Lesser light shine bright into the open spaces let your silver beams caresses my skin. Lightning bugs that illuminate the dark corners of the tree line like phantom eyes, settle in and shine for me. Watch me dance beneath the silver leaves of the Willow. Let my soul go free into the ethos and wander away from the world. Let me become part of the earth and know the feeling of all things that surround me. Let me see from above and below as I realize just how small I am and how big the universe truly is. Let me then share that knowledge with another so that one by one we can all come to respect all things that live around us.

I ate my Thanksgiving meal from a can and didn't get to watch football on T.V. . I was standing watch in Afghanistan but that is all right you see. I will not be doing any shopping or mailing any presents home. I will simply be looking at a few cards that I get from family and friends. The only fire I will see will be in my tent stove. I will be outside a lot, while my family is warm and safe back home. So when you open your presents that are under the Christmas tree and have a cup of good cheer, please have one for me. I am good with my situation, and I don't expect some of you to understand. I will be standing a lonely watch for peace and good will towards men. Though I'll be alone for Christmas in spirit you will be here with me. Until I am properly relieved, please save a place for me.

My voice began to change at 13 years old. Hair begin to growing in places it wasn't before. My feet became too big my nose became too small, I'm now all thumbs and I keep walking into walls. I'm convinced that this is a conspiracy contrived to put an end to me. A now gain weight just looking at cake, my ankles are swollen and I get moody all the time. I've come to the conclusion that this must be a crime. I'm just not sure how you can arrest yourself, perhaps if I think about it more and answer will come to me. Until then I have concluded that my body just hates me.

Leaves depart from trees and clouds move by mountains that sit quietly until a single drop of water moves a pebble and a fisher forms rending tons of rock asunder. In a moment one mountain becomes two and the trickle of water cascades into a new river that took a measure of time that no man can count to create . While we run around seeking solutions to problems that have existed for an eternity in the counting of mortal time, the answers are already there, we just have to wait on God to act on them .

Trapped in the light of the lesser sphere, like a Moth drawn to a cold flame. Immersed in Silver streams of light, that shine brightly and pierce the night. Like a fairy tiptoeing through a magic stream, I frolic and dance merrily on a moonbeam.

Take everything that someone earns and give it away to those in need. This is what equality means. Make everyone stand on their own two feet and work to achieve as much as they can, this is what life should be. We were born to privilege and we know whats best for you. Let us tell you what you should do. In principal eloquent speeches may seem surreal, but let us examine each ideal for what it is. Only the outcome of the experiment matters. How you get to the end is hard to say. When the dust settles only the way that works best should be considered. This how you win the battle of ideals.

When I find my way home and all my sorrow has passed away. In the land of never ending day. When I walk on streets of Gold and see the wonders untold. I will not shed a tear of sorrow, but will be filled with joy untold. When I have laid my labors down and rest is forever mine. When I see the face of the one who died for me. I will be filled with elation as I thank the one who set me free. I know they say you should not cry, but I will not be able to help it you see, for I will cry tears of joy, when Jesus face I see.

It is said that we all have our time, but in certain things time is of the essence. When contemplating what comes next in life, you should not dally or be late. In a single breathe eternity can find you. In a single heart beat all that you hold dear can end. So when deciding the path you can will take to the eternity, remember heaven can't wait my friend.

Friendships built and friends lost. People given a hand that are in need. Healing the sick and the broken hearted, bearing a neighbors burden with them. Walking on a path straight and narrow, weighed down by troubles and trials. Struggling to understand the  journey, but always with humility acting in the services of others. Being selfless and not selfish. Taking time to listen instead of taking advantage of someone. Offering hope instead of condescending judgment. These are the things that make a life well lived.

I show the world the side of myself that I want them to see. I try to give the true meaning of what I believe. I speak of my philosophies to any who will listen, but do not try to force them on anyone. I give of myself charitably and work to constrain my prejudices and anger. I want others to see that I live what I profess to believe, even though I struggle with myself. So forgive me if I falter and fail some days, I have not reached perfection just yet. It is my hope that the positive parts of my life will influence others and help someone else live as I would like to .

I am strong and not weak. I am determined and  I will succeed. You will not take what is mine and my spirit will not be broken. Though I am bloodied and beaten I will rise again. I can accomplish what I set out to do. It may take me longer than it does some others, but I will not be deterred. I am empowered and I will prevail.

On barren place where nothing seem to grow, are collected the tears of sorrow, all of the weeping for loss and grief are collected here. As far as the eye can see, there is nothingness, no life not a single tree. As if some curse were spoken over this place, a place where no life can be. If not for the land that bears our sorrow, the earth would wither and die. So let your tear flow for what ever grief you may hold, for they will be caught by the salted ground.

Dawn breaks on the horizon, the stormy night has passed. The dark blue Waters are dimly lit and the Shadows are fading fast. The fierce winds have died down and the white froth of the Raging main is calmed. Seagulls cry in the cool morning air as they Venture from land heralding Mariners home. Dark have been the tidings of late an unfavorable has the weather been, long Journeys and separation has found us but now that show all come to an end. For the wind blows warm at our back and the tide gently rolls in. As the sun fully brakes on a brand new morning I no there will soon be good fortune for the tides are turning again.

Despite my personal failings, I will live in his grace. Though the world shall persecute me, I will seek his mercy. Even if I am called into question, I will stand firm on Gods word. I will not be moved, even though I may stumble and fall. Even in the face of death, I will stand for him.

When I was lost and in need of guidance, I happened upon a stranger as I traveled along. He asked me how I was and gave me comfort. He understood what I was missing and was willing to listen. As we parted, I felt a new peace in life. I went my way and later on I did the same for another person to whom I was a stranger. I know not where the stranger who met me went to nor do I know what effect I had on another life. I only know that if not for a stranger in my path, I might have taken a very different road.

The streets are littered with waste and the cities are brought to ruin. The images of anything that is holy have been called offensive and made illegal. No one can speak up for what they believe without the governments approval and liberal thought runs through our schools. The mention of God in any form is forbidden and criminals take what they want at will. All of the wealth and prosperity has been taken to pay for others who hate us. Hunger runs rampant in cities and people riot but find nothing to eat, all the while the elite gorge themselves and blame it on dead ideals that have long been silenced. The rest of the world is in chaos, as dark powers subjugate anyone who opposes them. Now at the height of their power, the purveyors of lies feast on the marrow of that which was once great and America falls into darkness and despair as she lies in her death throws after having succumbing to immorality and idleness.

Sitting in a window on a dressing mannequin, viewed by a wide eyed girl, a lace dress shimmers soft and white. Oh how she wants to feel it caress her skin. She presses her face to the window and look at again and again. Each day she comes by, she longs for it to be hers. She hopes and waits patiently until she can make it her own. With ribbons and frills she imagines how she will look. At night she dreams of it's beauty, as she waits to sleep. Then one day she comes by and it is gone. Her heart falls into sadness, for her dream has been shattered. At home she sits solemnly peering out a window. Through lace curtains she views the world as it goes by. Then a light shines in her eyes, like the dawn of a new day. With great anticipation, she gets up and goes on her way. With a sewing kit and some scissors, she pulls the curtains down. She cuts and sews with great care, until she is done. With a fitted slip, she finishes her work until she thinks she has it right. Then standing in front of a mirror, she smiles with sheer delight. What she could not buy she has made for herself. The lace dress looks wonderful, as good at the one she saw in the store. Now her only problem is what to do about the curtains that are not hanging on her mother’s windows anymore?

I strip off all of the baggage and walk into the down pour as the day I was born. I am bare for all of the world to see and I want nothing between me and the down pour. The water falls all around me and it's freezing cold. The mud mires up between my toes but I feel cleansed for the first time in I don't know when. As the lightning flashes and the thunder shakes the earth, I just stand in silence letting the cold water wash over me. I become one with the droplets and feel as if though I could flow away with each one and leave my cares behind. For just this moment, I am cut off from the other world in which I live, as I wrap myself in the rain.

Anger foments in the minds of the young as parents pass on their failures and diminished dreams. They are taught to despise another person for their success and for the fact that their family seems to have been left behind. They turn their rage inward, then it reaches a boiling point and they lash out. Striking at anything or anyone that they perceive is the cause of their misfortune. It matters not who they are, or where they are from, nor what their ethnicity is. All that matters is that they have rage in their hearts taught to them by someone else and that there is someone else to blame for their condition.

Voices inside of me, voices outside of me, all telling me what to do. Its hard enough just to wake up in the morning. So much pressure to be this or that, pictures and ads show me what they think perfect is. I cry because I don't fit in, but then the people I am told to be like look miserable. I eat because I am hungry not because I have a problem. I don't like sports because I am not good at them. I enjoy walking because it makes me feel good to see nature. All of these things seem to make me odd. I can't find where I fit, I am a round peg in a world full of square holes. Is there anyone that feels like me. I am lonely but I can be very friendly. I don't mind corny jokes and imperfections. I just want a place where I can be myself.

Tales of ancient terror brings their legends to life. Creatures with thundering voices and raging eyes bright with flame. Scales of Grey, Black, Red and Green sewn so tightly together that air cannot get between them. Claws that rip through wood and stone turning it to mud and mire. Tails like might Oak trees that smash to pieces anything they strike. Some have wings and some breathe earth scorching fire, giving their legends more ferocity and making them all the more desirable to see and fear. Dragons of legend and lore, created from fact and fear of human remembrance and imagination.

Rain descends from silver and dark clouds. Waterfalls come from high cliffs. Springs bubble up from beneath the earth and snowy peaks melt and form gentle streams that turn into mighty rivers that flood over their banks. All of the water falling, and we can't seem to keep it clean.

Cutting through the tried and true, seizing on the moment I move forward on my own path. Not know for sure if there will be a tomorrow. I walk on a rough and rugged trail. Facing twist and turns as each adventure unfolds, I do not sit idly by and wait for life to find me. Opening up every door to see what lies on the other side. I have never been one to conform to what is expected. Until at last I look back on a life's journey, seeing the path I have taken. I see my mistakes and my triumphs. Not all things went as might be expected, but all of my journey was my own, for in taking my own road I discovered who I really am and that is a journey that I can live with.

I watch lives fall apart, I see people forget who they are. I see children left on their own, just so parents can get high. Good people steal and do violent things they would not normally do. Nothing good can come of abuse, other than jail or death. You pay for your addiction with your health and your wealth. Those who deal to you are never really your friends. You never know when the next purchase will land you in some cold and uncaring jail. You are paranoid a lot of times for no reason at all. If you are really lucky, you have someone who will get you help. Otherwise, you will sell off what ever you can get your hands on just to get your next high. You will even trade yourself, just to pay your debt. Drugs will use you up until there is nothing left. So heed this warning, lest you pay a terrible price. Drugs are a one way street that can end up costing you your life.

My love sit before me and let me partake of your rare delights. Embrace me and take me into your buxom, let me find rest in your chamber. Hold me my beloved and give me comfort. I have labored a great work and now I seek to rest. Your love is as sweet as summer fruit and you refresh my soul. Keep me safe from evening until morning and then wake me not until I have taken my rest. Let me take my fill of love from the, comfort me and let me know you. Let me taste your desires and be filled with your body and know the rest that kings desire to take in the comfort of your arms.

I saw a mother holding a new born child, she sheltered it close as a gentle rain fell down. I watched two children at play, they held hands and laughed one sunny day. I saw a stranger help an old person across the street. I heard a story of someone saving the life of a person they may never meet. I saw soldiers giving children toys, bringing smiles to those different from them. I saw someone praying with a person of another faith. I heard joyous singing coming from everyplace. I saw the love that a person can show to another. I have seen God's kingdom in all of us.

A life without pain is no life at all. Imagine no labor in giving birth, then the joy of the new life would need no celebration. Imagine no anguish in accomplishing a goal, then the point of the goal would be lost. Imagine no sorrow, then there could not be compassion. One cannot exist without the other. Pain is not welcome, nor is it wanted, but it is a part of who we are. For what makes us hurt can also cause us to care. It is the factor of humanness that cannot be quantified or calculated. It is a part of us that we must have in order to grow stronger and become caring, thoughtful and it can be the best part of ourselves.

Lets start a fire that will burn out the night. Lets start a fire and give passion some light. Lets start a fire brighter than the stars above. Lets start a fire with our true love.

I feel like I am suffocating, the world is closing in around me. I feel only fear and paranoia! I just want to be outside, I can't stand closed in spaces or people close in around me. I walk everywhere or ride a bike, even when it is bitter cold. No one seems to understand me. They just tell me it is a phase. I can't ever seem to smile and what I like doesn't make sense to others. I like quiet places where the noise doesn't confuse me. I want to be liked and to have friends, but there are few people like me. All they want to do is take me to doctors, and all they want is to medicate me. I just want someone to understand that this is my normal, at least it is for me. I know what I am doing, I just have to do it in my own way. I don't like getting upset, but I get frustrated when people want to change me. I just wish they would stop crowding me so I can just breathe.

Sitting by the water watching the leaves fall into a stream. Each one begins it's journey on to an unknown place. The wind blows the water that runs still and deep, each wave moves out as a ripple towards the sandy bank where it stops, yet the wind keeps going on. Beneath the surface I stare at fish darting about as I see my own reflection under the Steel Gray sky. Shimmering in my reflection like Silver that you could just reach out and take in your hand. I realize that I am only seeing a ghost of where I exist. The world around me goes silent as in a moment I find understanding. The wind, the water and every living thing is a part of something greater and my life is only a brief reflection of the part of the whole that I must play in the grand scheme of things.

I climbed on your limbs when I was a child. I built my first house in you. I hung my swing from your strongest branch and I carved my history into your bark. You have weathered the storms with me and you are my favorite place to think. Now in the long days of my life, you comfort me. In your shade I take rest from my labors and watch others play in you. As you stand a sentinel I will likely take my final rest under your branches. Live long my old friend and give comfort to others have you have given it to me.

When I see Roses in full bloom, I think of your lips. When I hear a bird singing I am reminded of your sweet voice. When I feel the soft breeze blow past me, I am reminded of your gentle touch. When I see a dark stream flowing, I am reminded of your deep Blue eyes. When the sun comes up, I am reminded of your warmth. When the moon comes out, I am reminded of how mysterious you can be. At every waking moment, I am thinking of you and I am reminded how glad that I am your in love with me.

Water comes from the clouds and drenches the ground, it doesn't care where it falls. The sun draws up the water into the clouds and they go where the wind takes them. There are no borders for the clouds, only places to go. Mountains catch them and sometimes collect the water they bring and send it down when the sun melts the ice and snow. When children dance in a puddle, they did not ask it from where it came, they only know that it is wet and fun to play in. The water cascades down on all people, regardless of who they are. It washes away the mud and the dirt and renews the earth and helps plants to grow. It wets everyone equally, yes the rain falls on us all.

Covered in mud and sweat, tired beyond belief. Another tour completed, another mission achieved. Too exhausted to shower, I just fall asleep in my clothes. Into a cot or hammock, I just lay down and hope to wake. Up before the sunrise, shower then to eat a meal. I can't remember when I slept in a warm bed, or how my wife and children feel. I only know that I have a duty, and I pray to live to see it done. In a land far from my own, I serve until the battle is won. I perform my duties and don't complain, for it would do little good. When I took my oath, it was understood. I must serve a greater cause, and do what I am told. I don't make the missions, I just have to go. On into harms way, sometime for what I don't understand. I just know that I proudly serve, until those in charge decide this should end and at last my duty will bring me home again.

Somehow the lines were funnier last night. This morning the words do not make any sense. There are War drums pounding in my head, so I must revise my script. Instead of Science Fiction, I now think I'll write a western. Perhaps I'll scrap the whole thing and start over when I can see again, double vision makes it hard to type and I would likely **** myself if I tried to use a pen. So I will drink a third cup of coffee and wait to get rid of this hangover. Then perhaps my words will finally make sense when I can again write sober.

The only words I know are life and death. The only game I know is being the only one left. The streets are where I will be judged. You cannot live while you hold a grudge. You always got to be strapped if you want to stay alive. The game we play is for keeps, there is more at stake than a corner to sling, this is just like a coke, it is the real thing. People sell their lives for a couple of grams. The racket has made me who I am. The cars and bling are just for show, it is how I let everybody know. I am not faking it, I am living out this ****. I made my first **** when I was 15 now at 25 they call me a king. I am all that in my neighborhood. Saint or sinner, only history can be the judge of me. I hope one day that my mother and God will forgive me. I was born under a bad sign and in a life of poverty. The streets are the only way I see that is left for me. So I will venture out one more time, riding with my homies, hoping I can make it back from the edge alive. With each deal I finalize I become richer, but each time I can feel it all getting nearer. The po po are always on my case, it is truly life or death in this rat race. I just hope that my 9 will get the job, an early grave or life in the penitentiary is not how I want to end my run. So until I find a way out of the game, I will just keep living by the gun.

A pill for this and a prescription for that, addiction is marketed to us all day and night. If you hurt then you need a pill, if you can sleep then still you need something to drink. People are falling out and our idols are dying. Children are getting strung out from the medicine cabinet at home, the days of the street dealer are gone. Mom and day start them young, a little something under the tongue. A Benadryl to keep the kid quiet, while liquid libation gets mom and dad right. What is the end, where doe it go? How far are we willing to travel down the Rabbit hole? War is not needed when you have your favorite prescription drug, when will we decide that we have been drugged enough?

The world loves all that I personify, I am the epitome of greatness. I am self absorbed with my own personal appearance. No opinion matters except mine. I am correct and the rest of the world is wrong. I am a success at all that I do. All of these things are realized before I get out of bed at noon.

Your head lays on my shoulder as a cool breeze blows in the evening. The birds sing quietly as the sun fades slowly Beyond the Horizon. Clouds dangle overhead, against the steel grey sky changing colors as the sun slowly Fades away. I pull you close to me and I can smell your hair, the scent of hay fields and wildflowers still mingled in its strands. Quietly we sit, holding each other in a Lover's embrace. There's nowhere else I would rather be then watching the sunset with you.

What is it and why can't we see it. Who is this person everyone talks about. Where did it come from and why does the need even exist. So many questions and so few answers. Many rail against the concept, and yet billions cry out to something they have never seen. So is it just a fantasy, or  a mass delusion. Perhaps there is something deeper than what we can understand. Perhaps there is something deep inside of us that knows a cosmic truth that must admit that we do not control anything. Perhaps it is this that makes us focus on seeking out something greater than ourselves. Perhaps this is the idea of God.

The stars shine in a cloudless sky, as the earth turns. People sleep in peace as our fighter jets fly and our satellites keep watch in the night. Ships sit on the horizon as the watch changes unnoticed. Children dream under the stars and stripes in many lands, because our soldiers are at the gates. A world waits for dawn so that sleepy eyes can wake. People go out to play and children don't have to worry. A silent night watch was kept by America on land, sea and in the skies.

I ride high above the clouds and look down below to the swirling winds. I take a deep breath and jump into the darkness. I fall endlessly into the abyss. I see the flashing lightning and hear the roar of the thunder I plunge through the blackness like a star falling from the heavens. I leave a trail of light behind me where I have parted the clouds and broken through the darkness. I spread my wings and take flight into the howling wind. Around and Around I go, looking for answers. I feel the cold chill of death surrounding me as the ice and rain cut to my core. Despite the harshness of the weather, I endure the torrents, plunging forward with a fierce resolve. Gathering all that I can before sailing back to earth. I leave all fear and worry behind as I have ridden the storm.

The leaves change and turn the colors of the rainbow. The moon shines bright and the cool breeze makes lovers embrace a little closer. New families bundle their precious jewels of joy up snugly as they venture out into the waning sun. The nights come ever quicker and the stars seem to shine a little brighter. Hearts seem to grow more melancholy towards family and dear friends. New lovers find the harvest moon enticing as they wander off for time alone.  The world seems to settle a little away from the vibrant waves of summer, things take on a slower pace and a softer hue. Peace can be found in quiet stolen moments as love comes in the fall.

I had a dream last night, I saw before me a long and winding road. I was standing before heavens gates and I was in fear and awe. A great presence stood behind me and I looked down the road I had walked. Though I thought I had not accomplished much, I found I was so wrong. I saw a young man who was talking to me. I saw how he seemed hopeless and was in need. I didn't have much, but I gave him money anyway. I watched as he left and how his life changed. I saw another person I had met along my way, it was a young mother who was having a bad day. She was very sad and I offered her a kind word, her heart returned to joy and hope. Then she went on her way, I saw how she had become a good mother and had a happy family today. I saw another person, who was sitting in a church, I saw how they were unsure and had on self worth. I saw that I sat beside them and silently we did both pray. I then saw my words reach heavens throne and that person found God that day. On and on the images rolled, each one through the years. I could not help it, but I was brought to tears. On each stop in my life's journey, I had found a need and in each instance I had planted a seed. When the whole road was laid out before me, my eyes could not believe, how many great and wondrous things had come from every single deed. Some seed bore a little fruit and some many fold, but all returned glory to the fathers kingdom in ways that cannot be told. So I woke up from my bed and fell down to my knees. I then gave thanks to God for when I planted a seed.

She smiles sheepishly yet nothing seems amiss. She glows from having been in bliss. She found out how it feels to love in one short hour. She considers herself a woman now that she has lost her flower.

Knowing the mind of another, learning to read the expression of another's face while hiding your own emotions. Putting on a pretense to make a show to others. Hiding pain deep inside of yourself. Shuffling life around to accommodate the necessity of achieving a goal. All under the table and above board with a façade of yourself. Knowing when to pull back and knowing when to take a chance. Playing life's cards for all they are worth. Making an art of the game.

Just one more boost and that will be enough. I will reach nirvana and then I am done. Mixing the chemicals to get the blend just right. I will be doing great by the end of the night. One shot then two then three then four. I can't remember how to find the door. Completely zoned out with the needle in my arm. Dying to get harm what was the harm. Now you are nothing but a ****** that had noting to lose. Mom and dad find out your dead on the six o'clock news.

My eyelids flutter as the fire rushes through my veins. The reaction is taking hold. The needle just hangs there as I take a trip, flying high into the sky. I can see the stars coming close and I can hear my heart thundering with each beat. All of the pain has slipped away and I am letting go. Slipping away from my prison, I look for the light. I see so many colors and hear sounds but cannot make them out. I am fading into the nothingness, my pain will soon be gone. I lose conciseness as everything goes black. For a moment I am free, it is over. Then without warning I feel a thousand stabbing daggers tearing through my chest. No it can't be, I was almost free. They have no right to bring me back to my pain, it was almost over!

You give me distant gazes as though you are looking through me. When I talk in a certain way you don't laugh like you used to. Our special moments seem like we are going through the motions. Just as the seasons change so have you changed to me. More and more you find ways to not see me and when you do it is as if you are not there. I must accept that your heart is gone but your body is still here, so I will have to learn to just let you go.

The landscape may seem serene but the wounds have just been scarred over. The truth lies just beneath the surface and is still divisive. Though new generations come along, people still feel unsettled. The lessons of the past are ignored by some and the old hatreds fester like a disease. Until we cut away the rancid flesh of hatred from the present and truly embrace the lessons of the past. The old scars will never truly heal.