Your

empty

words

.

w

e

r

e

.

all

I

heard . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ your

empty

words

.

m

a

k

e

.

it

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts

.

t

o

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

once

were . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts

.

t

o

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

the

memories

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

n

–

–

–

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

toss . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

toss . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return

.

t

o

.

the

urge

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

.

the

first . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return

.

t

o

.

the

thirst

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

.

the

yearn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

past

pages

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

the

birth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

once

were . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

return

.

t

o

.

where

.

t

h

e

.

memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

t

i

l

l

–

–

–

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

your

empty

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

make

.

i

t

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

 ~ your

empty

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

make

.

i

t

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

memories

return . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

memories

loiter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

linger . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blurrr.

Reflection: This is a melancholy-themed poem where the affected party mourns a past that meant more to him/her than the other significant party – whether a friend, family member, or romantic partner. The opening lines came to me and I pretty much wrote the remainder of the poem from that.

There

.

a

r

e

.

places

.

t

h

a

t

.

reside

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

.

t

h

e

.

distant

tides

.

t

o

s

s

.

and

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

candlelight

smiles

.

.

o

f

.

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

toss

.

a

n

d

.

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

toss

.

a

n

d

.

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

toss

.

a

n

d

.

tumble . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

singing,

.

sentimental

skies

.

.

a

r

e

.

.

still

bright,

.

.

high,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

singing,

.

sentimental

skies

.

.

a

r

e

.

.

still

bright,

.

.

high,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

showering

shimmering

.

candlelight

smiles

.

.

o

f

.

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

So

.

m

a

n

y

.

times

.

i

n

.

the

distance

.

.

o

f

.

.

days

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

h

a

v

e

.

.

.

I

tried

.

t

o

.

find

.

t

h

a

t

.

pristine

place

.

l

e

f

t

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ so

.

m

a

n

y

.

times

.

h

a

v

e

.

I

tried . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

recreate

.

i

t

s

.

magic,

.

.

marvel,

.

.

shimmer,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

glimmer

.

i

s

.

never

.

a

s

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

glimmer

.

n

e

v

e

r 

.

as

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

the

pristine

paradise 

.

l

e

f

t

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

resides

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

breathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

breathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

never

.

a

g

a

i

n

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

matter

.

h

o

w

.

hard

.

I

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no

matter

.

h

o

w

.

hard

.

I

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

place

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

created

.

t

h

e

.

candlelight

smiles

.

.

o

f

.

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

place

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

created

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

singing,

.

sentimental

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

bright,

.

.

high,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

place

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

created

.

t

h

e

.

the

glimmer

.

s

o

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

s

o

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

this

.

i

s

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes

this

.

i

s

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

perfect,

.

pristine

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

c

a

n

–

–

–

now

.

o

n

l

y

.

reside

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

reside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

reside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

n

o

w

.

only

reside

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

back

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

y

o

u

–

–

–

were

.

w

i

t

h

.

me

.

a

l

l

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

were

.

w

i

t

h

.

me

.

a

l

l

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

days

.

o

f

.

rhapsodic

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

.

o

f

.

.

singing,

.

sentimental

skies.

Reflection: This is a romantic-themed poem where the romancer reflects back on a lost love from the distant past – knowing he/she may never experience the same marvel, magic, shimmer, or shine again. Of course, the nature of romances and relationships is that every one is different – so, any form of near replication is out of reach which means we must learn to cherish and appreciate the wonderful, beautiful times we have with others as they happen.

This poem came to mind while watching an old James Bond movie and hearing the theme song: “You Only Live Twice.” I found an instrumental Royal Philharmonic Orchestra version of the song which I played in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it. I sometimes listen to old instrumental music like this every once in a while. It reminds me of my mother who used to love that kind of music and it causes me to reflect on simpler and perhaps more romantic times.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

i

s

.

.

the

wine

.

o

f

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

drives

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

.

i

s

.

why

.

w

e

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

.

i

s

.

why

.

w

e

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

low

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

deep

.

a

n

d

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

day

.

a

n

d

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

all

.

o

u

r

.

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

all

.

o

u

r

.

might

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

candlelight

dances

.

a

n

d

.

dines

.

w

i

t

h

.

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

prize

.

o

f

.

possibilities

align . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

it

tugs

.

a

t

.

the

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

ride

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

love

.

i

n

.

low

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

tugs

.

a

t

.

the

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

buys

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

buys

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

line,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

line,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

high,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

high,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

decides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

.

buys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

decides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

ties

.

a

n

d

.

binds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

consumes

.

a

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

consumes

.

a

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still

.

w

e

.

like

.

t

o

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ still

.

w

e

.

like

.

t

o

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

we

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

i

s

.

.

the

wine

.

o

f

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ love

.

i

n

.

low

light

.

.

drives

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

drives

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

we

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

drives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

ride.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem where the affected party is ever taunted and teased by “love in low light” – never seeming to get enough but always ending up getting too much. It seems he/she will never be happy, fulfilled, or satisfied in life, will always feel out of balance, and will eventually become consumed completely by the never-ending, “narcotic” pursuit. I’ve had several of these kinds of rapturous, rhapsodic, haunting, high-intensity experiences back in the days of my youth.

The words “love in low light” first came to mind and the poem pretty much took off from there. I played a wonderful gem of a song – the DJ David Padilla version of “Northern Spirit” by Kamaya Painters – in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

You

.

w

e

r

e

.

cool

.

a

n

d

.

hard

.

i

n

.

your

ways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

p

a

l

e

.

shade

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

o

n

l

y

.

warmth

that

.

y

o

u

.

gave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

those

.

d

a

y

s

.

you

.

h

a

d

.

a

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

.

.

I

wanted

.

y

o

u

.

just

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wanted

.

y

o

u

.

just

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

.

d

a

y

s

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

had

.

a

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

t

h

e

.

distance

.

I

.

remained . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

.

.

the

day

.

I

.

felt

.

a

.

gaze

cross

.

t

h

e

.

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

warming

embrace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

breath

upon

.

m

y

.

face . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

tremble

.

a

n

d

.

shake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!earthquake!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!Thunder!!

.

a

n

d

.

!!Rain!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!HURRICANE!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!!TIDAL!!!!

!!!!WAVE!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!THEN!!!!!

!!!!!CAME!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!

!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

.

.

–

–

–

All

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

storm

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

!AGAIN!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!AGAIN!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!AGAIN!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

!AGAIN!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!AGAIN!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!AGAIN!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!AGAIN!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!AGAIN!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!AGAIN!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

First

came

.

a

.

gaze

across

.

t

h

e

.

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

warming

embrace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

breath

upon

.

m

y

.

face . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

tremble

.

a

n

d

.

shake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!earthquake!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!Thunder!!

.

a

n

d

.

!!Rain!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!HURRICANE!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

came

.

t

h

e

.

!!!!TIDAL!!!!

!!!!WAVE!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!THEN!!!!!

!!!!!CAME!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!

!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!!!!!!THEN!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!CAME!!!!!!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

.

.

–

–

–

All

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

storm

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

storm

!ROARED!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!RIVETED!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!RAGED!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

knew

.

y

o

u

.

would

.

b

e

.

worth

.

t

h

e

.

wait . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

in

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

In

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

In

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

In

.

m

y

.

dreams

.

I

.

engage,

.

.

escape,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

entertain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

distance

remain.

Reflection: This is a romantic-themed poem that came into being while reflecting back on some of the more intense, all-consuming, whirlwind romances and infatuations I experienced in my late teens, 20s, and early 30s during my marine corps days, my college days, and my early career days. Many of these were rapturous, rhapsodic, haunting, high-intensity experiences back when I was so easily moved and inspired – I fell under the “spell” of some very intriguing, magnetic, and captivating people back then. I played the wonderful gem of a song: “The Strangest Thing” by George Michael in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

you

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

friends

.

o

f

.

yesterday

.

a

r

e

.

betrayed

.

a

n

d

.

fade

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

past

enemies

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you

!take!

–

–

!!take!!

–

–

!!!take!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

separate

.

a

n

d

.

segregate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

embrace

.

t

h

e

.

grim

.

a

n

d

.

greedy

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

embrace

.

t

h

e

.

grim

.

a

n

d

.

greedy

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stain

.

a

n

d

.

obliterate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

yesterday’s

grit

.

a

n

d

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

grit

.

a

n

d

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

accumulate

.

t

h

e

.

memory

replays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

memory

replays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

what

made

.

y

o

u

.

great

.

u

p

o

n

.

the

page,

.

.

i

n

.

.

historical

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

historical

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

brighter

age . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

warmer

embrace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

shared

space . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

more

.

e

q

u

a

l

.

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

call

.

i

t

.

fake . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

turn

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

you

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

friends

.

o

f

.

yesterday

.

a

r

e

.

betrayed

.

a

n

d

.

fade

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

h

a

v

e

.

changed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

past

enemies

celebrate

.

y

o

u

r

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

only

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

.

o

n

l

y

.

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

they

.

p

l

a

y

.

tomorrow’s

game . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

they

.

p

l

a

y

.

tomorrow’s

game . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

they

trade

.

y

o

u

r

.

fake

.

a

n

d

.

fickle

.

blame

.

a

n

d

.

fame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

t

h

e

y

.

trade

.

y

o

u

r

.

fake

.

a

n

d

.

fickle

.

blame

.

a

n

d

.

fame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

the

permanent

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

permanent

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

permanent

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

shape . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

dismal,

.

.

durable, 

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

demeaning

disgrace.

Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem for a country that seems to have lost its way. I used a favorite old Billy Joel song to help create this poem: “Surprises” from one of my favorite albums by him: “The Nylon Curtain.” I loved this album because it was not nearly as popular and overplayed as many of his other albums and songs. The song “Surprises” always evoked artistic imagery for me. I played this song on repeat in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of this poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

The

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

lived

.

t

h

a

t

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied

.

I

.

could

find

.

a

.

light

.

t

h

a

t

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

unkind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied

.

I

.

could

smile

.

a

.

shine

.

t

h

a

t

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied

.

I

.

could

romance

.

a

.

rhyme

.

t

h

a

t

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

denied

.

I

.

could

make

.

y

o

u

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

denied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

lived

.

t

h

a

t

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

deny.

Reflection: This is a romantic-themed poem I wrote where the affected party looks back in reflection of a past romance: a romance intoxicating in the distance of remote possibility but toxic once it became reality. So many things in life can be that way. Sometimes things initially seeming to be out of reach are better remaining that way.

A

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

.

h

a

s

.

its

charm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

star

.

t

h

a

t

.

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

hurt

.

a

n

d

.

harm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

harm

.

a

n

d

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

hurt

.

a

n

d

.

harm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

harm

.

a

n

d

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

they

begin

.

t

o

.

blur-r-r-r . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

y

.

begin

.

t

o

.

blur-r-r-r . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

a

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

.

h

a

s

.

its

charm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

seven

.

s

h

o

t

.

revolver

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

can

.

b

e

.

the

star . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

ends

.

t

h

e

.

wicked

wars . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

harm

.

a

n

d

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hurt

.

a

n

d

.

harm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

they

begin

.

t

o

.

blur-r-r-r.

Reflection: This is a short and simple personal struggle-themed poem which came into being in reflection of a somewhat dark Beatles song (a rarity for them) that I listened to recently: “Happiness is a Warm Gun,” and some recent happenings.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

once . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

twice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

comes

.

t

h

e

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

time

.

t

o

.

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ now

come

.

t

h

e

.

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

slice

.

a

n

d

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

divide

.

a

n

d

.

slice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

.

l

i

n

e

s

.

slice

.

a

n

d

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

.

l

i

n

e

s

.

slice

.

a

n

d

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

.

l

i

n

e

s

.

slice

.

a

n

d

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

life

.

o

f

.

yours . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

the

life

.

o

f

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

.

l

i

n

e

s

.

slice

.

a

n

d

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

.

l

i

n

e

s

.

slice

.

a

n

d

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

.

l

i

n

e

s

.

slice

.

a

n

d

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

life

.

o

f

.

yours . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

the

life

.

o

f

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

those

future

roads

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

remain

forever 

unknown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

the

doors

.

t

h

a

t

.

close

.

i

n

.

a

place

.

o

n

c

e

.

called

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

let

.

t

i

m

e

.

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

b

o

u

t

–

–

–

the

lines

.

a

n

d

.

divides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

once . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

twice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

.

y

o

u

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

loved

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

only

.

t

i

m

e

.

decides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

t

i

m

e

.

decides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

t

i

m

e

.

decides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

cry.

Reflection: 

This is a melancholy-themed poem that came into being while listening to the haunting gem of a song: “The River” by Bruce Springsteen. Much of Bruce’s music is deeply moving, and this song is no exception. This poem reflects a romantic relationship gone wrong – and the deep emotional drops and life repercussions that can sometimes result from that. I’ve had multiple life experiences like this as I’m sure many others have. So, I hope this poem will resonate with some of you.

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

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

tunes

.

o

f

.

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

beauty

.

i

n

.

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

dancing

shoes

.

a

n

d

.

candlelight

fondues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

peruse

.

a

n

d

.

pursue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

move

.

i

n

.

tune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

tune

.

a

s

.

two . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

.

t

h

e

.

warmth

.

i

s

.

still

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

spinning

rooms . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

“mon~

swoons . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

martini

moons . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

passionate

reds

.

a

n

d

.

soothing

blues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

sunny

afternoons

.

a

n

d

.

barbecues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

something

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

.

i

n

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you.

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

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

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

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

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

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