Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

HAPPINESS/SUCCESS TIP: INSTEAD OF FINDING WAYS TO LIVE WITH STRESS AND NEGATIVITY, CHANGE THE THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS WHICH LEAD TO IT

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a happiness/success tip which can make you feel much better about yourself and your life for months, years, and decades to come. Instead of looking for ways to live with stress, anxiety, and other forms of negativity, ask yourself what thoughts and behaviors you engage in which lead to these kinds of negative experiences and make adjustments accordingly.

Most people seek help for living the way they currently do instead of seeking ideas, assistance, and support for how they might stop living in this fashion. And that is key. So, always seek healthy ways to change the thinking, behaviors, or emotions which create the negativities you experience in life instead of trying to manage or numb them.

As a life coach, I frequently tell people that anytime we experience negativity in life, we are the creator. But that is good news because if we are the creator, then we can always do something about it to make things better. So, it’s a good practice, anytime you experience stress and negativity in life, to ask yourself: “How am I creating this stress and negativity?” And then take steps to make things better.

In some cases, you might falsely conclude that someone else is creating your negativity. For example, there might be someone who doesn’t treat you very well, who only seems to come around when he or she wants something, who always takes but never gives, who never respects or appreciates you, or who talks down to you. And, even though it might seem justified and appropriate to associate your experience of negativity to this other person, a more empowering way to look at it is this: The true reason you are experiencing this negativity is because you are creating it.

“How could I possibly be creating this negativity?” you might ask. Well, in situations such as the above, you might be creating this negativity because you thought the person was different (or better) than he or she truly is, ignored the warning signs, and/or invested time, energy, and resources due to your false impressions. And when this happens, it can be natural to feel angry, disappointed, hurt, and sad. However, the true reason you are feeling this way is not because of the other person. It is because you expected this other person to be different from who he or she truly is. And it hurts when we come to the realization that we have been wrong about someone. Especially, someone we might have greatly loved, respected, and trusted.

However, once you gain the understanding that you are the one who is creating this negativity, you can move towards making things better. Because, armed with your new awareness, you can now create distance from the associated person, learn from the experience so that you become a better judge of character and become more selective of who you associate with in the future, and/or get into the practice of making only small investments in time, energy, and/or resources until you are able to better confirm whether there truly is mutual love, respect, trust, and appreciation before being willing to give more.

So, anytime you experience stress and negativity in life, get into the practice of asking yourself: “How am I creating this stress and negativity?” And then take steps to make things better.

Some of the ways to make healthier changes in life include actively engaging in self-care, making yourself a priority, setting and enforcing boundaries, and living in accordance with your values. And here’s one post I wrote for doing that: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/happiness-tip-make-yourself-a-priority-by-giving-everything-the-attention-it-deserves-and-nothing-more/

And here’s a another post I wrote about the many ways to actively employ self-care: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/how-to-defeat-any-distress-without-dope-drinks-drugs-debt-or-doctors/

And lastly, here’s a post I wrote about taking action: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/happiness-tip-live-with-a-sense-of-hope-but-dont-rely-on-it/

This and other happiness tips and topics are provided throughout my self-help, happiness, and investment oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #success #inspiration #happiness #peace #mindfulness

☆°▪︎ IN THE DAYS OF DANCING (AND DREAMING) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

In

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dancing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

everything

.

came

.

s

o

.

easily . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

everything

.

came

.

s

o

.

easily . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

.

s

o

.

easy,

–

–

in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dancing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

o

f

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

cash

.

a

n

d

.

instant

success . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

flash

.

a

n

d

.

instant

press . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

begins

.

a

n

d

.

instant

ends . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Instant

sex

.

a

n

d

.

instant

regrets . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

s

a

w

.

you

.

o

n

c

e

.

by

.

t

h

e

.

sea,

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

we . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

three . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

then

.

i

t

.

was

.

three . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

t

h

e

.

daring

.

a

n

d

.

dazzling

fantasy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

t

h

e

.

tease

.

o

f

.

drugs

.

a

n

d

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

now

.

i

t

.

seems . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now

.

i

t

.

seems

we’re

.

merely

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we’re

.

merely

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

longer

.

sailing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we’re

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

longer

.

sailing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

dancing

.

a

n

d

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now

.

i

t

.

seems

.

we’re

drifting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

longer

.

sailing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

dancing

.

a

n

d

.

dreaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

has

.

t

h

a

t

.

ship

.

o

n

c

e

.

boldly

steaming,

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

b

e

e

n

.

fleeting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ only

.

b

e

e

n

.

fleeting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

slowly

sinking.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem I wrote back in September of 2020 where the contemplator looks back on the early days of a present relationship and ponders where the magic, dance, and dream had gone – and whether he/she will ever be able to bring it back or experience such days again. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Different Now” by Chastity Belt in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ BETTER DAYS IN THE SHADE OF RAIN ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Did

you

really

–

–

think

today,

–

–

that

–

t

h

e

–

words

you

–

–

would

say

–

–

might

make

–

–

everything

okay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ might

make

this,

–

a

n

d

–

all,

–

a

n

d

–

everything

–

–

–

.

.

.

g

o

–

–

–

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ make

it

all

–

–

–

.

.

.

g

o

–

–

–

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ make

it

all

–

–

–

.

.

.

g

o

–

–

–

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

–

o

f

–

those

hurricanes

–

a

n

d

–

thundering

rains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ all

.

o

f

.

those

ghastly

grays,

–

–

waiting

–

i

n

–

the

shade

–

o

f

–

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ waiting

.

i

n

.

the

shade

–

o

f

–

rage

–

a

n

d

–

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blame

–

a

n

d

–

rage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

what

could

–

–

have

been

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ those

ghastly

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ those

ghastly

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

waiting

–

i

n

–

the

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ waiting

.

i

n

.

the

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ waiting

.

i

n

.

the

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

shame,

–

a

n

d

–

rage,

–

a

n

d

–

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

what

could

–

–

have

been

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wiped

away

–

a

n

d

–

forever

erased . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

y

–

–

–

only

–

t

h

e

–

words

–

y

o

u

–

say . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

y

–

–

–

only

–

t

h

e

–

words

–

y

o

u

–

say . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

today.

Reflection:  I wrote this poem in reflection of a much-loved song at the time (“15” by Petal). So, if you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

HAPPINESS TIP: LIVE WITH A SENSE OF JOY, WONDER, AND GRATITUDE

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

You are special. And you matter. So, always live with a sense of joy, wonder, and gratitude. To be born at all is a miracle… because everything had to align and happen perfectly from the beginning of time up until the day you came into existence for you to even be here today.

So, live, and love, and marvel, and dance, and rejoice, and contribute each and every day. And think about this and fill yourself with loving warmth, joy, and appreciation.

You are here right now. And you are special. And you matter. And nothing else is more important today.

This and other happiness tips and topics are provided throughout my self-help, happiness, and investment oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

#joy #love #gratitude #appreciation #selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #peace #mindfulness

☆°▪︎ A DANCING DREAM (NEARLY WITHIN REACH) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Did

.

y

o

u

.

dance ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Did

.

y

o

u

.

dance

inside

.

a

.

dream ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Did

.

y

o

u

.

dance

inside

.

a

.

dream

.

o

f

.

some

flashy,

–

–

flaunting

–

b

u

t

–

fleeting

–

–

feeling . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

where

.

y

o

u

.

might

–

–

rather

be ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

of

some

–

–

guilty

sweet

.

b

u

t

.

sexy

scene,

–

–

where

.

y

o

u

.

could

.

b

e

.

so

free ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ well,

“not me”

.

y

o

u

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it’s

only

.

s

o

m

e

.

silly

fantasy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it’s

only

.

s

o

m

e

.

seed

.

o

f

.

ecstasy,

–

–

this

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

m

e

–

–

–

moving

memory . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ some

.

.

moving

memory

.

o

f

.

how

things

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

have

been,

–

–

this

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

that’s

.

n

o

t

.

the

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

that’s

.

n

o

t

.

the

way

.

i

t

.

seems . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

even

when

.

y

o

u

.

leave,

–

–

it’s

always

.

within

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

even

when

.

i

t

.

breathes

.

a

n

d

.

feeds,

.

.

y

o

u

.

.

cannot

.

s

a

y

.

a

.

thing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ you

cannot

.

s

a

y

.

a

.

thing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

you

.

c

a

n

.

never

.

s

a

y

.

a

.

thing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

dance

inside

.

a

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

especially,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

dance

inside

.

a

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

me.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in July of 2020 where the affected party cannot escape an addiction or compulsion of some kind – because it is always in the back of his/her mind: taunting, teasing, and haunting. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Particle” by Hundred Waters in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ A HONEYMOON STILL IN BLOOM ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Was

.

i

t

.

just

a

honeymoon

–

–

which

brewed

–

–

those

me~s

.

a

n

d

.

you~s

.

a

n

d

.

I

love

you~s

.

i

n

t

o

.

those

wondrous,

–

–

forever

afternoons . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

wondrous,

–

–

forever

afternoons . . .

–

–

where

everything

–

–

seemed

.

s

o

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

so

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

wondrous,

–

–

forever

afternoons . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

music

–

–

wrote

.

t

h

e

.

tunes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

whispers

stirred

.

t

h

e

.

moods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

those

rollaway

rooms

.

o

f

.

moons,

.

a

n

d

.

Mars,

.

a

n

d

.

Neptune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

making

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

afternoon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me

.

a

n

d

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rollaway

rooms

.

o

f

.

moons,

.

a

n

d

.

Mars,

.

a

n

d

.

Neptune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

rollaway

rooms

.

o

f

.

moons,

.

a

n

d

.

Mars,

.

a

n

d

.

Neptune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

a

honeymoon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ of

a

honeymoon

–

–

still

.

i

n

.

bloom.

Reflection: This was a popular romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in July 2020. In this poem, the contemplator looks back fondly on an old romance back in the days of youth.

I used the song “When Will I See You Again” by The Three Degrees playing in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” for this poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

HAPPINESS TIP: OFFER GUILT-FREE GIVING AT ITS FINEST!

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Consider doing something special for people in your life from time to time who could just use a reason to smile. This is what I regularly do for people:

“Make a Friend Smile Day.” That’s the special occasion I created years ago as the perfect excuse to offer guilt-free giving to people going through difficulties or hardships but are just too proud to ask or accept this help. Sometimes, I’ll even do it for no special reason other than to give people something to smile and be happy about. The only catch is the friend must smile when using the gift because, well, there’d be no reason to have a “Make a Friend Smile Day” if the friend didn’t smile.

So, when someone is having a bad day or shares things with me that have created a negative overall experience for the person, I’ll just listen and after hearing everything, I’ll usually say something like: “I’m so sorry you’ve been going through all of that – I had no idea but thank you for sharing this with me. And you know what? This couldn’t have happened on a better day! Do you know why? Today is ‘Make a Friend Smile day!'” I then follow that up with a thoughtful, helpful gift or something.

So, do this for people once in a while – it will really make things so much better for them and for you as well!

Throughout the days, weeks, and months of Covid-19 I bought several Publix gift cards and had a “make a friend smile day” extravaganza! I hope some of you did the same!

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books and posts: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/ 

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #peace #mindfulness

☆°▪︎ THE INNOCENT SCAR ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me,

–

–

who

–

h

a

d

–

been

whipped

–

a

n

d

–

beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

–

who

–

w

a

s
–

forced

–

t

o

–

feel

empty,

–

a

n

d

–

cold,

–

a

n

d

–

weak . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

they

–

–

made

–

y

o

u

–

scream

–

a

n

d

–

bleed,

–

b

u

t

–

did

–

n

o

t

–

feed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was
me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

w

h

o

–

would

offer

–

–

soothing

relief . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ who

would

–

b

e

–

the

one

–

t

o

–

grant

–

y

o

u

–

release,

–

–

from

–

a

l

l

–

they

forced

you

–

t

o

–

feel,

–

a

n

d

–

see,

–

a

n

d

–

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

–

who

freed

–

y

o

u

–

from

all

–

o

f

–

these,

–

m

y

–

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

those

terrifying

days

–

o

f

–

such

innocent

age

–

a

n

d

–

belief . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

who

walked

–

w

i

t

h

–

blistering

feet

–

–

upon

–

t

h

e

–

fires

–

o

f

–

flaming

heat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

w

h

o

–

screamed,

–

a

n

d

–

screamed,

–

a

n

d

–

screamed,

–

a

n

d

–

screamed

–

–

against

–

t

h

e

–

bitter,

–

–

bloodthirsty,

–

–

bullet

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

biting,

–

a

n

d

–

blazing,

–

a

n

d

–

blasting

ceaselessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

did

bleed

–

u

p

o

n

–

the

barbed

–

–

wire

strings . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wrapping

around,

–

a

n

d

–

around,

–

a

n

d

–

around,

–

a

n

d

–

around . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

–

y

o

u

–

could

–

–

barely

breathe

–

o

r

–

make

a

sound . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

cutting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

choking . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

crushing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

your

every

–

–

want . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i
t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

I

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now

I

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

those

days

–

o

f

–

pain

–

w

i

l

l

–

never

–

g

o

–

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

.

w

i

l

l

.

never

–

g

o

–

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

try

–

t

o

–

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

try

–

t

o

–

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

all

behind

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

can

see

–

t

h

e

–

hurt

–

–

behind

–

y

o

u

r

–

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

can

–

–

hear

that

cry

–

i

n

–

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

can

–

–

hear

that

cry

–

i

n

–

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

know

–

i

t

–

may

–

b

e

–

both

–

t

o

o

–

hard

–

t

o

–

remain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

too

hard

–

t

o

–

escape . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

 know

–

i

t

–

may . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

know

–

i

t

–

may

–

b

e

–

both

–

t

o

o

–

hard

–

t

o

–

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

too

hard

–

t

o

–

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

know

–

i

t

–

may . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

let

–

m

e

–

stay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ let

.

m

e

.

stay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ away

from

–

t

h

e

–

storming

winds

–

a

n

d

–

rains

–

o

f

–

yesterday’s

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ away

from

–

t

h

o

s

e

–

roaring

lanes

–

o

f

–

haste,

–

a

n

d

–

waste,

–

a

n

d

–

raging

hate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ away

from

–

t

h

e

–

fray

–

o

f

–

foreboding

faraways

–

–

where

–

t

h

e

–

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

.

t

h

e

.

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

never

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let

–

m

e

–

stay

–

a

n

d

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let

–

m

e

–

stay

–

a

n

d

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

a

new

day . . .

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

not

only

–

a

m

–

I

awed

–

a

n

d

–

amazed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

–

s

o

–

appreciate

–

t

h

a

t

–

somehow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

someway . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

–

a

r

e

–

still

–

–

here

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

.

a

r

e

.

still

–

–

here

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

right

here

–

i

n

–

this
place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

even

though

–

o

u

r

–

time

–

i

s

–

far

–

t

o

o

–

late . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

promise

–

a

l

l

–

along

–

t

h

e

–

way

–

–

that

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

we

–

a

r

e

–

finally

together

again,

–

–

sweet

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

spend

each

–

a

n

d

–

every

day

–

–

that

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

soothing

–

t

h

e

–

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

erasing

–

t

h

e

–

hate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

trying

–

t

o

–

make

–

y

o

u

–

feel

loved

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ trying

.

t

o

.

make

–

y

o

u

–

smile

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ trying

.

t

o

.

give

–

y

o

u

–

hope

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

promise

this

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

the

very

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

my

sweet,

–

–

precious

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

not

many

names

–

–

who

have

passed

–

y

o

u

r

–

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

many

names

–

–

who

have

carried

–

s

u

c

h

–

weight

–

a

t

–

such

a

young

–

a

n

d

–

tender

age . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

have

ever

–

–

been

able

–

t

o

–

break

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ have

ever

–

–

been

able

–

t

o

–

break

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

the

reach

–

o

f

–

that

dark

–

a

n

d

–

dismal

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

dark

–

a

n

d

–

dismal

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

–

t

h

e

–

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

.

t

h

e

.

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now,

I

–

w

i

l

l

–

slow

–

t

h

e

–

pace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

try

–

t

o

–

paint

away

–

a

l

l

–

those

shades

–

o

f

–

ghastly

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

warmly

try

–

t

o

–

erase

–

–

all

–

t

h

e

–

ways

–

t

h

e

y

–

made

–

y

o

u

–

ache . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

ways

–

t

h

e

y

–

made

–

y

o

u

–

break . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

d

o

w

n

–

–

–

to

–

t

h

e

–

most

stubborn

stain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

d

o

w

n

–

–

–

to

–

t

h

e

–

most

subtle

trace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

–

t

h

e

–

hurt

–

y

o

u

–

were

forced

–

t

o

–

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

for

all

–

o

f

–

the

misery . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

hostility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

daunting

defeat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ believe

me,

–

–

my

sweet

–

a

n

d

–

precious

dear . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ much

more

–

t

h

a

n

–

anything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me.

Reflection:

This was a poem which became popular in a unique way: usually, when I write and publish a poem it usually either catches on right away or it doesn’t. Well, this one caught on somewhat when I first released it – but for some reason got even more attention when people gave it a second look. I’m not sure why that happened, but it became even more popular the second time.

This poem might make you cry. Most anyone who has deeply loved another – especially the innocent who may have suffered in their past – will probably strongly relate to this poem and experience a powerful emotional response to it.

I wrote this poem in reflection of the movie “War Horse.” I used the music from the song “Adeline” by Alt-J, 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.

☆°▪︎ A SMILE OF STARSHINE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

into

.

a

.

smile

.

o

f

.

starshine,

–

–

when

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

those

–

–

soothing

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

those

–

–

soothing

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

filled

.

w

i

t

h

.

divine

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shimmering

styles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

midnight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

beamed

.

a

n

d

.

bounced

.

a

l

l

.

around

.

a

l

l

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

beamed

.

a

n

d

.

bounced

.

a

l

l

.

around

.

a

l

l

.

night

.

i

n

.

that

–

–

warming

wine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

that

–

–

warming

wine

.

o

f

.

stunning,

–

–

cosmic

design . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 All

night

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

kissed

.

b

y

.

that

moonlight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

night

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

warmed

.

b

y

.

those

dancing,

–

–

dazzling

dreams

.

o

f

.

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

into

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

I

.

looked

.

i

n

t

o

.

those

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

I

.

looked

.

i

n

t

o

.

those

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

very

–

–

first

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smiled.

Reflection: This was a popular romantic-themed poem I wrote back in June of 2020 about a romantic encounter in which there was an immediate attraction – it happens rarely for me but I’m sure it probably happens more often for others. I played two wonderful songs by Planetarium: “Mercury,” and “Saturn,” and the poem pretty much wrote itself from those (playing the songs repeatedly on low volume to create the “moodset” for the poem). If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ BEYOND THE ENTRANCE (OF THE PASSING TENSE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

You

say

.

y

o

u

.

feel

.

s

o

.

alone,

.

.

a

l

l

.

.

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

raw

.

a

n

d

.

rugged

road

.

t

o

.

the

unknown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

it

will

.

a

l

l

.

soon

.

b

e

.

shown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

feel

.

m

o

r

e

.

like

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

will

.

a

l

l

.

begin

.

t

o

.

make

sense . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

entrance

of

.

t

h

e

.

passing

tense . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

now

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

approaches

.

t

h

e

.

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

end,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

beginning,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

end,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

beginning,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

even

when

.

t

h

a

t

.

which

.

i

s

.

lost,

–

–

goes

where

.

i

t

.

might

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

there

.

a

r

e

.

always

reasons

.

t

o

.

hold

on

.

t

o

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

.

a

r

e

.

always

reasons

.

t

o

.

glimmer

.

a

n

d

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

matter

what

.

i

s

.

lost,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

where

.

i

t

.

might

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

always

know

.

t

h

e

.

fog

ahead

.

w

i

l

l

.

lift,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

someday

show

.

a

.

better

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

i

l

l

.

someday

show

.

a

.

better,

–

–

brighter

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

.

t

o

.

poetic

.

places

.

unknown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

open

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

open

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

.

t

o

.

poetic

places

.

y

o

u

.

never

dreamed

.

y

o

u

.

would

go.

Reflection: This was a inspirational/hope-themed poem I wrote back in June of 2020 where the affected party is having a difficult time seeing beyond a dismal present and past – not realizing that if he or she just continues down the road things will get better. I played the wonderful song “RIP” by Emily Haines in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.