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

You are my light
You are my universe
You are everything

Sitting at home on a cold winters night
Bundled up under blankets with someone you love

Reading a good book or watching a movie

Sipping hot tea or cocoa as the rain or snow gently falls outside
Feeling safe inside

Smells of beef stew cooking on the stove remind one of home as a child

Hot bread baking in the oven
The warmth filling the kitchen

Warm sweaters of bright colors
Fleece lined jackets with mittens and gloves

All bring back feelings of home and comfort

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Going to and fro
Shopping
Having breakfast
Drinking coffee

It’s Sunday morning
Folks are out
Running errands
Being with friends
Drinking coffee
People watching

It’s Sunday morning
Streets are busy
With people walking
To and fro
Meeting friends
Reading newspapers

It’s Sunday morning
In the city
Time to be mellow
Contemplate
The coming week

For just a moment
The sky is crystal clear
The air is fresh
It’s cool
I can breathe
Without struggle
Or stress
I feel human
For just a moment
Before the searing heat
Returns
Before the heavy air
Returns
Once again
I am grateful
For the reprieve
Even though
Brief

Butterflies, tulips, robins and daffodils
Warm gentle breezes
Leaves beginning to bud
Brown being replaced by rich green
Flowering trees and bushes starting to bloom
Lush grassy lawns coming back
Flowers decorating the streets
Bright blue skies dotted with clouds
Nature's perfume filling the air
All signs that Spring arrived

Candy cane kisses
Peppermint hugs
Taffy and candies
It’s the holidays
A sign of the times
Sugar cookies
Gingerbread
Hot chocolate
Apple cider
Dressed up trees
A sign of the times
Fancy wreaths
Sleigh rides
Family
Good friends
A sign of the times
Candy cane kisses

Golden Memories

Golden memories are like gifts
They stay with us for a lifetime
When remembered they
Make us smile
Laugh
Love
Feel joy
Touch us again as if new
They are treasures
Like jewels
Some are rubies
Some are emeralds
Some are sapphires
Some like diamonds
Each one is special in it’s own right
Each one touches our soul
Golden memories are like gifts
They last forever

Burning embers sitting amongst the wood
Red orange in their color
From time to time a gold blue flame emerges
The wood crackles against the heat
The glow is calming to the spirit
Enticing like a natural perfume

Burning embers

As the wood burns,
the embers glow a red orange color with a slight stream of white gray smoke which reaches up towards the sky like fingers

Burning embers

It’s another Monday
Sky is gray blue
Air is  cool
Weekends just sail by
In a lightning flash
Then the start
Of another week
But each day
Is a blessing
I am here
It’s time to start
Getting things going
Listening to some tunes
Trying to write a little ditty
Monday

Can’t you feel it?
The change?
The light is different?
Less intense
The air is getting cooler
Calming breezes
Crisp nights
Colors coming
Reds, yellows, oranges and golds
Trees showing their best
Apples abound
Smells of cider and cinnamon
Sweaters in stores
Fall coats
Warm socks
Blankets
Hot chocolate
Soups
Apple pie
Bright colors
Hypnotic scents
The season is upon us
It’s coming

Summer is here
Arrived with a fury
The sun is intense
Burning
Skies are crystal clear
It’s getting hot
Hot as hades
I am not good with heat
I prefer much cooler weather
When it gets like this
Chocolate can melt
I can melt
An egg can fry
Animals seek shade
Anywhere
Because of their fur coats
Birds seek needed water
Plants turn brown
Wilting
We all want a reprieve
Seeking something cool
Hot as hades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She’s gone
Just gone
She did her usual thing
The thing she did
Every morning
Returning early afternoon
But this time
She hasn’t returned
She’s always been a bit wild
She came from the street
Not the home
She lost her way as a baby
But we took her in
No question she was feral
Driven by the need of freedom
Tried to give her a home
And oh I loved her
My heart was full for her
I love all cats
I can’t help it
Actually all animals
She was a real beauty
Her face was stunning
And she talked all the time
In the morning she spoke
While getting breakfast
I’d like to think she was saying
Good morning
I know I was
I miss her presence
It’s a punch to the gut
There’s a hollowness
Where she was
I still look for her
In the apartment
On the terrace
But she’s gone
I’ve looked for her
But there’s no trace
She’s just vanished
Into thin air
All that’s left
Is an empty space
It hurts

It’s that time of year
Fall crispness is in the air
Trees abound with bright colors
It’s the season

There scents of apples, cider and pies wafting through the air
Oranges, reds and golds are the colors of choice
It’s the season

Sweaters are pulled out
Vests and coats are worn
Boots and warm socks
Thoughts of holidays fill the mind
It’s the season

Light snow tickles the landscape
Piles of leaves in yards
Holiday decorations in stores
It’s the season

The mindset changes
To a holiday mode
Thoughts of sugarplums
Love, care and charity appear
It’s the season

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

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

Light up the world with love and happiness

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I have walked a different path

I can be like a feather
Blowing in the wind
Untethered
Light to the touch
Almost invisible

I can be like a bird
Soaring high in the sky
Enjoying the glory of flying

I can be like a cat
Quiet and watching
The world go by

I am from a different place
I am from a different time
I walked a different path
I traveled a long distance
In many ways to arrive

I am on a path and journey
There have been twists and turns
That’s what took me here
At this place and time

Red Ruby lips
Soft touch
Gentle hands
Regal fingers with sensual elegance
Kind wise brown eyes
Bright flashing smile
Full infectious laugh
Melodic strong voice
All inspire the deep purple passion

There’s a hint of Christmas

You can feel it in the air
Bright music can be heard
Choirs singing carols
Scents of pine and cinnamon
Apple and mince meat pies
There’s a hint of Christmas

Cities decorating up their towns
Lights hung
Wreaths on doors
Shop windows decked out
Trees lined up for sale
Children writing to Santa
Gingerbread cookies
There’s a hint of Christmas

Presents being wrapped
Songs on the radio
Old favorites
Families coming together
Smiles full of cheer
Troubles forgotten
Laughter louder

There’s a hint of Christmas
in the air
Can’t you feel it?

Imagine walking into a forest full of pine and other trees
They are all colors and sizes

As you stop amongst the trees, all you can hear is the deep silence
and the sound of your boots as you walk along on the dirt path

A slight cool breeze rustles through the trees moving the limbs
as the branches sway back and forth to the rhythm of the breeze

It is pleasant and calming
There is a scent of freshness in the air
It is invigorating

The sky is clear, and there is a glimmer of the sun gently hitting the path ahead
As you look up through the trees, the sun seems to shimmer

You keep walking
At the end of the path, is a small log cabin with
a fire burning in the fireplace, waiting quietly for its owner to return
You can smell something baking in the oven

It’s a perfect summer day

Fall breezes gently blowing
Dark skies overhead
Muted clouds paint the sky
Fresh crisp air
Cleansing to the lungs
Bright colored leaves decorating the landscape
Red, orange and yellow
Rustling in the wind to their own melody
Offering their scent as perfume
Others hugging the branches ever so tightly
Chimes softly ringing
Playing their own muted tune

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
I was indeed alone
For some reason it hit me hard
Like a punch
Right in the heart
It felt like a form of withdrawal
I think I am addicted to you

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
The apartment seemed empty
Even hollow
Only filled with my noise

This morning I woke up alone

You were not there
It hit me deep into my core
My spirit shook
It remembered another time
The feeling was similar
Long, long ago

This morning I woke up alone

The feeling was crushing
The silence deafening

I miss you dearly

Soon we can wipe the slate
Get a fresh start
The end of the year is coming
Time to start anew
We have a chance to begin
Learn and grow in other ways
This year will be in the past
We can then move forward
Hopefully
Things will continue to improve
Over time
We are being given another chance
Let’s count our blessings
Look around at the beauty
Look around at loved ones
Look around at the planet
Be grateful
Love instead of hate
Give instead of take
Use your own light
To light and lift up the world
Brand new start

When covered in darkness
Seek the light
Let it cover you like a coat
Protecting
When full of despair
Seek the light
It will warm you
When the mind is empty
Seek inspiration

When feeling lost
Seek the light
When overwhelmed
Trust yourself to see it through
One step at a time

When nothing seems right
Look to what you have
We all have treasures
Whatever they may be

When tired and fatigued
Try something new
It doesn’t matter what
When bored
Learn something

When the heart is empty
Seek art and music
Anything creative
Let it lift you up
Cleanse you

When you feel alone
Help another
Stand in the light
It will guide you
Always

Gold, silver and red everywhere
It dazzles the eye
Blue and green glimmer
Pine trees standing high
Waiting to be taken home
People looking for the perfect gift

Gold, silver and red

Wreaths hung with care
Adorned with ribbons
Lights strung on houses
Decorations in cities and towns
Holiday smells in the air

Gold, silver and red

Presents wrapped under the tree
Children smiling and playing
Music fills the air

Gold, silver and red

Families getting together
Memories fill up the heart

Gold, silver and red

They were taken captive by surprise
It was an unseen enemy
They had to stay inside
It was everywhere
Unseen

While it looked beautiful outside
There were hidden dangers
Even loved ones might carry it
Innocent children not so innocent
They too could bring it

It started out slowly
Making its moves across the country
Soon the whole world had it
Seeping into all places
Hidden and seen
Known and unknown

It was as if humanity was handcuffed
Kept as a prisoner
Each held in their own prison cell
Unable to live as they once had
A new normal had arrived
There was before and after

There was no telling when it would end
Everyone was waiting for a change
Yet to come
There were new heroes then
Science was heralded
As were doctors and nurses
All front line people
They risk every day

At night we sat with our fears
Afraid to sleep
Not sure what the morning will bring

Siege

That’s how crisp, cool air is
Glorious
The changing of the guard
The cleansing feeling
Of a soft breeze
Across the face
Like a tender kiss
The soothing feeling
Of heat dissipating
It’s invigorating
As the season starts to change
The sounds and smells do
Different foods and tastes
Colors change in nature
And fashion
It’s a fresh start
Where one can be brand new
A reinvention
Glorious
It’s a time for new beginnings
And magic
It’s absolutely glorious

Bring a desire for warmth
For coffee or tea
Anything hot
Steaming
So the heat caresses
The face
Offering a hint of warmth

Cold mornings
Make getting out of bed
Difficult at best
The blankets
Calling one to stay
Seductive
Asking us to stay
Under their protection

Cold mornings
Are refreshing
In their own way
With fresh air
Easy to breathe
And empty street’s
Cold mornings
Have their own charm

In the Dark

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

Dream makers make dreams come true

They spin magic
They create
They touch it
They live it
They own it

Dreams take on lives of their own
Like any creation

A dream maker takes an idea
And creates something out of nothing

Like a phoenix rising from flames

It takes true belief
In the dream and oneself
Become one
Make your own dream come true

Waking up
Early morning rituals
Watching the sunrise
Surveying the blue sky
Enjoying the coolness
Admiring the beauty outside
Anticipating the day
Waiting for coffee or tea
Breakfast
What to have
Checking out the news
Being alive
Savoring the pure joy of it

Whispering winds blow across my face
Soothing my troubled soul

Whispering winds blow across my face
Bringing sweet scents of flowers

Whispering winds blow across my face
Lifting me up

Whispering winds blow across my face
Healing my pain

Whispering winds blow across my face
Reminding me of you

He’s gone
I saw him last night to say goodbye
The last time we were together before we parted
Not by our own choice
We had to
He’s gone
Back where he came from
He disappeared into the night

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
It seems so unreal
Like a bad dream
I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
He’s gone

The brightness has left me
My heart has a hole
The lightness is turning dark
The humor and fun
Sour
He’s gone

And I am left here alone searching for him for the rest of my life

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

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

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

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

It's been too long...

It was dark outside-- almost a grey dark
There was a hint of mist in the air
I was in another country
Your country -- searching
For you
We had lost each other for some time
I was trying to find you
I was told to come here
I was out in the land somewhere
I came upon a cave
Very large and dark
I entered it
And walked towards the back
Shadows of flames danced on the walls
The air was cool
As I approached the fire I saw you sitting beside it
Wearing a brown fabric robe
After so long you were there
You did not speak
I asked you where you had been, how you were
And in an instant you disappeared back into the night
All that remained was the remnants of the burning fire
I called out your name but you did not answer
Once again I was alone without you

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tired
Over wrought
Frustrated
In need of relief
Hungry for peace
Angry at everything
In need of something new
Anything
A break
Perhaps a new locale
A new food
Travel
She needs more
Harmony
Peace
Less chaos
Less stress
Positivity

Gone Just Gone

She’s gone
Just gone
She did her usual thing
The thing she did
Every morning
Returning early afternoon
But this time
She hasn’t returned
She’s always been a bit wild
She came from the street
Not the home
She lost her way as a baby
But we took her in
No question she was feral
Driven by the need of freedom
Tried to give her a home
And oh I loved her
My heart was full for her
I love all cats
I can’t help it
Actually all animals
She was a real beauty
Her face was stunning
And she talked all the time
In the morning she spoke
While getting breakfast
I’d like to think she was saying
Good morning
I know I was
I miss her presence
It’s a punch to the gut
There’s a hollowness
Where she was
I still look for her
In the apartment
On the terrace
But she’s gone
I’ve looked for her
But there’s no trace
She’s just vanished
Into thin air
All that’s left
Is an empty space
It hurts

As you look out the window as nighttime approaches you see bright pink streaks against a grey blue canvas

The pink color brightens as night approaches, the color becoming more intense and deep

As time clicks by the streaks of pink start to gently pull apart like cotton candy threads

Dusk is approaching bringing a coat of light black

The lipstick pink color disappears replaced by the start of nighttime once again

She had gone to see the Sahara
She had never been before
She wanted to see the sun rise
Over the desert
The night before she was in a camp
It was hot at night
Hard to sleep and rest
Before sunrise
She was wakened from her sleep
Time to walk to the top of the dunes
It was hard with the sand shifting
It was almost slippery
Once at the top
She sat down
Her feet dangling over the edge
She waited
Patiently
Quiet and serene
For the moment
That moment
When the sun begins to rise
Over the desert
She was excited, anticipating
The view and experience
After a while
Slowly
The sun began to come up
A bright red ball
Lifting high
It was incredible
Almost indescribable
Natures art
She felt her spirit lift
Towards the heavens
Just as the sun finally came up
Sahara Dream

Streets bustle with crowds of people walking to and fro filled with energy and excitement of the coming holiday

Street corners become impassable because of large throngs of people trying to get somewhere fast, making the city look like a giant mosh pit

Trees are brightly light up for the season, store windows adorned with holiday decorations

Carolers and musicians can be heard along the streets playing and singing to the beat

Giant nutcrackers adorn one building on 6th Avenue along with giant ornaments and strings of lights

Street vendors sell their wares up and down the street from cashmere scarves to boxed jewelry at a discount price

Radio City has lines around the block of folks waiting to get in for their annual show of the Rockettes

Police line the streets to keep people moving along putting up barricades to move the crowds waiting for a performance

The hotel bar areas filled to capacity with folks needing refreshment or a comfortable seat before finishing their
shopping

Nothing like Christmas time in New York

It’s another Friday
Start of a weekend
Time to reflect
Time to recharge
Time to have fun

It’s another Friday
Time for the Magic
Time to rest
Time to get refresh
Before another work week

It’s another Friday
Time to enjoy
Time to meditate
Time to clear the mind
Time to refresh the body
Weekend slowdown

It’s  a winter wonderland
The holiday lights are out
Houses decorated at their best
Scents of pine waft through the air
Snow is lightly falling
It’s a winter wonderland

Streets are full of people
Running to and fro
Buying their wares
Shops are decorated
Its a winter wonderland
It’s like magic
Once a year
That touches the heart
Deep inside
Making people lighter
Smiles are brighter and bigger
Laughs deeper

It’s a winter wonderland
Believe

A red rose is perfect in every way
The blue sky with hints of white clouds is stunning
Oceans with their white capped waves are hypnotizing
Beaches with silky sand cool to the touch
Yet, right now humans are limited
The outside world doesn’t offer much solace
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

How I crave to leave the terrace and walk the streets
To sit at a cafe or bakery for breakfast
To go to the store and not fear what may happen
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

The light breezes blowing across my face
The blooming roses on the terrace
The memories of normality
Haunt me in my memories and dreams
It’s like a poison beauty
Tempting but possibly deadly

Oh how I long for this time to pass
For the ability to come and go
To be free of stress and worry
To feel the stillness and peace again

Poison Beauty

People are like puzzle pieces
Each one a different shape and size

It takes the perfect piece to fit
Into a space made for it
Others just won’t fit

People are like puzzle pieces
All different sizes and shapes
It takes the right one to fit
Others may try but the fit won’t work

People are like puzzle pieces
Going through life looking
For their one perfect piece
The one made just for them
It fits on all sides
As if cut from the same pattern

People are like puzzle pieces
Searching their whole lives for that one perfect piece
Some are lucky and find it
Others never do

Earth
It’s a true miracle
It stands out
Like a precious gem
Offering life
To plants, animals and us
It’s abundance is staggering
The variety of plants and greens
The richness and diversity of life
Both human and not
The beauty of the planet
Oceans, lakes and rivers
Mountains and valleys
Artistic skies
So far, we’ve not found anything like it
It’s unique
It’s our home
It’s a true oasis
A treasure
We need to take care of 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

After a long hard year
Frightening at times
Waiting
Hoping
It’s Freedom day
Time to go out
Time to sit in a cafe
Time to watch the world
Time to explore
It’s been a long time
It feels good but strange
I made it to the other side
I am finally free

Know now whenever we see each other, there will be a feeling of great peace

We will feel safe
We will feel cared for

We will remember and continue as if there was never a break in time and space

There will always be the feelings of great care and connection
We will feel as if we have arrived home. We will be home

When we look into each others eyes, we will feel great comfort.
When we laugh, we will feel great joy

And, no matter how far the cord stretches, there will always be a thread between us
That is gold and white light called the universe

We are friends
We are one

Waiting
Waiting for Paris
To see the glimmering city
See the Eiffel Tower
To walk the streets
Sit at the cafes
Visit the markets
Slowly sip coffee
Savor the food
Take in the history
Admire the beauty
Waiting for Paris ....

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

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

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