Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

☆°▪︎ A CRY OF SUNSHINE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

feel

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

–

–

first

touch

.

o

f

.

sunshine,

–

–

felt

.

i

n

.

a

very

–

–

long

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

first

touch

.

o

f

.

sunshine,

–

–

felt

.

i

n

.

a

long

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

hear

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

soothing

song

–

–

that

makes

.

y

o

u

.

smile,

.

a

n

d

.

sing

along . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

soothing

song

–

–

that

makes

.

y

o

u

.

smile,

.

a

n

d

.

sing

along . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

see

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

warm

tears

.

o

f

.

hope,

–

–

when

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone

.

a

n

d

.

wandered

far

–

–

from

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

wandered

far

–

–

from

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

recognize

–

–

a

friendly,

–

–

familiar

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

recognize

–

–

a

friendly,

–

–

familiar

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

breathe

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

warming,

–

–

welcome

scent

.

o

f

.

the

place

.

y

o

u

.

used

.

t

o

.

go

.

t

o

.

slow,

.

a

n

d

.

let

your

–

–

spirit

show . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

place

.

y

o

u

.

used

.

t

o

.

go

.

t

o

.

let

your

–

–

spirit

show . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every

–

–

type

.

o

f

.

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

remains

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

the

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

remains

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

the

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

feel

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hear

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

see

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

breathe

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

 ~ every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

remains

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

the

time.

Reflection: This is an uplifting, inspirational poem I wrote about hope, mindfulness, optimism, and appreciation. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Cold Comfort” by STRFKR 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.

☆°▪︎ THE NIGHTS OF WINE, RHYME, AND STARSHINE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Smiles

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies

.

o

f

.

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

those

–

–

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ beneath

those

–

–

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

time

.

w

a

s

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

lies

.

w

e

r

e

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ Yes,

time

.

w

a

s

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

lies

.

w

e

r

e

.

kind

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

spinning

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ beneath

.

t

h

e

.

spinning

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

those

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

smiles

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

starshine.

Reflection: This is a reflective poem looking back on the days of youth where everything was new and in bloom. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gem of a song “Disco Girls” by Glosser which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (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.

☆°▪︎ A PALE GLOW OF HOPE (THAT SWALLOWS THE SOUL) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more

.

t

h

a

n

.

this . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

waiting

around

.

f

o

r

.

the

next

–

–

way

.

t

o

.

drown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

racing

ahead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ than

racing

ahead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

that

burning

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

t

o

.

find

.

t

h

a

t

.

every

–

–

road,

–

–

leads

.

t

o

.

a

.

newer

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Your

every

–

–

road

–

–

leads

.

t

o

.

a

.

newer

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Your

every

–

–

road

–

–

leads

.

t

o

.

a

.

newer

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow

.

o

f

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more

.

t

h

a

n

.

this . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

hanging

on

.

t

o

.

a

song

.

y

o

u

.

know

.

i

s

.

wrong . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

song

.

y

o

u

.

know

.

i

s

.

wrong . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

still

can’t

–

–

move

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

.

y

o

u

.

can’t

–

–

move

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

can

do

.

i

s

.

hang

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

next

–

–

way

.

t

o

.

drown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

those

–

–

roads,

–

–

leading

.

t

o

.

newer

lows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

glow

.

o

f

.

hope

.

t

h

a

t

.

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

a

song

–

–

I

know

.

i

s

.

wrong.

Reflection: This was a forgotten but moving personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in November of 2023 where the affected party cannot seem to find a path to longstanding joy, peace, and happiness. He/she repeatedly experiences the lows of life in multiple ways but there is hope in that the sufferer is still holding on and might find a way to create brighter future at some point.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gem of a song “Politik” by Coldplay which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (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.

A BREAK IN THE CLOUDS: THE RETURN OF LOW-RISK SAFE HAVEN INVESTMENTS VIA THE BOND MARKET

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

For the first time in nearly 3 years, I am starting to return to the “low-risk, safe haven” bond market and bond fund/ETF investments. I wrote about the risks previously in January/February 2021 (TWO BIG INVESTMENT CONCERNS RIGHT NOW: RISING BOND RATES AND RISING INFLATION | BRIGHTER DAYS LIFE COACHING® and STORM CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON: THE BOND MARKETS AND THE “LOW-RISK SAFE HAVEN” FACADE | BRIGHTER DAYS LIFE COACHING®). Since writing those posts nearly three years ago, longer-term bonds and bond funds/ETFs have dropped 46% which is very unusual for the bond market when considering its longer-term history as a low-risk, safe haven investment – these losses are more typical of a stock market decline than a bond market decline. Due to this outsized drop and other factors, longer-term bonds and bond funds/ETFs have now become very attractive in my opinion – and I will continue buying into them on any future weakness.

Some of the reasons I think longer-term bonds and bond funds/ETFs might be a good investment going forward include the following:

1) The high interest rates (and the corresponding low bond prices since interest rates and prices on bonds are inversely related) is likely to make the United States (and other nations) inclined to provide less fiscal support and/or higher taxation in future years due to the higher cost of servicing debt – inflation would be another contributor to this,

2) The hesitancy of the Federal Reserve to provide as much economic support in the future as they have in the past in terms of interest rate reductions and Quantitative Easing (QE) for buying bonds and such,

3) a deteriorating economy and corporate earnings due to the combination of the above two factors which is likely (at some point) to result in substantial stock market declines and corresponding gains in low-risk, safe haven investments such as bonds and bond funds/ETFs. Much of the gains experienced in the stock market tend to be earnings, economy, and policy related.

These are some of things I’m seeing on the horizon right now. Lots of things to ponder and position for – especially since historical, low-risk, safe haven investments seem to be poised to regain their previous luster in the years to come. As such, perhaps one of the better longer-term investment strategies might be to start buying into longer term bonds and bond funds/ETFs.

For perspective, take a look at the 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year treasury yields (prices move in the opposite direction of yields) which had been falling for 40 about years but are now starting to normalize a bit. The last time they went up consistently was during the 1960s and 1970s but are now starting to rise again.

The bottom line is the prices of bonds and bond funds/ETFs are starting to normalize a bit which means substantial gains could be experienced by bond market and bond fund/ETF investors in the years to come. So, it might be wise to start positioning accordingly.

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 and gain key investing insights and skills (https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books…/).

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!

#finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #success #bonds #bondmarket

☆°▪︎ MOMENTS IN BETWEEN (THE SPEEDING SCREENS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

speed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

!speed!

–

–

–

!!speed!!

–

–

–

!!!speed!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

we

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

glossy

scenes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

reali~

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

burning

beliefs

.

o

f

.

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ of

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

racing

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

dimming

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

fantasies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

racing

after

–

–

dimming

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

fantasies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

speed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

!speed!

–

–

–

!!speed!!

–

–

–

!!!speed!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

we

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

–

t

o

–

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between.

Reflection: 

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

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

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

☆°▪︎ THE WINGMAN ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

When

you

–

–

have

fallen

.

t

o

.

the

floor,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

then

you

.

f

a

l

l

.

some

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

lost

.

i

t

.

all,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

are

crushed

–

–

against

.

t

h

e

.

wall . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

everything

–

–

once

firm

–

–

begins

.

t

o

.

blur,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

you

feel

.

n

o

.

longer

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

want

.

s

o

.

much

.

t

o

.

die,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

–

–

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ready

.

t

o

.

heave,

.

a

n

d

.

lift,

.

a

n

d

.

pull

.

t

h

e

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shine

.

a

.

smiling,

–

–

warming,

–

–

guiding

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

dust

.

a

n

d

.

dirt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

twists

.

a

n

d

.

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

harms

.

a

n

d

.

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

those

–

–

that

still

–

–

haunt

.

a

n

d

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

those

–

–

that

still

–

–

haunt

.

a

n

d

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

can

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

can

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

can

–

–

roll

.

a

n

d

.

whip

–

–

f

r

o

m

–

–

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

there

will

–

–

never

.

b

e

.

too

wide

.

a

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

too

deep

.

a

.

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me

.

t

o

.

let

go

.

o

f

.

that

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

grip

.

i

t

.

tight,

–

–

with

.

a

l

l

.

my

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

hold

.

t

h

a

t

.

line,

–

–

until

.

t

h

e

.

end

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

hold

.

t

h

a

t

.

line,

–

–

until

.

t

h

e

.

end

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

you

–

–

come

out

.

t

h

e

.

other

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

–

–

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ready

.

t

o

.

heave,

.

a

n

d

.

lift,

.

a

n

d

.

pull

.

t

h

e

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shine

.

a

.

smiling,

–

–

warming,

–

–

guiding

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

might

.

b

e

.

the

quiet

type,

–

–

b

u

t

–

–

I

have

.

a

.

watchful

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

have

.

a

.

watchful

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

listen

.

f

o

r

.

the

faintest

slight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

listen

.

f

o

r

.

the

faintest

slight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

those

who

fly

–

–

too

wide

left

.

o

r

.

too

wide

right,

–

–

might

.

b

e

.

surprised

.

t

o

.

find

–

–

they

are

.

o

n

.

the

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

might

.

b

e

.

surprised

.

t

o

.

find

–

–

they

are

.

o

n

.

the

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

a

smile

–

–

draws

tight

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

the

eyes

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

smile

–

–

draws

tight

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

the

eyes

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

against

the

–

–

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

fallen

.

t

o

.

the

floor,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

then

you

.

f

a

l

l

.

some

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

lost

.

i

t

.

all,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

are

crushed

–

–

against

.

t

h

e

.

wall . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

everything

–

–

once

firm

–

–

begins

.

t

o

.

blur,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

you

feel

.

n

o

.

longer

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

want

.

s

o

.

much

.

t

o

.

die,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

.

a

.

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time.

Reflection:

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

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

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

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

☆°▪︎ A SENTIMENTAL SMILE (WIDE ACROSS THE DAYLIGHT) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

remember

–

–

when

time

–

–

was

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

–

–

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

you

–

–

were

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

you

–

–

were

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

smiled

.

w

I

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

when

–

–

silly

dreams

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb

–

–

sentimental

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

–

–

would

skip,

.

a

n

d

.

dance,

.

a

n

d

.

climb

–

–

sentimental

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight

.

o

f

.

all

–

–

which

could

.

g

o

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight

.

o

f

.

all

–

–

which

could

.

g

o

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

mile,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

high,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

high,

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

across

.

t

h

e

.

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all

–

–

which

could

.

g

o

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

that

wonderful,

–

–

wondrous

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

wonderful,

–

–

wondrous

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

which

now

–

–

only

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

now

–

–

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

now

–

–

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

now

–

–

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sighs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

remember

–

–

when

time

–

–

was

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

–

–

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

a

n

d

.

smiled

.

w

i

t

h

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

you

–

–

were

mine.

Reflection: 

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

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

☆°▪︎ TO IGNITE A LIFE (A DETERMINED DRIVE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

To

climb

–

f

r

o

m

–

the

deepest,

–

–

darkest

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

try

–

–

even

when

–

–

badly

beat

–

a

n

d

–

barely

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

fight

–

f

o

r

–

every

inch

–

o

f

–

each

merciless

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

raise

–

–

a

head

high

–

i

n

–

the

daylight

–

–

w

i

t

h

–

–

a

strong

sense

–

o

f

–

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

I

–

will

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

–

that

will

–

b

e

–

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

life

–

–

built

beyond

–

t

h

e

–

relentless

plight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

life

–

–

created

–

b

y

–

supreme

sacrifice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

life

–

–

fueled

–

b

y

–

determined

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

won’t

–

b

e

–

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ No, I

won’t

–

b

e

–

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

climb

–

f

r

o

m

–

the

deepest,

–

–

darkest

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

try

–

–

even

when

–

–

badly

beat

–

a

n

d

–

barely

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

fight

–

f

o

r

–

every

inch

–

o

f

–

each

merciless

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

To

raise

–

–

a

head

high

–

i

n

–

the

daylight

–

–

w

i

t

h

–

–

a

strong

sense

–

o

f

–

pride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

I

–

will

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

–

i

s

–

the

life

–

–

that

will

–

b

e

–

mine.

Reflection:

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

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

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

☆°▪︎ REASONS TO RHYME (LAUGHING AT THE LINES) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The

inverted

smile

.

i

n

.

the

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

there

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise,

.

o

r

.

search

.

f

o

r

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise,

.

o

r

.

search

.

f

o

r

.

lies,

–

–

behind

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

where

.

a

n

d

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ behind

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

where

.

a

n

d

.

why,

–

–

they

might

–

–

possibly

try

.

t

o

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

no

need

.

t

o

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

search

.

f

o

r

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

inverted

smile

.

i

n

.

the

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

reminds

me

.

o

f

.

the

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

I

.

.

could

love

.

a

n

d

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

like

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

laughing

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

.

could

love

.

a

n

d

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

like

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

laughing

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

laugh

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

laugh

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

laugh

.

a

t

.

the

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

find

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme

.

w

i

t

h

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

would

–

–

find

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme

.

w

i

t

h

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

past

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

that

–

–

past

paradise

.

o

f

.

love

.

a

n

d

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

like

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

finding

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

finding

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

finding

reasons

.

t

o

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

each

–

a

n

d

–

every

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ both

inside

.

a

n

d

.

outside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

laughing

.

a

t

.

the

lines.

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

☆°▪︎ UNTIL TODAY (A SMILE IN THE SEGUE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

see

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

.

i

t

.

would

always

–

–

remain

.

t

h

i

s

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

see

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

the

electric,

–

–

eclectic

colors

.

o

f

.

the

past

–

–

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned

.

i

n

t

o

.

embers

.

o

f

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

blurred

.

a

n

d

.

burned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

embers

.

o

f

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

thought

.

i

t

.

would

always

–

–

remain

.

t

h

i

s

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

thought

.

i

t

.

would

always

–

–

remain

.

t

h

i

s

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

–

–

I

would

–

–

never

.

s

e

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

today

–

–

when

a

face

–

–

without

a

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sent

a

smile

.

o

f

.

playful

grace,

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace,

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

escape

–

–

my

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

saying

.

i

n

.

the

segue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

everything

–

–

would

.

b

e

.

okay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

–

–

would

.

b

e

.

okay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

said

a

smile

.

i

n

.

the

segue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

erasing

.

t

h

e

.

parade

.

o

f

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ever

pacing

.

i

n

.

the

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ ever

pacing

.

i

n

.

the

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

yesterday.

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

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