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.

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.

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!

In a book that keeps the record of all the deeds i have done, there is a mark beside my name placed there by Gods only son. Where there once the word condemned, now there in only crimson where once there was sin. For you see Christ paid the price, of this there is no doubt. On the day that he was crucified, in the book my sins were crossed out.

Poverty only seems to get worse. Fighting never seems to end. Wars rage on and people forget why they began in the first place. I struggle in my own life but try to help where I can. Crime and injustice abound, yet I keep trying to make it a better world. So much seems to go wrong, will I ever see it going right? I often wonder could I have done more? Is there something else I could have done? Have I done enough?

What can I gain by giving and not receiving? What will it matter if I lend you a hand? What could possibly be of benefit to me, why should I even care? If I do only for myself and only when I can elicit gain, think how rich I would be and how much better off? In the world of material things, I could prosper, but at what cost to my soul?

No matter how many times I wash my hands, the stains are still there. No matter how much I try, I cannot silence the screams. I know I shouldn't have done it but it is to late to worry about that now. Inside my room that closes in on me every time I open my eyes. Just one drink too many, that is all it took. I walked away without a scratch, but two others lost their lives. The blood will not wash off of my hands no matter how much I try.

To the person that is thirsty I shall give water to drink. To those who are hungry I will give them that they may eat. To those who are lonely I will be a comfort and a friend. To those that have no hope, I will show them the way forward. As often as I may, to those that are in need. I will do that which I can, I shall be a blessing indeed.

Pour a shower over me, let the Crimson flow. Let my skin be awash in its life giving essence, let the opened veins pour out. Release my inner beast, cast aside the bridle that restrains me. Open the door and let me play on a dark field. Let my skin become white like snow and glisten as the red droplets drip off of me. See the heat rise from me as I meet the bitter cold. The thirst takes me and cannot be quenched, now let the Crimson rivers flow.

Beside deep waters and cool fields flowers, my soul finds peace. From burdens and long weary journeys, I come to sit for a while. Looking into the dark cool water at my reflection, longing to know my future. Forgetting my past or the labors that I went through. Seeking a divine connection with God. Hoping to become as the tree by the water or the rock upon which the house was built. I long for favor and strengthening of faith, that I may rest from my journey at the days end.

We are often our own worst critics, so when I look into a mirror I am my harshest judge. No one can truly know me except myself. I see the truth that I can hide from others. I know the mistakes that I carry inside. There is no where to hide from me. Each day I must conquer my own self and I must learn to live with what I have done. Though others may forgive my mistakes or accept it as part of being human, I am my own worst critic in the end. So I must take lessons from what I have been shown. The process is often slow and sometimes I am a poor student, but in learning to forgive myself, I will be able to rebuild who I am inside. Then perhaps when I look at my reflection, I will once again like what I see.

The grass flows down into meadows like a stream of Emeralds. It shimmers in the early morning mist as the sun breaks through the fog. The dew glistens like Diamonds on the trees and the flowers that open up to meet the new day. In echoes off of the side of high mountains you can hear the sweet serenade of many an Irish maid. With voices that could make an angel cry, they sing songs of life and laughter. Embracing the old land as they walk barefoot over the cool earth on their way to what ever task is at hand. Such is the heart of the old people who were born on the Emerald Isle. Such is the love in the heart of Ireland.

You have never seen me but I ask you to trust me. You know my name but you have not heard my story. You are unsure of what I am offering, but you are curious about who I am. Some people tell you to reject me, but a small voice says give it a try. The choice will be yours ultimately, I can only wait to see if you are willing, to take a leap of faith and trust in Gods only son.

Bleak sand and Grey rocks form a beach and a jetty. Salt spray washes up as it meets the barrier of the land. The cold wind sweeps in and forces couples to huddle close. The dark sky heralds the coming storm. Snow falls from the heavens and begins to blow with the wind. Ships bear the brunt of the early winter. Summer has forsaken the coast and retreated. Now only the hearty stand here. Standing firm is not for the faint of heart. Stone cottages stand empty except for those who were born here. The light house stands as a solemn sentry against danger as the waves thunder and crash. Nature is no longer kind, but for any who will dare, life can be exciting when the costal winter comes.

Hearts torn into pieces and emotions scattered asunder. The path lays strewn with shattered dreams. Crystal chandeliers light the way to glamor and fame, only to leave you cold from the light that is cast but that gives no warmth. Bits of people scream from the sides of the path that is filled with holes and sharp stones. Lives that were ripped to shreds when they fell apart on the way to the star of glory lay all around as the voices repeat the same thing. Beware of lofty dreams and take care for your heart. Love is a luxury and friendship is a rare commodity that is often traded for perceived happiness and worldly things. So is the way of life in the land of dreams, Hollywood where all that glitters is not gold and you are just one step away from losing it all.

I stop on the beach to see the harbor lights. I watch a ship coming in from time out at sea. As I listen to the waves wash up on the shore, I look up at the night sky. In my mind I think of all that I have gained and what I have lost. As I walk along the beach, silhouetted by a pail moon rising over the water. I begin to be at peace with decisions I have made. I take a deep breath of the salty air and resign myself to be content with the life that I have lived and the choices that I have made

I am imperfect, but I will seek to live a better life. I will stumble and fall, but I will get up and keep on trying. I will profess him, even when all reject me. I will give him my praises and do it all for his glory.

A deep bowl on a cold winters day filled with all of the good things that life can bring. When you mix the best of everything or the best of everyone, you make a soup that is worth eating or ideas that are worth sharing. Either way it can fix what is wrong with the soul.

I have traveled a long and dreary path. Soon it will be time for me to part ways. The sun is getting ever lower on the horizon, but the end to this journey is now crystal clear. For good or ill, I have done the best that I could. Now this weary Mariner will take one last journey. Into the Setting Sun as the last Light of Day fades, from my labors and toil I will soon take a rest. How long I will stay at peace, I do not know. For now I will be content, and wait to see what comes next. for the current path that I walk, upon it these are my last days.

I have lived the dream and have achieved my goals. I have walked a mile in another mans shoes. I have come to understand that all things are fleeting and that I must move on. I am unsure what my purpose is anymore, I have survived adversity and I have given to help the forgotten. I have sacrificed and endured the struggles of life. I have received a reward for my hard work and I have no more visions for my tomorrow. So perhaps I will not make any plans, but for once I will leave the world to chance. I will remember yesterday and savor today and let tomorrow take care for itself.

I walk past a garden apartment each morning. It faces the rising sun. In the window seal sits a cat looking out as the world goes by. I stop and look at the casual observer who gives me little thought. He stretches his paws forward and closes his eyes. He settles into the warm rays of days first light. I feel somewhat slighted, but then envious, for as I just trudge on into the world, the cat in the window seal lounges quietly, not caring what the world thinks as he watches the it go by.

My body is frail and my spirit has lost the will to fight. I see the coldness of my surrounding and I no longer want to be here. Family that once was familiar to me have become strangers. They weep and bicker while I languish. I hear distant voices that I cannot quite make out, I get a sense of something different. As my mortal shell fades, I take stock of the changing scenery. One world begins to fade and another begins to come into focus. I feel the pain leaving and joy returning. I am slipping the bonds of mortality and crossing over to what lies beyond.

Walk through the darkness and shine forth a light
Pierce the misery and hate. Bring forth mercy and peace. Give of yourself to another. Show others a path of truth. Set an example of mercy and grace. Upon intolerance and ignorance shine a light of compassion and justice.

A beautiful flower, but a prickly plant. The thorns of a rose are a nuisance at best. The plant has such luscious blooms, that are not saved by it's thorns. A bee will land on it and steal away the nectar, and a beetle will come and eat the bud to pieces, so why do Roses have thorns anyway?

A nation divided on principal, torn apart by ideology. Hate is rampant in the streets as one groups says give me give me give me and another says you want too much. Success is punished and hard work is discouraged. People go hungry and ****** is everywhere, children find role models on T.V. and not in the home. With each thing declared a world ending crisis, who knows the truth anymore. What is the end game of the puppet masters and who is really to blame?

I look through a Plastic window ensconced by rows of steel lines. The bars cast a shadow on my cell floor. I watch as the sun moves up then arches back down. The time passes slowly as the shadows grow long. The night falls and the pale yellow light is all that remains of my day, it hums and buzzes with a slight flicker. I hear the keys turn in the locks as they call lights out. I settle onto my mattress and try to let my mind fade away. I crawl deep inside myself looking for some place to call my own, but with each haunting sound I find myself drawn back to the stark reality. My world has been reduced to 8 by 11 feet. I hope that I will one day feel the wind again, but for now I can only dream of what freedom is like and try to find something inside of myself, as I seek hope from behind the bars of my prison cell.

Scars on my wrist and ankles from more than one time with a razor. Some people say I am crazy, others think I am lazy. They say I do not have the will to live or die. I just sit and cut some more and let them wonder why. I want to feel alive, I want to feel normal you see. No matter what I do, I just walk around in a haze. It just doesn't come and go, it can last for days. When I cut the places that I have let bleed before, I feel something clearly. The pain drives away the fog and lets me see what others see or at least that is what I think. Perhaps one day I will go to far, but for now I will just let the cuts speak for me. For they tell a story that I never could you see.

The world had grown dark and silent. For three days all was still. The end had come swiftly, quicker than anyone would have believed it would. From teacher to criminal to death all in a space of one day. There was weeping and fear the day that they took the master away. The followers were scattered and hid in terror behind closed doors. What would become of them was the thought, where would we go from here. Then on the first day of the week, to all who saw it they were amazed. The sealed and guarded tomb was empty, it appeared that he had been taken away. Confusion was rampant among many, his followers and the guards at the tomb were in dismay. Then he appeared at the break of morning, he had come back to show them a new way. The light had dawned on salvation, as darkness finally had to give way. Sin had lost the final battle and righteousness had finally found a way. Redemption was finally realized, all on that very first day.

An all powerful being on a radiant throne, how dare he judge me! A malicious and cruel being who dictates my life, what gives him the right? The truth is a simple one for some and complicated for others, we have a choice, to believe or not, to obey or not, to love or not. The answer is yes or no for us and he judges because he loves us and we are reluctant to judge ourselves.

If this morning were you last in the mortal plain. If you knew for sure that you would not see the earthly sun rise again. What would be thought of you? What would you leave behind? Would you leave a legacy of caring or one of selfishness and pain? Would you be welcomed if you came back again. Could you say with confidence that you would see loved ones on the other side, or would you doubt there is eternal life. So while you hurry along on your busy way, stop for a moment and ask yourself what if you should die today?

Reading opens a door to a different world. Knowledge expands the vision beyond brick and mortar walls. The pages are cobble stone in a path to ascension. Words of inspiration remove the veil of ignorance. A book lends itself to new ideas and oppertunity. An educated child can lead the world to a better place. A book is a cure for poverty even in the most hopeless place.

I sit quietly as you walk by, but you do not notice me. I find reasons to be near you but I feel unsure of myself. I go home and hide in my room as I look in the mirror I do not like what I see. Perhaps if I were thinner you would notice me. I skip breakfast and nibble at my lunch. I go home and eat my dinner then I throw it up. I toss and turn all night hoping tomorrow will be the day. I put on my clothes and they do not fit right. I look at my hair and I see that it is thinner so I think if I dye it perhaps it will look right. I go to class and sit near you, but you never look my way. I cannot figure out what is wrong with me, so I think of another way. Perhaps if I was thinner, then you would see me. I get a few pills from a friend so that I will not be hungry all of the time. I bump into you and you just look at me funny. I am not sure what it means, I just say sorry and walk on. I look in the mirror and I don't like what I see. I am still to fat, perhaps that is why you won't notice me. My mother finds me on the floor of our bathroom. I wake up in the hospital the room begins to spin. I wonder why everyone looks worried. I have an IV in my arm and it makes me feel ugly. I thought this was how it is done. I see the pictures in the magazine, they are all so pretty and thin and look so happy it seems. It turns out that what I thought was helping wasn't good for me. I am just lying here in my hospital bed dying for you to notice me.

Reaching down into a box, I pull out photos that are memories. I try to put them back inside of me. I weep until I am an empty shell and look for comfort but find little. My life is destroyed by your betrayal and all I am left with is the shattered shards of love. So I will pull together what I can find and paste together what I used to be. I will let you go slowly as I continue picking up pieces of what I have left of me.

Puppet masters pull the strings as we marionettes dance to their tune. Cohesion is the enemy of control and unity is unwanted. Division is the key to managing the masses. Keep one envious of the other and two diametrically oppose to a third. Round and round the Carousel of division goes. When you try to step off, and cut your strings, you are pulled back in by a stronger piece of twine. Poverty, want, hate are all the tools of the puppet masters. These are what divides us, but what is it that will truly unite us?

My parents didn't want me they abandon me to my fate. From foster home to foster home that's where I was made to stay. A ward of the state I was forgotten and no one cared now I've turned 18 and I'm staring into an abyss. Why was I even born, life is not supposed to be like this. I reach out to find someone , anyone who will care. Each time I grasp at Phantoms that are floating through the air. I've closed off my heart because I don't know how to trust, the only thing that I know is being shuffled from place to place. Now I've been kicked out with nowhere to go, I guess I really am no good. Who would ever want to love me for you see I am just damaged goods.

Flowers bloom in Vivid bouquets of color. They turn and follow the Sun with precise Direction. As morning comes they open reaching out for Golden rays of Summer light. Then a good Breeze comes along and they blow out the ghastly essence. Pollen bombs my senses and I am thrown into a congestion hell. Trees put on green leaves and Sprout young blossoms, I'm dusted with a ******* and forced to endure great pain. Oh that my suffering could end and I could see winter again.

When we go to war, no one ever wins. Each side has losses and must accept them. Those who do survive, may not come home whole. Some bear physical wounds and other have wounds that we cannot see. Despite all of our efforts, sometimes we must fight. Perhaps a day will come when we can talk out our differences, oh what a great day that will be.

Taps is played on a singular Trumpet as 21 guns sound. A gleaming White stone is set solemnly in the ground. The wind blows through flags that sit high atop silver poles. All is quiet now, as the mourners file away. Flowers adorn the graves of loved ones that have gone away. A lone sentry stands guard over those who are at rest. Their duty done, they gave their all, each life like a precious Rose that shed it's bud in undue season. The blossom of their lives was stricken down to pay freedoms cost you see. Now they lie in silence awaiting another call. All of the brave ones who sacrificed, the precious flowers that lay where the Roses fall.

Dressed in lace of the darkest black, with ruffles of red. A veil covers her face as her skirts trail over her shoes. She walks down cobble stone street, as her heels click. She looks forward and walks on in the direction of her purpose. Lips painted bright red shine through her veil. Her nature is her own affair, yet she gets attention where ever she goes. With skin of a light Olive hue, and dark mysterious eyes, she pierces the heart of anyone with her soft gentle gaze. A mystery wrapped in black lace. So goes the woman in the veil.

Offer a helping hand, do not take from someone else. Make someone whole, do not leave them in broken pieces. Mend fences, don't burn bridges. Build a home, don't just offer shelter. Give ,do not lend in expectation of return from those who do not have anything. Teach those who have no understanding the knowledge that you possess. Share your prosperity instead of hoarding up goods and taking more. Be lead by your heart in kindness to help eliminate want. Give what you are able, for to God that is just enough.

Though my body has become weak, my spirit can still soar. Though years have worn me down, I am filled with life. Though adversity has denied me worldly success, I have accomplished many things As I travel the path on which life has put me, I have no need to regret. My mistakes are my own and I must live with them. I have long since made peace with my own self. I am comfortable in my own skin and I try to make the lives of others better each day. I have no power or influence, I can only offer compassion and perhaps a kind word. In all things I am content, because I am not bound by the trappings of materialistic things. I am at peace with all things and in that I am truly free.

An ugly plant grew up among my spring blossoms and I thought to pull it up. Then I looked at it and wonder what it could be. So I waited a little while and let it grow a bit, then I took a picture of to see what I could find. It did not have blossoms nor did it smell really great, but to my surprise it was actually useful, so I let grow to full size. Then I plucked up and made into a tea. Though it wasn't pleasant to look at, it was quite delicious you see. So the next time you see something growing and your not sure what it is. Do a little research, you might be surprised to find, that what you thought was of no consequence, might just very useful indeed.

A piece of hell's gate fell to the earth. Black as Satan's soul. Found by something other than human but not wholly a beast. Dipped in molten rock and hammered into a desired shape. Sharper than Obsidian and colder than the icy heart of the deep sea. Formed to cut and whither with fear those who oppose any who wield it. The dark blade is the master and  not the implement, as it drains the life out of whoever holds it. Stealing souls to do the devils work.

Dawn comes and I feel you stir beside me. I feel the warmth of your body as I slowly wake from a lovers dream. I the first golden rays sunlight, I see your form. The faint shadows of night caress you as the   light outlines your body. I lay quietly beside you and treasure a stolen moment of contentment. I watch the light as it blends with shadow to accentuate every curve of your body. I hear your every breath and sigh as you slowly come to life. I revel in your touch as you lay close to me. I pray for this perfect moment to never end, as I capture a glimpse of heaven in the morning light.

Bark bark bark goes the dog with the cold nose. Pad foot pad foot as the k 9 walks along. Wagging the tail in happy refrain as a ball is chased on a sunny day. Man's best friend always wants to play. A loyal companion to the end, every dog has his day.

Release the passion inside of me, break what lies beneath the surface. Bring me to raptures precipice and push me over the edge. Indulge me in carnal pleasure beyond my wildest dreams, make me submit to your will. Fill me with desire unlike I have never known. Leave me in wanting for your touch, leave me empty inside. Leave me wanting you as if it were an addiction to your love. Remove my will and use me for what ever you desire. Take me and make me an object for your pleasure. Just so long as I can be yours.

I want to feel perfect peace. I want to find a place of rest. I want to feel compassion for others. I long to see the shadows of doubt cast from me. I want to be assured of my purpose. I want to be able to give of myself to others. I want to know Gods love.

When I was lost and without purpose and filled with doubt. Searching for my happiness and walking on a unguided path. You came to me and gave me focus and brought me to a purpose in life. From the moment I found out you were inside me, I was filled with joy and hope. I saw you for the first time when you had begun to grow. A simple picture taken showed me what true love was. After 9 months you came out of me and through all of my pain, when I saw your small wrinkled face, I truly began to live again. I held you close to my breast and listened to you cry. I knew that my life had been given back to me but I didn't understand why. All that I knew was that I had to focus and live the best that I could. For I had to care for you as only a new mother could. You are the best of what I am and from you I draw hope anew. You gave me life when I was lost and  that is a debt I can never repay to you.

All who profess the name of he that is the one. All who say that they follow the son. All who declare Christ is the lord. All who do their best to live his holy word. Persecution will follow us, for they killed our lord. They will revile us and curse his holy word. Some may fall in death but to all who are faithful until the end. A crown of glory will be to those who suffered for him.

On a tree, on a hill forsaken and wounded. A precious soul gave all to save many. In agony and alone, with compassion and love he ask forgiveness for those who took his life. In death as in life he cared deeply, then letting go of his mortal coil, he succumb to his wounds, giving final payment for a debt we could not pay, alone on a tree.