The time before sunrise
Early morning
The air is fresh
The world is sleeping
It’s dark outside
There’s a quiet across the city
It’s still and peaceful
Calm
The noises of life have not started
It’s a time to reflect
On everything
It’s like meditation
Early morning rise

See what you can see
Feel what you can feel
Touch what you can touch
Take in all the fragrances
See the wonder of life
See me for who and what I am

Open your eyes

Take it all in
Look everywhere
See Mother Nature
In all her glory
See the oceans
See the forests and mountains
See the animals
See me for who and what I am
I am Mother Nature
I am an artist
I am the mother of Earth

Feast upon the glory of it all
Take good care of it

Drought

It may seem that there’s is a drought
Everything is dry and harsh
Sparseness all around
The path is hard to find
Dust and muck have covered it

Life seems fast asleep
Nothing going on
Waiting for something
Dry winds blowing fiercely
Erasing everything before

But after a time the rain will come Bringing new life with it
The dust will settle
Dryness replaced with green
New life growing

Drought

Do you feel me in your heart

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

Do you feel me in your heart

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

Do you feel me in your heart

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

Do you feel me in your heart

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

Do you feel me in your heart

Today I am wearing a ring
It’s special
It was my mother’s
She got it while in college
When she visited the southwest
It’s turquoise and silver
With a simple setting
It’s over 60 years old
I wanted to feel her presence
So I put it on
As I wear it
Just for a moment
I feel  her there with me
Treasured memories
Of beloved people
Give us comfort
Always
Believe

It’s a time of wonder
Where anything is possible

It’s a time of wonder
Where dreams can come true

It’s a time of wonder
Where magic happens

It’s a time of wonder
Where light overrules darkness

It’s a time of wonder
Where kindness exists

It’s a time of wonder
Where music runs through the air

It’s a time of wonder
Where smiles are bright and laughter is generous

It’s a time of wonder
Where there are bright lights and
holiday decorations

It’s a time of wonder
Where there is good cheer

It’s a time of wonder
Where one can believe

It’s a time of wonder

In a way we are such delicate creatures
Our emotions are like threads that can stretch but eventually break if pulled too far
Our hearts while strong can also break
They can love deep and hard
But also feel pain and sadness

A life is a precious thing
Everything about it is special
It should be treasured like a valuable jewel
It glimmers and glistens with possibly and chance
When someone is sleeping they become an innocent soul
Surrendering to their dreams

In a way we are such delicate creatures

When she walks there’s no noise
She almost floats above the ground
It’s as if she has wings
Like a butterfly
A farasha
When she moves
It’s with grace
Her dresses move with her
Ever so gently
There’s something genteel about her
Different
Sometimes she seems to disappear
Hard to catch or hold
Other times she pauses
Before flitting off
She wears bright colored dresses
With flowers and things
As if she’s part of nature
She’s the farasha girl
The butterfly

I live among ghosts
Phantoms
They keep calling me
I walk by memories
Old haunts
I touch them ever so slightly
Carved through year’s of life
There are spirits
Vapors of life
I feel them touch me
They hover above
They watch
They listen
They are always there
I see remnants of where they were
I feel them
I can’t escape them
Every where I turn
Everywhere I look
I feel them
Echoes of them embedded
I feel them in the air
I feel them in thoughts
I feel them in faces
I live among ghosts and memories
Of another time

Come dance with me
Let’s touch the stars
Baila conmigo
Let’s listen to romantic music
Come walk with me
Anda conmigo
Come explore the world with me
Let’s see all there is to see
Let’s watch the stars dance
Watch the moon watching us
Let’s smell the roses
Vamos oler las rosas
Come laugh with me
Give me one hundred smiles
Come be with me
Ven conmigo
Forever
Dreaming of moonlight nights
Special times with you
Light hypnotic breezes
Trees gently swaying
Wind chimes playing
Scents of lilac in the air
Walks along the beach
Sounds of waves hitting the shore
Gulls flying by
Their sound in the air
Holding hands
Dinner by candlelight
Romantic music playing
Slow dancing
Perfumed air
Soft touches
Gentle smiles
Bright laughter
Heart’s beating
Sweet kisses
Hidden places
Cherished memories
Dreaming of moonlight nights
With you

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

Siege

While it looked beautiful outside
There were hidden dangers
Even loved ones might carry it
Innocent children not so innocent
Full of it

Siege

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

Siege

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

Siege

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

Siege

A dim light shines across the waters a distance away
Shining through the darkness and fog
The light reflects off the waves
Creating a path through the water
In the distance is a ship
It has been gone for a long time
The ship lost its way
It has been searching for home
For some time
Seeing the light off in a distance
The ship turns steering towards it
As the ship gets closer the light gets brighter
Illuminating the land by
The land looks familiar after so long
The ship is finally coming home

Tonight there’s a crescent moon
It’s silvery white
It hangs by a golden thread
Stars dot the sky around it
Like a painters brush
It looks incandescent to the eye
The vision is almost hypnotic
It’s beautiful and calming
It looks too good to be true
It gives the sky a magical look


It’s a crescent moon night
Let the magic begin

When someone knocks
you down with a wet towel
Get up
When someone hurts you
Get up
When it gets hard
and impossible
Get up
When you can see nothing
but darkness
Get up
Remember who you are
Remember where you come from
Remember you are unique
You have a right to be here
Get up
Believe
In your power and light

It is wintertime.
You are deep in the forest. There are pine trees and other trees all around.
Snow and pine cones are scattered on the ground.
There is a strong scent of pine.
It is refreshing.
It is gently snowing. Large size flakes start falling.
As they hit the ground they melt.
As you stand in the forest -- there are no sounds except a few birds in the trees softly chirping.
It is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall.
You feel your heartbeat.
You close your eyes to listen to the quiet and feel the stillness of the moment.
Snowflakes gently touch your face but you are not cold.
There is total peace around you.
Harmony with nature.
When you open your eyes, you see a doe looking at you.
It is sublime.
Still, quiet and peaceful.

Safe spaces
Loving ones
We all need them
They are sacred
Places we can go
And feel safe
Comfortable
Cared about
Stress free
They are very important
To our well being
They can be anywhere
Anything really
Home
Restaurant
Park
A bar
Cafe
Salon
Store
Forest
Beach
Country
It doesn’t matter
What’s important
Is how we feel
When we are there
They bring comfort
Love and care
They are precious
Invaluable
Safe

I was dreaming
In a deep sleep
When I heard your voice
So real
Saying “honey”.
I thought you were there
With me
But you weren’t

I was dreaming
In a deep sleep
Body relaxed
Letting go
When I heard your voice
Saying “honey”
I thought you were there
With me
But you weren’t

You were in another place
Not here
Not with me or by me
But in my mind
You were there
In my heart you were there
With me

Dark purple sky outside my window with hints of muted pink
Offering calming influences
Painting the sky like a painting
The view is hypnotic to the eye

Dark purple sky welcoming the night as a close friend
Darkness is not too far behind
Announcing that evening is about to begin

While sitting in a church the other day
I strongly felt your presence
It’s been four years since you left

I miss you

As I sat there quietly
In the stillness and calm of it all
I felt you sitting next to me
Answering my questions
As if we were talking like before

I miss you

I told you I’ve made mistakes
You said we all have
It’s part of being human
I told you I should have done more
You said I did just fine
Don’t worry
Everything is fine

I miss you

I told you thank you
You said for what
I said for what I was taught
What you gave me
Your legacy
You smiled
I told you I wanted you to be proud of me
You said you always were

I miss you

I told you there is an empty space in my heart
You said you were sorry for the pain

I miss you

It’s Christmas again
Your favorite time
I asked if you remembered
You said you did

I miss you

Every day of every month
I always will

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...

The children lived near a large field
It was summertime
The grass was brown
Almost a taupe color

Sometimes they would play softball or just run around the entire field
Hoping to take off into the sky like birds

By the field was a forest
It was full of tall pine trees and others
The pines seemed to touch the sky
The children used to climb the trees and sit on the branches looking out on the land
They felt free

One day they decided to build a tree house in one particular pine tree
It was their favorite

They gathered wood and other supplies from their houses to make it
They spent hours building it
It was their secret
They swore an oath to not tell their parents

When finished they climbed inside
Hidden from the world
They stayed for hours
Enjoying the breezes and listening to the branches and leaves rustling
The smell of pine filled the air
It was intoxicating

The children were so happy
They felt on top of the world
They never wanted it to end

Warm mellow breezes brush against my face
The sky turns light purple as the sun goes down
Carmel cappuccino sits on the table
While a candle burns
Bossa nova music plays

As the sun continues to drop
The breezes increase taking some of the heat
The smell of the cappuccino fills the air
As the bossa nova plays

It’s winter time
It’s lightly snowing
The pine trees are getting covered with a white blanket
It’s fresh looking outside

Cocoon

The snow glitters like diamonds
A fire is burning in the fireplace
The smell of the wood permeates the air like perfume

Cocoon

You are snuggled in bed wrapped
up in warm blankets like a cocoon

Cocoon

You are comfortable and safe
As sleep approaches you surrender to it without a struggle

You are cocooned

Gray skies greet me
Quiet streets almost empty
People sitting at cafes huddled together because of the coolness

Cool Sunday morning
Last day of the weekend
People enjoying the moment before the start of another week

Cool Sunday morning

I may not be like you
Look like you
Sound like you
But I am also human
I’m just me

My language may be different
My country
My customs
But I am also human
I’m just me

I have hopes and dreams
Wishes and desires
Though I am not of your blood
I am human
I’m just me

Trying to live my best life
In a good way
I am a peaceful person
Also human
I’m just me

I’m a traveler
An artist and writer
No more or less
Than another
I’m also human
From another place
No better or worse
I’m just me

So when you see me
Don’t judge
As I am just human
Walking my destiny
Just like you
I’m just me

He was just 17
He came from a faraway land
Across the ocean
He had been preparing his entire life
To travel
To venture forth
He had studied another language
Other customs and a different way of life

He was chosen to do this
To leave and travel to a distant land
As part of a special program
He was the first in his family
To do this

He was the traveler
He would leave his home and go to a new place
He went by plane flying for a long time
Landing in a very large city where everything was new
He would stay there for several days before moving on to his final destination

He ventured out at night to see the sights
He had never seen anything like this
He was intrigued and curious
He walked and walked exploring
Until he could walk no more
When it was time, he returned to his resting place for a meal and sleep
Because of all the travel and walking he slept well

The next day he went out with his friends to explore more of the city
They had one more day before leaving
They went everywhere
Going into shops
Eating new foods
Observing people
Watching the rhythm of the city
At the end of the day
As the sun went down
They returned to their resting place for dinner and much needed sleep

The next morning they would leave and go to other places
They would be there for a year
The traveler slept well
To be ready for his next adventure
He was excited by what he would see
Everything would be new to him

He was the traveler
Coming from a different land
He came a long distance
To where he was going
He had been chosen
He was special
His future awaited him
The best was yet to be
Destiny was just around the corner

I am slowly coming back from the brink
The edge we get pushed to by illness
It felt like being hit by a two by four
It’s a place where we may not feel ourselves
Where we may feel subhuman
The things we used to do become hard to do
Every nuance in our bodies gets serious attention
Wondering what does it mean?
We wait hoping, following doctors orders, our bodies to finally turn the corner
It’s a slow process
Sometimes two steps forward and one step back
It’s frustrating
Then one day, things seem to be turning around, though slowly
You begin to feel more like yourself
Energy starts to return
Appetite increases
It’s almost like you can feel the healing going on
It’s like magic

Finally, you step back from the brink into the light
You are becoming well

Marginalization diminishes the spirit
Eventually extinguishing it
Until it no longer exists

Whereas when we uplift someone
We enhance the spirit and life

We create spiritual magic
Lift someone up today and help light the world

Each time we do darkness disappears just a little
Light is always stronger than darkness
Be a keeper of the light and a light worker

Sometimes I feel like my life is surreal
That it’s not real
When I look back on my life
I can’t believe my age
Have I really lived this long?
Where did the years go
They just flew by
I heard that happens
Yet I remember things
As if they just happened
Deep inside I still feel like me
Even if I don’t look the same
My hopes are still there
So are my dreams
All of them
Yet now I am at the last third or so of my journey instead of the beginning
How did that happen
Is this all a dream and I will wake up some day
Still a teenager

I used to think that people and their feelings were like china plates
Beautiful
Unique
Fragile and delicate
Easily broken

When we are born
Our plates are flawless
No cracks or chips
They are new and perfect

As we go through life
They can get hurt
They get chips
And cracks
And sometimes they break
Or a piece breaks off

Life does that
The ups and downs
The good and the bad
Relationships can do that
Hearts can break
Bodies can get hurt or age
And our plates reflect it

Life is like a china plate
Delicate
Fragile in some ways
Something to be treasured

Sometimes we need quiet
A time to be still
To stop the chaos
To listen to the nothing
It calms the mind and spirit
Allows us to refocus later

The world is so busy
Fast moving
Never stopping
Noisy
Sometimes it’s hard to keep up
Stillness can reset us to a better place
It can enhance creativity
Allow the mind to wander
Aimlessly
Slow down the body
Lift up the mood
Sharpen the mind
Go to a higher place

A storm is coming
Dark clouds are on the horizon
I can feel it in the air
The wind is picking up
There’s a feeling of electricity
The sky is a light muted gray
The clouds are moving quickly
Some seem to touch the earth

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
I can feel it deep in my bones
There are sounds of thunder
They sound like drums
Lightning strikes dart across the sky

A storm is coming
I can feel it in the air
Mother Nature is shaking
Change is coming

A storm is coming
Of that I am sure

As the new year begins, may you have a wonderous year filled with blessed moments and magic

At this time of great rancor in the world let’s try and reach for the light instead of darkness
To light the world step by step
One small thing can brighten someone’s day
If we can each shine a light the darkness will lessen

Smile when you can
Share laughter
Offer kindness
Judge less
Hug frequently
Love harder

Treasure what you have
And always be grateful
We have a brand new blank page
Let’s make it count
A fresh start
Let’s begin

Delicious goodies
Bright colored ornaments
Gorgeous colors
Red, green, blue, gold and silver
Beautifully decorated trees
Scents of pine
Candy canes and tinsel

Tables adorned with chocolates
Holiday cookies all around
Smells of turkey and roasts
Pies baking
And all things good
Candy canes and tinsel

Snow covered lawns
Glistening white like diamonds
Outside trees adorned with lights
Carolers and choirs singing
Candy canes and tinsel

Sounds of music in the air
Feelings of good cheer everywhere
Smiles and laughter

Candy canes and tinsel

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

When I woke in the morning I had hoped he was still here but he’s not
He left in the murky shadows of darkness
My life left I am now alone left in the gray fog of life
My heart hurts. My soul stings with pain

He’s gone

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

He’s gone

And I am here alone searching for him

Memories
Slide in and out of the
recesses of our minds
Like clouds floating by
Some make us smile
Some make us frown
Some make us laugh out loud
Some teach us
Some seem so real it is as if
we can touch them once again
They are part of us
Just like our bodies
Perhaps even more precious
They are a gift
Treasure them
Always

Sweet memories are like melodies that gently play in our minds that help define us as we weave our ways through our lives.
These memories have a sweet perfume of experience and life which touches our cheeks ever so gently each and every day.

When I look at you
I see the light of the sun
Glowing a golden hue
I see the brilliance of the moon
I see sunflowers everywhere

When I look at you
I see the beauty of all things
Expressed in fields of yellow flowers

When I look at you
I see lightness
I see pure joy in all it’s splendor
I see happiness

When I look at you
I see the light of the sun
The brilliance of the moon
I see sunflowers everywhere

When I look at you
I see the beauty
Of the night sky laced with stars
White fluffy clouds
Bright blue skies
I see sunflowers everywhere

When I look at you
I see the beauty of the universe
I see happiness and bliss

A new year is coming
Its almost here
This year will be gone
It’s on the horizon

Time to renew and refresh
Time to reflect
Time to forget and forgive
Time to clear out the cobwebs

A new year is coming
Time to embrace a clean slate
Time to renew
The future is before us
The past is a memory
Time to get going
Time to focus
Time to make plans

Anything is possible
The world is our oyster
Time to make things happen
A new year is coming
It’s on the horizon

It’s a cold winters day
Fall is leaving for the year
The sun is out against a bright blue sky
There are a few white clouds

Old man winter is knocking at the door

The wind is whipping through the trees at a frantic pace
The trees are almost bare
Grass has turned brown
Animals are seeking warmth

Old man winter is knocking at the door

The air is  crisp and tickles the nose
It’s bitter, and biting against the skin
There’s a dusting of snow scattered around
People are out dressed in winter coats and hats

Old man winter is knocking on the door once again

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are in my blood
My spirit
The total essence of me
You are in my heart
My soul
What makes up my spirit
The total essence of me
You have always been there
Since time began
You never left

You course through all of me
You are part of everything I touch

You reside in the recesses of my mind
You are everywhere
You always have been

Street scene
People out running to and fro
Cold breathes in the air
Its holiday time
The season is upon us
Street scene
Markets full of people
Bright colors and tinsel
Lots of good energy
People selling their wares
Street scene
Stores fully decorated
With their best
Streets full of holiday lights
People smiling brightly with cheer
Street scene
Trees decorated inside and out
Children running and playing
Parents shopping for the perfect gift
It’s that time of year
Street scene

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

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

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

It’s a half moon night

We all have them
Every country
Across the world
They are vital
Some are our favorites
Others are not
But they help to shape us
They inspire
Encourage us
Their time is golden
Priceless
Beyond words
Because of them
We learn and grow
We expand our minds
We learn to think
Beyond ourselves
They are committed
Beyond reproach
It’s a calling
They ask very little
Just that we learn
They are real heroes
Each and every day
Giving of themselves
To lift us up
To help us become
All we can be
We owe them
Everything

When you are sleeping
Do you dream of me

When you are sleeping
Do you want me

When you are sleeping
Do you miss me

When you are sleeping
What do you think about

When you are sleeping
Where do you go

When you are sleeping
Do you visit beautiful places

When you are sleeping
Do you dream of me
As I do of you

Hot baked sun streaming down
Intense bright light all around
Penetrating everything
Wilting flowers fighting to live
Lazy cats and dogs seeking shelter and shade
Streets and sidewalks hot to the touch
Laundry put out dries in a minute
It’s summertime once again

Bright blue skies
Sleeveless tops and dresses
Nothing feels comfortable
Beds too hot
No where to sit in comfort
Cold drinks tempting the mouth
Thoughts go to sandy beaches
And soft cool ocean breezes

It’s summertime once again

The Field

It is a late spring day
Early afternoon
The sun is out
The sky is a bright blue
There is  a scattering if white clouds across the sky
There is a slight breeze -- not too warm, not too cold
Just perfect
You are sitting in a field of tall grass alone
The grass is a light beige color
The grass sways gently to the breeze and makes a soft rustling sound
The breeze is calming as it touches your face ever so gently
There is no sound only the grass moving to the breeze
You feel complete stillness and calm
You are at peace

Look deep inside yourself
Look in your heart
See what is really there
Feel what is there

Trust yourself
Always
Follow your path
Spin up your dreams

Look deep inside yourself
For the answers
You are seeking
They are there

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your destiny
Never doubt
Through it all
You will always persevere

When in doubt
Trust yourself
Follow your heart
Follow your dreams
Reach for the stars

On a cold winter’s day
It’s morning
The air is crisp and cold
While the sky is bright
There’s no sign of warmth
People going about
Bundled up
Bodies and hands
Cold
Trying to create warmth
Cats seeking a spot of sun
Cafe clients sitting
Huddled together
Battling the cold
Everyone seeking
To battle the cold
Warmth