Even in darkness there will be a lit candle to show the way
We just have to believe

It’s light will be enough to light the world
We just have to believe

Even in times of hardship things will work out
Even when there’s hate love will win
We just have to believe

When darkness is all around
In the end light will prevail
We just have to believe

Light a candle and help light up the world
Be the light
Lift up the world
Take away the darkness
Candlelight

We all need to belong
To have a special someone
Have a place to hang our hat
To put our feet up and call home
Where friends and family are
Somewhere
Somehow
To something
To be loved and love
Without it we feel lost
Untethered
Like a balloon loose in the sky

We all need to belong

Somewhere
Somehow
To something greater than ourselves
We need to matter
We need to have a purpose
A reason to keep moving
We need to feel a place in this world
We all need to belong

Abre Sus Ojos

Open your eyes
Abre sus ojos
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

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
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

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
See the woman before you
See her heart and spirit
Where she has been

Abre sus ojos
Open your eyes
The world is waiting

The ocean waves are moving back and forth on a 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..............

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my heart
My soul
What makes up my spirit
The total essence of me

You have always been there
Since time began
You never left

You course through all of me
You are part of everything I touch

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are everywhere
You always have been

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

Flames of love

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

Flames of love

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

Flames of love

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

Flames of love

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

Flames of love

He stood on one side of the grill
She stood on the other
The grill was black wrought iron
Somewhat ornate in the design
There were openings throughout it
That’s all that separated them

As they stood on either side he moved closer to her
They looked at each other
Deep into the others eyes
For a moment they got lost in the moment

It was magic
Then he leaned into her and kissed her gently between the openings in the grill
It lasted only a moment

He then smiled
His eyes twinkling
As he laughed with joy
He turned around to leave

She stood at the grill watching him
leave

Once she could no longer see him she closed the door
Savoring the moment
It was magic

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

When you left
I missed that
Like being withdrawn
From a drug
Things felt hollow
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

At this time of year
Be the light
Shine brightly everywhere
Light up the world
Shine where there is darkness
Shine where there is despair

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere
Lift someone up
Help another
Love more than hate

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere
Laugh more
Cry less
Treasure more
Give more

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere
Glitter and glimmer
Like fine jewels, gold and silver

Be the light

At this time of year
Shine brightly everywhere Remember we are all the same
We all need and want

Be the light

At this time of year
Count your blessings
Offer gratitude and kindness
Offer grace

Be the light

Ambiance is everything
It can make or break a place
Or a mood
The setting
The decoration
The overall energy

It can be positive or negative
It can bring feelings of great joy
Or sadness

Ambiance is everything
It can set a tone
It can bring people together
It can keep them apart
It can lift them up to a higher place

Ambiance is everything
It can bring peace
It can evoke harmony
It can bring light
Or it can smother
Bringing darkness

Ambiance is everything

I am a survivor
Many of us are
From the last year or so
We have battle scars
From fear, loss, illness
Overall stress from the times
But, we are still here
Still standing
Broken perhaps
But we made it through
To the other side
Though so many did not
Such loss and pain
The war is not over yet
It’s still going on
In so many places
The danger is still there
Muted only by vaccines
For that we are grateful
Yet we must remain vigilant
More battles may be coming
Yet we have made it to this point
We are survivors
We too are warriors
I am thankful

When will things calm down
When will it be over
Will it be over
Ever?
What will the new normal be
When will the chaos stop
The danger
The fear and frustration
When will life return
To the sweetness
Of a spring day
With bright blue skies
Fields full of wildflowers
When?
I am waiting

It was the holidays once again
The air was electric with anticipation
Everything was decorated for the season
People were  jubilant
Bright colors and lights were scattered around
The trains were running between two large cities on their usual run

This particular train was at the station
It was waiting for its passengers to board
It would be traveling north
To the next large city
It was early evening — around 6
The trip would take about 3 hours

For the season, the bar area was brightly decorated
Lights were even put on the outside of the train
The look was very festive

Passengers started to board
Dressed for the weather
In winter coats and hats
Many carrying packages
Some wrapped in beautiful paper

It was brisk outside
The air was crisp and fresh
Breath hung in the air like vapor

The train was readying to leave
Steam began rising
The whistle blew as the doors closed
Warning that the train was about to leave
Ever so slightly the train started moving away from the station

As the train made its way north
It started to pick up speed
The rhythm of its travel pounding
like a faint drumbeat to the ear
It was hypnotic and calming
Calling sleep to the listener

Faint music played in the background to set the mood

People were happy in their seats
Talking, some sleeping, some reading or on their phones
Others just watched the sights
Everyone glad to be heading north

Some were going home
Some only visiting
Every one excited about the trip
Anxious to arrive

After three hours or so, the train started to slow
It was arriving at its next stop

Passengers put on their coats and hats
They gathered up their belongings
As the train pulled into the station
the passengers lined up to leave

As people filed into the station they made their way out
Either to another train or to exit
Hundreds of people walked onto the street above
Creating a momentary crowd

Taxis arrived to take people to their homes or locations

Others decided to walk or catch a subway

Hotels were brimming with guests
Decorated in their best

The streets were filled with people
Coming and going
The air smelled of the holidays
Stores were crowded as shoppers reviewed their wares

A street fair was going on nearby selling homemade crafts from local artists
Coffee shops were brewing fresh coffee

The city was alive
Decorated in its best
Colors everywhere
Red, green, blues, gold, and silver

Street were vendors selling hot pretzels
Others with apple cider or hot chocolate

It was a beautiful sight to behold
This was New York at its best

As the new year begins, may you have a wonderous year filled with blessed moments and magic.

A fresh start

At this time of great rancor in the world let’s try and reach for the light instead of darkness.

A fresh start

To light the world step by step.

A fresh start

One small thing can brighten someone’s day.

A fresh start

If we can each shine a light the darkness will lessen.

A fresh start

Smile when you can
Share laughter
Offer kindness
Judge less
Hug frequently
Love harder

A fresh start

Treasure what you have
And always be grateful

A fresh start

We all have a brand new blank page.
Let’s make it count.

A fresh start

If you see me walking in the desert would you offer me a drink water?

If I looked different would you say hello?

If I were tired would you offer me a place to rest?

If you see me walking in the desert would you offer me a drink?

If I looked different would you say hello?

Would you help me?

If I found you on the street would you smile or look away?

Would you offer me a drink of water if I were thirsty?

Would you help me up if I fell?

If I were waiting for you would you see that we are really the same?

I’ve got the gray blues
Been cold and rainy for days
My bones ache to the core
I’ve got the gray blues

Missing the sun
Those warm golden rays
Shining down on my face
Lighting the way to another day
I’ve got the gray blues
Craving when they go away

It was a beautiful night,
Comfortably warm
The sun was going down for the day
There was a slight breeze in the air soothing to the touch

The trees had begun to flower
Tulips and daffodils everywhere
Mother Nature was in her glory
Spring had arrived

After Covid
After the New Normal

What happens after the new normal
When we try to become just normal
When we try to put life back
Can we recreate some semblance of order
When is it the right time to even try
Or do we continue as we have been
Until the hidden enemy is at bay

What happens after the new normal
Is there yet another one
Do we continue to wait
For the rescue
Or does patience get the best of us
Does the world take on another new look
Does it become a quieter, more solitary time

What happens to the new normal
When it becomes just normal

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

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

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

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

When you left I wanted to scream
I wanted to run after you
To stop you
I wanted to grab your hand and go somewhere
Anywhere we could be together

When you left I wanted to scream
Every inch of me ached with the pain of you leaving
Like a hot burning knife searing my soul
I wanted to stop you
Take you anywhere where we could be together

When you left I wanted to scream
I wanted to run after you
To stop you
To do anything to keep you with me
Forever

Even in darkness there will be a lit candle to show the way

We just have to believe

It’s light will be enough to light the world

We just have to believe

Even in times of hardship things will work out

We just have to believe

Even when there’s hate love will win out

We just have to believe

When darkness is all around in the end light will prevail

We just have to believe

Light a candle and help light up the world

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

After the high heat
The searing sun
When it finally cools down
Even just slightly
It’s a relief

When the air clears
And the morning cool returns
So one can sit outside
And breathe
Not feeling repressed
It’s a relief

When the sky is blue
With a few clouds
Actually visible to the eye
It’s a relief

There’s a feeling of refreshment
A reprieve has been granted
From the worst of heat
And for a moment
We are grateful

Sayonara
Good bye
Adios
See you later
Sometimes it’s the best thing to do
Friends grow apart
Needs change
Have differing interests
That shift like the sand

Sayonara
Good bye
Adios

Sometimes the best thing is to walk away
No need to explain
No need to discuss
Just let things fade away
Like the mist of fog

Sayonara

You are the love of my soul
My true hope
My inspiration
The glimmer of the stars
Light in the darkness

You are the love of my soul

My impossible dream
My Prince
The most perfect part of me
My best

You are the love of my soul
The sun and moon
You are everything right with the world

You are the love of my soul

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

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

When I have no words
I will rise up to 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 rise up towards the sun
Letting it fill me with light
Pushing the darkness out

I cry my tears alone
I feel my pain deep inside
The hurt runs through me
I truly stand alone
What I knew is gone
The rules have changed

I am on my own
My muse has left me
The joy of writing disappeared
Leaving a vacuum of nothingness
I feel lost not knowing how to express myself
Feeling misunderstood
Afraid to speak
I am on my own

Some say things just happen
Others say destiny assists and guides
Some say what is meant to be will be
Others say we shape our own path
Some say our futures our pre written
Others say this isn’t so
Some say there’s something called destiny
Some of us choose to dance with it

Some say things just happen with no rime or reason to them
Others say destiny always has a hand
Some of us choose to dance with it
Some say what is for you can’t be stopped no matter what
Some say that isn’t so

All I know is
I am on a path before me
That I believe to be true
Things have happened in my life to ease my traverse down that path
I am dancing with destiny

I am doing the impossible
What is hard is made easy
When the waters ran deep I didn’t falter
When the mountain was high I climbed to the top
When the distance was far I traveled it
I am dancing with destiny

I am living a miracle
That I could not have created on my own
I am where I am supposed to be
If that’s not destiny then what is?

Soft Brazilian music plays
Barely heard
The rhythm of the beat pounding
Samba
Bringing smiles to faces

Palm trees blowing in the wind
White sandy beaches
Smooth as silk
Colored umbrellas
Children playing by the water

Corcovado in the background
Watching everything

Beautiful tiled sidewalks
Make a mosaic
Glorious blue skies
Dotted with clouds
Soft Brazilian music plays
Barely heard
Samba
Bringing smiles to all

A strong wind cut through the weeping willow causing the branches to dance to their own tune

A storm was coming

The wind chimes played a melody tuned to the movement of the wind and trees

Mother Nature was creating her own music

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
We have changed
Not as once I remember

I fear that we have lost our way
The direction has changed
Not my choice nor idea
I don’t recognize things anymore
It’s not what I was taught
It’s not what I stand for
Things seem upside down

I fear that we have lost our way
We are mired down in muck and darkness
Struggling to find the light
Struggling to find our way back

I fear that we have lost our way
We have lost that special essence
It made us unique
Unusual
One of a kind

We were dreamers
We were hopers
Anything was possible
At any time

I fear that we have lost our way
We have strayed off the path
I hope we will find our way back

Ever since I was in high school
I’ve had you on my mind
You have been in my heart
You have been part of me
Ever since high school

You never left
You were always there
Through time
Through distance
Through culture
Through language
Ever since high school

To me you were and are perfect
To me you were a prince
To me you were elegant
To me you were unique
Ever since high school

I’ve got you on my mind
I’ve got you in my blood
You are like air I need to breathe
You are like food I need to eat
Ever since high school

You are part of my spirit
You are more than my life
You are my life and universe
Ever since high school

You define what is good
You define perfection
I’ve got you on my mind
Ever since high school

I am blocked
I can’t write
The muse isn’t there
It’s gone for the moment
No matter how hard I try
The inspiration has left
The heat burns through my mind
I am blocked
I can’t write

Peaceful images are gone
Searing heat has replaced them
Stress
Discomfort
I am blocked
No matter how hard I try
I can’t write

I feel insignificant
Lost my purpose
Part of my identity
Who am I now?
Where did I go?
I am blocked
I can’t write
My mind is burning
From the heat

There is no relief in sight
The muse is gone

The rain is finished now
The city is drying out

Afterwards

The sky is painted bright blue
It’s a cool morning

Afterwards

There is a hint of freshness in the air
Breathing is a pleasure

Afterwards

It’s a beautiful day

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

I am in the murky waters of life
The water is cold to the touch
Up to my knees
Hard to walk
The bottom feels like sand with dirt mixed in
I can see into the bottom
Small fish swim around my legs
They gently tickle me
Reminding me that they are there
and so am I
Together. Alive

We start to move in the same direction
I am no longer alone
I am with them
Together we find clearer water
It takes some time but we do
As the water clears it becomes warmer

As we continue to walk the bottom becomes white sand
Soft to the touch
The color of the water changes
It becomes a light blue

The fish swim away leaving me at a new place and path
With open, warm waters no longer murky

As the semblance of a facade fades away like a coat being taken off for the night what lies underneath is a beating heart where the soul and spirit truly reside

Take off your coat and lay it down for a rest

Let me feast my eyes upon your heart for a while and see you

Let me listen to your heart and soul as they play the music of you

After decades of nothingness
Did you ever expect to see me dancing outside your door?

Miracles can happen

I offer you a rose
Many of them really
You deserve them
And so much more
I think deep red ones
Would be perfect
As for me
You were perfect
In all ways
You gave me everything
From life to guidance
You were all a person
can be
Mother
Teacher
Guide to life
At troubled times
You offered me comfort
At happy times
You smiled and laughed
You had grace
besides great beauty
You gave me the world
In all ways

Gray dark skies outside
Wet cool air to the touch
Breath almost visible
Like a fine mist
Rain falling sometimes gently
Sometimes harder
Terrace being cleaned by the water
Plants getting needed nourishment
Turning a brighter green
Sky being cleansed anew
The city being bathed and refreshed
A calm cloud hovers
Quiet and peaceful
As the rain continues to fall
Ever so gently
Rainy day

He stands at the shore
The water gently brushes his toes
He is alone
He has done this before
Many times

Across the waters

It’s a cool day
The sky is light gray
No clouds are in sight
The waves are slow and deliberate

Across the waters

He has been standing  for some time looking  west
He is also watching the waves
Their rhythmic movement
It’s hypnotic

Across the waters

He breathes in the air deeply
It has the aroma of salt
It’s refreshing
It has a calming effect to him

Across the waters

He thinks about what is on the other side of the ocean
He prays this time it will work
He concentrates with all his might
He’s trying to send a message

Across the waters

Will it arrive?
Will they hear him?
Hello, can you hear me?
Please answer back
He waits for some time

Across the waters

Hoping for an answer
Anything
Once again nothing comes
He is left with emptiness
He turns and walks away

Across the waters

Over the years,  he tried many times
Hoping his message would be received
It traveled thousands of miles
Hello, can you hear me?
I am calling you
Please answer me

Across the waters

Finally after years of nothingness
He gets an answer back
He can’t believe it
Is it real?
How is this possible?

Across the waters

Hello is it you?
I heard you calling me
I have tried to find you
But could not
How are you?
I have missed you so


Across the waters

Sometimes I feel like my life is surreal
That it’s not real
When I look back  I can’t believe my age
Have I really lived this long?
Where did the years go
They just flew by
In an instant
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
Surreal

Sitting in a bakery sipping coffee
Watching the wait staff moving to and fro
People eating weekend breakfast
Talking and smiling
Streets full of people

Bakery heaven

Precious baked goods for sale
Beautiful to see
The scent of them like perfume
Intoxicating to the senses

Bakery heaven

Today I am wearing a ring
It’s special
It was my mother’s
She got it while in college
When she visited the southwest
It’s turquoise and silver
With a simple setting
It’s over 50 years old
Today I wanted to feel her presence
So I put it on
As I paused at a street light
Just for a moment
I felt her there with me
Treasured memories
Of beloved people
Give us comfort

Once upon a choice
I danced with my soul
Rhythm
Once upon a choice
I chose to love you

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

Rhythm

When the rain comes
It cleans everything
Streets are washed
Thirsty plants turn greener
Flowers flourish
Grass grows taller
The air is fresher
Everything looks new

When the rain comes
It slows down the world
The sound is calming
Almost hypnotic
Animals seek shelter
Watching
As each drop comes
Knowing the earth is being replenished

When the rain comes
Life comes

Brrrr today
Baby it’s cold outside
Jackets and scarves required
The air is crisp and clear
The sky is clear
The sun is out in it’s full regalia
The city is awake
Traffic moving
The café is almost empty
Too cold to come out
People huddled with their coffee
The steam offering warmth
Baby it’s cold outside
Hard to go out
Bed sounds nice where it’s warm
Winter is here and
Brrrr

I am sitting in a café by the street
I am scene watching
People coming to and fro
Coats and hats on
Scarves around necks
It’s cold outside
Winter

Seeing what is going on outside
Watching the people inside
Sipping coffee
Eating breakfast
Smiling and laughing

People from all over
Different languages in the air
Baked goods on display
Like valuable jewels

Trees full of oranges decorate
Fountains nearby against pink
Crisp day
Sun brightly shining

I am scene watching

I am a human being
That’s all
Nothing more
Nothing less
Just trying to live my life
Like everyone else
Somewhere along the road
I realized I was also a spiritual being
I celebrate both
This awareness is empowering

When I connect with another person
I remember
Even though I was born alone
And will die alone
I am not truly alone
We are all part of the same thing
Everything here
In the universe
Animals
Plants
Oceans
Mountains

Believe
Light up the world
With your special light

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
I was indeed alone
For some reason it hit me hard
Like a punch
Right in the heart
It felt like a form of withdrawal
I think I am addicted to you

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
The apartment seemed empty
Even hollow
Only filled with my noise

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
It hit me deep into my core
My spirit shook
It remembered another time
The feeling was similar
Long, long ago

This morning I woke up alone

The feeling was crushing
The silence deafening

I miss you dearly