The children lived near a large field
It was summertime
The grass was brown
Almost a taupe color

Sometimes they would play softball or just run around the entire field
Hoping to take off into the sky like birds

By the field was a forest
It was full of tall pine trees and others
The pines seemed to touch the sky
The children used to climb the trees and sit on the branches looking out on the land
They felt free

One day they decided to build a tree house in one particular pine tree
It was their favorite

They gathered wood and other supplies from their houses to make it
They spent hours building it
It was their secret
They swore an oath to not tell their parents

When finished they climbed inside
Hidden from the world
They stayed for hours
Enjoying the breezes and listening to the branches and leaves rustling
The smell of pine filled the air
It was intoxicating

The children were so happy
They felt on top of the world
They never wanted it to end

After the vaccine
Now what?
A new normal
What is it?
Are we safe?
Can we go back in time
Or are things now different
Forever

After the vaccine
Will we wear masks
No hugging
No hand shakes
Keeping our distance
Limited travel

After the vaccine
What does it mean
Can we see friends
Can we see family
Can we go home
Can we go back to our life
After the vaccine

The beautiful black stallion lived on a ranch by the mountains

He was kept in a stable or corral when not being taken out for a ride by his owners

His coat was a thick black color like velvet
It shimmered in the sun
His mane was long and majestic
His face was kind with big brown eyes
When he ran his tail would bounce some from the movement
He was majestic

Every day he was taken out of the stable to the corral to feed and exercise

He would look beyond the fence towards the green pastures and beyond with longing
He wanted to be free

He felt like he was in a cage

Each day as he went through his routine running around the corral he imagined jumping over the fence and running free
He would even dream of it

One day he decided he couldn’t stay any longer and would have to try and escape

He felt like he was trapped
He was meant to run

He practiced running around and around in the corral going faster each time building up his strength

One night as he went to bed he decided the next day when no one was watching he would free himself

The next morning when he was put out into the corral he waited until everyone left

He then backed up by the fence and started running as fast as he could
His hooves hitting the ground hard with all his strength

He then jumped the fence and kept running towards the open range and mountains

Other horses saw him in the distance and joined him
They all ran fast and hard just for the joy of it

He was so happy
He was out of the cage

He was free

When you feel all muddled up go into the forest and sit amongst the green
Let your eyes feat upon the beauty

Inhale the perfume of nature
Let the beauty and stillness of it calm you

Be at peace

A summer wind moves through the air and trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush
Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them


The sky lightens up from the electric charge
Giving the sky a surreal color
The air fills with the sound of thunder
A summer storm is coming
Playing the wind chimes outside
Like a musical instrument
As they clang back and forth
Announcing
A summer wind has arrived

What’s in a name?
Besides our identity?
Our family?
Roots?
What does it mean?

What’s in a name ?
Does it one carry more weight?
Does it have special meaning?

What’s in a name ?
Is it more than a name?
Does it bring back treasured memories?
Does it represent a time?
Does it evoke feelings?

What’s in a name ?
Why does it matter?
Can someone else own it?

What’s in a name?
Is there hidden meaning?
What’s in a name ?

Besides the obvious ?
Does it have special powers?

Even though you are tired climb to the top of the mountain
Even though you are worn down -- keep going
Even though you hurt keep living
Climb to the top
See the world
See everything
Climb walk run
Never stop
Even though you are tired
Live
Breathe
See
Feel
Even though you are tired
Take just one more step

Your destiny awaits

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 was Sunday morning
In a small city on the east coast
The rain was gently falling
The sky was a muted gray
It was early
There wasn’t much traffic
It was quiet
There was a feeling of stillness

As the rain fell two cats slept
They always slept together
One was. brown and one gray
They were like sisters
It was calming to watch them

The sound of the rain was calming and hypnotic
It was a cool fall day
The leaves were still on the trees
Gold, red, and orange

As the rain hit the side of the building it made a noise like a faint drumbeat

The air smelled clean and refreshed
There was a hint of the wet leaves like a natural perfume

The entire scene evoked feelings of peace

Watching the rain and world was like being transported to another world

Safe spaces
Loving ones
We all need them
They are sacred
Places we can go
And feel safe
Comfortable
Cared about
Stress free
They are very important
To our well being
They can be anywhere
Anything really
Home
Restaurant
Park
A bar
Cafe
Salon
Store
Forest
Beach
Country
It doesn’t matter
What’s important
Is how we feel
When we are there
They bring comfort
Love and care
They are precious
Invaluable
Safe

You are standing on a beach
The sun is out, the sky is a clear blue
There are a few white clouds in the sky -- very delicate
The sun is not hot, the air is not cool. It is just right.
There is a light breeze.

As you look out into the water, you see the color, a light turquoise.
The water dances like the gemstones -- glimmering like diamonds.
As you walk into the water, you do not feel wet.
Your color changes to the same as that of the water.
As you walk further into the water, your shape and consistency change.
You melt and meld into the sea.
You feel warm, safe and at peace.
You are finally home.
You are the sea.

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

A summer wind whips through the air and trees
Lightning dabbles the sky like a quick paint brush against a canvas
Creating a Monet like painting
Tree limbs bend as the wind moves through them

The sky lightens up from the electric charge moving through it
The air fills with the sound of thunder
Tapping its drums and cymbals
The sky turns a greenish color
Trouble is on the move

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

Announcing the arrival of a storm
Heavy rain starts offering a soothing drink to the earth

Summer storm

Red maples surround the empty road
The emptiness is calming
The color of the trees is so brilliant it almost looks false
It’s beautiful
The black asphalt road is a contrast to the color of the leaves
Hints of bright green highlight the red
Almost like a painting
It’s surreal
Even the rain doesn’t dim the leaves
It creates a look like a fairy tale
Or part of a movie set
Yet it’s real
Part of the artistry
Of Mother Nature
Pure magic

Red maple rain

You are a beautiful red maple leaf
Sitting delicately on a branch
You are one of many
The tree is a regal old maple
It has been there for years
With a tall sturdy trunk

The fall season has begun
Leaves are turning to turn colors
This tree has bright crimson red leaves
Some have already fallen to the ground
Others like you are still on branches

There is a slight cool breeze
It causes the leaves to rustle softly
The grasses bend and move to it
The landscape is dabbled in color everywhere

You are part of the landscape
Brightening the yard where you are with your color and shape

I move into the mist slowly
The sky is a gray black
The moon is out shining
bright through the gray
I have lost my way
I struggle to find you
but I can not
I come across a fire
burning bright amongst
the mist and the gray
Surrounding it are spirits
dancing in the shadows of the night
Figures highlighted by the light of the fire moving rhythmically
I look around, and then I see you
Shadow dancing with my heart
I take a breath and I realize I am now free

The sun is about gone for the day
It is that time before nightfall and daytime
A slight warm breeze is blowing
Teasing the face just a little
Seductive to the touch
The branches of the plants are gently moving
Like a slow dance
A touch of sun can still be seen in the distant horizon
The city street below is full of life
Restaurants and cafes are open
People moving about
A drum beat of music can be faintly heard in the background
Voices talking from the restaurant and bar next door
Lights of the city coming on for the night
As the city prepares for nightfall to come

I was standing in the valley
By a mountain
The grass was so green
Like emeralds
The air was clean and fresh
Wildflowers were everywhere
All colors and sizes
Like a Monet painting
I had been waiting
For a long time
It seemed like forever
Then I looked up
And I saw
Slowly walking
A man
It was you
My heart jumped
I started trembling
I couldn’t believe it
After so long
After so many prayers
You were here
Standing in front of me
I reached out my hand
You smiled and took it
We started walking
Disappearing
Into the green valley

After several hot days
With searing heat
Humid nights
Fitful sleep
The body on fire
Mother Nature granted
A cool reprieve
Of temperatures
And soothing breezes
To lift up the spirit and body
To heal and invigorate
To inspire

After several hot days
Mother Nature
Granted a cool reprieve
To heal the land
Feed the birds and plants
Refresh and give energy
Nurture the body
To lift up the soul
And light up the world

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

Palm trees blowing in the wind
White sandy beaches
Smooth as silk
Colored umbrellas
Children playing by the water
Ice cream vendors
Bird kites flying high
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
Brazilian lilt

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

For just a little while
One fleeting moment
I went home
To a place like it
I sat and had a cup of coffee
Like times past I visited
A small slice of America
One tiny sliver
For one moment it felt familiar
I looked around and felt
Just a slice of my country
The look, the feel, the smell

Oh I know there are problems now
Severe ones
A lot has to be done and change
But within me are threads from there
Those ties that bind
Once in a while they tug at me
Touching my heart
Memories
Life adventures
Family
Roots

This is true for all of us
We have roots to a place
Where we began

But, for just a little while
I touched home
Sat in a small slice of America
Drank my coffee
Same as years ago
Ate my cinnamon roll
Savoring the taste
Remembering my voyage through life and all that brought me here

I am a person
I am alive
I want to live
I have feelings
I have hopes and dreams
I have needs
I am no different from another
I need love
I need care
A home
Food and water
I want to walk free
To be able to live my life
Without pain or hurt
At times I am alone
Other times I am not
I am no different than another
I just want to be
I just want to be

We have the power to light the way

To shine a bright light

Where there is none

To take light over darkness
Every day

To take kindness over cruelty

To light the way

To lift someone up
Instead of putting them down

To reach for the stars

To choose love
Instead of hate

To light the way

To help when needed
Instead of turning away

To reach high
To shine a bright light

To do the impossible

Bridge to the Sky

Build a bridge to the sky
Reach beyond your means
Touch the stars and beyond

Look at all that there is to see
Embrace the true beauty of it
Let it touch your soul

Build a bridge to the sky

Reach for the sun
Touch the edge of the universe
Let it lift you up

Build a bridge to the sky
Believe in the impossible

I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not by our choice
We had to
He’s gone
Back where he came from
When I woke in the morning
I had hoped he was still here but he’s not
He left in the murky shadows of darkness
My life left I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
My heart hurts. My soul stings with pain
The brightness has left me
The lightness of being
The humor and fun
He’s gone now
I am here left alone
Searching for him
Always

He was a beautiful monarch butterfly
Unique in some ways
He had bright colored orange and black wings decorated
With an intricate pattern

He was always alone
Visiting flowers near where he lived
He never ventured too far

One day he noticed a beautiful blue butterfly close by
He had never seen such a thing
Its color was stunning to him
He flew over to it to ask where it was from

She said she had came a long ways away from the south down by Brazil
She told him there were many more just like her there

The monarch butterfly found the answer incredible
He could not believe it

The blue butterfly told him that he can go anywhere in the world at anytime if he wants

She told him that a group of butterflies would be traveling north the next day and that he was welcome to join them

Early the next morning as the sun began to rise, off in the distance, a large flock of butterflies could be seen flying north
They looked beautiful against the light of the rising sun

One of them was the monarch butterfly

Silver bells
Sweet memories
Of times past
Run through my mind
Like a quiet stream
Hints of cinnamon in the air
Apple cider
Hot chocolate
Beautiful trees and wreaths
Decorated everywhere
Scents of pine trees
Burning wood
In fireplaces
Snow covered ground
Looking like a winter wonderland
Silver bells
Sweet memories
If I close my eyes
They come as dreams
Making me wish they never end

Dark nights
Cool temperatures
A spooky feeling
At the end of the month
A time for trick or treat
Brightly lit pumpkins
With carved faces
Horror movies
Costumes galore
Fill the streets
Children excited
For the night
Their night in a way
Anticipating their hauls
Of goodies
Who will have more?
What will the costumes be?
A time of fun and togetherness
Halloween memories

Candles

Relationships are like candles
All shapes and sizes
Some are small
Some are tall
Sometimes they burn bright
Sometimes they burn hot
Sometimes their light grows softer
Sometimes the light dances
Sometimes the light dims
And sometimes the light just fades

Relationships are like candles
Sometimes they burn bright
Sometimes they burn noisily
Sometimes they burn hot

Relationships are light candles
Sometimes they are large
Sometimes they are small
Sometimes they are delicate
Needing special care
Every time they are beautiful

We all start life the same way
But once we arrive
We all have our own journey
Some call it a path
Others our destiny
As we each start out
We encounter experiences
Both good and bad
Some are beautiful
Beyond words to describe
Others are dark, painful and ugly
But they are all part of our journey
Along the way we meet people
Many of them
Some become husbands
Or wives
Relatives
Friends
Coworkers
Others are just in passing
But they are all part of our journey
We may go to different places
In and out of our country
We may speak different languages
Dress differently
Look different
But in the end
Our journeys
All take us to the same place
Because we may think we are different
But we really aren’t
We all share something
Humanity

Is more than a city
It is a feeling
It is a place one goes to feel magic
A place that touches ones heart and never leaves
A place to go and touch history
and a place to marvel at all that is there
A place that dances like a gentle muse
Whether one fancies monuments like the Eiffel Tower or just a quiet walk down a street
Or sitting by the Seine
It is all special and sublime
But perhaps the most special thing  is to be there when it rains
To watch the people moving to and fro while the rain gently washes the city while sipping a cup of coffee in a local cafe
That’s Paris

Love is the most precious gift we have to offer
It is the most valuable currency there is

To be loved is the best gift to receive
Happiness is the gold standard of life

Light up the world with love and happiness

We are all here for a reason.
The things we experience, the people we meet are all part of our journey which is called life.
Our legacy is how we lived.
How we will be remembered.
We are all unique. We each have a gift.
We just have to discover it.
Each day we can choose to stand in the light.
Instead of the darkness.
We can make someone smile or laugh.
Bring happiness.
Offer kindness and care.
Each time we do, we light up the world.
Let’s light up the world.
With our own special light.

In the dark of the night I think of you and it warms me
In the hardest of times I think of you and it gives me strength
In times when I feel alone I think of you and I am not
In the happiest of times I think of you and it brings me joy
In a storm I think of you and it brings me comfort
In times of insanity when things seem upside down I think of you and the world seems right

You are my light
You are my universe
You are everything

In a far off distance stands a man
He is all alone
All dressed in white
He stands in the middle of a desert
He’s surrounded by light brown sand
Close by are some dunes which stand out like small mountains
It is still and quiet not a sound can be heard

The sky burns a bright yellow against a deep blue sky
No clouds can be seen for miles

On his face is a big, flashing smile
Surrounding him is a circle of bright white glimmering light

As he moves forward slowly step by step the light follows him
to his next destiny

It’s one of those Sundays
Last one in the month
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

Streets bustle with crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday
Street corners become impassable because of the large throngs of people trying to get somewhere making the city look like a giant mosh pit
Trees are brightly light up for the season
Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets playing to the beat
Giant nutcrackers adorn one building on 6th Avenue along with giant ornaments and strings of lights
Street vendors sell their wares up and down the street from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry
Hundreds of Santas and elves move throughout the city spreading their holiday cheer
Tourists and residents participate in the 12 bars of Christmas bar crawl while strolling through the city
Lines go around the corner for the Radio City Christmas show waiting for the next show
Cops line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades to move the crowds
The Hilton Hotel bar area is filled to capacity with folks needing refreshment before finishing their shopping
Nothing like Christmas time in New York……………

The beautiful black stallion lived on a ranch by the mountains
He was kept in a stable or corral when not being taken out for a ride by his owners
His coat was a thick black color like velvet
It shimmered in the sun
His mane was long and majestic
His face was kind with big brown eyes
When he ran his tail would bounce some from the movement
He was majestic

Every day he was taken out of the stable to the corral to feed and exercise
He would look beyond the fence towards the green pastures and beyond with longing
He wanted to be free
He felt like he was in a cage

Each day as he went through his routine running around the corral he imagined jumping over the fence and running free
He would even dream of it

One day he decided he couldn’t stay any longer and would have to try and escape
He felt like he so trapped
He was meant to run

He practiced running around and around in the corral going faster each time building up his strength

One night as he went to bed he decided the next day when no one was watching he would free himself
The next morning when he was put out into the corral he waited until everyone left

He then backed up by the fence and started running as fast as he could
His hooves hitting the ground hard with all his strength

He then jumped the fence and kept running towards the open range and mountains

Other horses saw him in the distance and joined him
They all ran fast and hard just for the joy of it
He was so happy
He was out of the cage

He was free

The sun is out
The sky is a bright blue
Barely a cloud in the sky

There is a slight breeze in the air
The air is crisp and clear
It’s fresh to breathe

Wind chimes are lightly ringing in the background playing their tune

As another day starts

In the Dark

Lying in the dark
16 year old girl
Many years ago
Holding a portable radio
To ones ear
Listening to music
Rocking to the beat
Imagining far away places
Feet moving to the beat
Eyes closed
Letting the clouds of sleep
Approach as I listen to the
radio
Rockin to the beat
In the darkness

It's been too long
Since I touched your face
Looked upon your smile
Heard your laugh
Felt your touch
Held your hand

It's been too long
Since we walked the beach
Smelled the sea air
Watched the waves
Wrote our names in the sand

It's been too long
Since we danced
Watched a movie
Ate popcorn
Sat in a cafe
Sipped coffee

It's been too long
Since I felt your presence
Near me

It's been too long...

My body is tired
My soul is tired
My bones ache
I just want to lay down
To rest a little

My body hurts
My soul stings
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My heart hurts
My mind is tired
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My eyes can’t see clearly
My hands can’t grasp
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My ears can’t hear
My nose hurts
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My compass is lost
I don’t know what to do
I don’t know where I am
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

My body is tired
My heart hurts
My body aches
My soul stings
I just want to lie down
To rest a little

Sometimes we just need quiet
A time to be still
To stop the chaos
Of life
To listen to the nothing
It calms the mind and spirit
Allows us to refocus later

The world is so busy
Fast moving
Never stopping
Noisy
Sometimes it’s hard to keep up
Stillness can reset us to a better place
It can enhance creativity
Allow the mind to wander
Aimlessly
Slow down the body
Lift up the mood
Sharpen the mind
Go to a higher place
Let’s look for
Quiet times

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
Winter is here

Birds seeking their next meal
Cats on the prowl
Fireplaces burning
Winter is here

Pies in the oven
Cookies being made
Roasts awaiting the oven
Winter is here

Sweaters and boots
The fare of the time
Warm flannel PJs
Winter is here

White lights glitter against the black grill
The terrace is door open
A view of the plants can be seen
which are highlighted by the lowering sun giving them an impressionistic look

A slight breeze moves through the awning gently moving it back and forth

The light plays against the rose colored buildings giving them a special magical hue

Another day is coming to a close as nighttime encroaches
The change from light to darkness is in a holding pattern like an aircraft waiting to land

The shades of pink change as the sun drops into the horizon

Evening is fast approaching
As the sun continues to drop its
time to relax and slow down

It is a late spring day
Summertime is coming
It’s early afternoon
The sun is out
The sky is a bright blue
There is  a scattering if white clouds across the sky
There is a slight breeze -- not too warm, not too cold
Just perfect
You are sitting in a field of tall grass alone
The grass is a light beige color
The grass sways gently to the breeze and makes a soft rustling sound
The breeze is calming as it touches your face ever so gently
There is no sound only the grass moving to the breeze
You feel complete stillness and calm
You are at peace

The darkness and stillness of the night are comforting
They can be hypnotic
Drawing one towards sleep
As the city noises stop

The feeling of the coolness of the air as the temperature drops
Feels wonderful
After the heat of the day

The sky turns black velvet with a hint of starlight or perhaps a sliver of moon

The warmth  of the bed draws you in
Covered with sheets and blankets wrapped for the night

As you lie there listening to the quiet your body craves sleep as your eyes begin to close

Dreamland awaits

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

The doorway was full of white lights
It looked exotic
With long burgundy drapes
Darkness ahead
Green plants out on a terrace

The doorway was full of white lights
It looked exotic
With long burgundy drapes
Leading to a magical place
Faraway

The doorway was full of white lights
It looked exotic
With long burgundy drapes