Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year one and all
It’s time to drop the Times Square Ball
Clean out closets; Start anew
Make a list of what (not) to do
Sing Old Lang Syne; And kiss loved ones
Go out, get crazy and have some fun
New year comes but once a year
So make the most and ring in good cheer!
It’s time to drop the Times Square Ball
Clean out closets; Start anew
Make a list of what (not) to do
Sing Old Lang Syne; And kiss loved ones
Go out, get crazy and have some fun
New year comes but once a year
So make the most and ring in good cheer!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Snippets of Christmas
Although Christmas Day lasts but 24 hours
That which precedes and that which follows -
just as valuable
Christmas is a patchwork of snippets
The scattered elements coming together
To make Christmas . . . CHRISTMAS
LOVE
snow days
donning antlers
frolicking in the snow
kissing under the mistletoe
shoveling out after a blizzard
selecting just the right gift card
wearing festive holiday sweaters
getting photos taken on Santa's lap
Ho Ho Ho
placing the angel on top of the tree
sticking out tongue to catch snowflakes
browsing catalogs and making a wish list
exchanging Secret Santa gifts with coworkers
taking a family portrait to share with loved ones
begging to open "just one" present Christmas Eve
hanging cherished stockings on the fireplace mantel
slowly driving through light bedecked neighborhoods
-- a light extravaganza --
finding the perfect stocking stuffer, the yearly ornament
humming along to classic carols playing over the loud speaker
watching holiday classics: Rudolph, Charlie Brown, Grinch, Frosty
reciting memorized lines and singing along
writing the family Christmas letter recapping the year's highlights
reconnecting with old friends through the news they share
sporting green and red socks with cute kittens or penguins in Santa hats
sipping hot cocoa with mini marshmallows after sledding down "the big hill"
decorating homemade holiday sugar cookies with fondant frosting and sprinkles
the lighting of the community Christmas tree at City Hall wile a local choir sings
donating to Salvation Army bell ringers, who despite the freezing cold, still have a
"Bless you, Merry Christmas"
HAPPY HOLLYDAYS
That which precedes and that which follows -
just as valuable
Christmas is a patchwork of snippets
The scattered elements coming together
To make Christmas . . . CHRISTMAS
LOVE
snow days
donning antlers
frolicking in the snow
kissing under the mistletoe
shoveling out after a blizzard
selecting just the right gift card
wearing festive holiday sweaters
getting photos taken on Santa's lap
Ho Ho Ho
placing the angel on top of the tree
sticking out tongue to catch snowflakes
browsing catalogs and making a wish list
exchanging Secret Santa gifts with coworkers
taking a family portrait to share with loved ones
begging to open "just one" present Christmas Eve
hanging cherished stockings on the fireplace mantel
slowly driving through light bedecked neighborhoods
-- a light extravaganza --
finding the perfect stocking stuffer, the yearly ornament
humming along to classic carols playing over the loud speaker
watching holiday classics: Rudolph, Charlie Brown, Grinch, Frosty
reciting memorized lines and singing along
writing the family Christmas letter recapping the year's highlights
reconnecting with old friends through the news they share
sporting green and red socks with cute kittens or penguins in Santa hats
sipping hot cocoa with mini marshmallows after sledding down "the big hill"
decorating homemade holiday sugar cookies with fondant frosting and sprinkles
the lighting of the community Christmas tree at City Hall wile a local choir sings
donating to Salvation Army bell ringers, who despite the freezing cold, still have a
"Bless you, Merry Christmas"
HAPPY HOLLYDAYS
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Memory Tree
The Christmas tree, each unique.
An undeniable symbol of the season
Often bedecked in blinking lights
Glittering ornaments, sparkling tinsel
Has become a memory tree.
My tree is not glamorous
Nor noteworthy in an aesthetic sense
But it is unique and remarkable,
A one of a kind mirror of me, my life
A new friend of mine
Said to me, “I like your memory tree”
Curious as to what she meant,
A few minutes explaining she spent
Each ornament has its own life and carries special treasures
Each ornament represents joys and simple life measures
Tears filled my heart as I recalled all the melancholic pleasures
Decorating the tree is more of a ceremony
One by one, memories are hung on the tree
Brought back to life with stories told
“Oh look, your grandfather carved that just for you”
“This is from our family vacation”
“Remember when she collected bears”
With each ornament, I reminisce
Baby’s first Christmas,
Homemade yarn snowmen
A ballerina and a miniature baseball mitt
A brittle vintage ornament
As each ornament carefully transcends
From its tissue covered comfort
To the bright exhibition for all to see
A new tradition unfolds
Celebrating each adornment
And even now as I hang my brand new musical note
I note its significance and know that next year
this will become a new memory
For the memory tree
A tear trickles down my cheek
As my finger tenderly traces the delicate ornament
That once bedecked my family’s tree
Some memories are more poignant than others
My memory tree changes
Every year
My life grows and changes
Other people bear witness
Reminiscing of similar life patterns
Yearly we return to the memory tree
This evergreen not a mere host to lights and tinsel
Remember elves, ornaments and such
Each unique in history and symbolism
Each marking milestones and memories
Don't Forget
Displays of lights line the streets in the city
Parades and parties and everything pretty
Everyone rushing, here and there
The essence of Christmas is filling the air
You can see it aglow in the smiles of faces
laughter peals out from the quietest places
The awe at the falling of winter’s first snow
Is often hidden to shoppers on the go
Stockings and candy canes,
No not just mint
The spirit is growing,
If you need a hint
That soon families and friends
Will gather, unite
It’s a remarkable time
For doing what’s right
Sharing and giving, singing carols and more
The true meaning of Christmas can’t be bought in a store
Reminiscing while hanging each ornament bright
Believing in Santa, the magic, that night
In the rush and madness you just may forget
About the joy of your family buried under the debt
It’s not the gifts or the cards or the money you spend
It’s all about caring and love in the end.
Parades and parties and everything pretty
Everyone rushing, here and there
The essence of Christmas is filling the air
You can see it aglow in the smiles of faces
laughter peals out from the quietest places
The awe at the falling of winter’s first snow
Is often hidden to shoppers on the go
Stockings and candy canes,
No not just mint
The spirit is growing,
If you need a hint
That soon families and friends
Will gather, unite
It’s a remarkable time
For doing what’s right
Sharing and giving, singing carols and more
The true meaning of Christmas can’t be bought in a store
Reminiscing while hanging each ornament bright
Believing in Santa, the magic, that night
In the rush and madness you just may forget
About the joy of your family buried under the debt
It’s not the gifts or the cards or the money you spend
It’s all about caring and love in the end.
No Christmas
I don’t want Christmas this year
I don’t want joy and cheer.
Save the wrappings and my gift.
This year I don’t give a shit.
I don’t want holly or mistletoe.
I don’t want that cold white stuff called snow.
Don’t sing carols fa la la la la
Don’t bother me with bah humbugh blah
I don’t want Santa and his sleigh
I killed Rudolph the other day.
Don’t dress up in “gay apparel”
No Frosty movies or Christmas Carol
I’m not sending Christmas cards with updates on my life
Who would want to read the retelling of my strife
No parades, no giant tree
No decorations, no visits from me.
Don’t bake cookies or that fruitcake
No darling homemade presents make.
No traditions: no stars, no trees
Just let it all go away this year please.
I don’t want joy and cheer.
Save the wrappings and my gift.
This year I don’t give a shit.
I don’t want holly or mistletoe.
I don’t want that cold white stuff called snow.
Don’t sing carols fa la la la la
Don’t bother me with bah humbugh blah
I don’t want Santa and his sleigh
I killed Rudolph the other day.
Don’t dress up in “gay apparel”
No Frosty movies or Christmas Carol
I’m not sending Christmas cards with updates on my life
Who would want to read the retelling of my strife
No parades, no giant tree
No decorations, no visits from me.
Don’t bake cookies or that fruitcake
No darling homemade presents make.
No traditions: no stars, no trees
Just let it all go away this year please.
Christmas is in the air
Merry Christmas .. Happy Hollydays!
I've decided to post some of my holiday poems from over the recent years. Some are more festive than others. :D
I've decided to post some of my holiday poems from over the recent years. Some are more festive than others. :D
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Plant a garden
Plant a garden
Each element in the right season
Not too soon… for it will not take root
Not too late … for it will not have time to be nourished
Plant a garden
And tend it lovingly
Remove weeds and pests that tempt to interfere
Season with fertilizer and stimulate growth
Plant a garden
Remember its purpose
Harvest the fruits
And cut back non growth
** Plant a garden = Start a relationship
Each element in the right season
Not too soon… for it will not take root
Not too late … for it will not have time to be nourished
Plant a garden
And tend it lovingly
Remove weeds and pests that tempt to interfere
Season with fertilizer and stimulate growth
Plant a garden
Remember its purpose
Harvest the fruits
And cut back non growth
** Plant a garden = Start a relationship
Yours
You want me to tell you
I will be yours for always
Yours to contact at random hours
(but I cannot contact you)
Yours to meet in clandestine locations
(but never in pubic locations)
Yours to call your own
(but I cannot claim you)
Yours to please you
(but you will not satisfy me)
Yours to follow directions
(but I dare not make requests)
Yours wholeheartedly
(but to expect a noncommittal attitude)
Yours to gaze into your eyes
(but not to look for your soul)
I want to be yours … minus the parenthetical exceptions
I want you to be mine … plus so much more
I will be yours for always
Yours to contact at random hours
(but I cannot contact you)
Yours to meet in clandestine locations
(but never in pubic locations)
Yours to call your own
(but I cannot claim you)
Yours to please you
(but you will not satisfy me)
Yours to follow directions
(but I dare not make requests)
Yours wholeheartedly
(but to expect a noncommittal attitude)
Yours to gaze into your eyes
(but not to look for your soul)
I want to be yours … minus the parenthetical exceptions
I want you to be mine … plus so much more
Time for a Change
Time for a change
No more settling
For that which doesn’t meet
My standards
No more squandering
Skills, talents, passion
With the undeserving, the unappreciative
No more reactionary measures
Stop gap, temporary quick fixes
that provide fleeting relief from
No more settling
For that which doesn’t meet
My standards
No more squandering
Skills, talents, passion
With the undeserving, the unappreciative
No more reactionary measures
Stop gap, temporary quick fixes
that provide fleeting relief from
What traits
What traits manifest attraction?
height financial status
eyes sense of humor
build lifestyle
hair sex appeal
personality education
availability a certain “Je ne sais quoi”
We each have our own preferences
Of these qualities
Upon which criteria do we insist be met?
- for just a date?
- for a life time commitment?
What compromises can be made?
What exceptions unacceptable?
At what risk do we draw that line?
height financial status
eyes sense of humor
build lifestyle
hair sex appeal
personality education
availability a certain “Je ne sais quoi”
We each have our own preferences
Of these qualities
Upon which criteria do we insist be met?
- for just a date?
- for a life time commitment?
What compromises can be made?
What exceptions unacceptable?
At what risk do we draw that line?
How long?
How long has it been since …
I longed for someone because he could fulfill me completely:
mentally,
emotionally,
creatively,
physically
I longed for someone because he could fulfill me completely:
mentally,
emotionally,
creatively,
physically
Oh yeah, AND HE has longed for the same with me?
How long has it been since …
I wondered beyond his next contact with me:
the next conversation,
the next e-mail,
the next text message
the next touch
Oh yeah, AND HE wondered anxiously for next contact from me?
How long has it been since . . .
I met someone who fulfilled me on so many levels:
thinking outside the box,
writing love poems,
laughing,
trembling,
changing my thoughts on the words “promise” and “trust”
Oh yeah, AND I fulfilled HIM, too.
How long has it been since …
All the pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place:
My heart has felt whole
My body satisfied
My mood stable
My life complete
Oh yeah, AND HE has found the solution to HIS complicated life in me.
How long has it been?
Way too long
How much longer will it be ? Soon …. I hope
How long has it been since …
I wondered beyond his next contact with me:
the next conversation,
the next e-mail,
the next text message
the next touch
Oh yeah, AND HE wondered anxiously for next contact from me?
How long has it been since . . .
I met someone who fulfilled me on so many levels:
thinking outside the box,
writing love poems,
laughing,
trembling,
changing my thoughts on the words “promise” and “trust”
Oh yeah, AND I fulfilled HIM, too.
How long has it been since …
All the pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place:
My heart has felt whole
My body satisfied
My mood stable
My life complete
Oh yeah, AND HE has found the solution to HIS complicated life in me.
How long has it been?
Way too long
How much longer will it be ? Soon …. I hope
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving 08
On this day of Thanksgiving
Abandon
your worries
your misgivings
your loneliness
your depression
your certainty that things will never be right
Think not about
Things you cannot control
politics nor economy
people and things lost
dreams out of reach
arguments and dissention
backyard wars
Search your heart for that which is true and real –
That which you have,
no matter how tentative,
how simple:
a roof over your head,
food in your stomach
clothes on your back
a right to free education
And then think a minute more
And realize how many people love you
No matter how imperfect the love
No matter the confines of that love friendship
And GIVE THANKS
Abandon
your worries
your misgivings
your loneliness
your depression
your certainty that things will never be right
Think not about
Things you cannot control
politics nor economy
people and things lost
dreams out of reach
arguments and dissention
backyard wars
Search your heart for that which is true and real –
That which you have,
no matter how tentative,
how simple:
a roof over your head,
food in your stomach
clothes on your back
a right to free education
And then think a minute more
And realize how many people love you
No matter how imperfect the love
No matter the confines of that love friendship
And GIVE THANKS
Monday, November 3, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
So Many Poems
So many poems already exist
Enumerating the joys, the sorrows, the bliss
Of relationships over or just starting out
Smiles and tears, an occasional pout
Roller coasters and reruns, dinner and a show
Holding hands, sharing glances, faces aglow
No two affairs of the heart are the same
Some are like work and others a game
Poetry reflects the many perspectives
Open our eyes and make us reflective
So read all you can and accept that which fits
Ignore all the rest ‘cause they’re probably shit
Sunday, October 26, 2008
I don’t believe in promises,
but I do believe in trust.
Questioned on this
at first I didn’t have a response,
but now I know.
A promise is but words based on the giver’s attempt at commitment to something.
Trust is based on what the receiver has come to believe about the giver’s capability to follow through.
Definitions from Wikipedia:
“Trust is a prediction of reliance on an action, based on what a party knows about the other party.“
A promise is a psychological contract indicating a transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his or her use.
Some quotes on topic:
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you”
“We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone - but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy”
“I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.”
“Without trust, words become the hollow sound of a wooden gong. With trust, words become life itself.”
“People who have given us their complete confidence believe that they have a right to ours. The inference is false, a gift confers no rights.”
“Promise little and do much”
but I do believe in trust.
Questioned on this
at first I didn’t have a response,
but now I know.
A promise is but words based on the giver’s attempt at commitment to something.
Trust is based on what the receiver has come to believe about the giver’s capability to follow through.
Definitions from Wikipedia:
“Trust is a prediction of reliance on an action, based on what a party knows about the other party.“
A promise is a psychological contract indicating a transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his or her use.
Some quotes on topic:
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you”
“We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone - but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy”
“I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.”
“Without trust, words become the hollow sound of a wooden gong. With trust, words become life itself.”
“People who have given us their complete confidence believe that they have a right to ours. The inference is false, a gift confers no rights.”
“Promise little and do much”
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How many times?
Just how many times
Will I allow myself to fall prey to your promises
I want to believe in you and your words
But they are like sand in a sieve
You question me for questioning you
Yet my doubt is real and founded in false assurances
You say you want me … you need me
But you neglect me
And I let you get away with it
Just how many times
Will I allow myself to fall prey
No more
(till the next time ... I am weak)
Will I allow myself to fall prey to your promises
I want to believe in you and your words
But they are like sand in a sieve
You question me for questioning you
Yet my doubt is real and founded in false assurances
You say you want me … you need me
But you neglect me
And I let you get away with it
Just how many times
Will I allow myself to fall prey
No more
(till the next time ... I am weak)
Autumn
Even as we speak
The colors are changing
Vibrant oranges, rich reds, brilliant yellows
The temperature drops a tad more each night
Cornfields become corn mazes
Leaves fall, burying latent signs of summer
Days shorten
A magical transformation in preparation for winter
Oh amazing autumn
The colors are changing
Vibrant oranges, rich reds, brilliant yellows
The temperature drops a tad more each night
Cornfields become corn mazes
Leaves fall, burying latent signs of summer
Days shorten
A magical transformation in preparation for winter
Oh amazing autumn
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Home zone – war zone
Home zone – war zone
If these two factions cannot find truce
What hope is there for nations
Fighting for their home land
Shrapnel lodged in the memory
Of harsh words launched years ago
Torrent of emotions: fear, pain, jealousy resentment, loneliness, abandonment, favoritism
Insults launched like hand grenades
Even a simple meal can lead to hand to hand combat
Threats of torment
Sneak attacks on personal property
Intrusion on solitude of day to day life
Rare tides of calm exist just long enough
To lead to a false sense of security
Both sides deny the responsibility
Of being a catalyst for outbursts of chaos
Both innocent in their own minds
Although attacks are not directed at me,
Switzerland - the motherland,
I am injured by the fall out
A prisoner of war in my own home
I want to flee for shelter
For refuge pandemonium and turmoil
But I am bound by commitment to this place I call home.
If these two factions cannot find truce
What hope is there for nations
Fighting for their home land
Shrapnel lodged in the memory
Of harsh words launched years ago
Torrent of emotions: fear, pain, jealousy resentment, loneliness, abandonment, favoritism
Insults launched like hand grenades
Even a simple meal can lead to hand to hand combat
Threats of torment
Sneak attacks on personal property
Intrusion on solitude of day to day life
Rare tides of calm exist just long enough
To lead to a false sense of security
Both sides deny the responsibility
Of being a catalyst for outbursts of chaos
Both innocent in their own minds
Although attacks are not directed at me,
Switzerland - the motherland,
I am injured by the fall out
A prisoner of war in my own home
I want to flee for shelter
For refuge pandemonium and turmoil
But I am bound by commitment to this place I call home.
Friday, October 17, 2008
So Vivid
So vivid was my dream
that when I awoke
I was surprised to find a tear,
not your hand,
caressing my cheek.
When I extended my arms
To pull you to me
all I got was an embrace of air –
empty even of your scent
Your lips did not linger on mine
Your eyes did not gaze at me
But yet your memory,
Imbedded in my mind,
was real.
that when I awoke
I was surprised to find a tear,
not your hand,
caressing my cheek.
When I extended my arms
To pull you to me
all I got was an embrace of air –
empty even of your scent
Your lips did not linger on mine
Your eyes did not gaze at me
But yet your memory,
Imbedded in my mind,
was real.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
On This Night
On this night
if I fall asleep
you will see a smile on my face.
And if you trace my lips
with your fingertips,
you will find the echo of your name
lingering there.
And if you place your ear
against my beating heart,
you will hear the rhythm
of our last dance.
And if you could read my mind
you would know
that it is you I'm dreaming of.
(from 99)
if I fall asleep
you will see a smile on my face.
And if you trace my lips
with your fingertips,
you will find the echo of your name
lingering there.
And if you place your ear
against my beating heart,
you will hear the rhythm
of our last dance.
And if you could read my mind
you would know
that it is you I'm dreaming of.
(from 99)
Monday, September 29, 2008
My ship is sinking
My ship is sinking
Though furtively I plug holes
It is futile
I race side to side
In an attempt to prelude loss
But as a result
The bolt is rocking
About to flip
No longer can I see the shoreline
nor the hues of blue
The once gentle swaying
Feels more like turbulence
I am seasick
I am drowning
Throw me a life jacket
Though furtively I plug holes
It is futile
I race side to side
In an attempt to prelude loss
But as a result
The bolt is rocking
About to flip
No longer can I see the shoreline
nor the hues of blue
The once gentle swaying
Feels more like turbulence
I am seasick
I am drowning
Throw me a life jacket
Friday, September 26, 2008
Touch Therapy
Touch therapy: it’s what I need
to caress your cheek
to run my hands through your hair
to intertwine my fingers with yours
to stroke your chest
to feel the warmth of your body as it radiates heat
to purr to the rhythm of your heartbeat
to experience contact, head to toe
to relax in your safety net
to remember I am alive
Alas ... you are not here to touch
to caress your cheek
to run my hands through your hair
to intertwine my fingers with yours
to stroke your chest
to feel the warmth of your body as it radiates heat
to purr to the rhythm of your heartbeat
to experience contact, head to toe
to relax in your safety net
to remember I am alive
Alas ... you are not here to touch
Memories
Memories sustain us:
Reminders of heartfelt moments,
outstanding accomplishments,
and endearing encounters
Memories constrain us:
Reminiscences of painful detachment,
unfathomable failure,
and loss of control
Memories … a catalyst to pursue or relinquish dreams
Reminders of heartfelt moments,
outstanding accomplishments,
and endearing encounters
Memories constrain us:
Reminiscences of painful detachment,
unfathomable failure,
and loss of control
Memories … a catalyst to pursue or relinquish dreams
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Past threatens
Just when the past
Threatens to tighten its melancholic binds
Precluding movement into the future
The present barges in
Demanding to be reckoned with
Por eso
Appreciate all that is and can be
Dwell not on “what ifs” and “if onlys”
For someday today will be but a memory
And tomorrow will be forever out of reach
Threatens to tighten its melancholic binds
Precluding movement into the future
The present barges in
Demanding to be reckoned with
Por eso
Appreciate all that is and can be
Dwell not on “what ifs” and “if onlys”
For someday today will be but a memory
And tomorrow will be forever out of reach
Friday, September 12, 2008
Between
Between
Between
Addresses, destinations, jobs
Now and forever
Floors, on the landing
What was and what will be
Then and eternity
Heaven and hell
Heartache and true love
The sheet and the blanket
The lines on the pavement
Sunset and sunrise
Between it all
Is me
Now
Neither here not there
Not a baby or an “elder”
Somewhere out there
Not flagrant, not plain
Neither asleep nor awake
But a different
State of consciousness.
Not only in between,
But also all inclusive.
Better than on the edge,
In between is safe and comfortable,
With a low affective filter
Allowing me acquisition of
New language, life skills, love
Between
Addresses, destinations, jobs
Now and forever
Floors, on the landing
What was and what will be
Then and eternity
Heaven and hell
Heartache and true love
The sheet and the blanket
The lines on the pavement
Sunset and sunrise
Between it all
Is me
Now
Neither here not there
Not a baby or an “elder”
Somewhere out there
Not flagrant, not plain
Neither asleep nor awake
But a different
State of consciousness.
Not only in between,
But also all inclusive.
Better than on the edge,
In between is safe and comfortable,
With a low affective filter
Allowing me acquisition of
New language, life skills, love
Take Time to Wait
Take time to wait
He waits
For hues and contrasts to elegantly pose
For restless clouds to play king of the hill
For wispy yellow pink highlights to play peek-a-boo
For branches to frolic in the evening air
And he waits
For the setting sun to calm the western skyline
For the gentle breeze to unfurl the flag
And he waits
For the perfect composition
For the perfect setting captured
Patiently
He waits
But if he waits too long
The moment will be gone
He waits
For hues and contrasts to elegantly pose
For restless clouds to play king of the hill
For wispy yellow pink highlights to play peek-a-boo
For branches to frolic in the evening air
And he waits
For the setting sun to calm the western skyline
For the gentle breeze to unfurl the flag
And he waits
For the perfect composition
For the perfect setting captured
Patiently
He waits
But if he waits too long
The moment will be gone
Monday, September 8, 2008
Don't Be Afraid of the Darkness
When my kids were little, I used to sing to them every night at bedtime. Usually the songs were a combination of campfire songs or old classics with modifcations in the lyrics so that they applied to my kids. One night I started singing, making up a song about not being afraid of the dark. After singing a verse or two I was asked to sing it again. I hadn't really thought about what I was singing, but I managed to recreate it. After they fell asleep, I wrote down th words. Slowly but surely I continued to add more verses and tweak what I had each night. Some day I'd like to make a children's book with the words and make a recording to accompany it. (Don't worry, it wouldn't be my voice.) Here's the song/poem:
Don’t be Afraid of the Darkness
Don’t be afraid of the darkness,
’cause it’s a special time
when you can see the lights
that you couldn’t see when the lights were on.
So don’t be afraid to turn off the light,
you just may be surprised
by all the lights and shadows
that appear right before your eyes.
The stars shine a little bit brighter;
the moon comes out from behind a dark cloud;
the street lamp in the distance
shares it s light both near and far.
The light sneaks down the hallway
and underneath your door.
The light you see in the darkness
is like none you’ve seen before.
A nightlight can ease your worries
And chase away the gloom
The beams of a passing car outside
brighten your night black room
A flashlight under the blankets
a hug from your teddy bear
don’t fret, don’t frown because you know
morning will soon be there
So next time when the lights go out
and you start to feel some dread,
don’t be afraid of the darkness
just remember what I’ve said.
Soon it will be tomorrow
the night will be but a memory
the sunrise of the morning
will put the darkness to bed
So don’t be afraid to turn off the light,
you just may be surprised
by all the lights and shadows
that appear right before your eyes.
Don’t be afraid of the darkness,
‘cause it’s a special time
when you can see the lights
that you couldn’t see when the lights were on.
Simple Joys
In the middle of chaos, of a word full of turmoil
It is in the small things I find simple joy:
o An unsolicited hug from my teenagers
o A compliment on my teaching
o A snuggle from a fuzzy kitten
o A rainbow filling the sky
o A call from a long lost friend
o A smile from a passing stranger
o A touching Hallmark commercial
o A wave of hand at an intersection,
o A sink empty of dirty dishes
o A $10 bill in a pocket of last season’s jacket
o A good night’s sleep
o A chat with you
It is in the small things I find simple joy:
o An unsolicited hug from my teenagers
o A compliment on my teaching
o A snuggle from a fuzzy kitten
o A rainbow filling the sky
o A call from a long lost friend
o A smile from a passing stranger
o A touching Hallmark commercial
o A wave of hand at an intersection,
o A sink empty of dirty dishes
o A $10 bill in a pocket of last season’s jacket
o A good night’s sleep
o A chat with you
Was It Just Yesterday?
Was it just yesterday
Or yesteryear
That we gazed into each other’s eyes?
Was it but my imagination
The veracity of our connectedness?
No words were spoken
Of tomorrows or forever,
No promises made to be broken.
Secure with the knowledge
It was what it was, and nothing else
I close my eyes and sigh.
Or yesteryear
That we gazed into each other’s eyes?
Was it but my imagination
The veracity of our connectedness?
No words were spoken
Of tomorrows or forever,
No promises made to be broken.
Secure with the knowledge
It was what it was, and nothing else
I close my eyes and sigh.
Music Permeates Our Lives
While in the car we sing old favorites
while at pre-school, rhyming songs
in church we sing praise to God
on VH1 we hear the top 40s
while roasting marshmallows we sing campfire songs
advertising jingles relentlessly stick in our heads
at sports events we sing the national anthem
or our school fight song
at bed time, a lullaby
yon the dance floor, "our song"
in the shower, the car, the church, the classroom
country, jazz, rock, contemporary, international
eight track, cassettes, records, compact discs
phonograph, record player, walkman, boom box
jingle, ballad, love song, fight song
it sells, it soothes, it energizes, it romanticizes
Music does so much.
Music permeates our lives.
while at pre-school, rhyming songs
in church we sing praise to God
on VH1 we hear the top 40s
while roasting marshmallows we sing campfire songs
advertising jingles relentlessly stick in our heads
at sports events we sing the national anthem
or our school fight song
at bed time, a lullaby
yon the dance floor, "our song"
in the shower, the car, the church, the classroom
country, jazz, rock, contemporary, international
eight track, cassettes, records, compact discs
phonograph, record player, walkman, boom box
jingle, ballad, love song, fight song
it sells, it soothes, it energizes, it romanticizes
Music does so much.
Music permeates our lives.
She Catches the Words
She catches the words
And puts them on paper
Which she hides away in the darkness
And the candles no longer burn
And the moon is hidden behind the clouds
And the shine in her eyes is gone
The words will not lead you there directly
The path is not an easy one
Not for the weak at heart
What do you care about
When you fall into my words
Into my eyes
Into my life …
I will catch you
While reading lines of poetry
I noticed that I was not alone
Anymore
I listen and I think I hear you there
I thought I saw you there
And again over there?
The words of the poem come wafting on the breeze
Like a pleasant gentle perfume
I can’t find my way
Anymore
But I know he is there
And I’ll follow the words
I don’t care about the risk
I don’t care about the difficulty
Anymore
So I let myself fall
And I fall in
I fall into the fountain of words that is you.
And puts them on paper
Which she hides away in the darkness
And the candles no longer burn
And the moon is hidden behind the clouds
And the shine in her eyes is gone
The words will not lead you there directly
The path is not an easy one
Not for the weak at heart
What do you care about
When you fall into my words
Into my eyes
Into my life …
I will catch you
While reading lines of poetry
I noticed that I was not alone
Anymore
I listen and I think I hear you there
I thought I saw you there
And again over there?
The words of the poem come wafting on the breeze
Like a pleasant gentle perfume
I can’t find my way
Anymore
But I know he is there
And I’ll follow the words
I don’t care about the risk
I don’t care about the difficulty
Anymore
So I let myself fall
And I fall in
I fall into the fountain of words that is you.
Store your Secrets
Where do you keep/hide/store your secrets?
• Under your socks
• In a locked box
• A sealed envelope
• A deep hole like buried treasure
• In the depths of your soul
• Behind a wall in your heart
• In an old black backpack
• In a discarded photo album
• In the imaginary confines of your brain
• Under your bed
• In the confidence of your trusted friend
• In a personal diary
• In the words of a poem
It matters not .. .
What do you do with those secrets?
Or what they do to you?
Do they . . .
• Trap you?
• Lay mute?
• Give you nightmares
• Make you cry out in the night?
• Stifle you?
• Depress you?
• Caress you?
• Haunt you?
• Control you?
• Mold you?
Or are they well kept … wherever it is you keep/hide/store them?
• Under your socks
• In a locked box
• A sealed envelope
• A deep hole like buried treasure
• In the depths of your soul
• Behind a wall in your heart
• In an old black backpack
• In a discarded photo album
• In the imaginary confines of your brain
• Under your bed
• In the confidence of your trusted friend
• In a personal diary
• In the words of a poem
It matters not .. .
What do you do with those secrets?
Or what they do to you?
Do they . . .
• Trap you?
• Lay mute?
• Give you nightmares
• Make you cry out in the night?
• Stifle you?
• Depress you?
• Caress you?
• Haunt you?
• Control you?
• Mold you?
Or are they well kept … wherever it is you keep/hide/store them?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
In my queen sized bed
As I lie here in my queen sized bed
My blanket pulled up to my chin
To fight the night’s chill
Before sleep whisks me away
I find my thoughts wandering
To you in your bed so many miles away
Are you under the covers? Or on top?
Are you naked?
Do you sleep to one side or commandeer the middle
Do you like to be held as you fall asleep,
Maintaining contact throughout the night?
Or do you prefer your space as you slumber?
Sleep beckons me now …
I will succumb …
To be with you in my dreams.
My blanket pulled up to my chin
To fight the night’s chill
Before sleep whisks me away
I find my thoughts wandering
To you in your bed so many miles away
Are you under the covers? Or on top?
Are you naked?
Do you sleep to one side or commandeer the middle
Do you like to be held as you fall asleep,
Maintaining contact throughout the night?
Or do you prefer your space as you slumber?
Sleep beckons me now …
I will succumb …
To be with you in my dreams.
Darkness calls my name
as darkness calls my name ... and begs me to sleep ... I strain to stay awake ... one more minute .. one more hour ... in the hopes of seeing you ... alas my heavy eye lids have won .. and the bed will be my keeper ... sweet dreams my sweet.
Time passes … and still we wait to be together
Time passes … and still we wait to be together
Face it
And as you face the unforeseen winds
Fear not that which awaits you
Embrace it
Cherish it
Return to share your dreams and visions
Fear not that which awaits you
Embrace it
Cherish it
Return to share your dreams and visions
Trying to make sense
Trying to make sense
Too many showers have fallen.
Clouds of turbulence
Disrupt my sunshiney disposition,
Create a storm in my life.
When unexpectedly
A brilliant, awe-inspiring rainbow
Leaves me breathless
And I long for the unattainable pot of gold
After captured in time
By the magic of photography,
The rainbow abruptly fades away
Leaving the nothingness that previously existed
The photograph of that rainbow
And the memory it represents remain
But in time, they too will fade.
Too many showers have fallen.
Clouds of turbulence
Disrupt my sunshiney disposition,
Create a storm in my life.
When unexpectedly
A brilliant, awe-inspiring rainbow
Leaves me breathless
And I long for the unattainable pot of gold
After captured in time
By the magic of photography,
The rainbow abruptly fades away
Leaving the nothingness that previously existed
The photograph of that rainbow
And the memory it represents remain
But in time, they too will fade.
hasta la luna
tú a mí me gustas
desde la tierra hasta la luna
de ida y vuelta caminando
la distancia de monterrey a Michigan es lejana
pero tu amor y el mío
la hacen corta
desde la tierra hasta la luna
de ida y vuelta caminando
la distancia de monterrey a Michigan es lejana
pero tu amor y el mío
la hacen corta
te veo
te veo y me ves pero todo es nuevo
lagrimas no caen
y sonrisas brillan el día
aunque la distancia nos separa
nuestra conexión nos conecta
y mis ojos ven que sí todavía hay espero
lo veo en ti
lagrimas no caen
y sonrisas brillan el día
aunque la distancia nos separa
nuestra conexión nos conecta
y mis ojos ven que sí todavía hay espero
lo veo en ti
No estaba buscando nada
No estaba buscando nada
Ese día
Pero te encontré
Yo, como de costumbre,
Te dije direcciones
Y tú, sin saber, las recibiste
Las primeras palabras mías
Y empezamos
A platicar, charlar, hablar, comunicar
De muchas cosas: familia, música, amor
Y lo que realizamos
Es que juntos
Tú y yo
Sonreímos más
Y esto es lo más importante
Ese día
Pero te encontré
Yo, como de costumbre,
Te dije direcciones
Y tú, sin saber, las recibiste
Las primeras palabras mías
Y empezamos
A platicar, charlar, hablar, comunicar
De muchas cosas: familia, música, amor
Y lo que realizamos
Es que juntos
Tú y yo
Sonreímos más
Y esto es lo más importante
I fell in love
I’ve loved, lusted, been enamored
Been loved, been on both sides of unrequited love
When I was just five I first fell in love
But my daddy said, “He’s no good; his dad’s a drunk”
When I was ten I fell in love
With a boy in my class
But my daddy said, “He’s no good; he’s black.”
When I was 16 I feel in love
But I quickly found out he was just being nice
When I was 17 I fell in love
But I realized he wanted only one thing
When I was 18 I fell in love
But my dad said, “He’s no good for you.
He’s a wanderer with a motorcycle.”
When I was 21 I fell in love
And it was so real and right,
But he was scared. He fled.
When I was 25 I fell in love
But the support and love ended; I left.
When I was 37 I fell in love online,
But he was married
And in real time, we didn’t click
When I was 40 I fell in love
It was sporadic and he wasn’t ready to commit
As I wasn’t “the one.”
When I was 43 I fell in love
and he treated me like a princess,
but I wasn’t ready to be royalty,
so I sent him away.
At 45 I fell in love
but I didn’t have the right
For his heart was not available.
And now, I’m not in love.
And it is okay. Next??
Been loved, been on both sides of unrequited love
When I was just five I first fell in love
But my daddy said, “He’s no good; his dad’s a drunk”
When I was ten I fell in love
With a boy in my class
But my daddy said, “He’s no good; he’s black.”
When I was 16 I feel in love
But I quickly found out he was just being nice
When I was 17 I fell in love
But I realized he wanted only one thing
When I was 18 I fell in love
But my dad said, “He’s no good for you.
He’s a wanderer with a motorcycle.”
When I was 21 I fell in love
And it was so real and right,
But he was scared. He fled.
When I was 25 I fell in love
But the support and love ended; I left.
When I was 37 I fell in love online,
But he was married
And in real time, we didn’t click
When I was 40 I fell in love
It was sporadic and he wasn’t ready to commit
As I wasn’t “the one.”
When I was 43 I fell in love
and he treated me like a princess,
but I wasn’t ready to be royalty,
so I sent him away.
At 45 I fell in love
but I didn’t have the right
For his heart was not available.
And now, I’m not in love.
And it is okay. Next??
And then ...
And then . . .
After . . .
I thought I would flee
Return to my empty bed
Allowing you your space
Your independence
Your life
. . . not wanting to cross any emotional lines
Even though our bodies
Had already erased any physical one that existed
But still …
My instincts screamed
And you invited me to stay
And I did
Next to you, by your side
Through the remains of the night
In the morning
The dreaded morning
Desire to stay . . . reluctance to leave
Voice in my head crying “run!”
But we kissed. You hugged me. We talked.
We were still good.
After . . .
I thought I would flee
Return to my empty bed
Allowing you your space
Your independence
Your life
. . . not wanting to cross any emotional lines
Even though our bodies
Had already erased any physical one that existed
But still …
My instincts screamed
And you invited me to stay
And I did
Next to you, by your side
Through the remains of the night
In the morning
The dreaded morning
Desire to stay . . . reluctance to leave
Voice in my head crying “run!”
But we kissed. You hugged me. We talked.
We were still good.
I worrry too much
Perhaps I worry too much
Perhaps not enough
My interaction with you
Taunted by my intentions
Too open
Too closed
I cannot find the balance.
I need balance.
Perhaps not enough
My interaction with you
Taunted by my intentions
Too open
Too closed
I cannot find the balance.
I need balance.
The Confidentiality Clause
The Confidentiality Clause
What is it about confidentiality clauses
That makes them so secretive?
So mysterious?
So clandestine?
So indicative of wrong doing?
Having one of my very own
Has forced me to close the box
In which I have stored memories
Good and bad
Less my story be told
My back is turned to that which I cannot reference
Leaving a gap in my past and a hole in my future
Ever since I was a little girl,
Playing school with my dolls
Reading books to my stuffed animals
Solving math problems for fun on my chalk board
I knew I would be a teacher
Just like so many of my relatives before me.
Junior year in high school
I, like so many of students before
And decades of students after
Took an aptitude test
Confirming my inclination towards being a teacher
Although stewardess, cow girl, and massage therapist
Were other careers in my top five,
There never seriously existed
Any competition for my career path of education.
My love for teaching, my passion
Grew with every classroom of students I greeted.
So many times, my commitment
now exhausted
Accused me of having a mistress: my steady job
And now I wonder … should I leave
Break up
Find a new lover
What is it about confidentiality clauses
That makes them so secretive?
So mysterious?
So clandestine?
So indicative of wrong doing?
Having one of my very own
Has forced me to close the box
In which I have stored memories
Good and bad
Less my story be told
My back is turned to that which I cannot reference
Leaving a gap in my past and a hole in my future
Ever since I was a little girl,
Playing school with my dolls
Reading books to my stuffed animals
Solving math problems for fun on my chalk board
I knew I would be a teacher
Just like so many of my relatives before me.
Junior year in high school
I, like so many of students before
And decades of students after
Took an aptitude test
Confirming my inclination towards being a teacher
Although stewardess, cow girl, and massage therapist
Were other careers in my top five,
There never seriously existed
Any competition for my career path of education.
My love for teaching, my passion
Grew with every classroom of students I greeted.
So many times, my commitment
now exhausted
Accused me of having a mistress: my steady job
And now I wonder … should I leave
Break up
Find a new lover
A Few Words
I suppose this would be a good a time as any to say that these poems are not posted in any certain order. They range from recent (just written today) to very old (as in at least 30 years ago). The catalysts for my inspiration have varied greatly and will continue to change, I imagine, day to day. My main topics are about falling in and out of love, family, friends, grief, nature and music. Once in a while I will think ... "hmmm ... I should write a poem for ______ or a poem about _____. But usually my pen just calls to me and says "It's time to write" and I write. I hope you enjoy.
I'm Not Done With You Yet
I’m not done with you yet
There’s still so much I want to do
With you
For you
To you
Because of you
So much to share
Stories to share
Jokes to tell
Hugs to exchange
Lessons to learn
Tears to cry
Songs to sing
Joys to discover
I’m not done with you yet
There’s still so much I want to do
With you
For you
To you
Because of you
So much to share
Stories to share
Jokes to tell
Hugs to exchange
Lessons to learn
Tears to cry
Songs to sing
Joys to discover
I’m not done with you yet
I Dance!
It Matters Not . . . I Dance!
A ballerina I am not,
Though my love of dance is strong
Tapping my toe to every song
Feeling the music fill my body
Till every muscle is full of motion.
One cannot truly dance without a smile
Plastered securely,
Highlighting sparking eyes.
Music fills my soul
And all my being.
Swaying slowly
Or stomping feet
To the rhythm:
A square dance
A quick romance
The hokey poky
The hustle
The tango
The Macarena
A masquerade
A holiday parade
Slow or silly sophisticated or hillbilly,
What matters is the dance
A ballerina I am not,
Though my love of dance is strong
Tapping my toe to every song
Feeling the music fill my body
Till every muscle is full of motion.
One cannot truly dance without a smile
Plastered securely,
Highlighting sparking eyes.
Music fills my soul
And all my being.
Swaying slowly
Or stomping feet
To the rhythm:
A square dance
A quick romance
The hokey poky
The hustle
The tango
The Macarena
A masquerade
A holiday parade
Slow or silly sophisticated or hillbilly,
What matters is the dance
Measure Time
We measure time in so many ways
While holding our breath … seconds
When running the mile … minutes
(lots of them for me)
a movie in hours
a semester in weeks
a year in seasons
a life in years
and a relationship in experiences . . .
first e-mail, first phone call, first irl date
first kiss, first hug, first overnight late
new restaurants, new movies, new places to go
new just for us . . . new jewelry to show
misunderstandings, separating rifts
insanity issues, random gifts
time to talk, to play, to work, to scheme,
time to wonder, to grow, to laugh, dream
all of these times mark the passing of us
no matter the incident
however time’s marked
what matters the most
is time together in heart
While holding our breath … seconds
When running the mile … minutes
(lots of them for me)
a movie in hours
a semester in weeks
a year in seasons
a life in years
and a relationship in experiences . . .
first e-mail, first phone call, first irl date
first kiss, first hug, first overnight late
new restaurants, new movies, new places to go
new just for us . . . new jewelry to show
misunderstandings, separating rifts
insanity issues, random gifts
time to talk, to play, to work, to scheme,
time to wonder, to grow, to laugh, dream
all of these times mark the passing of us
no matter the incident
however time’s marked
what matters the most
is time together in heart
How Old Am I?
How Old Am I?
Sometimes at night
I curl up in the fetal position
before I fall asleep.
Clutching my teddy bear,
I read bedtime stories
and laugh out loud.
When I see hopscotch
“chalked” on the cement,
I must play.
The candy in the checkout lane tempts me.
My mom buys me things
‘cause I’m her little girl.
I look both ways
before crossing the street
and I hold hands with my little friends.
Arthur and Barney are role models in my home.
I know all the songs.
When I hear music, I begin to sing, dance and clap my hands.
Scary movies give me nightmares.
Every morning I pack my lunch for school.
I sleep alone
in a queen size bed.
How old am I?
I’m the mom, don’t ask.
Sometimes at night
I curl up in the fetal position
before I fall asleep.
Clutching my teddy bear,
I read bedtime stories
and laugh out loud.
When I see hopscotch
“chalked” on the cement,
I must play.
The candy in the checkout lane tempts me.
My mom buys me things
‘cause I’m her little girl.
I look both ways
before crossing the street
and I hold hands with my little friends.
Arthur and Barney are role models in my home.
I know all the songs.
When I hear music, I begin to sing, dance and clap my hands.
Scary movies give me nightmares.
Every morning I pack my lunch for school.
I sleep alone
in a queen size bed.
How old am I?
I’m the mom, don’t ask.
Who would think
Who would think
that behind old prom dresses and graduation gowns
under moth-bitten sweaters
in a box with the four flaps
tucked under one another
beneath old school pictures,
an outdated magazine with laughable fashions
and a pile of over due bills
is a dust covered wallet
whose measly contents are limited:
a temporary license stapled to its predecessor
a work ID, and a big screen movie card
hidden in a secret zippered pocket
is the movie ticket stub
you told me to save forever just because.
And now the memories overwhelm me more than they should
and I tuck them back away
for another day.
that behind old prom dresses and graduation gowns
under moth-bitten sweaters
in a box with the four flaps
tucked under one another
beneath old school pictures,
an outdated magazine with laughable fashions
and a pile of over due bills
is a dust covered wallet
whose measly contents are limited:
a temporary license stapled to its predecessor
a work ID, and a big screen movie card
hidden in a secret zippered pocket
is the movie ticket stub
you told me to save forever just because.
And now the memories overwhelm me more than they should
and I tuck them back away
for another day.
This man
I know not this man
Who calls --- just because
Who says not the words
But shows that he loves
This stranger I have met
And newly befriended
After years of animosity
I know not what turned the key
But this man
Has always meant the world to me
This man --- I call my dad
Who calls --- just because
Who says not the words
But shows that he loves
This stranger I have met
And newly befriended
After years of animosity
I know not what turned the key
But this man
Has always meant the world to me
This man --- I call my dad
Friendship
Friendship –
An irreplaceable gift
That can only be shared
Not given or taken
Friendship
Cannot and should not
Be defined or destroyed
By any one event, action or word
Friendship
A bond that endures
Time, distance, neglect and mistakes in judgment
Friendship
Not determined by age, location
Financial or social status
Race or place
Friendship
As strong as ,
Durable and everlasting
Yet, as fragile as glass
To be treated and treasured with care
Friendship
Worth the effort ….
An irreplaceable gift
That can only be shared
Not given or taken
Friendship
Cannot and should not
Be defined or destroyed
By any one event, action or word
Friendship
A bond that endures
Time, distance, neglect and mistakes in judgment
Friendship
Not determined by age, location
Financial or social status
Race or place
Friendship
As strong as ,
Durable and everlasting
Yet, as fragile as glass
To be treated and treasured with care
Friendship
Worth the effort ….
Silent Tears
Silent tears fill my eyes
as my heart swells,
my throat tightens
and I begin to shake
What releases the floodgate that holds my memories in tack?
o A song on the radio or a melody hummed by an unknown passerby
o a subtle scent or a whiff of perfume, perhaps ode de watermelon bubble gum
o a holiday celebration full of familiar traditions
o a threatening thunderstorm or a gentle rain shower
followed by a double rainbow
o an echo of your voice on the wind
o a dream that awakens me in the middle of the night
o the reflection of your smile in a child’s eyes
o a photograph depicting a captured moment in time whether stoic or comic
So many waters at constant battle, this barrier at my emotional dam
but not one tear, not one memory will I lose.
I will remember and treasure each ... always.
as my heart swells,
my throat tightens
and I begin to shake
What releases the floodgate that holds my memories in tack?
o A song on the radio or a melody hummed by an unknown passerby
o a subtle scent or a whiff of perfume, perhaps ode de watermelon bubble gum
o a holiday celebration full of familiar traditions
o a threatening thunderstorm or a gentle rain shower
followed by a double rainbow
o an echo of your voice on the wind
o a dream that awakens me in the middle of the night
o the reflection of your smile in a child’s eyes
o a photograph depicting a captured moment in time whether stoic or comic
So many waters at constant battle, this barrier at my emotional dam
but not one tear, not one memory will I lose.
I will remember and treasure each ... always.
Monday, September 1, 2008
What is Real?
What is real?
If a blind man cannot see the colors of a rainbow
If a deaf man cannot hear the wind whispering in the leaves
If a mute cannot speak words of passion
If a man cannot distinguish cherry from strawberry
If a man cannot smell the perfume of a field of flowers
If a man and woman share the intimacy of love but have never touched
Is it still real?
If a blind man cannot see the colors of a rainbow
If a deaf man cannot hear the wind whispering in the leaves
If a mute cannot speak words of passion
If a man cannot distinguish cherry from strawberry
If a man cannot smell the perfume of a field of flowers
If a man and woman share the intimacy of love but have never touched
Is it still real?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Dream of Me
Dream of me …
You whispered just before we parted
Think sweet thoughts of you and me
Dream of me
Caressing your face, gazing deep into your eyes
Nuzzling and kissing the nape of your neck
Dream of me
The warmth of my body aligned with yours
Slipping gently into slumber
Dream of me
Before your last thoughts are of tomorrow
And today is gone forever
Dream of me
And I will dream of you
You whispered just before we parted
Think sweet thoughts of you and me
Dream of me
Caressing your face, gazing deep into your eyes
Nuzzling and kissing the nape of your neck
Dream of me
The warmth of my body aligned with yours
Slipping gently into slumber
Dream of me
Before your last thoughts are of tomorrow
And today is gone forever
Dream of me
And I will dream of you
Unattainable
Why do we want so badly
That which is not available
Out of our league
Out of our price range
Out of our zip code
Out of control
Out of circulation
Why do we want so badly
That which is not available?
It is because it is unavailable.
So when we can not attain it,
We can justify
The loss is not so great
That which is not available
Out of our league
Out of our price range
Out of our zip code
Out of control
Out of circulation
Why do we want so badly
That which is not available?
It is because it is unavailable.
So when we can not attain it,
We can justify
The loss is not so great
Parallel Lives
Whatever I write wouldn't suffice
To express the angst
That permeates and hibernates
Within you … within me.
Serendipity
Has befriended us
Allowing our parallel lives
to intertwine
when both so needed this contact
The essence of your scent
The sparkle of life in your eyes
The warmth of your personality
The tenderness of your touch
The passion in your heart
Have not withered to extinction
Let me remind you what it is to live.
To express the angst
That permeates and hibernates
Within you … within me.
Serendipity
Has befriended us
Allowing our parallel lives
to intertwine
when both so needed this contact
The essence of your scent
The sparkle of life in your eyes
The warmth of your personality
The tenderness of your touch
The passion in your heart
Have not withered to extinction
Let me remind you what it is to live.
Sweet Addiction
What sweet addiction is this which surges through my body to my very soul?
What urges me to seek more, to embrace the emotion of the rush?
What habit will I form if I succumb to the poison you call love?
How easily does this want control my thoughts … my desires.
When again will the sweetness of your words bathe me in caresses?
What illusion of intent have I created in my blissful unawareness?
What urges me to seek more, to embrace the emotion of the rush?
What habit will I form if I succumb to the poison you call love?
How easily does this want control my thoughts … my desires.
When again will the sweetness of your words bathe me in caresses?
What illusion of intent have I created in my blissful unawareness?
Absence of Truth
How honest must I be with you?
With myself?
So many lies and omissions
Floating around us –
Like dust particles
Inoffensive –till someone stirs them
Or shines the light
To expose them
And even though
Nothing has changed-
Everything is different
Except the absence of truth
With myself?
So many lies and omissions
Floating around us –
Like dust particles
Inoffensive –till someone stirs them
Or shines the light
To expose them
And even though
Nothing has changed-
Everything is different
Except the absence of truth
Esperándote
Esperándote
Para oír tu voz
tocar tu piel
sentir tus labios
oler tu olor
ver tu sonrisa
Esperándote
Como el día, la noche
la luna, el sol
la lluvia, el arco iris
la orilla, la ola
Esperándote
Hasta el día
La hora
El minuto
El segundo
Que estamos juntos otra vez
Hasta cuando no tengo que esperarte más
Para oír tu voz
tocar tu piel
sentir tus labios
oler tu olor
ver tu sonrisa
Esperándote
Como el día, la noche
la luna, el sol
la lluvia, el arco iris
la orilla, la ola
Esperándote
Hasta el día
La hora
El minuto
El segundo
Que estamos juntos otra vez
Hasta cuando no tengo que esperarte más
Tears
My tears have already dried
and yet,
they have not been shed
the not knowing
what tomorrow will bring
is overwhelming,
scary,
saddening
These tears
recycled
to be used again.
Wipe not my tears away
for they may be
my only memory
of you.
and yet,
they have not been shed
the not knowing
what tomorrow will bring
is overwhelming,
scary,
saddening
These tears
recycled
to be used again.
Wipe not my tears away
for they may be
my only memory
of you.
Nonchalance
I feign nonchalance, indifference
And at times
Almost convince myself
But I know too well
The signs of sorrow, longing, of emptiness
My façade cannot disguise
The reflection in the mirror
The reflection in your eyes
And at times
Almost convince myself
But I know too well
The signs of sorrow, longing, of emptiness
My façade cannot disguise
The reflection in the mirror
The reflection in your eyes
I Can't Breathe
How many hours
can these tears fall
before they dry up?
How long can I gasp for air
between sobs?
How long will my chest heave
with each breath I take?
How long will I write into the night?
I don't remember the last time I cried myself to sleep.
It scares me, my feelings
But they will fade
I should have known,
Tested the water
I know it wasn't your plan …
To hurt me
But it happens.
I can't breathe
can these tears fall
before they dry up?
How long can I gasp for air
between sobs?
How long will my chest heave
with each breath I take?
How long will I write into the night?
I don't remember the last time I cried myself to sleep.
It scares me, my feelings
But they will fade
I should have known,
Tested the water
I know it wasn't your plan …
To hurt me
But it happens.
I can't breathe
Concentric Circles
Put on the spot about my emotions, my feelings
I flounder; I hesitate; I vacillate…
Such as what my emotions, feelings do towards you
Our circles, as you call them, intersect, but are not concentric
Yet when they do meet … they vibrate
A certain connection … we energize each other
When I'm with you, when I have your undivided attention
I feel special … desired
And when the attention is elsewhere, I am content
Knowing I am still your friend, albeit in the shadows
And when apart … I know … you know
We proceed independently …
Each dealing with the challenges that life brings us
Each attempting to juggle what conflicts are thrown at us
Each trying to hold on to that which keeps us sane
And a part of that …
a special part of that …
is the unique friendship we share
(Written for Randy ... may he rest in peace)
I flounder; I hesitate; I vacillate…
Such as what my emotions, feelings do towards you
Our circles, as you call them, intersect, but are not concentric
Yet when they do meet … they vibrate
A certain connection … we energize each other
When I'm with you, when I have your undivided attention
I feel special … desired
And when the attention is elsewhere, I am content
Knowing I am still your friend, albeit in the shadows
And when apart … I know … you know
We proceed independently …
Each dealing with the challenges that life brings us
Each attempting to juggle what conflicts are thrown at us
Each trying to hold on to that which keeps us sane
And a part of that …
a special part of that …
is the unique friendship we share
(Written for Randy ... may he rest in peace)
Even When
Even when
The music has died
The miracles have faded
And the clouds have lingered and blocked the sun …
Give one more hug.
Think not of yourself:
Your needs
Your worries
Your pains
Your sorrows
Just give one more hug.
And then another.
And then wait …
For the music, the miracles and the sun
To reappear
The music has died
The miracles have faded
And the clouds have lingered and blocked the sun …
Give one more hug.
Think not of yourself:
Your needs
Your worries
Your pains
Your sorrows
Just give one more hug.
And then another.
And then wait …
For the music, the miracles and the sun
To reappear
I May Have Fallen
I may have fallen for those eyes,
But I stayed for the way you look at me.
I may have fallen for the sexy curve of your lips,
But I stayed for the way they say my name.
I may have fallen for your charm and witty banter,
But I stayed for the sincerity and directness.
I may have fallen for your sensual kisses and your embrace,
But I stayed for the lingering touch and shivering down my spine.
I may have fallen for all the wrong reasons,
But I stayed for all the right ones.
But I stayed for the way you look at me.
I may have fallen for the sexy curve of your lips,
But I stayed for the way they say my name.
I may have fallen for your charm and witty banter,
But I stayed for the sincerity and directness.
I may have fallen for your sensual kisses and your embrace,
But I stayed for the lingering touch and shivering down my spine.
I may have fallen for all the wrong reasons,
But I stayed for all the right ones.
A Glimpse of Your Heart
A glimpse of your heart
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your soul,
The intensity of the man
Behind the words
A glimpse of your passion
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your sensuality,
The intensity of the man
Behind the touch
A glimpse of your life
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your experiences,
The intensity of the man
Behind the joys and burdens
A glimpse of you
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your motivation,
The intensity of the man
Behind the inspiration
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your soul,
The intensity of the man
Behind the words
A glimpse of your passion
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your sensuality,
The intensity of the man
Behind the touch
A glimpse of your life
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your experiences,
The intensity of the man
Behind the joys and burdens
A glimpse of you
Was all I got
And you left me yearning for more
To know the depths of your motivation,
The intensity of the man
Behind the inspiration
Monday, August 25, 2008
She'd Been Waiting
She'd been waiting ...
(written for my brother Paul and his new bride)
She'd been waiting for him
And he, for her
Not for an hour or a day
But for a lifetime
Long before ever acknowledging
The other's existence in this realm
The need had begun
She knew … he knew ….
What would make the world complete
And yet obstacles, disappointments
Misconstrued relationships
Eons spent wondering, wandering
In a maze of oblivion
A plethora of emptiness
Kept them apart
But now,
After so many lost yesterdays and misplaced tomorrows
Forever is not long enough
for all the smiles in the morning,
naps in the afternoon,
kisses in the evening
and whispers in the night
She'd been waiting
For him
And he, for her
And at last …
. . . the waiting is over
(written for my brother Paul and his new bride)
She'd been waiting for him
And he, for her
Not for an hour or a day
But for a lifetime
Long before ever acknowledging
The other's existence in this realm
The need had begun
She knew … he knew ….
What would make the world complete
And yet obstacles, disappointments
Misconstrued relationships
Eons spent wondering, wandering
In a maze of oblivion
A plethora of emptiness
Kept them apart
But now,
After so many lost yesterdays and misplaced tomorrows
Forever is not long enough
for all the smiles in the morning,
naps in the afternoon,
kisses in the evening
and whispers in the night
She'd been waiting
For him
And he, for her
And at last …
. . . the waiting is over
Rules
RULES
Society dictates
That we live by certain rules
Behave like well trained puppies
Such as we are taught.
Rules control success, safety, pleasure, conformity
Some rules are cast in stone
Some rules vary by setting, situation, players
Laws of nature
Cannot be denied
Social norms prevail
Laws and guidelines
Regulations
Employment policies
License restrictions
But ultimately ... rules
And yet as individuals
Amongst all these imposed conventions
We insist on the creation of our own personal rules-
personal preferences, limitations, expectations
Which are the hardest to obey?
Extrinsic or intrinsic
Self enforced, I think.
What circumstances?
What consequences?
What contradictory behavior most rewarding?
Self enforced, I think.
Society dictates
That we live by certain rules
Behave like well trained puppies
Such as we are taught.
Rules control success, safety, pleasure, conformity
Some rules are cast in stone
Some rules vary by setting, situation, players
Laws of nature
Cannot be denied
Social norms prevail
Laws and guidelines
Regulations
Employment policies
License restrictions
But ultimately ... rules
And yet as individuals
Amongst all these imposed conventions
We insist on the creation of our own personal rules-
personal preferences, limitations, expectations
Which are the hardest to obey?
Extrinsic or intrinsic
Self enforced, I think.
What circumstances?
What consequences?
What contradictory behavior most rewarding?
Self enforced, I think.
Recycled Words
These words
Normal, well used
Are recyclable
Like glass, cardboard, plastic
And the emotions they represent
Nothing special
Webster has nothing on Shakespeare
What word picture you paint
The canvas you choose
The composition, the vision
It's all how you mix your paint
How you blend your words
For the right mixture
Of fantasy and reality
Of truth and fiction
Normal, well used
Are recyclable
Like glass, cardboard, plastic
And the emotions they represent
Nothing special
Webster has nothing on Shakespeare
What word picture you paint
The canvas you choose
The composition, the vision
It's all how you mix your paint
How you blend your words
For the right mixture
Of fantasy and reality
Of truth and fiction
Step One
My blog is not going to include rants about the world and life's wrongdoings. It's probably not going to hold a diary of what's going on in my life. But, what it is going to contain is my poetry. I have been wrting it for over 30 years. Some of what I post will be old, and some of it will be recent. You may find you can relate to some of what I write .. if so .. cool. If not, click the X and move on. I've been told I should publish. This is the first step, I guess. I'm open to feedback. (Just don't crush my fragile feelings, please.) Thanks to all of you who have been my inspiration, my muses.
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