
Light pushes out darkness
Be someone’s light
Offer a smile to a stranger
Love instead of hate
It matters
We have the power
To lift up the world
One step at a time

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

There’s a time of year
When the streets
Grow silent
The cities and towns
Are still
People are home
Or somewhere else
Everyone is  watching
Hoping
Praying
That their
Country
Will do well
And win
The coveted prize
It happens with
Many sports
Some every week
Others once a year
There’s nothing like it
It brings everyone together
For one thing
Rooting for their team
Sometimes
Magic happens
And an unknown wins
The world rallies around
As the light they bring
Lifts up the entire world
Country spirit

It is that time of year again
Smells of fur trees
Doors decorated with wreaths
Ornaments glistening as they are hung
Visions of tinsel

Beautiful bright colors of red, silver , gold , green and blue

It’s that time of year

Houses adorned in lights
Cookies being baked
Gingerbread men being decorated
Choirs singing songs

It’s that time of year

People running to and fro
Cities and towns decorated in their holiday best

It’s that time of year

Friends and families come together to celebrate the season
It’s the holiday

That time of year

We all have a daily life
Jobs and careers
Errands we run
Household chores
Meals we make
Other things
The rhythm of our day
Daily Life

Our lives are separate
Yet similar in what we do
Our needs are separate
Yet also similar
Daily Life

Restaurants have a rhythm
Cafes, shops and stores
Streets and traffic
Everything has a rhythm
Different but also similar
Daily Life

No matter what part of the world
Everyone has a daily life
Whatever that may be
Each has their own rhythm
Whatever the beat
Whatever the music
Daily Life

While our separateness defines us
Makes us unique
Our humanity ties us together
For in the end
We are all one
On this planet
Living our lives
Separate yet together
Daily Life

I Am From a Different Place
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

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

It’s important
To be grateful
For whatever we have
Whom ever we know
For those that care
And love us
For our lives
And experiences
It’s important
To be grateful
For each sunrise
And sunset
For the moon
And nature
For the beauty
We see
It’s important
To be grateful
Each and every day

Wake up
Clear your head
It’s another Thursday
Time to get going
Wake up

It’s another day
Time to get things done
Time to clear the head
Time to get dressed
Time for coffee and breakfast

Wake up
It’s another Thursday
The weekend is almost here
One more day
Time to get busy

Wake up
It’s Thursday
Time to get coffee
Time to have breakfast
Time to get going

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

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my heart
Joy in my soul
Every morning I wake with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope

Every morning I wake with joy
Joy in my day
Joy every hour
Joy every minute
Because of you

Every evening I fall asleep with joy
Because of you
I dream sweet dreams
Filled with joy
I awake refreshed
Filled with joy
Because of you
You fill my life with love and hope
Joy

The rain is finished now
The city is drying out
With some wet places
It’s quiet
Not the normal hustle
The sky is a muted gray
With a hint of white clouds
It’s a cool morning
Great for walking
There is freshness in the air
Breathing is a pleasure
It’s a beautiful day

Sometimes life gives us a miracle, something beyond belief that is quite wonderful.

It is up to us how we choose to enjoy and appreciate it.

When that happens, take advantage of every minute and realize how truly wonderful it is

Hope outside my door

I can feel it
It is trying to come in
It glitters like gold
It wants to lift the day
To spread the light

Hope is outside my door

To erase darkness and despair
To bring laughter and joy
To bring the sun

Hope is outside my door

To let say everything will be alright
To inspire me
To push me forward

Hope is outside my door

To shine a bright light
To show me the moon
To help me remember my path
To bring possibilities

Hope is outside my door

It’s a chaotic place
Like a carnival
Lots of bright colors and noise
Crowds of people
Going to and fro
Shoppers and diners
Cafés full
Laughing
Huge amounts of traffic
Cars and bikes
Sounds of horns
Music and dance in the street
Horses and carriages
Yellow taxis carrying fares
People standing around
Music pounding
It’s a carnival

It is gently snowing. Large size white flakes very slowly. Looking like queen Anne’s lace. As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees. It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall. You are aware of your breathing which slows. You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the stillness. You are one with nature.

Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold. There is total peace.When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you. Still, quiet and peaceful. You don’t want to ever leave this moment.

Sometimes I feel like my life is surreal
That it’s not real
When I look back on my life I can’t believe my age
Have I really lived this long?
Where did the years go
They just flew by
Yet I remember things as if they just happened
And deep inside I still feel like me
Even if I don’t look the same
My hopes are still there
So are my dreams
Yet I am at the last third or so of my journey now instead of the beginning
How did that happen
Is this all a dream and I will wake up some day

There is forest and quiet
The trees reach to the sky
Darkness abounds
The air is cool and clear
A cabin sits
Surrounded by snow and trees
Mountains are in the background
A light is burning in the cabin
Smoke coming out the chimney
Scents of pine trees in the air
A dog sits on the steps
He’s a husky
Beautiful white and black
Waiting for it’s owner
A pie is baking in the oven
Apple perhaps
Coffee is on the stove
A fire burns in the fireplace
There is sublime quiet
There is a sense of calm
It is intoxicating
Like a sanctuary

Deep in the woods

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
Tempt the imagination
They can break hearts
Or mend them
Cause tears
Or stop them
It all depends
Which words are used
Choose carefully
Words

Don’t worry
You won’t see me
You won’t hear me
I am gone like the wind
Quietly quickly
Just a quiet wisp
I am part of the sky
I have spread my arms
Like a bird
To soar
Upward
Undetectable
A slight vapor remains
Perhaps a light mist
As if I never existed
I will be gone
Just gone

They first met in high school
After that they were inseparable
As if there were a golden thread between them
Sometimes they had the same thoughts
They wanted to always be together
Forever
But life got in the way
Through no fault of their own
Decades went by
Though they never forgot the other
They lived in each other’s hearts
It’s as if a golden thread
Tied them to each other
Across both distance and time
One day something extraordinary happened
They had a chance to see each other again
Afterwards, they never separated
The golden thread keeps them together

As the sun begins to set
Calm the spirit
Relax the body
Let go
Feast upon the beauty of nature
Get ready for the night
When magic happens

As the sun sets

Think about the day
Be grateful for what you have
Anticipate tomorrow
When another adventure begins
End the day with a smile

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

Gratitude

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

Gratitude

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

Gratitude

At a time of difficulty
Reach
Persevere
Believe
Achieve
Inspire
Be thankful

Gratitude

Look around you
See what there’s to see
Experience life to the fullest
Give love
Offer care
Make someone smile
Offer light instead of darkness
Lift up someone
Then the world
Be thankful

Gratitude

You taught me how to live
What to love
How to live

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me how to grow
You taught me how to accept

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me how to read
You taught me how to question
You taught me what to believe

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me everything
You gave me everything

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me about honor
You taught me about integrity

You taught me how to love
What to love

You taught me to never give up
You taught me to reach high

You taught me how to love
Most importantly
You taught me what to love

It’s a bright bright Sunday

The sun is shining and
The sky is blue
No clouds in sight
The city is getting ready

Last day of the week
The weekend is ending
People are getting ready
Looking forward to another week

It’s a bright bright Sunday

People are out and about
Visiting cafes
Drinking coffee
Eating breakfast

It’s a bright bright Sunday

It’s December
In one of the most wondrous places
Paris
The skies are painted gray
Rain is in the air
A hint of snow perhaps
Apartments have a cold feel

Paris

Yet the streets are adorned
With holiday decorations
Shops show their prettiest wares
Chocolates and goodies

Paris

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

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Going to and fro
Shopping
Having breakfast
Drinking coffee

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Running errands
Being with friends
Drinking coffee
People watching

It’s Sunday morning
Streets are busy
With people walking
To and fro
Meeting friends
Reading newspapers

It’s Sunday morning
In the city
Time to be mellow

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

It was sundown
The sun had just set
The moon was out
A large white ball in the horizon
It almost looked surreal
Just hanging there
As if on a thread
Against a gray blue backdrop
Clouds painted the sky
Fluffy and white
With two openings
From which white bands of light shone down
It’s as if they came from heaven
Natures art
From the master
Of everything

Sitting in a café
Or a restaurant
Facing the street
On a bright sunny day
Watching the traffic pass
People on the street
All shapes and sizes
Different colors of clothing
Different languages
A Coke truck across the street
Horns honking
It’s life
In the city
The café has plants
Many large green ones
They offer a slice
Of nature and calm
In a busy city