In This Life

There are things
Good and bad
Happy and sad
In this life.
There are things
Unjust and true
Lost and new
In this life.
There are things
Broken and fixed
Deliberate and tricked
In this life.

Distinction

Reach out and give
Another hope.
Hold tight to
The end of your rope.
Slow and steady
Sets the pace.
Beauty and faith
Will win the race.
So hold tight
Reach out
And know you're
Not on your own.
Support and love
Are all around you
You are not alone.

Movement

Movement is freeing
Whether it is
With your body
Or the movement
Of a
Pen
Across
A page.
So,
Breathe in,
Breathe out,
And
Move.

Achieving

There is beauty
And light
In the life
We lead.
If we choose
To see it
And believe it
And embrace it
We will surely
Have achieved.

Not The Gift

It's not the gift
But the reception
That means the most
In my perception.
It was not so in
The inception
But it is that way
Now.

Seasonal Effect

Such pretty people
And such pretty things
Such pretty snow and lights
This season brings.
So much love
And hope to treasure.
So much peace
And grace to measure.
So grab that love
And share it freely.
Take that hope
And hold it nearly.
Take the peace
And pass it, easy.
And take this grace
And grow it,
Really.

Pulled Apart In The Art

Feeling pulled
In all directions
Spreading hope
Though it is hard
When
Hopelessness
Is all around.
Stand up taller
Breathe in deeper
Be a little freer
And know that
Hope will
Soon abound.

Haul Out The Jakeness

Sometimes
You need
A good laugh
A good time
An equal match
So just sit back
And sing.

What This Means

This means sharing
And showing
And telling
And knowing
And understanding
And mirroring
And seeing
And hearing.
This is
What this means.

Resenting Resentment

Tonight
I pray
For those
I resented
Because
Everyone
Deserves
To be
Presented
Before
Someone
Who cares.
Everyone
Deserves
Joy, peace
And love
Shared.

Need-To-Know Basis

What is going
On tonight
When right
Is wrong
And wrong
Feels right?
What is going
On right now
When things
Come to light
But I don't
Know how?
I need not figure
Out
Everything -
There's just
One thing
I need:
To understand
And be understood.
To believe
And be believed.

Fire-And-Brimstone

Dreaming of risk,
Pain and torment
Hardest
To accept.
Hardest
To watch
Those close
To me
Sink
And suffer
In the mire
Of this destruction.
But
Just give it
A few more days
And I can move on
Leaving this fire -
This out-of-controlness -
This certain death
Behind me.
I can reach out
For another
Day again.

What Happened?

I love productivity
And I love friends
Who share with me.
Good or bad -
Unfinished or half -
I love it.
If you want to share
Or just watch me work
I'll be here all week -
No duties to shirk.

Chain of Events

Today was such
A strange and
Sad day
Engagments,
Offenses,
And losses.
Why can't we
Be our own bosses
And just let
These things
Slide?

Think Gently

Tonight,
There is
So much to
Be thankful
For
And so much
To pray for
And so much
To consider
When I consider
Others
And
Myself.
So tonight
I will think
Of others
And of myself
Gently
Because
We all have
Difficulties,
Vices,
And faults.

Questions

Where can I go
With this
Complication?
When can I
Accept
It's all for
The best?
When can I
Just sit and
Count
My blessings
And not
Worry what
Else I might
Come against?

Where's The Bottom?

Give him a chance
To find himself.
Give him a chance
To fall.
Don't keep up this
Crazy circle
Reaching behind
The wall.

Ball of Confusion

I don't understand
Why this is
Happening again.
I can't stand to
Watch,
But I can't
Look away.
Why can't
They see
Just what
They are
Doing
And how
They are
Screwing
Up chances
Again.

About Success

Praying for a
Good conclusion
A new illusion
Believed and seen.
Today was today
For you -
But tomrorrow
Will be then
For me.

Coming To Terms

Can I hide
Inside myself
Or make myself
Be seen?
Can I be
Just who I am
And not
Who you believe?
Can I change
And should I have to
Just to be
The same?
Can you see
The truth in me
And know I'm not
To blame?

All About Perspective

Temporary
Versus
Eternal.
Sin
Versus
Choice
Versus
Lifestyle
Versus
Inherent trait.
It's all
In the way
We choose
To view
Things.

Reconnect

It is so good
To reconnect
With precious
People
When they mean
So much
To you.

Hattie

What can I say
To you
That might
Ease your pain
And take it away?
I want to do so
Much
But there's not much
I can do.
So I'll pray for you
And hope you
Can feel them -
And the love
Behind them.

How Did This...

How did my life
Become this
Confusing,
In a matter of
Days,
And with
Just one thing?
It is not
Going smoothly
But I pray
It will calm
And that people
Will see
Me
For me.

Who I Am

It feels nice
And confusing
And satisfying
To be who I am
Tonight.
To have family
Who loves me
Regardless
Makes
The unbearable
So much
Easier
For me to
Bear.

Second Note To Self

Please
Find peace
Inside
Yourself.
Stop hiding
In regret
And selfishness.
Be a woman
And be who
You are.
Don't neglect
To embrace
What is
Waiting
For you.

Lit Path

It is hard,
She said,
Walking in
The dark.
But the Lord
Is with you,
As He always is.
There is
Always
Light
And you
Are never
Alone.

Nothing Changes

My head is
Spinning.
Is there no
Ending
To this weird
World
I'm living
In?
Just know
That it
Does not
Get easier.
It hurts
Just the same
When someone
You love
Is struggling.

The Heart of a Home

What can I say
And what do I do
Now that
The pieces of
Your heart
And your home
Are in my home?
It hurts, in a way,
Because they are
Yours.
But we will protect
And treasure them.
The heart of a home
Is never lost.

Exceedingly Great

Rising above
Expectations,
Even if
They are your
Own,
Makes it seem
Very possible
That expectations
Can be exceeded
Every day.

Enjoying the Gift

Today is never
Just a day.
There's always
Something
To enjoy.
Time to help
And give and
Time to be.
To live inside
This gift
We see.

Forgetful Me

In the dark
I write
By the last
Bit of light
And I know
That when
Tomorrow comes
More good
Will come
Of this.

Opposite

After only this
Handful of days,
I have written
Far more than
A handful of
Words.

Choice of Voice

There is
Life
And there
Is love.
There is
Hate
And things
Unsolved,
But it's
My choice
Which to
Give a voice
To,
And which
To leave
Behind.

People-Pleaser

What do you think
Of the state of things now
The way they are
And how they might
Change somehow?

I know it's my duty
To guard and protect
My life and my heart
With love and respect.

But it's hard to
Understand
How far is far enough
And when is too much

When it comes to
Fitting in - to belonging
That longing
That we all possess.

What a mess
My desire to people-please is.
Why can't I keep the rest
And just release
This?

Thoughts on Writing

The taste of
Success
Is so very
Tasty.
But the journey
Is also
Delicious
To enjoy.

Begin Again

Signs and wonders
Are all around
So open your heart
And let them in.
Don't be scared
Or question now,
Just let your love
Begin again.

Letdowns and Optimism

Halloween
Isn't quite as
Halloweeny
With no
Trick-or-Treaters
To hand
Candy to.
I guess I'll just
Have to eat
All this leftover
Candy,
And wait
For tomorrow
When I can
Write
Day and
Nightly.

Rainy Days and Mondays

Waiting
For something
Called November
To challenge
Myself now
More than ever.
So lets get
Through
With all this planning
And lets let me
Come in for landing
With this
Brand new piece
Of writing -
For you -
No strings
Attached.

Prep Time

So much to write
And so little time
To get myself ready
For what is to come.
So little time
And so little
Motivation
To motivate me
Through the tedium
Before the fun begins.

Give-And-Take

Inside me
There lurks
So much more
Than I show,
So much more
That I know
Will never
Be shown.
Despite
What I tell
You -
That is
Only part -
What exists
In my heart
Is so
Much more.
So take what
I give you
If that's all
You want
But know that
Deep down
There is more
To be sought.

Hope Is Inherent

Look around
And look within
And ask yourself
Who you want to be.
Look above
And look below
And tell me hope
Doth not exist.
Hope is inherent
It is all around
For you and I to see.

The Art Of Appreciation

Loving this space
This place
That I am in.
Loving the chicken
Picking out cilantro
But enjoying the tortilla
And the soup
In me now.
So much to enjoy.
So much to appreciate.
So don't wait
For something to change
Just enjoy
Today.

Kiki

I saw a black cat
Just tonight -
Here just in time
For Halloween.
But little did I know
How tiny cats are
Before they grow
And blend into
The night
Unseen.

Things I Love

I love the process
Of getting ideas.
I love the idea
Of inspiring someone.
I love the inspiration
Lurking in everyday life.
I love my life
And each day that unfolds.

Brainstorming

Excitement
Building
As I am
Brainstorming.
Another year.
Another novel.
Another journey
For me
To uncover.

Beautiful Fall

Today was a beautiful
Kind of day.
Fall is in bloom
With its vivid reds
And oranges.
Its brittle leaves
That crackle
Underfoot.
I appreciate fall
In a way I have
Never before.
And I appreciate
This day
For the miracle
It is.

Bethel

Strange things
I'm hearing
While
I'm remembering
Times past
And enjoying
A memory
Both new and old
At last.

Point Of Focus

There is love
And there is faith
There is joy
And there is grace.
There are so many
Good and perfect
Things to
Focus on.
Lets open our hearts
Let's open our minds
Believe and be kind
Right now and beyond.

Women Of Honor

Is this fair -
That soldiers
Are losing
Their children,
Their homes,
So, everything
Precious
To them?
They fought for
Us.
Why aren't we
Fighting for them?
They need us now
Not later.
They just need
Someone to
Stand with them
And for them.
So, why can't we
Do something
For these brave
Women,
Who gave up
Everything?
If they did that,
We can surely
Give them something
In return.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow

Sometimes, I wish
My friends were all here
And they came for a visit
From far and from near.
Sometimes, it's hard
To be far apart.
Sometimes, you need
Someone to pour
Out your heart to.
So, tonight, I am
Grateful for friends
Near and far -
In Seattle, Virginia -
Wherever they are.
Joy, Kayla, Cara,
And Jake, that means you.
Jaimie and Tara...
Of course, Tara, too.

Safe-Space Logic

I wish I could
Keep my entire family -
My parents, my siblings,
Even Zeus and Penny -
Somewhere safe
And protected
Where nothing
Will hurt them.
But then, I suppose,
They wouldn't have room
To learn, grow and
Change.
I guess I'll have
To let them go
Their own way.

That's All I Need

So close!
And yet
Fifty-nine
Seconds
Never seemed
So far away.
So sorry
We missed you.
Wish we could
Have seen you.
But maybe
Next time
We'll have better
Luck in
Minnie.

Treasure

Tonight, I miss you.
You are a treasure
To me, and a treasure
Has little to do
With monetary value
And everything to do
With being treasured
Because you are precious.

About Belief

Believe what you want
But don't hurt others' choices
Whether, or what it is
Don't curse the voices.
Because someone might need it
And someone might hurt
And someone else might
Simply need to be heard.

Different

Different roses
Everywhere.
Different graces
We can share.
Different joys
To raise our sorrow.
Different hopes
To hold tomorrow.

In Between

I am feeling.
But I do not know
What I am feeling.
I am thinking
But I have forgotten
How.
I am understanding
But I do not
Agree.
I am grieving.
But I am not
The one losing.

Last Days

The last day
Of Sweet September -
And what a day
It was.
I found joy in company,
Comfort in cooking
For others,
And love
In faith.

AJ

It doesn't seem fair
To find brilliance
Again
After so many years
Only to lose it
In so short
A time.
It doesn't seem fair
That we should lose
The heart of something
Just to gain
Things that
Don't matter.
But
Whatever
You do,
Your brilliance
Won't fade
And what you
Brought to us
Will always
Matter.

Martesisimo

Beautiful day -
So enjoyable.
To watch
Things and
Sing along
And see people.
It makes every day
Better.
It makes every day
Grand.
So enjoy the day
While you
Have it to spend.

Conflict

Tell me something
I don't know
And I will try to
Help.
Tell me something
New tonight
And I will
Treat you well.
What to do now
And what to do
About it all
Before I face
Tomorrow
Or about-face
Today?

Outlook

The way this life
Plays out
Depends upon
So many things.
What we choose
To believe, and
How we choose
To behave,
And react,
And our attitude
All make a difference.
So let us
Have an outlook
That mirrors
What we want
To get
Out of life.

Parameters

Good is whatever
We want it to be
Without letting things
Get too crazy.
Good can be a TV show
Or good can be a meal,
Good can be a memory
That time alone can't steal.
Good can be
A lot of things.
Good can be
A face.
Good can be
The feeling
At the end
Of all
Your days.

Embrace The Tragic Magic

A beautiful thing
Shattered -
Broken down the center -
How can we keep her
Out of harm's way?
Her faith is broken -
Tattered -
And still she believes
Inherently
In the goodness
Of others.
Past choices don't much
Matter,
Even though they do,
Because they change
The game.
And if everything happens
For a reason,
What reason
Is there
For this?

First And Last

First things first
And last is later,
Waiting for
This charming caper
To end when
It once
Was just the
Beginning -
A discovery
So sweet,
We hardly
Could fathom
The way it
Would unfold
With one favorite
Leaving
And another
Just giving.

Amaze

It was a day
Full of pizza and pie -
Casserole and TV
And Jake, and my
Oh my
What a day
This was.

Mia

What's in a name
Or a day
Or a week?
What gives such things
Power to take
From the meek?
Not okay.
Not allowed.
I won't accept this
Screaming silence.
Let me end this
Breaking chains,
Saving veins.
Make a way.
Stay her place.
Soon, okay?
Scream out loud.
Wake from your slumber
Sleeping Beauty.
Truly, there is
So much left
For your little hands to grasp.
Don't let this last.
It's all I ask.
Until...and unless...
They wait in this strange world
Until something changes.
Until then, rest.
You're always blessed.

Wherever I Go

My life is a crazy swirl of colors
Falling around me and
Bringing up my
Heart so much.
There is a place
Within, where I keep
All these colors
Just for me
And all I want.
It is a precious place
Where prayers reside
Inside.

Aqua-Deficiency

Turn off my water
And watch me flounder -
Where will I shower
And how can I drink
When my sink just
Spits and sputters?

Fall Love

Oh, how I love
The crackly orange, the
Apple cider
And pumpkin spice,
The costumes,
Vivid colors,
And the first snow
That falls
In the fall.

Dance Lesson

Sometimes
Things take
Precedence
Over feeling
Tired or
Sad or lame.
Sometimes
I just need
My cousin
To brighten
Up my day.

Loving

Loving these
Little surprises
That come in
Unexpected packages
To brighten my day.
Loving the people
In the corner of
My world -
Who go out of
Their way to make
Others feel better
No matter the
Time.

Losses

How can it be
A just world
When right in my corner
Kids feel hopeless and
Languish with
No one to protect them?
I will rise up
And vanquish this hate
Masquerading
As well-meaning -
When really,
There's no meaning
To this
At all.

Voices

To hear your voice
To know your thoughts
Will be such a joy.
To have you joining
Conversations
Once again...
There are no words
For this.

About Gifts

It is such a gift
To reach out
And help others.
It is such a gift
To lift their spirits.
It is such a gift
To share our lives
And be there
For one another.
Life's a gift
And we are gifts,
So let us remember
To give ourselves
Freely.

Nutella

Just let it be
Leave well enough alone
When things are going well -
Don't want your cover blown.
Just sit tight,
Just take it easy.
Just look to tomorrow
If you please.
I'll spread some
Nutty, chocolate goodness
On just one
Slice of bread,
And when I
Take a bite of it
Heaven will be
Had.

All That Matters

When the world around you
Comes crashing in
And crushing forces
Won't give in.
Just look around -
If you forget -
At least you'll know
We love you, yet.

Happenstance

What happens next
After all the smoke clears
When the storm passes
And all disappears?
What happens now
That everything changed
When we can do nothing
But wait, hope and pray?
What happened then
Before it all happened
And how can we get
To that place again?
This is what happens:
We do what we have to -
Hold tight to each other
And know it's not the end.

Dreams

Tell me your problem
And listen to me
Listen.
Don't think it's fake
And know that I'll take
You so seriously
And we will roll
Around in flowers
And we won't trap
Ourselves in towers.
Just me to you.
Just you to me.

What Is This About?

Light around
Without a sound
It hits low and dirty
And leaves here without me.
What is to say
When nothing makes sense
When all left behind
Are paper and pens?
So let me go there
Say you don't care
Or let me speak
The words you need
And understand
That this is not
The kind of thing
To take lightly.

Fallen

Sitting where I stand
I'm standing still
With the world turning
Around
Carved out of insecurity,
Insincerity.
Please share with me
In this time we've got
Before it's gone, like smoke
Before my eyes.
But it's okay to sit
Where you're at,
With the ruins of
Everything
At your feet -
Just to be -
Because there's
Goodness here,
And when you least
Expect it
There it is -
A hand extended -
To help you up
From where
You fell.

Beauty In Imperfection

What's so good about a song
Or a gift unshared
Or a flawed design
Or a poem, uninspired -
The goodness in them
Is their imperfection.
Their ability to draw out emotion
We all need the dark
Equally as much as
We need the light.
Look under the bed before
You say goodnight.
Find the monster beneath
And thank him for your plight,
Because there are positives
To be gained in every
Negative situation.
What's so perfect
About perfection?
I'm deflecting.
To be honest I'm worried
About losing my mojo -
I'm nervous I'll write something
Not at my level, but well below.
What's so perfect
About perfection?
Let us not object
To the imperfection
Surrounding us.

Making It Up

Changes come
Faster than
We think
They can.
One split-second
Is all it takes
To switch the course
You're bound to take.
So, don't shake
Or stutter.
Just take the best
Without remorse.

Self-Belief

Why is my
Very being so tied
To what others
Think -
Instead of what
I, myself, think?
Why can't I just
Have pride in a
Job well-done
Instead of waiting
For my worth to
Be revealed by
The reactions of those
Around me?
Why can't I just
Say to myself,
"You did good,"
And why can't
That
Be enough?

Sweeter

Sometimes
The road to answered
Prayers
Is paved with brokenness
And trials
But when the answer comes
It is
All the
Sweeter.

Never Too Late

It is a later night tonight
But it is worth it
Because seeing family
Is a great thing
No matter how
Tired we are.

Bridges

Love can build a bridge
And hate can tear it down
So let us reinforce our bridges
With intelligence and forethought
Let us understand
That sometimes love
Is not enough -
And sometimes it is
Not healthy
Sometimes
It's necessary to tear
Down the bridge -
Not because of hate -
But because
It isn't wise
To cross it

Outcry

When things
Don't look right
To your mind
Don't turn a
Blind eye,
Hope an end
Is in sight.
Take life into
Your hands
And then storm the
Gates
And trust that
Injustice
Grows only
From hate.

Breakdown

When the world breaks
Into pieces
Too tiny to collect
Or find
Know that it's okay
To break
And leave the world behind
For this is how the world works -
And we are of the world -
We'll stand behind you
As you're breaking
And embrace you
Because it's what we do.

One Less Day

Just a little left today
Before it's time
To put away
Everything
For just one night
Until it's time
To set things right
Again.

Who For?

Who do you write for?
And who do you sing for?
And who do you dance for?
And who do you live for?
I write for both myself
And for others -
For my mom and my dad
For my sister and brothers
I sing for my soul
Because my soul needs it
And I dance for my cousin
Because he believes it
I live for the Lord
Who first gave me breath
I'll leave all this behind
Never minding the mess

Some Days

Some days you cook
And some days you clean
And some days you don't
Even know what you mean.
Some days you are sore
And some days you smile
And some days you just
Want to rest for awhile
Some days you skate
And some days you sit
And some days you don't
Even know that you slipped
Some days you're here
But one day you won't be
So make the most of your
Some days because
They're your only

What Music Is

Music and lyrics
Are the best kinds of things
They lift up your heart
And then give it wings
It is the dancer's roadmap
It is the writer's muse
It is the singer's universe
It puts us in the mood
So if you are upset now
Or lonely or confused
There's a song for every moment
With music, we can't lose

Conflicted

Though I am
And will remain
Grateful
For your presence
In my life,
And all you've
Done for me -
I want you to know
Something.
I don't dream of
The good times
Nearly as much as
I dream of
You hurting us.

This Must Be What Other People Feel Like

I do not claim
To comprehend
Or fully get
Another's pain or loss.
Please understand
That when I speak
Of forgiving,
I do not speak
On the behalf
Of the bereaved
But only on
My own.

Mosque

We cannot judge
The whole
Based solely on
The actions of
A few.
This is ignorant.
And this is dangerous,
Because
We are not
The ones
Who judge.
Instead
Lets focus
On forgiveness.
Instead
Lets move
Beyond
All this.

Nightmare On My Street

What do I
Want to think
About these awful
Dreams I'm dreaming?
How do I
Stop them from
Invading every
Thing I'm seeing?
When will I
Say I've had
Enough of such a
Way of life,
And now I'm leaving?

This Is The Moment

This is the moment
Of deep grief and loss
This is the day
When it all comes apart
This is the moment
When guilt finds your heart
This is the moment
When you want to run
This is the moment
You're hiding away
This is the moment
She can't come to play
But this is the moment
We're standing with you
This is the moment
We're praying you through

SEE?

What a big lesson
From such a little girl.
What a big house
She's living in now.
And what a sweet echo
She has left behind.
What a great father
Who cared for and cherished her.
What a strong mother
Who held her and raised her.
What a trusting Emily
Who started the legacy.
What a playful Caleb
Who brought her such laughter.
What a loving Will
Who always was there for her.
What wisdom from Shaoey
Who always showed hope.
What a best friend Stevey
Who was always around.
And what a Maria -
Oh, what a gift you are.

Passing Versus Permanent

It's such a pain
To be in
Pain,
But I know
This too
Shall pass.
Like everything
Else, it is
Temporary -
So I will rest
And just believe
Because
It's so much
Better
To feel better.

Within

Flying monkeys
Over me
Chicken and rice
Inside of me
My mother's words
Are all around me
And a dear friend's love
Is always
With me.

About Face

What is it
About tonight?
Where are we
With things
Upcoming?
What is it
About this time
In my life,
With this
Thing
Enduring?

Hold It Up

Winning
Isn't the most
Important thing.
It is how
You handle
Winning -
And how
You handle
Losing -
That will
Be held up
As an
Example.

Choosing

Satisfaction
Isn't always
Guaranteed
But
It is what
You choose
To do with
Your circumstances,
And the attitude
You choose
That makes
All the difference.

Lured

So late now
What shall I do?
But the fact remains
I cannot resist
The lure of this
Act.
So I will write
Once more tonight
Before I face the
Day.

Back Home

It's a beautiful thing
What friends can bring
Into a heart -
Into a home.
And I would like
Them to feel at home
In my heart,
And in my home.

World-Changer, Peacemaker

There is a little boy
Who changed me in
The biggest way
Child or not
He was the best part
Of all of us.
And I say
With certainty,
I would like to be
Like him
When I grow up.

Who Says Anything Is Belated?

Gifts given from friends
Out of love
Are the best.
But the truth is
What is important
Isn't the present
But the people
Behind it.
The truth is -
You, friends,
Are the gift.

Stealer

Such a tragic thing
When personal demons
Steal the person
We love.
Such a loss
We don't
Know how to fix.
But we know
That we can
Arm ourselves
By outing ourselves -
By not letting
Our secrets
Be secrets.

El Toro

Just some Jake
And just some Peggy
Just a quesadilla
And cheese
Love and visits
Birthdays and gifts
Beautiful days
Made better with family

Perfect Start

Up so quick
And on the way
To mail some love
To a friend today.
It is my favorite
Thing to give.
Not gifts - but love -
It is what it is.

Escape Plan

Don't tell me
I can't get out
And I have to stay
Right where I am.
When the alarm
Sounds, and I
Smell smoke,
I will do all I can
Just as I was taught
It might make sense
For you to tell me
To stay and do nothing,
And trust all is okay.
But put yourself
In my bare feet
And tell me you wouldn't
Make the same choice
And escape.

Sharing The Gift

Writing
Is just about
The best thing
Ever.
Because it is
Putting
A piece of yourself
On a page for many years
To come -
For many eyes
To see.

Skype

You've got a way
Of convincing me
To do
Whatever it is
I should.
Because, as you say,
"Most times
You must ask -
But this is a
Situation
Where
You can tell."

Complete

A beautiful night
With some rain
And some thunder
And some Criminal
Minds just to make it
Complete.
Oh, how I love me some
AJ & Matthew,
Some Joe & some Kirsten
To make me
Complete.

Hopes & Wishes

What do I hope for
And what do I wish?
For something to change -
That we'll all be okay.
So don't give up hope
And do not despair,
Because something
Is changing,
Believe that it's there.

Pizza

Last night, I dreamed
Of a pizza so lovely
I even cared not
That it was Tombstone
And ugly.
It was covered with cheese -
Not shaped like a ball -
I enjoyed a whole slice.
Yes, I ate it all.
So today, I woke up
With a real pizza-brain
And this noon, I found one
Not hidden away.
So I cooked my DiGiorno
With its cheese and its chicken
Its onions and peppers -
And that's when I dug in.
Yes, it was delicious,
Better than my dream.
Hope I don't pay later
For high pizza esteem.

Save Us

There are so many
Things
To be said about
Friendships,
But the one never
Said is how
They break down.
Hindsight
Is always more
Informed than we
Ever were, the first
Time we grabbed on
To that unhealthy
Person -
The one we thought
Would save us -
When, in fact,
The only one able to
Save us
Is us.

Hot

So hot I don't
Know what to do,
Or how to cool
Down after all.
So bring me ice
Or bring me water,
I just don't want
To feel any hotter.

Deal With It

What exactly
Is good
To know
And what
Is a little
Too much?
There is so
Much
We see
Every day,
So how can
We
Deal with it?

Author-Placement

Guess where I am
As I write this fine poem?
It's a room in a house
And I'm sitting alone.
It's a great place to write
And to sit and to think.
If you don't believe me,
You most likely unthink.
So enjoy the poem,
And I'll enjoy the place.
Trust me, it's lovely
To have your own space.

Great Joy

Giving gifts
Is the greatest part
Of celebrating
Someone else's start
In life.
If anyone tells
You differently,
You know
That they just have
A bit more growing
Up to do.
So give them something
To enjoy
While you enjoy
The act of giving.

Overturning

Such little things
Make for
Such a good day
There is no denying
It should be that way.
So brighten your eyes
And springload your step
And realize
The day isn't
Through with you yet.

Seven-Month Silence

There is
Something to be said
About
Connecting with a friend
Because even if
It's been months
Or years
There is still
A reassurance
That they'll be
Here.

How Sure

Never sure
Whether
Something is
Right -
Never sure
If I should
Act or sit still.
So now I ask
You,
What am I to do?
And watch as I
Wait
For the
Answer.

Last Moments Of A Former Life

Hard to breathe
Can't comprehend
What's happening
Now.
Everything
Is automatic
And nothing
Is a sure thing.
Living in limbo
Unable
To show
Anything
But fear
Until the end
Comes.
But
Even then
It's not
The
End.

Taking It Back Again

Find the hope
Behind
The pain -
Believe that
Something's
Coming
To change
What's already
Happened -
And to gain
Back
What's been
Taken.

As A Bell

Brilliance
Experienced,
But not always
Acknowledged.
Still,
Know
That
You are
More than
What you can give.
And that is because
You
Are a gift,
Just you.

Fighting Back

Push
Through
Your pain
Grab
Hold
Of something
Pull
Yourself
Up from
What
Holds
You back
You'll
See you
Don't lack
For
Anything.

New Skies

Some people
Pray for blue skies
But right now
I pray
For new skies
And I am grateful
That my prayer -
Even now -
Is being heard.

Blocked

I pray to improve
Even this one small thing
I wish it would
Disappear
And not
Come again.
But I can look
Forward -
And embrace
Tomorrow -
Whether or not
I improve.

Dreamt

And there was
A messenger
There
Among them.
A child with
Mercy bestowed
In her name,
And so that
Those qualities
Should never
Decay,
I'll keep
The idea
Of her both
Close at hand
And at heart.

The Magnificent Seven

Once
In a lifetime
There is a moment
That occurs
Where you
Can witness
Magnificence
In seven
Young women
Working
Toward a
Common
Goal.

Only

Only hours
Until we see
Family who
Once was
Far away.
So, we'll connect
And visit next
Before they
Move on
Again.

Not The Worst

What is this
Thing I'm feeling?
This not-so-good
Thing?
Let me have
Some relief,
But let me
Realize
It's not
The worst
Thing.

Something Else

There is something.
Something
To be said about
Something.
But
I don't know
What it is.
So that is why
I choose to write
About
Something else,
So that
Something
Can come
To mind.

Reception

The greatest gift
To receive
Is love and
Understanding
From a friend.

Balancing Act

How do I balance
Being scared
With being
Prepared
For what's
To come?
This is what
I'd like to know
Now,
And tomorrow,
And forever.

Love Is Stronger

Love is
The most basic
Need and desire
Living inside
Each of us.
Sometimes,
We are hurt
So deeply
That
We cannot love,
And sometimes,
We simply
Make the choice
To reach for hate.
To teach hate.
So, today, I challenge you
To love someone
Who cannot love,
But needs it.
Put down your hate
And love instead.

Signs

There is too much
That is beautiful
In life
To waste energy
On other things.
Hate breeds hate,
But love is stronger.

Past-Present-Future

So what is new,
What is old,
And what should
Stay the same?
The day is new,
I feel old,
And the weather should
Definitely stay the same.

Fast-Paced

Pretty quickly now
We haven't much time
Before getting tucked up
In our beds
Until tomorrow.
So write
Right quick.

Upcoming

Something special
Is in the works,
And I can
Hardly wait
To see
What
Unfolds
Upon the stage
In only days.

Flashpoint

What makes truth
The truth
And who decides?
Are rules of religion
Followed
Simply because
People in power
Picked and chose
What best
Suited them?
Despite all these
Questions,
I'm not overwhelmed
Or feeling guilty
Or wrong.
Amazingly,
And in spite of all this,
I have faith.
And in spite of all this,
I am free.

Possibly

Think twice about
That which you
Have believed
And know that,
Perhaps,
There is more
Than one truth.
And
That just because
Something is
Believed; that
Doesn't make it
Right
Or
True.
Maybe it just
Makes it
A possibility
In a sea of
Possibilities.

All That Is Beautiful

Beautiful things
Will come to pass
Just alongside
The ugly.
So we must choose
To focus on
All that is beautiful
And strive to change
All that is not.

Missing Child

There is a child
Who's gone missing
Only no one
Seems to know.
So now he sleeps
In a new place
While a new face
Keeps watch.
So let us pray
This little one
Is cared for and
Is loved -
By the person
Who is showing
The greatest
Kind of love.

Healing Thoughts

Believe
That even if
You are not
Delivered
Yet -
Of fear,
Of doubt,
Or any of those
Ills -
That does not mean
You'll never be.
Trust
That your healing
Is
Meant to be.

Paralyzed

Still,
I lie.
I’m paralyzed.
Can’t move or breathe
Or live
Deceived.
So let me
Save you.
Because I can’t
Save me.

Playwright

When I have the opportunity
I can’t move. I can’t breathe.
Instead, I sit so still and see
Everything again.
So let me rewind
This movie in my mind
Let me change the
Characters, the plot
Let me rewrite
The ending
So it’s plays out differently
Than what’s playing
In my head…

Remembering

Tonight,
As fireworks
Light up the
Sky -
Remember
That you
Are free.
Remember
The ones
Who gave
Up their lives
So you can live
Comfortably.
Tonight,
As fireworks
Light up the sky,
Remember...

Stone's Throw

How can one
Judge another,
And call it
A lifeline?
How can one
Come to love
Along with
So much hate?
Put down your
Words of negativity
And take a lesson
From a person
Who embraces
Love.

Not Just

What is there to
Say tonight
I ask, before
I say goodnight?
Just a day
To spend and think,
And write and dream
And be.
Just a day,
She said, and what
A day it was
To see.

At What Cost?

Darkness so deep that it swallows me
Fire so loud it roars around me
Smoke is bitter, choking me
Bad enough, all this, but then I find
That I am not alone.
Somewhere in the dark you’re screaming
Louder than the flames, you’re calling
Through the smoke you reach out to me
Bad enough, all this, but then I know
If I had not slept, you’d be free.
You wouldn’t be
With me
Now.
Reach beneath the heat to find you
Pain explodes when I can touch you
But it’s no use, it’s pressing in.
I do what I can
But at what cost?
It’s not enough.

Right Place; Right Time

Just let this be
As it should be
Don't touch or move
Things in any way.
Put your hands up
Don't fill your own cup
'Cause that's what He
Is there for.
Trust that He can fix
What's broken -
And believe that His
Plans are for good.
Pray for guidance
Stand with confidence
That He loves you
Like He said He would.

Give It Up

Take the pain
Of your transformed life
And give it to
The one who gave you life.
He is there -
He is here -
More present than you think.
More obvious than this
Pen and ink.
So let Him take it all
And fall
Into His arms.
Let Him hold you
In His grace;
His embrace.

Goodness

Enjoying
This newness
In life
Right now.
What else
Is there
To say?

Shine

New, good things
On the horizon
So just get ready
To embrace them.
Meet them still
With open arms,
And know the sun,
It always shines.

Beautiful Nightmare

Beautiful girl
Now laid to rest
And the nightmare
Now unfolds
For those
Left in her wake.
To have peace is
Beautiful -
But to not have
Someone by your side
Is anything
But.

Just Grace

You are stronger
Than you know
So hold on
And then let go.
All around you
People love you.
All around you
People care.
And when you miss her
Look up and know
That she
Is everywhere.

Night Light Shining

Now it's time
To lay your head
Down to rest
In heaven.
Angels surround
You.
You're safe and sound.
So sleep well,
Breathe deep,
And know that
Here,
Your memory
We'll keep.

Breathe

It is okay
To let go.
So just
Take a breath
And relax.
And then
Breathe easy
Knowing
You are safe.

Lift Up Ellie

We knew not
The number
Of her days
Or how to count
Her many charms,
But it seems
She always knew
Where she'd end up -
"You shall be safe
In my arms."
Tonight, sweet girl,
Let those arms embrace you
And know that all
Will be okay.

Celebrating

A good night
With family
Is any night
Celebrating
Each other,
Sharing a meal,
And simply
Being
Together.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

There is
Something
Satisfying
About accomplishing
A goal
You have set.
Even though
No one
May notice
Or care -
Your own satisfaction
Is still
Guaranteed.

The Painter

It's been three years
Tonight,
But you are not
Forgotten.
You are remembered -
Loved because you are
You.
A unique little soul, sent
To change
So many.

Roadside

This broken roadside’s
Now my home -
I’m torn away
From everything
I’ve ever known.
So let me stay
In this dark place
And let my family
Never find me.
‘Cause I’m broken
Like the roadside
Lost in time and space
I’m alone.
Still I promise
To protect you
So, let me lie
And I’ll believe you…

Futuristic

One day
There will be
No more fear
Inside of me.
All I'll feel is
Deep contentment
No longer
A deep resentment.
Let it be so
And let me grow
And embrace
What's just
Around the bend.

Looking Good

I like to look
For the best in things
And believe
That they
Will get better.
I need to stand
With faith in hand
And believe it will
Be there to embrace me.

Scavenger Hunt

Find the similarities
In those around you
Find those things
That make every person
Beautiful and intriguing
Find ways to teach others
And ways to let yourself be taught
Unite yourself to your fellow man
Simply because it's right -
And because we all need
A light in our lives

Two Sides

Enjoying the day
No matter what comes
There is always
Something
To be grateful for.
So always
Look for the good.

Sides

In a world of
Beautiful, lovely things
There are horrible
Things
Happening too.
It's shocking to consider
The innocence stolen
Side-by-side with
The evil that is
The stealer.

Embracing The Simple Life

There is something
Relieving and rewarding
About the simplicity
Of putting pen to paper
And seeing what comes up
It's the closest thing to freeing
That I have ever seen
So pick up your pen now
I dare you
See what gifts await there
For you

Premiere

Dance - like an old friend -
And dancers
Whose talent never ends
Make me excited
For days to come.
Returning faces -
Young, old, and new -
Give me hope
And inspiration
For days that need no
Preparation.

Finding You

The life of a poet
Is varied and
Fickle.
One never knows
If words will gush or
Trickle.
The trick is to stay
With it.
Don't let
Writer's Block
Block you.
Just put pen
To paper
And the words
Will find you.

Great Day

Wonderful
Day
Spent writing,
Relaxing,
Eating cake
And finally,
Watching Glee
With Jake.

Persevere

New beginnings
From painful endings
Still can end up
Positive,
If we keep our
Attitudes
Optimistic.

Washington State Birthday Cake

There is a birthday
And there is a girl
Celebrating
Somewhere.
And we are here
Missing her
And wishing
She was with us.

Appreciation

Newness
Is upon us
And are we
Aware?
A new day,
A new month,
A new attitude
All to be claimed.
So let us rise
To the occassion
And rise with the day
To appreciate the gifts
We are given.

Advice To Live By

I agree
With sentiments
That claim
We should
Find the beauty,
Seize the day,
And treat others
The way we
Would like
To be treated
Because
When we are on
The other side of beauty
And the day is passing
And we are being treated
Unfairly -
We long for these things.

Childhood Nostalgia

There is a brilliant
Time in life
Of popsicles
And limited strife,
Where I can go
And understand
The nostalgia
I never knew
I missed.

Faces At Face-Value?

Can you believe
In all that you see
And do you buy
The lie before your eyes?
Do you take a smile
For what it is
Or take the time
To see what's hiding there?
So many faces
To see every day.
Let me figure out
What yours is saying.

Thoughts On Children

Boundaries
And discipline
And love
Are the cornerstones
For rasing the children
Who will be our leaders
Sometime in the future.

Redundant Observations

Beautiful days
And beautiful people
To make the days
Even more beautiful.
This is what
Fulfills me.

All Good Things

Looking back at the past
I see, it impacts the future,
Even when those impacting it
Are not with me anymore.
All good things
Come to an end,
But good people
Never do.

Brief Length of Time

Twenty-four months
Is just too much,
And five years
Just isn't enough
To be without someone
You love,
And simply
To be.

Praying Day

It's a praying
Kind of day
With nothing else
Oft' in the way.
Only thinking
Great big thoughts
To the great big God
Who loves a lot.

Unprofessional

Reacting and
Asking
In a rude
Kind of way
Is never
Advised -
It is never
Okay.
So if you
Have a question
Then ask it
Politely -
For the tone of
Your voice
Is not taken
Lightly.

Maintenance

What do I need to say
And how do I maintain
My power and control?
I'll leave you to yourself
But cover you with love,
And I'll cover myself
In that same love.

Mirror Image

So much negativity
Leaves me feeling
So very negative -
When, really,
I shouldn't let
Certain things
Get to me.
But today they can
And today they do.
So, today,
I will do my best
To remember that
Their reactions
Are the result of
Their own faces being
Reflected
Back to them.
They are seeing
Themselves,
Not me.

Maria

Years have passed
Since you were here
And so many
Long
To hold you.
But they only have to
Look back on your life
To know that you
Are being held
By the best
Protector.

First Look

Fourteen years back
You were almost here,
Just a little baby then.
I barely knew you.
Only your sweet and
Precious face,
Innocent and strange,
But a brother
Just the same.

Simple Pleasures

Loving to see
These days
In front of me
Full of apples
And cousins
And brilliant TV.

Mirror

Time
For reflection
And time for being thankful
And time to think on
What the human spirit
Can accomplish.
Time to celebrate
Six little faces.
Time to let them
Grow and be
Children.

Days

Today
I saw flowers,
But I missed
Celebrating
My mother
And brother -
Our family
Relating.
But I know that
They're home
And I know that
I'm here.
And I know that
They're special
More than once a year.

End Of A Season

I knew today
The end was near
And I was at peace
With what I knew.
There comes a time
For every person
To look back on
The luck they drew.
But I'm at peace with
How it happened
And now I'm free
To do what I love to do.

Prayer For The Moment

Let us be thankful
For what we have
And let us pray
For those around us.
Let us look
For opportunities to help
And let us live
With integrity.

Kinds Of Days

Beautiful
And fun days.
Dual and
Alone days.
Sunny in the
Cloud days.
Every day
Is beautiful
And every day
Is mine.

Lost And Confused

We only have
Right now.
Right this moment
Nothing more.
We only have
Today
To really live.
So, seize
The time
Between your hands
And appreciate
Those around you.

Cousin-Time

Another good night
With lots of fun times
With styling and Twitter
And Glee and some laughter.
Such an enjoyable
Time tonight
And I can't wait
To see what comes
With the light.

The Trouble With Waiting

"Can this wait?"
You ask.
Well,
It depends
On what
This
Is.
Don't ask
If this
Can wait,
Because
If it
Has to wait,
It might not
Come around
Again.

Stalled

Life was simpler
And more complicated
When I was younger
And more caged-in
But now I'm free
And all I see
Are reasons why
I can't move beyond
This place I'm in

Taylor

Four years later
What's to savor?
Time with family -
Now get braver.
Four years later
What's to cherish?
A girl is gone,
But they know where.
So savor time
And promises
Made and kept,
Even with hearts
Badly bent.
Know both loved ones
Are alive,
And carry that hope
Deep inside.

Almost Home

Almost back
Where you belong
With friends and family
Missed so long.
So fly back home
And we'll be waiting
To embrace you -
Moments trading.
You're almost home
So don't stop now.
We'll call your name
And whisper loud.

Imprint

What's left to say
When the end is near
But it's not what you thought
Or how you planned?
There's nothing to hold
Or take with you.
There's nothing to mold
To leave your mark.
Still, it is possible
To imprint yourself
On the present.
To leave behind
What you will
For the future.

Sometimes Music

Sometimes music
Heals us.
Sometimes it
Frees us.
Sometimes it
Lets us be who we are.
Sometimes music
Inspires us.
Sometimes it
Defines us.
Sometimes it
Reminds us
Of who we can become.

Backward Glance

Such a satisfying day
In a satisfying way:
Friends back Stateside,
Music far and wide.
Things that make me say
Thank you for the
Things I have.
Little blessings
I can grab,
And know that today's
Pain can be transformed
Into something beautiful
Tomorrow.

Vacancy

So disconcerting
To be dreaming
Of someone I once
Shared so much with,
But whom I no longer
Like or respect.
So, get out of my head
And stay where I left you
Because I can't have you
Here anymore.

Simple Thoughts

Hoping for healing
Praying for sight
Seeking out wisdom
Finding some light.

Covering Recovery

Wishing recovery
Was complete
For me, and for
Those I love,
Because partial recovery
Or relapse
Is so discouraging.
So for now, I will
Seek to console,
To understand,
And to love
Those around me.

For Now

Today was fulfilling
And interesting
And relieving
So glad for being
Right here and right now.
I wish I was seeing
And writing
And laughing
But for now I'm
Just waiting
For you to come home.

Ten Days

Feeling your absence
Missing your face
Wishing you were here.
Knowing you're
Returning soon,
But not soon enough.
Because right now
I'm wishing
And right now I'm missing
And right now I'm feeling
Your absence,
My friend.

Return

Relief
In a night
So filled with
Delight.

Sea Life

I'm floating at sea
With all the sea things
I'm only a girl
But I wish I had wings.
The water's to white
And the sounds are all scary
I wish I could sleep
So I'd be unaware.
For now, I'll stay here
With the starfish and mermaids
And wish for my home
Ashore, so far away.

The Last Page

Begin again tomorrow
What was ended today
Write more words
Upon more pages,
Let me lead the way.
For the end is not
The end of something
But the start of
Something else.
Let this be a record
As it sits upon
A shelf.

Commitment-Writing

When inspiration hits
Run with it
Commit it
To paper
Don't save it
For later.
Because you've waited
All day,
And you know it
You've created
This moment.

Salon Explosion

So much enjoyment
In so short a time
I miss you when
You're not around
Such a quirky kind of
Person, sarcasm
Invades everything
Creativity flows
From you
And I just
Stand amazed

Speak Life

Speak life into
This dying heart
Speak comfort unto
This grieving soul
Speak focus to
This wandering mind
Speak discipline to
This rebellious thinking
Speak light into
These darkened eyes
Speak hope and peace to
Broken lives

Equal Ground

One is not more
Important
Both are current,
Both are here.
They are friends
With one another;
They don't need
To be compared.
They are wise
In their own wisdom,
So why must you
Tear them down?
When in fact
There is no one of
More importance.
They are both
On equal ground.

Being Grateful

Beautiful
And
Special
That is what
Today has been.
Simply because
It was a new day.
And because
I am here
And I was able
To enjoy it.

The Giant Bunny

Wondering of
Simple things
Like how did
Bunnies
Get
Equated
With the new
Life at the
Heart of the
Season?
But I am
Grateful for
Family and
Food and
Enjoyment.
And I'm grateful
For new life.
I don't even care
That it has nothing
To do with bunnies.

Conditional

Your love is
Conditional
It is so obvious
That you just accept
Others
Once they
Clean up
Their mess.
It is so off-putting
But at least now
I'm learning
To love the way
Loving was
Meant to be
Done.

Captured Thoughts

Soreness of
Muscles
With presence
Of mind
And happiness
Deep down
Inside.

Turn Of Events

Such a strange
Night
Such a sad
Plight
Wrong is not
Right
No matter what
You may
Decide.

Thankful

Days
Spent
Together
Nothing
Could be
Better.
Loving
All this
Time
That's yours
And that is
Mine.

Lighter

No ideas
And no desires
So give me hell,
But save the fire.
Because I am more
Relatable
With those such souls
Than with the others.

Protected

When you're
Alone, you
Have nothing.
But,
When somebody
Loves you,
You're not
Alone.
And you
Have something
To hold
Onto.

Imitation

When I listen
You are not
The real thing.
When I look
You are
Ridiculous.
When you just
Stand there,
I'm okay with that.

What Key?

Hours
Of my life
Dedicated to
This cause,
Steep but worthy.
And I find myself
Glad
That I put in the work
And the time
To make this
The best
It could be.

Dusk

What time of day
Is night
When it is still
Light?

Events Of Days

Days of many
Kinds of motions
Days of
Overflowed emotions
Days of a
Kindness often shared
Days of feeling
Unprepared
Days
Many different
Days

Not A Stop-By

When you come over
It makes my day
And night,
And you make
My hair
Beautiful.

St. Patrick's Day

A day to remember
The good times
We had.
A day to enjoy
A beautiful
Color.
A day to pray
For people
Hurting.
And a day
To wish
For something better.

Train-Wreck

I don't care to
Watch this mess
Unfolding.
It's not that
Interesting
To me.
What else
Is there
To say?

Heard

If you need me,
If you need anything,
Let me know
And I'll be there
Because I know
What days like these
Will do -
I know what they are like.

Sun Day

Spending time
With people 'round me
Enjoying weather
That has found me
Loving life and
Choosing happiness
Surround me
Grateful for
Everything

Starlight

I think of you
A decade gone
Fifteen still
And even longer.
You were a friend
A son and a brother
I miss you tonight
And every other.
So shine yourself
Down with the light
Of the stars
And we'll know
That your love
Is never far.

Only One Way

Success is defined
In many ways
In many words
And many pages.

Solar Blessings

Blessings big
And blessings small.
Blessings one
And blessings all.
Lack of anger,
Then a smile,
Then a friend
To pray a while.
I cannot wait
To see what comes.
Now, and in
A thousand suns.

Corner-Dweller

A decade back
I learned you were dying.
Today, I know
That I'm alive.
So I spend the days
Praying,
And know that you're always
Staying
In the corners
Of my mind.

Ocean Floor

Feels just like
I swallowed stones.
They're weighing me
Down to the bottom
Of the
Ocean floor.

Impact

If you want the truth,
I have move past
Worrying.
I have very nearly
Moved past caring.
Because I care about you,
But I can't take care
Of you.
I need to take care
Of me.
I do worry, though,
That this will tear
Apart our family,
And that is why
I'm doing my part
To do something
Differently
So that, not only you -
But so that all of us -
Have a chance.

Pretender

Words spill
Across the page.
Words that
Somehow
Eat my brain.
Words
I do not
Understand,
But some
Might tell me
What I can
Do differently
From what I've been,
So I don't have to
Live pretending.

Fondly

Safely now
Where you belong,
But for now you are
Still crazy.
Still to fond of
What you should
Avoid, and instead,
Avoiding those of us
Who are fond of you.

Share

Write about
The love
You're shown
To keep a
Record
All your own,
And when you're
Done, and
Looking back,
Memories
Come
Flooding back.

Night Light

Light the dark
Around you
With some daylight
Or a phone call -
With some music
Or a letter.
Just don't let it
Have you.
So even though
We go
Against our very
Human nature
Running for
Darkness,
Craving hunger,
Know that
There is still
Light to be sought.
So reach out,
Don't let darkness fill you.

Results

You showed your scars
With pride tonight.
You went out and did
What's right.
So pride and love
Are what I feel
When I watch
And miss you,
That's what real
Talent is.
You can't mess
With this.
You are the
Ones
Producing
Results
With your heart,
Your hands,
And your feet.

Measuring Up

What is there
To say
When everything's
Been said?
When all that's
Left are
Broken hearts -
A sick and
Silent dread?
When they ask
What I did,
Can I back it up?
Or will I just
Never
Be quite enough?

This Time Around

I don't even know
How to put into words
All these things
I feel.
And when it comes
Down to it
I don't even know
What I feel
Except frustration
And disappointment
And a level of
Numbness
I never encountered
Until this time
Around.

Aftershock

How did this
Become my reality?
Where I simply exist
To hold my breath
And wait
For you to come
To your
Senses?

Found Out

Truth
Is found,
But you
Are hidden
In the darkness
Of disease.
So now
I wait
And pray
For safety,
While the
Monster in you
Preys,
And you
Simply
Close your eyes
To the
Destruction.

Missing This

What is missing?
What is here?
What was lost
And once held dear?
What is beauty?
What is joy?
What is the truth
You need employed?
Can I see it?
Do I need it?
Should I seize it?
Or do I leave it
All behind -
To be like
What's missing
In my mind?

Location Reaction

Happiness is
Where we choose
To find it
And how we decide
To react to
Our circumstances.

Circles

What do I know
About anything?
What can I do
With what
I know?
Will it change
Anything -
This great
Awakening -
That I wish upon
You, but you will not
Grasp?
I can only pray
That you will find
Strength, so you
Will not lose
What's fading
Fast.

Yet Untold

A story is
Inside of me
Begging
To be told.
If I can get
A hold
Of it -
I'll write it
For the world -
Or just for me.
It doesn't matter
As long as I shatter
My own expectations
And raise my own bar.

Perfect

Brownie days
And book days
Ice-hanging-in-the-tree
Days.
Simple and content
Days -
Days just like today.

Opening Ceremonies

Anthem sung
And people cheering
Nations announced -
The people dancing.
French is spoken -
Cultures representing
I feel proud
Of countries walking
Across the stage
With flags waving
I can't wait to
Watch this winter
And get to see
What will transpire.

Bus Tour

Get on a bus
And go as far as
You can
Until God says
To move.
Get on the road
And start to help
And never stop.

Kinds Of Prayers

Prayers for
Health, and
Prayers for
Comfort.
Prayers for deliverance -
And valiant effort.
Prayers for children
And their parents -
Prayers for aunts
Uncles and cousins
Prayers for healing
Or acceptance.
Prayers for willingness
To let this.

Time-Crunch

I need to write
This quickly
Now
Before I go
To bed
Somehow
So that I can
Remember
Still
What I had
And always
Will.

Cliff Notes

Just hold on
A little longer,
One more minute -
One more hour.
Don't succumb to
Your own darkness,
But reach out
For the light.
And if you can't
Then let us pray
For strength and peace
To come your way
So you will stay
And journey on,
Finding more beauty
To look upon.

Reminiscing

I remember
Times gone by
When you were young
And I was too.
Life was simpler
Love was with us
And us with you.

Reflecting

The end of the day
Is here again
And I'm fulfilled
And blessed.
Trying to remember
To always be grateful,
No matter what
Comes next.
So trust and rejoice
Regardless of sorrow
And you can be sure
You're watched over always.

Take A Moment

A beautiful day
Spent just this way
Is the best
I can think to enjoy.
Just relaxing and
Talking and planning
Rejoicing in the
Little things.

Not To Hurt

My enemy lives 

Within me, 

Along with my strength 

To fight it. 

If I can keep 

Perspective 

Everything will 

Be all right. 

If I never think I 

Beat it. 

If I remember 

I have the power, 

All will help 

Me in deciding 

Not to hurt, 

Instead of 

Hurting.

Disrespect

Why can't you listen?
Why won't you hear?
Why don't you pay attention
To what you're bringing me near?
It brings out my issues -
My insecurity and fear -
My vulnerability
Shows a little too clearly.
So erase what you said
Or better yet, I'll
Try to figure out why
I'm having this reaction.

Reduced

So
Irritable
That it irritates
Me.
What I genuinely
Struggle
To find compassion for
In others -
The insecurity -
I am feeling
Myself.
And
I am wishing
I didn't.

Open Wide

I laid my heart out
To be read
And judged today.
I feel vulnerable
And I feel liberated,
Knowing I have said
All that I meant to
And believing that
I took my power back.

Musing

A wonderful day
In a Christmassy way
It doesn't matter
That it's a month late.
Feeling so proud
And just so excited
For people to see
Just where my heart stays.

Month

When Christmas lasts
An extra month
It isn't a bad thing
To spread the love
And the good cheer
Why should it be
Just once a year?
So don't let a day
Limit your giving
Stretch out your arms
And surrender to living

Empowerment

Tell me
What you need
And I will show
You how to get it.
Share with me
Your hopes and
Dreams -
You won't soon regret it.
You are strong
Deep down inside
So reach within
And own it.
Stand in your own
Power now.
Take your future
And control it.

Haiti

Times are
Beautiful and trying
Telling truths
And on with lying.
Haitians trapped,
Starving and dying.
The earth beneath
Their feet is quaking.
Now is the time for action -
For hoping, for giving
And for never forgetting
Them.
Because someday,
It could be
Us.

Everything Changes

Changes
Are necessary
And enjoyable.
Like a new
Perspective on
Life, or
A new
Attitude.
Embrace the
Change around
You. For you
Don't know
Where it might take
You, or who
It might transform
You into.

Forget-Me-Not

How can things
Slip my mind,
When I'm not even
That old?
But at least I can
Enjoy there here
And now that I
Am in.
Staying up and
Helping out.
Just being here
Is unforgettable.

At The End

At the end
When I can
Look back on
What I have done,
I will be proud.
I will be satisfied.
I will have no regrets.
I will be unafraid
Of what is to come.
At the end
I will embrace my years
Be they many or few.
I will love myself
Because loving is always
The right thing
To do.

With A Purpose

When you serve
And when you give
Is it about you
Or the ones you've
Come to help?
Is it about feelings
Or insecurities?
Is it about your own
Talents?
Or is it about something
Deeper?
Something greater
Than yourself?

Relief

What are the lessons
We have learned from
The past
And how will we
Rewrite history
Differently now?
We are donating
And not ignoring
And hoping
And praying
For enough relief
To reach Haiti,
And lift the burden
Of brokenness
That the earthquake
Left behind.

Detour

Change of plans,
A change of heart,
And a change
Of venue.
Change your mind,
Change your outlook,
Take your time.

Fleeting Moments

Looking back
Is sometimes healthy,
When it's done with
Good intentions.
If you look at
Little brothers
And remember
Who they have been.
Instead of looking back
With envy or anger
Or regret,
Look back upon those
Moments being
Grateful that they
Had them.

About Growing Up

You are growing.
Memories shifting.
Things impress you.
You are changing.
You are amazing.
Things distress you.
You are learning.
You are teaching
Us about you.
You are loving.
You are giving.
And I
Am proud of you.

About Time

Beautiful.
Time is beautiful.
When you have it,
Cherish it.
When you see it,
Savor it.
When you have it,
Hold onto it
With both hands.

Pretty And Pink

Life is strange
And getting stranger.
When I feel big
I lift boxes up higher.
Life is great and
Getting greater.
When we get a new couch
And a chair, I'll sit there.
Life is pretty
And getting prettier.
When the sun sets and
The sky turns pink
Thats when I think
Of all the possibilities
Of life.

Ambition

I hope to make it
As far as I can
And to be
The best I can be.
I hope to rise up
To be a woman
And make of life anything
I can see everything.
I hope to keep growing -
Not in stature,
But wisdom -
To believe what I need
To believe.
To be.
To see.
To keep growing.
To make it -
And to rise above it.

Timing

People come
And then they go
And I remain,
But that's okay.
It's all about family
And friends
And the love.
I enjoy it all.

Are You Ready For Take-Off?

Love
Watching
Moments
Lived out
Again,
Now that
Those
Involved in
Those moments
Are familiar.
Love
Seeing
How far
They have come
And dreaming of
How far
They will go.

Save The Old

Confusing time
Says it's new.
But save the old,
For what
I do not know.
So let me show
The truth in this.

Small Hope

I have a small hope
That what I want
Will come to pass
Soon, but never
Soon enough.
And I think that
A small hope
Is better than
No hope
At all.
At least it is
Something.
A small hope
Is still
Hope.

New Year

Lots of stress
And lots of tension
Lots of pain
And not to mention
Lots of friends
And lots of fun
Lots of good tmes
To be done.
Lots of changing
Time at ease.
This is what
The new year means.