The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

speed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

!speed!

–

–

–

!!speed!!

–

–

–

!!!speed!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

we

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

glossy

scenes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

reali~

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

burning

beliefs

.

o

f

.

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ of

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

racing

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

dimming

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

fantasies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

racing

after

–

–

dimming

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

fantasies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

speed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

!speed!

–

–

–

!!speed!!

–

–

–

!!!speed!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

we

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

–

t

o

–

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between.

Reflection: 

This is a personal struggle themed poem where the affected party is consumed by technology and technological applications – leaving little room or time for living a full and rewarding life.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to “Titanic” by Arlie (especially the slower second half of the song) which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. And it worked well. The haunting voice really drove the writing of this poem. Also, the lyrics: “Time is frozen as we dart our eyes from screen to screen because we’ve chosen to ignore the darkness in between” influenced me. I wrote the words “as we leap from screen to screen” by reflecting on this.

If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

When

you

–

–

have

fallen

.

t

o

.

the

floor,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

then

you

.

f

a

l

l

.

some

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

lost

.

i

t

.

all,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

are

crushed

–

–

against

.

t

h

e

.

wall . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

everything

–

–

once

firm

–

–

begins

.

t

o

.

blur,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

you

feel

.

n

o

.

longer

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

want

.

s

o

.

much

.

t

o

.

die,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

–

–

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ready

.

t

o

.

heave,

.

a

n

d

.

lift,

.

a

n

d

.

pull

.

t

h

e

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shine

.

a

.

smiling,

–

–

warming,

–

–

guiding

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

dust

.

a

n

d

.

dirt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

twists

.

a

n

d

.

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

harms

.

a

n

d

.

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

those

–

–

that

still

–

–

haunt

.

a

n

d

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

those

–

–

that

still

–

–

haunt

.

a

n

d

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

can

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

can

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

can

–

–

roll

.

a

n

d

.

whip

–

–

f

r

o

m

–

–

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

there

will

–

–

never

.

b

e

.

too

wide

.

a

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

too

deep

.

a

.

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me

.

t

o

.

let

go

.

o

f

.

that

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

grip

.

i

t

.

tight,

–

–

with

.

a

l

l

.

my

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

hold

.

t

h

a

t

.

line,

–

–

until

.

t

h

e

.

end

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

hold

.

t

h

a

t

.

line,

–

–

until

.

t

h

e

.

end

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

you

–

–

come

out

.

t

h

e

.

other

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

–

–

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ready

.

t

o

.

heave,

.

a

n

d

.

lift,

.

a

n

d

.

pull

.

t

h

e

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shine

.

a

.

smiling,

–

–

warming,

–

–

guiding

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

might

.

b

e

.

the

quiet

type,

–

–

b

u

t

–

–

I

have

.

a

.

watchful

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

have

.

a

.

watchful

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

listen

.

f

o

r

.

the

faintest

slight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

listen

.

f

o

r

.

the

faintest

slight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

those

who

fly

–

–

too

wide

left

.

o

r

.

too

wide

right,

–

–

might

.

b

e

.

surprised

.

t

o

.

find

–

–

they

are

.

o

n

.

the

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

might

.

b

e

.

surprised

.

t

o

.

find

–

–

they

are

.

o

n

.

the

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

a

smile

–

–

draws

tight

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

the

eyes

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

smile

–

–

draws

tight

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

the

eyes

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

against

the

–

–

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

fallen

.

t

o

.

the

floor,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

then

you

.

f

a

l

l

.

some

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

lost

.

i

t

.

all,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

are

crushed

–

–

against

.

t

h

e

.

wall . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

everything

–

–

once

firm

–

–

begins

.

t

o

.

blur,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

you

feel

.

n

o

.

longer

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

want

.

s

o

.

much

.

t

o

.

die,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

.

a

.

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time.

Reflection:

This was an important poem for me to write. I was out one night when the title flashed in my mind and many of the words flowed immediately after, and I realized I had a lot to say about this.

For those who have special people in their lives that remain by their side time after time no matter what happens or how bad things get, please realize that many people in life never get to experience that. So, my hope is this poem will inspire you to warmly appreciate those wonderful people in your life who always go the extra mile, who always cheer you on no matter what happens, and who you can always rely on. Because such people are rare, and this poem was written for them but also for you. May this poem inspire you to recognize and warmly appreciate the wonderful people in your life who remain by your side no matter what happens in life.

I have been that person for certain others in my life, and others have been that person for me. So, I’ve been very fortunate.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to “The Impossible Dream” by Jack Jones which I played in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. I also used “Adeline” by Alt-J, “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits, and “Goodnight Saigon” by Billy Joel to help fine tune the poem. So, if you listen to either (or all) of these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

remember

–

–

when

time

–

–

was

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

–

–

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

you

–

–

were

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

you

–

–

were

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

smiled

.

w

I

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

when

–

–

silly

dreams

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb

–

–

sentimental

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb

–

–

sentimental

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight

.

o

f

.

all

–

–

which

could

.

g

o

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight

.

o

f

.

all

–

–

which

could

.

g

o

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

mile,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

high,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

high,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all

–

–

which

could

.

g

o

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

that

wonderful,

–

–

wondrous

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

wonderful,

–

–

wondrous

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

which

now

–

–

only

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

now

–

–

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

now

–

–

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

now

–

–

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sighs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

remember

–

–

when

time

–

–

was

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

–

–

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

you

–

–

were

mine.

Reflection: 

This is a romance-themed poem where the affected party fondly looks back on a happy, romantic time with a special someone many years ago, but laments the passing of that romance and wonders if anything half as good will ever be experienced again. I wrote most of this poem by listening to “Moonglow and Theme from Picnic” by Morris Stoloff which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. And it worked well.

If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

To

climb

–

f

r

o

m

–

the

deepest,

–

–

darkest

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

try

–

–

even

when

–

–

badly

beat

–

a

n

d

–

barely

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

fight

–

f

o

r

–

every

inch

–

o

f

–

each

merciless

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

raise

–

–

a

head

high

–

i

n

–

the

daylight

–

–

w

i

t

h

–

–

a

strong

sense

–

o

f

–

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

I

–

will

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

–

that

will

–

b

e

–

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

life

–

–

built

beyond

–

t

h

e

–

relentless

plight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

life

–

–

created

–

b

y

–

supreme

sacrifice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

life

–

–

fueled

–

b

y

–

determined

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

won’t

–

b

e

–

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ No, I

won’t

–

b

e

–

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

climb

–

f

r

o

m

–

the

deepest,

–

–

darkest

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

try

–

–

even

when

–

–

badly

beat

–

a

n

d

–

barely

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

fight

–

f

o

r

–

every

inch

–

o

f

–

each

merciless

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

raise

–

–

a

head

high

–

i

n

–

the

daylight

–

–

w

i

t

h

–

–

a

strong

sense

–

o

f

–

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

I

–

will

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

–

that

will

–

b

e

–

mine.

Reflection:

There is a classic song that I just love (musically speaking) but I hate much of the lyrics (it’s a bit too blindly patriotic for my tastes). I thought, gosh, so many more people could relate to this song if the lyrics were changed – so, I took it upon myself to do just that. And the overwhelming positive response I received after publishing this poem resulted in it being one of my best loved poems of all time.

I felt that this poem was a very important poem for me to write. It had a lot of significance for my life but was more importantly written for those who struggle again and again in life. Victory is assured for those who stand firm and endure – it is only a question of focus, strength, and determination. May this poem inspire those who struggle to keep fighting.

I used the music from the song “The Impossible Dream” (I like both the Jack Jones and Frank Sinatra versions of this song – musically speaking), at low volume, to create the “moodset” while writing this poem. So, if you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

The

inverted

smile

.

i

n

.

the

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

there

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise,

.

o

r

.

search

.

f

o

r

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise,

.

o

r

.

search

.

f

o

r

.

lies,

–

–

behind

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

where

.

a

n

d

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ behind

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

where

.

a

n

d

.

why,

–

–

they

might

–

–

possibly

try

.

t

o

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

search

.

f

o

r

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

inverted

smile

.

i

n

.

the

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

the

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

I

.

.

could

love

.

a

n

d

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

like

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

laughing

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

.

could

love

.

a

n

d

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

like

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

laughing

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

laugh

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

laugh

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

laugh

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

find

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme

.

w

i

t

h

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

would

–

–

find

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme

.

w

i

t

h

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

that

–

–

past

paradise

.

o

f

.

love

.

a

n

d

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

like

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

finding

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

finding

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

finding

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

each

–

a

n

d

–

every

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

laughing

.

a

t

.

the

lines.

Reflection: This is a reflective poem where the contemplative party looks back on a lost but cherished time when everything seemed much more fun, less serious, and filled with a sense of freedom, exploration, and adventure. I wrote much of this poem by listening to various oldies songs at low volume – playing in the background.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

see

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

.

i

t

.

would

always

–

–

remain

.

t

h

i

s

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

see

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

the

electric,

–

–

eclectic

colors

.

o

f

.

the

past

–

–

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned

.

i

n

t

o

.

embers

.

o

f

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

embers

.

o

f

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

thought

.

i

t

.

would

always

–

–

remain

.

t

h

i

s

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

thought

.

i

t

.

would

always

–

–

remain

.

t

h

i

s

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

today

–

–

when

a

face

–

–

without

a

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sent

a

smile

.

o

f

.

playful

grace,

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace,

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

escape

–

–

my

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

saying

.

i

n

.

the

segue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

everything

–

–

would

.

b

e

.

okay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

–

–

would

.

b

e

.

okay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

said

a

smile

.

i

n

.

the

segue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

erasing

.

t

h

e

.

parade

.

o

f

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ever

pacing

.

i

n

.

the

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ ever

pacing

.

i

n

.

the

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

yesterday.

Reflection: This is an inspiration/hope-themed poem where an unexpected brighter turn in life happens after someone offers the gift of a smile. Sometimes that’s all it takes to lift another’s spirits and improve perspective. So, smile often.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to “Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis and “I Love How You Love Me” by The Paris Sisters – which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. And they worked well. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

yearn

.

d

e

e

p

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

yearn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

yearn

–

–

far

beyond

–

–

the

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

yearn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

less . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

what

.

l

i

e

s

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

shore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

what

.

l

i

e

s

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

shore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Beyond

.

t

h

e

.

shore

–

–

there

is

.

s

o

.

much

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Beyond

.

t

h

e

.

shore

–

–

there

.

i

s

.

much

.

t

o

.

explore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

i

s

.

much

.

t

o

.

explore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

i

s

.

much

.

t

o

.

explore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

i

s

.

much

.

t

o

.

explore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

shore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ beyond

.

t

h

e

.

shore

.

t

h

a

t

.

roars

.

a

n

d

.

pours . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

roars

.

a

n

d

.

pours . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

roars

.

a

n

d

.

pours . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

roars

.

a

n

d

.

pours . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

implores . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

yearn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

yearn

.

d

e

e

p

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

yearn

.

d

e

e

p

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

yearn

.

d

e

e

p

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

yearn.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem where the affected party restlessly seeks and wants but cannot seem to find a way to satisfy that hunger. I wrote most of this poem by listening to “Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. And it worked well. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

merged

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

merged

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

merged

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

moved

you

.

t

o

.

the

moon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

moved

you

.

t

o

.

the

moon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rapture

.

o

f

.

that

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

rapture

.

o

f

.

that

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

.

t

h

e

.

wants,

–

–

words,

.

a

n

d

.

whispers

brewed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

wants,

–

–

words,

.

a

n

d

.

whispers

brewed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rapture

.

o

f

.

that

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

the

movements

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

new

.

i

n

.

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

new

.

w

a

s

.

in

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

new

.

w

a

s

.

in

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

new

.

w

a

s

.

in

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

I

merged

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

I

merged

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

moved

you

.

t

o

.

the

moon.

Reflection: 

This is a romance-themed poem where the contemplator fondly looks back on a special, romantic experience. I wrote most of this poem by listening to “My One and Only Love” by James Sanborn which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. And it worked well. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

.

w

a

s

.

one,

.

a

n

d

.

became

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

became

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

the

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

colors

.

.

f

r

o

m

.

.

all

.

t

h

e

.

others

–

–

I

explored

.

a

n

d

.

loved

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ from

all

.

t

h

e

.

others

–

–

I

explored

.

a

n

d

.

loved

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

poured

upon

.

t

h

e

–

future

shores . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

poured

upon

–

t

h

e

–

future

shores . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

poured

upon

–

t

h

e

–

future

shores . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

poured

upon

–

t

h

e

–

future

shores . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all

I

aspired

.

t

o

.

become

.

a

n

d

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

.

w

a

s

.

one,

.

a

n

d

.

became

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

became

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

I

absorbed

–

–

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all

.

o

f

.

the

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

colors . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

absorbed

–

–

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

absorbed

–

–

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

absorbed

–

–

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all

–

–

o

f

–

–

the

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

colors . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

others

–

–

I

explored

.

a

n

d

–

loved

before.

Reflection: This is a reflection-themed poem where the contemplator looks back on and appreciates all those who influenced and contributed to the person he or she has become today. I wrote this poem by listening to “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. And it worked well. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

achieved

–

–

my

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

achieved

–

–

your

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

it’s

not

nearly

–

a

s

–

sweet

–

a

s

–

initially

seemed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

not

nearly

–

a

s

–

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

not

nearly

–

a

s

–

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

not

nearly

–

a

s

–

sweet

–

a

s

–

initially

seemed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

am

here . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

are

there . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

accum

ulating

time

–

a

n

d

–

distance

between . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time

–

a

n

d

–

distance . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

distance

–

a

n

d

–

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

were

all

–

–

the

rewards

–

w

e

–

would

find . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

all

–

o

f

–

that

romance,

–

a

n

d

–

rapture,

–

a

n

d

–

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time

–

a

n

d

–

distance . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

distance

–

a

n

d

–

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dimming

–

t

h

e

–

days

–

–

gone

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dimming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dimming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dimming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

days

–

–

gone

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

all

–

o

f

–

that

romance,

–

a

n

d

–

rapture,

–

a

n

d

–

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

–

w

e

–

pursued

–

–

those

dreams

–

i

n

–

our

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

not

knowing

–

–

how

much

–

w

e

–

might

lose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

knowing

–

–

how

much

–

w

e

–

might

lose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

regret

sings

–

–

relent

lessly,

–

–

the

most

–

–

haunting

tunes

–

o

f

–

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Regret

sings

–

–

relent

lessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Regret

sings

–

–

relent

lessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Regret

sings

–

–

relent

lessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

most

–

–

haunting

tunes

–

o

f

–

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it’s

not

achieve

ment

–

o

f

–

the

goal

–

–

that

fills

–

–

the

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

not

achieve

ment

–

o

f

–

the

goal . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

not

achieve

ment

–

o

f

–

the

goal . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

not

achieve

ment

–

o

f

–

the

goal . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

fills

–

–

the

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

who

–

i

s

–

with

you

–

–

when

–

y

o

u

–

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

who

–

i

s

–

with

you

–

–

where

–

y

o

u

–

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

who

–

i

s

–

with

you

–

–

a

t

–

–

the

end

–

o

f

–

that

road.

Reflection: This poem was largely inspired by the ending of “La La Land” where actress Emma Stone looks at Ryan Gosling playing the piano who both have separate new lives (especially her with a husband and child) and shares a secret smile with him for the times gone by that her husband/child know nothing about. It was a great moment in the movie.