The Lesson

In a paper
We call homework
Lies a lesson
To be found.
Though we've learned it
Seems we can't be
Bothered
To practice it aloud.
The lesson is
As simple as
Paying mind to
Where we've been,
So as time passes
We won't find us
In history again.

Faces

You're a singer
You're a dancer
You're an actress
Screen and stage.
You're a writer
You're a student
You're a teacher
Of all ages.
Overcomer.
Artist. Sister.
Daughter and a friend.
So much more than
The roles you play.
You are yourself
And you are free.

The Bar Has Been Raised

What do you expect
Of a Christian from the South
Who shared space
With a fabulous Californian
Who loves theater
And outfits,
Mascara and nailpolish?
People think, disagreements
And hate, or
Cold professionalism.
But both men
Live as examples
Of not only tolerance,
But acceptance
And love.
Perhaps politicians
And those in power
Should look to these two
As examples
For what is possible
If we look at one another's hearts
Instead of at
Their labels.

Becoming

So much more
Than just an evening
So much more
Than just a song...
You helped in teaching
Notes and pitch
But also in
Becoming
Who we are.

Puzzle Piece

Back in time
To yesterday
Back ten years
To high school days.
Classrooms
Classmates
Warm-ups
Songs,
Back to the
Same place -
But now
I belong.

About Freedom

On this day we remember
Those who have paid
The highest price
For our country.
I've heard, but never fully
Understood
The saying,
"Freedom isn't free."
But now I know
That there are brave
Men and women
Giving up their
Lives
For our freedom.
So, today, we remember
The fallen, the injured, the veterans,
And those who are still here
Loving and missing
Those who are gone.

Wishful Reality

Imagine what the world
Would be
If we let go of limitations.
If we held people close
If we let go of our hate
If we surrendered prejudices
If we shattered negativity
By shrouding it in love.
Imagine what the world
Would be
If just being you was enough.

Example

It's not about the front
It's not about your defense
It's about connection,
Not your arrogance.
So reach outside your box
Love without condition
Embrace somebody different
Break prejudice traditions.
It's not about what you do
It's not about your answers
It's not about wearing faith as a shield
It's about how you live.
So take your walls down
And open yourself up.
Follow the example that
Two friends set for us.

Uplift

Titles gained
And lives are lost -
The world won't stop turning.
Rights are gained
And hate's not lost -
What are we learning?
Though times are tough
Our hope's not lost -
Keep your candle burning.

Page-Turner

Disappointed
But I know that
This is not the end.
Because forever
You have changed us
And become our friend.
So keep on singing -
Pour your heart out -
Leave it on the stage.
And never doubt that
We're beside you
As you turn the page.

Ten Minutes or Less

Just a little
Late tonight.
Only a few minutes,
Right?
So, just for now
And if I say,
Can it please
Stay
Yesterday?

Just

When you're backed
Against a wall
With no one in
Your corner...
When you're facing
Down the world
And everyone has
Turned away...
Just look up
Just hold on
Just trust your instincts
Just follow your heart.

Left

What's left to believe
When there's nothing to hold?
What's left to hear
With no music playing?
What's left to say
When you've done all your praying?
What's left to escape
When you've broken the mold?
To be truthful
It's not about believing
Or hearing
Or saying
Or escaping
Because
When everything
Is stripped
And taken away -
I ask myself
Only
What's left of me?

Purple

Good memories, and
Fond writing.
Catharsis
Is just around
The corner.

Early Bedtime

So sleepy
It's sad, really.
So it's time
To turn in,
Lie down,
And drift off
To sleep.

True Talent

Familiar faces
And
Character.
Sweet memory
And
Movement.
Beautiful carriage.
Smart decisions.
Amazing people,
And
Big hearts.

Embrace

This is a night of beauty
It is all right now
Everything is as it should be
At this moment,
And I will savor it.
Rather than thinking of
What could be,
I will embrace it.

Gathering

Not everyone would feel
At home
Or comfortable
Or comforted
In a house like mine
Where sarcasm reigns supreme,
But I am,
And I do.
And on the day we
Celebrate our mom
And baby brother,
I know that nothing
Says love in our home
More than laughter.

A Curious Perspective

Do we live forward
Or do we live back?
Do we live for the future
Or long for the past?
Some live like rockstars
And some of us dance.
And some are cowards
Who won't take a chance.
The point isn't that others
Are better than some.
The point is,
Life is beautiful
No matter what.

New Paths - Same Inside

At the end of one road
Lies the start of a new.
A new path to conquer
Another to choose.
Surprises might lie
In wait around bends.
So take them on with the grace
And humility you can.
Be proud of the journey
Be proud of the steps
Be proud
Of the person
We won't soon forget.

Liberty and Justice for All

Look past the rainbow colors
And into people's hearts.
Look past the things that scare you
And into loving eyes.
Listen past the hateful words
And to the simple plea.
Look past your own intolerance
Your judgment
Your agenda
Your fear -
Look into the future
And realize this:
It's time for respect
And it's time for a change.

Visible Children

Stolen. Forced.
Drugged. Brainwashed.
Lost. Hurt.
Traumatized.
Terrorized.
Used. Abused.
Soldiers.
Infantry.
Children,
Once invisible.
Hold on.
We see you.
And it will end.

Coming of Age

"Not another book of poetry,"
He says,
And I don't mind.
"You know that story you wrote
And had in a binder?
Publish that."
I'm not even offended.
In fact, I take him seriously
Because he's not a little boy
Anymore.
I respect his opinions as
I always have.
Soon, thirteen will come
And take him into teenagehood.
Then I will watch
My baby brother
Grow from a kind-hearted
Child
Into the kind of man
I know
I will be proud of.

Arcadia

A place to join
Two souls departed:
One soul freed from his body
Is only hours old.
While for the other
It's been years,
And yet the moments
She was here
Cannot be bought
Or sold.
The world is a little
Less bright tonight.
But those left behind
Will take their loved ones'
Fallen candle
And forever spread their light.

Swing Time

Tonight
I saw charisma
Light up the stage.
Tonight I saw talent
Regardless of age
Tonight
I saw fearlessness,
Tonight
I saw grace
Tonight
I saw a performer
Take a child's place
Tonight
I am glad
He found what he loves
Tonight
I am proud
No matter what he does