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

.

l

o

o

k

.

around

.

a

t

.

society’s

.

n

e

w

.

“!Look at me!”

.

kings

.

a

n

d

.

queens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

flaunting

conceit

.

a

n

d

.

selfish

.

d

e

e

d

s

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

shadows

.

o

f

.

backroom

scenes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

e

l

.

at

ease

.

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

.

fantasy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

being

swayed

.

b

y

.

power

.

o

r

.

fantasy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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 . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

concrete

décor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

cold,

–

–

marble

tiles

.

u

p

o

n

.

the

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 in those days.

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 . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

who

.

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

.

t

h

e

.

emergency

.

sirens

.

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

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

hear

.

t

h

e

.

emergency

.

sirens

.

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

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

hear

.

t

h

e

.

emergency

.

sirens

.

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

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

hear

.

t

h

e

.

emergency

.

sirens

.

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

.

t

o

u

c

h

.

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

.

l

o

o

k

.

at

.

t

h

e

.

“trailer trash . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

embrace

“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”

autos

.

.

d

o

w

n

.

.

“trailer trash”

roads . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ never

accumulating

anything

.

o

f

.

value

.

t

o

.

show . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Take

a

.

l

o

o

k

.

at

.

t

h

e

.

“trailer trash . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ well,

.

I

.

j

u

s

t

.

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

.

k

n

o

w

.

those

.

t

h

a

t

.

have

“nothing,”

.

.

h

a

v

e

.

.

everything

.

t

o

.

give . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

those

.

g

o

i

n

g

.

“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

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

limelight

.

o

r

.

the

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

limelight

.

o

r

.

the

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

limelight

.

o

r

.

the

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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

at

.

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 the 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

.

.

can

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,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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

.

I

.

s

u

r

e

.

will . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

know

.

t

h

a

t

.

I

.

s

u

r

e

.

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 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 as well as 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

the

–

–

–

.

.

.

d

i

v

e

–

–

–

 ~ the

somber

reprise

.

o

f

.

twilight

.

t

i

d

e

s

.

gone

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

apologize

.

t

h

a

t

.

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

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

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

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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 . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

amplify

.

a

n

d

.

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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

.

yearning

within

.

t

h

e

.

waters

.

o

f

.

forbidden

desire . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ within

.

t

h

e

.

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

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

someday,

–

–

earn

.

a

.

dollar

raise

.

o

n

.

top

of

.

h

i

s

.

minimum

wage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

earn

.

a

.

dollar

raise

.

o

n

.

top

of

.

a

.

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

.

r~e~a~c~h

.

f

o

r

.

dreams

.

t

h

a

t

.

drifted

high

.

a

b

o

v

e

.

the

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,

–

–

there

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

.

y

o

u

n

g

.

man,

.

.

w

h

o

.

.

knew

how

.

t

o

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

an

independent

.

m

a

n

.

who

needed

.

n

o

.

one . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ who

needed

.

n

o

.

one . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Michael

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

tried,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

there

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time,

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

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

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

word

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

.

h

i

s

.

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

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

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.

Let’s

.

t

a

k

e

.

a

.

drive,

–

–

you

.

a

n

d

.

I,

.

.

t

o

.

.

the

.

amusement

room

.

f

o

r

.

a

while,

–

–

where

.

w

e

.

can

.

p

a

y

.

tokens

.

a

t

.

a

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

a

.

30-minute

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ deny

.

t

h

e

.

world

outside,

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

a

.

30-minute

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ wine

.

a

n

d

.

dine

.

t

h

e

.

eyes,

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

a

.

30-minute

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ purge

.

t

h

e

.

worries

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

mind,

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

a

.

30-minute

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

we

need

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

we

.

r

e

a

l

l

y

.

need

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

>>>ARRIVE->>

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

let’s

.

t

a

k

e

.

a

.

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ let’s

take

.

a

.

drive,

–

–

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

a

.

30-minute

smile.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in May of 2001 in reflection of some of the exploratory, romantic adventures I had in my earlier years. They were brief but passionate, exciting experiences that I would never trade.