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

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

The day has been set for cooler weather, rain on the horizon
Skies are gray with a hint of sun
The air is cool and crisp, the weather folks say it may rain

I have been snuggled in my bed, with the covers pulled high reading the news
My kitty was at my side, sound asleep

My husband was getting ready for work

As I sat and read the news, sipping my coffee, enjoying the warmth and comfort, I contemplated my day

Gray colored day

The sun is out
Against a bright blue sky
With hints of gray
There’s a slight wind
The air is cool
Winter is coming
It’s not far behind
People sit huddled in cafés
With winter coats and scarves
Seeking warmth
The next season is coming
It’s knocking at our door
The year is almost over
Time to reflect

The sun is out
Against a bright blue sky
With hints of gray
There’s a slight wind
The air is cool
Winter is coming
It’s not far behind
People sit huddled in cafés
With winter coats and scarves
Seeking warmth
The next season is coming
It’s knocking at our door
The year is almost over
Time to reflect

You are on a Greek isle
There’s a bright blue sky
With a few white clouds
Bright fuchsia flowers
Adorn the area
The ocean is sapphire blue
Nearby is some laundry
Hanging in the wind
Bright white sheets
Just washed
That move to the rhythm
Of the wind
Giving off a scent
Of cleanliness
It’s calming and hypnotic
Magic

You are on a Greek isle
There’s a bright blue sky
With a few white clouds
Bright fuchsia flowers
Adorn the area
The ocean is sapphire blue
Nearby is some laundry
Hanging in the wind
Bright white sheets
Just washed
That move to the rhythm
Of the wind
Giving off a scent
Of cleanliness
It’s calming and hypnotic
Magic

It can be overwhelming
Crushing
When we lose a loved one
Someone important to us
The pain is searing
Going to the depths
Of our being
It burns
Our hearts break
We hope the news
Is not true
It’s hard to accept
Surreal

It’s an impossible time
Almost paralyzing
Each day hurts
Sickening
The only remedy
Is time
As it slowly passes

Don’t grudge
Like
Don’t hate
Love
Don’t judge
Accept
Don’t isolate
Join
Don’t despair
Hope
Don’t see smallness
See grandness
Don’t offer darkness
Offer light
Light up the world
With your special light

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

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
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

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
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
Half moon

Tonight there’s a half moon
It’s silvery white
Hanging by a golden thread in a
dark painted sky
Around the moon is a delicate halo
It looks incandescent to the eye
The vision is almost hypnotic

It’s a half moon night
The air is warm
Heavy and thick
Not refreshing

Summer is in the beginning of its final throes
Breathing fire into the day and night
Making it hard to live and concentrate
Fall is waiting in the wings
Eagerly awaited

It’s a half moon night

Tonight there’s a half moon
It’s silvery white
Hanging by a golden thread in a
dark painted sky
Around the moon is a delicate halo
It looks incandescent to the eye
The vision is almost hypnotic

It’s a half moon night
The air is warm
Heavy and thick
Not refreshing

Summer is in the beginning of its final throes
Breathing fire into the day and night
Making it hard to live and concentrate
Fall is waiting in the wings

It’s a half moon night

Tonight there’s a half moon
It’s silvery white
Hanging by a golden thread in a
dark painted sky
Around the moon is a delicate halo
It looks incandescent to the eye
The vision is almost hypnotic

It’s a half moon night
The air is warm
Heavy and thick
Not refreshing

Summer is in the beginning of its final throes
Breathing fire into the day and night
Making it hard to live and concentrate
Fall is waiting in the wings
Eagerly awaited

It’s a half moon night

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

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

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

We all have a place where we belong
We call them home
We feel a connection to it
It’s as if part of our spirit lives there
Some call them happy places
There are those that have one
Others have may have many
Where one feels comfort
Safety
Bliss and pleasure
The trick is in finding it and in keeping it

We have the power to heal
We have the power to touch
Deep inside
We have the power to love
We can lift up ourselves
We can lift up others
We can even lift the whole world
We can warm the coldest night
We can embrace others
We can stand in the light

We have the power to change
We have the power to grow
Beyond ourselves
We have the power to heal

All we have to do is try
Believe
Light up the world

We have the power to heal

We have the power to touch
Deep inside
We have the power to love

We can lift ourselves
We can lift up others
We can lift the whole world

We can warm the coldest night
We can embrace others
We can stand in the light

We have the power to change
We have the power to grow
We have the power to heal

All we have to do is try

We have the power to heal
We have the power to touch
Deep inside
Where spirit resides
We have the power to love
We can lift up ourselves
We can lift up others
We can even lift the whole world
We can warm the coldest night
We can embrace others
We can stand in the light

We have the power to change
We have the power to grow
Beyond ourselves
We have the power to heal
Everything

All we have to do is try
Believe
Light up the world

We have the power to heal
We have the power to touch
Deep inside
We have the power to love

We can lift up ourselves
We can lift up others
We can lift up the whole world

We can warm the coldest night
We can embrace others
We can stand in the light

We have the power to change
We have the power to grow
We have the power to heal

All we have to do is try
Believe

Healing wind gently blowing
Softly touching my face
Like gentle kisses
Plants dancing to the rhythm

Healing wind soothing me
Coaxing away the heat of the day
Black velvet sky welcomes me
Settling in for the evening

Healing wind brushing against me
Hypnotizing me with each brush
Tempting me to dance with it

Healing wind bringing energy
Touching the world with its grace

Healing wind gently blowing
Softly touching my face
Like gentle kisses
Plants dancing to the rhythm

Healing wind soothing me
Coaxing away the heat of the day
Black velvet sky welcomes me
Settling in for the evening

Healing wind brushing against me
Hypnotizing me with each brush
Tempting me to dance with it

Healing wind bringing energy
Touching the world with its grace

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Does the thought of me make you tremble
Am I truly a part of you

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Do you think of me
Am I missed when gone

Do you feel me in your heart

Does my name mean something
Will you remember me
Do you crave to see me
Do you need me

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I part of your life
Do I live in your mind

Do you feel me in your heart

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Does the thought of me make you tremble
Am I truly a part of you

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I in your spirit
Do you think of me
Am I missed when gone

Do you feel me in your heart

Does my name mean something
Will you remember me
Do you crave to see me
Do you need me

Do you feel me in your heart

Am I part of your life
Do I live in your mind

Do you feel me in your heart

Do you feel me in your heart
Am I in your spirit
Does the thought of me make you tremble
Am I truly a part of you

Do you feel me in your heart
Am I in your spirit
Do you think of me
Am I missed when gone

Do you feel me in your heart
Does my name mean something
Will you remember me
Do you crave to see me
Do you need me

Do you feel me in your heart
Am I part of your life
Do I live in your mind

Do you feel me in your heart

She was just 16 years old
Yet she loved like someone older
She met her true love in high school
At a dance
He was handsome and dazzling
She was enchanted
He was her prince

All she wanted was to be with him
Forever
Yet life offers us twists and turns
Which we cannot control or change
Even when we want to

There was going to come a day when he would leave
She didn't think she could bear it
But she made him a gift so he wouldn't forget
A small book with important dates and photos
It was made with all the love in her heart

So at their final time together, she gave him the book which was a small part of her
She knew that we all have to follow our destiny
Even if it hurts
So she watched him leave her
Hoping some day that she  would  be given her dream

Heartache

She was just 16 years old
Yet she loved like someone older
She met her true love in high school
At a dance
He was handsome and dazzling
She was enchanted
He was her prince

Heartache

All she wanted was to be with him
Forever
Yet life offers us twists and turns
Which we cannot control or change
Even when we want to

Heartache

There was going to come a day when he would leave
She didn't think she could bear it
But she made him a gift so he wouldn't forget
A small book with important dates and photos
It was made with all the love in her heart

Heartache

So at their final time together, she gave him the book which was a small part of her

She knew that we all have to follow our destiny
Even if it hurts
So she watched him leave her
Hoping some day that she  would  be given her dream

Heartache

My heart hurts a bitter song
It craves what it cannot have
It misses more than words can say
It needs its home so far away
It wants to go home where it feels whole and a  part of something greater than itself

My heart hurts a bitter song
It craves what it cannot have

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
With your brightness and light

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours

You found a place and never left
You took me to new places

Many many years ago
You lifted up my spirit
You touched my heart with love
You gave me care

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
You showed me the world

You showed me the moon
You gave me the sun
You gave me everything
You touched my heart with yours
You never left

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
With your brightness and light

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours

You found a place and never left
You took me to new places

Many many years ago
You lifted up my spirit
You touched my heart with love
You gave me care

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
You showed me the world

You showed me the moon
You gave me the sun
You gave me everything
You touched my heart with yours
You never left

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
With brightness and light

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You tied me to you with a golden thread

You found a place and never left
You took me to new places

Many many years ago
You lifted up my spirit
You touched my heart with love
You gave me care
You tied me to you with a golden thread

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
You showed me the world

You showed me the moon
You gave me the sun
You gave me everything
You touched my heart with yours
You never left

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
With brightness and light

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You tied me to you
With a golden thread

You found a place and never left
You took me to new places

Many many years ago
You lifted up my spirit
You touched my heart with love
You gave me care
You tied me to you
With a golden thread

Many many years ago
You touched my heart
With yours
You lifted up my spirit
You showed me the world

You showed me the moon
You gave me the sun
You gave me everything
You touched my heart with yours

When the hot heat burns into your soul and body
Where breathing is labored
When your skin feels on fire
Imagine that you are standing in a river
With cool water running over your feet
The bottom is sandy and smooth
Like satin
It is soothing to the touch
It is calming
Imagine a cool breeze
Gently blowing across your face like butterfly kisses
Your skin feels cool
Your breathing eases
Imagine the scent of pine trees in the air
Nature’s perfume
You are in another place
It is magic

When the hot heat burns into your soul, imagine that you  are standing in a river with cool water running over your feet

It is soothing to the touch
It is calming

Imagine a cool breeze gently blowing across your face like butterfly kisses
Your skin feels cool

Imagine the scent of pine trees in the air

You are in another place
It is magic

Hello Fall Are You Here?

Hello Fall
Are you here?
Today when I awoke it was cooler
Today the air felt crisp
Today the sky is clear
Today my hopes are high

Hello Fall
Are you back?
Will you stay?
I missed you
Where did you go?

Hello Fall
I miss your colors
I miss the smells
I miss the food
The hot chocolate
The apple cider
The pies

Hello Fall
Are you back?
It feels like you are
I hope you are
I missed you

The colors
The crisp air
The smells
The food

Hello Fall
Please stay

Hello Fall
Are you here?
Today when I awoke it was cooler
Today the air felt crisp
Today the sky is clear
Today my hopes are high

Hello Fall
Are you back?
Will you stay?
I missed you
Where did you go?

Hello Fall
I miss your colors
I miss the smells
I miss the food
The hot chocolate
The apple cider
The pies

Hello Fall
Are you back?
It feels like you are
I hope you are
I missed you

The colors
The crisp air
The smells
The food

Hello Fall
Please stay

Hello Monday
Here you are once again

Hello Monday
Another weekend has passed

Hello Monday
It’s time for work

Hello Monday
Where did the weekend go?

Hello Monday
Time to get going

Hello Monday
Where’s the coffee?

Hello Monday
When does Friday come?

Hello Monday
Really?

I was in a deep deep sleep
Almost hypnotic
Dead to the real world
Dreams flowing through my mind
One after another like a fast moving river

Then I had that dream
Again. I've had it many times now

I saw you plain as day
I could have touched you
Your face
Your smile
Those kind eyes

Your face filled up the space of my dream
You were talking to me ever so softly
Almost whispering
With that beautiful voice of yours
I had so longed to hear it again
Saying that you were coming
Coming back

After all this time
You were coming back

Out of the recesses of time and space and distance
You were coming back

Coming back to me after all this time and darkness

The light was once again shining through the darkness
My dream was finally coming true
And I would no longer be alone

He’s gone
I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not 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
He’s gone, he is really gone

The brightness has left me
The lightness
The humor and fun
Have all vanished
No more movies, walks, holding of hands. He’s gone
And I am here alone searching for him like a lost ship in the night

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

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

He’s gone

The brightness has left me
The lightness of being
The humor and fun

He’s gone

And I am here alone searching for him

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

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 am hiding out
Disappearing
Becoming a phantom of myself
Not seen or heard
Almost not here

I am hiding out
Finding new places
Going back to old ones
Changing my ways
Getting quiet
Calming the spirit

I am hiding out
Disappearing light a cloud
Becoming a phantom
Vapor to the wind

I am hiding out
Disappearing
Becoming a phantom of myself
Not seen or heard
Almost not here

I am hiding out
Finding new places
Going back to old ones
Changing my ways
Getting quiet
Calming the spirit

I am hiding out
Disappearing light a cloud
Becoming a phantom
Vapor to the wind

I am hiding out
Disappearing
Becoming a phantom
Not seen or heard
Almost not here

I am hiding out
Finding new places
Going back to old ones
Changing my ways
Getting quiet
Calming the spirit
It’s time

I am hiding out
Disappearing like a cloud
Becoming a phantom
Ghostly
Vapor to the wind
See the mist?
It’s me

Hints of apple cider were wafting through the air

A beautiful beige pottery mug was sitting on a table awaiting it
Cider was heating on the stove
Steam rising from the pan spreading the scent

A cinnamon stick sat next to the mug
It would add the extra touch
Hints of apple cider

It was that time of year again
Apple cider time
Time for the smells and scents of fall
Apples
Cider
Stews and soups
Freshly baked bread
Pies
Hot chocolate

The mug was impatiently waiting to be filled
The cider was almost ready
Once done it would be gently poured into the mug

A cinnamon stick would be placed inside the mug with the cider
The smell was intoxicating and inviting
Hints of apple cider

It was a special treat to close ones eyes and smell it
It almost had a calming effect

It was almost to good to drink

Once ready, the man picked up the mug full of cider
Perfectly prepared
He walked over to his favorite chair
A rocking chair

He sat down by the fireplace
A fire was burning
The wood was crackling as it burned

He gently sipped the cider
Closing his eyes
Savoring every drink
Hints of apple cider

As he drank the cider
He watched the fire
The radio softly played music in the background

Outside the wind was blowing
Leaves were flying through the air
Landing in different places
Light snow had begun to fall

It was going to be a perfect fall night
Hints of apple cider

Once done with the cider the man returned his mug to the kitchen and cleaned the dishes

He then went to the bedroom to get ready for bed

He changed his clothes
Put on his pajamas and folded down the bed

The man could still smell hints of apple cider in the house

His black and white cat jumped onto the bed to get ready to sleep

The man climbed into bed and picked up the newspaper

He started to read when sleep overcame him

He set the newspaper down along with his spectacles and settled in for a long sleep

At the other end of the bed his cat was curled up fast asleep purring

The fire was slowly burning in the fireplace

As they both slept another night rolled in bringing peace and quiet

Hints of apple cider