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When you ask, "Are you in love?" it's not the same
As asking if you love, a feeling known and deep.
You love your family, siblings, kin, and name
The bonds you share, the promises you keep.

But being "in love" is something set apart,
A current running, vibrant, wild, and free.
When nearness makes a race within your heart,
A movie scene of yearning, wild to be.

Their touch, a spark that travels through your core,
A craving, dreaming, longing, ever near.
They fill your thoughts and leave you wanting more,
Each sense, each moment, holding them so dear.

A blurring of the lines where you begin
And they conclude, a merging of two souls.
That intertwined connection deep within,
A love that makes you whole, and makes you bold.

When words feel trapped, a lump within your throat,
A thousand phrases dwindle to one sound.
"I love you" echoes, all you can denote,
A simple truth, profound and all around.

You search for ways to say it, deep and true,
In every language whispered on the breeze.
To let them feel the love that flows from you,
A boundless ocean, deeper than the seas.

This is being "in love," a precious flame,
That flickers softly, needing gentle care.
Don't let routine extinguish its bright name,
But fan the embers, always wanting there.

Desire them always, show them, never cease
To nurture passion, keep it burning bright.
Avoid the mundane, seek joy and inner peace,
And hold onto that love with all your might.
I wrote this today, because I was thinking, no..... feeling like I described above.
I know I say "I LOVE YOU" all the time to my GF, and I strive to tell her things in Chinese'
But I hope you understand.  I don't just LOVE her..... but I am IN LOVE WITH HER.  And I never want that routine, the mundane, the life's chores of family to diminish that aspect..... I want to be "in love" with her for as long as we are together.
I hope that came across correctly.
In the quiet of the evening, under a blanket of stars
I find myself lost in thoughts of you, my love
The way your smile lights up your face
And the gentle touch of your hand on mine

Our love is like a gentle river, flowing steadily
Through days of sun and nights of moonlit skies
With each passing moment, our bond grows stronger
And our hearts beat as one in perfect harmony

I am captivated by the depth of your eyes
The way they hold a thousand unspoken words
And in that silent gaze, I find solace
Knowing that our love will withstand any storm

You are my rock, my anchor in the stormy seas
My shelter from the harsh winds of life
With you by my side, I am whole
And together, we will conquer the world

So let us dance under the moonlight
And whisper secrets to the night sky
For in each other's arms, we are home
Our love a flame that will never die.

I am forever grateful for the love we share
For in your arms, I have found my paradise
And in your heart, I have found my home
My love for you will never fade, my dear.

We walk hand in hand, under the stars,
Lost in each other, forgetting our scars.
The world fades away, just you and me,
In this moment of pure ecstasy.

I feel your heartbeat, steady and true,
A rhythm that only beats for you.
You are my anchor, my guiding light,
In this sea of darkness, you make everything right.

I cherish every moment we share,
For in your arms, I have found my solace and care.
You are my love, my partner in crime,
Together we'll conquer all, one heartbeat at a time.

So let's embrace this love we've found,
With every heartbeat, let's make a sound.
For in this world so full of chaos and strife,
Our love is the one constant in this beautiful life.
In love, you can find your anchor that will allow you to weather any storm.
As a young artist, I found myself drawn,
To his warmth and wisdom, dawn to dawn.
An older man, with stories etched deep,
A connection formed, a love to keep.

His words, a melody, a guiding light,
Encouraging me to soar so high.
To explore my thoughts, my deepest core,
And express myself, forevermore.

Drawn to him, in ways unknown,
A connection, a love to own.
Beyond age, a bond so true,
A love that grew, a passion new.

Not just admiration, respect alone,
Something more, a love to own.
A connection, transcending norms,
A love that bloomed, a sweet perfume.

I looked forward, with eager heart,
To our meetings, a special part.
His smile, a warmth, a guiding light,
His eyes, a beacon, shining bright.

Seen and understood, a precious gift,
A person, not just an artist, adrift.
Dreams and fears, passions aflame,
A love ignited, a burning flame.

As feelings grew, a love so deep,
I knew I had to give, to keep.
To show him, his presence, a guiding star,
More than mentorship, a bond so far.

A portrait painted, a heartfelt plea,
A reflection of our unity.
In hues of love, gratitude, and grace,
A love so pure, a loving space.

As I presented, his eyes held tears,
A moment of truth, dispelling fears.
Age, just a number, a fleeting sight,
Love has no bounds, a guiding light.
As expressed by my love, Àihàn Liú
The city sleeps, a hushed and gentle sigh,
but in my heart, a constant flame burns bright.
For you, my love, my artist of the soul,
whose colors dance across the canvas of my dreams.

The world may spin, a dizzying array of trials,
and shadows lengthen, casting doubt and fear.
But know this, my love, through every storm we face,
my heart remains a steadfast anchor, holding you near.

The weight of the world, it presses down, I know,
the burdens you carry, the battles you fight.
And though distance may stretch between us,
my thoughts, my prayers, they find you in the night.

If ever darkness threatens to consume,
if weariness pulls you into its deep embrace.
Remember this, my love, a whispered promise in the dark,
my love is a constant, a refuge, a safe space.

In the quiet hours, when sleep eludes,
and worries whisper secrets in your ear.
Know that I am here, just a call away,
a comforting presence, banishing all fear.

Through every trial, every tribulation,
through every labor, every tear you cry.
My love, my heart, my very being,
is forever bound to you, until the day I die.
My love has a dark past, of pain, hurt, and like anyone, buries it.  It was before us, but regardless of how much support I show, she doesn't open up about it.
I was listening to XM today, and Middle of the Night came on the radio.  The chorus struck a chord.  I listened to it again, while thinking of my love.  And this poem, is the result.
The Dragon year, a vibrant hue,
Now fades, a memory, bittersweet and true.
Solitude's embrace, a winter's chill,
Gave way to warmth, a love that time can't ****.

The Rabbit year, a sorrow's bitter sting,
Left scars unseen, a wounded spirit's wing.
The Dragon's dawn, a fragile, timid bloom,
Seeking solace in life's quiet room.

But destiny, with gentle, guiding hand,
Revealed a soul, a kindred understand.
Beyond the surface, deep within her core,
The anguish seen, and wounds forevermore.

A solace offered, unexpected grace,
Two souls entwined in a warm embrace.
The spark ignited, a love beyond compare,
Mending the broken, easing every care.

Now hand in hand, they journey to the Snake,
A new beginning, for love's sweet sake.
Heart to heart, a balance they will find,
Forever bound, in love's embrace entwined.
2023 Year of the Rabbit
2024 Year of the Dragon
2025 Year of the Snake

This poem was written about our Chinese Lunar New Years (29Jan2025) and the bringing the Dragon to a close, embracing the Snake, but the Journey that my love endured from the end of Rabbit to the beginning of Snake.
High Moon ascends,
Full and resplendent,
Sky ablaze,
Orange, red, a haze,
Year anew.

Moonbeams dance,
Over the mountains,
Valley aglow,
River reflects low,
Moonlit scene.

Lanterns alight,
Candles flicker bright,
Villagers throng,
Honoring the long,
Yearned-for peace.

Riddles abound,
Joyful sounds resound,
Notes on the stream,
Ancestors' dream,
Lanterns gleam.

Currents so mild,
Gifts drift wild,
Spirits guide,
Down the tide,
Protected all.

Water roars loud,
Mist shrouds the crowd,
River descends,
Spirit extends,
Power revealed.

Over the fall,
Lanterns enthrall,
Updraft takes hold,
Celestial fold,
Spirit ascends.

Soaring high,
Heavenward journey,
Serpentine flight,
Guardian of light,
Palace awaits.

Duty complete,
Spirit retreats,
River's domain,
Pure and serene,
Sleep descends, rain.
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival, boasts a rich history dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).
With the New Year looming tomorrow, I dug up this old poem of mine.
In some regions it is a celebration where riddles are written upon lanterns.
In other regions they are floating tributes and prayers.
In others, it is a lantern that takes to the sky like a tiny hot air balloon taking those prayers to heaven for their ancestors.

In this poem, I tried to touch on all three as a unique festival, in which the celebration flows from the village to the river, and over the falls taking flight.  I hope it conveys my thoughts and wishes of prosperity to those of us sending prayers to our loved ones.
Red dress, modern cut, a nod to tradition.
Not gaudy, not simple, a balance found.
Her hand, offered, a father's blessing unspoken.
Pride mixed with sorrow, a future he won't see.
Love, honor, cherish, the groom's vow, a solemn oath.
Protection promised, a father's final duty.

Tears fall freely, a river of emotions.
Vows exchanged, a seal on a lifetime's journey.
The kiss, a declaration, a new chapter begins.
Then, a flutter, a swarm of butterflies descends.

One lands on her nose, a Blue-Spotted Crow, rare and bold.
Wings unfurl, a vibrant blue against her pale skin.
A message, a whisper, a father's presence felt.
She raises a finger, the butterfly shifts its perch.

A silent conversation, a daughter's tribute.
Prosperity whispered, protection assured.
Love remains, eternal, a bond unbreakable.
The Blue-Spotted Crow, a constant, enduring reminder.

The gesture, her father,
The promise, prosperity,
The honor, protection,
The Love, forever.
The Lunar New Year, and my dream last night was poignantly clear.  I had listened to my love, what she wants on our wedding day.  Ties to culture, but embracing the modern..... this dream was so vivid.
And at that moment, butterflies.  I had to sketch what I saw when I woke.
In the Chinese culture, butterflies at a wedding are special, but also spiritual in some beliefs of loved ones revisiting our plain, to offer their love and well wishes to those left behind.
Hell, it may hold some truth, or could be me losing my mind.
Either way, it was a nice dream, and spurred this poem above.
Enjoy.
In the darkness of the night, beneath the weeping sky,
Whispers in the rain, a love that never dies.
Age difference divides us, a worry in our hearts,
Apprehensive of the future, unsure where to start.

Like ships sailing in a storm, our souls intertwined,
Chaos and uncertainty, our love defined.
But amid tears, in the pouring rain,
We found solace in each other, during pain.

The clouds above us, heavy with sorrow,
But our love, a ray of light, a hopeful tomorrow.
Memories of laughter, of joy and of love,
A bond so strong, it fits us like a glove.

The sea of life, ever-changing and vast,
But with you by my side, the storm will not last.
Soulmates in the darkness, shining bright as day,
Our love transcends all, come what may.

Each drop of rain, a symbol of our tears,
Yet each rainbow that follows, dispels all fears.
Your inner beauty, a light in the dark,
A beacon of hope, a delicate spark.

I am older, you are young,
But age is just a number, our love is strong.
Fear not the difference, worry not the time,
For our souls are entwined, in rhythm and rhyme.

I may be gray, you may be gold,
But together we make a love story untold.
Passion flows like the rain, wild and free,
In the whispers of the night, you are my melody.

In the silence of the storm, we find peace,
In the rhythm of the rain, our worries cease.
Happiness like a wave, crashing on the shore,
In your arms, I find solace, forevermore.

So let the rain fall, let the sky cry,
For in your arms, I find my paradise.
Whispers in the rain, a love that never dies,
Soulmates in the darkness, under weeping skies.
Part of my Whispers Collection to be published
In the stillness of the night,
Underneath a blanket of stars,
I find myself lost in thoughts of you,
Aching for your presence from afar.

The distance between us feels infinite,
Yet I feel your spirit close to mine,
Whispering sweet nothings in the wind,
Reminding me of the love we intertwine.

As I gaze up at the starry sky,
I am reminded of how vast the universe is,
And yet how small and insignificant I feel,
Without you here to share in its bliss.

I remember the last time we were together,
The way your eyes sparkled like the stars above,
How your laughter filled the room with joy,
And how my heart swelled with love.

But now you are miles away,
And all I have are memories to hold onto,
I find myself crying in the darkness,
Longing for your touch to see me through.

But in the quiet of the night,
I have a revelation so clear,
No matter the distance that divides us,
My love for you will always be near.

I pledge my devotion to you,
Across the expanse of time and space,
For you are the beat of my heart,
The light in my darkest days.

In the hush of darkness, beneath the starry gaze,
I find solace in the echo of your voice,
Across distance vast, my heart still ablaze,
Longing for the warmth of your embrace, my choice.

I find solace in the thought of you,
And the thought of us together again,
Building a future filled with love and laughter,
Where every moment is worth the pain.

Each night I wander through the midnight sky,
Gazing at the twinkling stars so far above,
Their light a reminder of our love's sweet lullaby,
As I whisper to the heavens all about my love.

So as I lie beneath the starry night,
Missing you with all my might,
I know that our love will endure,
Through every trial and every fright.

Tears fall freely like raindrops in the night,
Mingling with the gentle breeze's soft caress,
Aching for your presence, yearning for your sight,
In these moments of solitude, I confess.

For in the distance that separates us,
I find strength in our connection,
And with each passing day,
I know that our love will be a resurrection.

A devotion unyielding, a flame that burns bright,
An epiphany in every whispered prayer I send,
For in this distance, amidst the silent night,
I find strength in a love that will never end.

So let the night sky be our guide,
And the stars our witnesses,
As we navigate this long distance,
And emerge stronger from its mysteriousness.

Oh, how my heart aches with each breath I take,
With memories of our passion etched deep within,
Yet in this longing, a bond we cannot break,
As we dance together under starlight's gentle kin.

In the end, we will be reunited,
And our love will be brighter than any star,
For in the stillness of the night,
I know that you are never too far.
Part of my Whispers Collection to be published
In dreams, she appears, a vision so bright,
A gentle touch that sets my soul alight.
Her laughter echoes, filling up the night,
We dance in fields where stars take flight.

Kisses sweet as honey, moments divine,
In her arms, true love's path I find.
A new beginning, our spirits entwined,
In self-love's embrace, pure and kind.

She makes my heart sing with joyfulness untold,
A melody of passion that cannot be controlled.
In every kiss exchanged, our connection bold,
In being ourselves, our love will never grow cold.

Like a playful symphony of dreams come alive,
We twirl through life, hand in hand we strive.
To cherish each moment and the love we derive,
In the beauty of us, forever we'll survive.

Through sun-kissed days and moonlit, starry skies,
Our love's a garden where true feeling lies.
With tender whispers and heart-to-heart replies,
Our bond strengthens, as time gently flies.

No shadows linger, no doubts take their hold,
Just pure affection, a story to be told.
In this sweet haven, our spirits grow bold,
A love like ours, more precious than gold.
Part of my Whispers Collection to be published
As night descends and stars softly gleam above,
Weaving dreams in the tapestry of our hearts,
She comforts me, a beacon in the dark,
A kindred spirit, in whom I find solace.
Her gentle touch, a soothing, soft caress,
Chasing shadows, bringing happiness.

Once, it was I who soothed her restless soul,
Now the roles have reversed, a sweet exchange.
In this dance of whispers and tender embraces,
We discover the true essence of our bond.
A silent language spoken heart to heart,
A masterpiece where souls play every part.

Kissed by moonlight, our souls intertwined,
A new beginning unfolds before our eyes.
In loving oneself, we find strength and grace,
A symphony born of passion and self-love's embrace.
No longer bound by fear or self-doubt's chain,
We rise above, where true love will remain.

Laughter echoes through the chambers of our hearts,
A melody of joyfulness that knows no bounds.
In being ourselves, we find completeness within,
An interconnectedness that transcends time and space.
Our spirits soar on wings of pure delight,
Bathed in the glow of love's ethereal light.

So let us dance in the realm of dreams and love,
In this sacred union where we are truly free.
Embracing each moment with hope in our eyes,
We write a romance that defies all expectations.
A tapestry of moments, precious and rare,
A love story beyond compare.

And as the dawn breaks, painting skies anew,
Our love remains, steadfast and ever true.
Through whispered dreams and starlit, soft embrace,
We find our haven, a tranquil, loving space.
Forever bound by an unbreakable tie,
Our love will flourish, reaching for the sky.
Part of my Whispers Collection to be published
The world, a canvas of alabaster, stretches forth,
unblemished, save for whispers of last night's snow,
a pristine expanse beneath the pre-dawn hush.
From our haven, a cabin snug, a haven built of love,
we watch the firmament begin its slow reveal.

A blush of rose, crepuscular and faint, begins to stain
the eastern sky, a promise whispered on the breeze.
The tundra, hushed and still, absorbs the nascent light,
each crystalline flake a prism, catching hues unseen,
reflecting back a spectrum, ethereal and bright.

Then, vermilion streaks the horizon's edge,
a fiery kiss upon the sleeping land.
The world awakens, slowly, stretching limbs of light,
as shadows shrink and melt beneath the sun's ascent.
And in this shared awakening, our hearts entwine anew.

Cerulean hues then paint the heavens high,
a backdrop for the drama of the rising sun.
The world is bathed in gold, a transient, fleeting grace,
as day ascends, its vibrant reign begun.
We watch, content, our love a constant in this change.

The apricot and peach now blend and swirl,
a symphony of color, played across the snow.
The tundra breathes a sigh, releasing winter's chill,
as life stirs gently, putting on its show.
And in this moment, timeless, our love feels ever strong.

Secure within this haven, built of trust and care,
we face the day, whatever it may bring.
For in each other's eyes, we find a love so deep,
a bond that strengthens as the wild birds sing.
And as the sun climbs higher, our hearts find perfect peace.
Good Morning
Taking my time
is a deliberate pace,
a conscious choice
to savor the moments,
to appreciate the journey.

A flame in my life,
a passion,
a burning desire,
once vibrant and close,
now distant and fading.

Drowning in your arms,
a feeling of overwhelming affection,
a sense of being lost in the depths of your love.

The uncertainty of our pace,
the fear of moving too fast or too slow,
the yearning for certainty,
for a future without doubt.

The absence of your presence,
a void in my thoughts,
a lingering cloud of uncertainty.

The allure of falling into your arms,
the comfort and security it offers,
the realization that it won't alter the path you've chosen.

The pain of knowing you're pursuing a misguided path,
the desire to stay together,
to weather the years side by side.

The struggle to express my longing to return home,
the question of whether the journey is worthwhile,
the desire to alleviate your pain,
even if it means sharing in your suffering.

The paradoxical nature of love,
its capacity for both joy and sorrow,
its power to both uplift and wound.
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