Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T IS THE KEY FOR RELATING TO OTHERS AND BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Aretha Franklin got it right. R-E-S-P-E-C-T is the key for being able to relate to others and building and maintaining strong relationships in life – whether friends, family, significant others, co-workers, acquaintances, or business associates. As a life coach, I frequently get asked for help on repairing old relationships, strengthening existing ones, and creating new, rewarding relationships. And mutual R-E-S-P-E-C-T, between you and others, is the absolute key for every kind of relationship.

For example, someone I was recently helping was struggling with a past, longstanding friendship that started going badly and kept getting worse. She informed me that their conversations got to the point they were becoming toxic and energy depleting in nature, and asked if there might be any way to salvage such a friendship.

Well, it depends. The best you can do is your part for re-establishing communications which are positive and constructive in nature and see what happens. If you do this in a repeated, consistent fashion it might actually help. However, always remember that all you control is your contribution – not the result. And that’s okay no matter how things go, because at least you can feel good in knowing you did your part in trying salvage the relationship – that is, you did at least try.

A good practice to get into is monitoring the polarity of your communications with others and taking immediate action anytime these start moving into negative or disrespectful territory. There are always kind and respectful ways to communicate most everything. So, don’t share anything with others until you find a kind, respectful way to communicate it. If the offending party is someone other than yourself, then get into the practice of pausing and postponing discussions that start moving into negative or disrespectful territory – in a polite but assertive fashion. For example, you might say something like: “This conversation appears to be getting a little negative, disrespectful, and unproductive in nature. Let’s take a break and continue this discussion at another time, okay?” If you do this consistently when communications enter negative or disrespectful territory, the parties you are communicating with will eventually get the message you are not going to allow them to treat you in a disrespectful manner. And that’s a great way to establish a strong foundation for mutual R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

So, mutual R-E-S-P-E-C-T – between you and others – is the absolute key for all kinds of relationships and for being able to relate well to others. The above provided an example regarding communications. However, this also applies to actions, behaviors, intentions, and nonverbal communications. So, if anything you are doing reflects negativity or disrespect towards others, then pause and make adjustments. Likewise, if anything others are doing reflects negativity or disrespect towards you, then politely – but assertively – call them out on it, and let them know you don’t appreciate it and are not going to stand for it. If you do this consistently, the offending parties will eventually get the message you are not going to allow them to treat you in a disrespectful manner. And that’s a great way to establish a strong foundation for mutual R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

So, the bottom line is always wait until you find a kind, respectful way to communicate something to others, and get into the regular practice of pausing and postponing discussions that move into negative or disrespectful territory. If you do this, you will develop and maintain strong, rewarding relationships with people you truly value, and create a warm and wonderful life for you and those you love and appreciate. So, do this for yourself (and others) if you can.

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

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

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

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

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

☆°▪︎ DEEP FREEZE (EVERY PART AND PIECE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

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Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem looking back on the cold war era. This was a very frightening period of time where many people expected inevitable and imminent nuclear annihilation (unfortunately, the threat is still there a half-century later). Much of the writings, movies, and music throughout that time reflected these fears. Many of us never dreamed we’d still be here 50+ years later – but here we are. So, do something special, wonderful, and amazing with your life – and love, appreciate, cherish, and make the most out of each and every day. Because we are still here. And that is all that truly matters today. 

I used several 1980s songs reflective of this theme to help create this poem: “Red Skies” and “Stand or Fall” by The Fixx, “Human Race” by Red Rider, “Static” by Planet P Project, “Red Sector A” and “Distant Early Warning” by Rush, and Sting’s “We Work the Black Seam” and “Russians.” I played these songs on repeat in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of this poem. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

STORM CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON: THE BOND MARKETS AND THE “LOW-RISK SAFE HAVEN” FACADE (PART 2: 2025)

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I’ve recently been thinking about the implications of the “low-risk safe haven” bond market and bond fund investors losing a lot of money in those investments in the years to come, and the bond market (bonds and bond funds/ETFs) losing its “low-risk safe haven” status due to the presence of multiple risks to include:

1. The United States debt continues to grow and is approaching unsustainably high levels.

2. There has been a “buyers’ strike” over the past few months which is likely to continue. Fewer buyers mean bond yields rise (and bond prices fall). For example, foreign investors have greatly decreased their purchases of U.S. Treasury Bonds. Buyers’ strikes reflect a low confidence in the abilities of the U.S. government being able to service its debts resulting in a hesitancy of investors to buy bonds (government, municipal, and corporate) and bond funds/ETFs.

3. If at any time during Treasury Bond auctions (which usually happen several times a month), there are not enough buyers, then the Federal Reserve will probably need to “print money” to buy up the excess to prevent yields from spiking more than they otherwise would. “Printing money” tends to have an inflationary effect, and inflation tends to cause longer-term bond yields to rise (and bond prices to fall). Please understand that as debt grows, debt auction sizes increase – so the risk will continue to grow over time until the debt issue gets resolved (if ever).

4. Once they start experiencing substantial losses, existing bond holders are likely start selling their holdings which would make bond prices fall even further (and bond yields increase even more to entice new buyers).

5. The U.S. defaults at some point on one or more payments owed to Treasury Bond holders. The experts say this will never happen, but if it ever does bond yields will spike (and bond prices will crater).

6. The combined effects of the above risks are likely to put even greater upward pressure on bond yields (causing bond prices to fall) – creating a negative impact to the overall economy and government, corporate, and consumer finances.

In summary, the above risks are likely to result in substantial increases in bond yields (and bond price drops), higher inflation, and a deteriorating economy and government, corporate, and consumer finances due to the combination of two or more of these risks. So, as a low-risk investor, I will definitely be staying away from the Treasury Bond Market for a while (especially longer-term bonds, and particularly Bond Funds/ETFs – instead opting for cash drawing interest for my lowest risk holdings).

For those who don’t know the difference between bonds and bond funds/ETFs, here’s a brief summary:

A. Bonds pay yields on a regular basis and you get paid back the principal at the maturity date.

B. Bond Funds/ETFs have no maturity date so anything you invest is subject to losses if you sell when the prices are low.

So, you can potentially avoid losses for option A by holding the bonds until the maturity date. The primary exception would be if there is a default on those bonds and bond holders are only given a fraction of their principal back – this rarely happens but could. The only way to avoid losses for Option B is to sell when the prices are above what you initially paid – you can do the same for Option A. Many people are already invested in Option B because several “set it and forget it” retirement options such as target-date funds invest a portion of the money into Bond Funds/ETFs.

Now, I do presently own bonds that I purchased previously which mature within 3-5 years and pay a good interest rate. So, I plan to hold those until maturity unless an unforeseen event causes yields to drop (and prices to rise) substantially. However, I will not be buying any new Treasury Bonds for a while (especially longer-term bonds, and particularly Bond Funds/ETFs – instead opting for cash drawing interest for my lowest risk holdings).

I wrote a similar post about the bond market back in January 2021 and those that heeded that post avoided a 46% loss – something which is very unusual for the bond market, historically speaking, 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.

So, these are some of the dark clouds I’m again seeing on the horizon. Lots of things to ponder and position for – especially since the perceived, historical, low-risk investments might actually become high-risk investments in the years to come. So, as a low-risk investor, I will be staying away from the Treasury Bond Market for a while (especially, longer-term bonds – and particularly Bond Funds/ETFs) – at least until there is a substantial spike in yields.

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

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

The bottom line is that the Treasury Bond Market appears to be high risk right now (especially, longer-term bonds – and particularly Bond Funds/ETFs) – which means significant losses could be experienced by bond market and bond fund investors in the years to come.

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!

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

WHY THE OVERALL STOCK MARKET GOES UP OVER THE LONGER TERM

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

One question I frequently get is why the overall stock market tends to go up over the longer term. Well, the simplest way for me to explain this is demand exceeds supply for much of the time – that is, the only way for the overall stock market to trend higher over time is for demand to continually outpace supply, causing share price increases. The opposite can happen from time-to-time for shorter periods of time but – over the longer-term -demand exceeds supply for much of the time.

Demand can be created by several factors including population growth, increased participation in the stock market (something that continues to grow over time with increased access, tools, knowledge, etc.), a sense of optimism towards the economy and the future, excitement generated by upward trends and the successes of others, continual innovation, earnings growth, economic growth, and other factors. So, as long as these factors and trends continue, then it is probably a good bet that the overall stock market will continue advancing over the longer-term. I frequently use various averages, indicators, and such to help determine periodic buy or sell points – you can read about some of them here: 1) for the buy side (scroll down to item 4 in the post): https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/, and 2) for the sell side (scroll down to item 2 in the post): https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-selling-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

So, as a whole, the overall stock market tends to go up over the longer-term which means most investors will do much better by buying and remaining invested in the stock market rather than being sellers in the stock market except on the rarest of occasions. The primary exception to this would be for those who are approaching their financial goals of which taking a lower risk, more cautious approach would be warranted.

Please understand that declines in the stock market do happen on a periodic basis and some last longer than others. However, the stock market remains undefeated over the longer term and that is likely to continue.

For example, as you can see from the following post, even when stock markets go down substantially, their gains tend to far exceed their losses. This is another reason why staying invested even during stock market downturns can greatly benefit investors who tend to ride out the ups and downs: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-simple-math-showing-the-stock-markets-asymmetric-upside-143129927.html.

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

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

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

THOSE WHO EXECUTED MY MARKET-BASED BUY STRATEGY ACHEIVED SUBSTANTIAL GAINS OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The stock market is within a couple percentage points from its all-time high after a 20% gain. Those of you who executed my Market-Based Buying Strategy for investing well with minimal effort did very well for themselves: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

For those who asked to be on my list, I ended up sending out 7 different executions of this strategy. You can read about those by scrolling down from here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/financial-planning-management-and-investing-related-posts/.

It will probably be a while before this strategy gets executed again because a 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year, a 10% drop generally happens about once every two years, and a 20%+ drop generally happens once every five years on average. However, if you would like me to add you to the list of people to contact, then let me know so you can hopefully capitalize on the stock market decline the next time. I’ve provided the 5 different risk categories I presently use at the bottom of this post.

Happy investing everyone!

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

==== INVESTMENT RISK CATEGORIES ====

Important Note: When adding up what you have across your investment accounts, I recommend making the following adjustment for pre-tax type investment accounts (e.g., 401Ks and IRAs without the word “Roth” attached): reduce the total amount by 24% for a conservative overall estimate. We have to pay taxes when withdrawing from these kinds of accounts so this will help to account for that. Feel free to use a different percentage reduction depending on what tax bracket you believe you will fall into when withdrawing money from these accounts.

VERY HIGH-RISK INVESTOR (your investment goal is 8+ times what you presently have in total across your investment accounts – after making adjustments in accordance with the note above). For example, if your investment goal is $2M and you presently have $250k or less in total across your investment accounts then you would be a very high-risk investor.

HIGH-RISK INVESTOR (your investment goal is roughly 4-8 times what you presently have in total across your investment accounts – after making adjustments in accordance with the note above). For example, if your investment goal is $2M and you presently have $250k-$500k in total across your investment accounts then you would be a high-risk investor.

MEDIUM-RISK INVESTOR (your investment goal is roughly 2-4 times what you presently have in total across your investment accounts – after making adjustments in accordance with the note above). For example, if your investment goal is $2M and you presently have $500k-$1M in total across your investment accounts then you would be a medium-risk investor.

LOW-RISK INVESTOR (your investment goal is roughly 1-2 times what you presently have in total across your investment accounts – after making adjustments in accordance with the note above). For example, if your investment goal is $2M and you presently have $1M-$2M in total across your investment accounts then you would be a low-risk investor.

VERY LOW-RISK INVESTOR (what you presently have in total across your investment accounts equals or exceeds your investment goal – after making adjustments in accordance with the note above). For example, if your investment goal is $2M and you presently have $2M or more in total across your investment accounts then you would be a very low-risk investor.

☆°▪︎ EYES THAT SMILE (WIDE WITH DELIGHT) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

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warming

wines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

warming

wines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

warming

wines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

want

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

combined

.

w

i

t

h

.

dreams

.

t

h

a

t

.

dine

.

b

y

.

candlelight,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

fantasize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

smile

.

w

i

d

e

.

with

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

smile

.

w

i

d

e

.

with

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

smile

.

w

i

d

e

.

with

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

comes

alive

.

a

t

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

at

night

.

i

t

.

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

at

night

.

i

t

.

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

at

night

.

i

t

.

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

crystalize.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in May of 2025 where the affected party cannot seem to break out of the relentless, repeating, taunting tease of competing temptations – creating a negative cycle which consumes the soul. This poem came into being while listening to three favorite Duran Duran songs: “Rio,” “Save a Prayer,” and “My Own Way.” I played these songs on repeat, at low volume, in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem which conjured up images of neon night scenes and the relentless, taunting tease of competing temptations that often accompany these. If you listen to the songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ TO STRAY AND PLAY (AMONG THE CLOUDS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

like

.

t

o

.

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play

–

–

among

.

t

h

e

.

clouds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

directions,

–

–

delays,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

destinations

.

a

r

e

.

always

.

i

n

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

be

assured

.

o

r

.

secured,

–

–

except

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

be

assured

.

o

r

.

secured,

–

–

except

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

b

o

u

t

–

–

–

clouds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

whether

storming

rains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ whether

shades

.

o

f

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

sunny

days

–

–

escaping

.

t

h

e

.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

something

new

.

c

a

n

.

happen

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ something

new

.

c

a

n

.

happen

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

clouds 

care

.

n

o

t

.

about

.

t

h

e

.

route . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

about

.

t

h

e

.

how . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Clouds

care

.

n

o

t

.

about

what

.

i

s

.

out,

.

.

o

r

.

.

in,

.

.

o

r

.

.

out . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

about

what

.

i

s

.

allowed

.

b

y

.

the

crowd . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

.

–

–

–

their

.

o

w

n

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

t

–

–

–

their

.

o

w

n

.

pace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

their

.

o

w

n

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

day,

.

.

t

o

.

.

day,

.

.

t

o

.

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

from

place,

.

.

t

o

.

.

place,

.

.

t

o

.

.

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

b

o

u

t

–

–

–

clouds.

Reflection: This is a reflective-themed poem I wrote in May of 2025 while listening to another favorite 80s song from my earlier years: “I Still Believe (Great Design)” by The Call. I played this song on repeat, at low volume, in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem which greatly inspired me: conjuring up feelings and images of boundless hope, peace, and freedom – something perhaps best represented by clouds. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ LEFT BEHIND (A LIFE NO LONGER MINE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles

.

s

o

.

warm

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

.

o

n

.

.

pages

.

o

f

.

days

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

warm

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

.

o

n

.

.

pages

.

o

f

.

days

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry 

.

f

o

r

.

the

sunshine

.

t

h

a

t

.

danced

.

s

o

.

wide

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies

.

o

f

.

summertime . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

loves

.

a

n

d

.

likes,

–

–

which

.

i

n

.

my

life

.

n

o

.

longer

reside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

subtle

goodbyes

.

I

.

once

denied,

.

.

o

r

.

.

did

.

n

o

t

.

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

rhapsodies

.

a

n

d

.

rhymes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

failed

.

t

o

.

prize

.

a

n

d

.

hold

.

u

p

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

I

realize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

those

were

.

t

h

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

my

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

.

.

.

my

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

life

.

l

e

f

t

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

life

.

n

o

.

longer

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry.

Reflection:  This is a melancholy-themed poem that I wrote in May of 2025 where the contemplator looks back on a wonderful past that was left behind – and he/she comes to the haunting realization those were the best days of his/her life. This was a poem which took an unexpected turn when I started writing it. I was listening to two, favorite 80s songs from my earlier years: “Space Age Love Song” by A Flock of Seagulls and “Don’t Change” by INXS. These songs conjured up warm images of summer and sunshine, and I felt warmly inspired by them. So, I played these songs on repeat, at low volume, in the background and started writing the poem. I had expected a warm, hopeful, inspirational kind of poem but, as always, when writing poetry, I just let the words and phrases go in any direction they choose. So, what I ended up with was a melancholy-themed poem instead of the hope/inspirational-themed poem I had expected. Oh well, that’s the way writing goes sometimes. In my experience, the better poems write themselves and take whatever direction they choose. So, I’m just going to leave it at that. Perhaps someone will gain something from it in its current form.

☆°▪︎ DREAMING OF YOU (AND ALL WE COULD BE AND DO) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Almond

mousse,

–

–

Tiramisu,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

chocolate

fondue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

everything

.

i

n

.

one,

–

–

makes

.

i

t

.

easy

.

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

makes

.

i

t

.

easy

.

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I’m

thinking

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Music

blends

.

a

n

d

.

brews,

.

.

s

m

o

o

t

h

.

.

romantic

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

wanted

whispers

.

a

n

d

.

words,

–

–

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame

.

passionate

pursuit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

passionate

pursuit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

passionate

pursuit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

wanted

whispers

.

a

n

d

.

words. . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Green

loves

blue,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

tangerine

too . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

although,

it’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it’s

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I’m

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

could

be

.

a

n

d

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

moon

.

until

noon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

consumes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Smiles

.

a

n

d

.

laughter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Laughter

.

a

n

d

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

design

.

a

.

summertime

.

f

u

l

l

.

of

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

summertime

.

f

u

l

l

.

of

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Warmth

.

a

n

d

.

wonder . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Wonder

.

a

n

d

.

warmth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

waltz

.

w

i

t

h

.

sand

.

a

n

d

.

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

waltz

.

w

i

t

h

.

sand

.

a

n

d

.

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

waltz

.

w

i

t

h

.

sand

.

a

n

d

.

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

passion

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

passion

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

.

It’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I’m

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

could

be

.

a

n

d

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

moon

.

until

noon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

consumes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

proof . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

moon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

blues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

tunes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

dues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I’m

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

could

be

.

a

n

d

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

moon

.

until

noon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

this

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

right

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

consumes.

Reflection:  This is a romantic-themed poem that I wrote in May of 2025 based on a passionate experience which may or may not have happened in Barcelona, Spain. I’m sure many of us have had experiences like this. I wrote part of this poem sitting on a plane, and the rest after I got home reflecting back.

☆°▪︎ WHEN EYES MEET EYES (THAT SMILE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride

.

t

h

e

.

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

moment

.

I

.

opened

.

m

y

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

moment

.

I

.

opened

.

m

y

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

came

.

t

o

.

realize,

.

.

w

e

.

.

were

.

n

o

.

longer

sitting

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride

.

t

h

e

.

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

fantasize,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

ride

.

t

h

e

.

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ over

.

t

h

e

.

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

made

.

m

e

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

i

t

.

made

.

m

e

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

never

.

b

e

.

able

.

t

o

.

trade

.

t

h

e

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

.

i

n

.

new

places

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ even

.

i

n

.

new

places

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smile.

Reflection:  This is a romantic-themed poem that I wrote in May of 2025 while I was in Girona, Spain based on a real experience I had on a train while in Spain. I’m sure many of us have had passionate kinds of experiences like this. I wrote most of this poem in my hotel in Girona, Spain reflecting back, and later refined it using two haunting gems of songs: “The Strangest Thing” by George Michael and “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak. I played these songs in the background on repeat at low volume to create the “moodset” and refine the poem. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.