Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

☆°▪︎ MARTINI MOONS (AND SPINNING ROOMS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

tunes

.

o

f

.

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

beauty

.

i

n

.

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

dancing

shoes

.

a

n

d

.

candlelight

fondues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

peruse

.

a

n

d

.

pursue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

move

.

i

n

.

tune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

tune

.

a

s

.

two . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

.

t

h

e

.

warmth

.

i

s

.

still

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

spinning

rooms . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

“mon~

swoons . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

martini

moons . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

passionate

reds

.

a

n

d

.

soothing

blues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

sunny

afternoons

.

a

n

d

.

barbecues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

something

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you.

Reflection: This is a fun, simple romantic-themed poem that I wrote in reflection of two things that happened recently: 

1. A few days ago, a young someone stopped me during my run, paid me a nice compliment, and asked for my phone number. I was very surprised – but it was a nice gesture. It made me smile  remembering that I did things like that when I was younger – I really miss those days.

2. A discussion I had with a friend regarding how in the days of youth we tend to be much more open and receptive, and it was not only much easier to experience loves and likes, but it happened much more frequently (it certainly did with me). My friend had commented about how difficult it was to help “save” young people from experiencing heartbreaks and making youthful blunders with respect to loves, likes, and such. But I gently countered that sometimes even the shakiest relationships in the beginning end up surviving and thriving over the longer term and that having such experiences at an early age probably increases the likelihood of eventually being able to establish a happy, solid, relationship that lasts. 

In my younger days, I was much more open, observant, curious, and impressionable, was easily moved and inspired, and found most everyone interesting in unique ways which I greatly appreciated. Many of those people I deeply respected and looked up to.

Sometimes when writing poetry if I can’t find the right words, I make up new ones. Such was the case in this poem with the made up word “mon~swoons” which really seemed to work and fit.

I played the song, “Young at Heart” by Frank Sinatra in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ WHEN HEROES BECOME GHOSTS ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Who

do

.

y

o

u

.

turn

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

pale

glimmers

.

o

f

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

pitiful

places

.

n

o

.

one

.

e

l

s

e

.

dares

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you’re

lost

.

a

n

d

.

cannot

find

.

t

h

a

t

.

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

road

.

b

a

c

k

.

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Who

do

.

y

o

u

.

turn

to ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Who

do

.

y

o

u

.

turn

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

r

.

dreamships

.

o

f

.

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

become

littered

.

w

i

t

h

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

lean

.

o

n

.

fake

alibis . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

lean

.

o

n

.

fake

alibis . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

they

capsize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

capsize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

capsize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

capsize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

lies

lean

.

o

n

.

fake

alibis . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Who

do

.

y

o

u

.

turn

to ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Who

do

.

y

o

u

.

turn

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

heroes

.

b

e

c

o

m

e

.

ghosts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

heroes

.

b

e

c

o

m

e

.

ghosts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

echoes

surround

.

a

n

d

.

swallow

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Echoes

surround

.

a

n

d

.

swallow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Echoes

surround

.

a

n

d

.

swallow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Echoes

surround

.

a

n

d

.

swallow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

remind

.

y

o

u

.

you’re

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You’re

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You’re

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You’re

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

heroes

.

b

e

c

o

m

e

.

ghosts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

echoes

surround

.

a

n

d

.

swallow

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

everyone

.

w

a

n

t

s

.

a

.

hero

.

t

o

.

hold . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

.

w

a

n

t

s

.

a

.

hero

.

t

o

.

hold . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

.

w

a

n

t

s

.

a

.

hero

.

t

o

.

hold . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

pale

glimmers

.

o

f

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

pitiful

places

.

n

o

.

one

.

e

l

s

e

.

dares

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you’re

lost

.

a

n

d

.

cannot

find

.

t

h

a

t

.

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

road

.

b

a

c

k

.

home.

Reflection: 

This is a melancholy-themed poem that I wrote in reflection of those who might have inspired, supported, or guided us in life – they might have been family members, friends, romantic partners, co-workers, teachers, or even artists/celebrities who moved us in some way. Those who have been most fortunate have had certain kinds of “heroic” figures consistently throughout their entire lives – while others may have only had them for specific parts of their lives – until they perhaps came to realize their “heroes” were not as perfect as initially thought. In either case, it can really weigh on us when our heroes become ghosts – whether through death, distance, delusion, or disappointment. When I was much younger, I was very impressionable and had several people that I deeply respected and looked up to. Sometimes, I really miss those days – “heroes” seem much harder to find here in my later years.

I was saddened by the death of Robert Redford who was a unique role model for so many, and I used that to help drive the writing of this poem. I played the haunting gem of a song, “Nihilist Abyss” by Emily Haines & Soft Skeleton in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ PLACES BEYOND REACH (I DREAM) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you’re

.

h

e

r

e

.

with

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

everything

finds

.

i

t

s

.

peace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

nice,

–

–

neat,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

clean . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ it

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

lock-in

lines

.

o

f

.

what

.

a

.

good

life

.

i

s

.

supposed

.

t

o

.

mean . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ it

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream

. 

o

f

.

places

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream

.

o

f

.

experiences

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

extreme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you’re

.

h

e

r

e

.

with

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

everything

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

its

peace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote where the affected party gets a little restless (and perhaps even a little reckless) when things perfectly align and his/her life finds it’s stride and starts going pretty fine overall. The urges that can arise in such lull periods of time are frequently the reason relationships do not last for some people.

For something different, I tuned into a 1970s radio station today and a past favorite song of mine was playing: “Take it to the Limit” by The Eagles. The lyric: “And when you’re looking for your freedom (nobody seems to care)” stuck with me. So, I started with “freedom” as the general theme for this poem which is something I greatly value and that strongly resonates with me. I played the above Eagles song in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ LOVE ON THE LINE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

climbs

.

a

n

d

.

dives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

lows

.

a

n

d

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

lows

.

a

n

d

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

pretend

everything

.

i

s

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

.

i

s

.

fine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

sometimes

.

j

u

s

t

.

alright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

.

i

s

.

fine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

sometimes

.

j

u

s

t

.

alright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

–

–

–

decide

.

t

o

.

be

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

–

–

–

cannot

find

.

t

h

e

.

warming

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

air

is

.

t

o

o

.

tight,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

lanes

.

t

o

o

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

walking

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

walking

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hide.

Reflection: This is romantic-themed poem where the affected parties in a once warm and passionate romance cannot seem to close the distance in a relationship that gets dimmer and colder over time. We get the feeling the clouds of bitterness, loneliness, and despair will continue to darken and consume until the relationship finally ends. I wrote much of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gems of songs: “Good Love” by Zola Blood and “Birdsong” by Claptone featuring Zola Blood. I played these songs in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

HAPPINESS TIP: DEFEAT ANXIETY EARLY ON

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I used to have a lot of anxiety. The one thing that really helped me was coming to the realization that 99% of the things we worry about never happen, and the 1% that do, we deal with much better than we expect or help comes from places we did not anticipate.

One important thing about anxiety is you want to try to deal with it while it is in the thinking stages by choosing more positive thoughts, using meditation techniques, or using some other positive/relaxation-based approaches. Once anxiety gets into your body, it will stay with you until you do rigorous physical exercise to get rid of it. So, don’t ruin your entire days by holding on to anxiety. Take steps to get rid of it – the sooner the better.

Here are three things which might be helpful for dealing with anxiety:

1. https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/happiness-tip-focus-on-what-you-want-instead-of-what-you-dont/,

2. https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/happiness-success-tip-instead-of-finding-ways-to-live-with-stress-and-negativity-change-the-thoughts-and-behaviors-which-lead-to-it/, and

3. https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/how-to-defeat-any-distress-without-dope-drinks-drugs-debt-or-doctors/

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help-oriented books and posts: 

PUBLISHED BOOKS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

CREATING GREATER HAPPINESS-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/personal-improvement-development-and-growth-related-posts/

CREATING A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/financial-planning-management-and-investing-related-posts/

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

☆°▪︎ A MOON TOO FULL (OF BLUE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

It

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

moon

.

t

o

o

.

full . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

moon

.

t

o

o

.

full

.

o

f

.

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

we

.

w

e

r

e

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

seemed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

a

n

d

.

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

seemed

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

though

.

t

h

e

.

moon’s

.

t

o

o

.

full . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

though

.

t

h

e

.

moon’s

.

t

o

o

.

full . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

knowing

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ knowing

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

leave

.

h

e

r

e

.

soon.

Reflection: This is a melancholy-themed poem where the affected party does not feel as wanted, needed, or loved by someone he or she would like to be closer to. It could be a family member, friend, or romantic partner. We get the feeling the affected party is willing to do anything to close the distance, but that time is getting short, and reconciliation elusive. I’ve had multiple experiences like this in my life as I’m sure many people have. Sometimes, all you can do is your best in doing your part – knowing you never control the end result. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, gem of a song “WXW” by 1st Base Runner which I played in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

ALWAYS USE QUIET PERIODS OF THE STOCK MARKET TO REFINE TECHNIQUES AND PREPARE TO CAPITALIZE ON OPPORTUNITIES

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Whenever I don’t have much going on in the stock market I use this as an opportunity to refine my overall techniques. For example, I just added VTI to the list of major stock market indexes I regularly track. The VTI is the total stock market index – sometimes it slightly outperforms the S&P 500 Index (the S&P 500 is about 80% of the total stock market), and other times the opposite happens. Both of these indexes suffer from concentration risk where the top 10 (or so) large cap stocks dominate – some investors/economists are greatly concerned about the concentration risk while others believe it’s appropriate since that is where most of the earnings growth is.

To help address the concentration risk of the S&P 500 and VTI, I am going to also add VTV (value stocks of large companies) and RSP (an equal weighted version of the S&P 500 Index) to my list of major stock market indexes I regularly track.

It’s always a productive use of time during quieter periods in the stock market to prepare for the next big move. Once a substantial decline happens – whenever that happens – I’ll be well-prepared to capitalize on it. I’ve updated my buy (https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/) and sell (https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-selling-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/) strategies to reflect the above changes.

You can learn about all of my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing. So, use any downtime you might have to your advantage by gaining this knowledge and learning these skills and techniques (https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and…/).

Also, you can read all about my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities.

I wish you much success in creating a brighter financial future for yourself, your loved ones, and those who follow!

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

☆°▪︎ WHEN YOU KNEW ME THEN ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

When

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it

felt

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

never

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

felt

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

never

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

smiles

.

o

f

.

sunshine

.

a

n

d

.

summertime . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

r

e

–

–

–

not

.

a

s

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

not

.

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

y

o

u

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

.

h

i

d

e

.

right

.

i

n

.

front

.

o

f

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

right

.

i

n

.

front

.

o

f

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sometimes

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ sometimes

they

.

h

i

d

e

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then.

Reflection: This is a melancholy-themed poem that came into being rather quickly. The opening lines came to me and the poem pretty much wrote itself from those. The poem largely reflects the naivety of my youth – I was able to like, love, and trust so easily back then. I sometimes miss the warmly open, happy, smiley, fun-spirited person I used to be but realize the difficult life lessons had to be learned.

☆°▪︎ THE ESCAPE FAKE-N-FADE (SO CHARMING IN THEIR WAYS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Users

.

a

n

d

.

abusers

.

c

a

n

.

be

.

s

o

.

charming

.

i

n

.

their

ways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ users

.

a

n

d

.

abusers

.

attract

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

volcanic

vibrations . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

soothing

sensations . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

every

.

.

o

f

.

.

these . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

.

w

h

e

n

.

boarding

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

.

w

h

e

n

.

boarding

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

knowing

.

t

h

e

.

destination

.

w

i

l

l

.

remain

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

users

.

a

n

d

.

abusers

.

c

a

n

.

be

.

s

o

.

charming

.

i

n

.

their

ways.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that came into being after watching and reflecting on a recent Netflix movie: “On Swift Horses.” I sometimes never know when poetic inspiration will come – but it did today. The opening lines came to me and the poem pretty much wrote itself from there. I’m sure many people will be able to relate to this poem as many of us have probably had life experiences where we become drawn to that which is not good for us: craving the attention, passions, and experiences of the moment – even when they do not last.

☆°▪︎ CONSUMED BY THE CRACKS ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

There

might

.

b

e

.

times

.

when

.

t

h

e

.

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

black . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

cracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

as

night

arrives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

find

.

.

I

still

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy

.

t

h

e

.

peace

.

a

n

d

.

confidence

.

I

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

Illusions

.

a

r

e

.

charming

.

a

n

d

.

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

time

.

i

s

.

kind,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

fantasies

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

everything

aligns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

you

see

.

t

h

e

.

me

.

e

y

e

s

.

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

m

e

.

seen

.

a

l

l

.

the

while . . .

–

–

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.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while

.

I

.

live

.

t

h

e

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while

.

I

.

hide

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while

.

I

.

try

.

t

o

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

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.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

minutes

more

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

the

.

n

e

w

.

arrives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

minutes

more

.

u

n

t

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l

.

the

me

.

e

y

e

s

.

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later

.

t

h

e

.

deep

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later

regrets

.

i

t

.

every

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

strive

.

t

o

.

rewrite

.

t

h

e

.

lines

.

a

n

d

.

signs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

strive

.

t

o

.

rewrite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

black . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

cracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

for

.

n

o

w

.

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

cast

.

i

t

.

all

aside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

cast

.

i

t

.

all

aside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

as

night

arrives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

find

.

I

.

still

.

c

a

n

.

buy.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote where the affected party repeatedly struggles with the ups and downs and fears and declines of a relentless, negative addiction or compulsion cycle. This poem was initially inspired by the song “Image” by Magdalena Bay and was refined listening to this song as well as two other songs “Waiting for the Night” by Depeche Mode and “Drifter” by Siouxsie & the Banshees. I played these songs on repeat rotation, at low volume, in the background 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.