It

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

easier

.

f

o

r

.

me,

.

.

i

f

.

.

we

.

w

e

r

e

.

never

.

t

o

.

meet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

easier

.

f

o

r

.

me,

.

.

i

f

.

.

you

.

h

a

d

.

told

.

m

e

.

you

.

wanted

.

t

o

.

be

.

s

o

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

only

.

yesterday

.

i

t

.

seemed,

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

traffic

.

lights

.

w

e

r

e

.

turning

.

green . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

traffic

.

lights

.

w

e

r

e

.

turning

.

green . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Only

.

yesterday

.

t

h

e

.

gardens

.

filled

.

w

i

t

h

.

you-s

.

a

n

d

.

me-s . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

seemed

.

t

o

.

r-e-a-c-h

.

f

o

r

.

eternity . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

seemed

.

t

o

.

r-e-a-c-h

.

f

o

r

.

eternity . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

today

.

intimate

.

depths,

–

–

feel

.

depressed,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

fill

.

w

i

t

h

.

emptiness,

.

.

a

s

.

.

sunflowers

.

t

h

a

t

.

danced

.

f

r

o

m

.

dawn

.

t

i

l

l

.

sunset,

–

–

bow

.

t

o

.

shades

.

o

f

.

remorse

.

a

n

d

.

regret . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

anyone

–

–

truly

.

expect

.

a

.

heart

.

t

o

.

flourish,

.

.

w

i

t

h

i

n

.

.

the

.

soils

.

o

f

.

neglect ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

anyone

–

–

truly

.

expect

.

t

o

.

play

.

a

.

p

a

r

t

.

beyond,

.

.

t

h

e

.

.

very

.

n

e

x

t

.

set ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

right

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

.

o

n

l

y

.

joy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

.

o

n

l

y

.

song . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

within

.

m

y

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

the

.

misery

  .

  s

   i

   n

   k

   i

   n

   g

(

    )

m

 e

      )

 (

    d

    e

    e

    p

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

sea

.

o

f

.

melancholy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ into

.

t

h

e

.

sea

.

o

f

.

melancholy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

there

.

i

s

.

where

.

y

o

u

.

will

.

f

i

n

d

.

me,

–

–

should

.

y

o

u

.

happen

.

t

o

.

wonder

.

w

h

a

t

.

became

.

o

f

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hope

.

y

o

u

.

recall

.

h

o

w

.

things,

–

–

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

befriend

.

loneliness

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hope

.

y

o

u

.

breathe

.

h

o

w

.

it

.

feels,

.

.

t

o

.

.

bleed

.

a

l

l

.

colors

.

o

f

.

hope,

.

.

f

r

o

m

.

.

the

.

shadows

.

o

f

.

a

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

only

.

then,

–

–

will

.

y

o

u

.

truly

.

know

.

h

o

w

.

it

.

feels

.

t

o

.

sink

.

s

o

.

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

to

.

j

u

s

t

.

want

.

t

o

.

let

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

just

.

want

.

t

o

.

let

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

.

I

.

believe

.

i

t

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

easier,

.

.

i

f

.

.

you

.

h

a

d

.

never

.

been

.

w

i

t

h

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

.

would

.

n

o

t

.

trade

.

t

h

e

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

.

scattered

.

pictures,

–

–

whispers,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

words.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2001 in reflection of a brief, but powerful romantic experience I had back then. I’ve had several experiences like this in my life as I’m sure many others have.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2001 in reflection of a passionate, exploratory, romantic encounter (someone with the initials J.C.) and the repeated false starts checkered by ups and downs and multiple engagements and retreats. It was such a brief but passionate, exciting experience that I would never trade. So, I am much more content with at least having had the experience rather than not.

Here’s the poem which comes from my book Burning . . . Burning Blue: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Steam.pdf

Reflection: This was a reflection-themed poem that I wrote back in August of 2001 in observation of the competitive “not invented here” attitudes that prevailed during my engineering career up until then. I was working the WARSIM program which competed against the JSIMS program, the SIMCI consortium, and such, and all of those ended up uncompleted just like so many other business “empires” back then. I also observed so many talented, dedicated, young, hardworking engineers who worked many, many hours to keep their team(s) on schedule and potentially out of work. I remember thinking at the time that if we just married our empires together, might we avoid having to destroy them all.

Here’s the poem which comes from my book Burning . . . Burning Blue: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Historys-Biggest-Joke.pdf

When

.

I

.

look

.

around

.

a

t

.

society’s

.

n

e

w

.

“!Look at me!”

.

kings

.

a

n

d

.

queens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

flaunting

.

conceit,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

conducting

.

selfish

.

d

e

e

d

s

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

shadows

.

o

f

.

backroom

.

scenes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

e

l

.

peace

.

i

n

.

knowing

.

t

h

a

t

.

after

.

a

l

l

.

these

.

years,

.

.

I

.

.

found

.

a

.

way

.

t

o

.

remain

.

true

.

t

o

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

being

.

swayed,

.

.

b

y

.

.

power

.

o

r

.

material

.

things . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

being

.

swayed,

.

.

b

y

.

.

power

.

o

r

.

material

.

things . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

while

.

a

t

.

times,

.

.

I

.

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

mentally

.

quarantine

.

t

h

e

.

smug

.

a

n

d

.

royal~t~e~a~s~e,

.

.

w

i

t

h

.

.

imaginary

.

fire

.

a

n

d

.

gasoline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

know

.

i

t

.

truly

.

does

.

n

o

t

.

matter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

does

.

n

o

t

.

matter

.

i

n

.

the

.

grand,

–

–

–

grand

–

–

scheme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

they

.

might

.

a

s

.

well

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

might

.

a

s

.

well

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

polished

.

concrete

.

i

n

.

hallway

.

décor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

cold,

.

marble

.

tiles

.

u

p

o

n

.

the

.

bathroom

.

floor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

y

.

mean . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

all

.

t

h

e

y

.

mean

.

t

o

.

me.

Reflection: This was a reflective-themed poem that I wrote back in August of 2001 in observation of some of the smug and self-important people I encountered from time to time.

I

.

c

a

n

.

never

.

seem

,

t

o

.

control

.

t

h

e

.

yearn,

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

whenever

.

I

.

f

e

e

l

.

even

.

t

h

e

.

slightest

.

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

scratch

.

i

t

.

until

.

i

t

.

burns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

scratch

.

i

t

.

until

.

i

t

.

burns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

o

n

l

y

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

o

n

l

y

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

enough

.

t

o

.

gain

.

release . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

enough

.

t

o

.

bring

.

m

e

.

peace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

enough

.

t

o

.

ease

.

t

h

e

.

yearnings

.

t

h

a

t

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ enough

.

t

o

.

ease

.

t

h

e

.

yearnings

.

t

h

a

t

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later,

.

.

I

.

.

cannot

.

f

i

n

d

.

my

.

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later,

.

.

I

.

.

cannot

.

place

.

m

y

.

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

please

.

t

e

l

l

.

me,

.

.

w

h

a

t

.

I’m

.

supposed

.

t

o

.

believe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

I’m

.

supposed

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

how

.

I’m

.

supposed

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

.

a

.

good

.

day ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it

.

s

e

e

m

s

.

I

.

haven’t

.

h

a

d

.

one

.

i

n

.

weeks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

months . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

even

.

years . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Have

.

I

.

become

.

l

o

s

t

.

again,

.

m

y

.

wayward

.

friend ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

it

.

s

e

e

m

s

.

today

.

could

.

b

e

.

the

.

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

today

.

could

.

b

e

.

the

.

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

please

.

s

i

n

g

.

another

.

prayer

.

f

o

r

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

upon

.

t

h

e

.

appeasing

.

ease

.

o

f

.

summer’s

.

breeze,

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

hear

.

.

emergency

.

vehicles

.

s-c-r-e-a-m . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

hear

.

.

emergency

.

vehicles

.

s-c-r-e-a-m . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

hear

.

.

emergency

.

vehicles

.

s-c-r-e-a-m . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

hear

.

.

emergency

.

vehicles

.

s-c-r-e-a-m . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(for me)

.

.

.

.

.

Spin

.

m

e

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Spin

.

m

e

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Spin

.

m

e

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

l

i

v

e

.

inside

.

a

.

carnival . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

although

.

I

.

know

.

m

y

.

world

.

w

i

l

l

.

forever

.

s

w

i

n

g

.

from:

 _{low . . .}to^{. . . high . . .} to_{. . . low}

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

can’t

.

l

e

t

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

j

u

s

t

.

can’t

.

l

e

t

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

.

o

n

l

y

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

o

n

l

y

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

enough

.

t

o

.

gain

.

release . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

enough

.

t

o

.

bring

.

m

e

.

peace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

enough

.

t

o

.

ease

.

t

h

e

.

yearnings

.

t

h

a

t

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Spin

.

m

e

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Spin

.

m

e

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Spin

.

m

e

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

tornadoes

.

begin

.

t

o

.

touch

.

down . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

everything

.

splinters

.

i

n

t

o

.

the

.

ground . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

memory

.

.

becomes

.

lost,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

never

.

found . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

spin

.

m

e

.

’round.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in August of 2001 where the affected party cannot resist or overcome the temptations, addictions, and compulsions that surround him or her – and ends up repeatedly waking up from his/her binges to chaos, darkness, confusion, and clutter. Good days happen at times but become increasingly rare – leading to additional binges in the attempt to temporarily escape the pain, chaos, and darkness. It becomes a lifelong, all-consuming struggle – and it seems the affected party will never be able to escape the forces of temptation, addiction, and compulsion. The struggle can represent any form of temptation, addiction, or compulsion: drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, obsessions, etc.

Take

.

a

.

look

.

at

.

t

h

e

.

“trailer trash . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

embody

.

“trailer trash”

.

values . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

wear

.

“trailer trash”

.

clothes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

dance

.

i

n

.

“trailer trash”

.

shoes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

drive

.

“trailer trash”

.

cars

.

.

d

o

w

n

.

.

“trailer trash”

.

roads . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ never

accumulating

.

anything

.

o

f

.

substantial

.

value

.

t

o

.

show . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Take

.

a

.

look

.

at

.

t

h

e

.

“trailer trash . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ well,

.

I

.

just

.

have

.

t

o

.

laugh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

laugh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

laugh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

laugh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

laugh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

laugh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

although,

.

that’s

.

a

l

l

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

past . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

know

.

those

.

t

h

a

t

.

have

.

“nothing,”

.

.

h

a

v

e

.

.

everything

.

t

o

.

give . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

those

.

going

.

“nowhere”

.

f

i

n

d

.

meaningful

.

reasons

.

t

o

.

live . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

any

.

t

i

m

e

.

I

.

l

o

o

k

.

back,

.

.

t

o

.

.

compare

.

m

y

.

new

.

life,

.

.

w

i

t

h

.

.

the

.

o

n

e

.

I

.

left

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ compare

my

.

n

e

w

.

life

.

comprised

.

o

f

.

individual~istics

.

a

n

d

.

material~istics . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ever

.

unable

.

t

o

.

decide,

–

–

which

.

t

o

.

sacrifice:

the

limelight

.

o

r

.

the

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

limelight

.

o

r

.

the

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

limelight

.

o

r

.

the

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

limelight

.

o

r

.

the

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

those

.

w

h

o

.

like

.

t

o

.

flaunt

.

t

h

e

.

latest

.

prize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

hide

.

behind

.

a

.

dramatic

.

n

e

w

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

armor

.

themselves

.

i

n

.

porcelain

.

pride,

.

.

n

o

t

.

.

resistant

.

enough

.

t

o

.

survive,

.

.

even

.

a

.

five

.

foot

.

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

I

.

cannot

.

fathom

.

t

h

e

.

reasons

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

when

.

I

.

l

o

o

k

.

behind

.

to

.

a

l

l

.

the

.

places

.

I

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

i

n

.

my

.

life,

–

–

that’s

.

w

h

e

n

.

I

.

realize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

was

.

n

o

t

.

bad . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

really

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

b

a

d

.

being

.

“trailer trash.”

Reflection: This was a reflective-themed poem that I wrote back in August of 2001 in memory of the former, more meager life I left behind juxtaposed against newer, “better” life I was living and the assumptions, misconceptions, and judgments of people who surrounded me towards those living under poorer conditions – people like me in the earlier days of my life. This poem was written in honor of all of those wonderful people that I knew back in those poorer, but still pleasant times.

The

.

g

i

f

t

.

presented

.

a

.

f

a

r

.

greater

.

reward

.

t

h

a

n

.

I

.

imagined

.

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

in

.

m

y

.

mind,

.

.

I

.

.

c

a

n

.

still

.

s

e

e

.

that

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

heart

.

overflowing

.

w

i

t

h

.

warming,

.

joyful

.

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

lifelong

.

d

r

e

a

m

.

suddenly

.

realized,

.

.

l

o

n

g

.

.

before

.

t

h

e

.

age,

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

youth

.

begins

.

t

o

.

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ long

before

.

t

h

e

.

age,

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

youth

.

begins

.

t

o

.

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

hope

.

h

e

.

will

.

take

.

a

.

moment

.

o

f

.

his

.

time,

.

.

t

o

.

.

push

.

h

i

s

.

worries

.

aside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

bathe

.

i

n

.

the

.

luster,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

.

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

know

.

i

t

.

may

.

never

.

g

e

t

.

better . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

it

.

m

a

y

.

never

.

g

e

t

.

better . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

in

.

t

h

e

.

place

.

where

.

h

e

.

stands

.

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

skies

.

never

brighter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

oceans

.

never

warmer . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

mood

.

never

higher . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

peace

.

never

lighter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

know

.

i

t

.

might

.

n-e-v-e-r,

–

–

feel

.

a

s

.

great

.

as

.

i

t

.

does

.

today,

.

.

s

o

.

.

I

.

pray

.

h

e

.

makes

.

t

h

e

.

most

.

o

f

.

it,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

waltzes

.

w

i

t

h

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

t

h

e

.

color

.

a

n

d

.

the

.

charm,

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

know

.

t

h

a

t

.

I

.

sure

.

will . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

.

g

i

f

t

.

presented

.

a

.

f

a

r

.

greater

.

reward

.

t

h

a

n

.

I

.

imagined

.

before.

Reflection: This was an inspirational/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in August of 2001 in reflection of a nice thing I did for someone to help him achieve his lifelong dream of owning his first home. It was such a wonderful experience for both of us and I am so happy to have been a part of that. It was the second of several big things I did for this person over the years who has been like family to me for the past 27 years. And his life has thrived as a result of these contributions and his own, dedicated efforts, and I could not be happier. One of the most rewarding things for me in life is believing in someone and helping him or her, and then for that person to start thriving on his/her own. I just LOVE it when that happens!

You

.

know

.

y

o

u

.

are

.

running

.

o

u

t

.

of

.

t

i

m

e

.

when,

.

.

what

.

y

o

u

.

do,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

what

.

y

o

u

.

say,

–

–

resembles

.

t

h

e

.

gray,

.

hollow

.

shape

.

o

f

.

good-bye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

gray,

.

hollow

.

shape

.

o

f

.

good-bye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

thought

.

I

.

might

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

thought

.

I

.

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

true

.

poet’s

.

savor

.

t

h

e

.

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

somber

.

reprise

.

o

f

.

twilight

.

t

i

d

e

s

.

gone

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

apologize

.

I

.

a

m

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

ordinary

.

guy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

.

l

o

o

k

.

forward

.

t

o

.

dismal

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

emotional

.

suicide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

to

.

truly

.

appreciate

.

t

h

e

.

joys

.

i

n

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

one

.

m

u

s

t

.

experience

.

n

o

t

.

only

.

t

h

e

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

also

.

t

h

e

.

lows

.

a

n

d

.

declines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sometimes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

for

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

for

weeks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

for

months . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

t

.

.

.

a

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You’re

.

leaving,

.

.

b

u

t

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

still

.

pretend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You’re

.

leaving,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

I

.

spin

.

i

n

t

o

.

chagrin . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

hold

.

i

t

.

in . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

know

.

y

o

u

.

are

.

running

.

o

u

t

.

of

.

t

i

m

e

.

when,

.

.

what

.

y

o

u

.

do,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

what

.

y

o

u

.

say,

–

–

resembles

.

t

h

e

.

gray,

.

hollow

.

shape

.

o

f

.

good-bye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

gray,

.

hollow

.

shape

.

o

f

.

good-bye.

Reflection: This was a melancholy-themed poem that I wrote back in July of 2001 where the contemplator tends to confront and ride the highs, and lows, and declines of life. We get the feeling he or she will never find true happiness living in that fashion – for those who surround the affected party are likely to disappear and distance themselves over time.

You

.

w

e

r

e

.

just

.

a

.

common,

–

–

ordinary

.

guy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ just

a

.

common,

–

–

ordinary

.

guy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

y

o

u

.

removed

.

t

h

e

.

shirt

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

disguised

.

t

h

e

.

rigid

.

a

n

d

.

tight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

rigid

.

a

n

d

.

tight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

which

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

ignite

.

a

n

d

.

amplify

.

.

t

h

e

.

.

want

.

within

.

m

y

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Haunting

.

reflections

.

a

n

d

.

recollections

.

fill

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

.

fill

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

.

fill

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

.

fill

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

through

.

t

h

e

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

through

.

t

h

e

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

I

.

realize,

.

.

y

o

u

.

.

were

.

never

.

a

.

common,

.

ordinary

.

guy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

.

g

u

y

.

meant

.

t

o

.

satisfy

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

lustful

.

yearning,

–

–

within

.

waters

.

o

f

.

forbidden

.

desire . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ within

.

waters

.

o

f

.

forbidden

.

desire . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

submerge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

submerge . . .

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

submerge . . .

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

submerge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

submerge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

submerge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

taunting,

.

teasing,

–

–

warming

.

tides

.

o

f

.

moral

.

compromise.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in June of 2001 in reflection of an exciting, passionate, wondrous experience I had with a (supposedly) straight man many years ago. It was yet another brief but passionate, wonderful experience that I would never trade.

Michael

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

tried,

–

–

dressing

.

professionally

.

w

i

t

h

.

shirt

.

a

n

d

.

tie

.

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ he

dressed

.

w

i

t

h

.

shirt

.

a

n

d

.

tie

.

pride,

–

–

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

.

workday,

.

.

s

o

.

.

he

.

might

.

someday,

–

–

earn

.

a

.

dollar

.

raise

.

o

n

.

top

.

o

f

.

his

.

minimum

.

wage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

earn

.

a

.

dollar

.

raise

.

o

n

.

top

.

o

f

.

minimum

.

wage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

no

.

o

n

e

.

seemed

.

t

o

.

notice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

seemed

.

t

o

.

appreciate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

t

i

l

l

–

–

–

I

.

admired

.

h

i

m

.

anyway,

–

–

just

.

f

o

r

.

having

.

t

h

e

.

faith . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

admired

.

h

i

m

.

just

.

f

o

r

.

having

.

t

h

e

.

faith . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Michael

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

tried,

–

–

striving

.

t

o

.

reach

.

dreams

.

t

h

a

t

.

drifted

.

above

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

he

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

make

.

a

n

y

.

compromise,

–

–

working

.

a

l

l

.

hours

.

o

f

.

the

.

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights,

–

–

because

.

h

e

.

knew

.

h

e

.

would

.

n

e

v

e

r

.

capitalize

.

otherwise,

–

–

without

.

making

.

s

o

m

e

.

sacrifice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ without

making

.

s

o

m

e

.

changes

.

i

n

.

his

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

he

.

came

.

t

o

.

realize

.

t

h

e

r

e

.

was

.

n

o

.

other,

.

.

o

n

.

.

which

.

h

e

.

could

.

rely . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no

other

.

w

h

o

.

might

.

help

.

h

i

m

.

arrive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

watched

.

h

i

m

.

grow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

watched

.

h

i

m

.

grow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

watched

.

h

i

m

.

grow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

.

a

.

caring,

.

young

.

man,

.

.

w

h

o

.

.

knew

.

how

.

t

o

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

an

.

independent

.

m

a

n

.

who

.

needed

.

n

o

t

.

anyone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ who

needed

.

n

o

t

.

anyone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Michael

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

tried,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

there

.

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

t

i

m

e

.

when

.

I

.

.

.

.

.

.

w

a

s

.

.

.

a

.

large

.

part

.

o

f

.

his

.

life . . .

.

.

.

.

.

.

w

a

s

.

.

.

a

.

large

.

part

.

o

f

.

his

.

smile . . .

.

.

.

.

.

.

w

a

s

.

.

.

a

.

large

.

part

.

o

f

.

his

.

future . . .

.

.

.

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

a

.

large

.

part

.

o

f

.

his

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

never

.

d

i

d

.

I

.

realize,

.

.

h

e

.

.

would

.

m

a

k

e

.

retrospection

.

shine

.

s

o

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ never

.

d

i

d

.

I

.

realize,

.

.

a

l

l

.

.

the

.

while,

.

.

h

o

w

.

.

deeply

.

h

e

.

loved

.

w

h

e

n

.

he

.

w

a

s

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ how

.

deeply

.

h

e

.

loved

.

w

h

e

n

.

he

.

w

a

s

.

mine:

–

–

–

.

.

.

Michael

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

took

.

t

h

e

.

time

.

t

o

.

polish

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

moment . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

savor

.

every

.

w

o

r

d

.

that

.

w

a

s

.

spoken . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ leaving

.

t

h

e

.

lamplight

.

t

o

.

linger

.

i

n

.

adoration,

.

.

j

u

s

t

.

.

so

.

h

e

.

could

.

cherish

.

a

n

d

.

adMire . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

we

.

.

f

e

l

l

.

.

into

.

t

h

a

t

.

deep,

.

a

n

d

.

peaceful

.

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Michael

.

w

o

k

e

.

early

.

mornings

.

s

o

.

he

.

c

o

u

l

d

.

tenderly

.

w

a

k

e

.

me

.

f

r

o

m

.

my

.

sleep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

rushing

.

o

f

f

.

to

.

t

h

a

t

.

second

.

j

o

b

.

which

.

h

e

.

worked,

.

.

o

n

l

y

.

.

so

.

h

e

.

could

.

provide

.

n

i

c

e

.

things

.

f

o

r

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

whenever

.

o

u

r

.

lips

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

meet,

.

.

h

e

.

.

kissed

.

a

s

.

if

.

every

.

second

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

be

.

t

h

e

.

last . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

.

h

e

.

looked . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

h

e

.

looked

.

a

t

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

only . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

.

Michael

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

tried . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

someday

.

I

.

hope

.

h

e

.

will

.

realize,

.

.

h

o

w

.

.

much

.

I

.

cherish

.

t

h

e

.

garden

.

vines

.

h

e

.

selflessly

.

planted . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

–

–

white,

–

–

ruby,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

violet,

.

springtime

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

–

–

white,

–

–

ruby,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

violet,

.

springtime

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

which

.

forever

.

charm

.

.

m

y

.

.

eyes,

.

.

m

y

.

.

heart,

–

–

even

.

o

n

.

days

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

strive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

.

o

n

.

days

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

strive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

lose

.

t

h

e

i

r

.

grace,

–

–

shimmer,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shine.

Reflection: This was a forgotten reflective-themed poem that I wrote back in June of 2009 in loving memory and appreciation of a wonderful friend (and a former romantic partner). I was very awkward and had so many things to learn back in our earlier days together. I hope this poem does him justice and helps him to realize just how much he meant to me and how greatly I loved, cherished, and appreciated him over the years.