Poetry

When I write poetry, I hear music. This is why most of my poetry is lyrical in nature with repeating verses for emphasis and haunting rhythms designed to inspire you to think, feel, and reflect. At least that is my hope and my goal.

Every word I write is intentional which is why I use a more vertical approach to get people to absorb my poetry word by word, and to pause and reflect.

☆°▪︎ DAZZLING DISCO DELIGHT ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Wasn’t

.

i

t

.

nice

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life

.

t

h

a

n

.

dancing

.

f

r

o

m

.

left

.

t

o

.

right,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

from

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

.

f

r

o

m

.

left

.

t

o

.

right,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

from

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night,

–

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night

–

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time,

–

–

b

u

t

–

–

to

.

c

o

m

e

.

alive,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wallow

in

.

t

h

e

.

warming

.

w

a

n

t

.

brewed

wines

.

o

f

.

dazzling

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes

.

t

h

a

t

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ when

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes

.

t

h

a

t

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

wasn’t

.

i

t

.

nice ?

Reflection: This is a fun, simple, reflective/nostaligic-themed poem looking back on the dancing days of youth and disco. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the light but fun song “Dancing Queen” by ABBA which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (and inspire) the writing of the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the fun-loving “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ STAR~SEEKER ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Star~seeker

start

.

y

o

u

r

.

journey

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

find

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

better,

–

–

brighter

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

dancing

arrays

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

scathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

humiliate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

It’s

okay

.

t

o

.

stumble

across

.

t

h

e

.

lightwaves

.

a

n

d

.

laserwaves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

–

–

–

the

star~ways

.

t

o

.

universal

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ on

.

t

h

e

.

star~ways

.

t

o

.

universal

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Don’t

.

b

e

.

ashamed

.

i

f

.

you

.

m

a

k

e

.

mistakes,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

continue

.

t

o

.

learn

.

a

n

d

.

discern . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

discern

.

a

n

d

.

learn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

phase,

.

.

after

phase,

.

.

after

phase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

wave,

.

.

after

wave,

.

.

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

m

u

s

t

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

continue

.

t

h

e

.

journey . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

reach

.

t

h

e

.

dreamscapes

.

y

o

u

.

create . . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

reach

.

t

h

e

.

dreamscapes

.

y

o

u

.

create . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

rains

.

a

n

d

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

pains,

–

–

shadows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shames . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

rains

.

a

n

d

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

pains,

–

–

shadows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shames . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

once

.

y

o

u

.

transcend

.

t

h

e

.

galaxy

gateways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ once

.

y

o

u

.

transcend

.

t

h

e

.

galaxy

gateways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!ACCELERATE!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

along

.

t

h

e

.

cosmic

rays

.

a

n

d

.

spaceways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

along

.

t

h

e

.

cosmic

rays

.

a

n

d

.

spaceways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

.

t

o

.

future~scape

streams

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

portals

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ leading

.

t

o

.

future~scape

streams

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

portals

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

start

.

y

o

u

r

.

journey

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

find

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

better,

–

–

brighter

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

dancing

arrays

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

along

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

frame,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

frame,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

frame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

page,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

page,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

change,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

change,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

along

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

your

precarious

.

p

a

s

t

.

blooms

.

i

n

t

o

.

constellations

.

.

fresh,

.

.

exciting,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

breakaway

.

t

o

.

finally

escape

.

t

h

e

.

glooms

.

a

n

d

.

grays,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

discover

dreams

.

i

n

.

the

universe

.

a

r

e

.

never

.

t

o

o

.

good

.

f

o

r

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

dance

.

a

n

d

.

sing

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

soothing

tunes,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

forget

.

a

l

l

.

about

.

t

h

e

.

blues,

.

.

darks,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

your

heart

smiles

.

a

l

l

.

the

way

.

t

o

.

the

moon,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

goes

!BOOM!

!!BOOM!!

!!!BOOM!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

.

a

n

d

.

through,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

beyond

.

i

t

.

too . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

my

years

.

a

r

e

.

beyond

.

y

o

u

r

.

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

my

years

.

a

r

e

.

few.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem I wrote where the affected party struggles with past traumas driving the ups and downs of a repeated, negative addiction/compulsion cycle. He/she is determined to move ahead, above, and beyond. This poem was written in reflection of someone I recently started helping in these regards. It has a bit of a “sci-fi” dimension to it which really seems to “fit.” I played the wonderful gem of a song“Reckoner” by Radiohead 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.

☆°▪︎ THE DREAMS OF TANGERINES (DANCING THE SHEENS OF BEYONDS AND BETWEENS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

like

.

t

o

.

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

o

.

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

mood

editing

tangerines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ of

mood

.

editing

tangerines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

m

y

–

–

–

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

those

.

m

o

o

d

.

editing

tangerines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Blue

believes

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

green

agrees . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blueberry

breathes

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

key lime

careens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ blueberry

breathes

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

key lime

careens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

my

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

beyonds

. 

a

n

d

.

betweens.

Reflection: This is an adventurous-themed poem and my attempt to write a simple, fun, psychedelic adventur~ish kind of poem. I was just in the mood to write something new and different. The line “I bathe in dancing sheens” came to me around the same time as the line “mood-editing tangerines” did.  So, I started writing this poem from those and it came rather quickly.

☆°▪︎ FROM ACROSS THE SKIES (THEY ARRIVE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Reflection: This is a reflective-themed poem I started writing to enter into a contest with the Orlando Airport theme regarding the wide diversity of travelers we get here in Orlando: “Many Voices, One Sky” is what they called the theme. So, I wrote this poem as a reflection of this. I played the wonderful, gem of a song – “Theme from Midnight Cowboy” by Ferrante & Teicher in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem which seemed to fit perfectly. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

Here’s the poem: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Poem-From-Across-the-Skies-They-Arrive-May-2026.pdf

☆°▪︎ CAN YOU GIVE IT LOVE ? ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

.

n

o

.

longer

trust . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

l

i

k

e

.

giving

up . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

times

.

a

r

e

.

tough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

roads

.

a

r

e

.

rough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

winds

gust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you’re

covered

.

i

n

.

darkness

.

a

n

d

.

dust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

you’re

covered

.

i

n

.

darkness

.

a

n

d

.

dust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ? 

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

feel

.

s

o

.

dumb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

believing

.

w

h

e

n

.

the

journey

.

i

s

.

done . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

sums

.

a

r

e

.

far

.

t

o

o

.

much . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

k

n

o

w

.

you’ve

.

h

a

d

.

enough . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

others

.

a

t

.

first

.

like

.

a

n

d

.

lust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

later

.

stun

.

a

n

d

.

shun . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

others

.

a

t

.

first

.

like

.

a

n

d

.

lust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

later

.

stun

.

a

n

d

.

shun . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leaving

crumbs

.

o

f

.

fun

.

i

n

.

memory

fades . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ leaving

crumbs

.

o

f

.

fun

.

i

n

.

memory

fades . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

memories

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

memories

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

memories

weigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

they

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

y

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

decay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

overcome . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

everything

feels

.

s

o

.

numb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

rise

above . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

the

dance

.

o

f

.

the

dove . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

lose

.

i

t

.

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

lose

.

i

t

.

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

.

t

h

e

.

sun . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

.

n

o

.

longer

trust . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

.

n

o

.

longer

trust . . . 

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

l

i

k

e

.

giving

up . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

give

.

i

t

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

matter

what ?

Reflection: 

This is an inspiration/hope-themed poem. I was sitting outside recently thinking about the things that tend to bother people – both internally and externally – and the question came to mind: “Can you give it love?” So, I decided to start with that as the theme for this poem. My hope is that those who read this will become inspired to ask themselves something like: “What can I do to give this love?” when bothered by something internally or externally. At times, they might find they can’t, but much of the time they will probably find they can. And I think that might be a wonderful way to live – so, maybe give it a try. I played two wonderful, haunting gems of indie songs on back-to-back repeat at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem: Goddess by Field Guide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_lqj38T3Jw&list=RDa_lqj38T3Jw&start_radio=1) and Big Star by Current Joys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TkgCNbl_MM). If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ THE WAYWARD WAVES (OF SANDCASTLE FADES) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Youth

always

.

h

a

s

.

a

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

always

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

a

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ youth

always

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

a

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

young

.

c

a

n

.

effortlessly

create

.

a

n

d

.

convey,

.

.

t

h

e

.

.

words

.

o

f

.

hope

.

a

n

d

.

faith . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

young

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

knows

how

.

t

o

.

laugh,

.

.

engage,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

c

a

n

–

–

–

wait

out

.

t

h

e

.

winds,

.

.

rains,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands

.

o

f

.

endless

summer

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

embrace

upon

.

t

h

e

.

soothing

sands . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

endless

summer

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

sweep

.

a

w

a

y

.

the

heartaches 

.

o

f

.

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ they

sweep

.

a

w

a

y

.

the

heartaches 

.

o

f

.

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

l

i

k

e

–

–

–

sandcastle

.

f

a

d

e

s

.

beneath

wayward

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ like

sandcastle

.

f

a

d

e

s

.

beneath

wayward

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leaving

.

n

o

.

trace

.

o

f

.

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no

trace

.

o

f

.

pain

.

.

e

v

e

r

.

.

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

sandcastle

fades

.

o

f

.

wayward

waves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

merge

.

a

n

d

.

migrate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

migrate

.

a

n

d

.

merge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

merge

.

a

n

d

.

migrate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

migrate

.

a

n

d

.

merge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

blurrr . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

always

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

always

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Youth

.

c

a

n

.

always

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

creating

ones

.

f

r

o

m

.

twos . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

dance

.

t

h

e

.

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

creating

ones

.

f

r

o

m

.

twos . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

better

.

d

o

.

it

while

.

t

h

e

.

lover’s

tune

.

i

s

.

still

.

i

n

.

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

romantic

feelings

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

seem

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

whispers

.

a

n

d

.

words

.

a

r

e

.

still

enough

.

f

o

r

.

proof . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

roots

.

a

r

e

.

fresh

.

a

n

d

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

journey

. 

i

s

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

scars

.

a

r

e

.

shallow

.

a

n

d

.

few . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ while

.

t

h

e

.

scars

.

a

r

e

.

shallow

.

a

n

d

.

few . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

.

the

payments

.

b

e

c

o

m

e

.

due . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

you

still

.

h

a

v

e

.

little

.

t

o

.

lose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ while

you

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

have

little

.

t

o

.

lose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

perfection

.

i

s

.

obtuse,

.

.

obscure,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

insecure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

smallest

.

o

f

.

whispers,

.

.

glances,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

gestures . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

.

.

.

even

.

a

.

moment’s

pleasure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

c

a

n

–

–

–

be

all

.

t

h

e

.

treasure

.

o

n

e

.

needs,

.

.

t

o

.

.

fill

.

t

h

e

.

other’s

self-worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ can

be

.

a

l

l

.

the

treasure

.

o

n

e

.

needs,

.

.

t

o

.

.

fill

.

t

h

e

.

other’s

self-worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

steadily

surf

.

t

h

e

.

turns,

.

.

twists,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still

carry

.

t

h

e

.

urge

.

t

o

.

learn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

t

h

e

r

–

–

–

better

.

o

r

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

t

h

e

r

–

–

–

mirth

.

o

r

.

curse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

t

h

e

r

–

–

–

diamonds

.

o

r

.

dirt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ whether

diamonds

.

o

r

.

dirt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

better

.

d

o

.

it

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

come

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

i

l

e

–

–

–

the

bedroom

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

brews

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

brighter

hues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

–

–

–

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

come

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

wishes

.

a

n

d

.

dreams

.

a

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

come

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

bedroom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

i

t

.

broods

.

i

n

.

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ before

.

i

t

.

broods

.

i

n

.

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feels

.

l

e

s

s

.

like

.

f

u

n

.

than

.

i

t

.

used

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

–

–

–

it

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

–

–

–

it

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

e

f

o

r

e

–

–

–

it

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feels

.

l

e

s

s

.

like

.

f

u

n

.

than

.

i

t

.

used

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

.

t

h

e

.

lover’s

tune

.

i

s

.

still

.

i

n

.

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

do

.

i

t

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

youth

always

.

h

a

s

.

a

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

youth

always

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

a

way.

Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem I started writing when reflecting on some of the young people I know and when looking back on my younger days. I always tell young people experiencing heartbreaks in life to always try to stay open to romance and love – because I wouldn’t want them to miss out on what might be some of the most wonderful experiences of their lives. Frequently some of the best (and sometimes lifelong) romantic experiences people have are in their younger days when they are not as rigid and tend to be more forgiving, easygoing, spontaneous, and less demanding in nature. I played the wonderful, gem of a song – “For All We Know” by The Carpenters in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem which seemed to fit perfectly. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ WHY WE DRIVE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

find,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

find . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

.

might

buy,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

.

.

.

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

.

might

shine,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

what

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

like,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

like . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

rhyme,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

because

.

w

e

. 

might

surprise,

.

.

o

r

.

.

we

might

.

n

o

t

.

surprise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

prize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We 

drive 

.

f

o

r

.

the

upside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

f

o

r

.

the

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

excite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

entice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive

.

t

o

.

energize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

try,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

try,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

to

arrive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

to

arrive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

drive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

to

arrive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

to

.

f

e

e

l

.

alive.

Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem I started writing one night when I was out downtown. The opening lines came to me, and the poem pretty much came into being from that. Initially, the opening lines contained the repeating phrase: “we ride” but after reflecting on the poem I concluded this was too passive for the message I was trying to capture and convey. I initially replaced the phrase with “we try” but that seemed too weak, so I then replaced that with “we drive” which seemed much better in the context of actively driving towards something – something much more forceful, deliberate, intentional, and reflective of what the poem is truly about. I played a wonderful, haunting gem of a song – “Fingertips” by Brian Jonestown Massacre 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.

☆°▪︎ YOUR EMPTY WORDS (MAKE IT WORSE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

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.

☆°▪︎ THE SINGING SKIES (OF DAYS GONE BY) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

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 IN LOW LIGHT ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

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.