Imagine that you are sitting at the top of an all white building
The sky is bright blue with a few clouds scattered throughout
The sun is shining
There is just a slight breeze -- not too much to be overpowering

As you look out, you see the ocean
It is a beautiful turquoise blue
The day is absolutely perfect

Search your heart
Find the meaning of love
Find your destiny
Find comfort and care
Find where you belong
Find kindness
Find tolerance
Find what you were searching for
Find the best in people
Find beauty
Find why you are here
Search your heart

I’ve got the Monday blues
Weekends over
Time to go back to work
No more fun
No more sleeping in

I’ve got the Monday blues
Time to focus
Time to work hard
Time to get things done

I’ve got the Monday blues
No more sleepyhead
No more relaxing
Time to work
Time to get things done

I’ve got the Monday blues
Yearning for another weekend

Languages of the World

Sitting in a café
Quietly
Watching the people
Talking and smiling
People from everywhere
Watching the staff
Coming and going
Efficiently
Bringing orders
Like an orchestra
People on their phones
Eating and drinking
Texting and talking
Baked goods on display
Beautiful desserts
Smells of things baking
People buying things
Street scene playing outside
People out and about
Bright sun shining down
Blue sky dotted with clouds
The city is awake

Languages of the world

Is where the heart is
That’s what they say
It’s where one’s roots are
From where we come
It could be anywhere
It helps define us
There’s comfort
Familiarity
Sometimes
We crave it
We need it
To recenter ourselves
To remember
Who we are
Our roots
To our true self
We all go
Home
Where the heart is
Wherever it is

The Dream

It was dark outside-- almost a grey dark
There was a hint of mist in the air
I was in another country
Your country -- searching
For you
We had lost each other for a long time
We had been torn apart
Like Romeo and Juliet
I was trying to find you
I was told to come here
I was out in the country somewhere
I came upon a cave
Very large and dark
I entered it
And walked towards the back of it
There were shadows of flames dancing on the walls
The air was cool but dank
As I approached the fire I saw you sitting beside it
Wearing a brown fabric robe
After so long you were there
I couldn’t believe it
You did not speak
You held your hands by the fire
I asked you where you had been, how you were
Instead of answering
And in an instant you disappeared back into the night
All that remained was the remnants of the burning fire
I called out your name but you did not answer
Once again I was alone without you

Hidden Treasures
We all have hidden treasures
Precious gems that mean
the world to us

Unique things
Special moments
Memories
Family
Friends
Loved ones
Pets

We all have hidden treasures
We may not think about them
But we do
They are always there for us
Each is like a precious jewel
A diamond, ruby or emerald
Each one glistens with its own
special beauty
We all have hidden treasures
It’s important to cherish them
Each and every day

I’m melting
Just like the witch
In the Wizard of Oz
The heat is stifling
Hard to breathe
Or do anything
It’s everywhere
All over the world
Fires
Severe weather
We were warned
For years
But we chose to ignore
Now here we are
Melting
Like butter
In a frying pan
I feel like I am on fire
Never cool
Nor comfortable
Looking for a reprieve
Yet nothing comes
So instead
I’m melting
As is the world

It’s the little things in life
That make all the difference
Like saying good morning
Smiling at someone
Saying thank you
Offering a hug
That brighten up a mood

It’s the little things in life

That sweeten a day
Lift someone up
Lighten the world just a bit

It’s the little things in life

Like saying good morning
Offering a compliment
Sharing a joke
Laughing
That make all the difference

It’s the little things in life
That make the difference

Listen to the music
Let it guide you

Listen to the music
Let it lift you up

Listen to the music
Let it heal you

Listen to the music
Let it touch your heart

Listen to the music
Let it soothe your soul

Listen to the music
Let it make you smile

Listen to the music
Let it show you the world

In between the noise of life
There can be quiet times
Time to still ones being
Both body and soul
Time to calm things down
Time to center oneself
Time to remember
Our true self
What is truly important
Time to listen to the calm
Before the noise of life
Starts up once again

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

Butterflies in the forest
Gently flying to and fro
On an early spring day
The sun gently slips through the trees
The air is crisp and clear
The scent of pine trees fills your lungs like expensive perfume
A few white clouds dot the powder blue sky

The butterflies are light pastel colors of blue, white and violet
As you stand silently and watch they fly close to you
Teasing you with a light touch like angels breath before flying away
The beauty of nature
Nothing like it
Captivating the soul
Nature’s beauty

Hot heavy air fills the sky
It sits like a weight
No breeze to feel
Wind chimes silent in the wind
People down on the street seeking relief

Windows open searching for something, anything light and breezy
Something to cool to refresh after the searing heat of the day
Nighttime starting to come against a gray dark sky
Bright lights turned on to attract customers
Blues, reds, yellows and greens

Temperatures hopefully will start to drop
Doors open hoping to cool the air
Terraces full of people enjoying the view

Things start to slow down in preparation for the shift of the day
People waiting hoping to feel coolness against the skin as night finally comes

I remember when:

I was just a girl
Visiting New York City
My first plane flight
Living with my parents overseas
Learning to speak another language

I remember when

Jumping in piles of leaves in the fall
The smell of fall
Building a treehouse in the forest
Watching the birds from our back window
Watching my mother make jelly
Going trick or treating with friends

I remember when

Sleeping over at friends houses
Roasting marshmallows
Selling lemonade
Playing softball

I remember when

Watching my father garden
Going downtown with my mother
Getting new dresses for school
Watching the new Beatles movie
Walking to school

I remember when

Troll dolls were in
The smell of lilacs outside my window
Snowy winters
Christmas with friends

I remember when

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

Ever since she was a child
She was protected
Something was always there
To keep her safe
Like a shield
It was invisible

When she went out
When she was with others
While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain
She healed
When there was peril and danger
She was safe

It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there
Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end
Like a shield
A force of protection

See what you can see
Feel what you can feel
Touch what you can touch
Take in all the fragrances
See the wonder of life
See me for who and what I am

Take it all in
Look everywhere
See Mother Nature
In all her glory
See the oceans
See the forests and mountains
See the animals
See me for who and what I am
I am Mother Nature

Feast upon the glory of it all

Man of wonder, man of light

Where did you come from? The stars or the clouds?
The heavens?
How long have you been here? Forever?
How did you find me after all this time?
Have you always been there, waiting?
You are truly a man of wonder and a man of light

Where does your kindness come from?
Your heart, your spirit?
Is it from the heavens above?
Were you constructed just for me?
Sometimes it seems as such
Man of wonder, man of light
I am in awe of you

Every time you smile, it is as if the sun has come into the world
Everything glitters
Your smile brightens not only those who stand before you
but the world with all the darkness before it and beyond

Your heart helps to lighten, heal and soothe
Your voice reaches into ones heart and leaves a gift of love
Each time you speak and listener melts just a little bit
You speak truth and kindness

Man of wonder, man of light

Listen to your Soul

It’s the real you
It’s always there
With you
It will never leave
Before you were you
It knows you better than yourself
It sees the world for what it is
It sees beyond
It feels everything
It’s connected to all there is
It can guide you
It knows your true destiny
It talks to you all the time
You only have to listen
And open your heart
Listen
It’s talking to you

When in Doubt
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

As the bright sun poured down on her
With its searing heat
It was unbearable
She needed a reprieve
There was the sound of water nearby
She found a beautiful waterfall
She couldn’t wait
The heat propelled her
She walked into the water
Under the waterfall
Letting the cool water run over her
As the water poured over her
It offered a soothing reprieve from the sun and heat
Eventually a cool breeze came
And gently blew across her face
Leaving a sense of peace and calm
It was so perfect
She never wanted to leave
She had found paradise

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
His pants are rolled up as to not get wet
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 waves
They smile to each other, grasp hands, turn and continue walking down the beach together

BRM 2012

Without you I am lost

I lose my north
Nothing feels right
My spirit sags
I am uncomfortable

Without you I am lost

Like a sailboat without wind
Like saggy spaghetti
Like heart with no soul
Like a song with no melody

Without you life is bitter
There is no sweetness
There is no treasure
The sublime is gone

Without you I am lost

I have no direction
I feel scattered
My motivation sinks
My heart is heavy

Without you I am lost

It was quiet and still. A couple of birds flew through the air in the distance
The trees laid out a dark rich green carpet underneath the trees.
The sky was a pale blue-grey with pillows of clouds scattered
They broke up the sky with their placement and streaks
The sky was highlighted by a light which had a shadow like a renaissance painting
As I looked at the clouds, they became brighter and started to turn to a light pink color
As the sun became a bright red ball before dipping behind the clouds

It’s hot as Hades
Summer is here
Arrived with a fury
The sun is intense
Burning
Skies are crystal clear
It’s getting hot
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer much cooler weather
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
I can melt
An egg can fry
Animals seek shade
Anywhere
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown
Wilting
We all want a reprieve
Seeking something cool
Hot as hades

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

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
They are hypnotic
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

There’s something
to be said about quiet
and peace
It can calm the spirit
Clear the mind
Slow things down
The world is so hectic now
So much noise
Rarely silent
With social media
There’s always something
It’s hard to find a moment
Yet we all need it
Crave it really
That little bit of peace
It’s golden
And everything

When I first met you
I couldn’t resist touching your face
Or you touching mine
Or running my fingers through your hair
It was divine
During our time together
It was a form of heaven
True bliss and happiness

When you left
I missed that
Like being withdrawn
From a wondrous drug
Things felt hollow
Flat
Empty
I missed your touch
Or to be able to touch you

Now decades later
We are together
I can reach out
To touch you
Or you can touch me
It’s like being delivered
Back to heaven
I never want to leave

It’s one of those days
Still in the midst of winter
Skies gray and cloudy
Air cool and damp
Clouded over
People are moving slowly
Streets are empty
Cafés are full
People getting breakfast
Slowly sipping coffee
Clouded over
Warm beds are tempting
Heavy blankets and jackets
Cups of hot tea with lemon
Soothe the body and soul
Hard to get moving
Clouded over
Looking for that ray of sun

Holiday Time

It’s holiday time
Get ready for tinsel and gold
Decked out trees and snow
covered streets
It’s holiday time

Hot chocolate
Apple cider and pies
Turkey and roast beef
Cookies and candies
Children laughing
It’s holiday time

Choirs and concerts
Presents under the tree
Good cheer and smiles
Beautiful cities decorated
Bright lights and colors everywhere
It’s holiday time

Family, loved ones and friends
Special places and memories
Cinnamon and pine scents

It’s holiday time

Early in the morning, on a crisp bright day, seagulls soar high against a clear blue sky

High above the ocean, they swirl around so fast you can barely see them

They almost look unreal

Quickly without warning, the gulls turn and aim towards the sun reaching higher and higher in their flight before disappearing

All the while, the dark blue ocean pounds the shore offering a pungent smell of salt as the waves hit

Onlookers stop to watch the dance of nature once again as it hypnotizes them into a state of calm

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look up towards the moon
Notice its white glimmer
Feast upon the beauty of it

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Think about the good things you have
Think about how precious life it

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you off to sleep
And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start
Treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

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

Sitting in a hidden corner
Uncomfortable
Watchful
Like a cat
Eyes wide open
Ready to run
Anticipating

Sitting in a hidden corner
Disappearing from the world

There is indescribable heaviness
in the air
Darkness all around like a
black velvet cape draped
to block the sun
Lightness smothered by an oppressive dour feeling
The darkness and gray
hang in the air like a winter coat
The air is stale, no freshness
The feeling of lightness is vacant
The air weighs on the back like an iron anchor
There is a feeling and clamoring for freedom and light
Searching for one small glimmer
Of anything that lifts one up
Away from the heavy darkness
If only it would come
To rescue us

I am not done yet
I may not be 18 or 20
Or even 30
But I am not done yet
I have things to do
Places to go
Experiences awaiting me

I am not done yet
I have voyages to take
Languages to learn
Dances to dance
Songs to sing
I am not done yet

I have mountains to climb
Oceans to cross
Poetry to write
Laughter to laugh
I am not done yet
The best is yet to come
I have only begun

Ever since she was a child She was protected Something was always there To keep her safe
Like a shield
It was invisible
When she went out
When she was with others While she slept
Whatever she needed
Came to her
When there was hurt and pain She healed
When there was peril and danger She was safe
It wasn’t of the spirit
It was something else
But it was always there Covering her
Protecting her
It would never leave her
It would be there till the end Like a shield
A force of protection

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
When full of despair
Seek the light
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Let it lift you up

When you feel alone
Help another

Lightness

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

I can stand in the darkness
I can be consumed by the sheer heaviness of it
How it over powers and takes over
How one starts to disappear

Or I can walk tall towards and stand in the light
Letting its brilliance soothe and heal me
Letting the warmth massage my soul and body
Giving me much needed relief
Lifting me

I can stand in the darkness and be alone
No one around only silence
Where heavy clouds abound
Smothering me

Or I can stand in the light and be surrounded by love
Bathed in its beauty
Feeling free

Letting the light open and fill my heart and all corners of my life

Cool balmy breezes brush against my face
Caressing
Soothing my spirit and body
Calming my mind
I focus on the moment
Taking it all in
Slowly
Deep purple colors the sky
As night sets in for the city
Lights twinkle in the background like glistening pearls and diamonds
Traffic sounds play their tune from below
Plants sway to and fro to the breeze
As if they were dancing
A cool respite fast approaches
To heal from the blistering heat
Of the day
Once again nighttime is coming
Bringing a gift of coolness
And peace

As you close your eyes, think of the ocean, its color, the smell, and everything about it. Imagine yourself slowly melting into the water. Let yourself become part of it. Feel the coolness on your body. Let it calm and refresh you.
When you are outside take a deep breath and smell the air and let it cleanse you.

Realize once again, as you have always known, that you are a part of all things here and in the universe.

If the sun shines, look at its brightness and realize and remember that is a part of who you are as well. Let your spirit fly free. Your heart and spirit are pure.

When you close your eyes again, let music play in your head, hear the notes and the sounds as they play in your mind and realize that is a gift from the universe.

You are part of the most magnificent orchestra in the universe -- life, and your talent is your instrument.

Delicious goodies
Bright colored ornaments
Gorgeous colors
Red, green, blue, gold and silver
Beautifully decorated trees
Scents of pine
Candy canes and tinsel

Tables adorned with chocolates
Holiday cookies all around
Smells of turkey and roasts
Pies baking
And all things good
Candy canes and tinsel

Snow covered lawns
Glistening white like diamonds
Outside trees adorned with lights
Carolers and choirs singing
Candy canes and tinsel

Sounds of music in the air
Feelings of good cheer everywhere
Smiles and laughter

Candy canes and tinsel

Looking out the kitchen window
Watching the palm tree move in the breeze
Branches mirroring feathers
A few birds resting on it or seeking food
As I watch a feeling of bliss and calm fill my body
I am at peace
The scene is a form of melody
Hypnotic and meditative
Mother Nature is both composer and conductor

Lately glimmer is being used
To describe small moments
Of joy and happiness
Instead of large moments
The focus is on anything
That brings a moment of
happiness and light
Joy
It can be anything
There’s no one thing
A friendly encounter
Seeing something beautiful
Petting a cat or dog
Humor
Glimmers are magical
They offer light
Have you had yours?

As the sun goes down for the night, clear your mind
As the sun goes down and the heat calms down, look up towards the moon
Notice its white glimmer
Feast upon the beauty of it

As the sun goes down and the world slows down, slow your heart
Think about the good things you have
Think about how precious life is

As you get ready to rest for the night, let your body relax and carry you off to sleep
And as you wake for the next day, smile for a chance at a new start
Treasure each moment and every second as they are a gift

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

Every few months
She disappears
She hides
Invisible
As if a ghost or spirit
She’s not part of anything
She’s something else
Unnoticed
Comes from a different world
A different place

She melds into surroundings
Becoming very quiet
Keeping to herself
No one pays attention
It’s better that way
More comfortable
She watches from afar

A man walking on the solitary beach
A gray cloudy day
Cool but not cold
He is in pain as he slowly walks
Then he comes a glass ball partially buried in the sand
He stops to look at it
He uncovers it and lifts it up
He sees a gold clasp and opens it
Inside is a piece of rich red velvet cloth
On the cloth sits a folded piece of bright white paper
Curious he opens the paper
Written on the paper are instructions:
Touch the areas where you feel pain on your body
Then touch your fingers to the cloth
Close up the ball
And put it back in the sand as you found it
The man follows the instructions and continues walking down the beach
He hears a sound and turns around to see the glass ball lifting towards the sky the inside turning a bright gold color
And then there is a slight explosion and a shower of gold stars rain down
And as they cover the man
His pain is gone